Associated British Foods plc (ASBFY) Stock Analysis
For informational purposes only. Not financial advice. Analysis by Sedat ANAK, Founder & Editor-in-Chief | AI-powered analysis. Data sourced from SEC filings and institutional-grade financial providers. Editorially reviewed. Not financial advice.
Associated British Foods plc (ASBFY) trades at $27.74 with AI Score 39/100 (Grade D). Associated British Foods plc (ASBFY) is a diversified food, ingredients, and retail company headquartered in London, operating through five segments. Market cap: $19.4B, Sector: Consumer defensive.
Price as of Aug 21, 2026 · Last analyzed: Jun 14, 2026Analyst Coverage for ASBFY: ASBFY does not currently have published analyst price targets in our coverage universe. This is common for smaller-cap names with limited Wall Street coverage. In the absence of analyst consensus, our AI model evaluates ASBFY against Consumer Defensive peers across nine fundamental dimensions and assigns an underweight signal based on the underlying data.
ASBFY: 2/3 scored disciplines lean bullish. Dominant signal: Ken Griffin bearish.
How is this calculated? →Why this analysis is different
- A 9-signal quantitative MoonshotScore built from filings, insider activity, and market data — computed from the numbers, not from opinion.
- An AI Council read across up to eight perspectives — value, macro, quantitative, and momentum lenses — that shows where they disagree instead of averaging the tension away.
- Figures come straight from FMP and Yahoo Finance filings data. The AI writes the narrative around the numbers — it never edits the numbers.
Associated British Foods plc (ASBFY) Consumer Business Overview
Associated British Foods plc (ASBFY) is a leading diversified food and retail company, known for its extensive product range across grocery, sugar, agriculture, ingredients, and retail sectors, with a strong commitment to quality and sustainability.
What Is the Investment Thesis for ASBFY?
Associated British Foods plc (ASBFY) presents a compelling investment thesis characterized by its diversified business model and strong market presence. With a market capitalization of $19.4B and a P/E ratio of 13.9, ASBFY demonstrates solid financial health, underpinned by a profit margin of 4.9% and a gross margin of 7.5%. Key growth catalysts include the expansion of the Primark retail chain, which has shown resilience even in challenging economic environments, and the increasing demand for sustainable food products across its grocery and ingredients segments. Additionally, the company's strong dividend yield of 3.24% reflects its commitment to returning value to shareholders. However, potential risks include fluctuations in commodity prices affecting the Sugar and Agriculture segments, as well as competitive pressures from peers such as Ajinomoto Co., Inc. (AJINF) and Pernod Ricard S.A. (PRNDY). Overall, ASBFY's diversified operations and strategic positioning in the consumer defensive sector provide a solid foundation for future growth.
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
ASBFY Key Highlights
Market capitalization of $19.4B indicates a strong market presence.
- P/E ratio of 13.9 suggests attractive valuation compared to industry peers.
- Profit margin of 4.9% reflects effective cost management.
- Gross margin of 7.5% is competitive within the packaged foods sector.
- Dividend yield of 3.24% underscores commitment to shareholder returns.
Who Are ASBFY's Competitors?
ASBFY is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.
| Company | Price | Change | Market Cap | AI Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AJINF Ajinomoto Co., Inc. | $32.66 | -6.69% | $31.3B | 45 |
| ETTYF Essity AB (publ) | $28.80 | +0.00% | $19.5B | 45 |
| PRNDY Pernod Ricard S.A. | $16.08 | +1.13% | $20.3B | 47 |
| BDRFF Beiersdorf AG | $91.34 | -1.00% | $19.9B | 43 |
| JDEPF JDE Peet's N.V. | $36.39 | +0.00% | $17.7B | 49 |
| MKC McCormick & Company, Incorporated | $55.22 | -2.23% | $14.9B | 62 |
| HRL Hormel Foods Corporation | $24.07 | -1.39% | $13.3B | 56 |
| DAR Darling Ingredients Inc. | $68.77 | +2.73% | $10.9B | 73 |
AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance
What Are ASBFY's Key Strengths?
Diversified business model across multiple segments.
- Strong market presence in both food and retail sectors.
- Established brand loyalty, particularly in retail.
- Commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing.
What Are ASBFY's Weaknesses?
Exposure to commodity price fluctuations, particularly in sugar and agriculture.
- Dependence on retail performance, which can be cyclical.
- Potential supply chain disruptions affecting product availability.
- Limited presence in emerging markets compared to competitors.
What Could Drive ASBFY Stock Higher?
ASBFY catalyst: Expansion of Primark into new international markets, expected to drive revenue growth over the next 2-3 years.
- Development of sustainable product lines in the Grocery and Ingredients segments to meet rising consumer demand.
