Campbell Soup(US:CPB)2025-12-09 14:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Organic net sales decreased by 1%, primarily due to a 2% decline in consumption, with retailers building inventory ahead of promotions [6][8] - Adjusted EBIT declined by 11% year-over-year to $383 million, driven by lower adjusted gross profit [27] - Adjusted EPS decreased by 13% to $0.77, impacted by lower adjusted EBIT and a higher adjusted tax rate [29][32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Meals and Beverages segment reported a 4% decrease in net sales, with organic net sales down 2% due to declines in U.S. soup and other products [30] - Snacks segment saw a 2% decrease in net sales, with organic net sales down 1%, primarily due to lower sales in Snyder's of Hanover pretzels and Cape Cod potato chips [31][32] - Leadership brands in meals and beverages held or grew share for the ninth consecutive quarter, while snacks leadership brands saw mixed performance [11][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total in-market consumption for the company was down 2%, but leadership brands' consumption was only down 1%, maintaining market share [7][11] - Broth consumption grew for the ninth consecutive quarter, driven by increased household penetration and buy rates [13] - The overall soup portfolio lagged the category on share, with cooking varieties performing well while eating soups faced pressure [12][14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on mitigating cost pressures while maintaining marketing support for its brands, emphasizing consumer-led innovation and brand activations [9][10] - A strategic partnership with La Regina was announced to enhance Rao's brand growth and secure high-quality ingredient supply [17][18] - The company aims to reignite growth in its snacks portfolio, particularly focusing on Goldfish, through innovation and targeted marketing [24][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged a dynamic operating environment and reiterated fiscal 2026 guidance, including expected tariff impacts [9][33] - The company is committed to crafting high-quality food at the right value while investing in omnichannel execution and brand activation [25][26] - Management expressed confidence in the strength of leadership brands and the ability to adapt to evolving consumer preferences [35][49] Other Important Information - The company achieved approximately $15 million in new cost savings, contributing to a total of $160 million towards its fiscal 2028 target of $375 million [28] - The gross impact of tariffs on Q1 adjusted EPS was $0.14, with a net impact of $0.04 [29] - The company has approximately $168 million in cash and cash equivalents and $1.4 billion available under its revolving credit facility [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Details on the La Regina acquisition - The acquisition supports the growth of Rao's by securing high-quality ingredient supply and enhancing the partnership with the Romano family [36][38] - The first payment of $146 million is expected upon closing, with a second payment of $140 million one year later [39] Question: Stabilization of the snack segment - Management expects stabilization in the second half of the fiscal year, with ongoing focus on evolving consumer preferences [41][42] - The company is addressing performance issues in specific snack categories, particularly with Goldfish [44][60] Question: Impact of mega trends on salty snacks - Management is focused on consumer value and evolving preferences, particularly in premiumization and health and wellness [46][48] - The company is adapting its portfolio to align with these trends while maintaining competitive pricing [49] Question: Soup business pricing and value - Management is aware of the need to balance pricing actions with providing value, particularly in the eating soup category [50][53] - Selective pricing actions are being taken to remain competitive during the soup season [52][53] Question: Initial perspectives on opportunities for improvement - The new CFO sees potential in streamlining analysis and focusing on the right investments to drive growth and profitability [57][58] Question: Goldfish brand performance and marketing focus - Household penetration for Goldfish remains stable, but buy rates have declined, prompting a focus on innovation and clear messaging [60][61] - The company is prioritizing value and execution in the marketplace to support Goldfish's growth [62]