CHICAGO, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG) will release its fiscal 2026 first quarter results on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. A press release and supplemental materials, including pre-recorded remarks, will be issued that morning prior to a 30-minute live question-and-answer session with the investment community at 9:30 a.m. ET.The pre-recorded remarks, transcript, press release, presentation slides, and live audio Q&A can be accessed at conagrabrands.com/investor-relations under ...

Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Past performance is not an indicator of future performance. This post is illustrative and educational ...

Core Insights - The Future of Snacking 2025 report by Conagra Brands highlights key trends shaping the $148.6 billion U.S. snacking market, emphasizing evolving consumer behaviors and preferences [1][8]. Group 1: Emerging Trends - **Flavor Explosion**: Traditional flavors like sea salt and BBQ remain popular, but bold flavors such as sriracha and garlic parmesan are driving significant growth [3][11]. - **Snacking Without Borders**: Global snack sales reached $5.7 billion, with a 22% volume growth over the past three years, driven by younger consumers' interest in multicultural flavors [4][11]. - **Better-for-You Snacking**: There is a rising demand for protein-rich, portion-controlled, and nutrient-dense snacks, particularly among Gen Z and Millennials, with specific claims like "grass-fed" and "gut health" gaining traction [4][11]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - **Co-Branded Bites**: Co-branded snacks are generating nearly $2.1 billion in annual sales, leveraging partnerships with restaurants and entertainment brands to enhance market appeal [4][11]. - **Snacks on the Go**: Convenience is a key driver, with away-from-home snack occasions projected to grow by 39% by 2027, indicating a shift towards more accessible snack options [5][11].

Samuel Smith has a diverse background that includes being lead analyst and Vice President at several highly regarded dividend stock research firms and running his own dividend investing YouTube channel. He is a Professional Engineer and Project Management Professional and holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering & Mathematics from the United States Military Academy at West Point and has a Masters in Engineering from Texas A&M with a focus on applied mathematics and machine learning.Samuel leads the High Yield Inve ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses seven low beta stocks with dividend yields up to 8%, which are considered more stable during market downturns, providing a cushion against volatility [2][3]. Group 1: Low-Beta Dividend Stocks - Getty Realty (GTY) offers a 6.6% yield with a 5-year beta of 0.86 and a 1-year beta of 0.12, indicating lower volatility compared to the market. The company has a stable cash-flowing tenant base, primarily from convenience stores and car washes [5][7]. - AES Corp. (AES) has a 5.5% yield and operates with a 1-year beta of 0.88 and a 5-year beta of 0.96. It combines traditional utility services with renewable energy sales, providing growth potential [9][10]. - Northwest Bancshares (NWBI) offers a 6.8% yield with a 5-year beta of 0.69 and a 1-year beta of 0.80. The company has a solid balance sheet but faces challenges in consistent growth despite a recent merger [11][12]. - Conagra Brands (CAG) has a yield of 7.4% but faces significant challenges, including supply chain issues and food inflation, with a 1-year beta of -0.05 and a 5-year beta of 0.08 [17][21]. - Cal-Maine Foods (CALM) boasts an 8.0% yield and has seen a 60% increase year-to-date, with a 1-year beta of 0.67 and a 5-year beta of 0.19. The company has benefited from rising egg prices but faces income variability [23][24]. Group 2: Market Performance and Trends - The article highlights that low beta stocks tend to attract buyers during market downturns, which can help stabilize their share prices [3]. - The performance of low beta stocks like Kraft Heinz (KHC) and General Mills (GIS) has been disappointing, with low betas reflecting counter-market movements rather than stability [14][15]. - The overall trend indicates that while some low beta stocks have maintained dividends, their growth has been limited, and challenges remain in the current market environment [16][22].

