Helloworld Travel Limited has reported growth in total transactional value (TTV), revenue and underlying EBITDA for the 2026 financial year, even as statutory profit was dragged down by the Middle East conflict and a fair value loss on its Webjet Group (ASX: WJL) shareholding.
TTV for the year ended 30 June grew 4.2 per cent to $4.0 billion, up from $3.8 billion in FY25. Revenue and other income rose 8.3 per cent to $208.9 million, with the revenue margin improving to 5.1 per cent from 4.9 per cent the prior year.
Underlying EBITDA came in at $60.2 million, up from $55.6 million and above the midpoint of the $57-62 million guidance range that Helloworld issued in June.
Statutory profit after tax from continuing operations, however, fell 96.0 per cent to $1.3 million, which the company attributed to a number of one-off items and the fair value loss on its investment in Webjet Group. Stripping out the one-offs, underlying profit after tax was $30.2 million (FY25: $30.4 million), with underlying earnings per share of 18.5 cents (FY25: 18.7 cents). Statutory EPS came in at 0.9 cents, down from 20.4 cents.
The board declared a fully franked final dividend of 5.0 cents per share, payable 16 September, bringing total dividends declared for the year to 10.0 cents per share – a yield of 7.0 per cent on the $1.42 closing share price at 30 June.
Middle East disruption
Helloworld Travel Limited CEO and managing director Andrew Burnes AO said the Middle East conflict had seen weekly Australian flights on Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad dropped from 150 to zero in March, before recovering to roughly 82 per week in April. Capacity remains below historical levels, with services currently running at approximately 118 flights per week. Higher jet fuel prices, which pushed up airfares, also weighed on travel demand over the period.
“The events of the Middle East unfavourably impacted the year’s result, and in their absence financial performance would have been considerably stronger,” Burnes said.
Helloworld said it remains confident in its growth outlook given strong forward bookings entering FY27.
Chairman Garry Hounsell pointed to a renewed appreciation for professional travel advice amid the disruption.
“One outcome of recent global disruptions has been a renewed appreciation for the value of professional travel advice. When travel plans are interrupted, customers seek the reassurance and expertise that only an experienced travel professional can provide,” he said.
“While technology continues to transform how travel is researched and booked, there remains no substitute for a trusted travel professional.
“At the same time, technology has never been more important to our business. We continue to innovate across our platforms and systems, enhancing efficiency, improving customer experiences and creating new opportunities for growth. Supported by these ongoing investments and the strength of our network, Helloworld remains well positioned to deliver long-term value for shareholders.”
Segment performance
Travel Operations Australia was the standout performer, with underlying EBITDA up sharply to $56.7 million from $43.6 million the prior year, on segment revenue and other income of $172.9 million (FY25: $154.0 million). The division absorbed the year’s acquisitions, including Brighton Travelworld, Hunter Travel Group, the Australian operations of Gilpin Corporate Travel and the remaining 50 per cent of Mobile Travel Agents (MTA), adding 450 home-based advisors to the network.
Travel Operations New Zealand underlying EBITDA fell to $3.9 million from $10.8 million, on revenue and other income of $33.0 million (FY25: $35.3 million), with employment benefit expenses rising to $14.4 million from $8.0 million. Travel Operations Rest of World recorded an underlying EBITDA loss of $0.3 million, against a $1.1 million profit in FY25.
Retail expansion
Helloworld also opened new retail locations across Australia and New Zealand during the year and, in March 2026, was announced as the inaugural naming rights sponsor of the new stadium in Penrith, NSW – Helloworld Stadium – under a five-year deal. The 25,000 to 30,000-seat venue is under construction and due to open in early 2027.
Helloworld remains the largest network of independent travel professionals across Australia and New Zealand, with more than 10,000 agents and brokers across 2,600 agencies.
“Helloworld Travel remains the largest network of independent travel professionals across Australia and New Zealand, with more than 10,000 agents and brokers, across 2,600 agencies, providing expert advice and personalised service to leisure and corporate travellers,” Burnes said.
Board and Webjet stake
Non-executive director Leanne Coddington retired from the Helloworld board effective 5 August 2026. Director Martin Pakula, who was appointed to the board since the 2025 annual general meeting, will stand for election at the 2026 AGM.
On its Webjet Group holding, Helloworld said it continues to monitor the performance of the business and assess its options with respect to its investment. The company holds 78,250,205 WJL shares, representing 20.29% of voting power when adjusted for Webjet Group’s share buybacks.
Key financial figures
- TTV: $4.0 billion, up 4.2% from $3.8 billion in FY25
- Revenue and other income: $208.9 million, up 8.3% ($16.1 million) from $192.8 million
- Revenue margin: improved to 5.1%, up from 4.9%
- Underlying EBITDA: $60.2 million, up from $55.6 million (up 8.4%) – above the midpoint of the $57–62 million guidance range issued in June
- Statutory profit after tax: $1.3 million, down 96.0% – driven by one-off items and a fair value loss on the Webjet Group (ASX: WJL) stake
- Underlying profit after tax (one-offs excluded): $30.2 million (FY25: $30.4 million); underlying EPS 18.5 cents (FY25: 18.7 cents)
- Statutory EPS: 0.9 cents, down from 20.4 cents
- Dividend: final dividend of 5.0 cents per share, fully franked, payable 16 September – brings full-year dividends to 10.0 cents per share, a 7.0% yield on the $1.42 closing share price at 30 June
