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Investing.com -- On The Beach Group PLC (LON:OTB) shares tumbled 14.6% after the online travel retailer forecast full-year profit below market expectations, despite reporting strong growth in its core business.
The company expects adjusted profit before tax for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, to be between £34.5 million and £35.5 million on a continuing basis, excluding its B2B operations. This falls short of the analyst consensus of £38.4 million. The shortfall comes as the company announced plans to wind down its loss-making B2B segment, which operates as Classic Collection.
Despite the profit miss, On the Beach reported its third consecutive record year of growth with total transaction value (TTV) reaching £1.23 billion, an 11% increase YoY. Summer 2025 bookings grew 12% ahead of last year, which the company noted was "significantly ahead of the package holiday market" that saw only a 3% increase according to ATOL data.
"I am pleased to report another year of significant growth with record TTV of £1.23bn, representing a 11% increase on FY24. Our core B2C business has again outperformed the market, underpinned by the Group’s asset light, cash generative model and balance sheet strength," said Shaun Morton, Chief Executive of On the Beach.
The company highlighted operational improvements, with EBITDA margin expected to reach approximately 34%, up from 31.7% in the previous year. Customer satisfaction metrics also improved, with Net Promoter Score rising 17% to around 55.
According to RBC analysts, the weaker-than-expected PBT is likely to be a key focus today, with the shortfall appearing linked to an industry-wide issue around summer holiday re-bookings.
"We would flag though that the group continues to trade well ahead of the market by c.10% and with the winding down of B2B, the full energy of the group can be put behind its fastest growth areas, they said in a note.
On the Beach announced a new £25 million share buyback program, adding to the £30 million already returned to shareholders this fiscal year. The company also secured a new four-year credit facility of £120 million with an accordion of £30 million, replacing its previous facility that was due to expire in 2027.
Winter 2025 bookings are reported to be strong at 12% ahead of last year’s record, while Summer 2026 bookings reflect a market-wide trend of later bookings.