tiprankstipranks
Trending News
More News >
Kellanova (K)
:K

Kellanova (K) AI Stock Analysis

Compare
2,453 Followers

Top Page

K

Kellanova

(NYSE:K)

Rating:64Neutral
Price Target:
$83.00
â–²(5.30%Upside)
Kellanova's stock score is primarily influenced by strong financial performance, although the declining revenue trend and moderate leverage are concerning. Technical analysis indicates bearish momentum, and valuation is fair with a moderate dividend yield. Corporate events are mixed, with the merger progress adding potential but also regulatory uncertainty.
Positive Factors
Profitability
The EBIT margin improved by 200 basis points year-over-year to 13.6%, driven by lower SG&A expenses.
Sales Performance
Organic sales growth outperformed expectations with a 6.1% year-over-year increase compared to the estimated 3.3%.
Negative Factors
Gross Margin
Gross margin was below expectations, which led to a gross profit slightly behind the model.
Reported Sales
Despite higher organic sales, reported sales showed a decline compared to the estimate.

Kellanova (K) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Kellanova Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionKellanova (K) is a leading multinational food company specializing in the production and distribution of a wide range of packaged foods. With a focus on the convenience and snacks sector, Kellanova offers a diverse portfolio of products, including cereals, snacks, and plant-based foods. The company is committed to delivering high-quality, nutritious, and innovative food solutions that cater to the evolving preferences of consumers worldwide.
How the Company Makes MoneyKellanova makes money primarily through the sale of its packaged food products across various categories such as cereals, snacks, and plant-based foods. The company's revenue streams are diversified across different geographical regions and distribution channels, including retail, e-commerce, and food service. Key partnerships with retailers and distributors enable Kellanova to maintain a strong market presence and drive sales. Additionally, the company invests in marketing and product innovation to strengthen its brand portfolio and capture new market opportunities, contributing to its earnings.

Kellanova Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:May 01, 2025
(Q2-2024)
|
% Change Since: -4.11%|
Next Earnings Date:Jul 31, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The sentiment of the earnings call is positive overall, driven by strong growth in North America and Latin America, significant margin improvements, successful innovation launches, and a raised full-year guidance. However, challenges remain in Nigeria due to currency issues and in Europe due to market elasticity.
Q2-2024 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong North America Volume Growth
North America saw a return to volume growth in Q2, with improved sequential performance. Pringles led this growth with increased distribution and innovation.
Raised Full Year Guidance
Kellanova raised its full-year guidance for organic net sales growth to about 3.5% and adjusted operating profit to $1.85 billion to $1.9 billion, reflecting better-than-expected first-half performance.
Significant Margin Improvement
Operating profit margin improved, with a target of 15% by 2026. The gross profit margin increased by close to 340 basis points year-on-year in Q2.
Innovation Rebound
Kellanova launched significant innovations, such as Pringles Mingles in North America, contributing to increased consumer engagement and expected sales growth.
Latin America Performance
Organic net sales in Latin America increased by 4%, driven by growth in both snacks and cereal, particularly in Mexico.
Negative Updates
Nigeria Volume Decline
Substantial volume declines in Nigeria due to currency-driven price increases, which accounted for most of the company's overall volume decline in Q2.
European Market Challenges
Organic net sales in Europe declined slightly by less than 1% in Q2, facing tough market conditions and high elasticity in cereal categories.
Inflationary Pressures
The company faced inflationary pressures, particularly in Nigeria, impacting cost structures and necessitating further price increases.
Company Guidance
In the second quarter of 2024, Kellanova reported strong financial performance and provided updated guidance for the year. The company achieved a 4% organic growth in net sales, with a 16% increase in currency-neutral adjusted operating profit, and a 14% growth in earnings per share on a currency-neutral basis. Free cash flow also improved year-on-year. Kellanova raised its full-year guidance, now anticipating organic net sales growth of about 3.5%, with adjusted operating profit expected to fall between $1.85 billion and $1.9 billion. The guidance reflects a gross margin target of over 35% and an operating margin of about 14% for 2024, with a goal of reaching a 15% operating margin by 2026. The company's performance was driven by innovation, increased brand investment, and improved profit margins, particularly in North America, where volume growth returned.

