Yatra Online, Inc. Announces Results for the Three Months December 31, 2023

Rhea-AI Summary

Yatra Online, Inc. (YTRA) announces strong December quarter results with a 23.2% revenue increase, 26% growth in Air Passenger segment, and a 10.2% rise in Adjusted Margin from air ticketing. The Company reported an Adjusted EBITDA improvement of 23.7% YoY and signed 26 new corporate customer accounts. Yatra also repurchased approximately 280,000 shares, demonstrating confidence in its future.

Positive

• Yatra Online, Inc. (YTRA) reported a robust 23.2% increase in revenue for the three months ended December 31, 2023.
• The Air Passenger segment of Yatra witnessed a significant 26% year-over-year growth, outperforming the industry benchmark of 9%.
• The Company's Adjusted Margin from air ticketing rose by 10.2% year-over-year, reaching USD 13.4 million.
• Yatra's Adjusted EBITDA showed a notable improvement of 23.7% year-over-year, amounting to INR 44.5 million (USD 0.5 million).
• In the Corporate travel sector, Yatra signed 26 new corporate customer accounts with an annual billing potential of INR 2,237 million (~USD 27 million).
• The Company repurchased approximately 280,000 shares by December 31, 2023, underlining confidence in its future and commitment to maximizing shareholder value.

Negative

• None.

Market Research Analyst

The reported financial results from Yatra Online, Inc. indicate a strong performance in the December quarter, particularly in the Air Passenger segment, which outpaced the industry average with a 26% year-over-year growth. The company's revenue increase of 23.2% and adjusted EBITDA improvement of 23.7% year-over-year are significant, suggesting that Yatra is efficiently managing its resources and capitalizing on market opportunities. The addition of 26 new corporate customer accounts with a substantial annual billing potential signifies an expansion in Yatra's Corporate Travel SaaS platform, which could lead to sustainable growth.

Yatra's share repurchase program, with 280,000 shares bought back, signals confidence in the company's prospects and a commitment to shareholder value. This strategy often serves as a positive indicator to investors, potentially affecting the stock's demand and price. However, it's crucial to monitor the balance between investing in growth and returning capital to shareholders, as an excessive focus on buybacks can limit future expansion capabilities.

Financial Analyst

The financial highlights reveal a decrease in loss from INR 217.5 million to INR 39.5 million year-over-year, which is a substantial improvement in the company's bottom line. The reduction in losses, coupled with a consistent rise in revenue and adjusted EBITDA, points towards a healthier financial position. This is particularly noteworthy given the competitive nature of the online travel industry.

It's important to analyze the underlying factors contributing to the improved margin from air ticketing, which grew by 10.2% and the modest increase in the hotels and packages segment. The reported Adjusted Margin from Other Services, which saw a 48.6% increase, suggests diversification in revenue streams. Investors should consider the sustainability of these margins in the face of economic fluctuations and competitive pressures.

Economist

Yatra's performance must be contextualized within the broader economic landscape, particularly the travel industry's recovery post-pandemic. The impressive growth in air passenger numbers and gross bookings reflects a rebound in travel demand. The 21.5% increase in Air Ticketing gross bookings is a robust indicator of market recovery and consumer confidence.

However, the 9% decrease in stand-alone hotel room nights booked raises questions about the sector's volatility and price sensitivity. The travel industry is highly susceptible to macroeconomic factors and any economic downturn could impact discretionary spending on travel. Yatra's strategic positioning and market share gains in the corporate sector may provide some insulation against such risks.

GURUGRAM, India & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Yatra Online, Inc. (NASDAQ: YTRA) (the “Company”), India’s leading corporate travel services provider and one of India’s leading online travel companies, today announced its unaudited financial and operating results for the three months ended December 31, 2023.

“We are proud to report strong December quarter results. Yatra's Air Passenger segment recorded a robust 26% year-over-year growth, nearly tripling the industry benchmark of 9%. This reflects our strong brand recognition and our successful strategies in capturing market share.

For the quarter ended on December 31, 2023, we reported revenue of INR 1112.0 million (USD 13.4 million), marking a substantial increase of 23.2% over the last year. Our adjusted margin from air ticketing rose to USD 13.4 million, a 10.2% year-over-year growth. Furthermore, our Adjusted EBITDA saw a significant improvement of 23.7% YoY, reaching INR 44.5 million (USD 0.5 million).

We further fortified our market leadership in the Corporate travel sector by signing 26 new corporate customer accounts in the December quarter in our Corporate business with an annual billing potential of INR 2,237 million (~USD 27 million) underlining the capabilities of our Corporate Travel SaaS platform.

