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On Monday, Baird analyst Michael Halloran upgraded Flowserve Corp . (NYSE: FLS) stock rating from Neutral to Outperform, setting a new price target of $71.00. The upgrade comes as the stock has declined nearly 15% year-to-date, according to InvestingPro data. Halloran highlighted the company’s recent underperformance as an opportunity for a more positive outlook, citing several key factors that contribute to this perspective. InvestingPro analysis suggests the stock is currently undervalued based on its proprietary Fair Value model.
Flowserve’s earnings power and trajectory are considered attractive and differentiated, with an internally fueled margin expansion story. The company is expected to see margin increases of 350-550 basis points by 2027 compared to 2024. This improvement is seen as a significant factor in the upgrade. Currently maintaining a healthy gross profit margin of 32.2% and trading at an attractive PEG ratio of 0.45, the company shows strong potential for value creation. InvestingPro subscribers can access 8 additional key tips about Flowserve’s financial health and market position.
Additionally, the company’s revenue growth is expected to remain at reasonable and healthy levels, supported by a strong backlog and sales funnel. With current revenue of $4.56 billion and an EBITDA of $595 million, Flowserve demonstrates solid operational performance. Halloran notes that mergers and acquisitions could serve as an upside lever for Flowserve, and the firm’s free cash flow (FCF) conversion is on an upward trend. The company’s track record of execution has also strengthened over time, maintaining dividend payments for 19 consecutive years.
The analyst’s comments suggest confidence in Flowserve’s potential, stating, "We see a compelling risk/reward ($72-81+ long-term upside vs. ~$40-45 downside) and are buyers." This risk/reward ratio underscores the belief that the stock holds significant upside potential compared to the perceived downside risk. For a comprehensive analysis of Flowserve’s valuation and growth prospects, investors can access the detailed Pro Research Report available exclusively on InvestingPro.
Flowserve Corp., a provider of fluid motion and control products and services, is poised to capitalize on these positive factors as outlined by Baird’s analysis. The upgrade to Outperform reflects a bullish stance on the stock’s future performance.
In other recent news, Flowserve Corporation (NYSE:FLS) has introduced the INNOMAG TB-MAG Dual Drive Pump, a sealless magnetic drive pump designed to prevent leaks, enhancing safety and environmental protection in industrial settings. This innovative pump features a dual hermetically sealed structure and a non-metallic liner for added corrosion resistance, providing a robust safeguard against potential pump failures. Meanwhile, several financial analysts have updated their outlooks on Flowserve. UBS has raised its price target for Flowserve shares to $66, maintaining a Buy rating, citing healthy demand and a 13% increase in bookings. Stifel analysts have also increased their price target to $77, attributing the revision to Flowserve’s potential for solid organic growth and margin expansion. TD Cowen reiterated a Buy rating with a $75 target, highlighting Flowserve’s strong bookings and segment margins. Mizuho (NYSE:MFG) Securities adjusted its price target to $70, maintaining an Outperform rating, and noted the company’s robust booking activity and progress in its 80/20 program. These recent developments reflect a positive outlook for Flowserve’s future growth and operational improvements.
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