Here's why the Webjet share price is down 16% in the last 5 months

It's been a turbulent few months for the online travel agency…

| More on:
A traveller holds her head in her hands at the airport amid border closures and dflight disruptions

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

The Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) share price has slumped over the past 5 months, despite only a few announcements from the company.

Since 15 March, Webjet has transformed its strategy, conducted a $250 million convertible note offering, and released its financial year 2021 results.

Unfortunately, none of that was enough to turn around Webjet's shares' nosedive.

Over the past 5 months, the Webjet share price has slid from $6.18 to $5.15. That's a drop of 16.67%.

Let's take a look at what's been driving the travel agency's share price lately.

The 5 months just been for Webjet

The Webjet share price hasn't been having a good run recently and all attempts to turn it around have failed.

On March 18, Webjet announced its new strategy to withstand the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The strategy involved a pivot towards business-to-business opportunities through Webjet's WebBeds business.

WebBeds is a supplier of accommodation for members of the travel industry, such as airlines, travel agents, and tour operators.

The company plans to reduce WebBeds' costs and increase its market share and profitability.

The Webjet share price gained 0.9% the day the company released the strategy but fell 2.7% the following day.

After close on 31 March, Webjet announced a $250 million convertible note offering intended to help it get on the right foot once travel restrictions were lifted.

The following day, it announced the notes will hold a term of 5 years, with a coupon of 0.75% per annum on a semi-annual basis. They will be convertible into a fully paid ordinary share with a conversion price of $6.35 – a 22.5% premium on the reference share price of $5.18.

The Webjet share price fell 5.3% on the day of the announcement.

Finally, on 19 May, the company released its financial year 2021 results.

This was the first year since Webjet changed its financial year to run for 12 months until 31 March. Therefore, the company's FY 2021 results actually only covered 9 months' worth of activities.

Webjet reported its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) for the 9-month period came to a loss of $125.3 million.

The Webjet share price gained on the back of its results, but only by 0.6%.

Between then and now

Since mid-May, every Australian state and territory except Tasmania has faced at least 3 days of lockdowns, with border restrictions coming into play each time. Additionally, Sydney has been in some form of lockdown since late June.

None of these factors have likely helped the market's confidence in Webjet.

Webjet share price snapshot

Webjet's shares fell 0.19% on Friday, leaving the travel agency's share price 0.19% higher year to date. It is also 47% higher than it was this time last year.

The travel company has a market capitalisation of around $1.9 million, with approximately 379 million shares outstanding.

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper 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 owns shares of and 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

Happy woman trying to close suitcase.
Travel Shares

Why Flight Centre shares could return 22% in just one year

The broker thinks this travel stocks could be cheap at current levels.

Read more »

A family walks along the tarmac towards a plane representing more people travelling as ASX travel shares recover
Opinions

Virgin Australia versus Qantas shares: One I'd buy and one I'd sell

The two aviation heavyweights dominate Australia's domestic market.

Read more »

A group of four young kids run along a beach at sunset with the kid in front holding aloft a toy aeroplane that is zooming through the air.
Travel Shares

Has the Qantas share price flown too close to the sun?

A leading investment expert reveals his outlook for Qantas shares.

Read more »

A young female traveller leans over the balcony of her cruise ship room and holds her arms out enjoying the sea air
Mergers & Acquisitions

Flight Centre share price soaring 9% on big acquisition news

Investors are clearly pleased with Flight Centre’s new acquisition. But why?

Read more »

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

Is the Qantas share price a buy today?

Is this the right time to buy into the airline?

Read more »

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

Own Qantas shares? Here are the dividend dates for 2026

Qantas paid 52.8 cps in dividends in 2025. The experts say investors should prepare for less in 2026.

Read more »

A woman looks nervous and uncertain holding a hand to her chin while looking at a paper cut out of a plane that she's holding in her other hand. representing the falling Air New Zealand share price today
Opinions

Flight Centre shares drop 18% this year: Buy, sell or hold?

Can the travel stock keep flying higher?

Read more »

Bored woman waiting for her flight at the airport.
Travel Shares

What does Macquarie think Corporate Travel Management shares are worth?

The broker has given its verdict on this suspended stock.

Read more »