Campbell Soup Q4 2023 Earnings Report
Key Takeaways
Campbell Soup Company reported a 4% increase in net sales to $2.1 billion for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023, with organic net sales up by 5%. However, adjusted EBIT decreased by 10% to $242 million, and adjusted EPS decreased by 11% to $0.50. The company provided full-year fiscal 2024 guidance, anticipating continued momentum against its strategic plan.
Net sales increased by 4%, reaching $2.1 billion, with a 5% rise in organic net sales.
Adjusted EBIT decreased by 10% to $242 million, impacted by higher marketing and administrative expenses.
Adjusted EPS decreased by 11% to $0.50 per share, reflecting the decrease in adjusted EBIT and higher interest expense.
Full-year fiscal 2024 guidance reflects continued strategic momentum, with the Sovos Brands acquisition expected to close by the end of December 2023.
Campbell Soup
Campbell Soup
Campbell Soup Revenue by Segment
Forward Guidance
Campbell's full-year fiscal 2024 guidance reflects continued momentum against its strategic plan. The pending acquisition of Sovos Brands is currently expected to close by the end of December 2023 and is not included in Campbell's current fiscal 2024 outlook.
Positive Outlook
- Net Sales growth reflecting volume declines expected in the first half of fiscal 2024 with sequential improvement throughout the fiscal year leading to positive trends in the second half.
- Adjusted EBIT and adjusted EPS growth reflecting an expectation of modest adjusted earnings growth and margin progress in fiscal 2024, expected to be second half weighted, due to an improving cost outlook throughout the year, benefiting from a moderating inflationary environment and on-going productivity improvements benefits.
- Continued inflation mitigation through a variety of levers including productivity improvements of approximately 3% and cost savings initiatives of approximately $35 to $40 million.
- A continued commitment to brand investments, with marketing and selling expense as a percent of net sales expected at the low end of its targeted 9-10% range, with a meaningful step-up in marketing and selling spend in the first quarter compared to prior year.
- Division operating margins expected to improve overall for fiscal 2024, with Snacks operating margin expected to be above 15% and modest operating margin expansion in Meals & Beverages expected in the second half of the fiscal year.
Challenges Ahead
- Volume declines expected in the first half of fiscal 2024 with sequential improvement throughout the fiscal year leading to positive trends in the second half.
- Expected lower contribution from pricing and disciplined levels of promotional activity.
- More difficult first half top-line comparisons to prior year as the company will lap double-digit net sales growth driven by mid-teens inflation-driven pricing.
- Campbell’s adjusted EBIT and adjusted EPS guidance includes an estimated pre-tax headwind of approximately $13 million, or $0.03 per share, in fiscal 2024 related to lower pension and postretirement benefit income, representing approximately 1% of both adjusted EBIT and adjusted EPS growth. This impact is expected be most pronounced in the first quarter of the fiscal year;
- The divestiture of the Emerald nuts business, which closed on May 30, 2023, is estimated to reduce reported net sales growth by approximately 0.5% and have an expected dilutive impact of $0.01 to adjusted EPS in fiscal 2024.
Revenue & Expenses
Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income