Philips drops on weak sales outlook

Article Excerpt

PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V. ADRs $25 is a hold. The company (New York symbol PHG; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing sector; ADRs outstanding: 906.3 million; Market cap: $22.7 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 1.3; Dividend suspended in 2024; TSINetwork Rating: Average; www.philips.com) makes industrial health-care products, including X-ray scanners and ultrasound systems, along with consumer goods such as electric shavers and electric toothbrushes. The stock dropped over 20% recently after the company said its revenue would likely rise 1.5% in 2024 compared to its earlier prediction for 5% growth. That drop is mainly due to slowing demand for its medical equipment in China, which accounts for 8% of its total revenue. However, demand in the U.S. (40% of revenue) remains strong. The company will probably earn $1.34 per ADR (American Depositary Receipt) in 2024, and the stock trades at 18.7 times that forecast. Philips also suspended its dividend due to costs stemming from the recall of its sleep apnea and ventilator machines. It could resume payments in 2025. Philips is…