These are top 10 stocks traded on the Robinhood UK platform in July
Investing.com -- On February 5, 2025, Moody’s (NYSE:MCO) Ratings upgraded the senior unsecured ratings of Parker-Hannifin Corporation (NYSE:PH) to A3 from Baa1. The firm’s senior unsecured Medium-Term Note (MTN) Program rating also saw an upgrade to (P)A3 from (P)Baa1. The P-2 commercial paper rating remained affirmed, while the rating outlook continues to be positive.
The improved ratings and positive outlook are based on Moody’s anticipation of continuous operating margin expansion and robust credit metrics for Parker-Hannifin. The credit metrics include a debt/EBITDA ratio of 2.0x or lower and a free cash flow to debt ratio of at least 20%. Moody’s also expects Parker to seek growth through acquisitions, likely funded by debt. Post-acquisition, the company is expected to prioritize debt repayment, as demonstrated after the September 2022 acquisition of Meggitt (LON:MGGT) PLC.
The A3 senior unsecured rating reflects Parker’s position as a leader in industrial automation, its substantial scale, and an effective market strategy. The strategy is focused on aerospace, digitization, electrification, and clean technology growth verticals. The company’s revenue increased to approximately $20 billion in fiscal 2024, up from $12 billion in fiscal 2017. EBIT also increased to $4 billion from $1.5 billion during the same period. The increase in revenue and EBIT is due to around $17 billion of acquisitions since 2017. Despite growth funded primarily by debt, Parker has significantly reduced its financial leverage. Moody’s projects the debt/EBITDA ratio to fall below 2.0x by the end of fiscal 2025 and decrease further by the end of 2026, barring significant acquisitions.
Order volumes witnessed a mid-single-digit growth in the second quarter ending December 31, 2024, following a growth of between 0% and 1% during the first three quarters of calendar 2024. Despite potential volatility in demand across the company’s verticals, the aerospace sector is expected to remain strong due to ongoing supply chain constraints. Aftermarket services, which account for about 35% of revenue, provide a buffer against potential order headwinds. Parker is also expected to continue benefiting from its WIN strategy and Lean System, aimed at enhancing productivity and efficiency across the enterprise throughout economic cycles.
The company’s solid liquidity is supported by strong free cash flow. Annual free cash flow is projected to reach $2.5 billion in fiscal 2025, up from $2.3 billion in fiscal 2024. This increase is expected even with flat revenue due to segment margin expansion from lean initiatives. The company’s financial policy is expected to remain conservative with annual share repurchases likely staying below $400 million. This leaves a considerable amount of cash for either debt retirement or acquisitive growth. As of December 31, 2024, the company had $1.6 billion of commercial paper outstanding, down from $2.1 billion as of June 30, 2024.
The ratings could be upgraded if Parker maintains its financial discipline. Sustaining a debt/EBITDA ratio below 2.5x and a free cash flow-to-debt ratio above 10% could lead to an upgrade. Conversely, the ratings could be downgraded if the debt/EBITDA ratio exceeds 3.0x due to a less conservative financial policy favoring share repurchases over debt reduction, or if the company is unable to deleverage after a large, debt-funded acquisition. A drop in EBITA margin to below 15% or a sustained free cash flow-to-debt ratio below 7% could also result in a ratings downgrade.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.