Danone: Focusing on Gut HealthBy Ion Jauregui – Analyst at ActivTrades
The French multinational Danone (EPA: BN) is going through one of its most dynamic phases in the past decade. Its CEO, Antoine de Saint-Affrique, has stated that the food industry is at a “turning point”, shaped by population ageing, evolving consumer habits, and advances in nutritional science. In this context, the group has decided to focus its strategy on two key pillars: gut health and medical nutrition.
Over the past year, Danone invested nearly €500 million in research and development, up 10% from the previous year, aiming to strengthen its position in high value-added segments. Since taking the helm four years ago, Saint-Affrique has led a deep transformation: selling non-core assets such as Horizon Organic, cutting 1,600 jobs, and streamlining the portfolio to eliminate low-performing products.
At the same time, the company has made several key corporate moves. The acquisition of Kate Farms, a U.S.-based clinical nutrition firm, and The Akkermansia Company, a Belgian biotech specialising in gut microbiota, reinforce its commitment to innovation. Although the attempted purchase of Lifeway Foods (NASDAQ: LWAY) did not materialize, Danone’s expansion strategy through mergers and acquisitions remains firmly on track.
Danone and Sustainable Growth
Danone has shifted its financial focus, prioritising sustainable growth over short-term margins. The company closed the first half of 2024 with a 4.2% increase in sales, driven by the strong performance of its specialised nutrition and essential dairy divisions.
The operating margin has remained stable despite inflationary pressures, supported by efficient cost management and a more balanced product mix. Recent divestments have helped reduce debt and strengthen liquidity, providing greater flexibility for future acquisitions.
Currently, Danone holds a market capitalisation of around €40 billion, an estimated P/E ratio of 17x, and a dividend yield above 3%, positioning it as a defensive stock appealing to investors seeking stability within the consumer staples sector.
Technical Analysis (Ticker: AT:BN)
In the markets, Danone’s share price maintains a solid upward trend since early 2024. After bottoming near €50 at the end of last year, the stock has climbed to an all-time high of €78.28, posting a year-to-date gain of roughly 25% as of Friday’s close.
The 50-day and 200-day moving averages confirm a positive signal, while the RSI, currently at 68.24%, indicates notable overbought conditions. The next technical target stands at €80, a key resistance level. Immediate supports are located at €76.28, with the Point of Control (POC) positioned near €74.80 as a key support area in the current trend, and strong support at €65.46. The MACD remains in positive territory with a green histogram, while the ActivTrades Europe Market Pulse indicator is currently in a neutral zone, suggesting European markets are far from elevated risk levels.
Adapting to Key Sectors
Danone has demonstrated its ability to adapt in a highly competitive and evolving environment. Its focus on digestive health and medical nutrition aligns with a long-term structural trend driven by population ageing and the growing demand for functional foods.
From a financial standpoint, the company consolidates a balanced strategy between innovation and profitability, while its technical outlook suggests the continuation of bullish momentum. With solid fundamentals and a long-term vision, Danone stands out as one of Europe’s most promising food sector players heading into 2025.
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