UPDATE: Bank of America Downgrades PetSmart to Neutral, Lowers PT on Increased Caution on NT Momentum

Loading...
Loading...
In a report published Friday, Bank of America analyst Denise Chai downgraded the rating on
PetSmartPETM
from Buy to Neutral, and lowered the price target from $90.00 to $80.00. In the report, Bank of America noted, “We are downgrading PETM from Buy to Neutral and lowering our PO to $80, based on 17.5x 2014 P/E (19x prior). We see multiple headwinds to comp-store growth and valuations, namely 1) market share losses, 2) slower momentum in in-store adoptions, 3) sentiment overhang from online competition longer-term, and 4) slower-than-expected new household formation is delaying a recovery in high-margin hardgoods. While we are positive on PETM's continued product resets, we think they are unlikely to fully offset the headwinds. Our new estimates are as follows: 2013 is now $3.96 based on 3.4% comps ($3.98 on 3.5% comps prior); 2014 is $4.57 on 3.5% comps ($4.72 on 4.5% comps prior); and 2015 is $5.26 also on 3.5% comps ($5.57 on 4.5% comps prior). Given that valuations largely track comps, we believe share performance will be lackluster until comps re-accelerate.” PetSmart closed on Thursday at $72.80.
Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs
Posted In: Analyst ColorDowngradesAnalyst RatingsBank of AmericaDenise Chai
Benzinga simplifies the market for smarter investing

Trade confidently with insights and alerts from analyst ratings, free reports and breaking news that affects the stocks you care about.

Join Now: Free!

Loading...