Kellanova Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Kellanova maintains strong profitability and operational efficiency, evidenced by solid margins, though revenue has been on a declining trend. The balance sheet exhibits moderate leverage, which warrants monitoring, yet the company effectively uses equity to drive profit. Cash flow operations remain stable, though slight pressure is seen in free cash flow growth, indicating areas for improvement in capital management.
Income Statement
75
Positive
Kellanova shows a stable performance in terms of profitability with a healthy gross profit margin of 52.2% in TTM. However, the company is experiencing a negative revenue growth trend, with a decline from $15.3 billion in 2022 to $12.6 billion TTM. The net profit margin is strong at 10.9% TTM, indicating effective cost management. EBIT and EBITDA margins remain solid, underscoring operational efficiency.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
The balance sheet reflects moderate financial leverage with a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.59, indicating a reliance on debt financing. The equity ratio stands at 25.3%, showing a reasonable equity base. Return on equity is robust at 35.2% TTM, suggesting efficient use of shareholders' equity to generate profits.
Cash Flow
65
Positive
Kellanova's cash flow situation is stable, with an operating cash flow to net income ratio of 1.10, indicating good cash generation relative to earnings. Free cash flow has decreased slightly, with a negative free cash flow growth rate of -8.2%, potentially signaling caution in capital expenditures or operational efficiency improvements.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Mar 2022Mar 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue12.63B12.75B13.12B12.65B11.75B13.77B
Gross Profit4.57B4.54B4.28B3.81B3.82B4.73B
EBITDA2.34B2.33B1.76B1.58B2.12B2.36B
Net Income1.38B1.34B951.00M960.00M1.49B1.25B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets15.47B15.63B15.62B18.50B18.18B18.00B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments330.00M694.00M274.00M299.00M286.00M435.00M
Total Debt6.22B6.34B6.53B7.16B7.73B8.11B
Total Liabilities11.45B11.75B12.25B14.12B13.96B14.36B
Stockholders Equity3.92B3.77B3.17B3.94B3.72B3.11B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow863.00M1.13B968.00M1.16B1.15B1.48B
Operating Cash Flow1.51B1.76B1.65B1.65B1.70B1.99B
Investing Cash Flow-569.00M-750.00M-562.00M-448.00M-528.00M-585.00M
Financing Cash Flow-862.00M-607.00M-1.11B-1.08B-1.31B-1.39B

Kellanova Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price78.82
Price Trends
50DMA
81.35
Negative
100DMA
81.45
Negative
200DMA
80.46
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.90
Positive
RSI
33.93
Neutral
STOCH
21.38
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For K, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 78.82 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 80.56, below the 50-day MA of 81.35, and below the 200-day MA of 80.46, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.90 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 33.93 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 21.38 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for K.

Kellanova Risk Analysis

Kellanova disclosed 43 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Kellanova reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Kellanova Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (65)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
HSHSY
75
Outperform
$33.94B21.2237.48%3.27%-5.91%-19.78%
MKMKC
74
Outperform
$19.75B25.6514.19%2.44%0.89%4.85%
72
Outperform
$87.12B25.4313.27%2.79%0.90%-14.60%
KHKHC
68
Neutral
$30.45B11.665.36%6.22%-4.25%-4.04%
65
Neutral
$26.82B14.80-4.06%3.24%1.02%2.12%
KK
64
Neutral
$27.01B19.6239.05%2.93%-12.00%49.20%
GIGIS
63
Neutral
$27.58B12.3624.57%4.74%-1.87%-5.16%
* Consumer Defensive Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
K
Kellanova
78.82
22.73
40.52%
GIS
General Mills
50.37
-10.95
-17.86%
HSY
The Hershey Company
167.00
-10.90
-6.13%
MKC
McCormick & Company
77.57
8.57
12.42%
MDLZ
Mondelez International
67.75
2.97
4.58%
KHC
Kraft Heinz
25.79
-4.85
-15.83%

Kellanova Corporate Events

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Kellanova and Mars Merger Clears FTC Review
Positive
Jun 26, 2025

On June 25, 2025, Kellanova and Mars, Incorporated announced that the U.S. Federal Trade Commission had completed its antitrust review of Mars’ pending acquisition of Kellanova without any conditions. This marks a significant milestone towards the merger, which is expected to close by the end of 2025, pending European Commission approval. The merger aims to combine the complementary strengths of both companies, enhancing their global snacking business and better meeting consumer needs.

The most recent analyst rating on (K) stock is a Hold with a $61.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Kellanova stock, see the K Stock Forecast page.

M&A TransactionsLegal Proceedings
Kellanova Faces EU Investigation on Merger Deal
Negative
Jun 25, 2025

Kellanova, a Delaware corporation, has entered into a Merger Agreement with Acquiror 10VB8, LLC and Mars, Incorporated, where Kellanova will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Acquiror. The European Commission has initiated a Phase II investigation into the merger, which is expected to close towards the end of 2025, pending regulatory approvals.

The most recent analyst rating on (K) stock is a Hold with a $61.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Kellanova stock, see the K Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board Changes
Kellanova Announces CFO Resignation and New Appointment
Neutral
May 8, 2025

On May 6, 2025, Kellanova announced the resignation of Amit Banati, the Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer, effective May 9, 2025, as he pursues another opportunity. The company appointed John Renwick as the acting Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective May 9, 2025, who has been with the company since 2000 and has extensive experience in finance and investor relations.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jun 26, 2025