Deutsche Bank lifts Greencore stock rating to buy, target to GBP2.25

Published 06/02/2025, 10:50
Deutsche Bank lifts Greencore stock rating to buy, target to GBP2.25

On Thursday, Deutsche Bank (ETR:DBKGn) analysts upgraded Greencore Plc (GNC:LN) (OTC: GNCGY) stock from Hold to Buy, setting a new price target of GBP2.25, a rise from the previous GBP1.95. The company, currently valued at $1.06 billion, appears undervalued according to InvestingPro Fair Value analysis. The stock has shown remarkable strength, delivering a 105% return over the past year. The upgrade follows Greencore’s recent Capital Market Event, where the management team emphasized their focus on improving returns, setting a medium-term target of over 15% return on invested capital (ROIC), an increase from the 11.5% achieved in FY 24.

The analysts at Deutsche Bank noted that Greencore’s strategy to achieve this goal involves delivering a consistent revenue growth of 3-5% and reaching an adjusted operating profit margin of over 7%. They believe that Greencore’s growth opportunities within its core business, along with its approach to expanding into new Categories, Customers, and Countries, will bolster its revenue targets. However, they expressed some reservations about the expansion into new countries. InvestingPro data reveals the company’s strong fundamentals, including a perfect Piotroski Score of 9, suggesting excellent financial health. Subscribers can access 8 additional ProTips and comprehensive financial metrics.

The potential for further enhancing Greencore’s financial performance through strategic mergers and acquisitions (M&A) was also highlighted by the analysts. This strategic move is expected to supplement the company’s organic growth and contribute to achieving the outlined financial objectives.

Greencore, known for its convenience food products, has been focusing on strengthening its market position through innovation and expansion. The company’s clear direction and the management’s commitment to enhancing shareholder returns have been positively received by Deutsche Bank, leading to the upgraded stock rating and higher price target.

In other recent news, RBC Capital has initiated coverage on Greencore Plc, a leading UK convenience food supplier, with an Outperform rating and a price target of GBP2.40. This outlook is rooted in Greencore’s strategic plan for 2023, focused on enhancing operational efficiency and restoring profitability to pre-pandemic levels, around £106 million. The analysts at RBC Capital highlighted Greencore’s efforts to achieve a margin progression to 6%, which is anticipated to support a return on invested capital (ROIC) of approximately 13.6% by the fiscal year 2027.

The report also noted the potential for a progressive dividend yield at about 2%. RBC Capital’s price target is based on approximately 11.5 times the calendar year 2025 estimated enterprise value to adjusted earnings before interest and taxes (EV/adj. EBIT), aligning with the valuations of Greencore’s industry peers. The research firm believes that the enterprise value to invested capital (EV/IC) supports a valuation similar to its peers, indicating confidence in Greencore’s market position and financial strategy.

Recent developments also highlight the potential for shareholder returns to increase, driven by additional share buybacks and the possibility of mergers and acquisitions. The Outperform rating suggests that RBC Capital sees Greencore’s stock outpacing the overall market or sector in the near future, given the company’s strategic initiatives and financial prospects.

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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