Report
Lukasz Wachelko, CFA ...
  • Maria Mickiewicz

Polish Food Retail: turning the corner (initiating on Zabka with a BUY, Eurocash and Jeronimo stay BUY, Dino stays SELL)

We believe that, after the price war-impacted 2024 and the seasonally-challenged 1Q25, Polish grocers should enjoy Easter-supported demand and a leap in the VAT hike in 2Q25E. In our view, the Polish consumer has matured, following the tough experience of the pandemic, and the inflation bubble that followed. With a propensity to consume no longer close to 100%, we see the rollout-led growth as more tangible than pure lfl expansion. Within the high-growth names, we prefer Żabka (initiation with a BUY) to Dino (SELL) on valuation grounds (a >50% discount on our 2025E EV/EBIT). We also see Jeronimo Martins (BUY) as well-balanced exposure, with upside potential stemming from the sector’s strongest balance sheet. Finally, we underline that Eurocash (BUY) has deepened the pandemic trough, while the worst seems to be over and the restructuring potential is not priced in by the market, in our view.
Underlyings
Dino Polska S.A.

Dino Polska is engaged in the business of retail sale in non-specialized stores with food, beverages and tobacco. In addition, Co. conducts processing of meats and the resulting products are dedicated, in the form of culinary meat, to external recipients within Co.'s retail chain. As of December 31, 2016, Co. operated a network of 628 Dino stores.

Eurocash S.A.

Eurocash, through its subsidiaries, is engaged in the distribution of food products, household chemicals, alcohol, and tobacco products (fast moving consumer goods). Through a range of distribution formats, Co. and its subsidiaries focus its business activities on the wholesale distribution to customers across the wholesale market segments, in particular, to stores throughout Poland such as retail stores, convenience stores at petrol stations, restaurants, hotels and cafeterias. Co. and its subsidiaries operate a range of distribution formats focused on supplying independent stores in Poland, which primarily include: Cash and Carry, Franchise Systems, and Distribution.

Jeronimo Martins SGPS S.A.

Jeronimo Martins S.G.P.S. is a holding company. Through its subsidiaries, Co. is engaged as a food distribution company with operations in Poland and Portugal. Co. operates in four segments: Portugal Retail, which comprises the business unit of JMR - Gestao de Empresas de Retalho, SGPS, S.A. (Pingo Doce supermarkets); Portugal Cash & Carry, which includes the wholesale business unit Recheio; Poland Retail, which includes the business unit with the brand Biedronka; and Others, which includes marketing services and representations, restaurants in Portugal, health and beauty retail in Poland, and its retail business in Colombia.

ZABKA GROUP

Provider
Wood and Company
Wood and Company

WOOD & Company is the leading investment bank in Emerging Europe. Founded in 1991 and head-quartered in Prague, our footprint spans the region and touches investors around the globe.

A pioneer in Emerging Europe, WOOD executed many of the first CEE equity trades and landmark investment banking transactions. Our electronic trading platform was the first in the region, and remains the best. We are continually expanding our relevance and reach in these ever-evolving markets.

Our equity market share reflects our stature: 7% in Warsaw, 20% in Bucharest, 16% in Hungary, 40% in Prague and 5% in Vienna. Our distribution is unparalleled, with the largest salesforce in the region, servicing a uniquely diverse investor base.

We couple local expertise with a truly international perspective. With offices on the ground in the region, and in key financial hubs such as London and Milano, we are never far from our clients and we remain at the forefront of what’s afoot in the CEE emerging and frontier landscape.

Analysts
Lukasz Wachelko, CFA

Maria Mickiewicz

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