Core Viewpoint - Campbell's is positioned as a stock for income-oriented value investors, especially given its high dividend yield and current valuation despite disappointing financial results for fiscal Q1 2026 [1][2][16] Financial Performance - In the first quarter of fiscal 2026, Campbell's reported a 3% decrease in net sales and a 13% decrease in adjusted earnings per share (EPS) [10] - The company expects roughly flat organic sales growth for the full year and a 12% to 18% decline in adjusted EPS, projecting $2.40 to $2.55 in adjusted EPS [10][11] - The stock has declined 32% year-to-date, reaching its lowest level since the financial crisis of 2008 [1] Dividend Information - Campbell's dividend yield has increased to approximately 5.5%, significantly higher than the S&P 500's yield of 1.1% [2] - The company maintains an annual dividend of $1.56, resulting in a payout ratio of 63% based on the midpoint of its fiscal 2026 guidance [13] - Despite recent struggles, Campbell's has a history of maintaining or increasing its dividend since 2001, although it does not have as strong a track record as competitors like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo [14] Market Position and Strategy - Campbell's has diversified its revenue streams through its acquisition of Snyder's-Lance, focusing on four pillars: premiumization, flavor exploration, health and wellness, and cooking and comfort [5][4] - The company retains industry-leading market share across many of its brands, particularly in the meals and beverages segment, which is performing better than its discretionary snack brands [7] - CEO Mick Beekhuizen noted that consumer preferences are evolving towards health and wellness, which aligns with Campbell's offerings like V8 and low-sodium soup options [8][9] Valuation and Investment Appeal - Campbell's shares are currently trading at 11.5 times the midpoint of its full-year adjusted EPS guidance, compared to a 10-year median price-to-earnings ratio of 21.1, indicating a compelling valuation [15] - The company is well-positioned to benefit from trends in home cooking, making it an attractive option for value and income investors [16][17]

Core Viewpoint - Campbell's shares have reached a 16-year low, trading at $28.58, a decline of nearly 7% since the '3D printed meat' controversy [1][2] Stock Performance - The ongoing slump has erased all gains made over the past four years, with the stock trading well below its 2022 and 2023 averages [2] Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - DA Davidson lowered Campbell's stock price target from $32 to $30 while maintaining a "Neutral" rating, citing weakness in consumer spending and competition in the food sector [5] - Deutsche Bank adjusted its price target to $31 from $33, keeping a "Hold" rating, while RBC Capital cut its target from $35 to $30 with a "Sector Perform" rating [6] - Bernstein lowered its target from $39 to $33 but maintained a "Buy" rating, believing the company's products align with consumer trends [8] - Stifel Nicolaus and Wells Fargo both lowered their price outlooks to $30, opting for a "Hold" rating [9] Market Sentiment - The average stock price target for Campbell's over the next 12 months has an upside potential of 8.47%, sitting at $31.13 [12] - Overall, the sentiment among analysts is mixed, with ten "Hold" ratings, three "Sell" ratings, and only two "Buy" ratings from Bernstein and Stephens [10]

Core Viewpoint - Campbell's is facing a significant controversy due to a lawsuit involving its former vice president, which has negatively impacted its stock performance and raised concerns ahead of its upcoming earnings report [1][2]. Stock Performance - Following the allegations, Campbell's shares fell over 3% on November 24 and continued to decline, reaching lows reminiscent of the Global Financial Crisis. As of December 3, the stock was trading at $29.89, down approximately 5.3% from $31.56 on November 24 [2]. Earnings Report Expectations - Campbell's fiscal first-quarter earnings report is set to be released on December 9, with mixed predictions from analysts. Evercore ISI maintains an "In Line" rating with a $36 price target but anticipates declines in both sales and profit [3]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate projects quarterly earnings of $0.74 per share, reflecting a 16.9% decrease year-over-year, while revenue is expected to be $2.66 billion, down 3.9% from the previous year [4]. Long-term Outlook - Despite the current challenges, the long-term outlook for Campbell's stock appears more positive. The majority of analysts rate it a "Hold," with an average price target of $33.21 for the next 12 months, indicating an 8.56% upside from current levels [5].

Campbell’s fired an executive who was allegedly caught on tape saying its soup was “highly processed,” made for “poor people” and used lab-grown and 3-D printed chicken.The company’s called the claims “patently absurd.”Here’s what’s really in a can: https://t.co/T9vEANqauo https://t.co/Nl2DYK4ByY ...

