Retail

Is Urban Outfitters About to Get Crushed?

Thinkstock

Urban Outfitters Inc. (NASDAQ: URBN) watched its shares pull back on Tuesday after the retailer received a downgrade from Deutsche Bank. Although this stock has made great strides in just the past quarter, up 25%, Deutsche Bank’s Tiffany Kanaga believes that Urban Outfitters will be giving some of it back.

Since Urban Outfitters dipped in mid-August, the stock’s multiple has expanded about 3.5 turns, compared to consensus earnings for fiscal 2018. Deutsche Bank pointed out at this level the multiple sits above the three-year average and sharply defies the multiyear contraction trend.

As a result, Deutsche Bank downgraded Urban Outfitters to a Sell rating from Hold. The main driving force behind this downgrade is that the company has gained about 43% since mid-August, outperforming the S&P 500, which is only up 3%.

Keep in mind that the stock has dropped about 30% in the past 52 weeks. The stock has seen a similar performance looking back over the past five years.

Same-store sales for September are expected soon, and third-quarter financial results are coming next month. These could act as catalysts and push the stock back down. Other similar retailers (L Brands, Zumiez and Buckle) are a reporting their September sales shortly as well, which could give a clearer picture of what to expect from Urban Outfitters.

A few other analysts had this to say about Urban Outfitters:

  • Jefferies has a Buy rating with a $25 price target.
  • RBC has a Hold rating with a $21 price target.
  • BMO Capital Markets has a Hold rating and a $20 target.
  • SunTrust Banks has a Buy rating.
  • Morgan Stanley has an Equal Weight rating with a $19 target.
  • MKM Partners has a Sell rating and a $16 price target.
  • Merrill Lynch has a Buy rating with a $22 price target.
  • KeyCorp has a Buy rating with a $26 price target.

Shares of Urban Outfitters were last seen down about 4% at $22.95, with a consensus analyst price target of $21.11 and a 52-week trading range of $16.19 to $40.80.

Essential Tips for Investing (Sponsored)

A financial advisor can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of investment properties. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.

Investing in real estate can diversify your portfolio. But expanding your horizons may add additional costs. If you’re an investor looking to minimize expenses, consider checking out online brokerages. They often offer low investment fees, helping you maximize your profit.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.