Alfa Laval AB shares target upped by Citi on marine sector strength By Investing.com

On Friday, Alfa Laval AB (ALFA:SS) (OTC: ALFVY) shares saw its price target increased to SEK 486.00 from SEK 474.00 by Citi, while the firm maintained a Neutral rating on the stock.

The adjustment reflects the latest data from Clarkson and anticipated revisions over the next six months. According to the analyst, Alfa Laval’s Marine division guidance, suggesting somewhat higher demand, appears to be on solid footing due to the continued improvement in short-cycle tanker contracting, especially in the product and chemical tankers from the first to the second quarter.

The market’s focus has largely shifted towards the Marine sector as opposed to the Energy sector, which had been the primary area of interest in the previous years. Market optimists are predicting both order growth and sales/margin increases for the next 12 to 24 months.

While Citi concurs with the potential for sales and margin growth leading into 2025, they hold a more conservative view on order expectations, which they consider to be relatively high at this point.

Citi’s analysis suggests that product tanker contracting relative to the fleet size is nearing recent highs, and with shipyard capacity remaining tight, there is an expectation that order momentum may decline in the next six months.

The analyst anticipates a moderate upside to consensus estimates for the company’s EBITA next year but notes that lower free cash flow margins and higher cyclicality compared to peers with higher ratings could limit further re-rating potential for Alfa Laval’s shares.

For the second quarter, the outlook is mixed, with projections of a 2-3% increase in orders but a 3-4% potential decrease in EBITA. This nuanced view reflects the complex dynamics at play in the marine and energy sectors, as well as market cyclicality and operational factors specific to Alfa Laval.

In other recent news, Alfa Laval’s performance has been noteworthy, with Citi maintaining a neutral stance on the company’s stock. The firm’s outlook on the Marine sector is conservative, despite the market’s differing opinions regarding potential share price growth. Alfa Laval’s Framo division saw orders exceeding SEK 2.5 billion in Q1, a new record, characterized by their short cycle from order to delivery.

However, recent data may suggest a downturn in the number of tankers contracted in Q2 compared to Q1, unless June’s data proves unexpectedly robust. Despite Alfa Laval’s popularity among Capital Goods sector investors, Citi’s stance remains cautious given the latest industry data trends.

Citi has also adjusted Alfa Laval’s stock target to SEK430, following the company’s recent outperformance of the SXNP index by 10%. This comes as the company prepares for a presentation at an upcoming Industrials conference.

Despite the company’s strong February Marine contracting figures and growth in the datacenter business, Citi has expressed caution regarding Alfa Laval’s Marine orders. These are among the recent developments concerning Alfa Laval.

InvestingPro Insights

As Alfa Laval AB (OTC: ALFVY) navigates the shifting focus from the Energy to the Marine sector, the company’s financial health and market performance remain crucial for investors. InvestingPro data indicates a robust market capitalization of $18.39 billion, signifying a strong presence in the industry. With a P/E ratio of 29.69 and a slight increase to 29.94 over the last twelve months as of Q1 2024, the company’s valuation reflects its earnings potential and investor sentiment. Additionally, a Price / Book ratio of 4.92 suggests a premium on the company’s net asset value, which can be attributed to the market’s confidence in its future growth.

Revenue growth is also notable, with a 15.75% increase over the last twelve months as of Q1 2024, demonstrating Alfa Laval’s capacity to expand its sales in a competitive environment. Furthermore, the company’s gross profit margin of 32.97% underscores efficient operations and the ability to maintain profitability.

InvestingPro Tips highlight Alfa Laval as a prominent player in the Machinery industry with the capability to cover interest payments through its cash flows. Moreover, the company operates with a moderate level of debt, which may offer some financial flexibility. Analysts predict profitability for the year, reinforcing the company’s solid financial footing.

For investors seeking more in-depth analysis and additional insights, there are 7 more InvestingPro Tips available for Alfa Laval AB at https://www.investing.com/pro/ALFVY. To access these valuable tips and enhance your investment strategy, use the coupon code PRONEWS24 to get up to 10% off a yearly Pro and a yearly or biyearly Pro+ subscription.

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