Helloworld Travel reported an 8.4% increase in underlying EBITDA to $60.2 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2026, despite operational challenges linked to the Middle East conflict and elevated refund activity. The travel group’s total transaction value rose 4.1% year-over-year to $4.0 billion, while revenue increased 8.1% to $208.5 million, according to preliminary results presented ahead of its annual general meeting scheduled for October 2026.
The company’s EBITDA margin expanded to 28.9% from 28.8% in the prior year, though profit after tax declined 0.5% to $30.2 million. Earnings per share fell 1.1% to 18.5 cents, reflecting higher costs and a $200 million surge in customer refunds during the April–June quarter, which slowed growth to 3.3% compared with 11.9% in the January–March period. The final dividend was set at 5.0 cents per share, fully franked, down from 6.0 cents in FY25, bringing the full-year payout to 10.0 cents per share.
Helloworld’s total assets rose to $597.0 million, with intangible assets increasing to $336.1 million, while net assets declined slightly to $318.6 million. Cash and cash equivalents totaled $84.8 million at year-end, down $4.9 million from the prior period, as net operating cash flows from continuing operations improved to $23.3 million from a $12.5 million outflow in FY25. Investing activities consumed $40.0 million in cash, partially offset by $11.9 million in financing cash flows.
The group highlighted strong growth in its wholesale and inbound segments, with Australian wholesale TTV up 15.6% and New Zealand wholesale TTV rising 5%. Cruise sales grew 12.3%, while ReadyRooms TTV surged nearly 50% across Australia and New Zealand. Inbound tourism showed robust gains, with UK arrivals up 26% and German arrivals up 30%. The company also noted a 98% automation rate for ticket issuance and a network of approximately 2,600 agencies and brokers across Australia and New Zealand.
Chief Executive Andrew Burnes emphasized the resilience of travel demand, stating that the sector remains a non-discretionary household expense. The company’s share price stood at $1.56, down 0.95%, with a market capitalization of $231.6 million as of June 30, 2026.
