U.S. stocks lower as investors rotate out of tech ahead of Jackson Hole
On Wednesday, Citizens JMP reaffirmed a Market Outperform rating with a $35.00 price target on PRA Group (NASDAQ:PRAA), following the company's announcement of a CEO transition. The stock, currently trading at $16.25, has experienced significant volatility, with InvestingPro data showing a 26% decline in the past week and trading near its 52-week low of $15.94. PRA Group disclosed after the market closed on Monday that Vikram Atal, who has been at the helm as President and CEO since 2023 and a board member since 2015, will retire from his position in June. Martin Sjolund is set to succeed Atal, having been with PRA Group since 2014 after the acquisition of Aktiv Kapital, which laid the groundwork for the company's European operations.
Sjolund's role in the leadership committee in recent years, along with his management of the European segment, positions him as a fitting successor. During Atal's tenure, PRA Group underwent a notable operational overhaul, marked by the implementation of significant cost-saving measures, which included the offshoring of essential functions. Financial data from InvestingPro shows the company maintains strong liquidity with a current ratio of 12.14, while achieving a healthy revenue growth of 38.87% in the last twelve months. This restructuring was part of Atal's objective to set a solid foundation for the company, which he now considers largely achieved.
The leadership transition is expected to be seamless, with no anticipated significant changes to the company's strategic direction or initiatives that have been established over the past couple of years. According to InvestingPro analysis, the stock appears undervalued with attractive metrics including a P/E ratio of 11.69 and a price-to-book ratio of 0.6. Subscribers can access 8 additional ProTips and comprehensive valuation metrics in the Pro Research Report. The continuous strategy is reflected in the analyst's decision to maintain the Market Outperform rating and the $35 price target. This target is based on approximately 3.3 times the firm's 2026 adjusted EBITDA estimate and about 1.5 times its year-end 2025 tangible book value forecast.
PRA Group's commitment to maintaining the momentum of its strategic initiatives and operational efficiencies is seen as a positive indicator of stability and growth potential. Analysts tracked by InvestingPro forecast EPS growth to $2.07 in FY2025, with two analysts recently revising their earnings estimates upward for the upcoming period. The company's stock rating and price target remain unchanged, as analysts see the leadership change as a planned succession that aligns with the company's long-term objectives.
In other recent news, PRA Group has reported positive quarterly earnings and an increase in purchasing volume, according to analysts from JMP. The analysts have maintained a Market Outperform rating and a $35.00 price target for the company. These developments are part of PRA Group's broader strategy, which includes refined 2025 guidance metrics and operational improvements. The company has experienced near-record purchasing volumes in Europe and favorable supply and pricing dynamics in the U.S. market. Additionally, PRA Group has made significant progress in offshoring collections and improving its funding profile with increased capacity and extended maturities.
Meanwhile, PRA Group has been involved in discussions in the UK Parliament, focusing on financial inclusion and consumer resilience. The event, organized by PRA Group and StepChange Debt Charity, highlighted the importance of supporting UK households in debt. Participants examined the Financial Conduct Authority's findings on the UK's credit reporting system, aiming to promote practical solutions for credit reporting. These discussions align with PRA Group's efforts to expand consumer financial services and support financially recovering individuals.
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