SunOpta (STKL) Poised for Growth and Margin Expansion on Strong Non-Dairy Demand and Improved Operational Efficiency

SunOpta Inc. (NASDAQ:STKL) is one of the stocks that will double in 2026. On December 5, Freedom Capital analyst Raimzhan Bayterek initiated coverage of SunOpta with a Buy rating and $7.50 price target. Bayterek believes that the company is positioned to benefit from sustained consumer demand for healthier non-dairy products. Furthermore, SunOpta is entering a phase of margin expansion supported by greater operational efficiencies, optimized product mix, and stronger partnerships.

Earlier in Q3 2025, SunOpta reported a total revenue growth of 17% year-over-year, driven entirely by customer demand and totaling $205.41 million. Specifically, plant-based milk volumes increased at a high 10s rate in Q3, showcasing strong category growth. SunOpta services 8 of the top 10 coffee chains across North America, which benefits from the anticipated 20% growth in US coffee shop units over the next 5 years.

However, the company also experienced significant challenges, including temporary wastewater limitations at its Midlothian facility, which resulted in increased downtime and higher costs. Consequently, SunOpta had to delay some previously planned margin expansion initiatives to prioritize servicing the unexpected surge in demand. Despite the top-line volume growth, profitability was impacted, and gross margin decreased by 60 basis points to 12.4% compared to the prior year, reflecting increased costs due to operational inefficiencies stemming from the accelerated volume growth.

SunOpta Inc. (NASDAQ:STKL) manufactures and sells plant and fruit-based food and beverage products in the US, Canada, and internationally.

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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.