So tonight, new and intense scrutiny for a top exec at Campbell's Soup who's accused of saying some pretty wild stuff like that the meat in the soup is bio-engineered from a 3D printer and allegedly going on an offensive and in some case racist rant. It's all because a former employee who's suing the company says he secretly recorded Campbell's VP and chief information security officer Martin Bal during what that worker describes as an hour-long tirade. We've got the recording and we want to warn you here.I ...

Let Her Cook! Soup Season Continues With Albondigas! https://t.co/pU23dpfwMS ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported organic growth expectations for fiscal 2026 in the range of -1% to +1%, indicating flat organic growth at the midpoint [10] - The midpoint of the EPS guidance for fiscal 2026 is approximately $0.40 lower year-over-year, with about two-thirds of this decrease attributed to tariff headwinds [12][13] - The company increased its cost savings program from $250 million to $375 million, with $145 million delivered in fiscal 2025 [66][67] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Meals and Beverages are expected to maintain momentum due to at-home cooking trends, while Snacks are anticipated to stabilize in the second half of fiscal 2026 [11][43] - The company noted that Rao's brand has high single-digit growth and significant distribution opportunities [39] - Milano Cookies experienced a 27% growth in the past quarter, showcasing the impact of innovation on brand performance [55] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is facing a dynamic operating environment with challenges such as tariffs impacting costs, particularly in the Meals and Beverages segment [8][63] - The overall cookie category is down, yet the company has managed to grow its cookie portfolio through successful product launches [55] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to return to sustainable profitable growth by focusing on its strong brand portfolio and investing in innovation [4][72] - There is a commitment to maintaining competitive pricing while providing value to consumers, especially in the soup segment [28][63] - The company is leveraging its scale and focusing on North American markets to drive growth [72] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The CEO emphasized the importance of adapting to consumer trends such as premiumization and health and wellness [6][72] - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by tariffs but expressed confidence in mitigating some of these impacts through productivity initiatives [8][63] - The company is focused on evolving its portfolio to align with changing consumer preferences [6][72] Other Important Information - The company plans to phase its marketing spend to reach a midpoint of 9.5% of net sales in fiscal 2026 [60] - The integration of Sovos is expected to continue providing savings as part of the cost savings program [67] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the key takeaways from the fiscal fourth quarter earnings? - The CEO highlighted the evolving consumer landscape and the need for the company to adapt its strategies accordingly [6] Question: What is the outlook for organic growth in fiscal 2026? - The CFO provided a range of -1% to +1% for organic growth, with expectations for stabilization in Snacks [10][43] Question: How is the company addressing pricing challenges due to tariffs? - Management discussed surgical pricing strategies to mitigate tariff impacts while maintaining consumer value [28][63] Question: What are the growth opportunities for the Rao's brand? - The CEO noted high single-digit growth and significant potential for distribution expansion [39] Question: How does the company plan to achieve its cost savings targets? - The CFO outlined the increased cost savings program and the sources of savings, including integration and network optimization [66][67]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For fiscal year 2025, organic net sales decreased by 2%, adjusted operating profit and adjusted diluted EPS were down 7% in constant currency, reflecting a decision to increase investments in response to consumer behavior and market volatility [4][46] - The fourth quarter reported net sales were $4.6 billion, down 3%, with organic net sales also down 3% from the prior year [34][46] - Adjusted operating profit for the fourth quarter was $622 million, down 22% in constant currency, and adjusted diluted EPS totaled $0.74, down 27% in constant currency [35][46] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America Retail's fourth quarter organic net sales were down 7%, lagging Nielsen measured U.S. retail sales by approximately three points [37] - North America Pet segment saw a 3% increase in organic net sales driven by higher volume, outperforming retail sales by roughly three points [39] - North America Foodservice organic net sales decreased by 1% in the quarter, while the International segment posted a 9% increase in organic net sales driven by strong growth in Brazil and distributor markets [42][44] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America Retail faced challenges with a 3% decline in organic net sales for the full year, driven by lower volume and unfavorable price mix [38] - The International segment's full year results rounded to flat, with growth in distributor markets offset by declines in China [44] - The North America Pet segment showed modest organic net sales growth for the full year, with dollar share growth in dog feeding [40] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to restore volume-driven organic sales growth in fiscal 2026 by investing in consumer value, product news, and innovation [3][55] - Key priorities for fiscal 2026 include returning North America Retail to volume growth, accelerating North America Pet growth, and driving efficiency to fund these investments [11][22] - The company plans to leverage its Remarkable Experience framework to assess brands and tailor investments accordingly [12][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management anticipates a volatile operating environment in fiscal 2026, with consumers remaining cautious and seeking value amid economic uncertainty [10][11] - The company expects organic sales growth to improve in fiscal 2026, driven by stronger competitiveness and volume outpacing price mix [49] - Input cost inflation and tariff impacts are expected to be headwinds, but the company plans to mitigate these through various strategies [50][51] Other Important Information - The company returned $2.5 billion to shareholders in fiscal 2025 through dividends and net share repurchases [10][48] - A global transformation initiative is expected to generate $100 million in cost savings, which will be reinvested in growth [31][33] - The company plans to launch a new line of fresh pet food, "Love Made Fresh," which is projected to capture significant market share in the growing fresh pet food segment [27][28] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for organic sales growth in fiscal 2026? - The company expects organic net sales to range between down 1% and up 1%, with adjusted operating profit and diluted earnings per share expected to decline by 10% to 15% in constant currency [53] Question: How will the company address input cost inflation and tariffs? - The company anticipates input cost inflation of roughly 3% and additional risks from tariffs, but is working to mitigate these impacts through product reformulation and strategic revenue management [50][51] Question: What are the key priorities for fiscal 2026? - The company has set three clear priorities: returning North America Retail to volume growth, accelerating North America Pet growth, and driving efficiency to support these investments [11][22]

