Australia’s largest print business, IVE Group, says its diversification strategy – including investment in packaging capacity – remains central to growth despite softer revenues in traditional print segments.
IVE Group has reported a solid half-year result for the six months to 31 December 2025, with improved margins helping offset softer revenue in catalogue and publishing work.
Revenue for the period was $476.5 million, down 6.2 per cent on the prior corresponding period, while EBITDA increased slightly to $75.4 million. Underlying net profit after tax came in at $28.4 million, a modest decline of 3 per cent year on year.
Managing director Matt Aitken said the company continued to make progress on its long-term “Now to 2030” strategy, with margin improvements reflecting scale efficiencies and disciplined cost control.
“Despite softer revenue in catalogues and publishing, I am pleased with IVE Group’s continued margin resilience which underpinned a solid half-year performance,” Aitken said.
For the packaging sector, the results reinforce IVE’s broader push to diversify beyond traditional print. The company continues to invest in packaging capability as part of its wider production and logistics network, with capital expenditure across FY26 expected to reach about $45 million, including spending tied to packaging capacity expansion and new operational hubs.
During the period, IVE also progressed major operational changes, including the relocation of its Victorian third-party logistics operations to a new Dandenong supersite and continued development of a large integrated facility at Kemps Creek in Western Sydney. These projects are designed to consolidate operations and support expansion into adjacent markets such as packaging.
IVE expects underlying NPAT for FY26 to be around $50 million, broadly in line with FY25 performance once relocation costs and acquisition impacts are excluded.
While catalogue volumes remain under pressure, the company says its diversification strategy – spanning packaging, logistics, data and marketing services – positions the group for longer-term growth.
