Beyond Meat, Inc., a plant-based meat company, develops, manufactures, markets, and sells plant-based meat products in the United States and internationally. The company sells a range of plant-based meat products across the platforms of beef, pork, and poultry. It sells its products through grocery, mass merchandiser, club stores, and natural retailer channels, as well as various food-away-from-home channels, including restaurants, foodservice outlets, and schools. The company was formerly known as Savage River, Inc. and changed its name to Beyond Meat, Inc. in September 2018. Beyond Meat, Inc. was incorporated in 2008 and is headquartered in El Segundo, California.

Beyond Meat, Inc.

Stocks Mixed: Tariffs, Earnings Season, Powell’s Future Dominate the Headlines
Stocks are mixed thus far this week amid a flurry of trade policy headlines, the start of earnings season, and rumors about Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s future. Last night, President Donald Trump announced that a deal had been signed with Japan. Japan will invest $550 billion in the US (of which the US will receive 90% of the profits). Additionally, the US will levy a 15% tariff on Japanese goods. President Trump’s August 2nd trade deadline is approaching quickly for the countries that have not yet signed deals with the United States.
That said, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has promised that there are several trade deals likely to be signed in the current days, and for larger deals like the EU, the August deadline is flexible, reiterating that the US would rather wait longer for better deals than rush them. Meanwhile, stocks flushed lower midday Tuesday after a fake rumor surfaced that embroiled Fed Chair Jerome Powell had been fired. Powell has been facing an onslaught of criticism amid his ‘hawkish’ monetary policy. However, many rate-sensitive areas have rallied over the past few days, including housing stocks and small caps, signaling that rate cuts may be on the horizon.
Are Momentum Stocks Signaling Short-term Market Froth?
While the price action of the major indices remains bearish, momentum stocks signal that it may be time for Wall Street investors to take their foot off the gas pedal. Below are four reasons:
· Signs of frothiness appear amid rallies in heavily shorted “retail stocks”: One sign of an overheated market that I have witnessed over the years is when “junk off the bottom” starts to rally. That is, cheap, beaten-down, heavily shorted, unprofitable stocks begin to rally. For instance, OpenDoor Technologies (OPEN) ripped as much as 500% this month. Meanwhile, similar, heavily-shorted and beaten-down stocks like Krispy Kreme (DNUT), Beyond (BYON), Kohls (KSS), and Beyond Meat (BYND) are experiencing relief rallies.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
· Options speculation frothiness: Additionally, “0DTE” (zero days until expiration) options now account for around two-thirds of all daily options volumes. Such froth suggests that retail investors may have a case of “irrational exuberance” in the short-term.
Image Source: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
· Gravity: The S&P 500 Index has trended above its 20-day moving average for roughly two months. Historically, gravity takes hold at this juncture, and stocks are due for some profit-taking.
Image Source: @subutrade
· Back half of July seasonality: Since 1950, the S&P 500 Index has been strong in the first half of July before paring gains in the back half of the month.
Image Source: Carson Investment Research
Markets Can Stay Irrational
As the old Wall Street adage goes, “Markets can stay irrational longer than you can stay solvent.” The clues above do not mean to sell everything or to go short, but instead be aware that the music can stop at any moment, and risk management is warranted.
Bottom Line
Signs of ‘irrational exuberance’ are emerging in US stock markets as low-quality momentum stocks squeeze shorts and rampant short-term options trading proliferates.
5 Stocks Set to Double
Each was handpicked by a Zacks expert as the #1 favorite stock to gain +100% or more in the coming year. While not all picks can be winners, previous recommendations have soared +112%, +171%, +209% and +232%.
Most of the stocks in this report are flying under Wall Street radar, which provides a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor.
Today, See These 5 Potential Home Runs >>
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Low-Quality Momentum Stocks Soar: Are Markets too Frothy?

An updated edition of the May 26, 2025 article.
The natural foods industry has undergone a remarkable transformation, shifting from a niche market to a mainstream powerhouse driven by increasing consumer health consciousness and environmental awareness. Today, more than ever, consumers are prioritizing clean eating practices and ethical sourcing, catalyzing a surge in demand for natural and organic food products.
Central to this evolution is the consumer's heightened preference for products that offer transparency in sourcing and minimal processing. Organic, non-GMO (genetically modified organisms) and preservative-free options have become the standard, reflecting a broader trend toward healthier dietary choices. Governments globally are reinforcing this shift through stricter food labeling regulations, amplifying market expansion and consumer trust.
