Is now a good time to buy Flight Centre shares?

One top broker tips a 17% upside for the travel giant's stock.

| More on:
A girl holds a ticket and a passport in either hand and has a confused, vexed look on her face as though she is unsure.

Image source: Getty Images

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

Key points

  • The Flight Centre share price has performed relatively in line with the broader market in 2022
  • But, with the company having turned a profit in late FY22, is now a good time to snap up shares in the ASX 200 travel giant?
  • These brokers think the stock is a hold. Though, they're tipping the Flight Centre share price to lift as much as 17%

The Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) share price has struggled to gain traction in 2022, following the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) into the year-to-date red.

The stock has slumped 10% so far this year. It's also around 50% lower than was prior to the onset of COVID-19. The Flight Centre share price last traded at $16.76.

Meanwhile, the index has dumped 11% over 2022 so far and is around 6% below its February 2020 high.

But the company returned to profitability late in financial year 2022. Does that mean now could be a good time to snap up Flight Centre shares?

Let's take a look at what experts are predicting for the ASX 200 travel giant's stock.

What do brokers expect from Flight Centre shares?

While brokers seemingly expect the Flight Centre share price to rise over the coming year, none have gone so far as to encourage investors to snap up the stock.

As my Fool colleague James reported last week, no major brokers have buy ratings on the ASX 200 travel giant. Still, some have tipped plenty of upside for Flight Centre's stock.

Morgans senior analyst Belinda Moore is tipping a "strong recovery" for the company this financial year. However, its revenue isn't expected to return to pre-COVID levels for a while yet.

Cyclical factors, such as higher airfares, changes to its business mix, and lower commissions will likely weigh on the travel giant's bottom line, Moore said.

The broker doesn't expect the company's earnings to fully recover until financial year 2025.

Morgans has a hold rating and an $18.25 price target on Flight Centre shares, my Fool colleague James reports. That implies a potential 9% upside.

UBS' expectations aren't too far off those of Morgans. It has slapped the stock with an $18.30 price target and a neutral rating.

Goldman Sachs, however, is slightly more bullish.

It was surprised by the company's earnings in the Australia and New Zealand region last financial year. Though, it was disappointed by Flight Centre's performance in the United States.

The broker has a neutral rating and a $19.60 price target on Flight Centres shares. That represents a potential 17% upside.

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goldman Sachs. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Flight Centre Travel Group Limited. 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

airline crew stands on tarmac under aircraft
Travel Shares

Qantas shares lower on $120m profit hit

The airline operator is being made to pay for decisions it took during the pandemic.

Read more »

Man waiting for his flight and looking at his phone.
Travel Shares

One ASX 200 stock down 50% since July this fund just bought

The fund managers saw value in the ASX 200 stock following a 50% share price plunge.

Read more »

A smiling boy holds a toy plane aloft while a girl watches on from a car near an airport runway.
Travel Shares

Would Warren Buffett buy Qantas shares in December 2024?

Is this airline stock an appealing investment today?

Read more »

Woman on a tablet waiting in for her flight in an airport and looking through a window.
Travel Shares

Buying Qantas shares? You'll need to know this

Qantas shares have been soaring higher in 2024.

Read more »

Woman on a tablet waiting in for her flight in an airport and looking through a window.
Travel Shares

Qantas share price hits turbulence as engineers down tools

Qantas’ engineers are displeased with the results of pay negotiations.

Read more »

A woman ponders a question as she puts money into a piggy bank with a model plane and suitcase nearby.
Travel Shares

Will the Qantas share price take off again in 2025?

The Flying Kangaroo has smashed the market this year. Could it do the same in 2025?

Read more »

Man sitting in a plane seat works on his laptop.
Travel Shares

Why the soaring Qantas share price could be 'difficult to sustain'

The Qantas share price has been a stellar performer in 2024, up 68.7% since 2 January.

Read more »

A woman looks up at a plane flying in the sky with arms outstretched as the Flight Centre share price surges
Travel Shares

Why the Qantas share price can keep flying to new highs

Qantas shares' new record highs are forecast to be broken in 2025 by this top broker.

Read more »