WhiteWave Foods (WWAV) Stock Price Target Increased at Jefferies

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- WhiteWave Foods' (WWAV) price target was increased to $52 from $48 and its "buy" rating maintained at Jefferies on Wednesday morning.

The firm's decision is the result of a "much better than feared" 2016 first quarter, reported before yesterday's market open.

WhiteWave reported first quarter earnings of 28 cents per share on revenue of $1.04 billion. Analysts expected the company to report earnings of 26 cents per share on revenue of $1.02 billion.

"WhiteWave remains one of our top four picks owing to its best-in-class organic growth profile, solid execution, superior financial disclosure and solid acquisition platform," Jefferies analysts said in an investor note.

Denver-based WhiteWave is a consumer packaged food and beverage company.

Shares of WhiteWave are down Wednesday afternoon 0.72% to $44.25.

Separately, TheStreet Ratings rated WhiteWave Foods as a "buy" with a score of B.

TheStreet Ratings objectively rated this stock according to its "risk-adjusted" total return prospect over a 12-month investment horizon.

Not based on the news in any given day, the rating may differ from Jim Cramer's view or that of this articles's author. TheStreet Ratings has this to say about the recommendation:

This is driven by a number of strengths, which TheStreet Ratings believes should have a greater impact than any weaknesses, and should give investors a better performance opportunity than most stocks covered.

The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its revenue growth, impressive record of earnings per share growth, good cash flow from operations, expanding profit margins and notable return on equity. TheStreet Ratings feels its strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had lackluster performance in the stock itself.

You can view the full analysis from the report here: WWAV