Companies like General Mills, Inc. GIS and The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. HAIN are responding to the rising demand for organic, clean-label and ethically sourced foods. With consumers prioritizing transparency, sustainability and minimal processing, the market for natural foods continues to grow. Expanding farm networks, plant-based innovations and a focus on humane and eco-friendly production are shaping the industry's future.
The natural foods industry is set to evolve with continuous innovation and expanding product categories. Companies are investing in plant-based alternatives, functional foods enriched with vitamins and probiotics and sustainable farming technologies. E-commerce is also playing a crucial role in making natural foods more accessible, allowing consumers to shop for organic and gluten-free products with ease. The global healthy foods market is expected to reach $2.26 trillion by 2035.
If you're looking to capitalize on this trend, our Natural Foods Screen makes it easy to identify high-potential stocks such as Vital Farms, Inc. VITL, Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. SFM, United Natural Foods, Inc. UNFI and Beyond Meat, Inc. BYND.
Explore 30 cutting-edge investment themes with Zacks Thematic Screens and uncover your next big opportunity.
4 Natural Food Stocks to Watch
Vital Farms continues to strengthen its presence in the natural and organic food landscape through ethical sourcing, clean-label products and sustainable farming practices. The company’s emphasis on transparency and responsible production resonates with today’s health-conscious consumers, driving robust demand across its core categories. Vital Farms’ approach to scaling its operations without compromising on its founding values has been instrumental in building lasting relationships with both customers and its growing network of family farmers. These relationships have enabled the brand to maintain a steady trajectory of household penetration while deepening consumer loyalty.
The company’s efforts to expand its supply chain underline its dedication to supporting the natural and organic food movement. By growing its network to more than 450 family farms, an increase of approximately 50% since the end of 2023, Vital Farms has not only secured a more stable supply of pasture-raised eggs but also reinforced its reputation for fostering humane and environmentally responsible farming. These farms now house more than 8.2 million hens under contract, reflecting the company’s long-term vision of scaling responsibly. Beyond eggs, Vital Farms is also seeing robust growth in its butter segment, with net revenues soaring 41% year over year. The company’s transition to sourcing premium butter from Ireland has alleviated previous supply constraints and positions it well for continued expansion.
This Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company is investing in infrastructure to sustain its momentum in the natural and organic space. Key initiatives include constructing a new facility in Indiana and enhancing its egg grading capacity at its Springfield, MO, operation, both of which are expected to significantly boost capacity and efficiency. These moves, coupled with the development of company-owned accelerator farms aimed at fostering innovation and best practices, highlight Vital Farms’ proactive strategy to meet growing demand. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Sprouts Farmers continues to strengthen its position as a leader in the natural and organic food retail space, firmly aligning its strategy with evolving consumer preferences for health, wellness and sustainability. The company’s differentiated assortment, which emphasizes clean-label, organic and plant-based offerings, resonates with a growing base of health-conscious shoppers. More than 70% of SFM’s products are attribute-driven, catering to specific dietary needs such as gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan and organic. In 2024 alone, Sprouts introduced more than 7,100 new items, enhancing its reputation for offering unique and curated products that support healthier lifestyles.
Sprouts Farmers has made notable progress in expanding its private-label offerings, with its Sprouts Brand contributing significantly to sales. In 2024, the company generated $1.7 billion in sales from its private-label products, introducing more than 300 new Sprouts Brand items to meet growing consumer demand for high-quality, responsibly sourced goods. Nearly half of Sprouts Farmers’ produce sales are organic, and the company maintains strong relationships with more than 170 local farmers to ensure freshness. Additionally, Sprouts Farmers continues to optimize its supply chain through strategic investments in distribution centers, enabling fresher products and more efficient delivery across its store network.
This Zacks Rank #3 company is actively investing in its infrastructure and customer engagement initiatives to solidify its leadership in natural and organic retail. The company’s loyalty program aims to deepen customer connections and encourage repeat visits, while continued investment in self-distribution of fresh meat and seafood is expected to enhance product quality and profitability. With plans to open at least 35 new stores in 2025, SFM remains committed to its purpose of helping people live and eat better.
