Investing.com -- European building and construction stocks present compelling investment opportunities for 2026, with several companies positioned for significant growth according to Jefferies analysts.
Their latest research highlights potential catalysts across the sector, from pricing power to market recovery and strategic capital allocation.
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Heidelberg (Buy, Price Target €300)
Jefferies analysts see Heidelberg as undervalued at 13x 2026 PE ratio, with multiple growth drivers ahead. Price increases across Europe are expected to drive near-term upgrades, while potential industry consolidation could maintain strong pricing momentum.
The company is well-positioned to benefit from European market recovery through 2026, with additional cost savings amplifying regional leverage.
Analysts highlight that strategic capital allocation through M&A and share buybacks should provide further upside potential.
Heidelberg Materials has also received several analyst upgrades, including from Barclays to Overweight and from both UBS and Goldman Sachs to Buy, with the firms noting factors such as carbon pricing benefits and structural tailwinds.
Saint-Gobain (Buy, Price Target €144.5)
With a price target suggesting over 65% upside potential, Saint-Gobain offers a compelling risk/reward profile according to Jefferies. The company trades at 11.8x 2026 PE, approximately 50% lower than sector peers.
Analysts identify several catalysts for 2026, including reassurance on European growth, improved US profitability, and emerging market expansion opportunities.
However, they suggest a return to meaningful M&A activity could be the most significant trigger to remind investors of the company’s structural transformation.
Saint Gobain also saw BofA Securities resume coverage on its stock with a Buy rating and a price target of EUR105.00.
Persimmon (Buy, Price Target 1815p)
Jefferies names Persimmon as their top pick among UK housebuilders. The company’s northern-focused land bank and continued momentum in outlet openings are expected to drive growth into 2026.
Analysts highlight that positive price and margin mix from premium brand offerings should differentiate Persimmon from competitors. Progress through limited building safety provisions could enable increased capital returns. Trading at 1.1x P/NTAV while forecasted to achieve over 13% ROE in 2026, analysts see significant value.
In recent developments, Persimmon PLC reported positive sales growth and a substantial increase in forward sales for its third quarter of 2025. The company also received a rating upgrade to Outperform from RBC Capital, which noted its success in opening new construction sites.
Geberit (Buy, Price Target CHF732)
Despite commanding the sector’s highest valuation at 22.1x 2026E EV/EBITDA, Jefferies believes Geberit’s fundamentals justify the premium. The company’s two largest markets, Germany and Switzerland (approximately 40% of sales), show clear catalysts for renovation growth.
Analysts suggest consensus estimates may underestimate the disproportionate margin benefits these markets could deliver, along with potential volume boosts from inventory restocking ahead of market recovery.
JPMorgan upgraded its rating on Geberit AG to Neutral from Underweight, citing the company’s strong performance and its recently raised like-for-like growth expectation of 4.5%.
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