On Monday, Citi adjusted its stance on Magna International (TSX:MG) (NYSE:MGA), a leading automotive supplier, by reducing its price target to $57 from the previous $60, while keeping a Neutral rating on the company's shares. The revision follows Magna's fourth-quarter results and the company's updated outlook for the coming years, which did not fully meet the expectations set by Citi's prior models.
The firm's analyst stated that the new estimates for 2024 and 2025 have been revised downward to better align with Magna's latest projections, which were slightly below the midpoint of Citi's initial estimates. Additionally, the analyst noted that the new margin estimate for 2026 is at the lower end of Magna's guidance. This conservative stance is due to the belief that the higher end of Magna's margin range appears aggressive, especially considering recent trends. The incremental margins are anticipated to be between 18-19%, which is more consistent with the guidance provided for 2024.
The price target adjustment is based on unchanged target multiples, despite the lowered earnings estimates. The analyst from Citi suggests that the narratives around free cash flow (FCF) inflection and margin expansion have been deferred slightly. Consequently, the expectation is that Magna's stock will likely remain within a certain trading range in the short term. However, there is a potential for investor sentiment to improve in the second half of the year. This optimism is based on the anticipation of margin expansion and the peak capital expenditure coming into clearer focus.
For the time being, the risk/reward profile for Magna's shares is viewed as balanced. Investors are advised to keep an eye on the company's performance as the year progresses, particularly looking towards the latter half for possible positive shifts in the company's financial dynamics.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.