Conagra Brands Reports Second Quarter Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG) reported a 3.2% decrease in net sales and a 14.0% operating margin in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024. Diluted EPS decreased by 24.1% to $0.60. The company updated its fiscal 2024 guidance, expecting organic net sales to decrease between 1.0% and 2.0%, with adjusted EPS between $2.60 and $2.65.

Positive

• Improved volume trends in domestic retail business
• Strong lifts and market share gains in frozen business
• Net sales increase of 0.2% from the favorable impact of foreign exchange
• Increase in International segment net sales by 8.1%
• Adjusted operating profit increase of 24.3% in the Foodservice segment

Negative

• 3.4% decrease in organic net sales
• Operating profit decrease in Grocery & Snacks, Refrigerated & Frozen segments
• Net income decrease of 25.1%
• Adjusted EBITDA decrease of 7.0%

Insights

Financial Analyst

Conagra Brands' recent financials reveal a contraction in net sales and organic net sales, indicating a challenging market environment. A 3.2% decline in net sales and a more pronounced 3.4% decrease in organic net sales highlight the company's struggle to maintain growth amidst inflationary pressures and changing consumer behavior. The reported decrease in operating margin by 261 basis points and adjusted operating margin by 108 basis points reflects a squeeze on profitability, likely due to increased costs and strategic investments that have yet to yield proportional returns.

The reduction in diluted EPS by 24.1% and adjusted EPS by 12.3% year-over-year is a significant concern for shareholders, as it directly affects the return on their investment. The company's updated fiscal 2024 guidance suggests a cautious outlook, with an expected decline in organic net sales and a modest operating margin. This revision may influence investor sentiment and could potentially lead to a reevaluation of the stock's value.

From a balance sheet perspective, the increase in net interest expense by 13.0% due to a higher weighted average interest rate on outstanding debt signals a potential increase in financial risk, especially in an environment of rising interest rates. This could impact future profitability and cash flows. The net leverage ratio projection of approximately 3.55x, while within a manageable range, should be monitored closely for signs of financial stress.

Market Research Analyst

Conagra's performance in the second quarter reflects broader consumer trends, with volume declines indicative of lower consumption patterns. This could be attributed to a shift in consumer preferences or increased competition. The company's strategic investments in the frozen business segment, which have led to market share gains, demonstrate an attempt to adapt to these evolving market dynamics. However, the overall decrease in volume suggests that these efforts have not fully offset the broader consumption downturn.

The company's international segment, particularly in Mexico, presents a bright spot with organic net sales increasing by 5.6%. This suggests that Conagra's international strategy may be better aligned with local market conditions or that it is benefiting from a less competitive landscape. The positive performance in the Foodservice segment, with a 4.3% increase in reported and organic net sales, could indicate resilience in this sector, possibly due to inflation-driven pricing actions.

Conagra's forward-looking statements and guidance adjustments indicate a strategic pivot towards increased brand investments in the latter half of the fiscal year. This move could be aimed at stimulating demand and defending market share but also carries the risk of increased costs that may not be immediately recouped through sales revenue.

Legal Expert

The reported increase in Selling, General and Administrative expenses due to legal reserve adjustments and an impairment associated with a business being reclassified to held for sale raises questions about potential future liabilities and asset realignment. These factors can have a material impact on the company's financial health and require careful scrutiny by stakeholders. The legal matters resulting in a $0.02 per diluted share expense suggest ongoing or potential litigation risks that could have implications for future earnings and operational focus.

It is also important to consider the effective tax rate, which has increased to 26.5% from 24.3% in the prior year. While the adjusted effective tax rate remains unchanged, any future changes in tax legislation or the company's tax positions could further affect net income. Stakeholders should be aware of these tax implications as they can influence the company's net profitability and cash flows available for reinvestment or distribution.

CHICAGO, Jan. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG) reported results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2024, which ended on November 26, 2023. All comparisons are against the prior-year fiscal period, unless otherwise noted. 

