Viaggi sul Web Group (ASX:WEB) reported mixed results for the six months ended September 30, 2024, the first reporting period after the split of its B2C businesses.
The demerger, finalized on September 30, saw Web Travel retain its B2B travel marketplace WebBeds, while Webjet Group, now operating separately, took over B2C divisions, including Webjet OTA and GoSee.
The company’s WebBeds division reported a 25% increase in total transaction value (TTV) to $2.59 billion, driven by 23% growth in bookings and strong performance across all regions. Revenue increased slightly 1% to $170.4 million, but TTV margins fell from 8.1% to 6.6%. The margin contraction was attributed to a change in geographic and customer mix, greater reliance on third-party providers with lower margins and higher-than-expected customer incentive payments. Additionally, operating expenses increased 14%, reflecting investments in people and technology.
Underlying EBITDA fell 11% to $70 million, reflecting lower margins and higher expenses, while net profit after tax (NPAT) from continuing operations rose 6% to $37, 5 million dollars. Including earnings from the spinoff and discontinued operations, total NPAT increased 443% to $228.1 million.
The company remains well-funded with $510 million in cash as of September 30, 2024, despite a $120 million decrease due to cash allocations and investments related to the spinoff.
In addition to the results, Web Travel also announced today a $150 million share buyback program aimed at increasing shareholder value and reducing potential dilution of its convertible notes.
Chief executive John Guscic acknowledged the challenges of the period, including the collapse of FTI Group, the Paris Olympics and the European football championships, which affected TTV’s margins. However, he reaffirmed the company’s commitment to stabilize margins at around 6.5% over the medium term and achieve a long-term EBITDA margin target of 50%.
Guscic said: “WebBeds remains one of the fastest organically growing travel brands globally and we are confident in our path to deliver profitable growth.”
The shares are trading up 12.53% at $4.76.