Has the Webjet share price peaked or can it keep rising?

This travel share has been flying high this year/ Can it keep rising?

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) share price has been on form this week.

So much so, the online travel agent's shares hit a new 52-week high on Wednesday.

This means the company's shares are now up almost 23% since the start of the year.

A female traveller stands in the terminal, ready to board her plane.

Image source: Getty Images

Can the Webjet share price keep rising?

According to a note out of Goldman Sachs, its analysts believe that Webjet shares have peaked for the time being.

While impressed with the company's FY 2023 result, which was comfortably ahead of its estimates, the broker has downgraded its shares and taken them off its conviction list on valuation grounds.

Goldman now has a neutral rating and $7.90 price target on its shares. This implies only modest upside for the Webjet share price from current levels.

What did the broker say?

As I mentioned before, Goldman was impressed with Webjet's performance. It also expects more of the same over the medium term, allowing for dividend payments to recommence in FY 2025. It said:

Webjet reported a strong beat in FY23 earnings driven mainly by the Webbeds business. Travel momentum was noted to be broadly strong across key regions with Webjet attaining market share growth in both the B2B and OTA businesses. Cash generation was ahead of expectations, and we expect dividend payout to be resumed in FY25.

However, with the Webjet share price hurtling higher this year, it feels its valuation is now looking full. Goldman adds:

Our Buy thesis on WEB was based on expectations of the Webbeds business offering a strong structural growth opportunity with an improved cost outlook, growth opportunities in the OTA business from increased channel shift towards online, strong cash generation and attractive valuation. We believe that these are now largely priced in as the group continues to deliver on strong results and the market recognizes these opportunities.

While we remain positive on the outlook for WEB with our FY23-26E EBITDA outlook at 23% CAGR, our revised 12m Target Price of A$7.9 offers upside potential of 4% from the current share price and implies 24.5x 12m fwd P/E vs. longer term average of 16.2x. We downgrade our rating on WEB to Neutral and take it off our ANZ Conviction List.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Travel Shares

Pilot on the phone looking distraught.
Travel Shares

Why Qantas shares nosedived 16% in March

Investors evacuated their Qantas shareholdings in March. But why?

Read more »

Happy woman trying to close suitcase.
Travel Shares

Webjet share price lifting off on CEO bombshell

Webjet shares are charging higher following unexpected leadership news.

Read more »

A female cabin crew member on a place looks like she has a headache.
Travel Shares

Why Qantas shares could be flying into turbulence

Leading experts warn Qantas shares could face a big earnings decline.

Read more »

A woman reaches her arms to the sky as a plane flies overhead at sunset.
Travel Shares

Virgin Australia shares fly 13% higher: Is this the start of the rebound we've all been waiting for?

Here's how far analysts think the airline's shares could go.

Read more »

A woman looks nervous and uncertain holding a hand to her chin while looking at a paper cut out of a plane that she's holding in her other hand.
Travel Shares

Qantas stock is down 17.7% in a month. Time to buy?

Qantas is back to April prices.

Read more »

a man stands with travel documents in hand with a roller wheel suitcase and extended handle next to him holding his forefinger to his lip as he ponders his next move in a deserted airport. as the Qantas share price falls
Broker Notes

Down 15% in March, should you buy Qantas shares today?

A leading analyst provides his outlook for Qantas shares.

Read more »

Man sitting in a plane looking through a window and working on a laptop.
Mergers & Acquisitions

Flight Centre shares lift amid latest UK acquisition news

Flight Centre announced a new UK-based acquisition today.

Read more »

Couple at an airport waiting for their flight.
Travel Shares

Is the Qantas share price dirt cheap after falling 30%?

Let's see whether the market is overreacting to short-term headwinds.

Read more »