Harvey Norman stock rating upgraded to Buy by UBS on improving outlook

Published 01/09/2025, 06:52
Harvey Norman stock rating upgraded to Buy by UBS on improving outlook

Investing.com - UBS upgraded Harvey Norman Holdings Limited (ASX:HVN) (OTC:HNORY) from Neutral to Buy on Monday, raising its price target to AUD7.75 from AUD5.25. The $6.12 billion market cap retailer, which boasts a "GOOD" financial health score according to InvestingPro, has demonstrated resilient performance with 4.13% revenue growth over the last twelve months.

The upgrade reflects UBS’s increasingly positive outlook for the Australian retailer, citing improving consumer conditions with real wage growth and the anticipated impact of lower interest rates, including an expected 25 basis point cut by the Reserve Bank of Australia in November 2025.

UBS noted that Harvey Norman has weathered subdued sales in recent years after COVID-19 pulled forward demand for products like computers and outdoor furniture, but believes a multi-year replacement cycle for these discretionary categories has now begun.

The firm highlighted Harvey Norman’s volatile profit margins due to operating leverage, suggesting this creates an opportunity for significant profit growth as sales improve, further amplified by the company’s prudent cost management.

Despite recent price-to-earnings multiple expansion, UBS observed that Harvey Norman still trades at a larger discount to competitor JB Hi-Fi than its historical average, indicating potential for further multiple expansion as earnings growth improves. InvestingPro analysis suggests the stock is currently undervalued, with additional insights available through their comprehensive analysis tools.

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