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On Tuesday, ALS Ltd. (ALQ:AU) (OTC:CPBLF) experienced a change in stock rating as Jefferies downgraded the company from Buy to Hold. The firm also adjusted the price target for ALS, bringing it down to AUD18.20 from the previous AUD18.80.
The downgrade comes after a review of the company’s pre-guided financial results for FY25, which aligned with Jefferies’ expectations down to Underlying Net Profit After Tax (U-NPAT). ALS reported Life Sciences (LS) revenue of A$1,910 million, which was consistent with forecasts, and Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) of A$418 million, exceeding expectations by 2%. This increase was attributed to high single-digit or double-digit top-line growth in the Food and Environmental sectors. The Commodities sector performed similarly, with revenue at A$1,089 million and EBITDA at A$378 million, both meeting predictions.
Despite a slight increase in sample volumes by 2.4%, ALS was able to maintain its profit margins. The guidance for FY26 was also reported to be in line with expectations. However, a projected capital raise is expected to be accretive, with laboratories operating at full recovery rates. Nevertheless, Jefferies noted that the new Statement of Intent (SOI) with minimal changes would lead to a reduction in Earnings Per Share (EPS) estimates by 3% to 5%.
The revised price target of A$18.20 reflects these updates. Jefferies’ decision to downgrade ALS’s stock rating to Hold is based on the latest financial insights and the anticipated impact of the new SOI on the company’s earnings.
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