UBS initiates Freshpet stock with sell rating on growth concerns

Published 16/06/2025, 08:36
UBS initiates Freshpet stock with sell rating on growth concerns

UBS initiated coverage on Freshpet (NASDAQ:FRPT) Monday with a sell rating and a $65.00 price target, citing concerns about overly optimistic growth expectations for the pet food company. According to InvestingPro data, the stock currently trades at $74.27 with a notably high P/E ratio of 233.6, suggesting significant overvaluation relative to earnings.

The investment bank believes both top and bottom line estimates for Freshpet are too high, suggesting more modest growth in the near term will likely cause further valuation contraction for the stock.

UBS noted that current share prices appear to be pricing in mid-to-high teens revenue growth over the next few years, which contrasts with the firm’s own expectation for low double-digit percentage growth.

The $65 price target implies potential downside from Freshpet’s current trading level, reflecting UBS’s cautious stance on the company’s growth trajectory.

Freshpet specializes in refrigerated pet food products sold in grocery stores and pet specialty retailers across North America, with its business model focused on premium, fresh pet food offerings.

In other recent news, Freshpet has been the focus of multiple analyst assessments following its first-quarter 2025 results. Benchmark adjusted its price target for Freshpet to $120, maintaining a Buy rating, after the company reported revenue of $263 million, surpassing expectations with an 18% year-over-year increase. The company’s adjusted gross margin improved to 45.7%, while its adjusted earnings per share came in slightly below consensus. Freshpet’s guidance for 2025 now projects revenue growth between 15% and 18%, with adjusted EBITDA expected between $190 million and $210 million.

Meanwhile, TD Cowen downgraded Freshpet’s stock to Hold, setting a price target at $96, citing concerns over slowing retail sales growth. The firm highlighted the potential influence of activist investor JANA’s push for a sale, although it remains cautious about immediate buyout prospects. Stifel resumed coverage with a Buy rating and a $90 target, acknowledging short-term challenges but expressing optimism about long-term growth potential supported by increased household penetration.

Additionally, DA Davidson maintained a Buy rating with a $127 target, noting that Freshpet’s results were better than feared, and the company’s strategic initiatives could lead to recovery. The firm’s outlook is cautiously optimistic, considering factors like increased media efforts and distribution channel benefits. These recent developments reflect a varied analyst perspective on Freshpet’s market position and future potential.

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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