Shares of Corporate Travel Management Ltd (ASX: CTD) have lifted 2.4% today to $12.28 after the company reported its half-year earnings results for financial year 2016.
The travel management business enjoyed another terrific period of growth, recognising a 43% leap in revenue and other income to $119.7 million. Its reported earnings results were boosted by one-off net revenue items after tax totalling $2.4 million, but underlying EBITDA and NPAT rose 38% and 36%, respectively.
Meanwhile, Total Transaction Value (TTV) rose 54% to $1,722.7 million and net cash flows from operating activities almost doubled to $42.9 million. The company also reaffirmed its guidance for underlying EBITDA to be at the top end of guidance for the full-year around $68 million.
Unlike other businesses growing by acquisition, such as G8 Education Ltd (ASX: GEM) – where much of the growth is generated through acquisitions – much of Corporate Travel Management's growth was produced organically which is particularly pleasing. In fact, it said that organic growth represented 73% of total TTV, 54% of revenue and 80% of underlying EBITDA growth. It performed particularly well in its two largest regions, being Australia and New Zealand, as well as Asia.
What is also pleasing is that the company has maintained a very strong balance sheet, with cash and cash equivalents of $54.2 million at the end of the period (compared to $40.7 million six months previously) with no debt. That puts it in an excellent position to weather any headwinds facing the economy, whilst also allowing it to continue consolidating the industry.
Although the company's share price has risen strongly over the last five years or so, it could still make for a reasonable buy for long-term investors. The shares are currently changing hands for $12.28 which is 10% below their 52-week high price.
