** Shares of potato-chip and pretzels maker Utz Brands UTZ.N up 3.4% premarket to $13.85 after D.A. Davidson upgrades to 'buy' from 'neutral'

** Brokerage says co's sales have been weak, but it has gained market share even as salty snacks have been under persistent volume pressure

** Utz has "over delivered' on supply chain transformation which could lead to upside revisions if co sustains recent share momentum, D.A. Davidson says, sticking with its $16 PT

** In Dec 2023, Hanover, Pennsylvania-based firm introduced long-term growth strategy and value creation plan, including to transform its supply chain and improve productivity

** Last week, co named William J Kelly Jr as new CFO, replacing Ajay Kataria, effective May 1

** Kelley most recently served as Global CFO at Tropicana Brands

** Co also said expects Q1 net sales to grow 1.5%-1.7% y/y, sees Q1 adj EPS of 14-16 cents, and reaffirmed 2025 outlook

** It is slated to report Q1 results on May 1, before the bell

** Through Weds close, UTZ shares off 14.5% YTD and down ~27% over the past 12 months

** Now, 8 of 12 analysts rate stock "strong buy" or "buy", rest have "hold"; median PT is $17, LSEG data shows

(Lance Tupper is a Reuters market analyst. The views expressed are his own)

((lance.tupper@tr.com 1-646-279-6380))