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On Wednesday, Citi analysts revised their stance on UL Solutions Inc (NYSE:ULS), downgrading the stock from Buy to Neutral. The firm also adjusted the price target to $71.00, up from the previous target of $60.50. The stock currently trades near its 52-week high of $71.95, having delivered an impressive 95.85% return over the past year according to InvestingPro data. The reassessment by Citi comes despite UL Solutions’ management outperforming consensus expectations. The analysts have raised their adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) estimates for 2025 and 2026 to $1.82 and $2.04, respectively, marking a modest increase from their prior forecasts of $1.76 and $2.01. The company maintains impressive gross profit margins of 48.71% and has shown strong operational efficiency with a return on equity of 41%.
The revision in the EPS estimates reflects the analysts’ higher margin assumptions for UL Solutions’ Consumer segment. These new projections are approximately 4% and 5% above the Bloomberg consensus for the respective years. However, the reevaluation of the stock’s rating is attributed to its current valuation metrics. UL Solutions is trading at a 12-month forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 38.6 times, according to Bloomberg consensus figures.
This valuation represents a premium of nearly 100% compared to the average P/E ratios of its industry peers—Intertek, Bureau Veritas, and SGS (SIX:SGSN). The analysts noted that this premium is significantly higher than the average premium of about 49% that UL Solutions commanded from its initial public offering (IPO) in May 2024 until April 1, 2025, before Liberation Day. InvestingPro analysis indicates the stock is currently overvalued, with a P/E ratio of 42.06x and technical indicators suggesting overbought conditions. For deeper insights into UL Solutions’ valuation metrics and 17 additional ProTips, explore the comprehensive Pro Research Report available on InvestingPro.
The upgrade of the price target to $71.00 from $60.50 indicates that Citi recognizes the company’s strong performance and improved earnings outlook. However, the shift to a Neutral rating suggests that the analysts believe the stock’s current price adequately reflects its future growth prospects, given the substantial premium it holds over its competitors.
In other recent news, UL Solutions Inc. reported a strong start to 2025 with first-quarter earnings surpassing analysts’ expectations. The company achieved an adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.37, exceeding the forecasted $0.30, driven by a 5.2% increase in consolidated revenue to $705 million. Stifel analysts responded to this performance by raising the price target for UL Solutions to $77.00 from $59.00, maintaining a Buy rating due to the company’s consistent revenue growth and margin improvements. The analysts noted potential challenges in the Consumer segment’s revenue for the second quarter of 2025 but remained optimistic about the company’s overall trajectory. UL Solutions reaffirmed its full-year 2025 outlook, projecting mid-single-digit organic revenue growth and an adjusted EBITDA margin improvement to approximately 24%. The company continues to invest in innovation and infrastructure, including expanding its global facilities. These developments highlight UL Solutions’ strategic focus on growth and resilience amidst macroeconomic uncertainties.
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