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Applied Nutrition PLC (GB:APN)
LSE:APN
UK Market

Applied Nutrition PLC (APN) AI Stock Analysis

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GB:APN

Applied Nutrition PLC

(LSE:APN)

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Outperform 80 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:80Outperform
Price Target:
292.00p
▲(13.62% Upside)
The score is driven primarily by very strong financial performance (rapid growth, solid profitability, low leverage, and strong free cash flow). Technicals support the uptrend, but overbought indicators raise near-term risk. Valuation is a meaningful headwind given the ~30 P/E and no dividend yield data.
Positive Factors
Revenue Growth and Scale
Sustained multi-year revenue expansion from £35m to £107.1m indicates durable demand and successful scaling of the business model. This revenue base supports operating leverage, better supplier terms and reinvestment capacity, underpinning long-term competitive positioning and growth optionality.
Profitability and Margin Levels
Consistently strong gross margins (mid‑40s) and rising net income demonstrate structural profitability, suggesting pricing power or differentiated products. Persistent margin levels support internal funding for R&D, marketing and capacity, strengthening resilience versus peers over multiple economic cycles.
Conservative Balance Sheet
Very low leverage and meaningful equity growth provide financial flexibility for M&A, capex or downturns. A strong equity base reduces refinancing risk and supports strategic investments, making the company better positioned to capitalize on structural market opportunities without jeopardizing solvency.
Negative Factors
Modest Margin Compression
Slight margin erosion as the company scales can signal rising input costs, mix shifts or increased SG&A leverage. If persistent, this reduces free cash generation and competitive advantage. Monitoring cost control and pricing power is critical to ensure long-term margin sustainability.
Operating Cash-Flow Volatility
Material swings in operating cash flow imply working-capital sensitivity or timing effects. Such variability can constrain predictable free cash flow, complicate capital allocation and increase reliance on external financing during growth, thereby weakening resilience to cyclical shocks.
Rising Absolute Debt Level
An uptick in debt, even from a low base, is a structural change to capital mix as the company expands. If growth requires continued incremental leverage, interest and covenant exposure rise, potentially limiting strategic flexibility and increasing refinancing risk in adverse conditions.

Applied Nutrition PLC (APN) vs. iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWC)

Applied Nutrition PLC Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionApplied Nutrition Plc engages in the manufacture, wholesale, and retail of sports nutritional products in the United Kingdom and internationally. It offers whey protein, whey protein isolate, casein protein powder, clear protein, vegan protein, protein bars and oats, protein shakes and cans, and beef protein; BCAA powders and tablets, BCAA cans, creatine, aminos, and energy gels and drinks; pre-workout drinks, powders, and gels; and hydration and vitamin water, hydration tablets, hydration electrolyte and vitamin powder, and energy shots, as well as caffeine capsules and mass gainers. The company also provides products for liver support, health and vitality, vitality range, collagen, vitamins, and cooking; and gym clothing and bags, bottles and shakers, and funnels and scoops, as well as digital watches. It provides its products under the Applied Nutrition, ABE All Black Everything, BodyFuel, and Endurance brands. Applied Nutrition Plc was incorporated in 2014 and is based in Liverpool, United Kingdom.
How the Company Makes Money

Applied Nutrition PLC Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Strong multi-year revenue and earnings growth with healthy margins, low leverage, and robust free cash flow. Key watch items are modest recent margin compression and some operating cash-flow variability.
Income Statement
92
Very Positive
Revenue has grown rapidly over the last four annual periods (£35.0m to £107.1m), showing strong demand and scaling. Profitability is also very strong and consistent: gross margin stayed around the mid‑40% range, while operating profit and net income rose alongside revenue (net income £8.2m to £21.1m). A watch item is that margins appear to have softened slightly versus the prior year (net margin down modestly), suggesting some cost pressure as the company scales.
Balance Sheet
88
Very Positive
The balance sheet looks conservatively financed. Debt is very low versus equity (2025: ~£3.0m debt vs ~£54.3m equity), and assets have expanded meaningfully (from ~£22.1m to ~£75.0m) alongside business growth. Equity has grown strongly year over year, supporting resilience. The main weakness is that debt has stepped up in the latest year (though still small), so monitoring leverage as the company grows remains prudent.
Cash Flow
86
Very Positive
Cash generation is strong and improving: operating cash flow increased materially in the latest year (to ~£16.2m), and free cash flow is consistently high and close to operating cash flow (2025: ~£15.2m), indicating limited drag from capital spending. Over time, free cash flow has trended upward, supporting reinvestment capacity. The key risk is volatility—operating cash flow was notably lower in 2024 versus 2023 before rebounding, implying working-capital swings or timing effects.
BreakdownTTMDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022
Income Statement
Total Revenue107.10M107.10M86.15M60.78M35.03M
Gross Profit48.20M48.20M40.38M26.51M13.61M
EBITDA29.70M29.70M25.38M18.61M10.42M
Net Income21.10M21.10M18.65M13.82M8.21M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets75.00M75.00M59.65M40.62M22.11M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments18.50M18.50M18.72M12.73M5.40M
Total Debt3.00M3.00M1.80M2.06M1.13M
Total Liabilities20.70M20.70M11.63M11.87M7.24M
Stockholders Equity54.30M54.30M48.02M28.75M14.87M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow15.20M15.20M6.28M7.62M6.20M
Operating Cash Flow16.20M16.20M7.32M8.59M6.49M
Investing Cash Flow-1.00M-1.00M-407.00K-989.00K-267.00K
Financing Cash Flow-15.10M-15.10M-339.00K-217.00K-8.98M

