Analysts Remain Bullish on Smithfield Foods, Inc. (SFD)

Core Viewpoint - Smithfield Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ:SFD) is identified as a strong investment opportunity, with over 80% of analysts recommending it as a buy, indicating a positive outlook for the stock [1]. Group 1: Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - As of December 12, the consensus buy rating for Smithfield Foods is supported by over 80% of analysts, with a price target range of $25 to $33, and a median target of $29 suggesting a potential upside of 28.72% [1]. - On December 9, Barclays analyst Benjamin Theurer reaffirmed a 'Buy' rating with a price target of $30, indicating an upside potential of nearly 33% from the current price [2]. Group 2: Financial Performance - In late October, Smithfield Foods reported strong performance in its third-quarter results, with President and CEO Shane Smith highlighting consistent execution of strategies that led to sales growth and record operating profit [3]. - The company forecasts its total adjusted operating profit to be between $1,225 million and $1,325 million, with the Packaged Meats segment expected to contribute an adjusted operating profit in the range of $1,060 million to $1,110 million [3]. Group 3: Company Overview - Smithfield Foods, Inc. is a Virginia-based producer of packaged meats and fresh pork, founded in 1936, and operates as a subsidiary of SFDS UK Holdings Limited [4].