Associated British Foods Optimistic on Profit Recovery as Primark Appeals to Cash-Strapped Consumers

Although we think that Associated British Foods', or ABF's, mass-apparel retail division– Primark–should deliver consistent growth through its expansion over the short term, supported by a reliable performance from the remaining largely commodified food divisions, we believe that the company’s potential will be limited over the long term by intense competition and a lack of differentiation, leading to our no-moat rating.