LONDON (ShareCast) - (Sharecast News) - Analysts at Canaccord Genuity reiterated their 'buy' rating on consumer products manufacturer IG Design Group on Wednesday, saying the firm's interim trading update detailed "a robust financial performance" in what remain "challenging market conditions".

Canaccord Genuity said "good progress" continues to be made in improving operational efficiencies and simplifying the business, which has resulted in "significant growth" in profits and margins across the first half. It also pointed out that the improved profitability, coupled with more efficient working capital management, led to "strong cash generation" resulting in significantly lower net debt year-on-year.

"We take encouragement that initiatives aimed at restoring operating margins back to pre-pandemic levels by FY25 continue to gain traction and the aspiration remains on track," it said.

"These initiatives include headcount reductions, the benefit from last year's exit of unprofitable contracts and catch-up pricing, and a more joined-up approach to sourcing, along with the consolidation of group sites. We expect to get more detail on this progress along with an updated outlook at the group's interim results on 28 November. As a reminder, we forecast FY24E adjusted operating profit to improve by 62.5% yoy to $26.1m, with margins improving to 3.2% from 1.8% last year.

Canaccord noted that IG Design has made "good strategic progress" under its new leadership team, with the refinancing at more favourable terms, and successful execution of strategic initiatives driving an improved financial performance. It said the focus going forward remains on recovering margins and future growth opportunities.

IGR trades on a March 2024 estimated enterprise value/underlying earnings ratio of 2.6x dropping to 1.7x March 2025E, continuing to highlight "inherent value" in Canaccord's view. The analysts also reiterated their 275.0p target price on the stock.

Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com

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