Carrefour SA is a potential bargain, trading at a below-market valuation with meaningful growth opportunities in 2025 and 2026. The company operates over 14,000 retail locations globally, including hypermarkets, grocery, and convenience stores, and is expanding its "cash and carry" segment in Latin America. Carrefour SA has a surprisingly high dividend yield of almost 8% and a recent track record of returning cash to shareholders in a variety of ways.
Carrefour is an attractive investment opportunity, particularly within the French and European markets. My rating is based on Carrefour's strong market position and potential for growth. Despite previous recommendations, Carrefour remains undervalued and overlooked by many investors, and as of the 4Q24/FY results, it remains this way. I believe Carrefour represents one of the most interesting potentials on the market today when it comes to consumer defensive companies, and for that reason, I am at a 'BUY.'
French supermarket group Carrefour announced on Tuesday the acquisition of French convenience retailer Magne, which owns 101 stores in the south-east of France.
Carrefour shares fell sharply on Thursday after the French retailer sounded a note of caution on consumer demand and said it expects only "slight" growth in free cash flow and earnings before interest and tax in 2025.
Carrefour is undervalued with a P/E of 7-8x, offering a conservative upside and a 6% yield, making it a compelling buy. Despite risks like higher costs and a fragmented market, Carrefour's European consolidation and omnichannel efforts are underestimated by the market. Carrefour's 2024 targets and 2026E plan show growth in EBITDA, recurring income, and free cash flow, with significant share buybacks enhancing value.
Carrefour's shares have dropped 17% in the past year, presenting a buying opportunity with a free cash flow yield of 32%. The company has a strong balance sheet, with manageable debt levels and an investment-grade credit rating from S&P and Fitch. Future growth plans include expanding private brands, e-commerce, and cost reductions, though execution remains a key risk.
Europe's largest food retailer Carrefour said on Tuesday it regretted that a pledge to keep South American meat off its shelves in France was perceived as "putting in doubt its partnership with Brazilian agriculture".
French supermarket retailer Carrefour said on Monday it is reviewing how its staff are treated at its Saudi Arabia franchise Majid Al Futtaim, after Amnesty International raised concerns over how staff were treated in the country.
Carrefour's turnaround strategy under CEO Alexandre Bompard shows promise with increased store count, cost savings, and improved free cash flow leading to higher shareholder returns. Despite strong performance in Latin America, European sales and operating income are under pressure, requiring price investments and cost measures to maintain market share. The company offers a high dividend yield of 5.8% and annual buybacks of 7% of market cap, with potential for 14% share price appreciation.
Carrefour (CRRFY) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), reflecting growing optimism about the company's earnings prospects. This might drive the stock higher in the near term.
Investors with an interest in Retail - Supermarkets stocks have likely encountered both Carrefour SA (CRRFY) and Walmart (WMT). But which of these two stocks is more attractive to value investors?
Carrefour (CRRFY) appears to have found support after losing some value lately, as indicated by the formation of a hammer chart. In addition to this technical chart pattern, strong agreement among Wall Street analysts in revising earnings estimates higher enhances the stock's potential for a turnaround in the near term.