| Valuation method | Value, € | Upside, % |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial intelligence (AI) | 25.82 | 27 |
| Intrinsic value (DCF) | 9.26 | -54 |
| Graham-Dodd Method | n/a | |
| Graham Formula | 7.02 | -65 |
Hawesko Holding AG (HAW.DE) is a leading German wine, champagne, and spirits retailer, operating through three key segments: Retail, B2B, and E-commerce. Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Hamburg, the company owns and operates 325 Jacques' Wein-Depot outlets across Germany and 22 Wein & Co. branches in Austria, serving both individual consumers and business clients. Hawesko's diversified business model combines physical retail with a strong e-commerce presence, catering to premium and mid-range wine enthusiasts. As a subsidiary of Tocos Beteiligung GmbH, the company benefits from a stable ownership structure while maintaining a strong brand reputation in Europe's competitive wine market. With a market capitalization of approximately €226 million, Hawesko plays a significant role in Germany's consumer defensive sector, offering resilience against economic downturns due to the steady demand for alcoholic beverages. The company's omni-channel strategy positions it well in an industry increasingly shifting toward digital sales.
Hawesko Holding AG presents a mixed investment case. On the positive side, the company operates in the resilient alcoholic beverages sector, supported by a diversified revenue stream from retail, B2B, and e-commerce. Its €1.30 dividend per share and stable cash flow (€60.2M operating cash flow in FY 2024) may appeal to income-focused investors. However, risks include modest net income (€12.4M) relative to revenue (€639.5M), indicating tight margins, and a high debt-to-equity ratio (€175M total debt vs. €24M cash). The stock's low beta (0.64) suggests lower volatility but may also reflect limited growth prospects in a mature market. Investors should weigh its defensive characteristics against potential challenges from rising input costs and competition in online wine sales.
Hawesko Holding AG competes in the fragmented European wine retail market, differentiating itself through a hybrid retail and e-commerce model. Its competitive advantage lies in its extensive physical footprint (347 stores across Germany and Austria) under the Jacques' Wein-Depot and Wein & Co. banners, which provide localized customer engagement. The B2B segment leverages long-standing relationships with restaurants and hotels, while the e-commerce platform capitalizes on growing digital demand. However, Hawesko faces pressure from pure-play e-commerce rivals with lower overhead costs and global wine marketplaces offering broader selections. The company's focus on mid-to-premium segments shields it from discount competition but limits market share in price-sensitive demographics. Its German/Austrian concentration (vs. multinational peers) is both a strength (deep local knowledge) and a weakness (geographic growth constraints). Supply chain control through direct producer relationships provides margin stability, though reliance on European suppliers may expose it to climate-related vintage fluctuations. The 60-year brand heritage aids customer trust but requires continuous investment to stay relevant among younger consumers shifting toward craft spirits and organic wines.