Shares of The Middleby Corporation (NASDAQ: MIDD) have received a consensus rating of “Hold” from analysts covering the company, according to data from MarketBeat.com. Out of nine brokerages, one has assigned a sell rating, three have issued hold ratings, and five have given the stock a buy rating. The average 12-month target price stands at approximately $160.57.
A variety of analysts have recently evaluated Middleby’s stock. On October 27, Zacks Research upgraded the rating from “strong sell” to “hold.” Conversely, Weiss Ratings maintained a “sell (d)” rating. Research from Wolfe Research set a price objective of $163.00 with an “outperform” rating on September 4. Meanwhile, Canaccord Genuity Group adjusted its target price from $175.00 to $171.00, reiterating a “buy” recommendation on November 7. Additionally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded the stock from “underweight” to “neutral,” while lowering its price target from $140.00 to $125.00.
Institutional Investors Increase Holdings
Recent activity from institutional investors has seen notable changes in their stakes in Middleby. Danske Bank A S acquired new shares valued at approximately $27,000 in the third quarter. Migdal Insurance & Financial Holdings Ltd. also entered a new position worth $30,000 in the second quarter. Allworth Financial LP expanded its holdings by 168.8% during this period, now owning 207 shares valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 130 shares.
In the third quarter, TFC Financial Management Inc. grew its stake dramatically by 23,000.0%, resulting in ownership of 231 shares worth $31,000. Similarly, Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd. increased its holdings by 135.6%, acquiring 245 shares valued at $33,000. Institutional investors now hold approximately 98.55% of Middleby’s stock.
Performance Highlights and Future Guidance
As of November 6, shares of Middleby opened at $118.21. The company has a market capitalization of $5.95 billion, with a P/E ratio of 15.04. Financial metrics include a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64, a current ratio of 2.57, and a quick ratio of 1.56. The stock has fluctuated between a one-year low of $110.82 and a high of $182.73.
In its latest earnings report, Middleby posted earnings of $2.37 per share, surpassing analyst expectations of $2.03 by $0.34. The company reported revenues of $982.13 million, exceeding estimates of $961.21 million. Compared to the same quarter last year, the revenue increased by 4.2%. Middleby anticipates earnings between $8.99 and $9.14 per share for the fiscal year 2025, with a fourth-quarter guidance of $2.19 to $2.34 per share.
With its diverse portfolio, The Middleby Corporation designs and manufactures a wide range of foodservice, food processing, and residential kitchen equipment. As the company navigates market challenges, its strategic positioning and analyst ratings will play a crucial role in shaping its future performance.