Second Quarter Highlights

• Net sales decreased 3.2% from the prior year quarter; organic net sales decreased 3.4%
• Operating margin was 14.0%, representing a 261 basis point decrease over the prior year quarter. Adjusted operating margin was 15.9%, representing a 108 basis point decrease over the prior year quarter.
• Diluted earnings per share (EPS) was $0.60, a 24.1% decrease over the prior year quarter. Adjusted EPS was $0.71, a 12.3% decrease over the prior year quarter.
• The company is updating its fiscal 2024 guidance and now expects:
  • Organic net sales to decrease between 1.0% and 2.0% compared to fiscal 2023
  • Adjusted operating margin of approximately 15.6%
  • Adjusted EPS between $2.60 and $2.65

CEO Perspective
Sean Connolly, president and chief executive officer of Conagra Brands, commented, "Despite an ongoing challenging macro environment, we saw several positive signs in Q2. In particular, volume trends in our domestic retail business improved substantially, as inflation-driven volume declines were cut in half compared to Q1. Most importantly, our targeted investments in our frozen business generated strong lifts and market share gains. These developments reinforced our confidence in investing to build momentum in the second half and set up a strong FY25."

Total Company Second Quarter Results
In the quarter, net sales were $3.2 billion reflecting:

• a 0.2% increase from the favorable impact of foreign exchange; and
• a 3.4% decrease in organic net sales.

The 3.4% decrease in organic net sales was driven by a 0.5% negative impact from price/mix, partially attributable to an increase in strategic investments, and a 2.9% decrease in volume, primarily due to continued lower consumption trends.

Gross profit decreased 8.2% to $847 million in the quarter, and adjusted gross profit decreased 7.6% to $862 million. Second quarter gross profit decreased as higher productivity was more than offset by the negative impacts of cost of goods sold inflation, lower organic net sales, and unfavorable operating leverage. Gross margin decreased 145 basis points to 26.4% in the quarter, and adjusted gross margin decreased 129 basis points to 26.9%.

Selling, general, and administrative expense (SG&A), which includes advertising and promotional expense (A&P), increased 6.8% to $398 million in the quarter due to an impairment associated with a business being reclassified to held for sale and legal reserve adjustments made in the quarter, partially offset by a decline in A&P from timing shifts over the prior year quarter. Adjusted SG&A, which excludes A&P, decreased 4.1% to $279 million primarily driven by lower incentive compensation compared to the prior year quarter.

Net interest expense was $113 million in the quarter. Compared to the prior-year period, net interest expense increased 13.0% or $13 million, primarily due to a higher weighted average interest rate on outstanding debt.

The average diluted share count in the quarter was 480 million shares.

In the quarter, net income attributable to Conagra Brands decreased 25.1% to $286 million, or $0.60 per diluted share compared to $382 million, or $0.79 per diluted share in the prior year quarter driven primarily by the decrease in gross profit and increase in SG&A, as previously discussed. Adjusted net income attributable to Conagra Brands decreased 12.9% to $341 million, or $0.71 per diluted share driven primarily by the decrease in gross profit.

Adjusted EBITDA, which includes equity method investment earnings and pension and postretirement non-service expense (income), decreased 7.0% to $661 million in the quarter, primarily driven by the decrease in adjusted gross profit.

Grocery & Snacks Segment Second Quarter Results
Reported and organic net sales for the Grocery & Snacks segment decreased 4.1% to $1.3 billion in the quarter driven by a price/mix decrease of 0.4%, partially attributable to an increase in strategic investments, coupled with a volume decrease of 3.7%, primarily due to continued lower consumption trends. The company gained dollar share in snacking and staples categories including microwave popcorn and seeds, chili, and hot cocoa. 

Operating profit for the segment decreased 18.0% to $279 million in the quarter. Adjusted operating profit decreased 17.3% to $282 million as productivity was more than offset by the negative impacts of cost of goods sold inflation, lower organic net sales, unfavorable operating leverage, and higher A&P and SG&A.

