MARKET TALK: Whitbread Statement 'Exceptional' - Analyst

22nd Jun 2010 07:48

0648 GMT [Dow Jones] Whitbread's (WTB.LN) interim management statement is very strong with group like-for-like sales up 7.6% in the 13 weeks to June 3, says an analyst. The statement is 'exceptional' and risks lie to the upside. The analyst says management is going to remain vigilant on cost control and is planing to be broadly cash flow neutral this year. The analyst thinks it may be too early for changes to consensus forecasts and certainly does not expect any changes ahead of the UK budget, expected at 1130 GMT. However, the statement is extremely good, the analyst says. Seperately, a trader notes that the stock is trading at a discount to hotel peers. Shares closed Monday at 1478p. ([email protected]) Contact us in London. +44-20-7842-9464 [email protected] (END) Dow Jones Newswires June 22, 2010 02:48 ET (06:48 GMT)