The J. M. Smucker Company (NYSE:SJM) is included among the 15 Best Blue-Chip Stocks with Growing Dividends. BofA Sees Steady Earnings Momentum Building at J.M. Smucker (SJM) On November 26, BofA lifted its price target on The J. M. Smucker Company (NYSE:SJM) to $120 from $118 while maintaining a Neutral rating. The update followed the company’s Q2 results, where adjusted EPS edged past BofA’s expectations. In response to this, the firm nudged up its longer-term outlook, raising its FY27 adjusted EPS esti ...

Core Viewpoint - Dividend stocks have underperformed compared to tech and AI stocks this year, but they still hold long-term value due to their ability to provide consistent income and reduce portfolio volatility [1][2]. Group 1: Importance of Dividend Stocks - Dividend-paying stocks can help meet ongoing income or liquidity needs and historically reduce volatility during market downturns [2]. - Companies with stable financials are better positioned to maintain dividends, with a focus on payout ratios to assess sustainability [3]. Group 2: Methodology for Stock Selection - The article screened for companies with a market cap above $10 billion and at least 10 years of dividend growth, identifying 15 stocks with positive analyst sentiment and high hedge fund interest [6]. Group 3: The J. M. Smucker Company (NYSE:SJM) - The J. M. Smucker Company has 41 hedge fund holders and has seen an increase in its price target from $118 to $120 by BofA following positive Q2 results [9][10]. - The company reported Q2 net sales of $2.3 billion, a 3% increase year-over-year, with a coffee segment profit margin of 18.2% [12][11]. Group 4: Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL) - Colgate-Palmolive has 56 hedge fund holders but faced a downgrade to Hold from Buy due to rising raw material costs impacting profitability [14][15]. - The company reaffirmed its long-term strategy and highlighted its focus on innovation and efficiency improvements [16][17]. Group 5: American Electric Power Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:AEP) - American Electric Power has 56 hedge fund holders, with a price target increase from $121 to $125 by JPMorgan, reflecting positive adjustments in the utilities sector [20]. - The company anticipates a 7%-9% long-term EPS growth outlook, driven by increasing demand from data centers, and has raised its capital investment plan to $72 billion [22][21].

