web travel group (ASX:WEB) reported mixed results for the half year ending September 30, 2024, the first reporting period following the demerger of its B2C business.

The split, which was completed on September 30, saw Web Travel retain WebBeds’ B2B travel marketplace, while Webjet Group, which now operates separately, took over its B2C divisions, including Webjet OTA and GoSee.

The company’s WebBeds division posted a 25% increase in total transaction value (TTV) to $2.59 billion, driven by a 23% increase in bookings and strong performance across all regions. Revenue increased 1% to $170.4 million, but TTV’s profit margin fell from 8.1% to 6.6%. The margin contraction can be attributed to changes in geographic and customer mix, increased dependence on lower margin third-party suppliers, and higher-than-expected customer incentive payments. Additionally, operating expenses increased 14%, reflecting headcount and technology investments.

Underlying EBITDA decreased 11% to $70 million, while net profit after tax from continuing operations (NPAT) increased 6% to $37.5 million, reflecting lower margins and higher expenses. It became. Including the divestiture and discontinuation gains, total NPAT increased 443% to $228.1 million.

Despite a $120 million decrease in cash allocations and investments related to the separation, the company remains ample with $510 million in cash as of September 30, 2024. Holds funds.

In conjunction with the results, Web Travel also announced today a $150 million share repurchase program designed to increase shareholder value and reduce potential dilution from convertible debt.

Managing director John Gusic acknowledged that challenges such as the collapse of FTI Group, the Paris Olympics and the European Football Championships had affected TTV’s margins during this period. However, he reaffirmed the company’s commitment to stabilize profit margins at around 6.5% in the medium term and achieve the long-term target for EBITDA margins of 50%.

“WebBeds remains one of the fastest organically growing travel brands in the world, and we are confident on our path to profitable growth,” said Gusic. Ta.

The stock is trading at $4.76, up 12.53%.