On Friday, IPH Limited (IPH:AU) (OTC: IPHLF) stock received an upgraded rating from JPMorgan (NYSE:JPM), moving from Neutral to Overweight. The financial firm also increased the price target for IPH Limited to AUD7.25, up from the previous target of AUD7.00.
This adjustment follows IPH's announcement of a robust full-year 2024 financial performance, which surpassed both JPMorgan's estimates and the consensus of other analysts.
The company reported a revenue of A$609 million, 4% above JPMorgan's estimate and 3% beyond the consensus. IPH's underlying EBITDA of A$195.5 million exceeded JPMorgan's forecast by 3% and the consensus by 2%. The positive financial results have contributed to the firm's decision to upgrade the stock's rating.
JPMorgan's analyst pointed out that IPH's share price had significantly de-rated over the past 18 months due to concerns about organic growth, market share losses, and the company's balance sheet.
However, the FY24 results have somewhat mitigated these concerns, particularly regarding the generation of free cash flow and signs of market share stabilization.
Despite the fact that the near-term earnings growth outlook for IPH Limited is not seen as particularly strong, the stock is currently trading with an unlevered free cash flow yield of approximately 8%.
This yield, in JPMorgan's view, warrants the recommendation upgrade to Overweight, implying a positive outlook on the stock's potential performance.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.