Core Insights - Smucker (SJM) reported revenue of $2.33 billion for the quarter ended October 2025, marking a year-over-year increase of 2.6% and exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.32 billion by 0.34% [1] - The company's EPS for the same period was $2.10, down from $2.76 a year ago, resulting in an EPS surprise of -0.94% compared to the consensus estimate of $2.12 [1] Revenue Performance - U.S. Retail Coffee net sales reached $848.9 million, surpassing the average estimate of $811.56 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 20.6% [4] - U.S. Retail Frozen Handheld and Spreads net sales were $461.1 million, below the average estimate of $495.48 million [4] - U.S. Retail Pet Foods net sales totaled $413.2 million, slightly below the average estimate of $421.08 million, representing a year-over-year decline of 7.2% [4] - International and Away From Home net sales were $350.8 million, exceeding the average estimate of $345 million, with a year-over-year increase of 9.3% [4] - Sweet Baked Snacks net sales were $256.1 million, above the average estimate of $247.79 million, but showed a significant year-over-year decline of 18.8% [4] Segment Profit Analysis - Segment profit for Sweet Baked Snacks was $21.8 million, below the average estimate of $35.32 million [4] - Segment profit for U.S. Retail Frozen Handheld and Spreads was $102.1 million, compared to the average estimate of $114.33 million [4] - Segment profit for U.S. Retail Pet Foods was $124.4 million, exceeding the average estimate of $112.5 million [4] - Segment profit for International and Away From Home was $76.4 million, surpassing the average estimate of $71.31 million [4] - Segment profit for U.S. Retail Coffee was $154.3 million, slightly above the average estimate of $150.56 million [4] Stock Performance - Smucker's shares have returned -0.5% over the past month, compared to a -1.2% change in the Zacks S&P 500 composite [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating potential performance in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a second quarter segment profit margin in coffee of 18.2% with expectations for slight improvement in the third quarter but not surpassing 20% [41] - The company anticipates a net $0.50 impact from tariffs in fiscal year 2026, which will transition to a tailwind in fiscal year 2027 [11][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Organic sales in the Sweet Baked Snacks segment exceeded expectations, with a focus on core brands leading to improved performance [6][7] - The Sweet Baked Snacks bottom line did not meet expectations due to costs associated with the transition of the bakery network [21] - The pet portfolio is expected to see low single-digit growth in the third and fourth quarters, driven by brands like Milk Bone and Meow Mix [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is seeing strong growth in the away-from-home segment, contributing to overall sales momentum [45] - The Uncrustables brand is projected to reach $1 billion in sales by the end of the fiscal year, with low double-digit growth anticipated in the second half [54] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to investing in long-term brand health, with marketing dollars projected to be up year over year [19] - A three-pronged plan to strengthen the portfolio by eliminating 25% of SKUs has been implemented, leading to improved performance in core brands [7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to deliver financial outlook for the fiscal year while advancing long-term objectives to increase shareholder value [75] - The company expects to see benefits from tariff relief in fiscal year 2027, contributing positively to the bottom line [48] Other Important Information - The company is focused on innovation across various segments, with notable advancements in Uncrustables and pet snacks [65] - The company aims to reduce net debt to EBITDA from around four times to three times by fiscal year 2027 [67] Q&A Session Summary Question: How sustainable is the improvement in Sweet Baked Snacks? - Management noted that the improvement is sustainable due to a focused portfolio and strong brand performance [6][8] Question: What is the impact of tariffs on coffee pricing? - The majority of the $0.50 tariff impact is related to green coffee, which will be a tailwind in fiscal year 2027 [11][17] Question: What are the expectations for marketing plans and SG&A? - Marketing investments will increase year over year, while SG&A spend has been sharpened across the network [19] Question: What is the outlook for the pet treats category? - Management expects a strong lap in the third quarter, with Milk Bone anticipated to return to growth [23][24] Question: How is the company addressing pricing in the current environment? - The company is committed to holding prices and providing value across its broad portfolio [71] Question: What is the expected growth for Uncrustables? - Uncrustables is expected to achieve low double-digit growth in the second half, supporting its path to $1 billion in sales [54] Question: How is the company managing innovation? - The pace of innovation has accelerated, with significant developments in various product lines [65] Question: What is the company's strategy for debt reduction? - The company plans to generate $975 million in free cash flow this fiscal year to support debt paydown [67]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a sequential acceleration in comparable net sales growth, with a projected top line growth of 4% on a reported basis and approximately 5.5% on a comparable basis year-over-year [38][64] - The coffee segment demonstrated an 18.2% profit margin in Q2, with expectations for slight improvement in Q3 but not surpassing 20% [34][41] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Organic sales in the sweet baked snacks segment exceeded expectations, with improved performance noted in convenience stores and a focus on a streamlined portfolio [5][18] - The pet treats category is expected to see low single-digit growth in the third and fourth quarters, driven by the Milk-Bone and Meow Mix brands [22][21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates a $75 million impact from coffee tariffs in Q3, which will be absorbed in the current fiscal year but expected to provide a tailwind in FY 2027 [14][39] - The spreads portfolio, particularly peanut butter, faced challenges in Q2, contributing to a reduction in net sales expectations for frozen handhelds and spreads [24][25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to investing in long-term brand health, with marketing spending projected to be about 5.5% of net sales [16] - A three-pronged plan focusing on portfolio strengthening through SKU rationalization has been implemented, with a notable relaunch of the Susie Q's brand [5][6] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to deliver financial outlooks for the fiscal year while advancing long-term objectives to increase shareholder value [64] - The company noted that the current fiscal year has been impacted by tariff-related costs, but a stabilizing commodity environment is expected to benefit future earnings [39][62] Other Important Information - The company is on track to achieve a billion-dollar brand status for Uncrustables by the end of the fiscal year, with continued innovation and marketing support [27][44] - The closure of the Indianapolis facility is expected to yield a $30 million annual run rate impact, with $10 million benefiting the fourth quarter [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: How sustainable is the improvement in sweet baked goods? - Management noted that the improvement is supported by a focused portfolio strategy and the relaunch of key brands, indicating a sustainable trend [5][6] Question: What is the impact of tariffs on coffee pricing? - The majority of the $0.50 tariff impact is related to green coffee, which is expected to be a tailwind in FY 2027 [9][14] Question: What are the expectations for marketing plans and SG&A? - Marketing spending will increase year-over-year, with a focus on growth brands while managing discretionary spending [16] Question: How is the company addressing competition in the pet treats category? - Management highlighted ongoing marketing efforts and innovation as key strategies to regain market share in the pet treats segment [20][21] Question: What is the outlook for Uncrustables and the frozen handheld segment? - Uncrustables is expected to achieve low double-digit growth in the second half of the year, supported by innovation and marketing [44][27] Question: How does the company view pricing strategies in the current environment? - The company maintains a broad portfolio that allows for varying degrees of value, with a commitment to holding prices where possible [60] Question: What is the long-term outlook for debt reduction? - The company aims to generate $975 million in free cash flow this fiscal year, supporting a $500 million debt repayment [56]

