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Coles Group Ltd. (AU:COL)
ASX:COL

Coles Group (COL) AI Stock Analysis

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AU:COL

Coles Group

(Sydney:COL)

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Neutral 62 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:62Neutral
Price Target:
AU$23.50
â–˛(11.75% Upside)
Coles Group's overall stock score is driven by strong earnings call performance and stable financial health, despite technical indicators showing bearish momentum and valuation concerns. The company's operational efficiency and cost-saving achievements are significant strengths, while high leverage and market challenges pose risks.

Coles Group (COL) vs. iShares MSCI Australia ETF (EWA)

Coles Group Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionColes Group Limited operates as a retailer in Australia. It operates through Supermarkets, Liquor, and Express segments. The company operates 835 supermarkets; and coles.com.au, which offers a choice of home delivery, including same-day, overnight drop and go services, and pick up from click and collect locations. Its Coles Financial Services provides insurance, credit cards, and personal loans to Australian families. The company is also involved in the retailing of liquor through its 933 stores under the Liquorland, First Choice, First Choice Liquor, and Vintage Cellars brand names. In addition, it operates 711 fuel and convenience stores; and operates as flybuys loyalty program. The company was formerly known as Coles Myer Ltd. and changed its name to Coles Group Limited. Coles Group Limited was founded in 1914 and is based in Hawthorn East, Australia.
How the Company Makes MoneyColes Group generates revenue primarily through the sale of groceries and everyday products at its supermarkets. The company's revenue model is built on high-volume sales, driven by its large customer base and extensive distribution network. Key revenue streams include in-store sales, online grocery purchases, and fuel sales from its Coles Express convenience stores. Additionally, Coles benefits from private label products, which typically yield higher margins compared to branded goods. Partnerships with suppliers and manufacturers also play a crucial role in optimizing procurement and pricing strategies, further enhancing profitability. Seasonal promotions, loyalty programs, and a focus on customer experience contribute to retaining and expanding their customer base, driving consistent revenue growth.

Coles Group Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Aug 25, 2025
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Feb 27, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call reflected a strong performance by Coles Group with significant achievements in cost savings, team engagement, and e-commerce growth, but faced challenges in tobacco sales and the subdued liquor market.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record Cost Savings
Coles Group delivered record cost savings of $327 million through the Simplify and Save to Invest program, offsetting inflation and allowing reinvestment in the business.
Strong E-commerce Growth
E-commerce business reported a strong year of growth with 24.4% revenue growth in Supermarkets and 7.2% growth in Liquor.
High Team Member Engagement
Achieved the highest-ever team member engagement score, placing in the top quartile of Australian companies.
Sustainability Achievements
Reduced combined Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 71.4% from FY '24 and sourced 100% renewable energy.
Supermarkets Sales Growth
Supermarket sales revenue increased by 4.3%, supported by solid volume growth and value-focused campaigns.
Negative Updates
Tobacco Sales Decline
New packaging laws and the growth of the illicit market led to a decline in tobacco sales.
Liquor Market Challenges
The liquor market remains subdued, with sales revenue growth in Liquor being only 1.1%.
Higher Energy and Wage Costs
Faced pressure on costs due to higher energy costs and significant wage increases.
Company Guidance
During the Coles Group FY '25 results briefing, CEO Leah Weckert highlighted several key metrics reflecting the company's progress and financial outcomes. The group reported a normalized EBITDA and EBIT growth of 11% and 7.5%, respectively, with underlying EBITDA and EBIT increasing by 10.7% and 6.8%. Underlying NPAT from continuing operations rose by 3.1% to $1.2 billion, while reported NPAT, inclusive of significant items, increased by 2.4%. The company achieved record cost savings of $327 million through its Simplify and Save to Invest program. The Supermarkets segment saw a 4.3% increase in sales revenue, while Liquor experienced a 1.1% rise. The group's e-commerce business exhibited strong performance, with a 24.4% revenue growth in Supermarkets and 7.2% in Liquor. Additionally, customer satisfaction scores improved, and the company reported its highest-ever team member engagement score, placing it in the top quartile of Australian companies.

