Helloworld Travel (HLO) H2 2024 earnings summary

Executive summary

• Underlying EBITDA reached AUD 67.5 million, up 52.9% year-over-year, with margin improving to 30.0% from 26.6%.

• Net profit after tax increased 60.2% to AUD 30.7 million, and basic EPS rose 54.8% to AUD 0.192.

• All geographic segments, including Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji, were profitable.

• Total agency and broker network now exceeds 2,700, the largest in Australia and New Zealand.

• Maintained strong liquidity with significant cash reserves, no bank debt, and 1.4 million ASX listed CTM shares.

Financial highlights

• Total transaction value (TTV) rose 62.5% year-over-year to AUD 4.2 billion; revenue up 37.5% to AUD 228.2 million.

• Final dividend declared at AUD 0.06 per share, bringing full-year dividend to AUD 0.11 per share (4.9% yield).

• Operating cash flow for the year was AUD 63.5 million, with a significant increase in the second half.

• Cash balance at year-end was AUD 162 million, unchanged from the previous year.

• No bank debt outstanding.

Outlook and guidance

• Outbound and inbound travel volumes are returning to pre-pandemic (2019) levels, with Australia at 90-100% and NZ at 85-95%.

• Guidance for FY 2025 will be provided after the September quarter, due to geopolitical uncertainties.

• Positive outlook supported by a diversified business model and continued investment in workforce, technology, and infrastructure.