Robinhood shares gain on Q2 beat, as user and crypto growth accelerate
On Friday, Kellanova (NYSE:K) was downgraded by DA Davidson from a Buy to a Neutral rating, with a revised price target of $83.50, up from the previous $80. This adjustment comes in the wake of Mars, Inc.'s acquisition of the company.
The analyst cited the acquisition as a key factor in the decision, noting Kellanova's high growth potential and relatively low valuation.
The new price target is a modest increase, reflecting the analyst's belief that Kellanova's valuation could reach approximately $87 per share, or 15 times its next twelve months (NTM) EBITDA.
The analyst believes that Mars, Inc.'s offer, which is within 5% of their valuation, is unlikely to be contested by competing bids. The acquisition is seen as a possible catalyst for further consolidation in the Food sector.
DA Davidson suggests that in the context of this potential consolidation, BellRing Brands (NYSE:BRBR) with a Neutral rating and Freshpet (NASDAQ:FRPT) with a Buy rating could be considered attractive targets for investors.
The report also recommends investors consider swapping their Kellanova shares for those of Mondelez (NASDAQ:MDLZ) International (NASDAQ:MDLZ), which carries a Buy rating from the firm.
The rationale behind this advice is that the Mars-Kellanova deal could establish a valuation benchmark for global snacking assets, potentially offering more stability and confirming the value of such investments at current price levels.
In summary, the analyst's revision reflects a positive outlook on the acquisition's alignment with Kellanova's growth and valuation, while also suggesting strategic moves for investors in light of the broader industry context. The updated price target of $83.50 represents a slight increase from the prior target but remains below the analyst's estimated potential value of $87 per share.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.