RBC Capital downgrades Frasers, says risk/reward less favourable.


RBC Capital Markets downgraded Frasers Group on Tuesday to ‘underperform’ from ‘sector perform’ as it said the risk/reward was less favourable.

  • Frasers Group
  • 16 June 2026 09:28:28
House of Fraser

Source: Sharecast

The bank noted that the share price has risen 12% year to date, likely due to improved sentiment on the sector and as the company has taken the opportunity to buy back its shares at depressed levels.

"The shares have now run slightly ahead of our fair value and we see more upside in several other stocks, hence we have moved our rating to underperform," said RBC, which lifted the price target to 750p from 720p.

RBC said the potential acquisition of Hugo Boss is slightly accretive, but turnaround visibility is low. It estimates that an acquisition at €38 would be accretive, with return on capital employed just above Frasers’ cost of capital.

"But the offer price is only a 4% premium so there is a risk Frasers may have to raise its bid as Boss is yet to recommend any offer," the bank said. "FRAS would be more exposed to premium apparel and we estimate financial leverage will increase from 1.3x to approaching 2.0x net debt to EBITDA."

RBC noted that Frasers has followed up with a nil-premium takeover offer for Australia’s Accent Group, which its team expects to be rejected.

"In Premium Lifestyle Flannels has provided Frasers with an attractive store rollout story, although this is nearing the end of its expansion phase with over 80 locations across the country," it said.

RBC also pointed out that international sales represent around 30% of group sales for Frasers and said this provides the company with a longer term growth opportunity, for example by returning XXL in the Nordics to profitability and scaling up Holdsport in southern Africa.

"We think this expansion provides an attractive longer term opportunity for growth, albeit we point out Frasers' mixed track record internationally, given the challenges of localisation, and having the right infrastructure to support the business," it said.

At 0925 BST, the shares were down 5% at 715.50p.


Exchange: London Stock Exchange
Sell:
0.00
Buy:
0.00
Change: 38.15 ( 0.16 %)
Date:
Prices delayed by at least 15 minutes

Compare our accounts

If you're looking to grow your money over the longer term (5+ years), we have a range of investment choices to help.

Halifax is not responsible for the content and accuracy of the Markets News articles. We may not share the views of the author. Understand the risks, please remember the value of your investment can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invest. We don't provide advice so if you are in any doubt about buying and selling shares or making your own investment decisions we recommend you seek advice from a suitably qualified Financial Advisor. Past performance is not a guide to future performance.