Shares of Whitbread plc have received an average rating of “Moderate Buy” from six research firms currently covering the company, according to data from Marketbeat.com. Of these analysts, one has issued a hold recommendation, while five have rated the stock as a buy. The consensus 12-month price target stands at GBX 3,480.
Several firms have recently adjusted their price targets for Whitbread. Citigroup raised its target from GBX 3,600 to GBX 3,800 and maintained a buy rating in a note released on August 21, 2023. Similarly, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its price objective from GBX 2,800 to GBX 2,900, assigning a neutral rating on October 17, 2023.
In addition, Peel Hunt reiterated a buy rating with a price target of GBX 3,500, while Panmure Gordon also reaffirmed a buy rating, setting a target of GBX 3,700. Lastly, Shore Capital maintained its buy rating on the same day as Peel Hunt.
Financial Performance and Insider Activity
Whitbread released its quarterly earnings results on October 16, 2023, reporting earnings per share of GBX 133.70. The company achieved a return on equity of 6.83% and a net margin of 8.08%. Analysts forecast earnings per share of 227.19 for the current fiscal year.
Recent insider transactions have drawn attention as well. On October 17, 2023, Christine Mary Hodgson acquired 10,000 shares at an average price of GBX 2,880, totaling £288,000. Additionally, on October 21, 2023, Richard Gillingwater purchased 500 shares at an average cost of GBX 2,974, amounting to £14,870. Currently, corporate insiders own 0.38% of the company’s stock.
About Whitbread
Whitbread is recognized as the owner of Premier Inn, the largest hotel brand in the UK, boasting 86,000 rooms across more than 850 hotels. The company is also expanding its presence in Germany, with 10,500 rooms in 59 hotels, providing quality accommodation at competitive prices. With a workforce exceeding 38,000 team members, Whitbread continues to prioritize customer service and quality in its offerings.
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