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Johnson Matthey (GB:JMAT)
LSE:JMAT

Johnson Matthey (JMAT) AI Stock Analysis

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GB:JMAT

Johnson Matthey

(LSE:JMAT)

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Neutral 60 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:60Neutral
Price Target:
2,419.00p
▲(5.27% Upside)
Action:DowngradedDate:12/07/25
Johnson Matthey's overall stock score reflects a mixed financial performance with significant operational improvements and strategic initiatives. While technical indicators and valuation metrics present challenges, positive earnings call sentiment and corporate events provide a more optimistic outlook.
Positive Factors
Underlying operating performance rebound
A 38% uplift in underlying operating performance, driven by double-digit gains in Clean Air and PGM, indicates the company’s core technologies retain structural demand and operational leverage. Sustained margin and profit expansion from these businesses supports durable earnings improvement over 2–6 months.
Improving Clean Air margins and clear margin targets
A 200bp margin uplift and explicit targets to reach 16–18% suggest structural pricing power, cost discipline, and product mix improvement in the Clean Air franchise. These margin gains enhance long-term profitability resilience and free cash flow potential as volumes normalize.
Strategic asset sale and capital return plan
Executing the Catalyst Technologies sale crystallizes value, simplifies the business mix and funds a large GBP1.4bn shareholder return. This materially strengthens financial optionality, focuses management on higher-return segments, and supports a cash-first strategy going forward.
Negative Factors
Weak operating cash flow and free cash flow
Declining operating and free cash flows reduce the company’s ability to self-fund investment, refinance debt, or sustain payouts. If conversion of earnings to cash remains weak, planned returns and reinvestment will pressure liquidity and constrain strategic flexibility over the medium term.
Net debt increase from transactional and operational cash outflows
Higher net debt from the Catalyst Technologies cash outflow and inventory build raises leverage and interest burden risk. Elevated debt limits balance sheet flexibility for capex or M&A and makes the company more sensitive to cyclical downturns and cash conversion slippage.
Volume declines and segment demand weakness
Market-driven volume declines in Catalyst Technologies and modest Clean Air and PGM recycling volumes signal structural demand softness in key end-markets. Persistent lower volumes can erode scale economics, pressure unit margins, and delay the recovery of return profiles even if market share holds.

Johnson Matthey (JMAT) vs. iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWC)

Johnson Matthey Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionJohnson Matthey Plc engages in the clean air, catalyst and hydrogen technology, and platinum group metals (PGM) service businesses in the United Kingdom, Germany, rest of Europe, the United States, rest of North America, China and Hong Kong, rest of Asia, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Clean Air, Efficient Natural Resources, and Other Markets. The Clean Air segment provides catalysts for emission control after-treatment systems to remove harmful emissions from vehicles, as well as cars, other light duty vehicles, trucks, buses, and non-road equipment powered by diesel and gasoline. The Efficient Natural Resources segment provides products and processing services for the use and transformation of critical natural resources including oil, gas, biomass, and platinum group metals; and circular economy solutions. This segment also offers specialty catalysts and additives; process technology and engineering design licenses; platinum group metal refining and recycling services, and chemical and industrial products; and other precious metal services. The Other Markets segment business portfolio includes precious metal pastes and enamels, battery systems, fuel cell technologies, battery materials, and green hydrogen; science and technology to develop the products for devices used in medical procedures; and detection, diagnostic, and measurement solutions. The company was formerly known as Johnson & Cock and changed its name to Johnson Matthey Plc in 1851. Johnson Matthey Plc was founded in 1817 and is based in London, the United Kingdom.
How the Company Makes MoneyJohnson Matthey generates revenue through several key streams. The largest portion comes from its Catalysis segment, which produces catalysts used in automotive and industrial applications, particularly in reducing emissions and enhancing fuel efficiency. The company also earns significant income from its Battery Materials division, which supplies advanced materials for electric vehicle batteries, capitalizing on the growing demand for sustainable transport solutions. Additionally, Johnson Matthey's Precious Metals segment contributes to its earnings through the sale of precious metals, recycling services, and refining operations. Strategic partnerships with automotive manufacturers and technology companies further bolster its revenue, as these collaborations often lead to long-term contracts and joint ventures that align with market trends towards sustainability and innovation.

