Campbell Soup(US:CPB) ZACKS·2025-12-09 17:11Core Insights - Campbell's Company (CPB) reported first-quarter fiscal 2026 results, with net sales missing estimates while adjusted earnings per share (EPS) exceeded expectations, although both metrics declined year over year [1][10]. Financial Performance - Adjusted EPS was 77 cents, down 13% year over year, primarily due to lower adjusted earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT), but it surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 73 cents [2]. - Net sales totaled $2,677 million, a decrease of 3% year over year, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2,659 million. Organic net sales fell 1% to $2.7 billion, driven by lower volume/mix, partially offset by favorable pricing [3]. - Adjusted gross profit declined to $801 million from $871 million, missing the estimate of $823.1 million. The adjusted gross profit margin decreased by 150 basis points to 29.9%, attributed to cost inflation and supply-chain expenses [4]. Expense Management - Adjusted marketing and selling expenses decreased by 2% to $237 million, mainly due to lower selling expenses and cost-saving initiatives, despite increased marketing spend [5]. - Adjusted administrative expenses fell by 9% to $150 million, reflecting benefits from cost savings and lower incentive compensation [5]. Segment Performance - Meals & Beverages segment net sales decreased by 4% to $1,665 million, with organic net sales declining by 2% when excluding the noosa divestiture, primarily due to lower sales in U.S. soup and other products [7]. - Snacks segment net sales decreased by 2% to $1,012 million, with organic net sales down 1% when excluding the Pop Secret divestiture, driven by declines in various snack products [8]. Other Financial Metrics - As of the end of the reported quarter, Campbell's had cash and cash equivalents of $168 million and total debt of $6,972 million. Cash flow from operations was $224 million, with capital expenditures of $127 million [9]. - The company paid $120 million in cash dividends and repurchased nearly $24 million in shares during the fiscal first quarter [11]. Strategic Developments - Campbell's will acquire a 49% stake in La Regina for $286 million, enhancing their partnership and supporting future innovation, expected to close in the second half of fiscal 2026 [12]. - The company reaffirmed its full-year fiscal 2026 guidance, expecting organic net sales to range from a 1% decline to a 1% rise year over year, with adjusted EBIT estimated to decrease by 9-13% and adjusted EPS expected to decline by 12-18% [13].