United Natural remains committed to advancing the natural and organic food movement through its expansive wholesale distribution network and strategic partnerships. The company’s efforts are centered on supporting a wide range of retailers with differentiated products that cater to the growing demand for natural, organic, specialty and ethnic offerings. During the latest quarter, UNFI’s Wholesale Natural Products segment delivered 12% sales growth, outpacing the broader food industry and reflecting increased category penetration among existing customers. This momentum underscores UNFI’s role as a key partner for retailers aiming to expand their footprint in health-focused and attribute-driven food categories.
To further strengthen its leadership in natural and organic foods, UNFI continues to leverage its scale and supply-chain capabilities to support customer growth in new and emerging markets. The company’s focus on helping retailers expand into additional categories has driven steady volume gains, with approximately half of its recent growth attributed to new business wins. Beyond simply broadening product assortments, UNFI has emphasized operational excellence, streamlining its processes through Lean Daily Management across 20 distribution centers. This initiative has already delivered tangible benefits, such as improved fill rates, reduced shrink and enhanced service levels — all crucial factors in ensuring that fresh, and high-quality natural and organic products reach consumers efficiently.
United Natural’s roadmap remains focused on optimizing its network and deepening its customer partnerships. The company’s efforts to refine its supply chain, reduce waste and enhance working capital efficiency align with its broader goal of being the most effective and value-creating partner in the natural and organic food industry. With continued investments in technology, infrastructure and innovation, this Zacks Rank #3 company is well-positioned to support the evolving needs of retailers and meet the growing consumer demand for clean, sustainable and health-conscious food choices.
Beyond Meat is working to reposition itself not just as a plant-based meat company but as a leading player in the natural and organic food movement. The company is making a concerted effort to spotlight its clean-label credentials and health-forward innovation at a time when consumer skepticism around plant-based products remains high. Beyond Meat remains focused on its long-term objective — creating simple, recognizable and nutritious plant-based foods that address evolving consumer wellness goals.
At the heart of this effort is product innovation rooted in clean, minimal ingredients. A standout launch is Beyond Chicken Pieces, now available nationally at Kroger, which offers 21 grams of protein and features ingredients like avocado oil. Similarly, the Beyond Burger, now in its fourth major reformulation, continues to earn consumer approval, winning first place in taste rankings yet again. These products are free from cholesterol, antibiotics, hormones and zoonotic risk and carry certifications from trusted health organizations, reinforcing Beyond Meat’s commitment to quality and health-focused offerings.
This Zacks Rank #3 company is also advancing consumer education through purpose-driven marketing. Campaigns like “Planting Change” and “Real People, Real Results” are central to reshaping public perception. The latter tracks health improvements in individuals over 30 days of eating Beyond products, with reported gains in energy, sleep and cholesterol levels. These efforts, combined with strategic financing and operational recalibration, underscore Beyond Meat’s intent to lead with transparency, health impact and ingredient integrity.
Research Chief Names "Single Best Pick to Double"
From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all.
This company targets millennial and Gen Z audiences, generating nearly $1 billion in revenue last quarter alone. A recent pullback makes now an ideal time to jump aboard. Of course, all our elite picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Natural and Organic Food Stocks Showing Strong Potential for 2025

Mind Your PQ With Author Shirzad Chamine

An updated edition of the April 11, 2025 article.
The natural foods industry has evolved from a niche market into a mainstream sector, thanks to growing health consciousness and environmental awareness among consumers. With an increasing focus on clean eating, sustainability and ethical sourcing, natural and organic food products have rapidly gained popularity. As consumers seek products that align with their health goals, ethical farming practices and environmentally friendly production methods have become integral to the natural food movement.
Consumers are gravitating toward products that offer transparency in sourcing and minimal processing. Shoppers are scrutinizing ingredient labels, favoring organic, non-GMO (genetically modified organisms) and preservative-free options. Governments worldwide are also promoting clean eating and stricter food labeling regulations, further driving market expansion. As a result, natural food companies are seeing stronger brand loyalty and the ability to command premium pricing.
Companies like The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. HAIN and Vital Farms, Inc. VITL are responding to the rising demand for organic, clean-label and ethically sourced foods. With consumers prioritizing transparency, sustainability and minimal processing, the market for natural foods continues to grow. Expanding farm networks, plant-based innovations and a focus on humane, eco-friendly production are shaping the industry's future.
