Morgan Stanley analysts bumped up its rating on Kraft Heinz to equal weight, from underweight. According to the analysts, fundamental changes have been priced in after Kraft Heinz’s indication last month about potential headwinds to profit.
Last month, The food company wrote down the value of its key brands Kraft and Oscar Mayer by around $15.4 billion, missed estimates of adjusted fourth quarter earnings and slashed its dividend to 40 cents per share.
Morgan Stanley analyst Dara Mohsenian said, "From a stock perspective, we also see some potential upside optionality (and at least downside support) from potential further 3G involvement (increased stake or take private transaction)". He added that they consider 2019 EBITDA guidance to be “reasonable, and even potentially conservative." However, he did indicate some caution around Kraft Heinz long-term growth in EBITDA.
Morgan Stanley maintained its price target for Kraft Heinz unchanged at $35 a share.