Campbell aims for healthier profits

Article Excerpt

CAMPBELL SOUP CO. $57 (New York symbol CPB; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 307.9 million; Market cap: $17.6 billion; Priceto- sales ratio: 2.2; Dividend yield: 2.5%; TSINetwork Rating: Above Average; www.campbellsoupcompany.com) is the world’s largest maker of canned soups. It also makes Prego canned pasta and sauces, Pepperidge Farm cookies and V8 vegetable juices. Demand for the company’s processed foods continues to decline as consumers switch to healthier foods. Acquisitions cut reliance on canned foods In response, in 2013, Campbell completed two acquisitions: it paid $1.55 billion for Bolthouse Farms, a producer of carrots, dressings and fruit juices, and $249 million for organic food maker Plum. In 2015, it also acquired Garden Fresh Gourmet for $232 million. That firm makes refrigerated salsas, as well as hummus, dips and tortilla chips. As a result of these acquisitions, fresh products now supply 13% of Campbell’s overall sales. Thanks to these new businesses, Campbell’s revenue improved from $7.7 billion in 2012 to $8.3 billion in 2014…