Whitbread shares fall 5% as analysts flag 15-20% profit downgrades despite five-year plan

Whitbread PLC (LSE:WTB) shares fell 5% to 2,255p on Thursday as analysts warned of likely consensus profit downgrades of between 15% and 20% for the 2027 financial year, overshadowing an otherwise in-line set of full-year results and a sweeping strategic overhaul. Panmure Liberum, which maintains a buy rating and 3,440p target price on the Premier Inn owner, said the key focus for investors is the 2027 outlook, with high inflation driving further earnings cuts and the business review outcome requiring careful assessment of its deliverability.