Are Flight Centre shares in the buy zone after the selloff?

Is it time to buy this travel share after recent weakness?

| More on:
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.

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

Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) shares are having another tough session.

In afternoon trade, the travel agent's shares are down over 3% to $19.27.

This means the Flight Centre share price is now down 10% over the last two trading sessions.

Why are Flight Centre shares falling?

Investors have been selling Flight Centre shares since the release of an investor strategy update on Wednesday.

While some investors may have been hoping for another guidance upgrade, they will have been disappointed to find that management only held firm with its guidance.

In addition, there was a subtle change in commentary relating to the performance of its Leisure business.

Management revealed that Australian leisure total transaction value (TTV) was now tracking broadly in line with pre-COVID levels in May. This compares to being ahead of pre-COVID levels in March.

Should you buy the dip?

Goldman Sachs has looked over the update. Unfortunately, it hasn't seen enough to become more positive on the company and has retained its neutral rating with a $19.40 price target. This is largely in line with where its shares currently trade.

Commenting on the update, the broker said:

Management noted continued strength in momentum of both corporate and leisure businesses with corporate tracking ahead of industry recovery and leisure recovery continuing to gain momentum. Australian leisure was noted to be broadly in line with pre-COVID levels in May vs. ahead of pre-COVID levels in March, implying a slowdown.

It then concludes:

We view FLT's recovery as a sum of two tales: 1/ Corporate segment is expected to lead recovery with ongoing account wins including organic and competitive budget and offers encouraging long-term outlook but 2/ We expect leisure recovery to be below pre-pandemic levels and the channel strategy to be revenue margin dilutive. Overall, we view FLT's valuation as fully reflective of growth prospects. We do not see any short-term balance sheet risks and view FLT's ability to take advantage of opportunistic M&A as low. We are Neutral rated on FLT.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goldman Sachs Group. 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

Paper aeroplane going down on a chart, symbolising a falling share price.
Travel Shares

Why did the Flight Centre share price just crash 17%?

Flight Centre shares are getting hammered on Friday. But why?

Read more »

A plane flies into storm clouds, indicating the impact of climate change on businesses
Travel Shares

Why this fund manager says it's time take profits on Qantas shares

The Flying Kangaroo could be in for some turbulence ahead.

Read more »

a passenger plane is on the tarmac with passenger shute attached with a view of the surrounding land and sunset in the background.
Travel Shares

Why are Qantas shares beating the ASX 200 this month?

Investors have been actively buying the stock.

Read more »

Stock market crash concept of young man screaming at laptop on the sofa.
Share Fallers

Why did the Web Travel share price just crash 32%?

The ASX 200 is up 0.3% at this same time.

Read more »

Happy couple looking at a phone and waiting for their flight at an airport.
Travel Shares

3 reasons to buy Web Travel and Webjet shares now

Goldman Sachs thinks investors should be buying these travel stocks.

Read more »

Kid with arm spread out on a luggage bag, riding a skateboard.
Travel Shares

Are Qantas shares still a buy after the Qatar-Virgin alliance?

The airline has been going through turbulence. Is it a buy?

Read more »

Young girl smiles with her hand on top of a suitcase while standing on the tarmac with an aeroplane in the background.
Travel Shares

Will the Qantas share price keep soaring? Here's what experts say

The Qantas share price has well and truly left the tarmac in 2024.

Read more »

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

Why did the Qantas share price rocket 26% in the past quarter?

Investors have been fighting to get hold of the Flying Kangaroo's shares recently.

Read more »