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Sep 30, 2023

Kellanova Q3 2023 Earnings Report

Kellanova delivered a solid financial performance amidst challenging industry conditions and the execution of the spin-off of its North America cereal business. Profit margins were restored, and advantaged brands and markets delivered top-line growth in line with long-term targets. The company is well-positioned as it launches into the Kellanova era.

Key Takeaways

Kellanova reported flat net sales in Q3 2023, but organic net sales increased by 4%. The company sustained double-digit operating profit growth due to the restoration of gross profit margin. Kellanova provided guidance for Q4 2023, its first reporting period as a stand-alone company, projecting net sales of approximately $3.1 billion and adjusted operating profit between $380-$390 million.

Net sales in the third quarter were held flat by adverse currency translation and the divestiture of its business in Russia, and 4% organic-basis growth remained within the Company’s long-term target range.

Double-digit operating profit growth was sustained, as the Company continued to restore gross profit margin faster than expected around the world.

The Company's year-to-date performance in net sales, operating profit, earnings per share, and free cash flow is ahead of pace for the full-year guidance previously provided for Kellogg Company.

On October 2nd, subsequent to the end of the third quarter, the Company completed the spin-off of WK Kellogg Co, renaming itself Kellanova and embarking on a new era with a more growth-oriented portfolio, a refreshed strategy, and higher long-term financial targets.

Total Revenue
$3.94B
Previous year: $3.95B
-0.2%
EPS
$1.03
Previous year: $1.01
+2.0%
Organic Revenue Growth
3.9%
Previous year: 13.4%
-70.9%
Gross Profit
$1.34B
Previous year: $1.15B
+16.5%
Cash and Equivalents
$1.1B
Previous year: $373M
+194.6%
Free Cash Flow
$894M
Previous year: $292M
+206.2%
Total Assets
$18.7B
Previous year: $19B
-1.7%

Kellanova

Kellanova

Kellanova Revenue by Segment

Kellanova Revenue by Geographic Location

Forward Guidance

Kellanova provided guidance for its fourth quarter 2023, which will be the first reporting period as a stand-alone company, after the spin-off of WK Kellogg Co. Specifically, the Company projects net sales of approximately $3.1 billion and operating profit of $380-$390 million on an adjusted basis.

Positive Outlook

  • Net sales of approximately $3.1 billion. This implies on-algorithm growth excluding the estimated impact of the WK Kellogg Co spin-off, as well as the Russia divestiture and foreign currency translation.
  • We continue to assume rising elasticities and the lapping of last year’s sizeable price increases, partially offset by the return to full commercial activity.
  • Operating profit of $380-$390 million on an adjusted basis. This implies on-algorithm growth excluding the estimated impact of the WK Kellogg Co spin-off, as well as the Russia divestiture and foreign currency translation.
  • This outlook also includes the shift of some brand investment from earlier in the year, in a return to full commercial activity.
  • Earnings per share of $0.73-$0.76 on an adjusted basis, implying a modest decline versus the prior year, as the aforementioned operating profit growth is offset by continued year-on-year headwinds from higher interest rates and lower pension income.

Revenue & Expenses

Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income