Skip Header
Important information: The value of investments can go down as well as up so you may get back less than you invest. Investors should note that the views expressed may no longer be current and may have already been acted upon. This is a third-party news feed and may not reflect Fidelity’s views.

Berenberg starts James Fisher at 'buy'

(Sharecast News) - Analysts at Berenberg initiated coverage on marine engineering services provider James Fisher on Friday, issuing the group a 'buy' rating and 615p target price.

Berenberg noted that James fisher was three years into a five-year strategic plan to deliver "stability, efficiency and growth". Of its three divisions - energy, defence and maritime transport - Bernberg said two were currently benefiting from renewed investment tailwinds, aiding revenue growth.

The German bank stated operational efficiency was being achieved through applying self-help measures, which it reckons should increase James Fisher's adjusted underlying earnings margin towards 10%. We see scope for a higher margin in the longer term.

"Since the high balance sheet leverage was resolved in late 2024, management has been focused on the removal of cost duplication from a decade of M&A (2009-19) without any serious integration. This is a key building block to achieve the 10% adjusted EBITA margin target," said Berenberg.

"The current valuation looks compelling, trading at a 20% discount to the 10-year average EV/NTM EBITDA despite James Fisher having its strongest balance sheet in seven years. Our 25% peer group discount has scope to reduce as margins improve. Removing the discount would give an implied valuation of 900p."

Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com

Share this article

Related Sharecast Articles

Air France-KLM submits bid for stake in Portugal's TAP
(Sharecast News) - Air France-KLM said it had submitted a non-binding offer to buy a minority stake in TAP Air Portugal as part of the Portuguese government's plan to privatise its national airline.
Sorted Group proposes to dispose of its main trading subsidiary
(Sharecast News) - Sorted Group announced a proposal to dispose of its main trading subsidiary Sorted Group Limited on Thursday, for a nominal £1, in a move that would see the company become an AIM cash shell and pursue a new acquisition-led strategy.
Speedy Hire warns on worsening market conditions despite strategic progress
(Sharecast News) - Tools and equipment hire company Speedy Hire said on Thursday that it had delivered "significant strategic progress" in FY26, highlighted by its "transformational" partnership with Proservice and continued momentum across its core operations, but also cautioned that trading conditions had deteriorated further in the final quarter amid budget uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and customer‑driven delays.
RBC Capital Markets upgrades Berkeley to 'outperform'
(Sharecast News) - Analysts at RBC Capital Markets upgraded housebuilder Berkeley from 'sector perform' to 'outperform' on Thursday, noting the group had "acted decisively" to the challenges it had faced.

Important information: This information is not a personal recommendation for any particular investment. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment you should speak to one of Fidelity’s advisers or an authorised financial adviser of your choice. When you are thinking about investing in shares, it’s generally a good idea to consider holding them alongside other investments in a diversified portfolio of assets. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.

Award-winning online share dealing

Search, compare and select from thousands of shares.

Expert insights into investing your money

Our team of experts explore the world of share dealing.