Revenue and Earnings Growth
Group revenue grew 1% to $1.34 billion; variable contribution increased 4.3%; EBITDA rose 14.3% to $217.4 million; EBIT increased 18.9% to $110.2 million; NPAT before significant items grew 61.5%.
Margin Expansion and Cost Discipline
EBITDA margin improved by 190 basis points to 16.2%; OpEx adjusted for the reform Victorian license decreased 3.7%; underlying cost improvement of $13.5 million and identified cost reductions of $13.9 million contributed to operating leverage.
Balance Sheet Strength and Capital Management
Net debt to EBITDA leverage reduced to 1.5x (well below target <2.5x); CapEx for H1 reduced 11% to $51 million with FY26 guidance maintained at $120–$140 million; underlying cash conversion in H1 was 86% with FY guidance of 90%–100%.
Successful Funding and Improved ROIC
Issued $300 million under a new AMTN at a fixed coupon of 5.99% (5.5 year tenor) which extended average maturity to 5.4 years; return on invested capital improved ~360 basis points versus PCP.
Victorian Wagering Reform Benefit
Reform of the Victorian wagering license delivered an estimated incremental $12.2 million of EBITDA in H1 (benefit recognized for full 6 months vs 4.5 months in PCP).
Digital, Venue and Demographic Growth
Management reported digital and venue turnover up 12% in the half; sport turnover up 26%; management highlighted growth among younger customers—18–24 cohort cited as up 14.2% (management also referenced 42% on a slide, indicating strong focus on younger cohorts).
Product and Operational Wins
Successful rollouts and features included AFL Miss-By-One, Mega Pot, TAB Time (weekly sellouts, record sellout in 3 minutes), TAB Takeover; renewed Integrity Services (MAX) partnerships and growth opportunities; ACMA clearance for TAB Live (cleared for NSW rollout).
Retail Modernization Progress
Modernized betting terminals (EBTs) in production with rollout commencing first week of July; new retail commercial model progressing with planned investments to support omnichannel and venue partners.