- Digital transformation initiatives aimed at enhancing online sales capabilities for Primark.
- Introduction of new specialty food ingredients to capitalize on growing market trends.
- Strategic investments in supply chain efficiency to mitigate risks and improve margins.
What Are the Key Risks for ASBFY?
Fluctuations in commodity prices impacting the Sugar and Agriculture segments.
- Competitive pressures from established players in the packaged foods sector.
- Economic downturns affecting consumer spending in retail.
- Regulatory changes impacting food safety and labeling requirements.
What Are the Growth Opportunities for ASBFY?
- Expansion of Primark: Primark, a key retail segment of ASBFY, has significant growth potential, particularly in international markets. With plans to open new stores in Europe and the U.S., ASBFY aims to leverage Primark's brand strength to drive revenue growth and enhance market penetration.
- Sustainable Product Development: The increasing consumer focus on sustainability presents an opportunity for ASBFY to innovate within its Grocery and Ingredients segments. This aligns with ASBFY's commitment to responsible sourcing and environmental stewardship.
- Diversification of Ingredients Portfolio: ASBFY's Ingredients segment, which produces bakery ingredients and enzymes, is positioned to benefit from the rising demand for specialty ingredients in the food industry. The global specialty food ingredients market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% through 2027, providing ASBFY with opportunities to expand its product offerings and enhance profitability through value-added products.
- Digital Transformation in Retail: The shift towards e-commerce and digital shopping experiences is reshaping the retail landscape. ASBFY's investment in digital platforms for Primark can enhance customer engagement and drive online sales, which are projected to account for 20% of total retail sales by 2027. This digital strategy will enable ASBFY to reach a broader audience and adapt to changing consumer behaviors.
- Growth in Health and Wellness Products: The increasing consumer preference for health and wellness products is a significant growth driver for ASBFY. The health food market is projected to grow by 8% annually, and ASBFY's ability to innovate and expand its product lines in this area can lead to increased market share and revenue growth, particularly in its Grocery segment.
What Are ASBFY's Competitive Advantages?
- Diverse product portfolio reduces dependency on any single segment.
- Strong brand recognition in retail through Primark and Penneys.
- Established supply chain and distribution networks enhance operational efficiency.
- Commitment to sustainability fosters consumer trust and loyalty.
- Economies of scale in production lead to cost advantages.
What Does ASBFY Do?
Founded in 1935 and headquartered in London, Associated British Foods plc (ASBFY) has evolved into a prominent player in the global food and retail sectors. The company operates through five key segments: Grocery, Sugar, Agriculture, Ingredients, and Retail. The Grocery segment is responsible for a diverse array of products, including hot beverages, sugar and sweeteners, vegetable oils, balsamic vinegars, baked goods, cereals, ethnic foods, and meat products, catering to retail, wholesale, and foodservice businesses. The Sugar segment focuses on the cultivation, processing, and sale of sugar beet and sugar cane, primarily serving industrial users. The Agriculture segment provides animal feeds and various products and services for the agricultural sector, while the Ingredients segment specializes in manufacturing bakers' yeast, bakery ingredients, enzymes, lipids, yeast extracts, and cereal specialties. Notably, the Retail segment operates the popular Primark and Penneys chains, offering a wide range of clothing and accessories, including womenswear, menswear, children's wear, footwear, homeware, and skincare products. As a subsidiary of Wittington Investments Limited, ASBFY has established a robust market position, leveraging its diversified portfolio to navigate industry challenges and capitalize on growth opportunities.
What Products and Services Does ASBFY Offer?
- Manufacture and sell a wide range of grocery products including beverages, baked goods, and ethnic foods.
- Grow, process, and sell sugar beet and sugar cane for industrial users.
- Produce animal feeds and provide services for the agriculture sector.
- Manufacture specialty ingredients such as bakers' yeast and enzymes.
- Operate retail chains Primark and Penneys, offering clothing and accessories.
- Focus on sustainable practices across all business segments.
How Does ASBFY Make Money?
- Generate revenue through the sale of food products across multiple segments.
- Leverage retail operations to capture consumer spending in clothing and accessories.
- Utilize economies of scale in production to maintain competitive pricing.
- Invest in R&D to innovate and expand product offerings.
- Focus on sustainability to enhance brand loyalty and meet consumer demand.
What Industry Does ASBFY Operate In?
The packaged foods industry is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing consumer demand for convenience and health-oriented products. The global market for packaged foods is projected to expand steadily, with a focus on sustainability and transparency in sourcing. Associated British Foods plc (ASBFY) is well-positioned within this evolving landscape, leveraging its diverse product offerings and strong retail presence to capture market share. The competitive landscape includes notable players such as Ajinomoto Co., Inc. (AJINF), Essity AB (publ) (ETTYF), and Pernod Ricard S.A. (PRNDY), each vying for consumer loyalty in a rapidly changing market.
