Which ASX 200 travel share is the best to buy now?

Corporate Travel, Flight Centre, or Webjet? Which is the best one to buy.

| 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

There are plenty of options for investors to choose from in the travel sector.

Investors could opt for Corporate Travel Management Ltd (ASX: CTD), Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT), or Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB), to name just three.

But for the team at Goldman Sachs, one of these ASX 200 travel shares currently stands head and shoulders above the others.

Which ASX 200 travel share is a top buy?

According to a note out of the investment bank, its analysts have a preference for Corporate Travel Management right now.

Goldman has a buy rating and a $21.60 price target on the corporate travel specialist's shares. This implies a potential upside of over 23% for investors over the next 12 months.

And while the broker sees decent (14%) upside for Flight Centre shares with its price target of $22.50, it only has a neutral rating on them at present.

Finally, it is a similar story for Webjet shares, with the broker holding firm with its neutral rating and a price target of $7.70 offering almost 13% upside for investors.

What did Goldman say?

Goldman Sachs sees Corporate Travel Management as the best ASX 200 travel share to buy right now due to its attractive valuation and strong organic and inorganic growth opportunities in a highly fragmented industry. It explains:

Managed travel is a fragmented industry with the top 5 players only representing 32% market share (as of 2022). We view the increasingly complex travel market as offering opportunities for growth, especially in the SME space and government contracts. CTD holds a strong balance sheet and is well positioned to take advantage of organic and inorganic growth opportunities and recovery remains skewed to North America where we see relatively lower macro risks.

The stock currently trades at an ~10% discount to average historical P/E despite the growth outlook being ahead of historical levels. We expect ongoing data updates on business travel, updates from global corporate peers and key company updates to drive re-rating of the stock.

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 positions in and has recommended Corporate Travel Management and Goldman Sachs Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Corporate Travel Management and Flight Centre Travel Group. 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

A pilot stands in an empty passenger cabin smiling with his arms crossed looking excited
Travel Shares

Why did the Qantas share price hit a record high in November?

The Flying Kangaroo made its shareholders smile again during the month. But why?

Read more »

A young person wearing a yellow shirt and jeans dives towards a river below on a bungee cord.
Travel Shares

Webjet share price plunges 8% amid 'misleading claims' allegations

Some investors have hit the 'sell' button on hearing the news today.

Read more »

Kid with arm spread out on a luggage bag, riding a skateboard.
Travel Shares

Can Flight Centre shares jump another 27% from today?

Flight Centre shares are well positioned to outperform, according to this leading expert.

Read more »

A smiling woman looks at her phone as she walks with her suitcase inside an airport.
Earnings Results

Web Travel share price jumps 14% on half year results

Here's what this travel technology company reported this morning.

Read more »

A male investor wearing a blue shirt looks off to the side with a miffed look on his face as the share price declines.
Travel Shares

Guess which ASX 200 stock is falling amid 'challenging' outlook

Trading conditions aren't easy for this online travel agent right now.

Read more »

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

Up 70% in a year, why this top fundie thinks Qantas shares are still 'cheap'

After rocketing 53% since August, Qantas shares could keep flying higher.

Read more »

Bored woman waiting for her flight at the airport.
Travel Shares

Why are Web Travel shares tumbling 6% today?

Its suspension is over. What's going on with this travel stock?

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

The Qantas share price has flown 66% higher in 2024, this top broker thinks it can gain more altitude

Qantas shares may not be finished rising.

Read more »