The natural foods industry is set to evolve with continuous innovation and expanding product categories. Companies are investing in plant-based alternatives, functional foods enriched with vitamins and probiotics and sustainable farming technologies. E-commerce is also playing a crucial role in making natural foods more accessible, allowing consumers to shop for organic and gluten-free products with ease. The global healthy foods market is expected to reach $2.26 trillion by 2035.
If you're looking to capitalize on this trend, our Natural Foods Screen makes it easy to identify high-potential stocks such as Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. SFM, United Natural Foods, Inc. UNFI, Beyond Meat, Inc. BYND and General Mills, Inc. GIS.
Explore 30 cutting-edge investment themes with Zacks Thematic Screens and uncover your next big opportunity.
4 Natural Food Stocks to Watch
Sprouts Farmers has been at the forefront of the natural and organic food movement, catering to health-conscious consumers seeking fresh, high-quality and ethically sourced products. Over the past five years, the company has seen substantial growth opportunities in a market now estimated at approximately $290 billion, within the broader $1.6 trillion food-at-home industry. Sprouts’ focus on serving health-conscious customers by offering products like
high protein and heritage meats, grass-fed options, and products free from seed oils have helped it stand out in the grocery industry.
A pivotal move in enhancing customer experience includes the launch of a new loyalty program, aimed at fostering deeper engagement and accessibility to fresh, healthy products nationwide. Moreover, Sprouts' recent initiative to self-distribute fresh meat and seafood marks a strategic shift towards greater control over product freshness and supply chain efficiency. This move not only enhances product quality but also optimizes existing supply chain capacities developed in recent years.
This Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) company remains committed to expanding its footprint with plans to open at least 35 new stores in 2025, thereby further solidifying its market presence and catering to growing consumer demand for specialty, attribute-driven products. The company's dedication to innovation, highlighted by a robust pipeline for new products under the Sprouts brand and partnerships with entrepreneurial vendors, underscores its responsiveness to evolving consumer preferences. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
United Natural stands as a prominent player in the natural food sector, serving as one of the largest distributors of organic and natural products in North America. Through its extensive network, UNFI supplies a vast array of products, including fresh produce, pantry staples, dairy alternatives and plant-based foods. With its diverse portfolio, the company caters to both retail giants and independent natural food stores, meeting the growing demand for cleaner, healthier eating options. United Natural Foods has made a strategic shift by realigning its wholesale business into two product-centric divisions — one of which is solely dedicated to natural, organic, specialty and fresh products.
As the natural food industry continues to expand, UNFI is well-positioned to capitalize on the shift toward organic, non-GMO and ethically sourced products. Its wide-reaching distribution capabilities and strategic partnerships allow the company to provide an extensive selection of natural and organic foods that appeal to health-conscious consumers. The company’s natural business continues to outperform industry trends, driven by strong volume growth and enhanced supplier collaborations. UNFI’s natural products business has become a clear driver of overall performance, with sales increasing more than 8% in the last reported quarter.
This Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company is increasingly focusing on innovation and sustainability within the natural foods space. The company has committed to enhancing its supply-chain practices, reducing waste and supporting regenerative agriculture initiatives. UNFI is also working closely with suppliers to accelerate food innovation. Upgrades in automation and warehouse processes are leading to better order accuracy, less product waste and faster deliveries.
Beyond Meat is working to reposition itself not just as a plant-based meat company but as a leading player in the natural and organic food movement. The company is making a concerted effort to spotlight its clean-label credentials and health-forward innovation at a time when consumer skepticism around plant-based products remains high. Beyond Meat remains focused on its long-term objective — creating simple, recognizable, and nutritious plant-based foods that address evolving consumer wellness goals.
At the heart of this effort is product innovation rooted in clean, minimal ingredients. A standout launch is Beyond Chicken Pieces, now available nationally at Kroger, which offers 21 grams of protein and features ingredients like avocado oil. Similarly, the Beyond Burger, now in its fourth major reformulation, continues to earn consumer approval, winning first place in taste rankings yet again. These products are free from cholesterol, antibiotics, hormones, and zoonotic risk, and carry certifications from trusted health organizations, reinforcing Beyond Meat’s commitment to quality and health-focused offerings.
