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On Thursday, Jefferies adjusted its stance on Akzo Nobel NV (AKZA:NA) (OTC: OTC:AKZOY), downgrading the stock from Buy to Hold and reducing the price target from €68.00 to €61.00. The revision by Jefferies analysts reflects concerns over the company’s financial performance and strategic decisions. Currently trading at $19.24, near its 52-week low of $18.27, InvestingPro data shows the stock is currently undervalued, with additional analysis available for subscribers.
Chris Counihan of Jefferies expressed reservations about Akzo Nobel (AS:AKZO)’s recent earnings outcomes, particularly noting the absence of significant free cash flow (FCF) generation for the fiscal year 2025 forecast, beyond what is accounted for by dividends. While the company maintains a 4% free cash flow yield and has sustained dividend payments for 34 consecutive years according to InvestingPro, the analyst pointed to the company’s failure to demonstrate EBIT improvement from the core business, excluding cost reductions, as a key issue.
The lack of additional anticipated shareholder returns following the divestment of the India operations was also highlighted as a factor diminishing the attractiveness of Akzo Nobel’s stock. The potential for Akzo Nobel to engage in consolidation of Coatings assets, with BASF mentioned as a possible interest, was cited as an overhanging concern for the investment case.
The price target adjustment to €61 indicates a more cautious outlook for Akzo Nobel’s share value, aligning with the newly issued Hold rating. Jefferies’ analysis suggests that investors may need to temper their expectations regarding Akzo Nobel’s performance and shareholder value propositions in the near term.
In other recent news, Akzo Nobel NV has been the subject of various analyst reviews with differing perspectives. CFRA maintained a sell rating on Akzo Nobel, citing a cautious outlook due to a weak construction market, and set a price target of EUR52.00. The firm’s analysis also revealed a modest 1% increase in the company’s fourth-quarter 2024 revenue and a 3% rise in adjusted EBITDA. However, the full-year adjusted EBITDA fell short of the anticipated EUR1.5 billion, reaching only EUR1,478 million.
On the other hand, JPMorgan reaffirmed its Overweight rating on Akzo Nobel with a EUR70.00 price target. The firm acknowledged underwhelming fourth-quarter results but highlighted the company’s adjusted EBITDA guidance of over EUR1.55 billion for fiscal year 2025, supported by nearly EUR70 million in net cost savings. In a separate note, JPMorgan upgraded Akzo Nobel from Neutral to Overweight, citing expected strong adjusted EBIT growth and a favorable raw materials price outlook.
Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) also backed an Overweight rating on Akzo Nobel with a €75.00 price target. The firm highlighted the potential value creation from a possible sale of Akzo Nobel’s decorative paint business in India, which could unlock significant value for the company. These recent developments provide investors with a mixed outlook on Akzo Nobel’s performance in the coming period.
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