Luxfer Holdings (LXFR) Net Profit Margin More Than Doubles, Challenging Bearish Sentiment
Luxfer Holdings (LXFR) posted a net profit margin of 4.1%, up from last year’s 2.2%, and delivered an impressive 95.3% EPS growth over the past year. This overturns a five-year stretch of average annual earnings declines at 16.2%. The company’s outlook calls for earnings to grow 26.7% per year ahead, outstripping the US market, even as revenue growth is forecast at a slower 2.8% per year. With high-quality earnings and a share price of $12.90 trading just above its fair value estimate, investors will be weighing whether recent margin gains and profit growth can be sustained.
See our full analysis for Luxfer Holdings.The next step is matching up these latest results with the prevailing narratives about the business. This helps identify whose story stands up and where the old assumptions might need revisiting.
See what the community is saying about Luxfer Holdings
Margin Expansion Forecast to 7.1% Spurs Optimism
- Analysts expect net profit margins to increase from 6.5% today to 7.1% within three years, even as revenue growth lags the industry average (2.8% per year compared to the market's 10.2%).
- According to the analysts’ consensus view, margin expansion is seen as durable because of:
- Ongoing efficiency initiatives, such as consolidation at the Riverside facility, which are forecast to drive significant cost savings.
- Management's strategic shift toward higher-margin, mission-critical sectors such as defense and space, which is expected to reduce revenue volatility and improve long-term earnings power.
Consensus narrative highlights Luxfer’s operational changes and sector shift as keys to sustaining above-market margin gains and strengthening its premium pricing power, even if sluggish revenue limits total growth potential.
📊 Read the full Luxfer Holdings Consensus Narrative.
Peer Comparison: Trading at 21.1x PE
- Luxfer’s price-to-earnings ratio of 21.1x is notably higher than its direct peer group average of 12.9x, but remains below the US Machinery industry median of 24.5x.
- From the analysts’ consensus view, this valuation premium is partially justified because:
- The company is forecast to grow earnings at 26.7% annually, surpassing the US market’s 15.6% pace, which supports a higher multiple than more sluggish peers.
- The sector’s focus on innovation and higher-value product mixes suggests that sustained growth justifies some premium, though slower revenue expansion remains a constraint on further re-rating.
Analyst Price Target 22% Above Market Price
- With shares at $12.90, the consensus analyst price target is $17.00, representing a 22.1% potential upside versus current trading levels, based strictly on future earnings forecasts and a targeted 19.2x PE ratio for 2028.
- The analysts’ consensus narrative ties this upside to:
- Expectations for earnings per share to reach $1.05 by late 2028, as operational efficiencies and a tighter sector focus show up in net profits.
- Assumptions that market adoption of higher-performance materials will continue, especially in defense and hydrogen segments, delivering both revenue durability and margin gains over time.
Next Steps
To see how these results tie into long-term growth, risks, and valuation, check out the full range of community narratives for Luxfer Holdings on Simply Wall St. Add the company to your watchlist or portfolio so you'll be alerted when the story evolves.
Have a unique take on the figures? Shape your perspective and add to the discussion. Creating your own narrative takes just a few minutes. Do it your way
A good starting point is our analysis highlighting 3 key rewards investors are optimistic about regarding Luxfer Holdings.
See What Else Is Out There
Despite robust profit margins and EPS growth, Luxfer’s revenue is projected to lag behind industry averages, which may limit its overall growth trajectory in the coming years.
If you want exposure to businesses that consistently grow both sales and profits, check out stable growth stocks screener (2122 results) and target companies delivering steadier long-term expansion with fewer slowdowns.
This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Valuation is complex, but we're here to simplify it.
Discover if Luxfer Holdings might be undervalued or overvalued with our detailed analysis, featuring fair value estimates, potential risks, dividends, insider trades, and its financial condition.
Access Free AnalysisHave feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com