Applied Nutrition PLC Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (62)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
80
Outperform
£600.00M27.61
62
Neutral
$20.33B14.63-3.31%3.23%1.93%-12.26%
* Consumer Defensive Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
GB:APN
Applied Nutrition PLC
233.00
89.20
62.03%
VCIC
Vine Hill Capital Investment Corp. Class A
10.74
0.67
6.65%
POLE
Andretti Acquisition Corp. II Class A
10.58
0.53
5.32%
GELS
Gelteq Limited
1.04
-1.06
-50.48%

Applied Nutrition PLC Corporate Events

Business Operations and Strategy
Applied Nutrition Strengthens City Support With Appointment of Joint Broker
Positive
Jan 12, 2026

Applied Nutrition plc has appointed Panmure Liberum Limited as a joint corporate broker, working alongside existing brokers Deutsche Numis and Goodbody, in a move that enhances its capital markets advisory and brokerage support. The expanded broker line-up is likely to strengthen the company’s access to investors and equity markets as it continues to scale its fast-growing, highly profitable global sports nutrition and wellness business.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:APN) stock is a Buy with a £280.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Applied Nutrition PLC stock, see the GB:APN Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyStock BuybackShareholder Meetings
Applied Nutrition Wins Strong Shareholder Backing for All AGM Resolutions
Positive
Jan 8, 2026

Applied Nutrition plc confirmed that all 18 resolutions at its 8 January 2026 Annual General Meeting were approved by shareholders via poll, including the receipt of the 2025 annual report, approval of the directors’ remuneration report and policy, and the reappointment of BDO LLP as auditor. Shareholders also backed the election or re-election of the full board, including independent non-executive directors, with their appointments separately endorsed by independent shareholders in line with UK Listing Rules, and passed special resolutions authorising the board to allot equity securities, disapply pre-emption rights, conduct share buybacks and call general meetings on shortened notice. The strong level of support, despite some dissent on capital-allotment authorities, consolidates the control of founders Thomas Ryder and Steven Granite – who together hold 40% of voting rights – and provides the company with flexibility over future financing, capital returns and corporate actions as it pursues further growth in the sports nutrition and wellness market.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:APN) stock is a Buy with a £250.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Applied Nutrition PLC stock, see the GB:APN Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyProduct-Related Announcements
Applied Nutrition strikes exclusive Morrisons licensing deal for high-protein food range
Positive
Dec 19, 2025

Applied Nutrition has signed its first out-licensing agreement, granting UK supermarket chain Morrisons exclusive rights for three years to formulate, produce and sell a new range of Applied Nutrition-branded high-protein meals and food products. The partnership will see an initial 53 products rolled out across around 400 Morrisons stores from early January 2026, including ready meals, sandwiches, salads, breads and cheeses, and featuring what is billed as the UK’s first supermarket-exclusive range of GLP-1 friendly ready meals. The capital-light deal expands Applied Nutrition’s presence from supplements into everyday food, widening its distribution and brand exposure in the fast-growing functional and high-protein food segment, while giving Morrisons a differentiated, health-focused private-label-style offer aimed at customers seeking convenient, protein-rich and wellness-oriented products.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:APN) stock is a Buy with a £250.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Applied Nutrition PLC stock, see the GB:APN Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Applied Nutrition PLC Expects to Surpass Market Expectations for FY26
Positive
Dec 9, 2025

Applied Nutrition PLC has announced a positive trading update for the financial year ending July 2026, expecting results to exceed market consensus estimates by approximately 10%. This strong performance is attributed to the continued momentum in trading and an anticipated strong first half due to the peak trading period for health, fitness, and wellbeing. The company’s strategic positioning and innovative product offerings are likely to enhance its market presence and profitability, benefiting stakeholders and reinforcing its status as a key player in the sports nutrition industry.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:APN) stock is a Buy with a £215.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Applied Nutrition PLC stock, see the GB:APN Stock Forecast page.

Financial DisclosuresRegulatory Filings and ComplianceShareholder Meetings
Applied Nutrition PLC Releases 2025 Annual Report and AGM Notice
Neutral
Nov 27, 2025

Applied Nutrition PLC has published its Annual Report and Accounts for the year ending 31 July 2025, along with the Notice of its Annual General Meeting (AGM), which will be held on 8 January 2026. The release of these documents is part of the company’s compliance with UK Listing Rules, and they are accessible to shareholders and the public. This announcement underscores the company’s commitment to transparency and its strategic focus on maintaining its position as a rapidly growing and highly profitable entity in the sports nutrition, health, and wellness industry.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:APN) stock is a Buy with a £215.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Applied Nutrition PLC stock, see the GB:APN Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Applied Nutrition PLC Surpasses Revenue Expectations and Expands Global Reach
Positive
Nov 10, 2025

Applied Nutrition PLC has announced its final results for the fiscal year ending July 31, 2025, reporting a 24.2% increase in revenue to £107.1 million, surpassing IPO guidance and aligning with market expectations. The company has expanded its global footprint, launched new products, and completed a factory extension, increasing its revenue capacity to approximately £200 million. With strong sales growth continuing into FY26, the company is poised to capture further market share both in the UK and internationally, supported by ongoing capital investments to boost capacity and capabilities.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:APN) stock is a Buy with a £215.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Applied Nutrition PLC stock, see the GB:APN 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: Jan 06, 2026