Refrigerated & Frozen Segment Second Quarter Results
Reported and organic net sales for the Refrigerated & Frozen segment decreased 5.8% to $1.3 billion in the quarter as price mix decreased 2.5%, partially attributable to an increase in strategic investments, and volume decreased 3.3%, primarily due to continued lower consumption trends. The company gained dollar share in select categories such as frozen sides and frozen breakfast and gained unit share in frozen single serve meals.

Operating profit for the segment decreased 12.0% to $220 million in the quarter. Adjusted operating profit decreased 14.2% to $222 million as productivity and lower A&P were more than offset by the negative impacts of unfavorable operating leverage, lower organic net sales, cost of goods sold inflation, and increased SG&A.

International Segment Second Quarter Results
Net sales for the International segment increased 8.1% to $280 million in the quarter reflecting:

• a 2.5% increase from the favorable impact of foreign exchange; and
• a 5.6% increase in organic net sales.

On an organic net sales basis, price/mix increased 2.3% and volume increased 3.3% primarily driven by a strong performance in the company's Mexico business.

Operating profit for the segment decreased 84.0% to $6 million in the quarter primarily due to an impairment associated with a business being reclassified to held for sale. Adjusted operating profit increased 10.3% to $41 million as the benefits from higher organic net sales and productivity more than offset the negative impact of cost of goods sold inflation, and higher SG&A and A&P.

Foodservice Segment Second Quarter Results
Reported and organic net sales for the Foodservice segment increased 4.3% to $295 million in the quarter. Price/mix increased 6.8%, primarily due to inflation-driven pricing actions taken in the prior year, and volume decreased 2.5%.

Operating profit for the segment increased 33.2% to $38 million. Adjusted operating profit increased 24.3% to $35 million in the quarter as the benefits of higher organic net sales, productivity, and lower cost of goods sold inflation more than offset the impacts of unfavorable operating leverage and increased A&P and SG&A.

Other Second Quarter Items
Corporate expenses decreased 10.9% to $95 million in the quarter and adjusted corporate expense decreased 31.9% to $70 million in the quarter driven primarily by lower incentive compensation compared to the prior year quarter.

We incurred pension and post-retirement non-service expense in the quarter compared to $6 million of income in the prior-year quarter due primarily to higher interest costs.

In the quarter, equity method investment earnings increased 10.3% to $54 million reflecting continued strong product margins from the company's joint venture, Ardent Mills.

In the quarter, the effective tax rate was 26.5% compared to 24.3% in the prior-year quarter. The adjusted effective tax rate was 24.3%, unchanged compared to the prior-year quarter.

In the quarter, the company paid a dividend of $0.35 per share. 

Outlook
The company is lowering its fiscal 2024 organic net sales growth, operating margin, and adjusted EPS outlook to reflect year-to-date results, expectations for a slower volume recovery, and increased brand investments in the second half of the fiscal year. 

The company's fiscal 2024 guidance reflects:

• Organic net sales to decrease between 1.0% and 2.0% compared to fiscal 2023
• Adjusted operating margin is expected to be approximately 15.6%
• Adjusted EPS is expected to be between $2.60 and $2.65
• Net Leverage Ratio of approximately 3.55x
• Capital expenditures of approximately $450M
• Interest expense of approximately $440M
• Adjusted effective tax rate of approximately 24%
• No pension income
• Ardent Mills contribution of approximately $170M

The inability to predict the amount and timing of the impacts of foreign exchange, acquisitions, divestitures, and other items impacting comparability makes a detailed reconciliation of forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures impracticable. Please see the end of this release for more information.

Items Affecting Comparability of EPS
The following are included in the $0.60 EPS for the second quarter of fiscal 2024 (EPS amounts are rounded and after tax). Please see the reconciliation schedules at the end of this release for additional details.

• Approximately $0.01 per diluted share of net expense related to restructuring plans
• Approximately $0.02 per diluted share of net expense related to corporate hedging derivative losses
• Approximately $0.07 per diluted share of net expense related to an impairment of a business held for sale
• Approximately $0.02 per diluted share of net expense related to legal matters
• Approximately $0.01 per diluted share of net benefit related to rounding

The following are included in the $0.79 EPS for the second quarter of fiscal 2023 (EPS amounts are rounded and after tax). Please see the reconciliation schedules at the end of this release for additional details.

