Profit Surge, First Dividend
Viva Leisure Reports Soaring FY2026 Profit, Declares Maiden Dividend Amid Strong Growth
Key Points
Viva Leisure finished FY2026 with a precise network size of 534 operating locations and 694,243 members, providing more granular detail beyond the summary's 'over 500 locations' figure.
The group gained control of Meridium Global Pty Ltd, Meridium Global Operations Pty Ltd, and Uni.Fit Operations Pty Ltd, consolidating them as wholly-owned from 29 June 2026 as part of its portfolio expansion.
Ex-dividend date is 28 September 2026 and record date is 29 September 2026, with a fully franked final dividend of 3.0 cents per share payable on 20 October 2026 and a Dividend Reinvestment Plan in operation.
Market activity around the dividend included a share-price uptick of about 9.86% following a buy-back announcement on 26 May 2026, signaling investor appetite for capital management.
FY2026 saw stronger operating leverage with Adjusted EBITDA margin expanding by 50 basis points to 47.4%, as revenue grew 12.2% while costs rose only 10.2%.
Viva Leisure (ASX:VVA) capped FY2026 with record revenue of $237.1 million — up 12.2% — and a 144.5% surge in net profit after tax to $12.8 million, according to Kalkine. To mark the milestone, the company declared its first-ever dividend: a fully franked 3.0 cents per share, payable on 20 October 2026.
The result beat all five of the company's own reported guidance metrics, TipRanks noted. Viva Leisure now runs 534 locations and serves 694,243 members across its fitness network.
Profit More Than Doubles as Margins Expand
Net profit jumped from roughly $5.2 million to $12.8 million in a single year. That 144.5% rise came as revenue grew faster than costs. Revenue climbed 12.2% while costs rose only 10.2%, according to Kalkine.
That gap pushed the Adjusted EBITDA margin up by 50 basis points to 47.4%. EBITDA is earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation — a key measure of operating profit. Underlying earnings per share reached 19.43 cents for the year, TipRanks reported.
Maiden Dividend Signals Confidence in Sustainable Earnings
Viva Leisure's board declared a fully franked final dividend of 3.0 cents per share — its first ever. The ex-dividend date is 28 September 2026 and the record date is 29 September 2026. Payment follows on 20 October 2026, Kalkine reported.
A Dividend Reinvestment Plan is also in operation, letting shareholders reinvest payouts into new shares. The dividend signals management's belief that earnings growth is now sustainable. Separately, a share buyback announcement on 26 May 2026 sent the stock up about 9.86%, showing strong investor appetite for capital returns.
Acquisitions Push Network Past 534 Locations
Viva Leisure expanded its portfolio through targeted acquisitions. On 29 June 2026, it took full control of Meridium Global Pty Ltd, Meridium Global Operations Pty Ltd, and Uni.Fit Operations Pty Ltd, consolidating all three as wholly-owned subsidiaries, according to TipRanks.
The group now operates 534 locations and holds 694,243 members. TipRanks also noted plans for a Meridium Global technology spin-off. Management confirmed a continued greenfield rollout program — opening new sites from scratch — as a key growth lever alongside acquisitions.
Upgraded Guidance Points to Even Stronger FY2027
Viva Leisure lifted its net profit guidance beyond $17 million for the coming year. That would represent a further jump of more than 32% from the $12.8 million posted in FY2026. Management pointed to operating leverage — the ability to grow revenue faster than costs — as the main driver, Kalkine reported.
Investor events and a results briefing were scheduled around mid-August 2026. Management said it plans to re-accelerate its expansion program. With margins rising, debt under control, and a dividend now in place, Viva Leisure is positioning itself as a maturing, cash-generating business rather than a pure growth story.
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