Benchmark lowers Freshpet stock price target to $95 on macro concerns

Published 05/08/2025, 18:02
Benchmark lowers Freshpet stock price target to $95 on macro concerns

Investing.com - Benchmark has lowered its price target on Freshpet (NASDAQ:FRPT) to $95.00 from $120.00 while maintaining a Buy rating on the stock. The company’s shares, currently trading near their 52-week low of $64.69, have declined over 53% in the past six months. According to InvestingPro analysis, the stock shows high volatility with a beta of 1.77.

The price target reduction follows Freshpet’s August 4 earnings report, which showed stronger profitability metrics despite softer revenues. The pet food company reported revenues of $265 million, representing 13% year-over-year growth but falling slightly below the consensus estimate of $268 million.

Freshpet demonstrated improved operational efficiency with a 100 basis point improvement in gross margin and a 90 basis point decline in adjusted G&A expenses. These improvements helped the company generate operating income of $17.8 million, significantly exceeding the consensus estimate of $7.6 million.

The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $0.33 and adjusted EBITDA of $44 million, representing 26% year-over-year growth. Both figures surpassed consensus estimates of $0.10 and $39 million, respectively.

Benchmark cited a "new planning reality" regarding revenue projections through fiscal year 2027, with expectations now set for low-to-mid-teens percentage revenue growth due to current consumer macroeconomic conditions, leading to the reduced price target based on a 20x forward EBITDA multiple.

In other recent news, Freshpet reported its second-quarter 2025 earnings, showcasing a notable earnings-per-share (EPS) of $0.33, significantly surpassing the forecasted $0.11. This 200% surprise in EPS reflects the company’s ability to exceed profitability expectations, despite slightly missing revenue projections. Stifel has maintained its Buy rating for Freshpet, citing stronger-than-expected EBITDA, which was driven by margin expansion that compensated for weaker sales growth. The firm set a price target of $90.00, showing confidence in Freshpet’s financial performance.

Conversely, UBS reiterated its Sell rating with a price target of $65.00, expressing concerns over the company’s top-line growth potential. Despite these concerns, UBS acknowledged Freshpet’s flexibility in meeting profitability targets. These developments highlight differing analyst perspectives on Freshpet’s financial health and growth trajectory. Both Stifel and UBS’s ratings reflect the varied outlook on Freshpet’s future performance.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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