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:

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.

Teenager holds model plane in the air against the background of a blue sky.

Image source: Getty Images

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

A woman with a mobile phone in her hand looks sceptical with a puzzled expression on her face.
Travel Shares

Virgin Australia, Qantas shares jump 8% higher this week. Are the ASX airline stocks a buy, sell or hold?

Find out how much upside analysts expect next.

Read more »

Couple at an airport waiting for their flight.
Travel Shares

Down 32% this year, why are Flight Centre shares sinking again today?

Investors are bidding down Flight Centre shares today. But why?

Read more »

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

If you invested $1,000 in Qantas shares a decade ago, here's what they would be worth now

Airlines are not usually seen as easy buy-and-hold investments, but this ASX travel share has rewarded patient investors.

Read more »

Couple at an airport waiting for their flight.
Travel Shares

Are Webjet shares a buy after crashing 10% last week?

Are these travel shares going to recover?

Read more »

Rising plane share price represented by a inclining line with a model plane at the end.
Travel Shares

Here's the dividend forecast out to 2028 for Qantas shares

How will the Qantas dividend travel in the coming years?

Read more »

A woman on holiday stands with her arms outstretched joyously in an aeroplane cabin.
Travel Shares

Why are Virgin Australia shares booming 8% higher today?

It looks like investor sentiment is finally turning a corner for the ASX travel stock.

Read more »

Paper plane made of money in different currencies flies through the sky.
Travel Shares

Down 36% in 2026, Flight Centre shares slip again on new fintech update

Investors are looking past Flight Centre’s payments push.

Read more »

A man sitting in an aeroplane seat holds the top of his head as he looks at his airline ticket with an annoyed, angry expression on his face.
Earnings Results

Webjet shares crash 15% as Virgin Australia blow hits outlook

Webjet shares are under heavy pressure after its latest update.

Read more »