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Ricardo PLC (GB:RCDO)
LSE:RCDO

Ricardo (RCDO) AI Stock Analysis

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GB

Ricardo

(LSE:RCDO)

52Neutral
Ricardo's stock shows moderate financial performance with positive cash flow management, but is hindered by low profitability and equity challenges. Technical indicators suggest a bearish trend, and valuation concerns are evident with a negative P/E ratio, albeit a decent dividend yield. The corporate events highlight strategic initiatives but also governance challenges, resulting in a cautiously neutral outlook.
Positive Factors
Acquisitions
The acquisition of E3 increases exposure to environmental and energy transition solutions.
Market Positioning
The business is actively increasing its exposure to environmental and energy consulting, making the valuation relatively undemanding.
Negative Factors
Financial Performance
Cash conversion was weak at only 13%.
Leverage
Lower profit and higher net debt means pre-lease leverage is set to become elevated, limiting strategic options.
Profitability
Operating profit in the key EE division is expected to be broadly flat, which is an underwhelming performance.

Ricardo (RCDO) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

Ricardo Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionRicardo (RCDO) is a global engineering and environmental consultancy firm that specializes in providing innovative solutions across the automotive, rail, energy, and environment sectors. The company is renowned for its expertise in sustainable transportation, clean energy, and environmental impact assessment services. Ricardo's core offerings include technical consultancy, research and development, and the provision of strategic advice to a diverse range of clients, helping them enhance efficiency, reduce emissions, and meet regulatory requirements.
How the Company Makes MoneyRicardo makes money primarily through its consultancy and engineering services, which are tailored to meet the needs of its clients across various industries such as automotive, rail, and energy. The company generates revenue by charging fees for its expert consultancy services, project management, and engineering solutions. Key revenue streams include long-term contracts with government agencies, partnerships with major automotive manufacturers, and collaborations with energy companies seeking to innovate in sustainable and efficient energy systems. Additionally, Ricardo benefits from its proprietary research and development initiatives, which often lead to licensing opportunities or intellectual property revenues. The company's focus on sustainability and regulatory compliance ensures a steady demand for its services as industries increasingly seek to adopt environmentally friendly practices.

Ricardo Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Ricardo's financial performance showcases steady revenue growth and improved cash flow generation, indicating resilience in its business model. However, persistent low profitability margins and declining equity pose challenges. The balance sheet is moderately leveraged, and strong cash flow ratios suggest effective cash management, but overall financial health is tempered by low returns on equity.
Income Statement
55
Neutral
Ricardo's revenue has shown a steady growth trajectory, with a revenue growth rate of 6.6% from 2023 to 2024. However, the company's net profit margin remains weak at 0.15% in 2024, despite improvements from previous losses. Gross profit margin remains stable at approximately 28.3% in 2024. EBIT and EBITDA margins are relatively low at 2.7% and 7.0% respectively, indicating moderate operational efficiency.
Balance Sheet
60
Neutral
The company's balance sheet shows a reasonable debt-to-equity ratio of 0.79 in 2024, suggesting moderate leverage. However, a declining stockholders' equity from 2023 to 2024 indicates potential risks. The equity ratio stands at 38.4%, reflecting a stable but slightly weakened position. Return on equity is low at 0.42%, highlighting challenges in generating returns for shareholders.
Cash Flow
65
Positive
Ricardo demonstrates solid cash flow management with a significant increase in free cash flow from 2023 to 2024, achieving a growth rate of 317.1%. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is notably high at 37, indicating strong cash conversion from operations. However, the free cash flow to net income ratio is also high at 20.86, reinforcing positive cash flow dynamics despite net income challenges.
Breakdown
Jun 2024Jun 2023Jun 2022Jun 2021Jun 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
474.70M445.20M380.20M343.70M352.00M
Gross Profit
134.60M121.70M125.00M108.00M113.20M
EBIT
12.80M40.80M18.10M9.20M-2.30M
EBITDA
33.20M17.80M33.80M26.50M29.70M
Net Income Common Stockholders
700.00K-5.40M8.60M1.70M-6.50M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
48.60M49.80M49.40M42.00M66.30M
Total Assets
428.80M448.80M418.80M390.60M426.50M
Total Debt
130.70M137.00M109.20M113.20M169.00M
Net Debt
82.10M87.20M59.80M71.20M102.70M
Total Liabilities
263.60M272.20M221.20M207.80M277.40M
Stockholders Equity
164.70M176.20M197.40M182.60M148.60M
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
14.60M3.50M29.50M12.50M-7.50M
Operating Cash Flow
25.90M14.10M43.60M25.90M23.70M
Investing Cash Flow
-8.00M-22.80M-23.90M-18.30M-32.70M
Financing Cash Flow
-10.80M8.80M-11.70M-32.40M32.00M

