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Cohort PLC (GB:CHRT)
LSE:CHRT

Cohort plc (CHRT) AI Stock Analysis

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GB:CHRT

Cohort plc

(LSE:CHRT)

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Outperform 74 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:74Outperform
Price Target:
1,572.00 p
▲(65.65% Upside)
Action:UpgradedDate:03/14/26
The score is driven primarily by strong financial performance (high revenue growth and a solid, conservatively leveraged balance sheet). Technicals are supportive due to trend strength and positive MACD, but overextended RSI/Stoch readings add near-term risk. Valuation is a drag given the higher P/E and modest dividend yield.
Positive Factors
Revenue Growth
Nearly 19.24% top-line growth demonstrates durable demand for Cohort’s defence systems and services. Growth driven by contracted programmes and through-life support improves multi-year revenue visibility, strengthens backlog dynamics, and underpins long-term investment and capacity planning.
Conservative Leverage
A conservative debt-to-equity of 0.50 and a 40% equity ratio combined with a 12.14% ROE indicate a resilient capital structure. This enhances financial flexibility to fund programme bids, absorb contract timing risks, and pursue selective M&A without compromising solvency over business cycles.
Strong Operating Cash Generation
Operating cash flow at 2.66x net income and positive free-cash-flow growth show the business converts contracted work into cash reliably. Sustained OCF supports reinvestment in R&D, funds through-life support obligations, and provides flexibility to manage working capital across multi-year defence programmes.
Negative Factors
Pressure on Operating Margins
Reported weakening of EBIT/EBITDA margins and a modest drop in gross margin point to structural cost pressures or tougher pricing. If persistent, margin erosion can reduce the profitability benefit of revenue growth and require sustained efficiency improvements or a shift to higher-margin contract mix.
Suboptimal FCF Conversion
A FCF-to-net-income ratio of 0.74 shows a significant gap between accounting profit and cash available after investments. Lower FCF conversion limits internal funding for capex, dividends or acquisitions, increasing reliance on external financing when pursuing strategic investments or during project working-capital peaks.
EPS Contraction
A negative EPS growth rate (-14.66%) implies the company has struggled to translate revenue growth into per-share earnings. Structural causes—margin compression, higher costs, or project phasing—could persist and weaken shareholder returns and constrain capital-allocation options until profitability per share stabilises.

Cohort plc (CHRT) vs. iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWC)

Cohort plc Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionCohort plc, through its subsidiaries, provides various products and services in defense and security markets in the United Kingdom, Germany, Portugal, Africa, North and South America, and other European countries. The company offers electro-optical and electro-mechanical systems, such as command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance, as well as combat systems; and communications systems. It also provides integrated command, control, and communications systems for warships and submarines; tactical radio, vehicle intercoms, field communications, and networking software and equipment; electronic warfare operational support, managed, secure communications, cyber security, and training support services; and electronic and surveillance technology services. In addition, the company offers training and simulation; digital forensics; and research, advice, and support services. It provides products and services for customers in the defense and security markets for land, maritime, and air applications, as well as civil markets covering the security, transport, and the oil and gas industry. Cohort plc was incorporated in 2006 and is headquartered in Reading, the United Kingdom.
How the Company Makes MoneyCohort makes money mainly by delivering defence and security programmes and services to government and prime-contractor customers, generating revenue from contracted project work and ongoing support. Key revenue streams typically include: (1) equipment and system sales (designing, manufacturing, and supplying defence-related electronics, sensors, and communications/mission systems); (2) engineering and professional services (consultancy, system engineering, integration, test & evaluation, and programme delivery charged under project contracts); and (3) through-life support (maintenance, training, spares, upgrades, and in-service support that provide recurring revenue over the operational life of delivered systems). Earnings are influenced by its order book of contracted work, the timing of project milestones and deliveries (which drive revenue recognition), and the mix of higher-value development/integration work versus support services. Significant partnerships or specific contract terms are not available: null.