Coles Group Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Coles Group demonstrates operational efficiency with stable margins but faces challenges in revenue growth and high leverage. The company's strong return on equity and improved cash flow management are positive indicators, though the high debt levels warrant caution. Overall, the financial health is stable but requires careful management of leverage and growth strategies.
Income Statement
Coles Group's income statement shows a stable gross profit margin and a slight decline in net profit margin over the years. The revenue growth rate has been inconsistent, with a recent decline, indicating potential challenges in maintaining sales momentum. However, the EBIT and EBITDA margins remain relatively stable, suggesting operational efficiency.
Balance Sheet
The balance sheet reveals a high debt-to-equity ratio, indicating significant leverage, which could pose risks in a volatile market. However, the return on equity remains strong, reflecting effective use of equity to generate profits. The equity ratio is moderate, suggesting a balanced asset structure.
Cash Flow
The cash flow statement highlights a significant improvement in free cash flow growth, indicating better cash management. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is healthy, suggesting good cash generation relative to net income. However, the free cash flow to net income ratio has fluctuated, indicating variability in cash flow relative to earnings.
BreakdownTTMDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue44.49B44.35B43.68B40.59B38.34B38.95B
Gross Profit11.84B11.70B11.38B9.10B8.56B8.67B
EBITDA3.84B3.22B3.21B3.40B3.27B3.44B
Net Income1.08B1.08B1.12B1.10B1.05B1.00B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets20.29B20.29B19.87B20.49B21.17B20.48B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments705.00M705.00M675.00M597.00M589.00M787.00M
Total Debt10.33B10.33B10.07B8.97B9.78B9.90B
Total Liabilities16.49B16.49B16.25B17.13B18.05B17.67B
Stockholders Equity3.81B3.81B3.62B3.36B3.12B2.81B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow1.45B1.45B1.12B1.29B1.42B1.56B
Operating Cash Flow2.94B2.94B2.79B2.81B2.69B2.84B
Investing Cash Flow-1.36B-1.36B-1.51B-1.00B-1.14B-1.11B
Financing Cash Flow-1.54B-1.54B-1.20B-1.80B-1.75B-1.94B

Coles Group Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price21.03
Price Trends
50DMA
21.92
Negative
100DMA
22.53
Negative
200DMA
21.68
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.32
Positive
RSI
38.25
Neutral
STOCH
32.06
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For AU:COL, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 21.03 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 21.43, below the 50-day MA of 21.92, and below the 200-day MA of 21.68, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.32 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 38.25 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 32.06 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for AU:COL.

Coles Group Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (62)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
70
Outperform
AU$4.17B9.609.13%7.42%6.47%281.30%
65
Neutral
AU$3.64B12.8117.17%5.47%4.74%6.60%
62
Neutral
$20.33B14.63-3.31%3.23%1.93%-12.26%
62
Neutral
$28.23B26.0428.51%3.24%1.84%-3.62%
60
Neutral
AU$968.77M10.8036.84%7.63%-3.36%-11.53%
56
Neutral
$36.59B38.1318.56%2.86%1.70%796.48%
51
Neutral
AU$1.83B-214.34-0.68%1.95%0.49%-127.84%
* Consumer Defensive Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
AU:COL
Coles Group
21.03
2.82
15.47%
AU:WOW
Woolworths Group Ltd
30.08
0.84
2.87%
AU:MTS
Metcash Limited
3.31
0.38
12.93%
AU:TWE
Treasury Wine Estates Limited
5.17
-4.91
-48.70%
AU:ING
Inghams Group Ltd.
2.61
-0.32
-11.04%
AU:BGA
Bega Cheese Limited
5.98
0.52
9.52%

Coles Group Corporate Events

Coles Group Issues New Performance Rights Under Employee Incentive Scheme
Dec 9, 2025

Coles Group Limited announced the issuance of 680,774 performance rights as part of an employee incentive scheme. These securities are not intended to be quoted on the ASX, reflecting the company’s ongoing efforts to incentivize and retain its workforce, which could impact its operational efficiency and market positioning.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:COL) stock is a Hold with a A$23.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Coles Group stock, see the AU:COL Stock Forecast page.

