DA Davidson Favors Lifeway Foods Over Dean Foods

Loading...
Loading...
  • On Thursday, DA Davidson analyst Eric M. Gottlieb explained why he prefers Lifeway Foods, Inc. LWAY over Dean Foods Co DF.
  • In two separate reports, the expert issued a Buy rating on Lifeway and a Neutral rating on Dean.
  • In addition, the analyst issued a 12–18 month price target of $14 and a 5-year price target of $25 for the former, and a 12–18 month price target of $19 and a 5-year price target of $21 for the latter.
  • Lifeway Foods

    While the company has been around for almost 30 years, analyst Eric Gottlieb at DA Davidson believe that it is “just starting to gain momentum.”

    The report pointed out a few issues related to the Buy thesis. First off, Gottlieb feels that “mainstream America, with their changing views on healthy living, appears now more ready than ever for kefir,” a product similar to a drinkable yogurt. However, the mass is still uneducated regarding the product’s benefits.

    Related Link: Dean Foods Falling After Morgan Stanley Downgrade

    Secondly, Gottlieb stated that the company’s new Wisconsin production facility unlocks further potential. Moreover, since “Lifeway Foods has already begun executing its plan to increase awareness, production capability, and distribution,” it’s only a matter of time before sales explode as its markets expand.

    Dean Foods

    On the other hand, Gottlieb does not see so much potential in Dean Foods. The expert noted that, while branded initiatives should help the company deliver wider and more stable margins, a declining milk demand dampens its growth prospects. “Milk prices should remain manageable in FY2016, which should provide at least a short-term opportunity for some success, while the operational turnaround continues to add benefits. Looking further out, milk prices will likely be cyclical and create periods of outperformance and underperformance,” the note expounded.

    Disclosure: Javier Hasse holds no positions in any of the securities mentioned above.

    Image Credit: Public Domain
    Loading...
    Loading...
    date
    ticker
    name
    Price Target
    Upside/Downside
    Recommendation
    Firm
    Posted In: Analyst ColorLong IdeasPrice TargetCommoditiesReiterationTop StoriesMarketsAnalyst RatingsTrading IdeasDA DavidsonEric M. Gottlieb
    Benzinga simplifies the market for smarter investing

    Trade confidently with insights and alerts from analyst ratings, free reports and breaking news that affects the stocks you care about.

    Join Now: Free!

    Loading...