Flight Centre share price slips despite return to profitability

The ASX 200 travel share continues to face headwinds in international markets.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points
  • Flight Centre share price dips despite return to profitability
  • Corporate business travel is rebounding faster than leisure
  • Tight labour markets remain a headwind across the industry

The Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) share price is sliding in morning trade, down 2.4%.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) travel share closed yesterday at $22.70 and is currently trading for $22.15 per share.

Below we look at some highlights from the company's Macquarie Conference Presentation that look to be spurring ASX investor interest today.

a man stands with travel documents in hand with a roller wheel suitcase and extended handle next to him holding his forefinger to his lip as he ponders his next move in a deserted airport. as the Qantas share price falls

Image source: Getty Images

What was reported at the presentation?

The Flight Centre share price is falling today despite the company's CFO, Adam Campbell revealing it had returned to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) profit in March.

With its leisure business approaching breakeven and its global corporate business back in the green, Flight Centre reported $8 million in underlying EBITDA for March.

Campbell said total transaction volumes (TTV) for March were almost 3 times what they were in the prior corresponding period, reaching 59% of their pre-COVID levels. Corporate business was even stronger, returning to 76% of pre-pandemic figures.

Despite the rebound, revenue margin was said to be below pre-COVID levels "as expected".

The company's balance sheet was also looking strong, reporting $2 million in operating cash inflow in March. And it repaid its short-term United Kingdom loan of 115 million pounds in March.

Flight Centre said it's continuing to invest in people and technology ahead of the larger scale recovery expected ahead.

Flight Centre share price slides on FY22 losses

The Flight Centre share price may be slipping following the guidance provided for the 2022 financial year (FY22).

The company forecast an overall EBITDA profit for the 5 months to 30 June, with continued recovery in the travel sector expected. This follows on a $184 million EBITDA loss in the first half of the year, which was impacted by the Omicron wave.

However, Flight Centre still expects to post a full FY22 underlying EBITDA loss in the range of $195 million to $225 million.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has not had a material impact on its business, but tight labour markets and a lack of current capacity on international routes out of Australia were cited as industry wide headwinds.

Flight Centre share price snapshot

The Flight Centre share price is up 20% year-to-date, well outpacing the 3% loss posted by the ASX 200.

The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Flight Centre Travel Group Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Travel Shares

A cute young girl wears a straw hat and has a backpack strapped on her back as she holds a globe in her hand with a cheeky smile on her face.
Travel Shares

Qantas shares have dumped 7% in 3 days. Should I buy?

Is the recent Qantas share price weakness a buying opportunity?

Read more »

A corporate-looking woman looks at her mobile phone as she pulls along her suitcase in another hand while walking through an airport terminal with high glass panelled walls.
Travel Shares

Why is the Flight Centre share price lagging the ASX 200 on Monday?

Flight Centre has raised more funds than it planned.

Read more »

A woman reaches her arms to the sky as a plane flies overhead at sunset.
Investing Strategies

'Still has legs': Not too late to buy these 2 stellar ASX 200 shares, says expert

One sector is showing remarkable resilience against all the economic doom and gloom. And it will keep making money in…

Read more »

A woman ponders a question as she puts money into a piggy bank with a model plane and suitcase nearby.
Travel Shares

When will Flight Centre shares resume paying dividends?

Is there going to be a Flight Centre dividend in 2023?

Read more »

a young girl wearing a set of airplane wings stands on a tarmac with hands in the air and an excited look on her face as though she is about to take off.
Travel Shares

Qantas share price could surge to $10: JPMorgan

Top broker tips a 30% increase in the Qantas share price within 12 months.

Read more »

a man wearing an old-fashioned aviation leather head covering and goggles and with a cardboard plane shape around his waist runs along the ground against a barren, desert background.
Travel Shares

Qantas share price flying higher despite new labour disruptions

The Qantas share price won’t be receiving any tailwinds from the company’s refuelling crews on Wednesday.

Read more »

Travel Shares

Should I buy Flight Centre shares at $19?

Can this ASX travel share keep flying higher?

Read more »

A pilot stands in an empty passenger cabin smiling with his arms crossed looking excited
Travel Shares

Own Qantas shares? Here's how the ASX 200 airline plans to grow

Qantas shares are in focus this morning as the ASX 200 airline announces some big 10-year growth plans.

Read more »