The Zacks Analyst Blog Pilgrim's Pride, Beyond Meat, Post Holdings and United Natural Foods

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the resilience of consumer staples, particularly food companies like Pilgrim's Pride Corp., in the face of tariff-induced market volatility, highlighting their defensive stability and long-term growth potential [2]. Group 1: Pilgrim's Pride Corp. (PPC) - Pilgrim's Pride is experiencing growth due to rising consumer demand for chicken in both retail and foodservice sectors, with significant volume increases in the quick-service restaurant channel [3]. - The company is aligning its supply chain and production capabilities with foodservice needs, focusing on operational agility and high-quality poultry products, which has strengthened its market share in higher-margin channels [4]. - Strategic investments in product development, packaging innovation, and automation are expected to enhance efficiency and scalability, with a planned capital expenditure of $450-$500 million for 2025 aimed at expanding Prepared Foods production and optimizing operational efficiency [5][6]. - Shares of Pilgrim's Pride have gained 13.2% over the past three months, reflecting strong fundamentals and strategic positioning [6]. Group 2: Beyond Meat, Inc. (BYND) - Beyond Meat is focused on stabilizing revenue, improving margins, and reducing costs through enhanced operational efficiency and streamlined production [8]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Beyond Meat's fiscal 2025 indicates a sales growth of 0.7% and earnings growth of 31.6% compared to the previous year, despite a 26.1% decline in shares over the past three months [9]. Group 3: Post Holdings, Inc. (POST) - Post Holdings is strengthening its market position by expanding its foodservice segment, leveraging pricing power, and pursuing targeted acquisitions to enhance operational efficiency [10]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Post Holdings' fiscal 2025 suggests a sales growth of 0.3% and earnings growth of 2.2% from the prior year, with shares gaining 8.1% in the past three months [11]. Group 4: United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) - United Natural Foods is enhancing its market position through a strategy focused on strengthening its natural and organic portfolio, optimizing its distribution network, and implementing lean management practices [12]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for United Natural's fiscal 2025 indicates a sales growth of 1.9% and a remarkable earnings growth of 485.7% compared to the previous year, although shares have fallen 14.3% in the past three months [13].