The Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA) share price is in focus today after the company reported record group EBITDA of $774.4 million for the half year ended 30 June 2026, up a substantial 154% versus the same period last year, and announced an increased interim dividend.
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What did Viva Energy Group report?
- Group EBITDA (replacement cost basis) rose to $774.4 million, up from $304.9 million (+154%).
- Net profit after tax (RC) increased to $371.1 million, up from $62.6 million (+493%).
- Energy & Infrastructure EBITDA grew to $353.7 million, supported by strong refining margins.
- Commercial & Industrial EBITDA (RC) rose 28% to $305.4 million on higher sales volumes and favourable supply deals.
- Convenience & Mobility EBITDA (RC) jumped 86% to $138.7 million, backed by higher retail fuel sales.
- Interim dividend of 7.73 cents per share, at the top end of policy (up from 3.83cps).
What else do investors need to know?
Viva Energy's performance benefited from elevated regional refining margins, even as operations at the Geelong Refinery were impacted by a fire in April. The refinery was safely restored and all units were back online by June, helping support margins into the second half.
Strong trading momentum was also reported across retail, with increased customer visits and uplift in convenience (ex-tobacco) sales. Lower net debt, now at $1.7 billion, reflects robust cash flow generation and prudent capital management during a period of market volatility.
The interim dividend represents a 70% payout of C&M and C&I net profit (RC), with any additional dividend from refining earnings to be considered at year end. The dividend reinvestment plan remains active, offering a 1.5% discount for eligible shareholders.
What did Viva Energy Group management say?
The company's CEO, Scott Wyatt, commented:
Viva Energy delivered its highest underlying first half earnings with all business units reporting significant growth. These strong results reflect a substantially improved refining margin environment, as well as improving retail sales growth and continuing strength of our commercial businesses. Strong cash conversion has strengthened our balance sheet with net debt reducing from $2.1 billion at the end of 2025 to $1.7 billion at 30 June 2026. I am proud of the way our team have responded to these challenges and the results we have achieved. We enter the second half with a strong balance sheet and a clear focus on disciplined execution.
What's next for Viva Energy Group?
Heading into the second half, Viva Energy plans to continue increasing productivity in its convenience operations and further expand its OTR network. The company expects the supply chain transformation to complete by November, aiming to boost store range and private label offerings. Around 20–25 new OTR stores and several site conversions are also in the pipeline for 2026.
Commercial & Industrial earnings are anticipated to remain solid, though some moderation is expected as favourable supply agreements roll off. The Group's Geelong Refinery will remain focused on capturing strong margin conditions, while ongoing discussions with the Federal Government around fuel security measures could support longer-term stability and growth.
Viva Energy Group share price snapshot
The Viva Energy Group share price has outperformed the S&P/ASX 200 index (ASX: XJO) over the past 12 months with a 33% gain, buoyed by strong earnings growth and improved capital returns to shareholders.
