Jefferies cuts Freshpet stock target to $138, retains Buy rating

Published 06/05/2025, 10:56
Jefferies cuts Freshpet stock target to $138, retains Buy rating

On Tuesday, Freshpet shares saw an uptick after Jefferies analyst Kaumil Gajrawala adjusted the company’s price target. The new target is set at $138.00, a slight decrease from the previous $140.00, while the Buy rating remains unchanged. Currently trading at $79.09, the stock sits well below the consensus high target of $158, according to InvestingPro data. Gajrawala noted that Freshpet experienced a softer start to the year, with both sales and profit forecasts being revised downward by 5%. Despite this, the outcome was better than many had anticipated.

The analyst pointed out that Freshpet is currently revising its strategies to better suit the current economic climate. The company is focusing on more affordable price points and is altering its marketing approach. These strategic changes are anticipated to improve returns in the second half of the year, particularly important given the stock’s significant decline of 49% over the past six months. Gajrawala’s commentary suggests that these adjustments are a positive response to the challenges Freshpet faces and could potentially bolster the company’s performance going forward.For investors seeking deeper insights, InvestingPro offers comprehensive analysis with 12 additional ProTips and a detailed Fair Value assessment for Freshpet, along with extensive financial metrics and expert analysis in the Pro Research Report.

The market’s reaction to Freshpet’s adjustments was optimistic, as indicated by the rise in share value on Tuesday. This suggests that investors are responding well to the company’s strategic shifts and the maintained Buy rating from Jefferies. Supporting this optimism, the company has demonstrated strong revenue growth of 23.24% over the last twelve months, reaching $1.01 billion. Gajrawala’s statement reinforced this sentiment, mentioning that the risk-reward balance for Freshpet is looking favorable.

Freshpet’s decision to recalibrate its business approach comes at a time when many companies are reassessing their strategies to navigate a dynamic economic landscape. By placing an emphasis on affordability and a reshaped marketing mix, Freshpet aims to stay competitive and attractive to consumers who may be more price-sensitive in the current environment.

Investors will likely keep an eye on Freshpet’s progress throughout the year, particularly looking forward to the second half, as the company’s new initiatives are expected to take effect. The slight adjustment in the price target reflects a cautious but optimistic outlook for Freshpet’s future performance.

In other recent news, Freshpet Inc (NASDAQ:FRPT). reported an unexpected loss for Q1 2025, with earnings per share (EPS) of -$0.26, significantly missing the forecasted $0.15. Despite an 18% year-over-year increase in revenue to $263.2 million, the company fell short of the anticipated $265.01 million. Freshpet’s strategic initiatives include launching new product lines and expanding its direct-to-consumer business, aiming for a long-term sales target of $1.8 billion by 2027. The company has set its 2025 net sales guidance at $1.120-$1.150 billion, projecting a 15-18% growth, alongside an adjusted EBITDA forecast of $190-$210 million. Freshpet continues to hold a 3.5% market share in the $54 billion U.S. pet food industry, with a focus on premium pet food. CEO Billy Cyr emphasized the company’s resilience amidst economic uncertainty, maintaining that consumer interest in premium pet food remains strong. Freshpet is also monitoring potential impacts from tariffs and supply chain disruptions, while focusing on higher-income consumers and e-commerce channels.

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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