Krispy Kreme (NASDAQ:DNUT) Lowered to Sell Rating by Wall Street Zen

Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Krispy Kreme (NASDAQ:DNUT) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note published on Saturday morning.

Other equities analysts have also recently issued reports about the company. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a “sell (d)” rating on shares of Krispy Kreme in a report on Monday, December 29th. Morgan Stanley restated an “underweight” rating and issued a $3.00 price target on shares of Krispy Kreme in a research report on Tuesday, January 20th. Singular Research raised shares of Krispy Kreme to a “moderate buy” rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Finally, Zacks Research upgraded shares of Krispy Kreme from a “strong sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Monday, December 22nd. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $5.59.

Krispy Kreme Stock Down 1.3%

Shares of DNUT opened at $2.95 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 0.36, a quick ratio of 0.30 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.31. Krispy Kreme has a 12 month low of $2.50 and a 12 month high of $9.43. The firm’s 50 day moving average is $3.84 and its 200-day moving average is $3.70. The stock has a market capitalization of $505.34 million, a PE ratio of -0.99 and a beta of 1.31.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. AQR Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Krispy Kreme in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $217,000. Millennium Management LLC boosted its position in Krispy Kreme by 522.1% in the first quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 2,093,416 shares of the company’s stock valued at $10,300,000 after buying an additional 1,756,932 shares in the last quarter. IFP Advisors Inc grew its stake in shares of Krispy Kreme by 34.5% during the second quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 12,378 shares of the company’s stock worth $36,000 after buying an additional 3,178 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Krispy Kreme during the second quarter worth $30,000. Finally, Praxis Investment Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of Krispy Kreme in the 2nd quarter valued at $191,000. Institutional investors own 81.72% of the company’s stock.

Key Stories Impacting Krispy Kreme

Here are the key news stories impacting Krispy Kreme this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Krispy Kreme announced a national Friday the 13th promotion that will distribute 13,000 free-dozen coupons, generating widespread national coverage and likely short-term store traffic and brand attention. Krispy Kreme has launched a massive doughnut giveaway — here’s how to win a free dozen
• Positive Sentiment: Multiple consumer outlets (MSN, Yahoo, Cheapism, NYPost) amplified the promotion with local coupon details and how-to-claim guides, which can drive incremental visits, digital engagement and loyalty sign-ups—useful marketing tailwinds even if short-term revenue is limited. Krispy Kreme to Give Away 13,000 Free Dozen Coupons on Friday the 13th
• Neutral Sentiment: Short-interest data posted for February appears inconsistent (reports show 0 shares with an “increase of NaN”), suggesting a data or reporting glitch rather than a meaningful shift in short interest; this item is unlikely to change fundamentals while it remains unclear.
• Negative Sentiment: Underlying fundamentals remain a headwind: low liquidity (current ratio ~0.36, quick ratio ~0.30), negative P/E, and the share price sits below the 50-day moving average—factors that continue to cap valuation and increase downside risk absent improving sales/earnings.

About Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc (NASDAQ: DNUT) is a global retailer and wholesaler renowned for its signature Original Glazed doughnut and a variety of other sweet treats. The company operates through a combination of company-owned stores, franchise outlets and strategic partnerships with supermarkets, convenience stores and other foodservice channels. In addition to its doughnut portfolio, Krispy Kreme offers freshly brewed coffee, assorted beverages and proprietary seasonal items designed to drive traffic and foster brand loyalty.

Founded in 1937 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, by Vernon Rudolph, Krispy Kreme has grown from a single local shop to a multinational brand.