Who Are ASBFY's Key Customers?
- Retailers and wholesalers in the grocery sector.
- Industrial users of sugar and agricultural products.
- Consumers purchasing clothing and accessories from Primark and Penneys.
- Foodservice businesses requiring bulk food products.
- Agricultural producers needing animal feeds and related services.
Associated British Foods plc (ASBFY) Valuation Context
Valued at $19.4B, ASBFY is classified as a large-cap stock. Relative to its peer group, ASBFY's quantitative score of 39/100 is roughly in line with the peer average of 46/100.
ASBFY Revenue & Earnings Trend
In Q1 2026, ASBFY generated $9.45B in top-line revenue, marking a sequential decrease of 4.8%. The company recorded net income of $444.3M, with diluted EPS of $0.63. Quarter-over-quarter revenue has been mixed, typical for a large-cap company operating in Consumer Defensive. Across the four most recent quarters, ASBFY averaged $0.78 in diluted EPS.
Company Profile
Associated British Foods plc operates in the Packaged Foods industry within the Consumer Defensive sector. It is headquartered in London, GB. The company is led by CEO George Garfield Weston. ASBFY has traded publicly since 2009.
Key Financial Metrics
Return on equity for Associated British Foods plc stands at 8.4%, a gauge of how efficiently it converts shareholder capital into profit. Return on assets is 4.8%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. ASBFY trades at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 13.92, below the Consumer Defensive sector average of ~28x. Its free cash flow yield is 9.1%, a gauge of the cash the business throws off relative to its market value. A current ratio of 1.51 indicates the company holds enough short-term assets to cover its near-term obligations. Its earnings yield is 7.2%, the inverse of the P/E and a quick read on earnings relative to price.
Financial Health
Associated British Foods plc's Piotroski F-Score is 6/9, a 9-point checklist of profitability, leverage and efficiency — a middling fundamental profile. Its Altman Z-Score of 4.57 places it in the safe zone, indicating low near-term bankruptcy risk.
Earnings Track Record
Associated British Foods plc has beaten Wall Street's EPS estimate in 6 of its last 8 reported quarters — a consistent record of delivering on expectations. Reported results have landed about 4.6% above estimates on average.
Forward Outlook
Wall Street analysts project Associated British Foods plc revenue of about $19.32B for fiscal 2026, with EPS near $1.53. The estimate reflects 9 contributing analysts.
ASBFY Financials
Fundamental Snapshot
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis · FY 2025
Bull Case vs Bear Case
Bull Case
- Recent insider buying suggests those in the know see long-term value, hinting at confidence in future performance.
- Positive buzz in the community highlights strong brand loyalty and perceived quality of their diverse product portfolio.
- Market perception sees ABF as a stable, diversified player, weathering economic storms better than pure-play competitors.
- The company's expansion into emerging markets is viewed favorably, signaling growth potential beyond saturated regions.
Bear Case
- Community sentiment reflects concerns about rising input costs impacting profit margins, mirroring broader industry anxieties.
- Insider selling, though less prominent than buying, raises questions about short-term outlook or capital allocation strategies.
- Market perception acknowledges ABF's dependence on specific commodity prices, making it vulnerable to supply chain disruptions.
- Bearish community views focus on potential regulatory headwinds in key markets, possibly impacting future growth prospects.
AI-generated arguments based on insider flow, news sentiment and technicals — not financial advice · March 2026
Recent Quarterly Results
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 2026 | $9.45B | $444M | $0.63 |
| Q3 2025 | $9.93B | $504M | $0.70 |
| Q1 2025 | $9.51B | $520M | $0.71 |
| Q3 2024 | $10.34B | $792M | $1.06 |
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
ASBFY Latest News
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· Dec 16, 2019
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· Dec 13, 2019
ASBFY Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for ASBFY.
Price Targets
Wall Street price target analysis for ASBFY.
ASBFY MoonshotScore
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates ASBFY 0-100 on quantitative fundamentals — growth, financial health, valuation, momentum, and risk.
Latest Associated British Foods plc Analysis
SPY Gains +0.08% as 'Strong Sell' Rated ASBFY Surges +4.00% in a Historically Pricey Market
5 min readPalantir (PLTR) Dips -1.14% as Billionaire Ken Griffin Boosts AI Holdings
3 min readASBFY Surges +4.00% to $29.61 Despite Strong Sell Rating
3 min readASBFY Rallies +4.00% to $29.61 While ADM Dips -0.10% Amid Mixed Market Session
5 min readASBFY Surges 4.00% as SPY Gains 0.08% Amidst Divergent Stock Calls
2 min readLeadership: George Garfield Weston
CEO
George Garfield Weston has been at the helm of Associated British Foods plc as CEO, leading the company since 2005. He holds a degree from the University of Toronto and has extensive experience in the food and retail sectors. Prior to his current role, Weston held various leadership positions within the company, contributing to its growth and diversification.
