| Valuation method | Value, £ | Upside, % |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial intelligence (AI) | 164.77 | -63 |
| Intrinsic value (DCF) | 134.77 | -70 |
| Graham-Dodd Method | 7.09 | -98 |
| Graham Formula | n/a |
James Fisher and Sons plc (LSE: FSJ.L) is a leading provider of marine and specialist engineering services with a global footprint. Founded in 1847 and headquartered in Barrow-in-Furness, UK, the company operates across four key segments: Marine Support, Specialist Technical, Offshore Oil, and Tankships. Its diversified service portfolio includes ship-to-ship transfers, aerospace engineering, hazardous area design, marine project management, and subsea equipment solutions. The company also offers critical inspection, monitoring, and lifting services, catering to industries such as offshore wind, nuclear, and marine safety. With a strong presence in ports like Plymouth, James Fisher leverages its engineering expertise to serve clients in energy, defense, and infrastructure sectors. Its niche capabilities in remote handling, radiation-tolerant equipment, and submarine rescue systems position it as a key player in high-specification industrial and marine markets. The company’s long-standing reputation and technical specialization make it a trusted partner for complex engineering challenges in harsh environments.
James Fisher and Sons presents a mixed investment profile. On the positive side, its diversified marine and engineering services, particularly in offshore energy and specialized technical sectors, provide resilience against cyclical downturns in any single market. The company’s strong cash position (GBp 86.2M) and moderate leverage (total debt of GBp 194.1M) offer financial flexibility. However, the absence of dividends and a beta of 0.373 suggest lower volatility but also limited growth appeal. Revenue of GBp 437.7M and net income of GBp 46.3M reflect steady operations, though capital expenditures (GBp -29.3M) indicate ongoing investment needs. Investors should weigh its niche expertise against exposure to volatile oil and marine markets.
James Fisher and Sons competes in a fragmented market with a unique blend of marine services and high-end engineering solutions. Its competitive advantage lies in deep technical expertise, particularly in hazardous environments (e.g., nuclear, subsea) and long-term client relationships in defense and energy sectors. The company’s vertically integrated services—from design to operational support—differentiate it from pure-play marine operators. However, it faces pressure from larger diversified industrials with greater scale (e.g., TechnipFMC) and regional players with lower cost structures. Its Offshore Oil segment is vulnerable to energy transition trends, while the Specialist Technical division benefits from high barriers to entry due to regulatory and certification requirements. The lack of recent dividends may deter income-focused investors, but its GBp 161.6M market cap suggests potential for strategic repositioning or acquisition interest in a consolidating industry.