Cohort plc Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Strong revenue growth (+19.24%) and stable profitability (net margin 7.13%) support the score, alongside conservative leverage (debt-to-equity 0.50). The main offsets are slightly weakening EBIT/EBITDA margins and only modest free-cash-flow growth (+3.20%) with less-than-ideal FCF conversion (FCF/net income 0.74).
Income Statement
82
Very Positive
Cohort plc has demonstrated strong revenue growth with a 19.24% increase in the latest year, indicating robust demand and effective market positioning. The gross profit margin has slightly decreased, but remains healthy at 33.49%. Net profit margin is stable at 7.13%, reflecting consistent profitability. However, the slight decline in EBIT and EBITDA margins suggests potential cost pressures or increased competition.
Balance Sheet
78
Positive
The company's debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50 indicates a conservative leverage approach, enhancing financial stability. Return on equity is solid at 12.14%, showcasing effective use of shareholder funds. The equity ratio of 40.00% suggests a strong capital structure, though there is room for improvement in asset utilization.
Cash Flow
75
Positive
Cohort plc's free cash flow growth of 3.20% is modest, but positive, indicating effective cash management. The operating cash flow to net income ratio of 2.66 suggests strong cash generation relative to earnings. However, the free cash flow to net income ratio of 0.74 indicates potential constraints in free cash flow relative to net income, which could impact future investments.
BreakdownTTMApr 2024Apr 2023Apr 2022Apr 2021Apr 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue280.62M270.04M202.53M182.71M137.76M143.31M
Gross Profit79.19M90.42M76.27M64.86M56.60M53.36M
EBITDA34.40M35.57M29.25M23.07M21.79M21.36M
Net Income18.26M19.25M15.32M11.36M9.20M5.46M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets413.94M396.58M252.50M210.69M203.17M190.88M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments53.16M74.65M55.16M41.45M40.37M32.29M
Total Debt95.13M78.88M40.51M34.98M39.52M37.38M
Total Liabilities247.03M236.49M142.66M110.91M113.98M105.83M
Stockholders Equity165.48M158.61M108.67M97.02M83.97M79.31M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-27.65M38.00M16.36M11.29M17.52M14.97M
Operating Cash Flow-10.79M51.18M23.02M16.52M19.52M16.22M
Investing Cash Flow-89.57M-93.65M-6.16M-6.11M-2.37M-2.54M
Financing Cash Flow69.18M46.18M-16.92M-10.57M-8.70M-1.55M

Cohort plc Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price949.00
Price Trends
50DMA
1198.30
Positive
100DMA
1154.91
Positive
200DMA
1275.44
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
58.11
Negative
RSI
62.48
Neutral
STOCH
69.55
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For GB:CHRT, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 949 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 1295.00, below the 50-day MA of 1198.30, and below the 200-day MA of 1275.44, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 58.11 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 62.48 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 69.55 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for GB:CHRT.

Cohort plc Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (63)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
79
Outperform
£3.13B19.4116.69%1.27%0.84%-62.73%
74
Outperform
£621.50M24.9911.27%1.58%23.91%-14.66%
71
Outperform
£67.69B24.9117.90%1.99%11.60%8.03%
68
Neutral
£6.77B9.8843.22%0.56%7.36%48.93%
63
Neutral
$10.79B15.437.44%2.01%2.89%-14.66%
63
Neutral
£1.46B32.1813.12%1.64%-2.53%22.25%
58
Neutral
£2.64B20.002.00%-4.59%-256.51%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
GB:CHRT
Cohort plc
1,352.00
149.84
12.46%
GB:BA
BAE Systems
2,322.00
716.52
44.63%
GB:BAB
Babcock International
1,360.00
621.05
84.05%
GB:CHG
Chemring
541.00
151.82
39.01%
GB:SRP
Serco Group plc
317.00
161.72
104.15%
GB:QQ
QinetiQ
505.00
96.29
23.56%

Cohort plc Corporate Events

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
Cohort updates market on total voting rights and share capital
Neutral
Mar 2, 2026

Cohort plc has confirmed that as of 28 February 2026 its issued share capital comprises 46,994,682 ordinary shares of 10 pence each, with each share carrying one voting right. The company holds no shares in treasury, and the published share count serves as the reference figure for investors to assess whether they must disclose holdings or changes in holdings under UK transparency rules.

The clarification of total voting rights provides investors and regulators with an updated denominator for calculating shareholdings, supporting compliance with disclosure obligations and enhancing market transparency. While the announcement does not signal an operational change, it underpins good governance practices and ensures stakeholders can accurately monitor significant positions in Cohort’s shares.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:CHRT) stock is a Hold with a £1416.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Cohort plc stock, see the GB:CHRT Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Cohort updates share option plan block listing and highlights global defence tech footprint
Neutral
Feb 25, 2026

Cohort plc, an AIM-listed defence technology group based in Reading, Berkshire, operates seven specialist businesses in the U.K., Australia, Germany and Portugal. The group focuses on communications, intelligence, sensors and effectors, providing advanced systems such as naval communications, mobile satellite terminals, sonar, surveillance and electronic warfare solutions to defence and related markets.

The company has reported its latest six‑monthly block listing return for its Company Share Option Plan, showing that 133,918 shares were issued or allotted during the period from 25 August 2025 to 24 February 2026. Following these issuances, 1,405,162 securities remain available but unallotted under the scheme, indicating continued use of equity-based incentives while maintaining a substantial reserve for future employee and management share options.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:CHRT) stock is a Hold with a £1328.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Cohort plc stock, see the GB:CHRT Stock Forecast page.

Dividends
Cohort Directors Boost Stakes via Dividend Reinvestment
Positive
Feb 20, 2026

Cohort plc has disclosed that its chief executive, Andrew Thomis, and finance director, Simon Walther, have increased their holdings in the company through automatic reinvestment of interim dividend payments. Following these transactions, Thomis and his closely associated persons now hold 186,759 shares, or 0.40% of the company’s issued share capital, while Walther and his associated person hold 150,935 shares, representing 0.32%.

