Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In-market consumption during Q4 declined by 1%, while organic net sales decreased by 3%, primarily due to favorable shipment timing in Q3 reversing in Q4 [7][26] - Reported net sales increased by 1%, adjusted EBIT and adjusted EPS both decreased by 2% compared to the prior year [8][26] - For the full year, net sales grew by 6%, driven mainly by the Sovos Brands acquisition, while adjusted EBIT increased by 2% [8][29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Meals and Beverages organic net sales decreased by 3% in Q4, with volume and mix down by 4% [13][31] - Snacks reported a 2% increase in net sales, but organic net sales decreased by 2%, driven by lower volume and mix [32][33] - The consumption of Meals and Beverages leadership brands increased by 1% in Q4, while Snacks leadership brand consumption declined by 2% [12][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall consumer environment remained cautious, with at-home cooking trends benefiting the Meals and Beverages segment [5][12] - The broth category saw a 7% consumption growth, while the soup portfolio's dollar share declined by 0.8 points due to the discontinuation of the Well Yes brand [15][17] - The Italian sauce category grew by 2% year-over-year, with Campbell's Italian sauce portfolio outpacing this at 4% growth [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to increase marketing investments and focus on innovation to support its brand portfolio [6][24] - A new growth office has been established to align innovation with consumer needs, emphasizing health and elevated taste experiences [10][24] - The company is committed to mitigating tariff impacts through various strategies, including cost savings initiatives and pricing actions [35][39] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that consumers are increasingly seeking value, flavor-forward offerings, and health benefits, which are driving innovation [5][10] - The company expects a more significant impact from tariffs in fiscal 2026, projecting gross tariffs at approximately 4% of cost of products sold [34][38] - Despite challenges, management is optimistic about sustainable growth in fiscal 2026, focusing on productivity and cost savings [39][40] Other Important Information - The company plans to remove FD&C colors from its food and beverage products by the second half of fiscal 2026 [11] - The Sovos Brands acquisition performed well, contributing positively to net sales growth and integration synergies [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on fiscal 2026 outlook and factors affecting guidance - Management discussed the importance of brand support and innovation in navigating the dynamic operating environment, with a focus on productivity and cost savings [44][46] Question: Stabilization in the snacks category - Management highlighted that snacking occasions are stable, with a focus on premiumization and flavor exploration to connect with consumers [56][58] Question: Impact of tariffs on pricing strategy - Management indicated a surgical approach to pricing, balancing the need to offset tariffs while maintaining product quality [64][66] Question: Sustainability of tariff mitigation strategies - Management explained that inventory management and supplier collaboration are key levers, with alternative sourcing being explored where feasible [70][72]

Company Performance - US Foods reported quarterly earnings of $1.19 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.14 per share, and up from $0.93 per share a year ago, representing an earnings surprise of +4.39% [1] - The company posted revenues of $10.08 billion for the quarter ended June 2025, which was 1.01% below the Zacks Consensus Estimate, but an increase from $9.71 billion year-over-year [2] - Over the last four quarters, US Foods has surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times and topped consensus revenue estimates two times [2] Stock Performance - US Foods shares have increased approximately 25.5% since the beginning of the year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 7.9% [3] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $1.03 on revenues of $10.24 billion, and for the current fiscal year, it is $3.83 on revenues of $39.8 billion [7] Industry Outlook - The Zacks Industry Rank indicates that the Food - Miscellaneous sector is currently in the bottom 23% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting potential challenges for stocks in this category [8] - The performance of US Foods may be influenced by the overall outlook for the industry, as empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions [5][8]

