Sky New Zealand FY26 earnings: Profit up 190%, dividend jumps 45%

Sky New Zealand's FY26 profit and dividend surged as the company expanded its digital and broadcast reach across New Zealand.

| More on:

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

The Sky Network Television Ltd (ASX: SKT) share price is in focus today after the company posted a strong full-year FY26 result, with underlying revenue rising 9% to $826.1 million and underlying EBITDA climbing 6% to $157 million—at the top end of guidance.

Two girls smile and laugh as they use a mobile phone.

Image source: Getty Images

What did Sky New Zealand report?

  • Underlying revenue: $826.1 million, up 9% from FY25
  • Underlying EBITDA: $157.0 million, up 6%
  • Statutory NPAT: $59.8 million, up 190%; Underlying NPAT: $41.8 million, up 2%
  • Final dividend: 17cps (fully imputed), full-year dividend of 32cps, up 45% on FY25
  • Normalised free cash flow: $58.9 million, up 60%
  • Closing cash balance: $79.1 million, up 144% year-on-year

What else do investors need to know?

Sky completed its integration of Sky Free (formerly Discovery NZ), delivering $8 million in annual synergy benefits, well above initial estimates. Advertising revenue more than doubled to $131.7 million, now making up 16% of total income and highlighting Sky's growing diversification beyond subscriptions.

The board has set its sights on 10% annual dividend growth over the next three years and will switch to quarterly payments from FY27. The company is also considering an on-market share buyback if no better capital deployment opportunities arise following the next interim results.

What did Sky New Zealand management say?

Chief Executive Sophie Moloney commented:

Three years ago, we set ambitious targets reflecting our confidence in Sky and the opportunity ahead. Since then, we have navigated a challenging economic environment while completing two significant projects—the accelerated satellite migration in FY25 and the acquisition and integration of Sky Free in FY26. We finish this period a stronger Sky—larger, more diversified and increasingly digital, with greater audience scale and more opportunities for growth.

What's next for Sky New Zealand?

Looking ahead, Sky expects trading conditions to remain challenging in the first half of FY27 amid economic uncertainty. Nevertheless, it's guiding for FY27 revenue between $825 million and $840 million, and EBITDA of $155 million to $165 million. Dividend guidance is for at least 35cps—continuing its policy of annual increases.

The company is targeting at least $10 million of additional Group EBITDA by FY28 from further business optimisation. Longer term, Sky aims to significantly lift revenue by FY31, including 20–30% from non-subscription sources, while cementing margin expansion and ongoing earnings growth.

Sky New Zealand share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, the Sky New Zealand shares have declined 1%, slightly trailing the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO), which is flat 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 Communication Shares

Three people in a corporate office pour over a tablet, ready to invest.
Communication Shares

IVE Group posts FY26 result, beats dividend guidance

IVE Group beat its own dividend guidance and expanded margins, despite lower FY26 revenue in a tough economic environment.

Read more »

Two male ASX investors and executives wearing dark coloured suits sit at a table holding their mobile phones discussing the highest trading ASX 200 shares today
Communication Shares

Would I buy Telstra shares with $5,000 as they near a 52-week low?

The dividend and defensive qualities stand out to me.

Read more »

Three guys in shirts and ties give the thumbs down.
Communication Shares

SkyCity rejects takeover offers, focuses on strategy and asset sales

SkyCity Entertainment Group has turned down two takeover bids and is reaffirming its commitment to asset sales and operational improvements.

Read more »

A boy holds on tight as his gaming console nearly blows him away.
Communication Shares

This ASX game developer could double in value: Broker

With new game releases in the wings, there could be a surprise in store.

Read more »

A cute little kid in a suit pulls a shocked face as he talks on his smartphone.
Dividend Investing

Looking to bank the boosted Telstra dividend? You better hurry!

Telstra caught the attention of passive income investors with a 10% dividend boost.

Read more »

happy friends playing on phones in park
Earnings Results

Chorus Limited FY26 profit surges as fibre uptake climbs and dividend rises

The NZ telco has released its results this morning.

Read more »

a woman sits at a computer with a satisfied expression on her face in a white room with greenery outside her window.
Communication Shares

Aussie Broadband FY26 earnings: double-digit growth and new acquisitions

Aussie Broadband delivered strong FY26 earnings growth and expanded its portfolio with major acquisitions.

Read more »

A female executive smiles as she carries out business on her mobile phone.
Earnings Results

TPG Telecom shares on watch as earnings and dividend edge higher in HY26

The telco reported a 1% increase in EBITDA to $821 million.

Read more »