Coles Group Announces Director’s Interest Change
Dec 9, 2025

Coles Group Limited announced a change in the director’s interest in securities, specifically involving Leah Weckert. The change was related to direct and indirect interests, with Citicorp Nominees Pty Ltd acting as custodian for CPU Share Plans Pty Ltd under the company’s Equity Incentive Plan. This update is part of the company’s compliance with ASX listing rules, reflecting transparency in its governance and operations.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:COL) stock is a Hold with a A$23.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Coles Group stock, see the AU:COL Stock Forecast page.

Coles Group 2025 AGM Results: Key Resolutions Passed
Nov 11, 2025

Coles Group Limited announced the results of its 2025 Annual General Meeting, where all resolutions were decided by a poll. Key outcomes included the approval of the re-election of directors and the adoption of the remuneration report, while an amendment to the constitution was not carried. The meeting’s results reflect the company’s governance and strategic decisions, impacting its operational and leadership structure.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:COL) stock is a Buy with a A$26.60 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Coles Group stock, see the AU:COL Stock Forecast page.

Coles Group Highlights Strategic Achievements and Growth at 2025 AGM
Nov 10, 2025

At the 2025 Annual General Meeting, Coles Group Limited’s CEO Leah Weckert highlighted the company’s achievements in enhancing customer experience and expanding its product range. The company reported significant growth in its Exclusive to Coles range and Flybuys loyalty program, while also seeing a rise in eCommerce sales and the successful rollout of the ‘Simply Liquorland’ brand. These efforts underscore Coles’ commitment to value and innovation, positioning it strongly in the competitive retail market.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:COL) stock is a Buy with a A$26.60 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Coles Group stock, see the AU:COL Stock Forecast page.

Coles Group’s Strategic Advancements and Financial Growth in 2025
Nov 10, 2025

At the 2025 Annual General Meeting, Coles Group’s new Chairman, Peter Allen, highlighted the company’s achievements and future direction. The company reported a net profit after tax of $1.07 billion for the 2025 financial year, marking a 2.4% increase from the previous year. Coles has made significant advancements in automation with the operation of Customer Fulfilment Centres and Automated Distribution Centres, enhancing their online offerings and supply chain resilience. These developments are expected to improve product availability and operational efficiency, reinforcing Coles’ commitment to delivering quality and value to its customers.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:COL) stock is a Buy with a A$26.60 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Coles Group stock, see the AU:COL Stock Forecast page.

Coles Group Reports Strong First Quarter Sales Growth
Oct 29, 2025

Coles Group reported a 3.9% increase in total group sales revenue for the first quarter of 2026, driven by a 4.8% growth in supermarket sales. The company attributes this success to its focus on value, quality, and customer experience, as well as its major transformation projects. Despite a slight decline in liquor sales, the simplification of the ‘Simply Liquorland’ banner has positively impacted sales. The company’s efforts in eCommerce have also been fruitful, with penetration reaching 13.3%.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:COL) stock is a Buy with a A$25.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Coles Group stock, see the AU:COL Stock Forecast page.

Coles Group Withdraws Requisitioned Resolution Ahead of AGM
Oct 2, 2025

Coles Group Limited announced the withdrawal of one of the three requisitioned resolutions initially set for consideration at its 2025 Annual General Meeting. This development does not impact the validity of the voting form previously issued, and any votes on the withdrawn resolution will be disregarded, ensuring a streamlined process for stakeholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:COL) stock is a Buy with a A$25.40 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Coles Group stock, see the AU:COL Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Oct 31, 2025