investorscraft@gmail.com

Stock Analysis & ValuationWashington Hotel Corporation (4691.T)

Professional Stock Screener
Previous Close
¥1,265.00
Sector Valuation Confidence Level
Moderate
Valuation methodValue, ¥Upside, %
Artificial intelligence (AI)1415.2412
Intrinsic value (DCF)1811.5943
Graham-Dodd Method1470.5116
Graham Formula4014.61217

Strategic Investment Analysis

Company Overview

Washington Hotel Corporation (4691.T) is a leading Japanese hospitality company specializing in mid-range hotels and restaurant management. Headquartered in Nagoya, the company operates the Washington Hotel Plaza and R & B Hotel brands, catering primarily to business and leisure travelers seeking affordable accommodations. Additionally, it manages restaurants in golf course clubhouses, diversifying its revenue streams within Japan's consumer cyclical sector. Founded in 1961, the company has established a strong regional presence, benefiting from Japan's robust domestic tourism market. With a market capitalization of approximately ¥14.9 billion, Washington Hotel Corporation plays a key role in Japan's travel lodging industry, emphasizing efficiency and value-driven hospitality services. Its strategic focus on mid-tier hotels positions it well in a competitive market where demand for cost-effective lodging remains steady.

Investment Summary

Washington Hotel Corporation presents a mixed investment profile. On the positive side, the company reported ¥835 million in net income for FY 2024, with diluted EPS of ¥69.3 and a dividend payout of ¥20 per share, reflecting stable profitability. Operating cash flow of ¥2.04 billion suggests decent liquidity, though high total debt (¥22.8 billion) relative to cash reserves (¥6.47 billion) raises leverage concerns. The company's low beta (0.013) indicates minimal volatility, appealing to conservative investors, but its growth prospects may be limited by Japan's saturated domestic hotel market and lack of international exposure. Investors should weigh its steady cash generation against its significant debt burden and modest expansion capabilities.

Competitive Analysis

Washington Hotel Corporation competes in Japan's highly fragmented mid-range hotel sector, where it differentiates itself through operational efficiency and localized branding. Its primary competitive advantage lies in its established presence in key urban and regional markets, particularly through the Washington Hotel Plaza and R & B Hotel chains, which cater to cost-conscious travelers. However, the company faces intense competition from both domestic and international players. Unlike larger rivals with global footprints, Washington Hotel lacks diversification outside Japan, limiting its ability to offset domestic downturns. Its restaurant management segment provides ancillary revenue but is not a major growth driver. The company's high debt load could constrain further capital investments, putting it at a disadvantage against better-capitalized competitors. While its focus on affordability resonates in Japan's price-sensitive market, it may struggle to differentiate in an industry increasingly dominated by digital booking platforms and loyalty programs.

Major Competitors

  • Tobu Railway Co., Ltd. (9701.T): Tobu Railway operates hotels alongside its transportation business, leveraging synergies from tourism flows. Its stronger financial position and integrated travel services give it an edge over Washington Hotel, but its focus on premium properties creates less direct competition in the budget segment.
  • Oriental Land Co., Ltd. (4661.T): Known for Tokyo Disney Resort, Oriental Land dominates Japan's leisure hospitality market. Its scale and brand power far exceed Washington Hotel's, but its premium positioning and theme park reliance make it a non-overlapping competitor in the mid-range lodging space.
  • Ichigo Holdings Inc. (2337.T): Ichigo operates budget hotels and extended-stay properties, competing directly with Washington Hotel's value-oriented model. Its aggressive expansion and modernized properties pose a threat, but Washington's longer-established local presence may appeal to traditional travelers.
  • Conrad Hotels (Japan) Ltd. (9766.T): A subsidiary of Hilton, Conrad targets the luxury segment, contrasting with Washington Hotel's mid-market focus. While not a direct competitor, its global reservation system and loyalty program highlight Washington's lack of international branding.
HomeMenuAccount