Beyond the plate, this Zacks Rank #3 company is also advancing consumer education through purpose-driven marketing. Campaigns like “Planting Change” and “Real People, Real Results” are central to reshaping public perception. The latter tracks health improvements in individuals over 30 days of eating Beyond products, with reported gains in energy, sleep, and cholesterol levels. These efforts, combined with strategic financing and operational recalibration, underscore Beyond Meat’s intent to lead with transparency, health impact, and ingredient integrity
General Mills has been strategically positioning itself in the natural and organic food space, aligning its portfolio with consumer preferences for healthier, more sustainable options. A prime example is its Blue Buffalo brand, which has seen significant growth by focusing on value, innovation, and strong marketing. Over the past year, the company sharpened its price points and developed new products, which allowed Blue Buffalo to better compete in the pet food market, a segment driven by consumers seeking higher-quality, natural ingredients for their pets. General Mills' strong portfolio of leading natural and organic brands also includes Annie’s, Cascadian Farm, and Muir Glen.
In terms of innovation, General Mills is ramping up efforts to introduce new products that cater to the natural and organic food trends. The company’s strategy for fiscal 2026 focuses on fewer but larger innovations, targeting key areas where it can make the most impact. For instance, products like Cheerios Protein, Nature Valley Granola Protein, and the Pitmaster line under Old El Paso illustrate the company’s push into high-protein, organic, and sustainable foods that align with health-conscious consumer trends. General Mills is also investing heavily in marketing and product support to ensure these innovations resonate with consumers and drive sustained growth.
Moreover, the company’s approach to innovation is not just about creating new products, but also refining existing ones to better meet consumer demands. This is evident in their investments in the fruit snacks category, where it has worked to adjust price points and improve marketing strategies to attract consumers who are increasingly focused on value. By continuing to prioritize natural ingredients and organic options, this Zacks Rank #3 company aims to strengthen its foothold in the natural foods sector and expand its offerings, ensuring that it remains a competitive player in the evolving food industry.
Research Chief Names "Single Best Pick to Double"
From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all.
This company targets millennial and Gen Z audiences, generating nearly $1 billion in revenue last quarter alone. A recent pullback makes now an ideal time to jump aboard. Of course, all our elite picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months.
Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners Up
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General Mills, Inc. (GIS) : Free Stock Analysis Report
The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (HAIN) : Free Stock Analysis Report
United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. (SFM) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Beyond Meat, Inc. (BYND) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Vital Farms, Inc. (VITL) : Free Stock Analysis Report
This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Best Natural and Organic Food Stocks to Keep an Eye On in 2025

Beyond Meat (BYND) came out with a quarterly loss of $0.67 per share versus the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $0.52. This compares to loss of $0.72 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.
This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of -28.85%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this plant-based meat company would post a loss of $0.44 per share when it actually produced a loss of $0.65, delivering a surprise of -47.73%.
Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates just once.
Beyond Meat, which belongs to the Zacks Food - Meat Products industry, posted revenues of $68.73 million for the quarter ended March 2025, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 9.39%. This compares to year-ago revenues of $75.6 million. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates two times over the last four quarters.
The sustainability of the stock's immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's commentary on the earnings call.
Beyond Meat shares have lost about 33% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's decline of -4.7%.
What's Next for Beyond Meat?
While Beyond Meat has underperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock?
There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company's earnings outlook. Not only does this include current consensus earnings expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have changed lately.
Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions. Investors can track such revisions by themselves or rely on a tried-and-tested rating tool like the Zacks Rank, which has an impressive track record of harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions.
Ahead of this earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for Beyond Meat: mixed. While the magnitude and direction of estimate revisions could change following the company's just-released earnings report, the current status translates into a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for the stock. So, the shares are expected to perform in line with the market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus EPS estimate is -$0.37 on $94.66 million in revenues for the coming quarter and -$1.58 on $328.81 million in revenues for the current fiscal year.
Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, Food - Meat Products is currently in the bottom 31% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.
One other stock from the same industry, Hormel Foods (HRL), is yet to report results for the quarter ended April 2025.
This maker of Spam canned ham, Dinty Moore stew and other foods is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.35 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -7.9%. The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 0.8% higher over the last 30 days to the current level.
Hormel Foods' revenues are expected to be $2.9 billion, up 0.6% from the year-ago quarter.
Should You Invest in Beyond Meat, Inc. (BYND)?
Before you invest in Beyond Meat, Inc. (BYND), want to know the best stocks to buy for the next 30 days? Check out Zacks Investment Research for our free report on the 7 best stocks to buy.
