Conagra Brands reported a decrease in net sales by 16.7% but an increase in EPS by 56.1% for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2021. The company is revising its Fiscal 2022 guidance to reflect increased inflation.
Net sales decreased 16.7%, and organic net sales decreased 10.1% driven by lapping the prior year’s significant surge in at-home food consumption at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Operating margin decreased 143 basis points to 10.5%; adjusted operating margin decreased 311 basis points to 14.0%.
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations (EPS) for the fourth quarter grew 56.1% to $0.64, and adjusted EPS declined 28.0% to $0.54.
The Board of Directors has authorized a 14% increase to the Company’s annualized dividend rate, beginning with the dividend payable on September 2, 2021, reflecting continued confidence in the strength of the business.
Management expects that consumer demand for its retail products will remain elevated versus historical levels during fiscal 2022, as consumers have developed new habits during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company is providing the following updated fiscal 2022 guidance: Organic net sales growth is expected to be approximately flat compared to fiscal 2021. Adjusted operating margin is expected to be approximately 16%. Adjusted EPS is expected to be approximately $2.50.
Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income