Why did the Flight Centre share price take a flogging in November?

The travel stock underperformed by 10% last month.

| 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
  • The Flight Centre share price fell 3.5% in November, closing the month at $16.06
  • Its tumble came amid the company's AGM and accompanying trading update
  • There, its stagnant revenue margin appeared to weigh on the mind of the market

The Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) share price underperformed the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) by around 10% over the course of November.

After closing October at $16.65, stock in the travel agent crumbled to finish November trading for $16.06. That leaves the Flight Centre share price having fallen 3.54% over the 30-day window.

For comparison, the ASX 200 rose 6.13% to end November at a then-six-month high of 7,284.2 points. Meanwhile, the company's home sector, the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ), gained 1.33% last month.

So, what went wrong for the Flight Centre share price in November? Let's take a look.

a man sitting in an aeroplane seat holds the top of his head as he looks at his airline ticket with an annoyed, angry expression on his face.

Image source: Getty Images

What weighed on the Flight Centre share price last month?

There was only one day of price-sensitive news weighing on the ASX travel share last month.

That came on the back of the company's annual general meeting (AGM), where management provided a trading update for the first four months of financial year 2023.

Its total transaction value lifted 246% on that of the corresponding period to $6.8 billion, while its revenue rose 248% to $667 million. Its underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) also increased to $61 million, while its underlying pre-tax profit was in the green.

However, the company's revenue margin remained at 9.8% amid reduced front-end commission payments from certain airlines, my Fool colleague James reports.

The travel agent expects its first-half underlying EBITDA to come in at $70 million to $90 million.

Sadly, the market bid the Flight Centre share price 3.76% lower on the back of its AGM and trading update.

Following the release, Goldman Sachs tipped the company's profits to recovery strongly later this financial year and next. The broker said Flight Centre's revenue margin "remains a key concern".

Right now, the stock is 14% lower than it was at the start of 2022. It has also fallen 8% since this time last year.

For comparison, the ASX 200 has fallen 4% this year and has gained 1% since this time last year.

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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. 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 »