Mark Wiltamuth

Grocers across the board in Q1 have performed poorly in lieu of dampening inflation, self-cannibalization, competitor store openings and competition on prices. Jefferies says Kroger (NYSE: KR) and Sprouts Farmers Markets (NASDAQ: SFM) remain appealing, but suggests a lower entry point would be...

In a report published Wednesday, Jefferies analyst Mark Wiltamuth commented that Kroger Co (NYSE: KR) is expected to post earnings per share upside of $0.96 (versus consensus estimate of $0.90) driven by higher fuel margins, in its fourth quarter report scheduled to be released on March 5 before...

On Friday, analysts at Jefferies raised the price target on The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) from $55 to $64 and maintained the Hold rating following the company’s third-quarter financial results. Mark Wiltamuth finds Kroger’s upbeat results were driven by strong ID sales and record fuel...

Jefferies analyst Mark Wiltamuth upgraded shares of Walgreens (NYSE: WAG) from Hold to Buy and raised the price target from $69 to $87. Following the upgrade the company's shares are trading up two percent in Wednesday's market session. In his note, Wiltamuth said the management at...

The Fresh Market (NASDAQ: TFM) reported strong results for its first quarter after the close Thursday, initially moving its shares more than 10 percent higher. Sales rose 17 percent for year, while same-store sales increased just 2.5 percent. $431 million of sales beat the analyst consensus by...

In a report published Friday, Jefferies analyst Mark Wiltamuth reiterated a Hold rating on The Fresh Market (NASDAQ: TFM), but lowered the price target from $36.00 to $35.00. In the report, Jefferies noted, “Following a tough earnings season for specialty grocers, TFM provided refreshing 1Q14...

Analysts respond following Safeway's (NYSE: SWY) fourth quarter 2013 results on Wednesday. Fourth Quarter Results and Announcements Safeway reported fourth quarter EPS of $0.35 versus the estimated $0.48, missing by $0.13. EPS were down 34% from the same quarter last year. Revenue came in at $...

In a report published Tuesday, Jefferies analyst Mark Wiltamuth initiated coverage on Safeway (NYSE: SWY) with a Hold rating and $32.00 price target. In the report, Jefferies noted, “In June/July, Safeway valuation was in a confused state with the core grocery business trading at only 4.0x EV/...

In a report published Tuesday, Jefferies analyst Mark Wiltamuth initiated coverage on CVS Caremark Corporation (NYSE: CVS) with a Buy rating and $71.00 price target. In the report, Jefferies noted, “We recommend CVS Caremark as a core holding as we view it as the drug retailer best positioned to...

In a report published Tuesday, Jefferies analyst Mark Wiltamuth initiated coverage on GNC Holdings (NYSE: GNC) with a Buy rating and $68.00 price target. In the report, Jefferies noted, “We view GNC as a ‘Growth at Reasonable Price' story and it is our top stock pick. We believe the May 2013...

In a report published Tuesday, Jefferies analyst Mark Wiltamuth initiated coverage on Walgreen Company (NYSE: WAG) with a Hold rating and $62.00 price target. In the report, Jefferies noted, “Walgreens is in the midst of the biggest era of change in company history. After taking a 45% stake in...

In a report published Tuesday, Jefferies analyst Mark Wiltamuth initiated coverage on The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) with a Hold rating and $45.00 price target. In the report, Jefferies noted, “Kroger is on a roll, striking the right balance between planned gross margin sacrifice and sales growth. The...

In a report published Tuesday, Jefferies analyst Mark Wiltamuth initiated coverage on The Fresh Market (NASDAQ: TFM) with a Hold rating and $54.00 price target. In the report, Jefferies noted, “We are attracted to The Fresh Market's long runway for 15% store expansion, 20% EPS growth and strong...