Hochtief AG: An investment with potential - Jefferies bets on rising prices

Investing.com - The stock of Hochtief AG is soaring today. Investment bank Jefferies has upgraded its rating of Hochtief stock to "Buy" and raised the price target to EUR 124. This assessment is based on the company's strong market position in the globally growing data center sector and the promising prospects for accelerated profit growth.

Jefferies analysts see a return potential of about 16% compared to the current price of EUR 107.60. In the most optimistic scenario, the so-called Bull Case, the stock price could even rise to EUR 162.

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Growth Through Increased Demand for Data Center Capacities

The Jefferies report highlights Hochtief's position as a key player in the data center market, where they are the global number one. These centers, which form the backbone of modern data infrastructure, are increasingly driven by the use of GPU servers (Graphics Processing Unit). Unlike traditional CPUs (Central Processing Unit), these high-performance servers consume significantly more power, creating a higher demand for data center infrastructure. This demand is further intensified by the rapid spread of AI (Artificial Intelligence) technologies.

Jefferies forecasts an annual demand growth for data centers of 30-40% in key regions. This presents an enormous opportunity for Hochtief, which is already involved in numerous high-tech infrastructure projects.

Accelerated Profit Growth and Attractive Margins

A key factor in Jefferies' positive assessment is the expected accelerated profit growth at Hochtief. The company is increasingly focusing on projects with higher margins and lower risks. Particularly, Turner Construction, a subsidiary of Hochtief in the US, is highlighted as a growth driver. Margins of 3% are forecasted for 2024, and even 3.5% for 2026, with further growth in the following years.

This positive development has prompted Jefferies to raise profit estimates for Hochtief by 3 to 11%. Compared to European competitors, Hochtief has been given a premium valuation.

Attractive Dividend Yield and Investment Security

In addition to positive price development, Jefferies analysts also point to an attractive dividend yield of 5.4% for 2025. The combination of dividend yield and double-digit profit growth, driven by increasing demand for advanced technology infrastructure, makes the stock an attractive investment, according to the report.

Jefferies also addressed concerns about reinvestment risks associated with ACS/Hochtief. While these risks are higher at ACS due to its holdings in Abertis and Iridium, Hochtief offers a focused and cleaner investment opportunity, according to Jefferies.

Another supportive factor for Hochtief stock is the increasing stake of ACS. The Spanish construction company has continuously increased its stake in Hochtief from about 55% to 76% since 2022. Jefferies states: "We expect ACS to push for the squeeze-out of Hochtief's minority shareholders, similar to CIMIC in Australia, which is now 100% owned by ACS. This provides support for the valuation in the event of a sharp decline, which ACS would likely see as a buying opportunity."

Hochtief AG thus appears to be a promising investment, supported by strong market positions, growth segments, and strategic investments. For investors, this could be the right time to jump on board.

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This article first appeared in Investing.com