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FLIGHT CENTRE TRAVEL GROUP LIMITED Earnings Release 2012

Jul 4, 2012

64925_rns_2012-07-04_21e0b2b0-8037-4370-926b-b94859db5636.pdf

Earnings Release

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STATEMENT TO AUSTRALIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE – July 5, 2012

STRONG UK AND US RESULTS HELP DRIVE FLIGHT CENTRE TO RECORD PROFIT

FLIGHT Centre Limited (FLT) today updated its profit guidance for the 2011/12 fiscal year.

Based on unaudited trading results for the year to June 30, 2012, FLT expects a record profit before tax (PBT) between $285million and $290million.

The expected result is 16-18% above the previous year’s $245.2million underlying PBT and at the top of the upgraded $270million-$290million range outlined in previous guidance.

FLT’s result is also comfortably above its initial $265million-$275million full year target.

Actual 2010/11 PBT was $213.1million, after $32.1million in non-cash impairment (Liberty) and one-off donations (Queensland floods and Christchurch earthquakes).

Managing director Graham Turner said the healthy growth in volatile trading conditions highlighted the company’s global diversity.

“FLT did not experience the sales slowdown that retailers in some discretionary sectors experienced during 2011/12, but it is fair to say that economic uncertainty in some markets has created a more cautious leisure travel customer,” he said.

“While FLT is not immune to external shocks and continues to monitor market conditions as it looks to 2012/13, its brand and geographic diversity can buffer it from the impacts of a downturn in any one country or sector.

“It is no longer correct to think of FLT as purely an Australian-based retail travel agency.

“While the Australian leisure business continues to set records and remains the key contributor to group profits, corporate travel and international operations are now delivering solid overall earnings.

“All 10 countries were profitable at earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) level for the second successive year and record profits were achieved in the United Kingdom, the United States, Dubai, Singapore and China, in addition to Australia.

“Despite financial turmoil in Europe, the UK is currently on track to deliver about $23million in

EBIT – 50% year-on-year growth.

“The US business is likely to contribute in the order of $9million EBIT, compared to $1.4million during 2010/11 and almost double its 2011/12 target of $5million.”

The USA corporate, leisure and wholesale businesses were all profitable (EBIT) over the full year. Moderate losses were incurred in the US e-commerce business.

Mr Turner said FLT consolidated its position as Australia’s largest corporate travel provider during the year and was gaining scale in key international markets.

“Our global corporate businesses now generate more than $4billion in total transaction value per year and are generally performing well.

“We see ongoing opportunities to win market-share in Australia and in all countries.

“The UK and the USA are obvious opportunities, because of their size and the investment we have made in developing our business in recent years.

“We are now estimated to be one of the top 10 US corporate travel managers and are rapidly expanding our footprint and client base in our 10 cities.”

In addition to growing its retail and corporate travel networks, FLT continues to expand online by launching new brands and adding new features to existing sites.

Enhancements to flightcentre.com.au mean travellers can now search, compare and book thousands of international airfares. A nationwide Search, Compare, Book campaign is underway to highlight Flight Centre’s ability to offer this expanded global flight range online.

“Our goal is to offer customers a blended travel experience that couples our offline shop and office network with our expanded online capabilities.

“As a retailer, we will be seamlessly 24/7 to allow travellers to interact and transact with us around-the-clock in the ways that best suit their needs.

“This is being achieved through initiatives like extended shop hours, expanded online offerings, call centres, mobile phone and laptop services and more after-hours sales teams.”

During 2012/13, FLT expects to grow its global sales force by 8-10%, which will see it employ about 1000 new sales consultants and open its 2500th shop and business. While FLT will target further growth, economic uncertainty in some markets means it is premature to provide meaningful profit guidance at this early stage of the year.

Further details on the company’s 2011/12 results and expectations for 2012/13 will be available on August 28, 2012, when audited full year accounts will be released.

ENDS Media and investor enquiries to Haydn Long 0418 750454