• Approximately $0.01 per diluted share of net expense due to fire related costs
• Approximately $0.01 per diluted share of net expense related to rounding

Please note that certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with current year presentation.

Discussion of Results
Conagra Brands will host a webcast and conference call at 9:30 a.m. Eastern time today to discuss the results. The live audio webcast and presentation slides will be available on www.conagrabrands.com/investor-relations under Events & Presentations. The conference call may be accessed by dialing 1-877-883-0383 for participants in the U.S. and 1-412-902-6506 for all other participants and using passcode 9519988. Please dial in 10 to 15 minutes prior to the call start time. Following the company's remarks, the conference call will include a question-and-answer session with the investment community. A replay of the webcast will be available on www.conagrabrands.com/investor-relations under Events & Presentations until January 4, 2025.

About Conagra Brands
Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG), headquartered in Chicago, is one of North America's leading branded food companies. Guided by an entrepreneurial spirit, Conagra Brands combines a rich heritage of making great food with a sharpened focus on innovation. The company's portfolio is evolving to satisfy people's changing food preferences. Conagra's iconic brands, such as Birds Eye®, Duncan Hines®, Healthy Choice®, Marie Callender's®, Reddi-wip®, and Slim Jim®, as well as emerging brands, including Angie's® BOOMCHICKAPOP®, Duke's®, Earth Balance®, Gardein®, and Frontera®, offer choices for every occasion. For more information, visit www.conagrabrands.com.

Note on Forward-Looking Statements
This document contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Readers of this document should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results. Many factors could affect our actual financial results and cause them to vary materially from the expectations contained in the forward-looking statements, including those set forth in this document. These risks, uncertainties, and factors include, among other things: risks associated with general economic and industry conditions, including inflation, rising interest rates, decreased availability of capital, volatility in financial markets, declining consumer spending rates, recessions, decreased energy availability, increased energy costs (including fuel surcharges), supply chain challenges, labor shortages, and geopolitical conflicts (including the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine); negative impacts caused by public health crises; risks related to our ability to deleverage on currently anticipated timelines, and to continue to access capital on acceptable terms or at all; risks related to the company's competitive environment, cost structure, and related market conditions; risks related to our ability to execute operating and value creation plans and achieve returns on our investments and targeted operating efficiencies from cost-saving initiatives, and to benefit from trade optimization programs; risks related to the availability and prices of commodities and other supply chain resources, including raw materials, packaging, energy, and transportation, including any negative effects caused by changes in levels of inflation and interest rates, weather conditions, health pandemics or outbreaks of disease, actual or threatened hostilities or war, or other geopolitical uncertainty; risks related to the effectiveness of our hedging activities and ability to respond to volatility in commodities; disruptions or inefficiencies in our supply chain and/or operations; risks related to the ultimate impact of, including reputational harm caused by, any product recalls and product liability or labeling litigation, including litigation related to lead-based paint and pigment and cooking spray; risks related to our ability to respond to changing consumer preferences and the success of our innovation and marketing investments; risks associated with actions by our customers, including changes in distribution and purchasing terms; risks related to the seasonality of our business; risks associated with our co-manufacturing arrangements and other third-party service provider dependencies; risks associated with actions of governments and regulatory bodies that affect our businesses, including the ultimate impact of new or revised regulations or interpretations including to address climate change or implement changes to taxes and tariffs; risks related to the company's ability to execute on its strategies or achieve expectations related to environmental, social, and governance matters, including as a result of evolving legal, regulatory, and other standards, processes, and assumptions, the pace of scientific and technological developments, increased costs, the availability of requisite financing, and changes in carbon pricing or carbon taxes; risks related to a material failure in or breach of our or our vendors' information technology systems and other cybersecurity incidents; risks related to our ability to identify, attract, hire, train, retain and develop qualified personnel; risk of increased pension, labor or people-related expenses; risks and uncertainties associated with intangible assets, including any future goodwill or intangible assets impairment charges; risk relating to our ability to protect our intellectual property rights; risks relating to acquisition, divestiture, joint venture or investment activities; the amount and timing of future dividends, which remain subject to Board approval and depend on market and other conditions; and other risks described in our reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements included in this document, which speak only as of the date of this document. We undertake no responsibility to update these statements, except as required by law.

