ASOS PLC (LON:ASC) was upgraded to ‘buy’ from ‘hold’ by Berenberg as analysts see upside following the online retailer’s annus horribilis.
The price target was upped to 4,200p from 3,000p as sales performance over peak trading demonstrated the resilience of the new logistics infrastructure.
READ: ASOS posts “better than expected” sales driven by Black Friday
In October, the AIM-listed firm posted a 68% plunge in profit before tax to £33mln after severe disruption at its new US and European warehouses.
But the fashion retailer learnt from its mistakes and increased investment to improve its infrastructure.
As a result, the current financial year started with better than expected sales, driven mostly by Black Friday.
The analysts remain optimistic that the problems were due to capacity constraints, rather than weak consumer sentiment or stronger competition.
“With the new infrastructure holding up well over peak trading and brand positioning back on track, together with a ramp-up in US marketing and a strengthening of the management team, we believe the recent reacceleration in revenue growth is sustainable,” analysts said in a note.
There is “significant” overseas growth opportunity driven by international warehouses, while Berenberg's forecasts point to ASOS returning to profit margin growth of 4% from the current 1.3% as it boosts efficiency.
Shares rose 3% to 3,425.97p on Monday at noon.