Investing.com — Shares of TUI AG (ETR:) fell over 4% on Wednesday despite reporting fiscal year 2024 results that highlighted several areas of strength, including revenue and EBIT growth, and a better-than-expected leverage position.
However, concerns about weaker performance in the company’s Markets and Airlines segment and deceleration in booking volumes overshadowed the otherwise solid results, weighing on investor sentiment.
TUI reported FY24 revenues of €23.2 billion, marking a 12% increase year-over-year and exceeding consensus estimates of €22.8 billion.
The company’s EBIT also came in slightly ahead of expectations at €1,296 million, compared to consensus and Morgan Stanley (NYSE:) estimates of €1,294 million and €1,286 million, respectively. This represented a 35% growth in constant currency terms, exceeding guidance of over 25%.
Divisional performance, however, was mixed, with Hotels & Resorts (€668 million) and Cruises (€374 million) outperforming, while Markets & Airlines (€304 million) underperformed consensus expectations.
The underperformance in Markets and Airlines was attributed to higher costs, including currency impacts and reserves for fuel and maintenance.
These challenges, particularly in Q4, weighed on overall sentiment despite management’s assurances of a promising trading environment.
Analysts at UBS flagged the weaker-than-expected results in this key division as a critical concern.
TUI’s trading update showed Winter 2024/25 bookings up 4% year-over-year, a slowdown from the 7% growth reported in September.
Average selling prices (ASPs) remained strong, up 5%, but booking momentum appeared uneven across regions.
While UK bookings were flat, Germany saw a 9% increase, partly benefiting from share gains following the collapse of rival FTI. Summer 2025 bookings also appeared solid, up 7% in volume and 3% in ASP, with Germany again outperforming against a 3% decline in UK bookings.
Despite these positives, deceleration in bookings, particularly in the UK market, and lower cruise occupancy due to itinerary changes caused by geopolitical tensions, introduced caution into the outlook.
Jefferies analysts noted that while TUI’s overall financial position had improved, reinvestment risks remained in all key business units, which could dampen future growth amid broader macroeconomic uncertainties.
On the balance sheet, TUI reported net debt of €1.6 billion, better than the €2.1 billion anticipated by analysts and down from €1.8 billion in the previous year.
Leverage improved to 0.8x, well below FY23’s 1.2x, reflecting strong cash flow generation. The company reiterated its medium-term goal of achieving net leverage well below 1.0x and regaining pre-pandemic credit ratings.
Going forward, TUI guided for FY25 revenue growth of 5-10% and EBIT growth of 7-10%. While revenue guidance was stronger than expected, EBIT guidance aligned with market expectations. Management highlighted the seasonal nature of investment ahead of the summer and the Easter holiday shift into Q3, suggesting a more H2-weighted profit profile.
