Mercury NZ Limited (NS)
Mercury NZ Limited (NS) Analysis
Overview
Mercury (formerly Mighty River Power - NZX: MRP) is a company with a long heritage in renewable energy in New Zealand serving about 1-in-5 homes and businesses under the Mercury brand and other specialty brands, including the leading pre-pay product GLOBUG. Mercury also has proven capability and technical expertise in smart metering services and solar.
Mercury's electricity generation is 100% renewable, with the hydro and geothermal power stations operated by Mercury producing enough renewable electricity for about 1 million New Zealand homes. The nine hydro stations dating back to the 1920s make up the Waikato River Hydro System, accounting for about 10% of the country's total electricity supply that is predominantly hydro.
Mercury led a renaissance in geothermal energy over the past decade with an innovative investment programme in partnership with local Maori landowners, enabling the completion of three major geothermal projects in 2008 (Kawerau), 2010 (Nga Awa Purua) and 2013 (Ngatamariki). These sustainably harness natural heat deep underground, producing steady 'base-load'electricity - normally running 24/7 and are not dependent on the weather like other forms of renewable generation.
The company has established a leadership position in encouraging the electrification of transport, supporting the adoption of e-bikes and electric vehicles, partnering on charging infrastructure and moving 70% of the company's vehicle fleet to plug-in by 2018.
Mercury was publicly listed on the New Zealand and Australian stock exchanges in May 2013 with a large New Zealand ownership base, alongside the Government as majority owner. The company was renamed Mercury NZ Limited (NZX: MCY) on 29 July 2016.
Performance
The following information was extracted from Mercury NZ Limited's full year results, released on 18 August 2026:
Results overview
Mercury delivered a strong FY26 performance, supported by higher hydro generation, new renewable generation, disciplined cost management and continued execution of its strategy.
The company reinvested 66% of its FY26 operating earnings (EBITDAF) - $710 million - in new and existing renewable generation assets. Operating cashflow of $762 million helped fund this investment while maintaining balance sheet strength and progressive shareholder returns.
Mercury Chief Executive Stew Hamilton said, “We are converting strong financial performance into new generation, greater system resilience and the capacity to support New Zealand’s future economic growth.” Generation commenced at three major Mercury renewable projects in 2026, all of which are expected to be fully operational by the end of 2026. The projects are Ngā Tamariki Geothermal Station expansion near Taupō, Kaiwera Downs 2 Wind Farm near Gore, and Kaiwaikawe Wind Farm near Dargaville. These projects represent around $1 billion of investment and 1.1TWh of additional annual renewable generation - enough to power around 160,000 homes.
Disclaimer: This section is provided as general information only. It is not intended as a substitute for legal or professional advice to company directors and officers or investors. NZX Limited disclaims any liability arising from the use of this information.
About Company
Board & Leadership
| Scott St John | Chair |
|---|---|
| Stewart Hamilton | Chief Executive Officer |
| Richard Hopkins | Chief Financial Officer |
| Mark Binns | Independent Non-Executive Director |
| Rob Hamilton | Independent Non-Executive Director |
| Hannah Hamling | Independent Non-Executive Director |
| Adrian Littlewood | Independent Non-Executive Director |
| Susan Peterson | Independent Non-Executive Director |
| Rachel Taulelei | Independent Non-Executive Director |
| Michele Mauger | General Manager |
| Suraiya Phillimore-Smith | General Manager |
| Kevin Taylor | General Manager |
| Catherine Thompson | General Manager |
| Tim Thompson | General Manager |
| Matt Tolcher | General Manager |
Company Summary
| First Listed | 10th May 2013 |
|---|---|
| Primary Listing Venue | NZ |
| Solicitor | Chapman Tripp |
| Auditor | Ernst and Young |
| Share Registry | Computershare Investor Services Limited |
| End of Financial Year | June |