Ricardo Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price233.00
Price Trends
50DMA
233.10
Negative
100DMA
311.52
Negative
200DMA
383.98
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-3.95
Positive
RSI
43.93
Neutral
STOCH
15.05
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For GB:RCDO, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 233 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 248.50, below the 50-day MA of 233.10, and below the 200-day MA of 383.98, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -3.95 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 43.93 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 15.05 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for GB:RCDO.

Ricardo Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (62)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
77
Outperform
£270.66M8.8013.45%1.21%-6.07%41.18%
77
Outperform
£356.98M9.0635.97%4.88%22.39%179.53%
GBBAB
74
Outperform
£3.46B17.9544.03%0.77%3.34%481.76%
74
Outperform
£1.55B11.7421.67%3.62%10.41%11.04%
GBBBY
72
Outperform
£2.05B11.9615.35%2.89%3.02%-3.23%
62
Neutral
$7.70B13.143.53%3.32%3.90%-14.25%
52
Neutral
£140.57M205.36-5.28%4.69%-8.12%-794.85%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
GB:RCDO
Ricardo
233.00
-200.83
-46.29%
GB:COST
Costain
101.80
25.34
33.14%
GB:BAB
Babcock International
716.50
211.09
41.77%
GB:BBY
Balfour Beatty
423.00
64.38
17.95%
GB:GFRD
Galliford Try
365.00
135.56
59.08%
GB:MGNS
Morgan Sindall
3,375.00
1,197.47
54.99%

Ricardo Corporate Events

Business Operations and Strategy
Science Group Increases Stake in Ricardo PLC
Positive
Apr 8, 2025

Ricardo PLC has announced a change in its major holdings, with Science Group plc increasing its voting rights from 19.086420% to 20.078702%. This acquisition of voting rights signifies a strategic move by Science Group plc, potentially impacting Ricardo’s governance and future strategic decisions. The increase in holdings may influence Ricardo’s market positioning and stakeholder interests, as it reflects a heightened level of confidence and investment from Science Group plc.

Spark’s Take on GB:RCDO Stock

According to Spark, TipRanks’ AI Analyst, GB:RCDO is a Neutral.

Ricardo’s stock score reflects a balance of moderate financial performance and strategic initiatives, tempered by challenges in profitability and external corporate pressures. While revenue growth and cash flow improvements are positive, low profit margins and a board challenge present risks. Technical indicators are mixed, and valuation metrics suggest concerns despite a decent dividend yield. Overall, the stock presents a cautiously optimistic outlook with potential for improvement if strategic initiatives are successfully executed amid corporate challenges.

To see Spark’s full report on GB:RCDO stock, click here.

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Ricardo PLC Announces Change in Voting Rights Structure
Neutral
Apr 4, 2025

Ricardo PLC has announced a change in its voting rights structure following an acquisition by Science Group plc, which now holds 19.086% of the voting rights, up from a previous 17.324%. This change in shareholding could impact Ricardo’s strategic direction and influence its decision-making processes, potentially affecting stakeholders and the company’s market positioning.

