Zip Co posts record Q1 profit growth, lifts outlook

Zip Co posted record cash earnings and strong TTV growth in 1Q26, lifting its outlook for US business volumes.

| More on:
Happy woman shopping online.

Image source: Getty Images

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

Key points

  • Zip Co achieved a record first-quarter cash EBTDA of $62.8 million, a 98.1% increase year-on-year, with total transaction volume up 38.7% to $3.9 billion, supported by a 5.3% rise in active customers to 6.4 million.
  • The company saw significant growth in the US, with transaction volume and revenue up 47.2% and 51.2% respectively, and expanded its merchant network in Australia and New Zealand, enhancing customer engagement with new features.
  • Looking ahead, Zip upgraded its US transaction volume growth outlook to over 40% and explores a potential Nasdaq listing, with shares soaring 52% over the past year, reflecting strong financial performance and strategic initiatives.

The Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) share price is in focus after the company reported a record first-quarter cash EBTDA of $62.8 million, up 98.1% year-on-year, and total transaction volume of $3.9 billion, up 38.7%.

What did Zip Co report?

  • Record group cash EBTDA of $62.8 million, up 98.1% vs 1Q25
  • Total transaction volume (TTV) of $3.9 billion, up 38.7% vs 1Q25
  • Total income of $321.5 million, up 32.8% year-on-year
  • Revenue margin of 8.2% (versus 8.6% in 1Q25)
  • Net bad debts steady at 1.6% of TTV
  • Active customers increased to 6.4 million, up 5.3% year-on-year
  • Operating margin improved to 19.5% from 13.1% a year earlier

What else do investors need to know?

Zip's US division delivered strong results, with US TTV and revenue increasing 47.2% and 51.2% respectively in local currency. Customer growth and engagement remain key drivers, especially ahead of the key holiday shopping season.

In Australia and New Zealand, TTV was up 11.1% year-on-year, with new features like Google Wallet integration helping engagement. The company also expanded its merchant network, notably partnering with Xero to offer more flexible payment solutions for small businesses.

Zip increased its on-market share buy-back from $50 million to $100 million, reflecting a strong balance sheet and ongoing positive cash flow. As at 30 September, Zip held $451.5 million in total cash with $212 million in available liquidity.

What did Zip Co management say?

Commenting on the result, Group CEO and Managing Director Cynthia Scott said:

Zip continues to deliver sustainable, profitable growth at scale, with record cash earnings of $62.8m up 98.1% year on year. This was underpinned by strong unit economics, material operating leverage and disciplined execution, driving a significant increase in operating margin to 19.5%. We are committed to delivering exceptional experiences for our customers, with engagement deepening across both markets… We remain focused on executing our strategic priorities of growth and engagement, product innovation and platforms for scale.

What's next for Zip Co?

Zip has upgraded its full-year outlook for US total transaction volume growth to above 40% in US dollars. The company reconfirmed its other full year targets announced in August.

Looking ahead, Zip continues to explore a potential dual listing on the Nasdaq, while maintaining its main listing on the ASX. The company says these moves remain subject to board and regulatory approvals.

Zip Co share price snapshot

Zip Co shares have risen 52% over the past year far outpacing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has increased around 8% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

More on Earnings Results

Shot of a young scientist using a digital tablet while working in a lab.
Earnings Results

ALS reports higher revenue, profit, and dividend for H1 FY26

ALS reported stronger H1 FY26 earnings as Commodities performance drove higher revenue, profit, and a bigger dividend for shareholders.

Read more »

a man in a green and gold Australian athletic kit roars ecstatically with a wide open mouth while his hands are clenched and raised as a shower of gold confetti falls in the sky around him.
Earnings Results

Catapult Sports earnings: ACV and profit hit record highs in 1H FY26

Catapult Sports lifted its ACV by 19% and operating profit by 50% in 1H FY26, while continuing global expansion.

Read more »

Man looking happy and excited as he looks at his mobile phone.
Materials Shares

Why are James Hardie shares jumping 9% today?

Let's see why this blue chip is getting a lot of investor attention from investors on Tuesday.

Read more »

a man leans back in his chair with his arms supporting his head as he smiles a satisfied smile while sitting at his desk with his laptop computer open in front of him.
Earnings Results

TechnologyOne earnings: Record profit, revenue, and SaaS growth in FY25

TechnologyOne posted record FY25 profit and revenue, boosted by SaaS+ and UK growth, and raised its full-year dividend by 63%.

Read more »

Group of business people smiling while listening
Earnings Results

James Hardie Q2 FY26: Revenue rises 34%, profit hit by AZEK costs

In Q2, revenue lifted strongly, but profit fell sharply due to AZEK acquisition costs.

Read more »

a smiling man leans out his car window, car keys in hand and looking happy about the ASX All Ordinaries company SG Fleet's share price performance this week.
Earnings Results

FleetPartners shares jump 4% on FY25 earnings

Investors seem encouraged by the outcome and the path ahead.

Read more »

a man puts his hand on the nose of a bull in a lovely green rural setting with the bull raising his nose to meet the man's touch.
Earnings Results

Elders shares edge higher on FY25 earnings

It was a clean, resilient performance with a stable dividend and an improving forward outlook.

Read more »

A businessman presents a company annual report in front of a group seated at a table
Earnings Results

New Hope Corporation boosts coal output and earnings in latest quarterly report

New Hope Corporation boosted quarterly coal output and EBITDA, rewarding shareholders with a $126.4 million fully franked dividend.

Read more »