Helloworld Travel Limited 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 Middle East travel disruptions.
Total transaction value rose 4.1% year-over-year to $4.0 billion, while revenue increased 8.1% to $208.5 million. The group’s EBITDA margin expanded to 28.9% from 28.8% in FY25, though profit after tax declined 0.5% to $30.2 million and earnings per share slipped 1.1% to 18.5 cents. A final dividend of 5.0 cents per share (fully franked) was declared, bringing the full-year payout to approximately 10 cents.
Chief Executive Andrew Burnes noted that travel demand remained resilient, describing it as a non-discretionary household expense. "People are traveling," he said, adding that the group still achieved total transaction value growth despite regional shocks. The company processed roughly $200 million in customer refunds during the June quarter due to airline suspensions.
Quarterly transaction value showed uneven growth: July–September fell 1.5% to $1.14 billion, while October–December rose 6.0% to $903 million, January–March climbed 11.9% to $756 million, and April–June increased 3.3% to $999 million. Underlying expenses grew 6.0% year-over-year.
Helloworld’s wholesale segment in Australia and New Zealand expanded 15.6% and 5.0% respectively, while cruise and accommodation sales rose 12.3%. The ReadyRooms platform, covering over 210,000 hotels and 350,000 activities, saw nearly 50% transaction volume growth. Inbound tourism demand grew strongly from the UK (up 26%) and Germany (up 30%), with the company serving over 65,000 international visitors.
The group operates a retail network of about 2,600 independent agencies and 10,000 travel advisors across Australia and New Zealand, partnering with 154 global airlines. Share price closed at $1.56, near the lower end of its 52-week range of $1.34–$2.10.
Cash and cash equivalents stood at $84.8 million as of June 30, down from $79.4 million, while borrowings increased to $35.0 million. Net assets declined to $318.6 million from $341.0 million, though operating cash flow from continuing operations improved to $23.3 million.
Helloworld also disclosed fair value movements on investments, including a $20.3 million gain from its initial stake in Mobile Travel Agents and a $34.3 million loss on its 20.29% holding in Webjet Group Limited, which closed at 41 cents per share on June 30.