In alignment with our commitment to shareholder returns, we are also pleased to report the repurchase of approximately 280,000 shares as of December 31, 2023 under the share repurchase program authorized by our Board and we continue to be active on the buyback front in the current quarter. This move underlines our confidence in Yatra’s promising future and our unwavering dedication to maximizing shareholder value.

As we steer through the dynamic market landscape, we stay resolutely committed to seizing growth opportunities and ensuring the continued upward trajectory of Yatra.” - Dhruv Shringi, Co-founder and CEO

Financial and operating highlights for the three months ended December 31, 2023:

• Revenue of INR 1,112.0 million (USD 13.4 million), representing an increase of 23.2% year-over-year basis (“YoY”).
• Adjusted Margin ⁽¹⁾ from Air Ticketing of INR 1,114.4 million (USD 13.4 million), representing an increase of 10.2% YoY.
• Adjusted Margin ⁽¹⁾ from Hotels and Packages of INR 264.1 million (USD 3.2 million), representing an increase of 3.9% YoY.
• Total Gross Bookings (Air Ticketing, Hotels and Packages and Other Services)⁽³⁾ of INR 18,631.8 million (USD 224.0 million), representing an increase of 17.9% YoY.
• Loss for the period was INR 39.5 million (USD 0.5 million) versus a loss of INR 217.5 million (USD 2.6 million) for the three months ended December 31, 2022, reflecting a decrease in loss by INR 178.1 million (USD 2.1 million) YoY.
• Result from operations were a loss of INR 58.2 million (USD 0.7 million) versus a loss of INR 63.0 million (USD 0.8 million) for the three months ended December 31, 2022, reflecting a decrease in loss by INR 4.8 million (USD 0.1 million) YoY.
• Adjusted EBITDA⁽²⁾ Profit was INR 44.5 million (USD 0.5 million) reflecting an increase by 23.7% YOY.

		Three months ended December 31,
		2022			2023			2023			YoY Change
		Unaudited			Unaudited			Unaudited
(In thousands except percentages)		INR			INR			USD			%
Financial Summary as per IFRS
Revenue		902,572			1,112,047			13,368			23.2	%
Results from operations		(63,029	)		(58,213	)		(698	)		7.6	%
Loss for the period		(217,529	)		(39,457	)		(473	)		81.9	%
Financial Summary as per non-IFRS measures
Adjusted Margin (1)
Adjusted Margin - Air Ticketing		1,011,065			1,114,395			13,396			10.2	%
Adjusted Margin - Hotels and Packages		254,181			264,129			3,175			3.9	%
Adjusted Margin - Other Services		47,070			69,938			841			48.6	%
Others (Including Other Income)		176,356			180,593			2,171			2.4	%
Adjusted EBITDA (2)		35,964			44,493			535			23.7	%
Operating Metrics
Gross Bookings (3)		15,803,918			18,631,771			223,966			17.9	%
Air Ticketing		13,247,885			16,096,263			193,488			21.5	%
Hotels and Packages		1,918,879			1,992,602			23,952			3.8	%
Other Services (6)		637,154			542,906			6,526			(14.8	)%
Adjusted Margin %*(4)
Air Ticketing		7.6	%		6.9	%
Hotels and Packages		13.2	%		13.3	%
Other Services		7.4	%		12.9	%
Quantitative details (5)
Air Passengers Booked		1,320			1,659						25.7	%
Stand-alone Hotel Room Nights Booked		398			362						(9.0	)%
Packages Passengers Travelled		6			7						11.1	%

Note:

(1)		As certain parts of our revenue are recognized on a “net” basis and other parts of our revenue are recognized on a “gross” basis, we evaluate our financial performance based on Adjusted Margin, which is a non-IFRS measure.
(2)		See the section below titled “Certain Non-IFRS Measures.”
(3)		Gross Bookings represent the total amount paid by our customers for travel services, freight services and products booked through us, including taxes, fees and other charges, and are net of cancellation and refunds.
(4)		Adjusted Margin % is defined as Adjusted Margin as a percentage of Gross Bookings.
(5)		Quantitative details are considered on a gross basis.
(6)		Other Services primarily consists of freight business, IT services, bus, rail and cab and others services.

As of December 31, 2023, 64,368,762 ordinary shares (on an as-converted basis), par value $0.0001 per share, of the Company (the “Ordinary Shares”) were issued and outstanding.

Conference Call

The Company will host a conference call to discuss its unaudited results for the three months ended December 31, 2023 beginning at 8:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time (or 6:30 PM India Standard Time) on February 14, 2024. Dial in details for the conference call is as follows: US/International dial-in number: +1 404 975 4839. Confirmation Code: 951150 (Callers should dial in 5-10 minutes prior to the start time and provide the operator with the Confirmation Code). The conference call will also be available via webcast at https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/967061181.