Business Operations and StrategyRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Ricardo PLC Announces Change in Major Holdings
Neutral
Apr 1, 2025

Ricardo PLC has announced a change in its major holdings, with Gresham House Asset Management Limited increasing its voting rights in the company to 23.18%, up from a previous 22.50%. This acquisition of voting rights signifies a strengthened position for Gresham House within Ricardo, potentially impacting the company’s strategic decisions and shareholder dynamics.

Business Operations and StrategyRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Ricardo PLC Announces Change in Major Shareholder Holdings
Neutral
Mar 31, 2025

Ricardo PLC has announced a change in its major holdings, with Science Group plc acquiring a significant portion of voting rights, now holding 17.32% of the total. This acquisition marks an increase from a previous position of 16.13%, potentially impacting Ricardo’s strategic decisions and stakeholder interests.

Executive/Board ChangesM&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Ricardo plc Resists Board Changes Amid Strategic Shift to Energy Solutions
Neutral
Mar 28, 2025

Ricardo plc has rejected demands from Science Group plc to replace its Chairman, Mark Clare, amidst Science Group’s increasing stake in the company. The Board of Ricardo believes these actions are not in the best interest of its shareholders. Despite facing market challenges, Ricardo has been making strategic shifts towards environmental and energy transition solutions, including divesting its Defense segment and acquiring E3 Advisory Pty Ltd. The company has reported strong order intakes and improved financial performance, with a focus on long-term sustainable growth in its Energy & Environment and Rail segments.

Business Operations and Strategy
Science Group plc Increases Stake in Ricardo PLC
Neutral
Mar 19, 2025

Ricardo PLC has announced a change in its major holdings, with Science Group plc increasing its voting rights from 15.19% to 16.13%. This acquisition of voting rights signifies a strengthened influence of Science Group plc within Ricardo PLC, potentially impacting the company’s strategic decisions and stakeholder dynamics.

Executive/Board ChangesRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Ricardo PLC Announces Share Vesting for Chief Strategy Officer
Neutral
Mar 19, 2025

Ricardo PLC announced the vesting of 8,000 ordinary shares to Mike Bell, Chief Strategy and Digital Officer, under its 2020 Long Term Incentive Plan. This vesting, which was not subject to performance conditions, resulted in Bell realizing value from 3,760 shares at £2.48 each, increasing his total shareholding to 10,592 shares, representing 0.017% of the company’s issued share capital. This transaction aligns with the company’s obligations under the EU Market Abuse Regulation, potentially impacting the company’s governance transparency and shareholder value.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Ricardo Faces Board Challenge from Science Group
Negative
Mar 17, 2025

Ricardo plc is currently facing a strategic challenge from Science Group plc, which has been increasing its shareholding and intends to replace Ricardo’s Board directors without offering a premium for control. This move is seen as a distraction for Ricardo, which is focused on executing its strategy to improve business operations and deliver value to shareholders. The Board of Ricardo is committed to acting in the best interests of the company and plans to share further details with shareholders.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Ricardo Rejects Science Group’s Board Restructuring Demands
Negative
Mar 14, 2025

Ricardo plc has rejected demands from Science Group, which holds a 15.2% stake in the company, to replace key board members with their nominees. The Board views these demands as an attempt by Science Group to gain control without paying a takeover premium, especially as Ricardo is focused on simplifying operations and enhancing its focus on environmental and energy transition solutions. The Board believes Science Group’s actions could disrupt Ricardo’s strategic initiatives and potentially lead to governance non-compliance. Ricardo’s Board urges shareholders to reject Science Group’s demands, citing past aggressive tactics by Science Group in other takeovers.

Business Operations and Strategy
Ricardo PLC Announces Change in Major Holdings
Neutral
Mar 14, 2025

Ricardo PLC has announced a change in its major holdings, with Science Group plc acquiring a significant portion of voting rights, now holding 15.186874% of the total. This acquisition marks an increase from their previous position of 14.183925%, potentially impacting Ricardo’s strategic decisions and stakeholder dynamics.

