Truist maintains hold rating and $23 target for Flowers Foods stock

On Friday, Truist Securities maintained its hold rating and $23.00 price target on Flowers Foods (NYSE:FLO), a producer and marketer of packaged bakery foods.

The firm's evaluation followed the company's recent quarterly performance, which was deemed to match expectations overall, despite sales falling short due to unforeseen exits from certain food service contracts.

The company's direct store delivery (DSD) business trends in the second quarter were reported to be consistent with those in the first quarter of 2024. With the summer season concluded, Truist Securities expressed increased confidence in Flowers Foods' full-year outlook for 2024.

Truist Securities highlighted Flowers Foods' characteristics as a consumer staple, noting its slow growth, mild competition, and stable margins and cash flow. Yet, the firm suggested that for Flowers Foods to attract more investor attention, it may need to pursue a significant merger or acquisition.

The current share valuation stands at 16.8 times the firm's projected earnings per share for the fiscal year 2025, which aligns with the historical average over the past 5 to 10 years. Truist Securities sees no impending changes that could affect this valuation, leading to the decision to maintain the hold rating on the company's shares.

In other recent news, Flowers Foods reported impressive financial results for the second quarter of 2024, driven by the strong performance of its leading brands, effective portfolio strategy, and cost-saving measures. The company's brands have seen increased demand due to consumer preference for value and uniqueness. Flowers Foods remains optimistic about meeting its annual guidance.

Furthermore, the company is exploring potential mergers and acquisitions while focusing on underpenetrated markets for sustainable growth. The rollout of a new bakery has been temporarily halted due to distribution transitions in California but is expected to resume by the first quarter of 2022 without additional overall costs.

Analysts noted the company's strategic exits and new ventures, and the restructuring of the retail team for better channel-specific strategies. These recent developments indicate Flowers Foods' commitment to maintaining and accelerating growth.

InvestingPro Insights

In light of Truist Securities' assessment, it's worth noting that Flowers Foods (NYSE:FLO) has demonstrated a commitment to shareholder returns, having raised its dividend for 10 consecutive years and maintained dividend payments for 23 consecutive years. This consistency is a testament to the company's stable cash flow, aligning with the characteristics highlighted by Truist Securities. Additionally, analysts predict the company will be profitable this year, which may bolster investor confidence in its full-year outlook for 2024.

From a valuation perspective, Flowers Foods' market capitalization stands at $4.8 billion, with a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 38.2. However, when adjusted for the last twelve months as of Q1 2024, the P/E ratio is more moderate at 18.56. The company's revenue growth over the last twelve months was 4.66%, indicating a steady business trajectory. Furthermore, the dividend yield as of the most recent data is an attractive 4.24%, which could appeal to income-focused investors.

For those considering an investment in Flowers Foods, additional InvestingPro Tips are available, providing deeper insights into the company's financial health and future prospects. There are 5 more tips listed on InvestingPro for Flowers Foods, which can be accessed for more detailed analysis and guidance on the company's performance.

Overall, the InvestingPro data and tips provide a broader context for Truist Securities' hold rating and may offer potential investors a more comprehensive understanding of Flowers Foods' investment profile.

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