Trade Tensions and Market Impact - President Trump accused China of violating tariff agreements, leading to a decision to double steel tariffs from 25% to 50% [1] - Cleveland-Cliffs saw a significant stock surge of +24% following the tariff announcement [2] - Major indexes like the Dow, Nasdaq, S&P 500, and Russell 2000 experienced declines, with the S&P 500 down -20 points [2] Labor Market Insights - The upcoming week is designated as Jobs Week, with key reports including Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) and the U.S. Employment Report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) [3][4] - Expectations for job gains are set at +112K for ADP and +125K for BLS, with potential narratives of labor market loosening if results show notable weakness [4] - The U.S. labor force has been underestimated, with a current unemployment rate expected to remain low at 4.2% despite recent increases [6] Company Earnings Reports - Campbell's Company reported fiscal Q3 earnings of 73 cents per share, exceeding expectations by +12% but slightly below the previous year's quarter [7][8] - Revenues for Campbell's reached $2.48 billion, surpassing expectations by +1.55% and showing growth from $2.37 billion year-over-year [8] Economic Indicators - Anticipation for S&P Manufacturing PMI and ISM Manufacturing reports, with S&P expected at +52.3 and ISM projected to decrease to +48.5 [9] - Construction Spending for April is expected to show a positive change of +0.2% after a -0.5% decline in March, following a trend of negative spending in recent months [10]

Core Insights - The Campbell's Company (CPB) reported third-quarter fiscal 2025 results, with earnings and net sales exceeding Zacks Consensus Estimates, although quarterly earnings declined year over year while net sales increased [1][3] Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings were 73 cents, down 3% year over year, but beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 65 cents [3] - Net sales reached $2,475 million, a 4% increase year over year, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2,437.3 million, driven by the Sovos Brands acquisition [3] - Organic net sales rose 1%, primarily due to a 2% positive volume/mix impact, offset by planned lower net pricing [3] Profitability Metrics - Adjusted gross profit increased to $745 million from $740 million, while the adjusted gross profit margin declined by 110 basis points to 30.1% due to cost inflation and supply-chain expenses [4] - Adjusted marketing and selling expenses rose 5% to $207 million, while adjusted administrative expenses declined 4% to $150 million [5] - Adjusted EBIT increased 2% to $362 million [5] Segment Performance - Meals & Beverages segment net sales reached $1,463 million, up 15% year over year, with organic net sales growing 6% [6] - Snacks segment net sales totaled $1,012 million, down 8% year over year, with organic net sales down 5% primarily due to decreased sales of various snack products [7] Guidance and Outlook - Campbell's reaffirmed its full-year fiscal 2025 guidance, projecting net sales growth of 6-8% and adjusted EBIT growth of 3-5% [2][13] - Adjusted EPS is expected to decline 4-1%, ranging from $2.95 to $3.05 compared to $3.08 reported in fiscal 2024 [13] - The company estimates an additional headwind of three to five cents per share to its fiscal 2025 adjusted EPS due to current tariff actions [14]