Buzzi Unicem stock rating upgraded by Morgan Stanley on US exposure

Published 02/09/2025, 08:34
Buzzi Unicem stock rating upgraded by Morgan Stanley on US exposure

Investing.com - Morgan Stanley has upgraded Buzzi Unicem SpA (BIT:BZU) from Equalweight to Overweight while raising its price target to EUR53.00 from EUR44.00. The cement manufacturer, with a market capitalization of $9.42 billion, has demonstrated strong financial performance with a YTD return of 45%. InvestingPro analysis indicates the stock is currently undervalued.

The investment bank cited Buzzi Unicem’s strong exposure to markets with potential demand upside, particularly the United States, which represents 52% of the company’s EBITDA, and Germany, accounting for 15%.

Morgan Stanley expects both regions could benefit from upside in pricing and volumes, with US growth linked to non-residential investment over the mid-term and German growth tied to infrastructure development. Both markets may also see recovery in residential activity if interest rates decrease.

The firm highlighted Buzzi Unicem’s strong cash conversion exceeding 40% of EBITDA and its net cash balance sheet as defensive attributes, while projecting modest upside to FY26 EBITDA of approximately 1.3%.

Despite lagging in decarbonization efforts, Morgan Stanley believes this concern is already reflected in the share price, noting that year-to-date, Buzzi Unicem has underperformed competitors Holcim by 29% and Heidelberg by 45%.

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