Analyst Sees ‘Another Strong Year’ for Cranswick Shares

Cranswick (LON: CWK) is set for “another year of strong financial progress,” according to Shore Capital, which said its latest discussions with management reinforced confidence ahead of the group’s March 28 financial year-end.

The broker, which also acts in an advisory capacity to Cranswick, left its forecasts unchanged but noted scope for the food producer to continue its long record of outperforming expectations.

Shore Capital expects revenue growth to remain robust, mirroring the “strong” performance reported in the third quarter.

The firm pointed to supportive demand trends across Cranswick’s major supermarket customers, citing NielsenIQ data showing sales rising 4% at Tesco, 5.7% at Sainsbury and 6.5% at Marks & Spencer, with a 14.4% gain for M&S products on Ocado. These retailers make up roughly half of the group’s revenue.

The broker anticipates “healthy volume growth” and a positive mix shift toward affordable premium products, while flagging a modest headwind from falling UK pig prices. It added that Cranswick’s cost-of-production farming model should limit any margin impact.

Shore Capital continues to forecast adjusted earnings per share of 290.5p for fiscal 2026, representing year-on-year growth of around 8%. The firm highlighted Cranswick’s “historically conservative” guidance and long-term record of double-digit EPS growth, suggesting potential for upside.

Investment remains a key pillar of the story, with spending of about £170 million expected this year. Shore Capital said new facilities in Preston and Worsley should begin contributing more meaningfully, while additional volumes from Sainsbury, M&S and Pets at Home underpin growth into fiscal 2027.

“Cranswick is a high-class act and a core investment in our view,” the broker stated.