Apple can’t afford to sit out GenAI race, says Needham
Investing.com - Jefferies downgraded Valeo SA (OTC:VLEEY) (EPA:FR) from Buy to Hold on Wednesday, slashing its price target to EUR8.15 from EUR22.00, citing execution challenges despite the company’s strong technological positioning.
The research firm acknowledged Valeo (EPA:VLOF)’s three "good businesses from a technological perspective," noting their attractive market shares and growth drivers in software-defined vehicles (SDVs) and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Jefferies highlighted that Valeo’s BRAIN technology now represents more than 50% of orders, which it considers positive for growth and margins.
Despite order intake exceeding expectations and promising software component orders of approximately EUR300 million, Jefferies expressed concerns about Valeo’s execution difficulties. The firm pointed to challenges in the company’s pathway to improving profitability, which would require "a fundamental change in mindset" around research and development spending.
Jefferies noted that Valeo’s R&D expenditure continues to remain "well above peers’" despite some progress in the second half of 2024. The firm acknowledged additional self-help measures announced during Valeo’s first-quarter update and potential benefits from artificial intelligence implementation.
While recognizing these positive factors, Jefferies maintained that Valeo has "a lot to prove" before warranting a more optimistic outlook, leading to the downgrade and significantly reduced price target.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.