Zacks Investment Research has been committed to providing investors with tools and independent research since 1978. For more than a quarter century, the Zacks Rank stock-rating system has more than doubled the S&P 500 with an average gain of +24.08% per year. (These returns cover a period from January 1, 1988 through May 6, 2024.)
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Beyond Meat, Inc. (BYND) : Free Stock Analysis Report
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Beyond Meat (BYND) Reports Q1 Loss, Misses Revenue Estimates

What We Can Learn From Companies That Brought Great Ideas to Life

Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation PPC continues to strengthen its market position through strategic investments, operational efficiencies and a commitment to innovation. By capitalizing on strong consumer demand and optimizing its supply chain, PPC remains well-positioned for long-term success.
Strong Consumer Demand Fuels PPC’s Growth
As one of the world’s leading food companies, Pilgrim’s Pride continues to benefit from the growing demand for chicken across retail and foodservice channels. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the company reported adjusted earnings of $1.35 per share, a sharp increase from 59 cents in the previous year. This impressive growth was supported by higher margins, improved production processes and a favorable protein supply-demand balance.
PPC’s Big Bird segment benefited from lower grain costs and operational efficiencies, while its Case Ready business outpaced category growth due to robust customer demand and streamlined processes. The Small Bird segment also performed well, driven by increased demand from quick-service restaurants (“QSR”) and deli businesses. With the USDA projecting only a 1.4% rise in U.S. chicken production for 2025, PPC is positioned to thrive amid tight protein supplies and favorable pricing conditions.
PPC Expands Foodservice Reach to Drive Growth
Pilgrim’s Pride continues to expand its presence in the foodservice industry, leveraging increased demand in both commercial and non-commercial sectors. The company has experienced a surge in QSR sales, as more consumers opt for affordable, protein-rich meal options. Chicken remains a key ingredient in many menu expansions, boosting PPC’s Small Bird and Case Ready businesses.
By aligning production capabilities with evolving foodservice trends, PPC ensures the efficient delivery of high-quality poultry products. The company’s emphasis on higher-margin offerings further strengthens its competitive advantage. This allows it to capture a greater share of the growing foodservice market.
PPC Invests in Innovation for Long-Term Success
Pilgrim’s Pride is committed to continuous innovation and brand differentiation, particularly within its Prepared Foods segment. The Just BARE brand expanded its market share by 200 basis points in the fourth quarter of 2024, while the relaunch of the Pilgrim’s brand enhanced consumer engagement and distribution. These efforts reflect PPC’s focus on premium, high-quality poultry products that meet evolving consumer preferences.
PPC is also investing heavily in automation and packaging innovations to improve efficiency and drive long-term growth. The company’s European brands, Fridge Raiders and Rollover, have outpaced category trends, driven by growing demand for high-quality, convenient meal solutions. With capital expenditures set between $450 million and $500 million for 2025, PPC remains focused on expanding Prepared Foods production and optimizing operational efficiencies.
Outlook: A Strong Future for PPC
Pilgrim’s Pride’s sustained financial growth is underpinned by its strategic market positioning, operational excellence and commitment to innovation. By expanding into key markets, optimizing production and investing in automation, PPC is well-equipped to maintain its competitive edge and drive long-term profitability.
Industry Overview: Key Players in the Meat Sector
Beyond Meat, Inc. BYND is focused on revenue stabilization, margin improvement and cost reduction. By enhancing operational efficiency and streamlining production, Beyond Meat aims to strengthen its brand presence. Beyond Meat is also investing in health-focused products and strategic marketing initiatives to reinforce its leadership in the plant-based protein sector.
Tyson Foods, Inc. TSN drives growth through operational excellence, consumer-driven innovation and sustainability efforts. By optimizing its supply chain and improving plant utilization, Tyson Foods enhances efficiency and profitability. In addition, Tyson Foods is committed to responsible sourcing and ethical production, aligning with the rising demand for sustainable food options.
Hormel Foods Corporation HRL continues to expand its foodservice presence, leveraging strong industry relationships and a diverse product portfolio. By introducing solution-based innovations and growing its convenience channel footprint, Hormel Foods strengthens brand positioning. Moreover, Hormel Foods remains focused on enhancing operational efficiency and improving margins to drive long-term profitability.
