homephotos Newsretail NewsAmbit Capital’s top calls in retail sector: Titan, PVR and more

Ambit Capital’s top calls in retail sector: Titan, PVR and more

SUMMARY

The COVID-19 pandemic drives multiple uncertainties for the richly valued, high-fixed-cost, metro-centric retail sector, according to brokerage house Ambit Capital. Change in consumer behavior or priorities, lower credit availability and loss of jobs/income cuts would hit low-ticket discretionary category too. Over a longer period, industry consolidation will benefit stronger players though COVID could potentially wipe out next 2 years’ earnings growth, the brokerage said. The brokerage has 'Buy' rating on Titan, Jubilant, and Trent while it downgraded Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail, PVR, Relaxo, and DMart to 'Sell'.

By Ankit Gohel  Jul 3, 2020 1:51:54 PM IST (Published)


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Titan Company | BUY | TP: Rs 1,150 | Titan is Ambit Capital’s top pick in consumer discretionary space given gross margin benefit from higher gold prices; reducing discounts in jewellery would further aid margins improvement and a higher share of franchisee model (65% of revenues) that reduces the impact of store-level losses.

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Trent | BUY | TP: Rs 725 (Rs 640 earlier) | The brokerage believes that Trent’s Westside format scores best in terms of operating matrix (SSG, revenue/sq ft, EBITDA margin) amongst all the apparel players but lags at company-level profitability led by losses and cash-burn in grocery (through its subsidiaries). The business may struggle in the near term due to COVID as footfalls into physical stores may remain challenged even as lockdown opens up gradually and new purchases are reduced given limited social interactions, Ambit Capital said. (Image: Company Social media)

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