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On Friday, Citi upgraded Omron Corp (6645:JP) (OTC: OMRNY) stock, moving the rating from Neutral to Buy and increasing the price target to JPY 7,400 from JPY 6,600.
The upgrade comes after a period of underperformance for Omron's shares relative to the TOPIX index, with a 15% lag year-to-date and a 58% gap over the past three years.
The performance dip was attributed to several factors, including a decline in operating profit following its peak in FY3/23 and three consecutive years of negative free cash flow.
This was further impacted by a macroeconomic slowdown in China and increasing competition from local businesses within the region. However, the firm's management has taken steps to address these challenges.
In response to the headwinds faced, Omron management has introduced the company's first early retirement program (ERP) in two decades, which is anticipated to save approximately ¥30 billion next year. Furthermore, there are indications that Omron's strategy to boost solution sales in its Industrial Automation Business (IAB) division is yielding positive results.
Citi's analysis suggests that with Omron's low sensitivity to yen strength and an upcoming presentation on the Data Solutions Business scheduled for October 3, the risks for Omron's stock are now considered to be tilted towards the upside. The financial institution's outlook appears to be optimistic ahead of the company's strategic updates.
In other recent news, Omron Corp has been the recipient of a stock rating upgrade by Jefferies, an investment firm. The firm has elevated the rating from Hold to Buy, and has also increased the price target from JPY6,000 to JPY7,500.
Jefferies' analyst projects that Omron's operating profit for the fiscal years ending in March 2026 and March 2027 will exceed consensus estimates by 8% and over 20%, respectively, indicating a promising growth path for the company.
The upgrade is largely based on Omron's strategic cost-cutting measures and the anticipated benefits from the integration of JMDC's data analysis expertise with Omron's business segments. These initiatives are expected to significantly boost the company's performance.
Furthermore, the collaboration with JMDC is projected to enhance Omron's competitive edge across its business sectors. These recent developments underscore Jefferies' revised price target, reflecting the firm's confidence in Omron's growth potential and value creation for shareholders.
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