Macfarlane (MACF) AI Stock Analysis

• Market Cap: £188.06M
• Dividend Yield: 3.36%
• Average Volume (3M): 358.78K
• Price to Earnings (P/E): 12.1
• Beta (1Y): 0.25
• Revenue Growth: -3.66%
• EPS Growth: 3.28%
• Country: UK
• Employees: 1,165
• Sector: Consumer Cyclical
• Sector Strength: 59
• Industry: Packaging & Containers
• EPS (TTM): 0.10
• Shares Outstanding: 159,376,950
• 10 Day Avg. Volume: 178,510
• 30 Day Avg. Volume: 358,776
• PEG Ratio: 0.44
• Price to Book (P/B): 1.55
• Price to Sales (P/S): 0.00
• P/FCF Ratio: 11.18
• Enterprise Value/Market Cap: N/A
• Enterprise Value/Revenue: N/A
• Enterprise Value/Gross Profit: N/A
• Enterprise Value/Ebitda: N/A
• 1Y Price Target: £145.00
• Price Target Upside: 22.88% Upside
• Rating Consensus: Moderate Buy
• Number of Analyst Covering: 1

• Rating: 80 Outperform
• Price Target: 137.00p ▲(16.10%Upside)

Macfarlane's strong financial performance, positive technical indicators, and strategic corporate actions like the share buyback program contribute significantly to its overall score. The company's reasonable valuation and attractive dividend yield further support a favorable stock outlook.

Positive Factors

Acquisitions

The acquisition of Pitreavie provides geographic, product, end-market and customer synergies, and drives a c.5% adj. EPS upgrade in FY26E.

Organic Growth

The group anticipates performance to improve as it completes the East Midlands site consolidation and builds on organic growth momentum in Distribution.

Share Buyback

The group will commence a share buyback programme of up to £4m, a decision made after extensive dialogue.

Sustainability

Macfarlane is ideally placed to expand its sustainable packaging range, enabling it to play a central role in the sustainability shift across the protective packaging market.

Negative Factors

Financial Performance

Profit was down year-over-year due to lower gross margins, duplicate costs related to the consolidation of the East Midlands operations, and increased property costs and acquisition related costs.

Operational Costs

Increased property costs and acquisition related costs have negatively impacted the company's financial performance.

Macfarlane Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company Description

Macfarlane Group PLC, through its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and distributes protective packaging products to businesses. The company operates through Packaging Distribution and Manufacturing Operations segments. The Packaging Distribution segment distributes packaging materials; and supplies storage and warehousing services in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Europe. The Manufacturing Operations segment designs, manufactures, and assembles timber, corrugated, and foam-based packaging materials in the United Kingdom. The company also distributes and supplies packaging equipment; and recovers waste papers and corrugated boards for recycling. In addition, it serves e-commerce retail, logistics, medical, automotive, aerospace, electronics, high street retail, household essentials, and food and hospitality industries. The company was incorporated in 1899 and is headquartered in Glasgow, the United Kingdom.

How the Company Makes Money

Macfarlane generates revenue through the sale of its packaging products and services to a diverse range of industries, including e-commerce, manufacturing, and retail. Its revenue model is largely based on providing custom packaging solutions that cater to the specific demands of its clients, ensuring product safety and cost efficiency. Additionally, the company earns money through its packaging machinery sales and leasing services. Key revenue streams include contracts with large-scale industrial clients, ongoing supply agreements with repeat customers, and partnerships with major e-commerce platforms seeking efficient and sustainable packaging solutions. Macfarlane's focus on innovation and customer service supports its strong market position and profitability.

Macfarlane Financial Statement Overview

Summary

Macfarlane exhibits strong financial health with effective management of profitability and cash flows. Despite challenges in revenue growth, the company's operational efficiency and cash generation capabilities are commendable. The balance sheet is stable with manageable leverage.

Income Statement

Macfarlane has maintained a strong gross profit margin, which indicates efficient production and pricing strategies. The net profit margin is stable, reflecting consistent profitability. However, the revenue growth rate has been negative, which could indicate potential challenges in expanding sales. Despite this, the EBIT and EBITDA margins remain healthy, showcasing good operational efficiency.

Balance Sheet

The balance sheet shows a moderate debt-to-equity ratio, suggesting manageable leverage. Return on Equity (ROE) is strong, reflecting effective use of shareholders' funds. The equity ratio indicates a solid capital structure with a good proportion of equity funding total assets. However, the increase in total debt over the years warrants monitoring.

Cash Flow

The cash flow analysis reveals a robust operating cash flow to net income ratio, indicating strong cash generation relative to profits. The free cash flow to net income ratio is also favorable, demonstrating good cash availability after capital expenditures. Although free cash flow growth has been inconsistent, the overall cash flow position is solid.

