Davenport Downgrades Fortune Brands (FO) to Neutral; Valuation Call After Recent Run Up
FO Hot Sheet
Rating Summary:2 Buy, 6 Hold, 0 Sell
Rating Trend:
Up
Today's Overall Ratings:
Up: 16 | Down: 7 | New: 23
Davenport downgrades Fortune Brands (NYSE: FO) from Buy to Neutral.
Davenport analyst says, "We are lowering our rating to Neutral to reflect the recent strength and our belief that the stock currently reflects the potential for improving results in the Home and Security segment. FO is now trading at our 12-month target of $47. We continue to believe FO is well positioned to exit the downturn stronger with more market share and efficient operations and should quickly benefit given any sales or market strength. The timing of a recovery, however, remains the biggest wildcard. FO plans to continue to focus on growing earnings, outperforming its markets, investing to exit the downturn with greater strength and generating strong free cash flow. Its cash priorities include organic growth, debt reduction, add on acquisitions, share repurchase, and the dividend."
"We maintain our 2010 estimate of $2.60, which reflects a return to growth in each segment, with continued relative strength in Spirits and further benefits from the lower cost structure. We believe there is upside to our outlook if the consumer proves to be healthier than expected."
To see all the upgrades/downgrades on shares of FO, visit our Analyst Ratings page.
Fortune Brands, Inc. (Fortune Brands) is a holding company with operating companies engaged in the manufacture, production and sale of distilled spirits, home and security products, and golf products.
Davenport analyst says, "We are lowering our rating to Neutral to reflect the recent strength and our belief that the stock currently reflects the potential for improving results in the Home and Security segment. FO is now trading at our 12-month target of $47. We continue to believe FO is well positioned to exit the downturn stronger with more market share and efficient operations and should quickly benefit given any sales or market strength. The timing of a recovery, however, remains the biggest wildcard. FO plans to continue to focus on growing earnings, outperforming its markets, investing to exit the downturn with greater strength and generating strong free cash flow. Its cash priorities include organic growth, debt reduction, add on acquisitions, share repurchase, and the dividend."
"We maintain our 2010 estimate of $2.60, which reflects a return to growth in each segment, with continued relative strength in Spirits and further benefits from the lower cost structure. We believe there is upside to our outlook if the consumer proves to be healthier than expected."
To see all the upgrades/downgrades on shares of FO, visit our Analyst Ratings page.
Fortune Brands, Inc. (Fortune Brands) is a holding company with operating companies engaged in the manufacture, production and sale of distilled spirits, home and security products, and golf products.
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