Coast Entertainment EBITDA soars in H1 FY26

Coast Entertainment (ASX:CEH) delivered a powerhouse performance for the first half of FY26, signaling a definitive comeback for the tourism heavyweight.

The group revealed a staggering 368.2% surge in consolidated EBITDA (excluding specific items), reaching $8.7 million.

The result significantly eclipses the entirety of the FY25 full-year earnings, driven by a post-pandemic hunger for live entertainment and record-breaking crowds at flagship destinations like Dreamworld.

The group’s top-line growth was equally impressive, with operating revenue climbing 30.2% to $62.2 million.

This momentum was fueled by a 46.6% jump in ticket sales and a 44.4% increase in total visitation.

Even when adjusted on a "like-for-like" basis to account for the extra week in this reporting cycle, revenue and EBITDA growth remained robust at 21.8% and 182% respectively.

Management noted that the surge in deferred revenue—up 42.8% to $21.8 million—points to a rapidly expanding annual passholder base, ensuring a steady stream of future income.

Despite the heavy lifting in operations, bottom-line net profit saw a more modest 1.4% increase to $3.2 million.

However, this figure masks the underlying strength of the business, as the prior period was bolstered by a one-off $5.4 million insurance payout.