Pinnacle Foods (PF) PT Raised to $64 at RBC Capital Following Positive 4Q Results; Ups Estimates

RBC Capital analyst David Palmer reiterates Outperform rating and raises price target on Pinnacle Foods Inc. (NYSE: PF) to $64 (from $58), noting margin and revenue upside, while raising 2017 and 2018 estimates, as the company delivered positive 2016 fourth quarter results.

Palmer comments, "Following yesterday’s 4Q release, we are raising our estimates to reflect more favorable interest costs and tax treatment. We are also raising our price target to reflect gross margin upside and ongoing market share gains (albeit with near-term packaged food volume softness). We continue to believe the company’s 300bps-400bps margin expansion by ’19 is achievable, with further long-term M&A upside from acquisitions and a potential sale… Increasing our 2017 and 2018 estimates to reflect more favorable term loan financing and lower taxes; raising target on improved sales visibility: Following the company’s 4Q results, we are increasing our 2017 and 2018 adjusted EPS estimates from $2.54 and $2.74 to $2.59 (+21% YOY; cons. $2.51; new guidance $2.55-$2.60) and $2.89 (+12% YOY; cons. $2.72). Our higher '17 EPS includes $0.15 (or 7pp) of below-the-line or one-time benefits (i.e. 53rd week, lower interest, new accounting practice). That said, excluding these items the company still aims to grow EPS by double-digits. In our view, Pinnacle continues to increase its growth gap with larger US Food peers (with the help of brands like Birds Eye, Udi's and gardein) and strong earnings upside potential (with the help of Boulder synergies, 350bps-400bps of annual productivity, and further M&A upside). We increase our price target with to $64 (from $56) which equals 22x our ’18 EPS."

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