Track Record: Under George Weston's leadership, ASBFY has expanded its global footprint, particularly through the growth of the Primark retail chain. His strategic decisions have focused on sustainability and innovation, enhancing the company's market position and operational efficiency.
Associated British Foods plc ADR Information Unsponsored
An American Depositary Receipt (ADR) represents shares of a foreign company traded on U.S. exchanges. ASBFY operates as a Level 1 ADR, allowing U.S. investors to buy shares without direct access to the London stock market.
- Home Market Ticker: London Stock Exchange, United Kingdom
- ADR Level: 1
- ADR Ratio: 1:1
- Home Market Ticker: ASBF
ASBFY OTC Market Information
The OTC Other tier includes companies that trade on the over-the-counter market but do not meet the requirements for listing on major exchanges like NYSE or NASDAQ. This tier allows for greater flexibility in trading but may involve lower transparency and liquidity compared to listed stocks.
- OTC Tier: OTC Other
- Limited liquidity compared to stocks listed on major exchanges.
- Potential for higher volatility in share price due to lower trading volume.
- Less stringent reporting requirements may lead to information asymmetry.
- Currency risk associated with foreign stock holdings.
- Review recent financial statements and earnings reports.
- Assess the company's competitive position and market trends.
- Evaluate management's track record and strategic vision.
- Consider macroeconomic factors affecting the packaged foods sector.
- Verify the legitimacy of the OTC listing and trading practices.
- Established history and reputation in the food industry.
- Strong brand presence in retail through Primark.
- Regular financial disclosures and reporting.
- Affiliation with Wittington Investments Limited, a reputable parent company.
Associated British Foods plc Consumer Defensive Stock: Key Questions Answered
What does the AI Score mean for ASBFY?
ASBFY holds an AI Score of 39/100 (Grade: D). This is an educational research signal, not a buy or sell recommendation. Associated British Foods plc (ASBFY) is a diversified food, ingredients, and retail company headquartered in London, operating through five segments. With a strong market presence in grocery …
What does Associated British Foods plc do?
Associated British Foods plc is a diversified company operating in the food and retail sectors. It manufactures and sells a wide range of grocery products, including beverages, baked goods, and ethnic foods. Additionally, it grows and processes sugar, produces animal feeds, and operates retail chains such as Primark and Penneys, offering clothing and accessories.
What do analysts say about ASBFY stock?
Analysts generally view ASBFY as a stable investment within the packaged foods sector, with a focus on its diversified business model. Key valuation metrics indicate a P/E ratio of 13.9, which is competitive compared to industry peers. Growth considerations include the expansion of Primark and increasing consumer demand for sustainable products, which may enhance future revenue prospects.
What are the main risks for ASBFY?
Associated British Foods plc faces several risks, including fluctuations in commodity prices that can impact profitability in the Sugar and Agriculture segments. Additionally, competitive pressures from peers in the packaged foods market pose a threat to market share. Economic downturns may also affect consumer spending, particularly in retail, while regulatory changes could impact operational practices and costs.
What are the key factors to evaluate for ASBFY?
Associated British Foods plc (ASBFY) holds an AI score of 39/100 (low). P/E: 13.9x vs the S&P 500's ~20-25x. Not financial advice.
How frequently does ASBFY data refresh on this page?
ASBFY's price was last updated on Aug 21, 2026 and refreshes on page view during U.S. market hours — it is not a real-time exchange feed. Fundamentals update after quarterly filings; the MoonshotScore recalculates nightly; news aggregates continuously.
What has driven ASBFY's recent stock price performance?
Associated British Foods plc (ASBFY) moves on earnings results, analyst revisions, sector rotation, and market sentiment. Notable catalyst: Diversified business model across multiple segments. See the News tab for the latest drivers. Past performance does not predict future results.
Should investors consider ASBFY overvalued or undervalued right now?
Associated British Foods plc (ASBFY) trades at 13.9x earnings. Compare P/E, P/S, and EV/EBITDA against sector peers for a full view.
How do I research ASBFY before investing?
Before investing in Associated British Foods plc (ASBFY), research these four areas: (1) the company's revenue model and competitive position (see Company Overview), (2) financial health through revenue growth, margins, and cash flow (see MoonshotScore), (3) analyst consensus ratings and price targets (see Analyst tab), and (4) specific risk factors that could impact the stock (see Risk Factors section).
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.
Official Resources
Data provided for informational purposes only.
- Data is based on the latest available information as of June 2026.