Truist sets Genesco stock at Hold with $23 price target

Published 27/05/2025, 21:56
Truist sets Genesco stock at Hold with $23 price target

On Tuesday, Truist Securities initiated coverage on Genesco Inc . (NYSE:GCO) with a Hold rating and established a price target of $23.00. The stock, currently trading at $21.86, has experienced significant volatility, having declined over 51% year-to-date. According to InvestingPro analysis, the company appears slightly undervalued based on its Fair Value metrics. The firm cited the ongoing turnaround efforts at Journeys, Genesco’s key segment targeting teen girls, as a central narrative for the company. Journeys, alongside its UK counterpart Schuh and the licensed brands such as Johnston & Murphy, has been making strides in improving its product assortment, store remodeling, and closing underperforming locations.

Despite these positive developments, Truist Securities remains cautious, pointing to the potential obstacles posed by an uncertain macroeconomic environment. Financial data from InvestingPro shows the company maintains a healthy current ratio of 1.6, with liquid assets exceeding short-term obligations, though it hasn’t been profitable over the last twelve months. The analyst’s statement highlighted the progress made by management but also underscored the risks associated with Journeys’ mall-based stores, which could be vulnerable to shifts in consumer spending behavior.

The analyst’s commentary emphasized the encouraging signs from management’s early efforts to revitalize the Journeys brand. However, the cautionary tone reflects concerns about the broader economic factors that might impede the chain’s growth. The focus on Journeys’ mall presence suggests that any downturn in discretionary spending could disproportionately affect the retailer’s performance.

The Hold rating indicates a neutral stance by Truist Securities, suggesting that investors maintain their current positions in Genesco stock until more definitive trends emerge. With the price target set at $23.00, the firm provides a benchmark for investors to gauge the stock’s potential movement. The stock currently trades at a relatively low price-to-book ratio of 0.43, while maintaining a free cash flow yield of 20%. InvestingPro subscribers have access to 12 additional key insights about Genesco’s valuation and growth prospects.

Genesco’s stock performance will likely continue to be influenced by its ability to navigate the challenges mentioned by Truist Securities. The company’s success in executing its turnaround strategy for Journeys, while mitigating the risks of a fluctuating economic landscape, will be key to its future valuation. Investors should note that Genesco’s next earnings report is scheduled for June 4, just 8 days away, which could provide crucial updates on the company’s turnaround progress. For comprehensive analysis and detailed metrics, investors can access Genesco’s full Pro Research Report, available exclusively on InvestingPro.

In other recent news, Genesco Inc. reported its fourth-quarter earnings for fiscal year 2025, revealing a slight miss in earnings per share (EPS) compared to forecasts. The company’s EPS was reported at $3.26, just below the expected $3.30. Revenue also fell short, reaching $746 million against the anticipated $780.43 million. Despite a 10% year-over-year increase in revenue, the earnings miss contributed to a negative market reaction. Genesco ended the fiscal year with a positive net cash position and $103 million in free cash flow, highlighting its financial stability despite challenges.

The company reported a gross margin improvement of 60 basis points, indicating better cost management. Looking ahead, Genesco projects overall comparable sales growth of 2-4% for fiscal 2026, with total sales expected to remain flat or increase by up to 1%. Capital expenditures are anticipated to be between $50 million and $65 million, with plans to remodel 70 Journeys stores. CEO Mimi Vaughn expressed optimism about the company’s future, emphasizing Genesco’s resilience and ability to adapt to changing consumer demands. The company faces potential risks from supply chain disruptions and market saturation, but remains focused on strategic growth initiatives.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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