These Analysts Boost Their Forecasts On Ferguson Enterprises After Upbeat Q4 Results

Group 1 - Ferguson Enterprises reported fourth-quarter 2024 sales of $8.5 billion, a 6.9% increase from last year, exceeding analyst estimates of $8.41 billion [1] - Adjusted earnings per share were $3.48, surpassing expectations of $2.88 and up 16.8% from the prior year [1] - GAAP diluted EPS was $3.55, reflecting a 59.2% increase from $2.23 [1] Group 2 - For calendar 2025, Ferguson expects mid-single-digit revenue growth and an adjusted operating margin projected between 9.2% and 9.6%, compared to 9.1% in calendar 2024 [2] - Interest expense is forecasted to be between $180 million and $200 million, with capital expenditures planned to range from $300 million to $350 million [2] - The adjusted effective tax rate is expected to be around 26% [2] Group 3 - CEO Kevin Murphy highlighted investments in key growth areas, completion of nine acquisitions, dividend growth, and execution of a share buyback program while maintaining a strong balance sheet [3] - Following the earnings announcement, Ferguson Enterprises shares fell 0.7% to $229.84 [3] Group 4 - Wells Fargo analyst maintained an Overweight rating and raised the price target from $250 to $275 [8] - Baird analyst maintained the stock with an Outperform rating and raised the price target from $260 to $262 [8] - RBC Capital analyst maintained an Outperform rating and raised the price target from $231 to $243 [8]