Loop Capital downgrades WW Grainger as shares ‘adjusted’ to prior rating By Investing.com
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On Tuesday, Loop Capital adjusted its stance on WW Grainger (NYSE:), downgrading the stock from Buy to Hold, albeit with an increased price target set at $1,000, up from the previous $925. The adjustment comes as the company’s shares have, according to the firm, largely completed their re-rating toward levels comparable to Fastenal Company (NASDAQ:), a peer in the industrial supply sector.
The firm expressed caution regarding WW Grainger’s outlook for the calendar year 2024, noting that the guidance is heavily reliant on stronger performance in the latter half of the year. This back-half weighting is seen as adding execution risk. Additionally, the firm pointed out that approximately $1 billion in share repurchase activity is already factored into the company’s guidance.
Loop Capital acknowledged that Grainger has shown impressive execution in recent years but indicated that the near-term risk-reward profile appears more balanced, especially considering the rapid re-rating of the company’s multiples. The firm also observed that the expected earnings per share (EPS) growth for 2024 seems more muted when compared to the recent historical performance.
The firm’s revised price target of $1,000 represents a recognition of the company’s achievements and its market position. However, Loop Capital suggests that it might reassess its position and potentially become more constructive on the stock if upcoming surveys indicate an acceleration in demand or if there are additional positive developments in WW Grainger’s market share capture initiatives.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.
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© Reuters.
On Tuesday, Loop Capital adjusted its stance on WW Grainger (NYSE:), downgrading the stock from Buy to Hold, albeit with an increased price target set at $1,000, up from the previous $925. The adjustment comes as the company’s shares have, according to the firm, largely completed their re-rating toward levels comparable to Fastenal Company (NASDAQ:), a peer in the industrial supply sector.
The firm expressed caution regarding WW Grainger’s outlook for the calendar year 2024, noting that the guidance is heavily reliant on stronger performance in the latter half of the year. This back-half weighting is seen as adding execution risk. Additionally, the firm pointed out that approximately $1 billion in share repurchase activity is already factored into the company’s guidance.
Loop Capital acknowledged that Grainger has shown impressive execution in recent years but indicated that the near-term risk-reward profile appears more balanced, especially considering the rapid re-rating of the company’s multiples. The firm also observed that the expected earnings per share (EPS) growth for 2024 seems more muted when compared to the recent historical performance.
The firm’s revised price target of $1,000 represents a recognition of the company’s achievements and its market position. However, Loop Capital suggests that it might reassess its position and potentially become more constructive on the stock if upcoming surveys indicate an acceleration in demand or if there are additional positive developments in WW Grainger’s market share capture initiatives.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.
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