Regional Express (ASX:REX) share price takes off despite loss warning

The Rex (ASX:REX) share price is on the rise despite the airline posting a $100 million fall in revenue. Here's what else Rex reported.

| More on:
rising airline asx share price represented by boy playing with toy plane

Image source: Getty Images

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

Regional Express Holdings Ltd (ASX: REX) shares are lifting off today following the release of the airline's half-year (1H21) results. At the time of writing, the Rex share price is trading 2.84% higher at $1.63 a share.

Let's take a look at how the company has been performing.

What's driving the Rex share price?

The Rex share price is on the rise today despite the airline reporting that its passenger numbers decreased by 71.2% for the period due to coronavirus travel restrictions.

Revenue (excluding government grants and subsidies) for the half sank by 60.5%, or $100.6 million, to $65.6 million compared to 1H20 revenue of $166.2 million.

However, Rex's total 1H21 revenue including government grants and subsidies was $125.1 million.

Net profit for 1H21 jumped 43.5% to land at $9.9 million vs $6.9 million for 1H20.

In other news boosting the Rex share price, the company's earnings per share (EPS) popped up to 9 cents for the 1H21 period from 6.2 cents in the prior corresponding half.

Total assets at the end of the first half came in at $274.2 million, compared with $252.8 million in total assets in 1H20.

CEO comments 

Commenting on the airline's results, Rex executive chair Lim Kim Hai said: 

The COVID pandemic has completely devastated every passenger airline and has been the most significant set-back the global airline industry has ever experienced in its history. Rex would have been obliged to shut down over 90% of its network if not for various federal and state governments assistance programmes…

Rex's regional operations in 2H FY21 are only expected to be marginally improved compared to the first half as the roll out of vaccination from March is not expected to make a significant difference until the new financial year. Should this eventuate, then the expected cessation of all government assistance packages in the final quarter of this FY will mean that the Group is expected to incur significant losses in that period.

The board did not declare a dividend and Rex did not provide any guidance due to the "extreme volatility" the company is facing.

Rex share price snapshot 

The Rex share price has climbed by more than 50% over the past six months and more than 65% over the past year.

Based on the current share price, the company's market capitalisation is approximately $174.6 million. Rex currently has 110.2 million shares outstanding.

Should you invest $1,000 in Regional Express Holdings Limited right now?

Before you buy Regional Express Holdings Limited shares, consider this:

Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Regional Express Holdings Limited wasn't one of them.

The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys...

See The 5 Stocks *Returns as of 6 March 2025

Motley Fool contributor Gretchen Kennedy has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Share Market News

Businessman using a digital tablet with a graphical chart, symbolising the stock market.
Share Market News

Which ASX sectors led the pack in March, according to Macquarie?

It was a volatile month for ASX 200 shares...

Read more »

Silhouettes of nine people climbing a steep mountain to the top at sunset, and helping each other along the way.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

The ASX was rocked by 'Liberation Day' this Thursday.

Read more »

A mature age woman with a groovy short haircut and glasses, sits at her computer, pen in hand thinking about information she is seeing on the screen.
Superannuation

AustralianSuper sticks with US stocks despite recent turmoil

AustralianSuper’s head of international equities says they won't be shifting focus to Europe.

Read more »

Smiling man sits in front of a graph on computer while using his mobile phone.
Opinions

2 compelling ASX shares I'd buy now following the tariff stock market pain

These investments could make excellent buys in the current market sell-off.

Read more »

Child drinking milk out of a glass.
Share Gainers

Guess which ASX All Ords share just rocketed 12% in today's crashing market?

This ASX All Ords share is surging today despite the Trump tariff market turmoil. But why?

Read more »

Excited couple celebrating success while looking at smartphone.
Share Gainers

Why Astral, Newmont, Ramelius, and Synlait shares are defying the market selloff and rising

These shares are rising despite the market weakness today. But why?

Read more »

A man sits in despair at his computer with his hands either side of his head, staring into the screen with a pained and anguished look on his face, in a home office setting.
Share Fallers

Why ANZ, Breville, Cettire, and Treasury Wine shares are dropping today

These shares are having a tough time on Thursday. But why?

Read more »

A man sits in deep thought with a pen held to his lips as he ponders his computer screen with a laptop open next to him on his desk in a home office environment.
Share Market News

How are ASX 200 investors responding to the new Trump tariffs today?

Australia didn’t escape the new Trump tariffs. Here’s how ASX investors are repositioning today.

Read more »