Johnson Matthey Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Nov 20, 2025
(Q2-2026)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:May 21, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call presented a mix of strong financial performance and strategic progress, particularly in operating profit and cash flow. However, challenges such as increased net debt, Clean Air volume decline, and delays in the PGM refinery were noted. Despite these issues, the sentiment leans positive due to the significant achievements and forward momentum in key areas.
Q2-2026 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Underlying Operating Performance
The underlying operating performance increased by 38%, with an 11% increase in Clean Air and a 33% increase in Platinum Group Metals.
Cash Flow Improvement
Significant turnaround from a cash outflow last year to a small inflow this year, indicating progress towards a cash-focused business model.
Sale of Catalyst Technologies on Track
The sale to Honeywell is proceeding as planned, with GBP 1.4 billion to be returned to shareholders upon closure.
Margin Improvement in Clean Air
Achieved a 200 basis point increase in Clean Air margin, with the business on track to reach a 16% to 18% margin by 2027-2028.
Strong Performance in Platinum Group Metal Services
A 33% increase in underlying operating profit, supported by pricing and efficiencies.
Hydrogen Technologies on Track
The segment is on course to achieve run rate breakeven by March 2026.
Organizational Streamlining
Reorganization to reduce executive committee members from 9 to 6, aimed at accelerating progress.
Negative Updates
Net Debt Increase
Net debt increased due to cash outflow from Catalyst Technologies and a stock build in the U.S. refinery.
Clean Air Volume Decline
Sales were modestly down, primarily due to a decline in Clean Air volumes.
Delay in New PGM Refinery
A few months delay in commissioning the new PGM refinery due to industrial actions, although it is not expected to impact guidance.
Weaker Performance of Catalyst Technologies
Significant market-related weakness in Catalyst Technologies performance, although market share was maintained.
PGM Services Volume Decline
Subdued autocat recycling volumes with no significant recovery observed yet, particularly in the U.S.
Company Guidance
During the call, Johnson Matthey provided several key metrics and guidance for the fiscal period. The company reported a 38% increase in underlying operating performance, driven by an 11% rise in Clean Air and a 33% increase in Platinum Group Metals (PGM). They highlighted a significant turnaround in cash flow from a previous cash outflow to a small cash inflow, indicating progress in their new cash-focused business model. The sale of Catalyst Technologies to Honeywell is on track to close in the first half of 2026, with plans to return GBP 1.4 billion to shareholders upon closure. Clean Air achieved a 200 basis point margin increase, aiming for a 14% to 15% margin by the end of the fiscal year and 16% to 18% by 2027-2028. The PGM Services business reported a 33% increase in underlying operating profit, with the new PGM refinery expected to be operational by March 2026, despite a few months' delay. Hydrogen Technologies are on track for a breakeven run rate by March 2026. Additionally, the company expects to generate GBP 250 million in free cash flow consistently moving forward.

Johnson Matthey Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Johnson Matthey shows a mixed financial performance with improved profitability and leverage ratios in 2025, indicating better operational efficiency and financial stability. However, challenges remain with declining revenues, lower EBITDA margins, and weakened cash flow generation.
Income Statement
65
Positive
Johnson Matthey shows a mixed performance in its income statement. The company has experienced fluctuating revenue levels, with a notable decline in revenue from 2024 to 2025. Gross profit margin remains relatively stable, but the net profit margin has improved significantly in 2025 due to a higher net income. The EBIT margin increased in 2025, suggesting better operational efficiency. However, the EBITDA margin is lower than in past years due to a reduced EBITDA, indicating potential challenges in managing operational costs.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
The balance sheet reveals a strong equity position with a stable stockholders' equity and a favorable equity ratio. The debt-to-equity ratio shows a moderate level of leverage, which decreased in 2025, reflecting improved financial stability. The return on equity has improved significantly in 2025, indicating effective use of equity to generate profit. However, the total assets have decreased over the years, which could limit growth opportunities.
Cash Flow
60
Neutral
Cash flow analysis shows some concerns. Operating cash flow has decreased significantly in 2025, highlighting potential issues in core operations. Free cash flow has also declined sharply, posing liquidity challenges. The free cash flow to net income ratio is low, indicating limited conversion of net income into free cash. These trends may affect the company's ability to invest and grow in the future.
BreakdownTTMMar 2025Mar 2024Mar 2023Mar 2022Mar 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue11.39B11.67B12.84B14.93B16.02B15.44B
Gross Profit802.00M899.00M927.00M989.00M1.05B944.00M
EBITDA537.00M802.00M488.00M621.00M454.00M544.00M
Net Income-129.00M373.00M108.00M276.00M-101.00M205.00M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets5.83B6.19B6.34B7.03B6.67B7.74B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments547.00M898.00M542.00M697.00M418.00M625.00M
Total Debt1.49B1.70B1.49B1.67B1.25B1.38B
Total Liabilities3.73B3.90B3.96B4.49B4.22B5.06B
Stockholders Equity2.10B2.29B2.38B2.54B2.44B2.69B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow245.00M8.00M224.00M-91.00M73.00M295.00M
Operating Cash Flow521.00M381.00M592.00M225.00M526.00M676.00M
Investing Cash Flow-306.00M297.00M-255.00M-129.00M-292.00M-357.00M
Financing Cash Flow-265.00M-333.00M-439.00M191.00M-439.00M-43.00M

Johnson Matthey Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price2298.00
Price Trends
50DMA
2251.74
Negative
100DMA
2160.05
Negative
200DMA
1988.20
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
-87.03
Positive
RSI
35.58
Neutral
STOCH
20.33
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For GB:JMAT, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 2298 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 2180.25, above the 50-day MA of 2251.74, and above the 200-day MA of 1988.20, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -87.03 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 35.58 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 20.33 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for GB:JMAT.

