Jefferies has issued a 'buy' recommendation for Whitbread PLC (LSE:WTB) with a price target of £42, indicating a potential upside of 31% from its current price of £32.12.
This optimistic outlook is grounded on Whitbread's recent performance and prospects, especially considering the Smith Travel Research (STR) data for February, which showed mixed results for the mid-scale hotel market in company's key markets - the UK and Germany.
Despite a slight decline of -0.6% in UK revenue per available room (RevPAR) and a moderate growth to +4.3% in Germany, Jefferies believes these numbers align with the market's expectations and doesn't foresee a change in financial year 2024 estimates.
Whitbread, known for operating hotels primarily under its flagship brand, Premier Inn, is positioned as a beneficiary in the UK's pressured consumer environment, the American investment bank said.
The company's value proposition, coupled with the accelerated decline of independent competitors since 2019, positions Whitbread favourably in taking market share, Jefferies added.
This scenario is bolstered by the industry-leading yield management practices of Whitbread, creating a promising environment for the company.
Whitbread shares, down 12% in the year to date, were flat mid-afternoon Tuesday at 3,193p.