Breakdown	Dec 2024	Dec 2023	Dec 2022	Dec 2021	Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue	270.44M	280.71M	290.43M	264.46M	210.23M
Gross Profit	105.37M	105.68M	98.06M	89.47M	69.83M
EBITDA	38.96M	36.19M	34.30M	25.35M	17.81M
Net Income	15.53M	14.97M	15.64M	12.60M	10.17M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets	246.93M	221.23M	216.16M	216.17M	172.71M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments	12.93M	7.69M	5.71M	12.31M	7.23M
Total Debt	57.72M	43.34M	43.71M	44.78M	36.46M
Total Liabilities	123.66M	106.65M	110.14M	121.27M	92.93M
Stockholders Equity	123.27M	114.58M	106.02M	94.89M	79.78M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow	22.50M	31.33M	14.71M	21.67M	22.52M
Operating Cash Flow	25.43M	33.51M	18.00M	23.80M	23.32M
Investing Cash Flow	-13.48M	-16.55M	-11.59M	-8.96M	-3.36M
Financing Cash Flow	-6.01M	-15.32M	-13.18M	-7.94M	-18.05M

Macfarlane Technical Analysis

• Technical Analysis Sentiment: Positive
• Last Price: 118.00
• 50DMA: Positive
• 100DMA: Positive
• 200DMA: Positive
• MACD: Positive
• RSI: Neutral
• STOCH: Neutral

Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For GB:MACF, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 118 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 117.87, above the 50-day MA of 109.12, and above the 200-day MA of 105.88, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 2.24 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 59.30 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 56.41 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for GB:MACF.

Macfarlane Peers Comparison

Name	Overall Rating	Market Cap	P/E Ratio	ROE	Dividend Yield	Revenue Growth	EPS Growth
MACF	80 Outperform	£188.06M	12.09	13.06%	3.36%	-3.66%	3.28%
ROAD	67 Neutral	£73.28M	―		―	―	―
Sector *	66 Neutral	£1.85B	11.46	6.20%	2.99%	0.64%	-17.57%
CRU	65 Neutral	£7.35M	―	-21.69%	6.06%	-14.90%	-329.10%
RBN	55 Neutral	£20.94M	36.38	-13.52%	5.60%	13.57%	-304.69%
PMP	51 Neutral	£18.96M	55.00	0.62%	2.18%	-11.22%	―

Macfarlane Corporate Events

Macfarlane Group Advances Share Buyback Program with Recent Share Cancellation

Macfarlane Group PLC has announced the purchase and cancellation of 11,700 ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback program. This transaction, executed through Shore Capital Stockbrokers Limited, results in the company’s issued share capital consisting of 159,376,950 ordinary shares, with the same number of total voting rights. This move is part of Macfarlane’s strategy to manage its capital structure and potentially enhance shareholder value.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:MACF) stock is a Buy with a £145.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Macfarlane stock, see the GB:MACF Stock Forecast page.

Macfarlane Group Advances Share Buyback Program

Macfarlane Group PLC has announced the purchase and cancellation of 11,800 ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback program, resulting in a total issued share capital of 159,388,650 shares. This move is part of Macfarlane’s strategy to manage its capital structure and potentially enhance shareholder value, reflecting the company’s robust market position and commitment to operational efficiency.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:MACF) stock is a Buy with a £145.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Macfarlane stock, see the GB:MACF Stock Forecast page.

Macfarlane Group Advances Share Buyback Programme

Macfarlane Group PLC has announced the purchase and cancellation of 11,900 ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback programme. This transaction adjusts the company’s issued share capital to 159,400,450 ordinary shares, impacting the total voting rights available to shareholders. This strategic move is part of Macfarlane’s efforts to manage its capital structure and enhance shareholder value.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:MACF) stock is a Buy with a £1.40 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Macfarlane stock, see the GB:MACF Stock Forecast page.

Macfarlane Group Executes Share Buyback, Cancels 11,700 Shares

Macfarlane Group PLC announced the purchase and cancellation of 11,700 ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback program, resulting in a total issued share capital of 159,412,350 shares. This move is expected to impact the company’s share structure and potentially influence shareholder value, aligning with its strategic financial management goals.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:MACF) stock is a Buy with a £145.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Macfarlane stock, see the GB:MACF Stock Forecast page.

Macfarlane Group Advances Share Buyback Program with Recent Share Cancellation

Macfarlane Group PLC has announced the purchase and cancellation of 11,800 ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback program. This transaction, executed through Shore Capital Stockbrokers Limited, results in a new total of 159,424,050 voting rights in the company, impacting shareholder calculations under FCA regulations. The move reflects Macfarlane’s strategic focus on optimizing its capital structure and enhancing shareholder value.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:MACF) stock is a Buy with a £145.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Macfarlane stock, see the GB:MACF Stock Forecast page.