Core Viewpoint - Smucker (SJM) is expected to report quarterly earnings of $2.14 per share, reflecting a 22.5% decline year over year, while revenues are forecasted to increase by 2.1% to $2.32 billion [1]. Earnings Projections - There has been a downward revision of 0.1% in the consensus EPS estimate over the last 30 days, indicating analysts' reconsideration of their initial forecasts [2]. - Changes in earnings projections are crucial for predicting investor reactions, with empirical studies showing a strong correlation between earnings estimate trends and short-term stock price movements [3]. Revenue Estimates - Analysts estimate 'Net Sales- U.S. Retail Coffee' at $805.84 million, a 14.5% increase from the prior year [5]. - 'Net Sales- U.S. Retail Pet Foods' is projected at $421.64 million, indicating a 5.3% decline year over year [5]. - 'Net Sales- International and Away From Home' is expected to reach $345.65 million, reflecting a 7.7% increase from the previous year [6]. - 'Net Sales- Sweet Baked Snacks' is forecasted at $246.74 million, showing a significant decline of 21.8% year over year [6]. Segment Profit Estimates - 'Segment Profit- U.S. Retail Coffee' is estimated at $148.12 million, down from $202.70 million in the previous year [7]. - 'Segment Profit- International and Away From Home' is projected to be $70.64 million, slightly up from $68.00 million year over year [7]. - 'Segment Profit- U.S. Retail Pet Foods' is expected to reach $111.84 million, down from $121.40 million in the prior year [8]. Stock Performance - Smucker shares have shown a return of -0.1% over the past month, compared to a -0.3% change in the Zacks S&P 500 composite [8].

Core Viewpoint - J.M. Smucker Company is under investigation for potential violations of federal securities laws following significant impairment charges related to its Sweet Baked Snacks segment and the Hostess brand trademark, which have led to a notable decline in stock price [1][3]. Group 1: Company Overview - J.M. Smucker manufactures and markets branded food and beverage products, including the recently acquired Hostess Brands, Inc., which specializes in sweet baked goods [2]. - The company characterized the Hostess acquisition as "highly complementary," suggesting positive underlying trends in the snacking category [2]. Group 2: Financial Performance - In Q4 2025, J.M. Smucker reported an $867 million impairment charge related to the goodwill of its Sweet Baked Snacks segment and a $113 million impairment charge for the Hostess brand trademark due to ongoing underperformance [3]. - Following the announcement of these impairment charges, J.M. Smucker's stock price dropped by $17.44 per share, or over 18%, from $111.85 on June 9, 2025, to $94.41 on June 10, 2025 [3].

Core Viewpoint - J.M. Smucker Company is under investigation for potential violations of federal securities laws following significant impairment charges related to its Sweet Baked Snacks segment and the Hostess brand trademark, which have led to a notable decline in stock price [1][3]. Group 1: Company Overview - J.M. Smucker manufactures and markets branded food and beverage products, including the recently acquired Hostess Brands, Inc., which specializes in sweet baked goods [2]. - The company previously claimed that the Hostess acquisition was "highly complementary" and that trends in sweet snacking were favorable [2]. Group 2: Financial Performance - In Q4 2025, J.M. Smucker reported an $867 million impairment charge related to the goodwill of its Sweet Baked Snacks segment and a $113 million impairment charge for the Hostess brand trademark [3]. - Following the announcement of these impairment charges, J.M. Smucker's stock price fell by $17.44 per share, a decrease of over 18%, from $111.85 on June 9, 2025, to $94.41 on June 10, 2025 [3]. Group 3: Legal Implications - The investigation by Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP suggests that investors may have legal options available due to the company's financial disclosures and subsequent stock performance [1][4].

Core Viewpoint - J.M. Smucker Company is under investigation for potential violations of federal securities laws following significant impairment charges related to its Sweet Baked Snacks segment and the Hostess brand trademark, which have led to a notable decline in stock price [1][3]. Group 1: Investigation Details - Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP is investigating J.M. Smucker for potential violations of federal securities laws [1]. - The investigation is prompted by the company's acquisition of Hostess Brands in November 2023, which was initially described as "highly complementary" [2]. - Contrary to the company's statements, the Sweet Baked Snacks segment has reportedly deteriorated due to declining trends in sweet snacking [2]. Group 2: Financial Impact - On June 10, 2025, J.M. Smucker reported a $867 million impairment charge related to the goodwill of its Sweet Baked Snacks segment and a $113 million impairment charge for the Hostess brand trademark [3]. - Following the announcement of these impairment charges, J.M. Smucker's stock price fell by $17.44 per share, or over 18%, from $111.85 on June 9, 2025, to $94.41 on June 10, 2025 [3].

Core Insights - J.M. Smucker Company is under investigation for potential violations of federal securities laws following significant financial impairments related to its Sweet Baked Snacks segment and the Hostess brand [1][2][3] Company Overview - J.M. Smucker manufactures and markets branded food and beverage products, having completed the acquisition of Hostess Brands, Inc. in November 2023, which was described as "highly complementary" [2] Financial Performance - In Q4 2025, J.M. Smucker reported an $867 million impairment charge related to the goodwill of its Sweet Baked Snacks segment and a $113 million impairment charge for the Hostess brand trademark, attributed to the segment's continued underperformance [3] - Following the announcement of these impairments, J.M. Smucker's stock price dropped by $17.44, or over 18%, from $111.85 on June 9, 2025, to $94.41 on June 10, 2025 [3]