Business Operations and Strategy
Ricardo PLC Enhances Managerial Stake with Share Incentive Plan
Positive
Mar 12, 2025

Ricardo PLC announced the purchase of 295 shares under its Share Incentive Plan (SIP) for several key managerial personnel. This transaction, conducted on the London Stock Exchange, reflects the company’s commitment to aligning managerial interests with shareholder value, potentially impacting its market positioning and stakeholder relations.

Business Operations and Strategy
Science Group Increases Stake in Ricardo PLC
Neutral
Mar 11, 2025

Ricardo PLC has announced that Science Group plc has increased its voting rights in the company from 12.009165% to 14.183925% as of March 11, 2025. This acquisition of voting rights could potentially influence Ricardo’s strategic decisions and impact its market positioning, reflecting a significant interest from Science Group plc in Ricardo’s operations.

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Science Group plc Increases Stake in Ricardo PLC
Neutral
Mar 10, 2025

Ricardo PLC has announced a change in its voting rights structure following an acquisition by Science Group plc, which now holds 12.009165% of the voting rights in Ricardo. This acquisition marks a slight increase from a previous position of 11.672844%, potentially impacting Ricardo’s governance and strategic decisions as Science Group plc strengthens its influence within the company.

Business Operations and Strategy
Ricardo PLC Sees Change in Major Shareholder Holdings
Neutral
Mar 5, 2025

Ricardo PLC has announced a change in its major holdings, with Briarwood Chase Management LLC reducing its voting rights from 5.419% to 2.156%. This adjustment in holdings could influence Ricardo’s shareholder dynamics and potentially impact its strategic decisions, reflecting shifts in investor confidence or strategy.

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Ricardo plc Navigates Market Challenges with Strategic Acquisitions and Divestitures
Positive
Mar 5, 2025

Ricardo plc has reported strategic progress despite market challenges, highlighted by the acquisition of E3 Advisory and the sale of Ricardo Defense. These moves align with its strategy to focus on environmental and energy solutions, resulting in a solid improvement in operating profit and a reduction in net debt. The company has faced market headwinds impacting order timing, but remains confident in its mid-term growth prospects by diversifying into industrial segments and maintaining a focus on cost control and operational efficiency.

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Ricardo PLC Sees Shift in Shareholder Structure with Science Group Acquisition
Neutral
Mar 3, 2025

Ricardo PLC has announced a significant change in its shareholder structure, with Science Group plc acquiring a notable percentage of voting rights, now holding 11.67%. This acquisition marks a strategic move that could influence Ricardo’s future decisions and market positioning, potentially impacting stakeholders and the company’s operational dynamics.

Business Operations and StrategyRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Ricardo PLC Announces Change in Major Holdings
Neutral
Mar 3, 2025

Ricardo PLC has announced a change in its major holdings, with Science Group plc acquiring or disposing of voting rights, resulting in Science Group holding 8.46% of Ricardo’s voting rights. This change in holdings could influence Ricardo’s strategic decisions and market positioning, potentially impacting stakeholders and the company’s future operations.

Business Operations and Strategy
Ricardo PLC Executives Acquire Shares Under Incentive Plan
Positive
Feb 12, 2025

Ricardo PLC, a company engaged in engineering and consulting services, announced the purchase of 296 shares under its Share Incentive Plan by managerial staff. This transaction, occurring on February 10, 2025, involved deductions from the participants’ salaries, indicating a structured approach to employee investment in the company. By facilitating managerial investment in company shares, Ricardo PLC aligns management interests with shareholder value, potentially enhancing its market positioning and demonstrating confidence in its strategic direction.

Other
Ricardo PLC Announces Change in Major Shareholdings
Neutral
Feb 6, 2025

Ricardo PLC has announced a change in major holdings, with Aberforth Partners LLP now holding 11.12% of voting rights in the company, up from a previous 5.76%. This increase in shareholding by Aberforth Partners LLP signifies a significant shift in stakeholder dynamics, potentially impacting the company’s decision-making process and influencing its market positioning.

