How did the Webjet share price travel in March?

Investors will be paying attention to Webjet's FY22 results next month…

| More on:
Man sitting in a plane seat works on his laptop.

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

Key points

  • Webjet shares edge 5% higher in March despite the company keeping a low profile  
  • Geopolitical tensions and commodity prices have kept the company's share price grounded 
  • Webjet is expected to release its FY22 results in late May 

The Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) share price travelled 5% higher last month after registering sluggish performance earlier on.

Nonetheless, investors appear to have mixed feelings when it comes to deciding the value of Webjet shares in the current climate.

At Monday's market close, the online travel agent's shares finished at $5.50, down 0.72%.

Is a full-recovery nearby of Webjet's earnings?

It has been relatively quiet on the news front from Webjet, with its shares in a sideways channel of late.

A catalyst as to why Webjet shares have failed to take off significantly could be because of the war in Ukraine.

The Russian advance on its former soviet ally spooked global markets, sending the price of commodities to astronomical highs. This is particularly in relation to oil, which airlines need to fuel the planes. Most likely this leads to higher ticket prices from airlines, in which Webjet's profit margins could be squeezed consequently.

In addition, with war raging on Europe's doorstep, passengers might be less likely to travel to the region. A broader regional war is possible if a simple miscalculation occurs between NATO and Russia.

Webjet operates in 22 countries that include the United Kingdom, Ireland and Europe, the latter which is the biggest market.

In its first half results, the WebBeds division recorded $158 million in total transaction value (TTV) for Europe. Next on the list was the Asia Pacific region with $110 million, and North America at $93 million.

Webjet reported a cash surplus of $3.5 million per month, a significant turnaround compared to FY21. Severe lockdowns led the company to record an average monthly cash burn of $5.5 million in the previous financial year.

Webjet noted that TTV could reach pre-COVID levels by the second-half of FY23. The group portfolio will be a much leaner business, having trimmed 20% of operating costs.

All eyes will be on Webjet's FY22 results which will be released sometime in late May.

Webjet share price summary

In the last 12 months, Webjet shares have gained around 4% after hitting the brakes in late January 2022. The share price closed at an eight-month low of $4.61 on 27 January.

Nonetheless, the company has gradually been moving on an upwards trend, but is still a long way off from pre-pandemic levels.

Based on valuation grounds, Webjet has a market capitalisation of around $2.09 billion, with approximately 380.51 million shares on issue.

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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 Webjet Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Travel Shares

airline crew stands on tarmac under aircraft
Travel Shares

Qantas shares lower on $120m profit hit

The airline operator is being made to pay for decisions it took during the pandemic.

Read more »

Man waiting for his flight and looking at his phone.
Travel Shares

One ASX 200 stock down 50% since July this fund just bought

The fund managers saw value in the ASX 200 stock following a 50% share price plunge.

Read more »

A smiling boy holds a toy plane aloft while a girl watches on from a car near an airport runway.
Travel Shares

Would Warren Buffett buy Qantas shares in December 2024?

Is this airline stock an appealing investment today?

Read more »

Woman on a tablet waiting in for her flight in an airport and looking through a window.
Travel Shares

Buying Qantas shares? You'll need to know this

Qantas shares have been soaring higher in 2024.

Read more »

Woman on a tablet waiting in for her flight in an airport and looking through a window.
Travel Shares

Qantas share price hits turbulence as engineers down tools

Qantas’ engineers are displeased with the results of pay negotiations.

Read more »

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

Will the Qantas share price take off again in 2025?

The Flying Kangaroo has smashed the market this year. Could it do the same in 2025?

Read more »

Man sitting in a plane seat works on his laptop.
Travel Shares

Why the soaring Qantas share price could be 'difficult to sustain'

The Qantas share price has been a stellar performer in 2024, up 68.7% since 2 January.

Read more »

A woman looks up at a plane flying in the sky with arms outstretched as the Flight Centre share price surges
Travel Shares

Why the Qantas share price can keep flying to new highs

Qantas shares' new record highs are forecast to be broken in 2025 by this top broker.

Read more »