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Investing.com - BofA Securities upgraded Australian Clinical Labs Ltd (ASX:ACL) from Neutral to Buy and raised its price target to AUD3.60 from AUD3.40, citing valuation and margin expansion potential.
The stock has fallen 16% from its May 25 high, which BofA believes has already priced in lower volumes for the fourth quarter of 2025. The firm considers the stock attractive at 13 times one-year forward price-to-earnings ratio, which is one standard deviation below its two-year post-pandemic average of 15 times.
BofA’s earnings per share growth estimates for Australian Clinical Labs stand at 32% for fiscal year 2026 and 12% for fiscal year 2027. The firm’s revenue estimates for these periods are slightly ahead of consensus by 1% each, while its operating profit forecasts exceed consensus by 5% for fiscal year 2026 and 8% for fiscal year 2027.
The upgrade reflects BofA’s view that self-help initiatives will drive operating leverage at Australian Clinical Labs, creating an opportunity for the stock to be revalued higher. The price target increase is based on a more positive outlook, applying a 15 times fiscal 2026 price-to-earnings multiple.
BofA prefers Australian Clinical Labs over its competitors Sonic and Healius, noting that ACL maintains higher operating profit margins and return on equity/return on invested capital than its peers.
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