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On Thursday, Jefferies analysts revised their outlook on Beyond Meat Inc . (NASDAQ:BYND), lowering the price target to $3.15 from the previous $4.00, while maintaining a Hold rating on the company’s shares. The adjustment follows Beyond Meat’s recent report of its second consecutive quarter of net sales growth, which was pegged at 4%, driven by approximately 8% pricing. According to InvestingPro data, the company’s revenue stands at $323.47 million for the last twelve months, with a concerning gross profit margin of just 5.92%.
The company’s management is actively seeking the optimal strategy amidst ongoing category pressures. Jefferies analysts pointed out that while progress on margins is anticipated to carry on, the company’s liquidity issues present a significant challenge that needs to be addressed. InvestingPro analysis reveals the company operates with a significant debt burden, with total debt reaching $1.22 billion as of the latest quarter, though its current ratio of 3.43 indicates adequate short-term liquidity.
According to the analysts’ commentary, the future trajectory of Beyond Meat is heavily dependent on a balance sheet restructuring planned for 2025. The analysts stated, "Beyond delivered its 2nd consecutive quarter of net sales growth (4%) on ~8% pricing. Management is still searching for the right balance while category pressures continue. Progress on margins is expected to continue, but liquidity remains an overhang that requires a solution. The direction of travel for the business hinges on a balance sheet restructuring in ’25, in our view. Maintain Hold, PT to $3.15."
The company’s stock performance and investor sentiment are likely to be influenced by how effectively Beyond Meat navigates the balance sheet restructuring and addresses the liquidity concerns as outlined by Jefferies. The market’s response to the revised price target and the company’s strategic adjustments will be closely monitored by stakeholders.
In other recent news, Beyond Meat Inc. reported its fourth-quarter 2024 earnings, revealing a revenue of $76.7 million, which slightly exceeded the forecast but was overshadowed by a larger-than-expected loss per share of -$0.65. The company’s full-year revenue was $326.5 million, marking a 4.9% decline compared to 2023. Analysts from TD Cowen, Mizuho (NYSE:MFG) Securities, and BMO Capital Markets have adjusted their outlooks on Beyond Meat, with TD Cowen lowering the stock target to $2.50 and maintaining a Sell rating, while Mizuho kept its $3.00 target with an Underperform rating. BMO Capital Markets also reduced the price target from $6.00 to $5.00, maintaining a Market Perform rating.
Beyond Meat’s guidance for 2025 suggests flat sales growth, with revenue projected between $320 million and $335 million and a target gross margin of approximately 20%. The company aims to achieve positive EBITDA by the end of 2026, focusing on margin improvement and cost reduction, including workforce reductions and suspending operations in China. Despite these efforts, analysts have expressed skepticism about the company’s ability to meet its financial targets, citing ongoing challenges in the plant-based meat market. Beyond Meat’s issuance of 9.75 million shares raised $46 million, diluting equity by over 10%, highlighting concerns about its capital structure.
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