Macfarlane Group Advances Share Buyback Program with Recent Share Purchase

Macfarlane Group PLC has announced the purchase and cancellation of 11,700 ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback program. This transaction, facilitated by Shore Capital Stockbrokers Limited, reflects the company’s strategic efforts to manage its share capital and potentially enhance shareholder value. Following this transaction, the company’s total voting rights stand at 159,435,850, which may influence shareholder decisions under the FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:MACF) stock is a Buy with a £145.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Macfarlane stock, see the GB:MACF Stock Forecast page.

Macfarlane Group Enhances Capital Structure Through Share Buyback

Macfarlane Group PLC has announced the purchase and cancellation of 11,900 ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback program, reducing the total number of issued shares to 159,447,550. This strategic move is aimed at optimizing the company’s capital structure and potentially enhancing shareholder value, reflecting Macfarlane’s commitment to maintaining a robust financial position and reinforcing its market presence.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:MACF) stock is a Buy with a £145.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Macfarlane stock, see the GB:MACF Stock Forecast page.

Macfarlane Group Advances Share Buyback Program

Macfarlane Group PLC has announced the purchase and cancellation of 11,800 ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback program. This transaction, executed through Shore Capital Stockbrokers Limited, results in a new total of 159,459,450 ordinary shares in circulation, impacting the company’s share capital and voting rights. This move is part of Macfarlane’s strategy to manage its capital structure and potentially enhance shareholder value, reflecting its strong position in the packaging industry.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:MACF) stock is a Buy with a £145.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Macfarlane stock, see the GB:MACF Stock Forecast page.

Macfarlane Group Executes Share Buyback, Adjusts Voting Rights

Macfarlane Group PLC has executed a share buyback program, purchasing 11,500 ordinary shares for cancellation at a price of 116.50 pence each. This transaction reduces the company’s issued share capital to 159,471,250 ordinary shares, affecting the total voting rights available to shareholders. This move is part of Macfarlane’s strategic financial management, potentially impacting shareholder value and market perception.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:MACF) stock is a Buy with a £145.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Macfarlane stock, see the GB:MACF Stock Forecast page.

Macfarlane Group Completes Share Buyback Program

Macfarlane Group PLC has announced the completion of a share buyback program, purchasing 11,700 ordinary shares for cancellation at a price of 116.50 pence each. This transaction reduces the company’s issued share capital to 159,482,750 ordinary shares, impacting the total voting rights available to shareholders. The move is part of Macfarlane’s strategic efforts to manage its capital structure and potentially enhance shareholder value.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:MACF) stock is a Buy with a £145.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Macfarlane stock, see the GB:MACF Stock Forecast page.

Macfarlane Group Enhances Shareholder Value with Share Buyback

Macfarlane Group PLC has announced the purchase and cancellation of 11,850 ordinary shares as part of its share buyback program, maintaining its issued share capital at 159,494,450 shares. This move is part of the company’s strategy to manage its capital structure and enhance shareholder value, reflecting a commitment to optimizing financial performance and market positioning.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:MACF) stock is a Buy with a £145.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Macfarlane stock, see the GB:MACF Stock Forecast page.

Macfarlane Group Advances Share Buyback Program with Recent Share Cancellation

Macfarlane Group PLC has announced the purchase and cancellation of 11,900 ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback program, which was initiated on 15 May 2025. This action reduces the company’s issued share capital to 159,506,300 ordinary shares, impacting the total voting rights available to shareholders. This strategic move is likely aimed at enhancing shareholder value and optimizing the company’s capital structure.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:MACF) stock is a Buy with a £145.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Macfarlane stock, see the GB:MACF Stock Forecast page.

Macfarlane Group Executes Share Buyback, Cancelling 11,800 Shares

Macfarlane Group PLC announced the purchase and cancellation of 11,800 ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback program. This transaction reduces the company’s total issued share capital to 159,518,200 shares, impacting the total voting rights available to shareholders. The move is part of Macfarlane’s strategy to manage its capital structure and enhance shareholder value, reflecting confidence in its financial position and future prospects.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:MACF) stock is a Buy with a £145.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Macfarlane stock, see the GB:MACF Stock Forecast page.

