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Serko Limited Analysis

Overview

Serko is a story of travel technology innovation. Founders Darrin Grafton and Bob Shaw started the Serko journey with Interactive Technologies Limited in 1994. ITL was a technology company designed to help travel agents solve a number of thorny mid-office and back office system challenges.

As the Internet took off and irrevocably changed the way users searched and booked travel, the business changed direction in order to ride the wave and in 2000 Serko was born. Since then the company has gone from strength to strength and with an unwavering commitment to simplifying and improving the travel experience, has gone on to become Australasia's preferred OBT.

Performance

The following information was extracted from Serko Limited's half year results, released on 29 October 2024:

  • Financial results (unaudited) NZD; change 1H24; change 2H24
  • Total income $42.7m; 18%; 23%
  • Total spend $44.3m; 5%; 6%
  • Operating expenses $50.6m; 12%; 14%
  • EBITDAF $1.0m; +$1.7m +$1.8
  • Net loss after tax $5.1m; $2.1m improvement; $3.6m improvement
  • Free Cash Flow $1.3m; +$4.7m; +$5.0m
  • Adjusted Free Cash Flow $2.3m; +$5.8m; +$6.0m

Result reflects committed delivery to growth objectives

Serko Chief Executive and Co-Founder, Darrin Grafton, said: “Our first half result demonstrates our ability to deliver on our commitments and achieve our goals. Total income growth, which accelerated in the second quarter, was underpinned by increased customer acquisition and higher volumes in unmanaged travel. Total income was up 18% on 1H24 and up 23% on 2H24.

“We are particularly pleased with the positive trajectory of Booking.com for Business under our long-term partnership. This follows the successful execution of plans to drive higher volumes, including increased customer acquisition. Completed room nights on Booking.com for Business were 1.6 million, up 17% on 1H24 and up 29% on 2H24. Average Revenue per Completed Room Night was €10.00, down 1% on 1H24 and up 7% on 2H24.

“In Australasia, volumes continued to increase. Online bookings were up 8% on 1H24 in Australia and New Zealand to 2.1 million, and up 14% on 2H24.

“We have also seen increased average revenue per booking across Serko, up 16% on the first half of 2024.”

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