ASX All Ords stock down 20% after 'challenging environment' in H1 FY25

A sharp jump in dividends wasn't enough to sway investors today.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

ASX All Ords stock Helloworld Travel Ltd (ASX: HLO) has dropped sharply on Wednesday following the release of its H1 FY25 results.

Shares in the travel company are fetching $1.64 apiece at the time of writing, 20% in the red as the market takes in its results.

Let's see what was posted.

Couple at an airport waiting for their flight.

Image source: Getty Images

ASX All Ords stock drops after mixed first-half

Key results from Helloworld's first-half FY25 earnings:

  • Total Transaction Value (TTV) declined by 6.9% to $2.1 billion
  • Revenue fell by 7.6% to $103.8 million
  • Pre-tax profit decreased by 20% to $27.2 million on a margin of 26%
  • Net profit dropped 32.4% to $10.8 million
  • Earnings per share (EPS) decreased by around 30% year over year to 7.1 cents
  • Declared an 8 cents per share interim dividend, up 60% from the previous period

What else happened in H1 FY25?

Helloworld shares had a challenging period on the chart during the first half. But the ASX All Ords stock also faced a "challenging fiscal environment in Australia".

This includes "cost of living increases impacting demand for leisure travel and reductions in airfares pushing flight TTV downwards across the period".

Consequently, TTV and revenues were down by 7% and around 7.5% year over year, respectively.

As a result, underlying pre-tax profits came in around $7 million lower compared to last year at $27 million,

Segment-wise, the retail division launched its "Loyalty Shares Program", and delivered its "Hellloword" TV show on the Nine TV network.

Meanwhile, the wholesale segment saw "positive results with strong demand for travel to mid-haul destinations", whereas the cruise division saw "overall higher yields" over the summer.

The wholesale division also launched its luxury brand, Viva Gold.

The board also declared an interim dividend of 8 cents per share, payable on March 26. This may or may not impact the ASX All Ords stock.

What did management say?

Andrew Burnes AO, CEO of Helloworld, acknowledged the challenges but was also constructive of what's to come.

Our performance across the first half reflects a challenging fiscal environment in Australia with cost of living increases impacting demand for leisure travel and reductions in airfares pushing flight TTV downwards across the period.

However, we have continued to invest in our business, growing our technology options and expanding our wholesale product range while enhancing our core capabilities around ticketing and air consolidation. Despite the short-term challenges, we will continue to leverage our industry knowledge and drive long term shareholder value across the period ahead…

..Looking ahead we are seeing strong forward bookings over the remainder of 2025. The business has balance sheet strength, no external bank borrowings and strong liquidity that positions the Company for long term sustainable growth.

What's next?

Looking to FY25, management forecasts underlying pre-tax earnings of $56 million to $62 million.

It also mentioned a "strong forward bookings for calendar 2025", and didn't rule out the possibility of making acquisitions. Per the company:

Management are focused on medium to long term value creation. HLO continues to invest to strengthen our agent and advisor networks; to target earnings-accretive core business acquisitions; leverage AI to improve productivity and efficiency and to benefit from Australian and New Zealand economic growth.

ASX All Ords stock snapshot

After posting a mixed set of H1 FY25 results before the open, this ASX All Ords stock is in the red today.

Zooming out, Helloworld Travel shares are down nearly 40% in the past year.

Motley Fool contributor Zach Bristow has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Earnings Results

A smiling businessman in the city looks at his phone and punches the air in celebration of good news.
Earnings Results

Why are Telix shares jumping 8% today?

The radiopharmaceuticals company's shares are starting the week strongly.

Read more »

Excited couple celebrating success while looking at smartphone.
Earnings Results

Soul Patts shares push higher on profit jump and 28th dividend increase in a row

This stock has lifted its dividend each year for almost three decades.

Read more »

A happy woman smiles as she looks at a tablet in a room with green plant life around her.
Earnings Results

Soul Patts 1H26 earnings: Strong growth, dividend up again

Soul Patts’ 1H26 results show continued portfolio growth, resilient cashflows, and another dividend increase.

Read more »

Two male ASX investors and executives wearing dark coloured suits sit at a table holding their mobile phones discussing the highest trading ASX 200 shares today
Communication Shares

Guess which ASX 200 telco stock is jumping 7% today

Investors have responded positively to the release of this telco's results.

Read more »

An investor looks happy holding a finger to his computer screen while holding a coffee cup in a home office scenario.
Earnings Results

Tuas half-year result: profit leaps as revenue and subscribers grow

Profit rose 173% and revenue increased 26% as Simba drove growth and M1 acquisition advanced.

Read more »

Beautiful young couple enjoying in shopping, symbolising passive income.
Earnings Results

Guess which ASX 300 stock is jumping 17% on strong results

This stock is catching the eye on Tuesday with a strong gain.

Read more »

One girl leapfrogs over her friend's back.
Earnings Results

Premier Investments shares jump 8% on results and big interim dividend

Peter Alexander is performing but Smiggle is struggling.

Read more »

A young woman looks happily at her phone in one hand with a selection of retail shopping bags in her other hand.
Earnings Results

Premier Investments posts $101.7m half-year profit and lifts dividend

Premier Investments delivers steady 1H26 profit and 45c dividend, with growth for Peter Alexander and a strategic reset at Smiggle.

Read more »