Group 1: Company Overview - Conagra Brands is a consumer staples company with a market cap of around $9 billion, producing packaged food products under notable brands like Slim Jim, Hunts, Healthy Choice, and Duncan Hines [2] - The company is considered a second-tier player in the packaged food space, which implies it may face challenges in a market where quality is prioritized over value [4] Group 2: Financial Performance - Over the past year, Conagra's stock has lost a third of its value, indicating underlying issues within the company [5] - The company's gross profit margin has been declining since reaching a peak in 2023, coinciding with the stock's downward trend [5] - Revenue has also been trending lower, suggesting that Conagra's brand portfolio is not resonating well with consumers, complicating the gross profit margin situation [6] Group 3: Recent Results and Guidance - In the fiscal fourth quarter of 2025, Conagra experienced a 4.3% drop in sales and a 3.5% decline in organic sales, both worse than the full-year fiscal 2025 figures [7] - Guidance for fiscal 2026 indicates that organic sales are expected to be roughly flat, with a projected decline in adjusted operating margin and materially lower earnings [8] Group 4: Investment Considerations - While Conagra is likely to survive its current challenges, it may not be an attractive investment for most, particularly conservative dividend investors, due to a high adjusted earnings dividend payout ratio projected to be as high as 80% in fiscal 2026 [10] - The lack of a dividend increase since the second quarter of fiscal 2024 further underscores concerns regarding the company's financial health [10]

Group 1: Tariff Impact on Companies - Companies are warning that tariffs will raise costs by hundreds of millions of dollars as the deadline for higher import taxes approaches [1] - Stanley Black & Decker expects an annualized hit of $800 million from tariff-related policy changes [2] - Conagra Brands anticipates a 3% increase in the cost of goods sold due to higher tariffs, translating to over $200 million annually [2] Group 2: Specific Company Effects - Tesla reports an increase in costs tied to tariffs of approximately $300 million, with two-thirds related to its auto business [3] - General Motors experienced a $1.1 billion hit to earnings before interest and taxes attributed to the net effect of tariffs [4] - The impact of steel and aluminum tariffs is also affecting companies like Conagra Brands, despite most of their production being in the U.S. [3]

Group 1 - The company is facing numerous challenges, but its valuation has decreased significantly, suggesting potential investment opportunities [1] - Ian Bezek, a former hedge fund analyst, has extensive experience in Latin American markets and specializes in high-quality growth stocks at reasonable prices [2] Group 2 - The article expresses the author's personal opinions and discloses a beneficial long position in HSY shares [3]

Core Insights - Celiac Canada has partnered with Conagra Brands Canada to enhance gluten-free food service in healthcare and long-term care facilities, aiming to improve access to safe, high-quality meals for individuals with celiac disease and gluten intolerance [1][3] - The initiative includes the distribution of a comprehensive resource titled "Gluten-Free Food Service in Health Care: A Practical Guide," designed to assist food service providers in gluten-free meal preparation and cross-contamination prevention [2][3] Partnership Details - The partnership addresses the challenges faced by individuals with celiac disease in finding safe meal options in healthcare settings, with a focus on providing necessary resources and training for food service providers [3] - Celiac Canada and Conagra Brands aim to set a new standard for gluten-free food service in Canada through advocacy, education, and practical solutions [3] Additional Initiatives - An educational webinar was hosted by Celiac Canada and DN Hospitality in collaboration with Sysco Canada to introduce best practices from the guide to food service providers [7] - Chef Daryl Neamtu will create healthcare-friendly gluten-free recipes to help institutions diversify their meal options [7] Company Background - Celiac Canada is a national charity focused on improving the lives of Canadians with celiac disease and gluten-related disorders through advocacy, research, and education [5] - Conagra Brands, a leading North American food company, reported over $12 billion in net sales for fiscal 2024 and is known for its diverse portfolio of food brands [6]

Group 1 - The approach has received over 180 five-star reviews from satisfied members, indicating strong customer satisfaction and perceived value [1] - The company invests significant resources, over $100,000 annually, into researching profitable investment opportunities, aiming to provide high-yield strategies at a lower cost [1] - The US Dollar has depreciated by 10% this year relative to a basket of major international currencies, highlighting potential market volatility [1] Group 2 - Samuel Smith, a lead analyst and Vice President at various dividend stock research firms, has a strong educational background in engineering and mathematics, enhancing his analytical capabilities [1] - The High Yield Investor group, led by Samuel Smith, focuses on balancing safety, growth, yield, and value in investment strategies [1] - The services offered by High Yield Investor include real-money portfolios, trade alerts, educational content, and an active community for investors [1]