The SEEK Ltd (ASX: SEK) share price is in focus after the company posted strong half-year results, highlighted by a 21% lift in sales revenue and a record interim dividend.
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What did SEEK report?
- Sales revenue rose 21% to $647 million
- Net revenue up 12% to $601 million
- EBITDA increased 19% to $267 million
- Adjusted profit jumped 35% to $104 million
- Reported loss of $178 million, impacted by a $356 million Zhaopin impairment
- Record fully franked interim dividend of 27 cents per share, up 13%
What else do investors need to know?
SEEK strengthened its lead in the Australian recruitment market, with its placement share now 4.9 times its nearest competitor. While paid job ad volumes in ANZ dipped slightly due to macroeconomic factors, AI-enabled product innovations boosted pricing and yield. Asia's revenue growth was more modest at 4%, with volumes falling but yield climbing 17% on upgraded ad tiers.
On the cost front, SEEK continued investing heavily in AI technology, product development, and infrastructure, keeping operating costs well below revenue growth. The company completed the reacquisition of Sidekicker in May 2025, with Sidekicker's results now included.
What did SEEK management say?
CEO and Managing Director Ian Narev said:
This was another half of demonstrable progress across all our strategic priorities. Our placement share lead in Australia grew to 4.9x our nearest competitor; and whilst Asia declined slightly, underlying marketplace metrics are strong and improving across the board. New products introduced last year are driving customer choice, and creating tangible value that hirers are willing to pay for. The resulting yield growth led to double digit revenue growth, even as macroeconomic conditions continued to impact volumes. We maintained our commitment to investment, at the same time as maintaining our commitment to operating leverage. By prioritising discretionary capital towards grow-the-business activity such as AI focussed product development and containing run-the-business costs, we kept cost growth well below revenue growth despite significant investment. The result was 19% EBITDA growth and 35% Adjusted Profit growth.
What's next for SEEK?
SEEK has upgraded its full-year FY2026 guidance, now expecting net revenue of $1.19 billion to $1.23 billion and EBITDA of $530 million to $550 million. Revenue growth is predicted to remain in the low double digits, with continued focus on AI-driven product enhancements and improved marketplace execution. The SEEK Growth Fund is also moving to divest its stake in Employment Hero in 2026, which could unlock further value.
Management remains optimistic about SEEK's data-led advantages and technology investment, despite a mixed short-term economic outlook in parts of Asia and Australia. The group is emphasising innovation, operating leverage, and sustained growth as it navigates evolving hiring landscapes.
SEEK share price snapshot
Over the past 12 months, SEEK shares have risen 8%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 5% over the same period.
