Puma delivered a good top-line comeback in Q4 2024, with sales reaching EUR 2.29bn (+15.5% reported, +9.8% ca), supported by robust growth in Asia/Pacific (+19.0% ca) and Accessories (+14.5% ca). Full-year sales of EUR 8.82bn met consensus, growing 2.5% yoy reported and 4.4% ca. However, profitability fell short, with FY EBIT flat at EUR 622m, but below consensus, and net income declining by 7.5% to EUR 282m. Compared to Adidas’ recent performance, Puma’s underwhelming bottom line highlights pressing cost issues, prompting intensified measures under its "nextlevel" program. mwb research’s analysts adjusted their estimates to reflect a less pronounced recovery, leading to a reduced PT of EUR 50.00 (old: EUR 55.00). The rating remains BUY. The full update can be downloaded www.research-hub.de/companies/research/Puma%20SE

Knorr-Bremse continues to optimize its portfolio as part of the BOOST 2026 program, making significant progress with divestments and strategic acquisitions. The company sold GT Emissions Systems in line with its focus on streamlining operations and reducing exposure to the weaker Commercial Vehicle Systems (CVS) segment. In 2024, the divestiture of R.H. Sheppard and a write-off of receivables from Kiepe Electric impacted short-term earnings but are in line with Knorr-Bremse's long-term strategy. The acquisition of Alstom Signaling North America strengthens the company's position in the rail market, specifically in the growing control, command, and signaling (CCS) sector. While the BOOST 2026 strategy is progressing well, potential market volatility, especially in the CVS segment, leads mwb research’s analysts to reiterate their HOLD rating with an unchanged PT of EUR 76.00. The full update can be downloaded under https://www.research-hub.de/companies/Knorr%20-%20Bremse%20AG

LM Pay S.A. presented at a well-attended roundtable with international investors yesterday, providing valuable insights into its operations and strategic positioning. CEO Jakub Czarzasty provided in-depth insights and clarity on critical differentiators in the market. A recording is available here: https://research-hub.de/events. In the view of mwb research’s analysts, LM Pay remains an attractive investment with its scalable business model and consistent expansion into high-margin services. This view is supported by LM Pay's innovative approach and the growing demand for consumer healthcare financing in Poland. With its focused strategy, LM Pay secures its leading position. mwb research’s analysts reiterate their BUY rating and confirm their price target of EUR 63.00, which represents an upside of around 67%. The full update can be downloaded under https://www.research-hub.de/companies/LM%20Pay%20S.A.

Aixtron will report its Q4 results on 27 February. The recently reaffirmed FY24 guidance implies a strong Q4 performance in terms of gross and EBIT margins. However, the order intake is likely to reflect the continued weak momentum in Power Electronics (SiC and GaN), which contributed 66% of orders in H1 but only 45% in Q3. For FY25, Aixtron expects revenues to be flat or slightly down. mwb research’s analysts now expect a 10% decline as the SiC investment cycle slows. Despite these challenges, the current valuation looks reasonable even based on FY25 estimates, which could mark the bottom of the cycle. Based on mwb research’s revised estimates, the analysts arrive at a new price target of EUR 20.50 (old: EUR 21.40) and reiterate their BUY recommendation. The full update can be downloaded under https://www.research-hub.de/companies/AIXTRON%20SE

Vossloh strengthened its position in the UK market by winning a EUR 30m order from PORR for the HS2 high-speed rail project. This order is in line with the growing demand for sustainable transport infrastructure and secures stable sales until 2027. The order follows Vossloh's record order intake of EUR 1.03bn in the first 9M 2024, up 8.5% yoy. The Customized Modules segment posted strong growth, driving the overall performance. The new order is particularly important as it comes from the Core Components segment, which has a high EBIT margin, supporting the overall margin development of the company. The HS2 project is a major milestone in the modernization of the UK's transport system, with the potential for further UK projects for Vossloh. mwb research’s analysts reiterate their BUY rating, raise their EBIT estimates and their PT to EUR 60.00 (from EUR 57.00). The full update can be downloaded under https://www.research-hub.de/companies/research/Vossloh%20AG

Cicor Technologies has confirmed discussions about a potential acquisition of certain Éolane France businesses, though no agreement has been reached. Éolane, a leading French manufacturer of electronic boards and subassemblies, serves critical sectors such as defense and aerospace but faces market challenges. A deal could align with Cicor’s strategy to become a leading pan-European EMS provider, expanding its footprint in high-reliability industries. However, uncertainty remains high due to Éolane’s ties to national security and unclear divestiture plans. mwb research’s analysts reiterate their PT of CHF 83.00 and confirm their BUY rating. The full update can be downloaded under https://www.research-hub.de/companies/Cicor%20Technologies%20Ltd

Company Name: Lisata Therapeutics Inc ISIN: US1280583022   Reason for the research: Initiation of coverage Recommendation: BUY from: 21.01.2025 Target price: USD15.00 Target price on sight of: 12 months Last rating change: - Analyst: Christian Orquera First Berlin Equity Research on 21/01/2025 initiated coverage on Lisata Therap [ … ]

Kontron’s preliminary FY24 results highlight dynamic growth, with revenues exceeding EUR 1.7bn (+40% yoy) and EBITDA surpassing EUR 190m. Q4 showed continued strong momentum, with revenues up 49% and EBITDA growing 71% yoy, driven by organic growth and the successful integration of Katek. With a healthy order backlog providing good visibility, the company’s set FY25 targets of EUR 1.9–2.0bn in revenue and at least EUR 220m in EBITDA, indicating a solid growth trajectory. mwb research’s analysts reiterate their EUR 35.00 price target and maintain their BUY rating. The full update can be downloaded under: https://www.research-hub.de/companies/research/Kontron%20AG

123fahrschule SE (123fs) held a press event and an investor roundtable yesterday. mwb research’s analyst had the opportunity to discuss the latest developments at 123fs with CEO Polenske and he also had the chance to test the 123fs driving school simulators and gained some impressive insights. With the use of e-learning and in-house developed simulators, 123fs is in an excellent position to benefit from the upcoming market changes and the long-term assumptions largely reflect this solid growth potential. After yesterday's meeting, mwb research reiterates the BUY rating with an unchanged price target of EUR 6.20. The full update can be downloaded under https://www.research-hub.de/companies/research/123fahrschule%20SE

Lanxess reported a strong Q4, with pre-exceptionals EBITDA reaching EUR 159m, beating consensus by 22%, and FY24 EBITDA hitting EUR 614m, the upper end of its 10-20% growth guidance, driven by robust U.S. volume growth in Specialty Additives and Consumer Protection. Nevertheless, this performance was bolstered by pull-forward demand, likely triggered by price uncertainty stemming from the new U.S government. This early purchasing may create a demand vacuum in early 2025, potentially depressing short-term performance. Additionally, management has signaled no recovery in key markets heading into 2025. Despite this, Lanxess reduced net financial debt by EUR 100m, reflecting prudent financial management. As a leader in niche specialty chemicals, mwb research’s analysts believe the company is well-positioned to leverage future demand acceleration, particularly with its ongoing transformation to an asset-light, high-margin business model. Against this backdrop, the analysts adjust their estimates slightly and remain conservative for 2025 with no material impact on valuation. mwb research reiterates the BUY rating with an unchanged PT of EUR 30.00, emphasizing its long-term potential despite near-term challenges. The full update can be downloaded under https://www.research-hub.de/companies/Lanxess%20AG