Kenvue Tumbles 2.43% to 323rd in Volume Amid Surging Call Buys and Analyst Divide

On August 5, 2025, Kenvue (KVUE) closed down 2.43%, with a trading volume of $370 million, a 49.15% drop from the previous day, ranking it 323rd in market activity. The stock faces pressure as it approaches its August 7 earnings release, with analysts forecasting a decline in profits. Options data reveals bullish flows, including 19,924 call contracts traded—1.6x the expected volume—and a put/call ratio of 0.12, signaling investor optimism ahead of the report.

Kenvue announced a 1.2% increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.2075 per share, payable on August 27, reflecting its focus on shareholder returns despite declining sales. Institutional investors, including US Bancorp and Arkadios Wealth Advisors, have boosted their stakes in the stock, indicating confidence in its long-term fundamentals. However, the company’s strategic review and interim CEO appointment following the departure of Thibaut Mongon highlight ongoing operational challenges.

Analysts remain divided, with seven rating the stock a “Hold” and five a “Buy,” though price targets cluster around $22–$26. Elevated implied volatility (38.24%) and active options in November 2025 and August 2025 expiration cycles suggest heightened speculation. The firm’s debt-to-equity ratio (0.63) and 149% payout ratio underscore financial risks amid a volatile market environment.

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