Macfarlane Group Advances Share Buyback Program with Recent Share Cancellation

Macfarlane Group PLC has announced the purchase and cancellation of 11,750 ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback program, which was initiated on May 15, 2025. This transaction, executed through Shore Capital Stockbrokers Limited, results in a new total of 159,541,800 voting rights for shareholders, reflecting the company’s strategic move to manage its capital structure and potentially enhance shareholder value.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:MACF) stock is a Buy with a £145.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Macfarlane stock, see the GB:MACF Stock Forecast page.

Macfarlane Group Executes Share Buyback Program

Macfarlane Group PLC has announced the purchase and cancellation of 11,800 ordinary shares as part of its share buyback program, which was initiated on May 15, 2025. This transaction, executed through Shore Capital Stockbrokers Limited, reflects the company’s strategic move to manage its share capital and voting rights, now totaling 159,553,550. The buyback could potentially impact shareholder value and the company’s market positioning by optimizing its capital structure.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:MACF) stock is a Buy with a £1.40 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Macfarlane stock, see the GB:MACF Stock Forecast page.

Macfarlane Group Advances Share Buyback Program with Recent Share Cancellation

Macfarlane Group PLC has announced the purchase and cancellation of 11,500 ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback program. This transaction, conducted through Shore Capital Stockbrokers Limited, adjusts the company’s issued share capital to 159,565,350 ordinary shares, which also represents the total voting rights in the company. This move is part of Macfarlane’s strategy to manage its capital structure and potentially enhance shareholder value.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:MACF) stock is a Buy with a £135.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Macfarlane stock, see the GB:MACF Stock Forecast page.

Macfarlane Group Advances Share Buyback Program with Recent Share Cancellation

Macfarlane Group PLC announced the purchase and cancellation of 11,650 ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback program. This transaction adjusts the company’s issued share capital to 159,576,850 ordinary shares, impacting the total voting rights available to shareholders. The move is part of Macfarlane’s strategy to manage its capital structure and enhance shareholder value, reflecting its strong market position and commitment to operational efficiency.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:MACF) stock is a Buy with a £145.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Macfarlane stock, see the GB:MACF Stock Forecast page.

Macfarlane Group Executes Share Buyback to Optimize Capital Structure

Macfarlane Group PLC has announced the purchase and cancellation of 11,500 ordinary shares as part of its share buyback program. This move reduces the company’s issued share capital to 159,588,500 ordinary shares, aligning with its strategy to manage capital efficiently and potentially enhance shareholder value. The transaction reflects Macfarlane’s commitment to optimizing its capital structure and may impact shareholder voting rights calculations under the FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:MACF) stock is a Buy with a £145.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Macfarlane stock, see the GB:MACF Stock Forecast page.

Macfarlane Group Launches £4 Million Share Buyback Program

Macfarlane Group PLC has announced a share buyback program valued at up to £4 million, to be executed over 12 months in four quarterly tranches. This strategic move aims to optimize the company’s capital allocation and potentially enhance shareholder value by reducing the number of outstanding shares, which could positively impact the company’s stock price and market perception.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:MACF) stock is a Buy with a £145.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Macfarlane stock, see the GB:MACF Stock Forecast page.

Macfarlane Group PLC Successfully Passes All AGM Resolutions

Macfarlane Group PLC announced that all resolutions proposed at their Annual General Meeting were passed, with significant shareholder participation. This includes ordinary and special resolutions, such as the adoption of accounts, approval of remuneration policies, and authority to repurchase shares. The successful passing of these resolutions reflects strong shareholder support and positions the company to continue its strategic initiatives, potentially impacting its operational efficiency and market competitiveness.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:MACF) stock is a Buy with a £145.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Macfarlane stock, see the GB:MACF Stock Forecast page.

Macfarlane Group Maintains Full-Year Outlook and Announces Share Buyback

Macfarlane Group PLC announced at its Annual General Meeting that its full-year expectations remain unchanged despite a challenging market environment. The company reported a 14.2% increase in Q1 2025 sales compared to the same period in 2024, driven by acquisitions and organic growth in its Distribution division. However, profits were down due to lower gross margins and increased costs. The acquisition of The Pitreavie Group Limited is expected to bring synergies that will benefit the Group. Macfarlane plans to improve performance in the second half of 2025 and will initiate a share buyback program of up to £4 million, reflecting its strategy of capital allocation and shareholder returns.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:MACF) stock is a Buy with a £145.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Macfarlane stock, see the GB:MACF Stock Forecast page.

Macfarlane Group Announces In-Person AGM for May 2025

Macfarlane Group PLC has announced that its Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held in person on 13 May 2025 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Glasgow Central. Shareholders have been invited to submit questions in advance, and the Notice of AGM has been made available on the company’s website and submitted to the National Storage Mechanism. This announcement underscores Macfarlane’s commitment to maintaining transparent communication with its stakeholders and may influence shareholder engagement and company operations.