Backlog strength and margin expansion spark upgrade for APi Group stock, says RBC

EditorEmilio Ghigini
Published 14/01/2025, 10:14
Backlog strength and margin expansion spark upgrade for APi Group stock, says RBC
APG
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On Tuesday, RBC Capital Markets upgraded APi Group Corporation (NYSE:APG) stock from Sector Perform to Outperform, setting a price target of $45.00. According to InvestingPro data, APG currently commands a market capitalization of $9.92 billion, with analyst targets ranging from $36 to $50, reflecting strong institutional confidence in the company's potential. The upgrade reflects a positive outlook on the company's financial performance, with expectations of organic revenue growth accelerating to mid-single digits plus (MSD+) in 2025.

This anticipated growth is attributed to a strong backlog, an improving demand environment, and diminishing project selection headwinds. With a solid Financial Health Score of "GOOD" on InvestingPro, and a current ratio of 1.51, APG demonstrates strong financial fundamentals to support its growth trajectory.

RBC forecasts a significant 60 basis points margin expansion in the fiscal year 2025, which is expected to be driven by disciplined project selection, strategic pricing, margin-accretive backlog, and the integration of Chubb (NYSE:CB)'s operations. These factors are anticipated to contribute to the company's profitability. The company's gross profit margin stands at 30.52%, and InvestingPro analysis indicates net income is expected to grow this year, with analysts predicting positive earnings for 2024.

The analyst also suggests that APi Group Corporation might increase its medium-term margin target to over 15% during its investor day in May. This potential revision would be supported by advancements in Services revenues and back-office modernization efforts. APi Group's solid free cash flow (FCF) conversion of $546 million, coupled with a strategic focus on accretive tuck-in acquisitions, is predicted to provide additional upside to current consensus estimates. The company's strong financial position is further evidenced by its healthy Altman Z-Score of 3.82, indicating low bankruptcy risk.

RBC analysis indicates that as APi Group's revenue growth picks up pace, the stock is likely to experience a re-rating, potentially leading to an increase in its market value. The outlook for APi Group is bolstered by the company's strong financial foundations and strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing its market position.

In other recent news, APi Group Corporation has made significant strides in its financial performance. The company reported a 2.4% year-over-year increase in revenue, reaching $1.83 billion, primarily driven by organic growth in the Safety Services segment. Adjusted EBITDA also rose by 9.4%, and the company remains committed to achieving a 13% adjusted EBITDA margin by 2025. Additionally, APi Group reported an adjusted gross margin increase to 31% and adjusted diluted earnings per share growth to $0.51.

Furthermore, APi Group's full-year 2024 revenue guidance has been revised to $7 billion, with adjusted EBITDA expected to fall between $890 million and $900 million. The company also disclosed in a recent SEC filing that its Board of Directors has approved a stock dividend. The dividend, amounting to 2,543,662 shares of common stock, is tied to the company's Series A preferred stock, which totals 4,000,000 shares.

In other company news, Baird has increased the stock price target for APi Group to $40 from the previous target of $39, maintaining an Outperform rating. This adjustment follows Baird's evaluation of APi Group's recent acquisition of an elevator maintenance division, which is expected to diversify the company's services and provide a new platform for mergers and acquisitions. These are the recent developments concerning APi Group Corporation.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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