Premier Inn and Beefeater owner Whitbread PLC (LSE:WTB) has been knocked down a peg by Deutsche Bank, which has cut the stock to 'hold' from 'buy' and slashed its target price from 3,375p to 2,815p. The move follows what the bank calls a structural blow to the investment case: the UK budget's steep jump in business rates.
Whitbread PLC's (LSE:WTB) Budget business rates hit has prompted brisk earnings downgrades from analysts, although both Deutsche Bank and Panmure Liberum keep the faith with 'buy' ratings. The issue stems from new rateable values outlined by Rachel Reeves last week, which will push its business rate bill up by £40-£50 million in the first year.
Whitbread PLC (LSE:WTB) shares slipped as much as 9% on Friday after Bernstein delivered a stinging double downgrade, cutting its rating from 'outperform' to 'underperform' and slashing its price target to 2,500p from 3,600p. Citi also trimmed its forecasts, saying fresh analysis of the government's new business-rate system pointed to a material hit to Whitbread's future profits.
| Hotel & Resort REITs Industry | Real Estate Sector | Mr. Dominic J. Paul CEO | OTC PINK Exchange | 963410105 CUSIP |
| GB Country | 36,700 Employees | 23 May 2025 Last Dividend | 7 Nov 2017 Last Split | - IPO Date |
Whitbread plc is a distinguished operator of hotels and restaurants with a rich history dating back to 1742. The company has established a significant presence not only in its home market, the United Kingdom, but also in Germany and the Middle East, along with international operations. Headquartered in Dunstable, the United Kingdom, Whitbread plc encompasses a broad spectrum of hospitality services, primarily focusing on providing accommodation and dining experiences. Over the centuries, it has grown to become a key player in the hospitality industry, continually expanding its brand portfolio and market reach to meet the diverse needs of its customers.
Under its flagship Premier Inn brand, along with ZIP and hub variants, Whitbread plc operates a vast number of hotel rooms not only in the United Kingdom but also in the Middle East and Germany. These hotels cater to a wide range of customers by offering various accommodations styles, from traditional hotel rooms under the Premier Inn brand to more compact, budget-friendly options through ZIP, and a more tech-savvy, city-centre focused offering via hub by Premier Inn.
Whitbread’s extensive restaurant operations in the United Kingdom encompass a variety of dining experiences under several brands. Brewers Fayre and Table Table are known for their family-friendly dining atmosphere, serving a wide range of British classic dishes. Beefeater and Bar+Block Steakhouse cater to the steak enthusiasts, offering high-quality meats and a comprehensive menu. Cookhouse & Pub merges the pub experience with high-quality, homely meals, while Thyme provides a more intimate dining experience focused on modern British cuisine. These restaurant brands allow Whitbread to cater to a diverse set of dining preferences and occasions.