Highlights

• Proforma revenue reached A$1,253 million in FY26, up 12% in constant currency, and proforma EBITDA grew 12% to A$700 million.

• Adjusted net profit after tax rose 11% in constant currency to A$407 million; reported profit grew 14% to A$314 million.

• The 43.5 cent final dividend lifts the full-year payout to 86.0 cents, up from 80.0 cents.

• Constant-currency revenue growth reached 15% in Asia and 19% in Latin America, ahead of Australia at 7%.

Four regions, four growth rates, and one set of FY27 targets: CAR Group Limited (ASX:CAR) used its full-year result on 10 August 2026 to show how its online vehicle marketplaces performed from Australia to South Korea. Shares were trading at A$25.02 on 23 October 2026, down 0.64%.

For the year ended 30 June 2026, proforma revenue was A$1,253 million, up 12% in constant currency and 10% in Australian dollars. Proforma EBITDA reached A$700 million at a 56% margin. Reported EBITDA was A$667 million, up 8%, and cash conversion from EBITDA was 100%.

Profit and Payout

Adjusted net profit after tax was A$407 million, up 11% in constant currency and 8% in Australian dollars. Adjusted earnings per share were 107.6 cents. Reported net profit after tax rose 14% to A$314 million.

The board declared a final dividend of 43.5 cents per share, franked at 30%, against 41.5 cents a year earlier. With the interim payment of 42.5 cents, full-year dividends totalled 86.0 cents, up 8% on FY25's 80.0 cents. The final dividend was scheduled for payment on 12 October 2026.

How the Regions Compared

Australia generated revenue of A$519 million, up 7%, with adjusted EBITDA up 8%. The company launched Nexgate during the year, a dealer platform covering vehicle sourcing, pricing and stock intelligence, and AI-powered lead management.

North America, anchored by Trader Interactive, delivered revenue of A$327 million, up 12% in constant currency, driven by premium dealer products, media, data and analytics, and recent acquisitions. In its marine initiative, leads per dealer rose 47%.

Latin America grew fastest on an earnings basis, with revenue of A$251 million, up 19%, and adjusted EBITDA up 23%. Revenue growth reflected the exit of the zero-margin loan factoring business at Car10.

In Asia, where Encar operates, revenue was A$145 million, up 15% in constant currency, and adjusted EBITDA rose 14% to A$65 million in Australian dollar terms. Guarantee inspections covered 57% of listings, Encar Home transactions rose 65% and Dealer Direct Meet-Go volume rose 89%. The company said margin eased slightly because of new branch costs and investment in Dealer Direct.

Balance Sheet and Refinancing

Net debt was A$1,198 million at 30 June 2026, compared with A$1,079 million a year earlier, and the leverage ratio was 1.7 times. Growth capital expenditure held at about 10% of revenue. In August 2026, the company refinanced its bank facilities, extending maturities and adding funding capacity.

FY27 Targets and Conditions

For FY27, measured in constant currency against FY26, CAR Group expects revenue growth of 11% to 14%, adjusted EBITDA growth of 10% to 13% and adjusted net profit after tax growth of 9% to 12%. By region, it expects high single-digit revenue growth in Australia and double-digit growth in North America, Latin America and Asia.

Operating leverage is expected in Australia and Latin America. In North America and Asia, revenue growth is expected to exceed EBITDA growth because of investment in marine and in scaling Dealer Direct and Home Services. Net finance costs are expected at about A$66 million to A$72 million, depreciation and amortisation growth at 16% to 19%, and the effective tax rate at 20% to 21%. The company said outcomes depend on macroeconomic conditions, geopolitical risk, customer demand, inflation and currency movements.