CFRA cuts GlaxoSmithKline stock price target to $40, maintains hold

Published 05/02/2025, 20:18
CFRA cuts GlaxoSmithKline stock price target to $40, maintains hold

On Wednesday, CFRA analyst Wan Nurhayati revised the price target for GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE:GSK) shares, reducing it to $40.00 from the previous $42.00 while maintaining a Hold rating on the stock. According to InvestingPro analysis, GSK is currently undervalued, with the stock showing a strong free cash flow yield. The adjustment reflects a valuation of 9.4 times the firm’s projected 2025 earnings per American Depositary Share (ADS), which is below GlaxoSmithKline’s three-year historical average of 10.3 times. This revision is primarily due to concerns about the company’s Vaccines segment performance.

GlaxoSmithKline’s earnings for 2024 were reported to be in line with CFRA’s expectations, although they surpassed the S&P Capital IQ consensus estimate. The company’s financial growth was attributed to robust sales in Specialty Medicines and operational efficiencies. However, this progress was partially offset by weaker sales in the Vaccines segment.

Looking ahead to 2025, GlaxoSmithKline has provided guidance anticipating a 3%-5% increase in sales and a 6%-8% rise in core operating profit. The company expects these gains to be driven by the higher-margin Specialty Medicines segment. Additionally, GlaxoSmithKline has announced plans to implement a £2 billion share buyback program over the next 18 months.

Despite the positive outlook for Specialty Medicines, CFRA remains cautious due to the underperformance in the Vaccines segment, which includes key products like Shingrix and Arexvy. These products are considered significant contributors to GlaxoSmithKline’s growth. CFRA has maintained its 2025 earnings per ADS estimate for GlaxoSmithKline at £3.40 and has introduced a 2026 earnings per ADS forecast of £3.70.

In other recent news, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) reported a robust fourth-quarter revenue, surpassing analyst estimates, despite earnings not meeting the projected figures. The pharmaceutical company posted Q4 revenue of £8.12 billion, exceeding the consensus forecast of £9.86 billion, while adjusted earnings per share were £0.23, falling short of the expected £0.49. The significant revenue was primarily driven by the company’s Specialty Medicines segment, which witnessed a 17% year-over-year sales increase to £3.3 billion. However, vaccine sales declined by 12% due to reduced demand for GSK’s RSV vaccine Arexvy.

Additionally, GSK has announced its revenue and adjusted EPS growth expectations for 2025, projecting an increase of 3-5% and 6-8% respectively. The company’s future plans also include a £2 billion share buyback program over the following 18 months. These recent developments have been met with investor approval, despite the earnings miss. The strong sales growth and positive guidance appear to be the focal points for the market.

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