EssilorLuxottica Rises as Oddo BHF Sees Shares as Undervalued
EssilorLuxottica shares are outperforming the market Friday on the Paris Stock Exchange, buoyed by favorable commentary from Oddo BHF. The brokerage views the eyewear specialist as "manifestly undervalued" following its recent pullback.
By 11:00 a.m., the stock had climbed 4.48% to 186.75, while the CAC 40 advanced 2.1% and the STOXX European luxury sector index recovered 4%.
In a note released this morning, Oddo BHF noted that the stock has declined nearly 35% this year. This retreat has been fueled by a weaker margin outlook due to an unfavorable product mix in eyewear, the risk of intensifying competition from tech giants in smart glasses, and a comparison base set to become very challenging in the second half of the year.
"This loss of confidence appears excessive to us and overplays the disruptive impact of AI glasses," the brokerage firm emphasized.
In this context, the intermediary considers the recent share price decline "highly exaggerated" and finds the stock "manifestly undervalued at this stage."
From its perspective, the current price nearly reflects a highly pessimistic scenario of 5% annual growth over 10 years with EBIT margins remaining at 2025 levels.
According to Oddo, such a scenario accounts for the negative effects of the rise of AI glasses, such as margin dilution and a higher beta, without incorporating the positive effects, namely sales growth. It also ignores growth drivers outside of the AI eyewear segment, the broker noted.
Adjusted Forecasts but Upside Potential Remains Intact
Anticipating weaker organic growth than previously expected, analysts have modestly adjusted their EBIT forecasts for 2026 by -1%, with more significant adjustments to their 2027 and 2028 estimates.
"Based on these now more realistic forecasts, we believe the stock is capable of gradually regaining investor favor," the firm added.
The broker maintains its "outperform" rating on the stock but has reduced its price target from 251 to 220. This revised target still implies a 12-month upside potential of more than 20%.
Elsewhere in the sector, LVMH rose 5.1%, Hermes gained 5.3%, and Kering climbed 6.5%, supported by bargain hunting following the correction seen in recent months.
Since January 1, the STOXX Europe Luxury 10 index has dropped 11.2%, while the benchmark STOXX Europe 600 index has appreciated by 6%.
EssilorLuxottica is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of ophthalmic lenses, frames and sunglasses. Formed in 2018, the company brings together the complementary expertise of two industry pioneers, one in advanced lens technology and the other in the craftsmanship of iconic eyewear, to set new industry standards for vision care and the consumer experience around it. Influential eyewear brands including Ray-Ban and Oakley, lens technology brands including Varilux® and Transitions®, and world-class retail brands including Sunglass Hut and LensCrafters are part of the EssilorLuxottica family.
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