HSBC downgrades Beiersdorf stock rating to hold on Nivea weakness

HSBC has reduced Beiersdorf AG's stock rating to Hold from Buy and lowered its price target to EUR88.00 from EUR90.00. This stock holds a place on InvestingPro's list of undervalued stocks. Beiersdorf's third-quarter organic sales fell by 0.7%, while challenges in Tesa's electronics supply reduced sales by 4.3%. Group organic sales decreased by 1.3%.

Nivea's sales dropped by 4.9%, including a 170 basis point impact from Russia, which accounted for 130 basis points of the consumer division's overall decline. Derma and La Prairie businesses performed well. Beiersdorf maintained its fiscal 2026 guidance. Derma and La Prairie businesses performed well. The company retains robust gross profit margins of 57%, as per InvestingPro data, despite a 2.5% revenue decline over the past year.

InvestingPro provides five additional exclusive tips for BDRFY investors. HSBC cites Nivea's innovation and go-to-market strategy as needing further evolution. Beiersdorf recently reported its third-quarter 2026 earnings, showing a 1.3% decline in organic sales, below market expectations. This decline stemmed mainly from weaker performance in its Tesa division and ongoing issues in its core NIVEA business.

Despite these setbacks, premium skincare brands like Eucerin, Aquaphor, and La Prairie experienced growth, partially offsetting the overall sales decline. The company acknowledged that while improvements were seen compared to the first half of the year, challenges like gross margin pressure and the NIVEA turnaround are expected to continue into 2027.

Berenberg also maintains a Hold rating on Beiersdorf stock, with a price target of EUR72.00, considering the mixed performance across various segments of the firm. Investors remain vigilant about Beiersdorf's ability to handle these challenges and leverage the strength of its premium brands.