Why is the Webjet (ASX:WEB) share price underperforming Corporate Travel lately?

The market is boosting Corporate Travel's stock into the green while Webjet's suffers. We take a closer look

| More on:
Teenager holds model plane in the air against the background of a blue sky.

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

Both domestic and international travel is back on the cards for millions of Australians. So why is the Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) share price struggling compared to that of its business-focused peer, Corporate Travel Management Ltd (ASX: CTD)?

Despite plenty of positive news regarding the Australian travel sector, the Webjet share price has fallen 4.3% over the past month. Shares in the online travel agent are currently trading for $6.33 apiece.

That's a notably worse performance than that of the Corporate Travel share price. It has gained 0.5% in the same time frame to reach $24.60.

Though, both are underperforming against the broader market. The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has gained 3% over the last month.

Australia's return to travel

On Monday, international borders reopened in Victoria and New South Wales after both states agreed to scrap quarantine for fully vaccinated arrivals. Additionally, residents eager to head overseas once more have been given the green light to do so.

And in more good news for wandering Aussies, travel between Victoria, New South Wales, and the ACT resumed today.

Though, the news hasn't been enough to boost the Webjet share price back into the green.

What's weighing on the Webjet share price?

There's no news on which to pin the recent poor performance of the Webjet share price compared to that of Corporate Travel.

It could be due to the market believing business travel will restart quicker than leisure travel. Though, that doesn't take into account the online travel agent's business-to-business branch, WebBeds, which services the travel industry.

Additionally, Webjet has previously predicted it will be turning a profit at the same time as Corporate Travel.

At Webjet's annual general meeting, the company's managing director said the business is expected to be cash-flow positive in the first half of financial year 2022.

Whereas, Corporate Travel recently predicted it will return to profitability in the final quarter of the 2021 calendar year.

Unfortunately, there's no clear answer as to why the Webjet share price is underperforming that of Corporate Travel.

But, at least Webjet's stock isn't alone in its struggles. Plenty of ASX travel shares are battling to get back into the green.

The Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) share price has fallen 2.1% over the last month, while that of Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX:  FLT) has slumped 17.6%.

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 Corporate Travel Management Limited and Webjet Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Flight Centre Travel Group Limited. 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 »