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On Wednesday, UBS analyst Kenji Yasui upgraded Panasonic (OTC:PCRFY) Corporation, listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange as 6752:JP and over-the-counter as OTC:PCRFY, from "Sell" to "Neutral." Alongside the rating change, the price target was also increased to JPY1,380.00, up from JPY1,065.00. The adjustment reflects a reassessment of the potential benefits from the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) on the company's financial outlook.
According to the analyst, Panasonic's current price-to-book ratio (PBR) stands at 0.61X, and the forward year 2025 estimated price-to-earnings ratio (FY25E PER) is approximately 9X, factoring in the effects of the IRA. These metrics suggest that the market has not yet fully priced in the advantages that the IRA could bring to Panasonic. The analyst pointed out that the forthcoming U.S. presidential election in November could significantly influence the company's free cash flow over the next decade, potentially doubling or tripling it depending on the election results.
The focus of equity markets is expected to transition from the current cyclical downturn in earnings to the potential long-term benefits of the IRA as the U.S. presidential election approaches. UBS anticipates that this shift in focus will have implications for Panasonic's stock performance.
Despite the upgrade, the analyst maintained a cautious view on Panasonic's profit growth prospects without the inclusion of IRA effects. The statement highlighted that apart from the potential IRA benefits, the company has limited factors driving profit growth. This indicates that the revised rating and price target are contingent on the realization of IRA-related advantages rather than on the company's current fundamental business drivers.
In other recent news, Panasonic Corporation reported a mixed first quarter for the 2025 fiscal year, posting a rise in sales but a decline in profits across several sectors. The company's sales increased by 5% to ¥2,121.7 billion, largely due to contributions from its Connect & Energy division. However, adjusted operating profit and net profit fell to ¥84.3 billion and ¥70.6 billion, respectively.
Panasonic's operating cash flow saw a slight year-on-year improvement. In a significant move, Panasonic announced a strategic partnership with ORIX Corporation, leading to the formation of a new company for its projector business.
Despite the mixed financial performance, Panasonic forecasts growth in the second half of the year, particularly expecting a positive impact from its air conditioning and air quality segment in Q2. It also plans to enhance its sales force and update products to boost its Blue Yonder business.
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