Why did the Flight Centre share price take a flogging in November?

The travel stock underperformed by 10% last month.

| More on:
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.

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

Key points

  • The Flight Centre share price fell 3.5% in November, closing the month at $16.06
  • Its tumble came amid the company's AGM and accompanying trading update
  • There, its stagnant revenue margin appeared to weigh on the mind of the market

The Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) share price underperformed the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) by around 10% over the course of November.

After closing October at $16.65, stock in the travel agent crumbled to finish November trading for $16.06. That leaves the Flight Centre share price having fallen 3.54% over the 30-day window.

For comparison, the ASX 200 rose 6.13% to end November at a then-six-month high of 7,284.2 points. Meanwhile, the company's home sector, the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ), gained 1.33% last month.

So, what went wrong for the Flight Centre share price in November? Let's take a look.

What weighed on the Flight Centre share price last month?

There was only one day of price-sensitive news weighing on the ASX travel share last month.

That came on the back of the company's annual general meeting (AGM), where management provided a trading update for the first four months of financial year 2023.

Its total transaction value lifted 246% on that of the corresponding period to $6.8 billion, while its revenue rose 248% to $667 million. Its underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) also increased to $61 million, while its underlying pre-tax profit was in the green.

However, the company's revenue margin remained at 9.8% amid reduced front-end commission payments from certain airlines, my Fool colleague James reports.

The travel agent expects its first-half underlying EBITDA to come in at $70 million to $90 million.

Sadly, the market bid the Flight Centre share price 3.76% lower on the back of its AGM and trading update.

Following the release, Goldman Sachs tipped the company's profits to recovery strongly later this financial year and next. The broker said Flight Centre's revenue margin "remains a key concern".

Right now, the stock is 14% lower than it was at the start of 2022. It has also fallen 8% since this time last year.

For comparison, the ASX 200 has fallen 4% this year and has gained 1% since this time last year.

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 has recommended Flight Centre Travel Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Travel Shares

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

Are Webjet shares a good buy in April?

ASX experts are united in their views of this travel stock.

Read more »

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

Is the Qantas share price at risk if an expanded Middle East war erupts?

Qantas has already had to reroute some flights in the wake of Iran’s attack on Israel.

Read more »

A smiling woman looks at her phone as she walks with her suitcase inside an airport.
Travel Shares

Why Qantas shares are a buy and could rise 40%

Goldman Sachs thinks this airline operator's shares are undervalued.

Read more »

a young woman looks at here phone as she strides out in an airport dragging her wheelie bag behind her and smiling widely.
Travel Shares

Qantas share price takes off on 'biggest ever expansions' of core loyalty program

ASX 200 investors are bidding up the Qantas share price on Monday.

Read more »

A woman reaches her arms to the sky as a plane flies overhead at sunset.
Travel Shares

Why one fund manager thinks Qantas shares are cheap and 'incredibly underappreciated'

A fundie thinks Qantas stock can fly higher.

Read more »

A father helps his son look through binoculars during a family holiday or day out in the city.
Travel Shares

What's happened to ASX travel shares since COVID ended?

We review share price performances since 21 February 2022 when our international border reopened.

Read more »

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

Why is the Flight Centre share price falling today?

What's going on with this travel agent's shares?

Read more »

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

A 'once in a lifetime' opportunity for Qantas shares?

Can this stock fly higher?

Read more »