HUGE PROFIT SPIKE FOR HELLOWORLD HEALS MERGER WOUNDS

HELLOWORLD (ASX: HLO) gripped the share market this morning after its announcement of a whopping 880 per cent increased profit of $12.9 million for the half year.

The travel company's stock spiked almost 5 per cent during early trade on the ASX, following its 1H16 results presentation which revealed a 23 per cent increased revenue at $171.2 million.

Having clawed its way back from last year's loss due to a merger with the AOT Group, Helloworld's earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) also rose by a significant 270 per cent to bust the $30 million mark.

In a presentation issued to the ASX, the company credited its sharp turnaround to a combination of continued expansion and increasing merger strength.

"The 1H17 financial result has shown a strong business performance, building on the period of significant change in FY16 following the merger with the AOT Group on 1 February 2016," said the report.

"Our retail network has increased to over 2,000 members across Australia and New Zealand, reflecting the stabilisation of our pre-existing network and the addition of MTA in Australia and WTG in New Zealand."

Helloworld has improved its tech offering through the relaunch of its website in August last year as it looks to align its bricks and mortar stores more closely with online distribution channels.

While cheaper domestic and international flights increased pressure on sales during the last half, the company still managed to slightly increase its total transaction value by 2.1 per cent to reach $2.66 billion.

Helloworld said it is on track to hit its previous EBITDA market guidance of $47-51 million for the full year, provided the company maintains stability and consistent growth.

"The full year outlook is positive," the report said. "Revenue margins are improving and we expect to see some further margin improvement in the second half.

"Business fundamentals are heading in the right direction in all our key market segments with demand for our integrated service offering continuing to develop and grow."

At 10:50am AEDT, Helloworld shares were trading up 4.87 per cent at $4.09.

At the close of FY16 the company issued its first dividend since 2013 at 2c per share. Now, it issues an interim dividend of 6c per share to be paid on 20 March 2017.

Business News Australia