Shareholder MeetingsRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Ricardo PLC Announces Change in Major Shareholder Holdings
Neutral
Feb 6, 2025

Ricardo PLC has announced a notification regarding a change in major holdings, specifically involving Aviva PLC in the acquisition or disposal of voting rights and financial instruments. This notification, triggered by a shift in direct interest levels, highlights a reduction in Aviva’s voting rights in Ricardo PLC from above 3% to below 3%, potentially impacting the company’s shareholder dynamics and voting power distribution.

Executive/Board Changes
Ricardo Plc’s Carol Borg Appointed CFO at Amadeus IT Group
Neutral
Feb 6, 2025

Ricardo Plc announced that Carol Borg, currently serving as a Non-Executive Director and Audit Chair, will take on a new role as the Group Chief Financial Officer at AMADEUS IT GROUP, S.A., an IBEX 35 company listed on the Spanish Stock Exchange. Despite her new appointment, Borg will continue her responsibilities at Ricardo, highlighting her dual commitment and potentially strengthening Ricardo’s industry connections.

Business Operations and Strategy
Ricardo PLC Announces Change in Shareholder Voting Rights
Neutral
Feb 3, 2025

Ricardo PLC has announced a significant change in its shareholder voting rights, as abrdn plc’s affiliated investment management entities have reduced their voting rights below the 5% threshold due to trading activities on January 30, 2025. This adjustment in voting rights reflects changes in the company’s shareholder structure, potentially impacting Ricardo’s governance dynamics and signaling shifts in investor confidence or strategic interests.

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Ricardo Reports Strategic Progress Amid Short-Term Challenges
Neutral
Jan 30, 2025

Ricardo has announced its trading update ahead of the half-year results. The company has made strategic moves by acquiring Australia’s E3 Advisory and disposing of its Defense business, aligning with its focus on energy and environmental solutions. While these transformations position Ricardo for long-term growth, short-term challenges include delays in orders affecting revenue and profit. However, the company has seen a 10% rise in order intake and expects continued growth in its Energy and Environment sector. Despite facing short-term headwinds, Ricardo remains optimistic about its medium-term growth prospects, driven by strategic contract wins and a transformative focus on sustainability.

Ricardo PLC Strengthens Executive Alignment Through Share Incentive Plan
Jan 17, 2025

Ricardo PLC has announced that it purchased a total of 142 shares for some of its key managerial personnel as part of its Share Incentive Plan. This move reflects the company’s commitment to aligning the interests of its executives with those of shareholders, potentially strengthening stakeholder confidence in the company’s management and future direction.

Ricardo PLC Announces Change in Shareholding Structure
Jan 17, 2025

Ricardo PLC has experienced a change in the nature of its shares, specifically with shares being loaned out, which has resulted in a slight decrease in the percentage of direct voting rights from 3.01% to 2.94%. This notification, prompted by the change at the direct interest level, indicates that Aviva PLC maintains a total of 3.52% of voting rights through various controlled undertakings, potentially impacting stakeholder perceptions and investment strategies.

Ricardo PLC Announces Directorate Changes with Key Appointments
Jan 17, 2025

Ricardo PLC has announced a change in its board of directors, with Malin Persson retiring as a Non-Executive Director at the end of January 2025 after nine years of service. In her place, Russell King has been appointed as the Senior Independent Director, and Sian Lloyd Rees will take on the role of Responsible Business Committee Chair effective February 1, 2025. The company expresses gratitude for Persson’s significant contributions during a transformative period for Ricardo and her efforts in establishing the Responsible Business Committee.

Ricardo PLC Announces Changes in Major Shareholder Holdings
Jan 17, 2025

Ricardo PLC has issued a notification regarding a change in major holdings, as Aviva PLC has adjusted its voting rights, crossing a 3% threshold. This adjustment signifies a shift in Aviva’s direct interest and may influence the company’s governance and strategic decisions, reflecting Aviva’s continued involvement in Ricardo’s shareholder structure.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

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.