Copyright Barchart
Beyond Meat (BYND) shares closed down slightly ahead of the plant-based meat company’s delayed third-quarter earnings scheduled for Nov. 10 (after the bell). The Nasdaq-listed firm is expected to record roughly $69 million in revenue for its fiscal Q3, down some 15% on a year-over-year basis, with $0.43 a share of quarterly loss. At the time of writing, BYND stock is trading more than 80% below its high in late October. Where Options Data Suggests BYND Shares Are Headed Options traders are bracing for volatility in Beyond Meat stock after its Q3 earnings on Monday. According to Barchart, implied move through the end of this week is 30.07%, which translates to a potential trading range of $0.97 to $1.80. This suggests traders expect a sharp reaction to BYND earnings with the wide spread reflecting uncertainty around the company’s financial health and future prospects. With implied volatility elevated, short-term contracts are pricing in a binary outcome – a surprise rebound or a fresh breakdown. Why Downside Is More Likely to Play Out in Beyond Meat Stock Beyond Meat continues to burn cash, faces declining demand for plant-based meat, and operates in a fiercely competitive space dominated by better-capitalized rivals. Therefore, the downside (as indicated by options contracts) is significantly more likely to play out in BYND shares through Nov. 14. Plus, recent delays in reporting earnings due to impairment recalculations have added to concerns. Beyond Meat’s penny stock status makes it vulnerable to price manipulation and pump-and-dump behavior as well. All in all, with little institutional support and fading meme momentum, the odds favor downside risk after the quarterly release. Investors must, therefore, proceed with caution in BYND stock. Wall Street Currently Rates BYND at ‘Moderate Sell’ Wall Street firms also recommend caution in playing Beyond Meat shares ahead of the company’s Q3 earnings release. According to Barchart, the consensus rating on BYND stock currently sits at “Moderate Sell” with price targets going as low as $0.80, indicating potential downside of more than 40% from here.