Johnson Matthey Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
70
Outperform
£561.44M22.536.22%9.48%0.58%61.58%
66
Neutral
£3.97B60.706.17%3.45%2.36%-13.99%
64
Neutral
£915.04M-9.473.37%1.34%-11.78%-92.61%
62
Neutral
£199.05M4.130.60%2.00%15.56%-92.94%
61
Neutral
$10.43B7.12-0.05%2.87%2.86%-36.73%
60
Neutral
£3.28B-46.91-5.62%3.54%-4.60%-126.46%
51
Neutral
£29.11M-1.25-7.26%-4.41%2.29%
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
GB:JMAT
Johnson Matthey
1,997.00
591.57
42.09%
GB:CRDA
Croda International
2,847.00
-278.93
-8.92%
GB:ELM
Elementis
161.00
11.85
7.94%
GB:SYNT
Synthomer
18.24
-116.76
-86.49%
GB:VCT
Victrex
645.00
-226.38
-25.98%
GB:ZTF
Zotefoams
414.00
156.08
60.51%

Johnson Matthey Corporate Events

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
Johnson Matthey CEO Condon Buys Shares in Market-Reported Transaction
Neutral
Feb 23, 2026

Johnson Matthey has disclosed a share transaction by chief executive officer Liam Condon, in line with regulatory requirements for reporting dealings by senior management. The filing confirms that Condon acquired ordinary shares in the company on the London Stock Exchange, reinforcing transparency around executive holdings for investors and other stakeholders.

The CEO purchased 5,226 Johnson Matthey ordinary shares at a price of £19.22688 per share, representing a total consideration of £100,983.57. While the announcement is primarily procedural, such insider purchases are often watched by the market as potential indicators of management’s confidence in the company’s prospects and alignment with shareholder interests.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:JMAT) stock is a Hold with a £2419.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Johnson Matthey stock, see the GB:JMAT Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyStock BuybackDividendsFinancial DisclosuresM&A Transactions
Johnson Matthey Cuts Price on Honeywell Catalyst Deal but Boosts Planned Cash Return
Neutral
Feb 23, 2026

Johnson Matthey has agreed with Honeywell International to extend the long stop date for closing the sale of its Catalyst Technologies business from February to 21 July 2026, with a possible further extension to 21 August 2026 to secure remaining antitrust approvals. As part of the revised terms, the enterprise value of the deal has been reset to £1.325 billion on a cash- and debt-free basis, reflecting weaker 2025/26 performance in Catalyst Technologies due to deferred sustainable solutions projects and reduced catalyst margins in a tough market.

Following completion, Johnson Matthey now expects to return about £1 billion of net proceeds to shareholders, split between an £800 million special dividend with share consolidation and a £200 million on-market buyback. The group says it remains on track with its cash-focused strategy, guiding to underlying operating profit growth at the upper end of mid-single digits and materially higher free cash flow versus last year, underscoring a continued focus on capital discipline and shareholder returns despite the reduced valuation for the divested unit.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:JMAT) stock is a Hold with a £2419.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Johnson Matthey stock, see the GB:JMAT Stock Forecast page.

Other
Johnson Matthey CEO and CFO add shares under incentive plan
Neutral
Feb 12, 2026

Johnson Matthey has disclosed routine share purchases by its top executives under the company’s Share Incentive Plan. Chief executive Liam Condon and chief financial officer Alastair Judge each acquired 10 ordinary shares on 11 February 2026 at £23.4232 per share on the London Stock Exchange.

The transactions, which total £234.232 each, reflect ongoing participation in the company’s all-employee ownership scheme rather than a strategic change in holdings. Such regular purchases align executive interests with shareholders and signal continued engagement with the group’s long-term share-based incentives.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:JMAT) stock is a Hold with a £2455.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Johnson Matthey stock, see the GB:JMAT Stock Forecast page.

Other
Johnson Matthey CEO and CFO Add Shares via Monthly Incentive Plan
Neutral
Jan 14, 2026

Johnson Matthey has disclosed that Chief Executive Officer Liam Condon and Chief Financial Officer Alastair Judge have each acquired additional ordinary shares in the company through its monthly Share Incentive Plan. Condon purchased 10 shares and Judge 12 shares, both at a price of £23.207 per share on 13 January 2026 on the London Stock Exchange, underscoring ongoing executive participation in the company’s equity-based remuneration scheme and aligning senior management’s interests more closely with those of shareholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:JMAT) stock is a Buy with a £2550.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Johnson Matthey stock, see the GB:JMAT Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and Strategy
Johnson Matthey Executives Acquire Shares, Aligning Interests with Stakeholders
Positive
Dec 11, 2025

Johnson Matthey Plc has announced transactions involving the monthly acquisition of shares by key executives through the company’s Share Incentive Plan. This move, involving figures such as the CEO and other senior leaders, underscores the company’s commitment to aligning management interests with shareholder value, potentially impacting its market perception and stakeholder confidence.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:JMAT) stock is a Hold with a £2100.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Johnson Matthey stock, see the GB:JMAT 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: Dec 07, 2025