
Schoolblazer eyes growth despite seasonal half-year dip
Schoolblazer (ASX:SBZ) has released its half-year corporate update ahead of its May 27 results, navigating a challenging global macroeconomic landscape while positioning for second-half growth.
The technology-focused global schoolwear platform reported a 1H FY26 revenue of $55.4 million, a slight dip from the $57.7 million pro-forma figure in the prior corresponding period.
The result was largely influenced by a 7% decline in wholesale sales, which faced headwinds from subdued retailer ordering and supply chain delays, though retail sales remained resilient with 1% growth.
Despite an expected statutory EBITDA loss of $5–6 million for the half, management remains optimistic, citing the business’s extreme seasonality.
Two-thirds of revenue and nearly all EBITDA are generated in the second half, driven by the Northern Hemisphere’s peak back-to-school season from July to September.
To capitalise on this, the group has secured 28 net new school contracts for FY26, 27 of which are in the Northern Hemisphere.
The company is bolstering its financial and leadership foundations. Schoolblazer has signed a new credit term sheet with a major Australian bank to refinance global facilities at materially lower rates, enhancing inventory capacity.
Leadership changes also signal a pivot towards local expansion, with Global CEO Matthew Easter relocating to Australia and Phillip Christopher appointed as Group Finance Director.
The group maintains its FY26 revenue guidance of $190–200 million, while progressing towards an ambitious pro-forma EBITDA target of $25 million for FY27.
At the time of reporting, Schoolblazer’s share price was $0.20.