Jefferies retains Metcash's rating, PT; flags hardware upside, solid FY27 start
BUZZ-Jefferies retains Metcash's rating, PT; flags hardware upside, solid FY27 start ** Analysts at Jefferies reiterate "buy" rating for Australia's Metcash MTS.AX at a price target of A$3.50, citing strong cash generation, easing tobacco headwinds and material upside to hardware margins
** The wholesale distribution firm on Monday reported full-year net profit attributable of A$279.1 million ($195.34 million), down 4.2% on pcp
** Hardware was the standout, with like-for-like sales up 4.9% across both IHG and Total Tools, though retail margins remain under pressure
** Jefferies says management's view on "mid-cycle" hardware margins implies a potential A$13 million – A$54 million EBIT uplift, or 2.5%-10.5% at group level, if conditions improve
** Adds, with tobacco pressures fading, a potential food inflation tailwind, and significant margin upside in hardware, the investment case remains intact
** Five of ten analysts rate the stock "buy" or higher, five "hold"; their median PT is A$3.40, according to data compiled by LSEG
** Stock down 5.5% this year, as of last close
($1 = 1.4288 Australian dollars)
(Reporting by Roshan Thomas in Bengaluru)
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