Online travel agency WebJet reported a net profit after tax of $5.1 million but a decline in revenue and bookings in the financial year ending in March — its first full-year reporting period since demerging from business-to-business focused Web Travel Group.
In the previous year, the company recorded a net loss of $10.6 million, although this included about half a year of operations prior to the demerger. Webjet de-merged from business-focused Web Travel Group and debuted on the ASX in September 2024.
“We’re pleased to have delivered a solid result in line with expectations, despite a challenging consumer environment,” Group CEO and managing director, Katrina Barry, said.
“This performance reflects the strength of our underlying business, the commitment of our people, and our disciplined focus throughout a period of significant change, including the successful completion of the demerger.
Barry said for the Webjet OTA business, while domestic travel softened due to economic pressures and cost-of-living impacts, it saw strong and growing demand for international travel.
“With capacity returning to international markets, we’re actively expanding our presence in this space,” she said in a statement to the ASX. “Revenue optimisation initiatives – including growing international bookings, launching compelling member-only offers, and increasing sales of higher-margin ancillaries – helped offset domestic softness and diversify earnings.
“We continue to lead in industry innovation, leveraging NDC partnerships to offer differentiated content, and applying our proprietary Trip Ninja technology to enhance conversion and margins. Webjet OTA remains one of the most profitable online travel agencies globally, consistently delivering EBITDA margins above 40 per cent.”
Barry added that a strategic review of its Cars & Motorhomes division, in the first half of the year, focused on improving profitability.
“By simplifying operations, automating key processes, and sharpening our customer proposition, we have reduced costs and improved execution. These foundational changes are already driving operational efficiencies and have positioned the business to return to profitable growth as we head into FY26,” she said.
Trip Ninja continues to be a strategic asset and innovation engine within the Group.
“Over the past year, the platform has expanded its customer base, added three new travel intermediary partners, and launched a powerful new analytics engine to uncover value in flight retailing,” she said. “Fully integrated across multi-stop searches on Webjet OTA, Trip Ninja is now being prepared for long-haul return journeys – unlocking further margin and conversion opportunities.”
“While the external environment presented headwinds, we remained focused on executing our operational priorities and positioning the business for long-term growth. The result not only demonstrates our ability to deliver in the face of uncertainty but also reinforces our confidence in the strategic direction we are now pursuing.
“We have continued to see subdued domestic flight bookings for the first 6 weeks of FY26 trading, particularly given the timing of Easter and Anzac holidays this year, although international bookings are up compared to the same time last year. While we remain cautious amid ongoing macro-economic and US challenges, we continue to invest in support of our FY30 strategic plan and are seeing strong progress on our strategic priorities.”
The company said will not be issuing dividends this financial year due to insufficient franking credits, with an interim dividend intended to be declared for FY26 in November.
No mention was made of Helloworld purchasing a 10 per cent stake in the
The numbers
- WebJet’s revenue fell 3 per cent to $143.7 million and booking numbers dropped 7% to $1.53 million, impacted by a softening domestic travel market and Rex Airlines going into voluntary administration, the company said.
- Underlying net profit after tax for the year rose 18 per cent from $17.7 million to $20.9 million.
- EBITDA fell 46 per cent to $21.3 million in financial year 2025, down from $39.8 million in the previous year, while underlying EBIDTA was up 1 per cent from $39.1 million to $39.4 million.
- Revenue fell 3 per cent to $143.7 million, and booking numbers fell by 7 per cent from $1.64 million to $1.53 million.
The board has adopted a dividend policy that will pay shareholders between 40 per cent and 60 per cent of underlying net profit after tax as annual dividends and/or capital gains.
In the absence of franking credits, the company had intended to announce an on-market share buyback, but the board has deferred implementation of capital management initiatives following the recent rejection of BGH Capital’s non-binding acquisition proposal.
The company intends to complete a buyback “when circumstances permit”, Webjet chair Don Clarke said in the statement to the stock exchange.
