IVE Group Ltd reported a 3% year-over-year increase in net profit after tax to AUD 52.5 million for the six months ended December 31, 2026, excluding AASB 16 adjustments, while revenue declined 1.8% to AUD 937.4 million.
Gross profit margin expanded by 210 basis points to 51.4%, driven by operational efficiencies and cost discipline. EBITDA rose 2.8% to AUD 112.6 million, with the margin improving to 15.6% from 14.2%. Earnings per share increased 3.7% to AUD 0.342. The company attributed the profit growth to higher margins despite weaker top-line performance.
Net debt rose to AUD 173.2 million, with senior debt increasing by AUD 80 million to AUD 330 million in December 2025. Undrawn debt capacity stood at AUD 109 million at the balance date. Capital expenditure totaled AUD 43.2 million in FY2026, with guidance for FY2027 set at around AUD 26 million.
IVE Group finalized two acquisitions in late 2026: Impressu for AUD 13.5 million and Daily Press at year-end. The company also highlighted progress in its Lasoo digital platform, where unique users grew 44% to 5.2 million, and gross transaction value rose 42% to AUD 25 million. Retailers live on the platform increased 20% to 362.
Management noted that Lasoo remains on track to break even in FY2028, despite an operating loss of AUD 6.6 million in FY2026. Restructuring costs totaled AUD 14.7 million, primarily related to relocations and lease duplication at key sites, including Kemps Creek and Dandenong South.
IVE Group’s shares fell 4.1% to AUD 2.81 following the results, extending declines from a 52-week high of AUD 3.19. The company maintained its dividend payout ratio target of 55% to 65% of underlying earnings and lifted the final dividend to AUD 0.09 per share, fully franked.
Guidance for FY2027 indicates underlying pre-AASB 16 net profit is expected to remain broadly stable, offset by an additional AUD 6 million in non-cash lease impacts tied to site relocations.
