Jefferies downgrades Covestro stock as agreed ADNOC offer caps share price By Investing.com
On Wednesday, Covestro AG (1COV:GR) (OTC: COVTY) experienced a shift in its stock rating as Jefferies moved its recommendation from Buy to Hold.
This adjustment comes in the wake of a significant acquisition offer from ADNOC, which proposes to purchase Covestro’s equity at €62 per share. The offer has received the backing of Covestro’s board and is contingent upon a minimum acceptance threshold of 50% plus one share.
The price target set by Jefferies remains steady at €62.00, mirroring the offer price from ADNOC. The analyst firm has not altered its earnings projections for Covestro in light of this development. The proposed acquisition is not expected to face substantial antitrust or regulatory hurdles due to minimal operational intersections between Covestro and ADNOC.
The agreement with ADNOC includes support for Covestro’s Sustainable Future strategy, which will be financed through a capital increase following the completion of the deal.
Furthermore, ADNOC has committed to uphold Covestro’s business operations and corporate governance, including the current board structure and existing agreements with works councils in Germany, at least until the end of 2028.
Covestro’s acceptance of the offer from ADNOC marks a pivotal moment for the company, potentially reshaping its ownership structure. The proposed acquisition is poised to proceed smoothly, with both parties having laid out terms that aim to ensure Covestro’s strategic and operational continuity post-transaction.
InvestingPro Insights
As Covestro AG navigates the potential acquisition by ADNOC, recent data from InvestingPro sheds light on the company’s financial position and market performance. Despite the current unprofitability over the last twelve months, InvestingPro Tips suggest that net income is expected to grow this year, aligning with analysts’ predictions of profitability. This positive outlook could be a factor in ADNOC’s interest and the board’s support for the acquisition offer.
Covestro’s stock has shown resilience, trading near its 52-week high with a price that is 98.19% of its 52-week peak. This strong performance is reflected in the company’s impressive 21.43% one-year price total return. The stock’s low price volatility, as noted by InvestingPro, may have contributed to its attractiveness as an acquisition target.
It’s worth noting that Covestro is currently trading at a high EBIT valuation multiple, which could be influenced by the acquisition offer and future growth expectations. For investors seeking more comprehensive analysis, InvestingPro offers 7 additional tips for Covestro, providing deeper insights into the company’s financial health and market position.
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