Jefferies downgrades Hermes stock rating to Hold from Buy on growth concerns

Published 14/07/2025, 06:28
Jefferies downgrades Hermes stock rating to Hold from Buy on growth concerns

Investing.com - Jefferies downgraded Hermes International (OTC:HESAF) (EPA:RMS) stock rating from Buy to Hold while maintaining a price target of EUR2,460.00. The luxury goods maker, currently valued at $298 billion, has demonstrated robust financial performance with impressive gross margins of 70% and revenue growth of 13% over the last twelve months.

The downgrade comes as Jefferies expects Hermes’ upcoming Q2/H1 update on July 30, despite being "impressive," is unlikely to show a meaningful acceleration in growth, even with firmer U.S. pricing and reduced availability constraints. According to InvestingPro analysis, the company maintains a "GREAT" financial health score of 3.32, though current valuations suggest the stock is trading above its Fair Value.

Jefferies has trimmed its estimates to 3% below consensus, citing foreign exchange headwinds as a key factor in the adjustment.

The maintained price target of EUR2,460.00 represents a 2026 price-to-earnings ratio of 50x, which Jefferies notes is in line with recent averages for the luxury goods maker.

According to Jefferies, investors will be particularly focused on whether Hermes’ growth becomes disproportionately driven by its leather goods division.

In other recent news, RBC Capital Markets has initiated coverage on Hermes International with an Outperform rating, setting a price target of €2,600. The firm highlights Hermes’ exceptional brand strength and business model as key factors in its favorable outlook. RBC Capital notes Hermes’ impressive track record, citing a median annual total shareholder return of 17% over the past two decades. This performance is attributed to the company’s scarcity-driven business model and a high degree of vertical integration. Hermes is also commended for its consistent management and ownership structure, which contributes to its robust financial performance. Despite a premium valuation, RBC Capital views Hermes as a defensive investment in challenging market conditions for luxury goods. The firm forecasts a compound annual growth rate of approximately 10% in revenue and earnings before interest and taxes through to FY29E, surpassing the sector’s expected average. These recent developments underscore RBC Capital’s confidence in Hermes’ ability to continue outperforming within the luxury industry.

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