KeyBanc starts Shake Shack stock with Sector Weight rating

Published 02/06/2025, 09:10
KeyBanc starts Shake Shack stock with Sector Weight rating

On Monday, KeyBanc Capital Markets began coverage on Shake Shack shares (NYSE:SHAK), assigning a Sector Weight rating to the company. The firm’s analyst, Christopher Carril, provided insights into the rationale behind the neutral stance. With a market capitalization of $5.5 billion, Shake Shack has demonstrated strong momentum, gaining over 10% in the past week alone. InvestingPro analysis indicates the stock is currently trading above its Fair Value, with multiple valuation metrics suggesting premium pricing.

Shake Shack is recognized by KeyBanc as one of the leading better burger chains in the restaurant sector, with significant growth potential. The analyst noted Shake Shack’s ability to efficiently enter new markets, which could help the company reach its goal of opening 1,500 units over time. Supporting this optimistic outlook, InvestingPro data shows revenue growth of 14% over the last twelve months, with analysts expecting continued growth of 15% in the coming year. KeyBanc also acknowledged Shake Shack’s focus on strategic opportunities to drive market share and enhance profitability at the store level.

Despite these positive attributes, KeyBanc pointed out that Shake Shack has struggled with driving traffic growth, a challenge attributed in part to its rapid unit expansion. The firm suggests that as Shake Shack evolves into a more mature company, there may be a clearer path to improving this metric.

Carril’s analysis mentioned that Shake Shack’s stock has risen approximately 45% in the past month, outpacing the S&P 500’s 5% gain during the same period. Currently, the stock is trading at more than 22 times its projected 2026 EBITDA. Given this recent surge in value, KeyBanc views the stock’s price as approaching fair value and advises a cautious approach, recommending investors wait for a potential pullback before considering an Overweight position.

In other recent news, Shake Shack has been the focus of multiple analyst assessments and strategic announcements. Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC) has raised its price target for Shake Shack to $115, noting the company’s consistent revenue performance and potential for reinvestment through supplier savings. Meanwhile, TD Cowen downgraded Shake Shack’s stock rating to Hold, maintaining a price target of $105, citing high valuation and competitive challenges in the burger category. Stifel also reiterated a Hold rating with a $97 target after Shake Shack’s first-quarter results fell short of expectations, though they noted improvements in sales trends and cost control.

Shake Shack’s expansion efforts are highlighted by a new partnership with Grupo Attie-Multifood Enterprises to open 12 locations in Panama by 2035, marking its entry into Central America. Additionally, the company has entered a licensing agreement with PENN to open approximately ten licensed units in casinos over the coming years. Raymond (NSE:RYMD) James, despite lowering its price target to $140, maintains a Strong Buy rating, optimistic about Shake Shack’s operational improvements and growth trajectory.

The company is actively exploring new formats and menu innovations to drive growth, supported by recent traffic and spending data. Analysts have adjusted earnings per share estimates and expressed varying levels of optimism about Shake Shack’s future, with some cautioning about ambitious margin targets. These developments underscore Shake Shack’s ongoing strategic initiatives and market positioning.

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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