Flight Centre share price on watch after achieving cash flow target

The Flight Centre share price could be on the move after the company beat its cash flow targets and provided updated FY20 guidance.

| More on:
hand holding miniature plane suspended by face mask representing asx travel share price

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

I think Aussie travel company Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) is one to watch in early trade. The Flight Centre share price could be on the move today after the company issued a trading update highlighting strong cash flow and providing FY20 guidance.

What could move the Flight Centre share price?

The Aussie travel group reported a cash balance of $1.9 billion as at 30 June 2020 with ~$1.15 billion in liquidity.

That comes as Flight Centre looks to build a longer liquidity runway to manage the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

The company reported slowing COVID-19 cash burn with revenue above initial projections and costs at targeted levels.

That appears to be reflected in the company's cash flows. Flight Centre recorded a $53 million net outflow in July in a good result for the company.

Notably, that is well below its $65 million monthly target as the group booked $17 million in monthly revenue.

Flight Centre's outflow inclusive of the JobKeeper subsidy totalled $43 million for the month.

Flight Centre reported its corporate business was profitable in FY20 on an underlying basis. That included winning a record amount of new accounts with annual spends in the order of US$1.3 billion.

The Aussie travel group noted signs of corporate recovery in most countries while leisure travel continues to lag due to restrictions. 

The Flight Centre share price is also worth keeping an eye on after the company's latest guidance update.

The travel group expects to report an underlying FY20 loss of $475 million to $525 million. Taking into account one-off costs and writedowns, the statutory loss is anticipated to be $825 million to $875 million.

Much of these losses were incurred after March as governments imposed heavy travel restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Foolish takeaway

I think the Flight Centre share price is worth watching in early trade. Clearly, this isn't all good news with the heavy expected losses being announced.

However, a longer liquidity runway and outperformance against cash flow targets is good news. The Flight Centre share price has fallen 70.4% lower this year to $11.69 while the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 8.4%.

Motley Fool contributor Ken Hall has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Flight Centre Travel Group Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Share Market News

Fancy font saying top ten surrounded by gold leaf set against a dark background of glittering stars.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Let's also take a look at what the various ASX sectors were doing this Wednesday.

Read more »

Two male ASX 200 analysts stand in an office looking at various computer screens showing share prices
Broker Notes

Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's what brokers are recommending as buys this week.

Read more »

A young women pumps her fists in excitement after seeing some good news on her laptop.
Share Gainers

Why Argosy Minerals, Immutep, Pointsbet, and Regis Resources shares are racing higher

These shares are having a strong session on Wednesday. But why?

Read more »

A young man clasps his hand to his head with his eyes closed and a pained expression on his face as he clasps a laptop computer in front of him, seemingly learning of bad news or a poor investment.
Share Fallers

Why Chalice Mining, Cleanaway, Kogan, and Perpetual shares are sinking today

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

Read more »

Man looking at his grocery receipt, symbolising inflation.
Share Market News

Why the ASX 200 just crumbled on today's inflation print

ASX 200 investors are hitting the sell button following the latest Australian inflation news.

Read more »

man grimaces next to falling stock graph
Share Fallers

Why did this ASX 100 stock just crash 11%?

Cleanaway shares have been on a crazy roller-coaster over the past 24 hours.

Read more »

a man in a british union jack T shirt hurdles high into the air with london bridge visible in the background.
Mergers & Acquisitions

Nick Scali shares halted amid $60m capital raising and UK expansion news

This furniture retailer has its eyes on the UK furniture market.

Read more »

An arrogant banker pleased with himself and his success winks at his mobile phone while taking a selfie
Share Market News

Are ASX 200 bank shares like CBA 'too expensive' right now?

Are banks overpriced or good value today?

Read more »