Owners of Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) shares might be on the edge of their seats next week as the travel company gears up to release its full-year earnings.
The online travel agency will drop its results for financial year 2023 on Wednesday morning, and investors could be in for a treat.
Webjet shares finished the day trading for $7.39 apiece yesterday, 0.82% higher than their previous close.
For comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) closed up 0.52%.
Let's dive into what those invested in Webjet shares might expect to find in next week's earnings release.
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What can fans of Webjet shares expect from the company next week?
Looking back to FY22
Before we look forwards, let's glance backwards. All the way back to this time last year when Webjet released its financial year 2022 earnings.
Then, the ASX 200 travel giant posted $1.6 billion of total transaction value (TTV), $138 million of revenue, and a $15 million earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) loss.
While it revealed an $85 million statutory loss for the period, it also noted it had returned to profit in the second half of last financial year.
That was reiterated in November when Webjet announced it had realised a $32 million profit for the first half – sending its share price soaring 10%.
Broker forecasts Webjet to beat FY23 guidance
So, with all that considered, it's reasonable to expect the company could post its first full-year profit since financial year 2019 next week.
In November, it forecast its WebBeds business to exceed pre-pandemic profitability over the full year, with second-half EBITDA to come in at least $10 million above pre-pandemic levels.
Meanwhile, profitability for its business-to-consumer segment – housing its online travel agency and GoSee offering – is expected to be in line with the first half.
Broker Goldman Sachs, however, expects the company's actual earnings to come in higher.
It tips Webjet to post around $338 million of revenue – representing a potential 145% improvement – and $124 million of EBITDA – a potential $139 million increase.
However, consensus is that the company won't return to dividend just yet. CommSec figures suggest it could pass that milestone in financial year 2024.
Webjet share price snapshot
The Webjet share price has outperformed in recent months.
The stock has gained 21% since the start of 2023. It has also risen 28% since this time last year.
For comparison, the ASX 200 has gained 4% year to date and 1% over the last 12 months.