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Hormel Foods Corporation (HRL) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Tyson Foods, Inc. (TSN) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation (PPC) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Beyond Meat, Inc. (BYND) : Free Stock Analysis Report
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PPC Leverages Efficiency and Brand Growth for Sustained Success

Pepsi, Poppi, and the Creosote Bush

Tyson Foods, Inc. TSN is riding a wave of strong demand for high-protein diets. With a diversified protein portfolio and a solid brand presence, it is making strategic moves to capitalize on changing consumer preferences and improve operational efficiency.
Tyson Foods’ first-quarter fiscal 2025 performance marked its strongest quarterly results in more than two years, backed by better execution across its operations, particularly in the chicken segment. A solid performance encouraged management to raise its fiscal 2025 outlook. The company’s shares have gained 4.3% in the past three months against the industry’s decline of 13.5%.
Tyson’s Strength Lies in its Protein Portfolio
Tyson Foods’ diversified protein portfolio enables the company to navigate market cycles effectively. A focus on expanding its international footprint by improving capacity utilization and aligning operations with regional market needs further diversifies the company’s growth avenues. Consumer demand for high-protein diets remains strong, with 71% of U.S. consumers seeking to increase protein intake — up from 59% in 2022. This trend supports Tyson Foods’ multi-protein portfolio, giving it a competitive edge in a structurally growing market.
Global protein consumption is expected to rise, reinforcing the company’s ability to capture both domestic and international demand tailwinds. Tyson Foods’ multi-channel, multi-protein strategy is central to its long-term resilience and growth, allowing it to capitalize on different market opportunities as they arise.
Tyson Foods boasts ownership of some of the most iconic protein brands, including Tyson, Jimmy Dean, Hillshire Farm and Ball Park. These brands hold the number one or two market share in eight core business lines, cementing Tyson Foods’ leadership position in the protein sector. The company prioritizes innovation, marketing and strong customer partnerships to meet consumer preferences and drive long-term brand loyalty.
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TSN’s Strategies Growth Efforts
Tyson Foods is leveraging digital advancements to enhance consumer engagement and operational efficiency. It has implemented AI-driven solutions in foodservice, optimizing product discovery. The company has enhanced supply chain and demand forecasting, improving order fulfillment. It has also expanded its e-commerce and omnichannel presence, capitalizing on shifting consumer trends. These initiatives position Tyson Foods as a technologically adaptive food leader, driving long-term market share gains.
Tyson Foods’ commitment to understanding and responding to evolving consumer preferences. By leveraging consumer insights and fostering brand loyalty through quality products, the company meets market demands and cultivates lasting relationships with customers.
What Lies Ahead for Tyson Foods?
With consumer demand for protein remaining strong, Tyson Foods’ diversified multi-channel, multi-protein portfolio places it well to meet this need while solidifying its status as a leading global food company. Given the strong first-quarter results, management recently raised its fiscal 2025 adjusted operating income guidance to a range of $1.9-$2.3 billion from the earlier guided range of $1.8-$2.2 billion, signaling confidence in continued earnings momentum. The company also increased its sales guidance, now projecting results to range from flat to a 1% increase, primarily fueled by volume growth, reflecting strong consumer demand for protein.
With rising consumer demand for protein and an improved financial outlook, Tyson Foods is well-positioned for long-term growth. At present, TSN carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
Other Solid Food Bets
Pilgrim’s Pride PPC, which produces, processes, markets and distributes fresh, frozen and value-added chicken and pork products, currently sports a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy). PPC delivered a positive earnings surprise of 25.7% in the trailing four quarters, on average. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Pilgrim’s Pride’s current financial-year earnings indicates a decline of 2.6% from the prior-year reported level.
Beyond Meat BYND, which develops, manufactures, markets and sells plant-based meat products, currently carries a Zacks Rank #2. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BYND’s current fiscal year bottom line has improved from a loss of $1.66 to a loss of $1.58 in the past 30 days.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Beyond Meat’s current financial year bottom line implies growth of 31.6% from the year-ago reported number. BYND delivered a negative earnings surprise of 15.5% in the trailing four quarters, on average.
Post Holdings, Inc. POST operates as a consumer-packaged goods holding company in the United States and internationally. It currently carries a Zacks Rank #2.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Post Holdings’ current fiscal-year sales and earnings indicates growth of 0.3% and 2.2%, respectively, from the prior-year reported levels. POST delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 22.3%, on average.
