IVE Group (ASX: IGL) has delivered a resilient FY26 result despite a challenging economic environment, with improved margins helping offset softer revenue across catalogues and publishing. Revenue declined 1.8% to $937.4 million, while underlying EBITDA increased 6.6% to $145.8 million and the EBITDA margin expanded to 15.6%. Pre-AASB 16 NPAT increased 3% to $52.5 million.
Managing Director Matt Aitken said the group continues to execute its “Now to 2030” strategy, with investment focused on expanding higher-growth areas of the business. IVE’s new Kemps Creek supersite became fully operational during the fourth quarter, while its Dandenong South 3PL facility is already operating at 85% capacity following new client wins. Packaging capacity has also expanded, with PepsiCo and Arnott’s among major new clients commencing production during the year.
The company is also broadening its capabilities through acquisitions and technology. The acquisition of Impressu strengthens IVE’s print, marketing and logistics offering, while Daily Press adds digital, social media and performance marketing capabilities. Lasoo continued to grow, with gross transaction value reaching $25 million and unique users increasing to 5.2 million in FY26.
AI is becoming another part of IVE’s growth strategy, with the company commercialising proprietary platforms alongside technology from Salesforce, Adobe and Anthropic. IVE is deploying AI across areas including creative production, lead generation, research and marketing automation, with a focus on creating recurring revenue while improving productivity and client outcomes.
Looking ahead, IVE expects pre-AASB 16 underlying NPAT to remain broadly stable in FY27 amid continued economic uncertainty, while IFRS NPAT is expected to increase materially as non-operating costs decline. Capital expenditure is forecast to fall to around $26 million as major expansion projects are completed, with the group focused on extracting efficiencies from Kemps Creek and Dandenong South, growing Lasoo and further commercialising its AI capabilities.