The dividend reinvestments, executed via Global Nominee, Share Incentive Plan and ISA accounts between 17 and 19 February on AIM, signal continued equity alignment of Cohort’s senior management with shareholders. Although the incremental share purchases are relatively small in volume, they modestly strengthen insider ownership and may be viewed by investors as a sign of management’s ongoing commitment to the group’s long-term prospects in the defence technology sector.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:CHRT) stock is a Hold with a £1331.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Cohort plc stock, see the GB:CHRT Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Cohort grants long-term share award to new chief operating officer
Neutral
Feb 16, 2026

Cohort plc has granted a restricted share award to its newly appointed Chief Operating Officer, Christopher Axcell, as part of its executive incentive arrangements. Axcell, who joined the group on 6 February 2026, received an award of 4,435 nil-cost ordinary shares under the Cohort Restricted Share Plan.

The shares are scheduled to vest no earlier than 13 February 2029, subject to Axcell’s continued employment with the Cohort group. The transaction, conducted outside a trading venue, was disclosed in line with EU Market Abuse Regulation requirements, underlining the company’s adherence to governance and transparency standards around senior management remuneration.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:CHRT) stock is a Hold with a £1249.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Cohort plc stock, see the GB:CHRT Stock Forecast page.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
Cohort Updates Total Voting Rights Following Share Capital Review
Neutral
Feb 2, 2026

Cohort plc has reported that, as at 31 January 2026, its issued share capital comprised 46,983,433 ordinary shares of 10 pence each, all carrying one vote per share, with no shares held in treasury. This updated total voting rights figure serves as the new reference denominator for investors assessing whether they must disclose holdings or changes in interests under UK transparency rules, providing clarity for shareholders and reinforcing the company’s compliance with market disclosure requirements.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:CHRT) stock is a Hold with a £1249.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Cohort plc stock, see the GB:CHRT Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Cohort’s MCL Lands £17.9m UK Defence Orders, Securing 2025/26 Revenue Targets
Positive
Jan 30, 2026

Cohort plc has announced that its subsidiary Marlborough Communications Ltd (MCL) has secured new UK defence contracts worth a combined £17.9m, including a £14.0m award from a UK government customer for immediate delivery of uncrewed air systems with two years of in-service support, in partnership with long-term supplier Skydio. MCL has also received a £3.9m order for tactical audio systems from a UK customer, with Cohort chief executive Andrew Thomis saying the wins underline MCL’s strong customer relationships and engineering capability, strengthen the Group’s order book and revenue visibility, and fully underpin consensus revenue forecasts for the 2025/26 financial year.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:CHRT) stock is a Hold with a £1249.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Cohort plc stock, see the GB:CHRT Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Cohort Publishes Interim Report for Six Months to 31 October 2025
Neutral
Jan 15, 2026

Cohort plc has published its interim report for the six months to 31 October 2025, making the document available to shareholders via post or online through its investor relations website. The release underscores the company’s ongoing disclosure to the market as it integrates its diversified defence technology portfolio, including the recently acquired EM Solutions, and maintains its positioning as a specialist provider of communications, intelligence, sensor and effector systems to defence customers worldwide.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:CHRT) stock is a Hold with a £1190.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Cohort plc stock, see the GB:CHRT Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Cohort to Present Half-Year Results and Strategy in Live Investor Webinar
Positive
Jan 5, 2026

Cohort plc has announced that its Chief Executive, Andrew Thomis, and Finance Director, Simon Walther, will deliver a live investor presentation via Equity Development on 14 January 2026, where they will discuss the company’s recent half-year results and outline its corporate strategy. The webinar, which is free and open to both existing and potential shareholders, will include a Q&A session and be recorded for later viewing, underscoring Cohort’s efforts to enhance transparency and engage more directly with investors as it continues to develop its position in the international defence technology market.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:CHRT) stock is a Hold with a £1190.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Cohort plc stock, see the GB:CHRT Stock Forecast page.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
Cohort Updates Market on Total Voting Rights and Share Capital
Neutral
Jan 2, 2026

Cohort plc has confirmed that as at 31 December 2025 its issued share capital comprised 46,950,593 ordinary shares of 10 pence each, with each share carrying one voting right and no shares held in treasury. This updated total voting rights figure provides the basis for shareholders and investors to calculate whether they are required to disclose holdings or changes in their interests under UK market transparency rules, reinforcing regulatory clarity around the company’s capital structure.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:CHRT) stock is a Hold with a £1190.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Cohort plc stock, see the GB:CHRT Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Cohort to Brief Investors on Half-Year Results and Strategy via Live Online Presentation
Positive
Dec 22, 2025

Cohort plc has announced that its Chief Executive, Andrew Thomis, and Finance Director, Simon Walther, will host a live investor presentation on the Engage Investor platform on 12 January at 2:30pm GMT. During the session, they will discuss the group’s recent half-year results and outline its corporate strategy, with current shareholders and prospective investors invited to attend, follow the company via a personalised investor hub and submit questions before or during the event, underscoring Cohort’s efforts to enhance transparency and engagement with the investment community.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:CHRT) stock is a Hold with a £1190.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Cohort plc stock, see the GB:CHRT 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: Mar 14, 2026