By Scott Kanowsky
Investing.com -- HSBC has initiated its coverage of Porsche AG (ETR:P911_p) with a "Hold" rating, arguing that that the sports car maker has a "bright future" due to its "enviable" brand name.
Analysts at the bank said that the company, which was listed by majority owner Volkswagen (ETR:VOWG_p) at a $72 billion valuation in September in Germany's second-largest market debut ever, has set out achievable targets and appears to be well-positioned to bring in "robust" future cash flows.
Porsche AG's plans to expand into manufacturing electric vehicles also look "promising," the analysts said.
They added that the market is still trying to find the "right" valuation level for the automaker, claiming that the value is closer to rival Ferrari NV (BIT:RACE) than they initially predicted. HSBC set its price target for Porsche AG at €104 (€1=$1.0542) a share, below its Friday close of €107.
In a separate note, analysts at JPMorgan predicted that 2023 will mark a strong earnings year for the automotive industry thanks in part to lower raw material cost volatility and increased supply chain stabilization. Their overweight stocks included Renault (EPA:RENA), Mercedes Benz Group AG (ETR:MBGn), and Stellantis NV (BIT:STLA), but they liked Porsche AG as a choice within the luxury car segment as well.
Shares in Porsche AG were slightly lower on Monday. The stock is trading close to 30% higher than its IPO price of €82.5 a share.