U.S. stock futures steady ahead of Fed decision; Powell, General Mills eyed
Investing.com - Bernstein has reiterated an Outperform rating and GBP61.50 price target on Ashtead Group Plc (LON:AHT) (OTC:ASHTY), according to a research note published Thursday. The equipment rental company, which boasts a market capitalization of $31.3 billion and maintains a "GOOD" InvestingPro Financial Health score, has shown remarkable strength with a 28% return over the past six months.
The firm notes that Ashtead shares have increased nearly 25% since the company’s 4Q25 results were released in June, with positive comments about "green shoots" supporting continued share price growth. According to InvestingPro data, the company has maintained dividend payments for 20 consecutive years, demonstrating consistent shareholder returns.
Bernstein believes rental revenue growth assumptions for Ashtead now appear comfortable, though consensus margins may decrease slightly as growth has been driven by volumes rather than rates, alongside higher operating expenses.
The research firm has downgraded earnings per share estimates by 1-3% for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, citing higher tax and trimmed margin assumptions, while maintaining its Outperform rating.
Ashtead currently trades at a 7.8% free cash flow yield for the upcoming fiscal year, compared to peers and wider machinery companies at a median 4%, which Bernstein suggests creates potential for share price revaluation ahead of a planned U.S. listing in February.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.