Avantor stock rating cut to Hold at TD Cowen, target drops to $15.50

Published 28/04/2025, 11:22
Avantor stock rating cut to Hold at TD Cowen, target drops to $15.50

On Monday, TD Cowen adjusted its stance on Avantor Inc . (NYSE: NYSE:AVTR), downgrading the company’s stock rating from Buy to Hold and reducing the price target to $15.50, a decline from the previous target of $20.00. The revision reflects the firm’s concerns over the company’s near-term growth prospects and margin outlook. The stock has already declined 13.57% in the past week and is trading near its 52-week low of $12.20. InvestingPro analysis shows additional indicators that could impact your investment decision, with 8 more exclusive ProTips available to subscribers.

The downgrade was initiated following a reassessment of Avantor’s performance in key business areas. TD Cowen highlighted issues such as a shortfall in the bioprocess segment and a downward revision of guidance, as well as loss of market share and increased pressure in the laboratory sector. These factors were cited as detrimental to the investment thesis that previously supported a Buy rating. According to InvestingPro data, 12 analysts have recently revised their earnings expectations downward for the upcoming period, though the company remains profitable with a net income of $715.6 million in the last twelve months.

TD Cowen’s analysis suggests that while the current valuation of Avantor’s shares is at an all-time low, offering a potential 20% upside to the new price target, the prospects for significant stock appreciation are limited. This is due to expectations of subdued growth and margin expansion through the years 2025 to 2027.

The firm’s lowered expectations for Avantor’s growth and margins are based on the belief that the company’s recent guidance may not have been reduced sufficiently to account for the challenges it faces. This tempered outlook underpins the decision to move to a Hold rating, indicating a more cautious view on the stock’s potential for near-term gains.

In conclusion, TD Cowen’s revised rating and price target for Avantor Inc. reflect a more conservative assessment of the company’s future financial performance, based on current market conditions and internal challenges within the company’s operations.

In other recent news, Avantor Inc. reported its first-quarter 2025 earnings, revealing a revenue shortfall against market expectations. The company posted earnings per share of $0.23, which met forecasts, but reported revenue of $1.58 billion, falling short of the anticipated $1.61 billion. This revenue miss led to significant investor concerns. Additionally, Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) downgraded Avantor’s stock from Overweight to Equalweight, reducing the price target to $15.00, citing competitive pressures and potential downside risks. Stifel also downgraded Avantor from Buy to Hold, slashing the price target to $14.00, following disappointing first-quarter results and a lowered growth forecast. Analysts from both firms highlighted challenges such as competitive intensity and unresolved tariff impacts. Avantor is undergoing a CEO transition, with Michael Stubblefield stepping down, adding another layer of uncertainty to its outlook. Despite these challenges, Avantor maintained its full-year EPS guidance and is expanding its cost transformation initiative, aiming for $400 million in savings by 2027.

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