Viva Energy tells investors it expects group EBITDA of $770 million to $780 million for the first half based on unaudited numbers, up sharply from $305 million a year earlier. The market reacts quickly, pushing the stock up 4.1% to $2.54 by early afternoon trade in Australia.
The company links its strong result to what it calls robust returns from its energy and infrastructure operations, underpinned by elevated refining margins through the half. Those healthy margins boost profitability even as the Geelong Refinery fire drags on performance.
Viva Energy points to geopolitical tensions as a major force reshaping energy markets in the first half, stressing that traditional fuel supply chains face intense pressure. Disruptions to trade flows and logistics have tightened product availability, which tends to support higher refining margins for operators still running.
