Schaeffer's Top Stock Picks for '25

Beyond Meat Stock Sours on Analyst Bear Note

The firm noted increasing competition for plant-based meat substitutes

Deputy Editor
Mar 28, 2022 at 10:37 AM
facebook X logo linkedin


The shares of Beyond Meat Inc (NASDAQ:BYND) are down 1.8% at $47.75 this morning, following a downgrade from Piper Sandler to "neutral" from "underweight." The analyst also cut its price target to $29 from $50, saying the the competition for plant-based meat substitutes is heating up, while the rollout of the company's products at McDonald's (MCD) across the U.S. is seeing lukewarm expectations.

Piper Sandler is joining a pessimistic brokerage bunch. Coming into today, 10 of the 13 covering analysts considered Beyond Meat stock a "hold," while two more said "sell" or worse. Meanwhile, the 12-month consensus target price of $48.13 is a slim 1% discount to BYND's Friday close.

The options pits are similarly bearish, per the equity's 10-day put/call volume ratio of 1.52 at the International Securities Exchange (ISE), Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE), and NASDAQ OMX PHLX (PHLX), which stands higher than 98% of readings from the past 12 months. This shows puts outpacing calls overall, with an unusually healthy appetite for the bearish bets.

Options traders today are following suit. Already, 4,745 puts have crossed the tape, which is double the intraday average and more than the 3,074 calls. Most popular by far is the weekly 4/1 47-strike put, where new positions are being opened.

On the charts, March 15 saw BYND log an all-time low of $35.74. While it's distanced itself slightly from this low, the 50-day moving average continues to be a trendline to watch, as it just rejected a rally last week. Beyond Meat stock has shed more than 25% year-to-date.  

 
 

You have the chance to join one of Bernie's most exclusive programs, complete access at HUGE savings!

As we prepare for a new administration to take the reins in Washington, the near-term market landscape is rife with uncertainty.

The Federal Reserve has already hinted at the turbulence ahead, lowering its interest rate outlook for 2025.

Meanwhile, breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and other transformative sectors have unlocked incredible profit potential.

But these opportunities are fleeting, and timing is everything. That's where Quick-Hit Trader comes in.

Quick-Hit Trader is designed for precision and speed, getting you in and out of the market in a flash. While other investors scramble to navigate volatile conditions, you'll have access to expertly curated trades that leverage these rapid shifts to deliver explosive profits in short order.

This is your chance to capitalize on the fast-moving market like never before. Are you ready to make your move?