Why this ASX travel share is grounded two days before results

Investors now wait in anticipation.

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Webjet Ltd (ASX: WEB) shares have been placed in a trading halt on Monday, leaving investors wide-eyed just days before the company's highly anticipated first-half FY25 results.

The company may need to make adjustments to its prior year financial statements, which have many moving parts given the carve-out of WebJet Group Ltd (ASX: WJL) from core operations this year.

Shares are on ice until the company makes the necessary amendments. Till then, investors must wait for their Scooby Snacks.

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Why is this ASX travel share in a trading halt?

The ASX travel share is on ice after a company-requested trading halt before the market, effective from today.

This was initiated to allow Webjet to manage its disclosure obligations regarding adjustments to prior year financial statements.

The company emphasised that these changes are unrelated to its H1 FY25 results or future outlook, which remains unchanged.

The trading halt is requested to enable Web Travel Group to manage its disclosure obligations in relation to potential adjustments to its prior year financial statements.

This is not expected to impact the company's 1H25 results and outlook.

The ASX travel share will remain in a trading halt until the company provides further clarity or until trading resumes on 20 November, whichever comes first.

This pause in trading has sparked curiosity, as Webjet has recently gained considerable attention for its positioning in the global travel market.

Is Webjet a buy despite recent turbulence?

Despite the short-term uncertainty, many analysts remain bullish on Webjet's long-term growth trajectory.

The ASX travel share operates WebBeds, a business-to-business (B2B) hotel booking platform, which accounts for a significant share of its business.

The company's recent spin-off of its online travel agency (Webjet Group) into a separate listing was supposed to unlock value for shareholders while strengthening the company's asset base and improving profitability.

Goldman Sachs remains optimistic about Webjet's future.

In a recent note, the broker maintained a buy rating with a $6.70 price target. With shares trading at $4.50 at the time of writing, this implies a potential upside of more than 48%.

The broker highlights Webjet's growth in the US and Asia-Pacific (APAC) markets. It projects total transaction value (TTV) of $5 billion by FY25 and $10 billion by FY30.

However, Goldman also warns that revenue margins may compress slightly as Webjet expands into lower-margin markets.

Less flesh to put on the skeleton, it says.

Meanwhile, consensus rates the ASX travel share a buy, according to data obtained from CommSec.

Foolish takeout

Investors will be watching closely for updates on the financial adjustments. More so, how they might influence Webjet's operations moving forward.

For now, analysts seem to agree that Webjet offers value at current levels. This could make it one potential ASX travel share to consider.

In the last 12 months, the stock is down nearly 22%.

Motley Fool contributor Zach Bristow 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 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 Scott Phillips.

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