Heinz’s Profit Plan Is Paying Off

Article Excerpt

H.J. HEINZ CO. $45 (New York symbol HNZ; Income Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 319.2 million; Market cap: $14.4 billion; WSSF Rating: Above average) is one of the world’s biggest food companies. Overseas markets supply roughly half of Heinz’s sales. Its flagship product, Heinz Ketchup, accounts for over 60% of ketchup sales in the United States. The company also makes other condiments, as well as frozen and canned foods and baby food. Heinz’s revenue grew from $8.2 billion in 2003 to $8.9 billion in 2005, but fell to $8.6 billion in 2006 (fiscal years end April 30). Earnings before unusual items rose from $2.03 a share (total $713.4 million) in 2003 to $2.34 a share ($827.7 million) in 2005, but fell to $2.18 a share ($750.2 million) in 2006. New plan starts to pay off The company has implemented several restructurings in the past few years aimed at cutting costs and shedding underperforming products. But these plans met with limited success. Last year, activist investor…