Why the Serko (ASX:SKO) share price is racing 5% higher today

The Serko Ltd (ASX:SKO) share price is pushing higher on Monday following the release of a positive trading update this morning…

| More on:

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

In morning trade the Serko Ltd (ASX: SKO) share price is pushing higher following the release of an update.

At the time of writing, the travel technology company's shares are up 5% to $5.91.

What did Serko announce?

This morning Serko provided the market with an update on its performance so far during the month of March.

According to the release, the company has experienced a meaningful uplift in transaction volumes this month.

As a result, Serko's transactions are currently averaging 68% of the volumes recorded during the same period of March 2019, which was unaffected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is at the high end of the company's forecasts.

Serko's CEO, Darrin Grafton, explained: "During March we have seen transaction volumes increase, with transactions month-to-date averaging 68% of the transaction volumes recorded for the same period in March 2019, which were unaffected by Covid-19. As previously announced, Serko has assumed in its forecasts that travel volumes will be transacting in the range of 40-70% of pre-Covid levels by March 2021, so we are pleased to see transactions currently tracking to the higher end of this range."

Volumes at highest level during the pandemic

In addition to this, Serko advised that its daily transaction volumes are now reaching their highest rate since the pandemic started. This is being driven by improving trading conditions and the onboarding of new customers.

Mr Grafton said: "We are also seeing daily transaction volumes reaching their highest rate since Covid started materially impacting Serko's travel volumes in mid-March 2020, and are pleased to note that some of this uplift is reflective of continued onboarding of new customers in Australasia despite the effects of Covid."

"These positive trends follow ongoing volatility over the past few months as a result of further Covid-related travel restrictions, which saw transaction volumes range from 58% of prior year volumes for the month of December 2020, 40% for January 2021 and 51% for February 2021," he added.

Pleasingly, the CEO is hopeful that these positive trends will continue, especially given that COVID-19 vaccines are now being rolled out.

"We continue to closely monitor travel trends and hope to see these positive trends continue with the vaccination programs underway in key markets and travel restrictions progressively lifting," Mr Grafton concluded.

James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Serko Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Serko Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Share Gainers

Five young people sit in a row having fun and interacting with their mobile phones.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a slightly sour end to the trading week this Friday.

Read more »

A panel of four judges hold up cards all showing the perfect score of ten out of ten
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

ASX investors got their mojo back this Wednesday.

Read more »

3 children standing on podiums wearing Olympic medals.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Investors were back to hitting the sell button this Tuesday.

Read more »

Girl with painted hands.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Investors enjoyed a pleasant start to the trading week this Monday.

Read more »

Man and woman sitting at table with the man looking a bit puzzled at his laptop.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a rough end to a tough week this Friday for investors.

Read more »

A young man holds a small bottle of beer as he slumps sadly on one elbow in a comfortable chair with his head propped in his hand and staring into space with a dejected look on his face.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was not a pleasant day on the ASX...

Read more »

Three children wearing athletic short and singlets stand side by side on a running track wearing medals around their necks and standing with their hands on their hips.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

What went wrong this Wednesday?

Read more »

A woman's hand draws a stylised 'Top Ten' on a projected surface.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Let's take a look.

Read more »