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Tyson Foods, Inc. (TSN) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation (PPC) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Post Holdings, Inc. (POST) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Beyond Meat, Inc. (BYND) : Free Stock Analysis Report
This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Is Tyson Foods' Stock a Good Buy Amid Rising Protein Demand?

Pilgrim's Pride Corporation PPC has delivered an impressive 47% surge in its stock price over the past year. This strong rally raises a crucial question: Should investors take profits now, or is there still room for further upside?
Pilgrim’s Pride continues to enhance its market position by focusing on operational efficiencies, strategic growth initiatives and product innovation. The company’s ability to adapt to evolving consumer demand has been a key driver, strengthening its competitive edge in the protein market. In the past year, PPC stock has outperformed the Zacks Food - Meat Products industry, which declined 11.2%. Meanwhile, the broader Consumer Staples sector and the S&P 500 posted gains of 1.3% and 10%, respectively.
PPC Price Performance vs. Industry, S&P 500 & Sector
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Pilgrim’s Pride has also outperformed its key competitors, such as Tyson Foods, Inc. TSN, Hormel Foods Corporation HRL and Beyond Meat, Inc. BYND. Over the past year, TSN posted gains of 6.8%, while HRL and BYND saw a decline of 14% and 59.2%, respectively.
Closing Friday’s trading session at $49.62, PPC stock is now 13.2% below its 52-week high of $57.16, reached on Feb. 14. This pullback from the recent peak may be due to recent geopolitical tensions and some profit booking at higher levels. Despite this recent volatility, Pilgrim’s Pride’s stock still manages to trade above its 200-day moving average, signaling a bullish trend.
PPC Trades Above 200-Day Moving Average
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Pilgrim’s Pride: Strong Fundamentals or a Risky Bet?
Pilgrim’s Pride continues to capitalize on the growing consumer demand for chicken across retail and foodservice sectors. PPC has expanded its foodservice distribution network, experiencing a surge in QSR volumes. The increasing demand for chicken as a staple ingredient in menu expansions has bolstered its Small Bird and Case Ready businesses, further solidifying foothold in the segment.
PPC remains committed to innovation and product differentiation to meet changing consumer preferences. Its Prepared Foods segment has seen steady growth, driven by the success of the Just BARE brand, which gained 200 basis points in market share during the fourth quarter of 2024. The relaunch of the Pilgrim’s brand has broadened consumer reach and expanded distribution, reinforcing the company’s focus on premium, high-quality poultry offerings.
The company is investing heavily in product development, packaging innovations and automation to improve efficiency and drive expansion. PPC’s European brands, Fridge Raiders and Rollover, have outperformed category trends, benefiting from rising demand for high-quality, convenient meal solutions. With capital expenditures set between $450 million and $500 million for 2025, PPC is focused on expanding Prepared Foods production, enhancing protein conversion, and optimizing operational efficiencies to sustain profitability.
How Consensus Estimates Stack Up for PPC
Strong investor confidence is evident around PPC, as the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings per share has seen upward revisions. In the past 30 days, analysts have increased their estimates for the current fiscal year by 2.9% to $5.28.
Find the latest EPS estimates and surprises on Zacks Earnings Calendar.
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Pilgrim’s Pride: An Attractive Value Opportunity
PPC is currently trading at a discount to its historical and industry benchmarks, thanks to the recent correction in the stock price. PPC’s forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple is 9.67X, below its median level of 9.98X in the past year and lower than the industry’s multiple of 12.72X. This valuation indicates that PPC stock may be undervalued relative to its peers, presenting a compelling investment opportunity for value-focused investors. PPC’s Value Score of A adds to the upside.
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How to Play PPC Stock?
Pilgrim’s Pride has demonstrated strong operational execution, market adaptability and strategic expansion, reinforcing its position in the protein industry. Despite recent volatility and a pullback from its 52-week high, the stock continues to exhibit positive momentum, supported by robust fundamentals and long-term growth initiatives. PPC’s focus on efficiency, innovation and demand-driven expansion suggests the potential for sustained performance. With a favorable valuation and positive earnings outlook, this Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stock presents an attractive opportunity for investors. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
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Hormel Foods Corporation (HRL) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Tyson Foods, Inc. (TSN) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation (PPC) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Beyond Meat, Inc. (BYND) : Free Stock Analysis Report
This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
Zacks Investment Research
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Beyond Meat, Inc.

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