Why are Hedge Funds Keen on Utz Brands (UTZ)

Utz Brands (NYSE:UTZ) is one of the most promising mid-cap consumer staples stocks under $100.

On January 12, Bank of America Securities maintained its Buy rating on Utz Brands (NYSE:UTZ), while lowering the target price from $15 to $14. Despite the downward revision, the firm’s estimates offer almost 41% upside on the stock.

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The downward revision came after the company’s preliminary Q4 results, which showed underperformance in sales. The company reported organic sales growth between 0.3% and 0.6%, which was significantly lower compared to the analyst’s own expectations of 2.7% and consensus forecasts of 2.9%. The firm has cited macroeconomic headwinds and the resulting pressure on consumption for such meager growth.

The firm also highlighted an unforeseen inventory reduction in the company’s warehouse business, which is not expected to prevail beyond the fourth quarter as normality resumes in shipments at the tail end of 2025. Although the organic sales growth forecasts have been lowered from 3% to around 2.5%, it still maintains an adjusted EBITDA estimate of around $217 million.

On December 12, Mizuho Securities analyst John Baumgartner also reaffirmed his bullish estimates, assigning a Buy rating. With a target price of $16, his forecasts give an impressive upside potential of 61%. Such an optimistic outlook comes after meetings held with management.

Baumgartner expressed a lot of confidence in the company’s ability to generate volumetric growth and margin expansion during 2026. This will facilitate an increase in free cash flows, along with the management’s aim of financial deleveraging and EBITDA margins in the mid-teens.

Utz Brands (NYSE:UTZ) sells snack food to consumers, warehouse clubs, and merchandisers. The company markets and distributes its products under various brands such as Utz, Golden Flake, Hawaiian, Bachman, TGI Fridays, and more. Their offerings include pretzels, potato chips, tortillas, pub/party mixes, and ready-to-eat popcorn.

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