Gold bars to be exempt from tariffs, White House clarifies
Kepler Cheuvreux initiated coverage on Bunzl Plc. (LON:BNZL:LN) (OTC:BZLFY) with a Hold rating and a price target of GBP22.30, citing operational challenges and macro uncertainties facing the distribution company. According to InvestingPro analysis, the stock appears undervalued at current levels, trading at a P/E ratio of 14.8x, despite falling 26% over the past six months.
The research firm pointed to Bunzl’s Q1 2025 update as a source of investor caution, noting the company downgraded its guidance shortly after issuing initial forecasts. Kepler Cheuvreux also highlighted the exclusion of key macro risks such as potential tariffs and broad-based cost inflation from Bunzl’s outlook.
These factors constrain visibility and may pressure margins, according to the research firm, which emphasized Bunzl’s exposure to more commoditized markets where competitive pressures limit pricing flexibility despite largely stable end-market demand.
Kepler Cheuvreux acknowledged that while Bunzl has improved profitability through efficiency measures and higher-margin acquisitions, internal challenges combined with macro uncertainty create a challenging near-term outlook.
The firm forecasts an earnings per share compound annual growth rate of 1% over the forecast period for Bunzl, reflecting limited growth prospects amid the current operating environment.
In other recent news, Bunzl Plc has been the subject of several analyst ratings changes and adjustments in price targets. RBC Capital downgraded Bunzl from Outperform to Sector Perform, citing concerns over margin pressures and increasing competition, with a revised price target of GBP23.50. Stifel also downgraded Bunzl from Buy to Hold, lowering the price target to GBP26.00 due to operational challenges in North America and a halt in the company’s share buyback program. JPMorgan followed suit, downgrading the stock from Overweight to Neutral, with a new price target of GBP27.00, highlighting execution issues in the US grocery and foodservice segment.
Conversely, Barclays (LON:BARC) upgraded Bunzl from Equalweight to Overweight, raising the price target to GBP36.50, driven by expectations of improved conditions and an increase in volumes. Barclays noted that deflationary pressures are easing, with a more stable pricing environment anticipated for 2025. Additionally, Stifel previously upgraded Bunzl to Buy, setting a price target of GBP35.00, based on positive trading trends and the company’s strong balance sheet. Both Barclays and Stifel expect Bunzl’s strategic moves in mergers and acquisitions to be supported by its financial position.
These recent developments reflect a mixed outlook from analysts, with some expressing concerns over Bunzl’s immediate challenges, while others foresee potential for recovery and growth in the medium term.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.