Citi cuts Best Buy stock rating amid consumer uncertainty

Published 03/04/2025, 13:14
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On Thursday, Citi analysts revised their stance on Best Buy shares (NYSE: NYSE:BBY), downgrading the stock from Buy to Neutral and reducing the price target to $70 from the previous $93. The adjustment reflects concerns over the current consumer environment and potential risks to same-store sales (SSS). According to InvestingPro data, 18 analysts have recently revised their earnings expectations downward for the upcoming period, with current analyst targets ranging from $75 to $110.

The Citi analyst acknowledged Best Buy’s strengths, including the tech replacement cycle, new AI innovation, and the company’s ability to execute on margins. The company maintains a healthy gross profit margin of 22.6% and generates robust free cash flow, with a yield of 9%. Despite these positive factors, the external market conditions pose a challenge for Best Buy’s business operations. The analyst cited consumer uncertainty and the likelihood of increased promotions due to tariffs as factors that could adversely affect Best Buy’s performance.

The revised price target of $70, down from $93, indicates a more cautious outlook for Best Buy’s stock value in light of the identified risks. According to InvestingPro’s Fair Value analysis, the stock appears undervalued at current levels, suggesting potential upside despite near-term headwinds. The company has demonstrated financial resilience, maintaining dividend payments for 23 consecutive years and raising them for the past 7 years, with a current yield of 5.02%.

Best Buy has been navigating a retail landscape where consumer spending habits are under pressure. The analyst’s downgrade is a response to these market dynamics, which could impact Best Buy’s same-store sales—a key indicator of retail health.

The new Neutral rating and lower price target suggest that Citi analysts see a balanced risk/reward scenario for Best Buy in the current consumer landscape. This change in rating and price target is a significant update for investors monitoring Best Buy’s stock and the broader retail sector.

In other recent news, Best Buy’s financial performance and future prospects have attracted significant attention from analysts. DA Davidson has reaffirmed its Buy rating on Best Buy, maintaining a price target of $110, highlighting the company’s strong fourth-quarter comparable sales and improving profit margins driven by membership, marketplace, and media strategies. Meanwhile, UBS has adjusted its price target for Best Buy to $105 from $115, citing challenges related to tariffs and market skepticism despite positive elements in the company’s recent quarterly performance. Truist Securities has taken a more cautious stance, lowering its price target to $81 and maintaining a Hold rating due to concerns about the economic environment and the potential impact of tariffs on earnings. Loop Capital, on the other hand, reduced its price target to $90 while maintaining a Buy rating, pointing to Best Buy’s strong fiscal fourth-quarter results but expressing concern over tariff-related risks. These recent developments reflect a range of perspectives on Best Buy’s ability to navigate current market challenges, with tariffs being a common theme influencing analysts’ outlooks.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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