Core Viewpoint - Campbell's is anticipated to report a year-over-year decline in earnings despite an increase in revenues, which could significantly influence its stock price depending on the actual results compared to estimates [1][2]. Earnings Expectations - The upcoming earnings report is scheduled for June 2, 2025, with expectations of quarterly earnings at $0.65 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decrease of 13.3%. Revenues are projected to be $2.44 billion, representing a 2.9% increase from the previous year [3][2]. Estimate Revisions - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised down by 0.49% over the last 30 days, indicating a collective reassessment by analysts regarding the company's earnings outlook [4]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP model indicates that the Most Accurate Estimate for Campbell is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in an Earnings ESP of -0.30%. This suggests a bearish sentiment among analysts regarding the company's earnings prospects [10][11]. Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, Campbell exceeded the consensus EPS estimate of $0.73 by posting earnings of $0.74, achieving a surprise of +1.37%. Over the past four quarters, the company has consistently beaten consensus EPS estimates [12][13]. Investment Considerations - Despite the potential for an earnings beat, the combination of a negative Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of 3 makes it challenging to predict a positive outcome for Campbell's upcoming earnings report. Investors are advised to consider other factors beyond earnings surprises when making investment decisions [11][16].

Company Performance - US Foods reported quarterly earnings of $0.68 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.69 per share, but showing an increase from $0.54 per share a year ago, representing an earnings surprise of -1.45% [1] - The company posted revenues of $9.35 billion for the quarter ended March 2025, which was below the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.37%, but an increase from $8.95 billion year-over-year [2] - Over the last four quarters, US Foods has surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times and topped consensus revenue estimates three times [2] Stock Outlook - The immediate price movement of US Foods' stock will depend on management's commentary during the earnings call and the sustainability of earnings expectations [3][4] - US Foods shares have increased by about 2.5% since the beginning of the year, contrasting with the S&P 500's decline of -4.3% [3] Earnings Estimates - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $1.11 on revenues of $10.15 billion, and for the current fiscal year, it is $3.77 on revenues of $39.51 billion [7] - The estimate revisions trend for US Foods is currently unfavorable, resulting in a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell) for the stock, indicating expected underperformance in the near future [6] Industry Context - The Zacks Industry Rank for Food - Miscellaneous places it in the top 34% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting that the industry outlook can significantly impact stock performance [8] - Campbell's, another company in the same industry, is expected to report quarterly earnings of $0.65 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decline of -13.3% [9]

Core Viewpoint - Campbell's (CPB) is positioned well to potentially beat earnings estimates in its next quarterly report, supported by a solid history of performance in this regard [1]. Group 1: Earnings Performance - Campbell has consistently beaten earnings estimates, with an average surprise of 1.83% over the last two quarters [2]. - In the last reported quarter, Campbell achieved earnings of $0.74 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.73 per share, resulting in a surprise of 1.37% [3]. - In the previous quarter, the company was expected to post earnings of $0.87 per share but delivered $0.89 per share, yielding a surprise of 2.30% [3]. Group 2: Earnings Estimates and Predictions - Recent favorable changes in earnings estimates for Campbell have been noted, with a positive Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) indicating a strong likelihood of an earnings beat [6]. - The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) suggests that stocks like Campbell have a nearly 70% chance of producing a positive surprise [7]. - Campbell currently has an Earnings ESP of +0.37%, indicating that analysts have recently become more optimistic about the company's earnings prospects [9].

Core Viewpoint - Ingredion reported quarterly earnings of $2.97 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.44 per share, and up from $2.08 per share a year ago, indicating strong performance despite revenue challenges [1][2]. Financial Performance - The company achieved an earnings surprise of 21.72% for the quarter, having surpassed consensus EPS estimates in all of the last four quarters [2]. - Revenues for the quarter were $1.81 billion, which fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.63% and decreased from $1.88 billion year-over-year [3]. Stock Performance and Outlook - Ingredion shares have declined approximately 2.9% year-to-date, compared to a 3.9% decline in the S&P 500 [4]. - The company's earnings outlook is uncertain, with current consensus EPS estimates at $2.82 for the next quarter and $11.07 for the current fiscal year, alongside projected revenues of $1.9 billion and $7.51 billion respectively [8]. Industry Context - The Food - Miscellaneous industry, to which Ingredion belongs, is currently ranked in the top 31% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a favorable industry outlook [9]. - The performance of Ingredion's stock may be influenced by the overall industry outlook, as top-ranked industries tend to outperform lower-ranked ones significantly [9].