Conagra Foods reports results Fiscal 2016 Q1

Today ConAgra Foods, Inc., (NYSE: CAG) reported results for the fiscal 2016 first quarter ended August 30, 2015.

Highlights (% cited indicates change vs. year-ago amounts, where applicable. SG&A refers to selling, general, and administrative expense, and COGS refers to cost of goods sold)
 

• Diluted EPS from continuing operations as reported was $0.38, compared to $0.22 in the year-ago period. After adjusting for items impacting comparability, diluted comparable EPS of $0.45 this quarter exceeded $0.39 in the year-ago period.


• Consumer Foods posted strong operating profit growth and more than 250 basis points of comparable margin improvement through a combination of favorable price/mix and increased productivity.


• Commercial Foods posted good sales and operating profit performance, primarily due to strong volumes, favorable mix, and efficiencies for Lamb Weston.


• The divestiture process for the private label operations is proceeding as planned, and the company expects to have an announcement on the outcome of this process later this fall. The company recognized a large impairment charge for the private label operations, based on preliminary estimates, in connection with the reclassification of this business into assets held for sale.

Sean Connolly, chief executive officer of ConAgra Foods:
 

“We are off to a strong start in fiscal 2016. While early days, we are making good progress against our plan to drive margin improvement within a more focused portfolio. In the near-term, we expect to grow profits modestly in fiscal 2016 across the Consumer Foods and Commercial Foods segments by building on the stronger foundations established last fiscal year, with an emphasis on improving price/mix and implementing relentless cost discipline.”

“Our entire organization is focused on delivering long-term top- and bottom-line improvement. Rigorous portfolio segmentation work and improving innovation capabilities should benefit our top line over time, and we are in the midst of developing aggressive cost savings plans to drive improved SG&A, trade spend efficiency, and COGS. We are confident in our ability to unlock long-term value as we execute our plans to become a leaner, more focused company.”

Overall Quarterly Results

For the fiscal 2016 first quarter ended August 30, 2015, diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were $0.38 as reported, vs. $0.22 for the first quarter of fiscal 2015. After adjusting for items impacting comparability, comparable diluted EPS was $0.45 this quarter and $0.39 in the year-ago period. Items impacting comparability are summarized toward the end of this release and reconciled for Regulation G purposes starting on page 10. (Refer to full report, not included in these PotatoPro highlights)

The private label operations have been reclassified as discontinued operations given the company’s plans to exit this business, and there is no longer a Private Brands segment. In connection with the pending divestiture, the company has also moved small amounts across segments, and this has slightly altered historical presentation of results.

Consumer Foods Segment
Branded food items sold worldwide in retail channels.

The Consumer Foods segment posted sales of approximately $1.7 billion and operating profit of $242 million, as reported. Sales were flat as reported, with flat volume, a 2% benefit from price/mix, and 2% unfavorable impact of foreign exchange (all rounded).

In fiscal 2016, the Consumer Foods segment is focused on continuing to strengthen its core business by emphasizing its highest-potential brands, focusing on the most promising sales channels, expanding margins, and getting more brands ready for stronger marketing support in the future. The segment is showing early progress.
 

• Brands posting sales growth for the quarter include Chef Boyardee, Egg Beater’s, Hebrew National, Hunt’s, Marie Callender’s, Orville Redenbacher’s, PAM, PF Chang’s, Reddi-wip, Ro*Tel, Rosarita, Slim Jim, Swiss Miss, and Wolf.


• Other brand details are in the written Q&A document accompanying this release

Segment operating profit was $242 million versus $193 million in the year-ago period, as reported. After adjusting for $7 million of net expense in the current quarter and $10 million of net expense in the year-ago period from items impacting comparability, current quarter operating profit of $248 million increased 22% over comparable year-ago amounts. Advertising investment increased $5 million, or 7%. Comparable operating margin increased more than 250 basis points, reflecting the benefit of better price/mix as well as good productivity. The impact of foreign exchange negatively impacted profitability, while commodity inflation was not material this quarter.

Commercial Foods Segment
Specialty potato, seasonings, blends, flavors, and bakery products, as well as consumer branded and private label packaged food items, sold to restaurants, foodservice and commercial channels worldwide.

Sales for the Commercial Foods segment were $1.1 billion, ahead of $1.1 billion (rounded) a year ago, and operating profit was $139 million, ahead of $119 million a year ago, as reported. Sales for Lamb Weston’s potato operations grew globally, with domestic growth outpacing international growth. International sales are on track to return to normal levels in fiscal 2016 following the impact of the West Coast port labor dispute that was resolved last fiscal year. Sales for the rest of the segment were in line with year-ago amounts.

Segment operating profit grew 17% as reported and 13% after adjusting for items impacting comparability. All major business lines in the segment posted comparable profit growth. Lamb Weston made the most significant contribution to the segment’s profit increase, reflecting its strong sales performance, favorable mix, and operating efficiencies from good raw potato crop quality.