Safe Harbor Statement

This earnings release contains certain statements concerning the Company’s future growth prospects and forward-looking statements, as defined in the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about the Company and its industry. These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “will,” “project,” “seek,” “should” similar expressions and the negative forms of such expressions. Such statements include, among other things, statements regarding the long-term growth trajectory for the Indian travel market, statements concerning management’s beliefs as well as our strategic and operational plans; the anticipated benefits of the Indian IPO; the degree to which and how we will utilize debt facilities or the proceeds from the Indian IPO and the results we anticipate from how such funds are utilized; expected buyback activity with respect to our share repurchase program; and our future financial performance.. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the impact of increasing competition in the Indian travel industry and our expectations regarding the development of our industry and the competitive environment in which we operate; the slowdown in Indian economic growth and other declines or disruptions in the Indian economy in general and travel industry in particular, including disruptions caused by safety concerns, terrorist attacks, regional conflicts (including the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia and the evolving events in Israel, Gaza and the Middle East), pandemics and natural calamities, our ability to successfully negotiate our contracts with airline suppliers and global distribution system service providers and mitigate any negative impacts on our Revenue that result from reduced commissions, incentive payments and fees we receive; the risk that airline suppliers (including our GDS service providers) may reduce or eliminate the commission and other fees they pay to us for the sale of air tickets; our ability to pursue strategic partnerships and the risks associated with our business partners; the potential impact of recent developments in the Indian travel industry on our profitability and financial condition; political and economic stability in and around India and other key travel destinations; our ability to maintain and increase our brand awareness; our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of any past or future acquisitions; our ability to successfully implement our growth strategy; our ability to attract, train and retain executives and other qualified employees, including suitable replacements for any members of our senior management team or other employees who may seek other employment opportunities as a result of the certain cost reduction initiatives that we have taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; and our ability to successfully implement any new business initiatives. These and other factors are discussed in our reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this earnings release is provided as of the date of issuance of this earnings release, and we do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

About Yatra Online, Inc.

Yatra Online, Inc. is the ultimate parent company of Yatra Online Limited, a public listed company on the NSE and BSE (Formerly known as Yatra Online Private Limited, hereinafter referred to as “Yatra India”), whose corporate office is based in Gurugram, India. Yatra India is India’s largest corporate travel services provider in terms of number of corporate clients with approximately 800 large corporate customers and approximately 50,000 registered SME customers and the third largest online travel company (OTC) in India among key OTA players in terms of gross booking revenue and operating revenue for Fiscal 2023 (Source: CRISIL Report). Leisure and business travelers use Yatra India’s mobile applications, its website, www.yatra.com, and its other offerings and services to explore, research, compare prices and book a wide range of travel-related services. These services include domestic and international air ticketing on nearly all Indian and international airlines, as well as bus ticketing, rail ticketing, cab bookings and ancillary services within India. With approximately 105,600 hotels in approximately 1,490 cities and towns in India as well as more than 2 million hotels around the world, Yatra India has the largest hotel inventory amongst key Indian online travel agency (OTA) players (Source: CRISIL Report).

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240213611848/en/

For more information, please contact:

Manish Hemrajani

Yatra Online, Inc.

VP, Head of Corporate Development and IR

ir@yatra.com

Source: Yatra Online, Inc.

FAQ

What was Yatra Online, Inc.'s revenue for the three months ended December 31, 2023?

Yatra Online, Inc. reported revenue of INR 1,112.0 million (USD 13.4 million), marking a 23.2% increase year-over-year.

How much was the year-over-year growth in Yatra's Air Passenger segment?

Yatra's Air Passenger segment recorded a robust 26% year-over-year growth, nearly tripling the industry benchmark of 9%.

What was the percentage increase in Adjusted Margin from air ticketing for Yatra?

The Adjusted Margin from air ticketing for Yatra rose by 10.2% year-over-year.

What was the percentage improvement in Adjusted EBITDA for Yatra?

Yatra's Adjusted EBITDA saw a significant improvement of 23.7% year-over-year, reaching INR 44.5 million (USD 0.5 million).

How many new corporate customer accounts did Yatra sign in the December quarter?

Yatra signed 26 new corporate customer accounts in the December quarter with an annual billing potential of INR 2,237 million (~USD 27 million).

How many shares did Yatra repurchase by December 31, 2023?

Yatra repurchased approximately 280,000 shares by December 31, 2023, underlining confidence in its future and commitment to maximizing shareholder value.