TD Cowen cuts Utz Brands stock rating, lowers price target to $15

Published 22/04/2025, 11:14
TD Cowen cuts Utz Brands stock rating, lowers price target to $15

On Tuesday, TD Cowen announced a downgrade of Utz Brands shares from Buy to Hold and decreased the price target from $17.00 to $15.00. The adjustment was made in response to concerns about ongoing weakness in the salty snack category and a diminished likelihood of a company buyout in the near future. Currently trading at $13.81, InvestingPro data shows Utz Brands with a market capitalization of $1.95 billion and trading at elevated earnings and EBITDA multiples.

Stifel analysts cited a reduction in their organic sales growth forecasts for 2025 and 2026 to 2%, which is slightly above consensus estimates of 1.8% for 2025 but below the 3% expected for 2026. The revised estimates reflect a more cautious outlook on the company’s growth prospects amid a challenging market environment. According to InvestingPro, Utz has maintained a consistent dividend growth track record, raising dividends for 5 consecutive years, with net income expected to grow this year despite market headwinds.

The downgrade comes as the analysts at TD Cowen reassess the potential for Utz Brands in the current market landscape. The firm’s concerns revolve around the persistent underperformance in the salty snack category, which could impact Utz’s sales growth moving forward.

Despite the industry’s broader issues, the analysts’ new projections still indicate a modest growth expectation for Utz Brands, albeit at a slower pace than previously anticipated. The new price target of $15 suggests that the analysts are recalibrating their expectations to align with the company’s revised growth trajectory.

TD Cowen’s report concludes with a cautious stance on Utz Brands, signaling to investors a tempered outlook for the company’s stock performance in the near term. The firm’s analysis points to a more conservative approach in valuing the company amidst market headwinds and potential strategic shifts.

In other recent news, Utz Brands has been the subject of several analyst reports reflecting mixed sentiments. Piper Sandler reaffirmed its Overweight rating with a $20 price target, citing confidence in Utz’s potential for revenue and margin growth following meetings with the company’s leadership. The firm highlighted Utz’s strategic plans and market positioning as key factors in its positive outlook. Meanwhile, RBC Capital Markets maintained an Outperform rating but reduced its price target to $20 from $23, attributing the adjustment to lower-than-expected fourth-quarter revenue and ongoing market challenges. RBC remains optimistic about Utz’s resilience and potential for growth despite these hurdles. On the other hand, DA Davidson adjusted its price target to $16 from $18, maintaining a Neutral rating due to concerns about broader market conditions and Utz’s revenue performance. The firm acknowledged Utz’s management efforts in productivity but expressed caution regarding the snacking sector. These recent developments indicate varied perspectives on Utz Brands’ future, with analysts weighing the company’s strategic initiatives against current market challenges.

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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