Here are five possible takeover targets

Article Excerpt

PepsiCo’s $3.2 billion U.S. takeover bid for SodaStream International Ltd.—maker of the world’s leading home carbonation system—highlights growing consolidation in the food-and-beverage industry. Big players are eager to spur growth—either by swapping their sugary offerings for more healthful trendy treats or by gobbling up and then streamlining smaller competitors. Here are five food companies that we feel could draw takeover offers. B&G FOODS INC. $30 (New York symbol BGS; Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 65.9 million; Market cap: $2.0 billion; Dividend yield: 6.3%; Takeover Target Rating: Highest; www.bgfoods.com) manufactures, sells, and distributes a wide range of prepackaged food and household products in the U.S., including Puerto Rico, and Canada. The company’s more than 50 brands include Cream of Wheat and Green Giant frozen vegetables. B&G continues to acquire brands that have suffered from the neglect of the big food companies that own them. It’s also selling some of its recent purchases for strong gains. For example, in 2013, it acquired the Pirate Brands rice and corn puffs…