Note on Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This document includes certain non-GAAP financial measures, including adjusted EPS, organic net sales, adjusted gross profit, adjusted operating profit, adjusted SG&A, adjusted corporate expenses, adjusted gross margin, adjusted operating margin, adjusted effective tax rate, adjusted net income attributable to Conagra Brands, free cash flow, net debt, net leverage ratio, and adjusted EBITDA. Management considers GAAP financial measures as well as such non-GAAP financial information in its evaluation of the company's financial statements and believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful supplemental information to assess the company's operating performance and financial position. These measures should be viewed in addition to, and not in lieu of, the company's diluted earnings per share, operating performance and financial measures as calculated in accordance with GAAP.

Organic net sales excludes, from reported net sales, the impacts of foreign exchange, divested businesses and acquisitions, as well as the impact of any 53^rd week. All references to changes in volume and price/mix throughout this release are on an organic net sales basis.

References to adjusted items throughout this release refer to measures computed in accordance with GAAP less the impact of items impacting comparability. Items impacting comparability are income or expenses (and related tax impacts) that management believes have had, or are likely to have, a significant impact on the earnings of the applicable business segment or on the total corporation for the period in which the item is recognized, and are not indicative of the company's core operating results. These items thus affect the comparability of underlying results from period to period.

References to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) refer to net income attributable to Conagra Brands before the impacts of discontinued operations, income tax expense (benefit), interest expense, depreciation, and amortization. References to adjusted EBITDA refer to EBITDA before the impacts of items impacting comparability.

Hedge gains and losses are generally aggregated, and net amounts are reclassified from unallocated corporate expense to the operating segments when the underlying commodity or foreign currency being hedged is expensed in segment cost of goods sold. The net change in the derivative gains (losses) included in unallocated corporate expense during the period is reflected as a comparability item, Corporate hedging derivate gains (losses).

Note on Forward-Looking Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Our fiscal 2024 guidance includes certain non-GAAP financial measures (organic net sales growth, adjusted operating margin, adjusted EPS, net leverage ratio, and adjusted effective tax rate) that are presented on a forward-looking basis. Historically, the company has calculated these non-GAAP financial measures excluding the impact of certain items such as, but not limited to, foreign exchange, acquisitions, divestitures, restructuring expenses, the extinguishment of debt, hedging gains and losses, impairment charges, legacy legal contingencies, and unusual tax items. Reconciliations of these forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are not provided because the company is unable to provide such reconciliations without unreasonable effort, due to the uncertainty and inherent difficulty of predicting the timing and financial impact of such items. For the same reasons, the company is unable to address the probable significance of the unavailable information, which could be material to future results.

Conagra Brands, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Earnings (in millions) (unaudited)
		SECOND QUARTER
		Thirteen Weeks Ended				Thirteen Weeks Ended
		November 26, 2023				November 27, 2022				Percent Change
Net sales		$	3,208.1			$	3,312.9				(3.2)	%
Costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold			2,361.5				2,390.6				(1.2)	%
Selling, general and administrative expenses			398.1				372.7				6.8	%
Pension and postretirement non-service expense (income)			0.4				(6.1)				N/A
Interest expense, net			113.3				100.3				13.0	%
Income before income taxes and equity method investment earnings			334.8				455.4				(26.5)	%
Income tax expense			102.9				122.5				(16.0)	%
Equity method investment earnings			54.3				49.3				10.3	%
Net income		$	286.2			$	382.2				(25.1)	%
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests			—				0.3				(100.0)	%
Net income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc.		$	286.2			$	381.9				(25.1)	%
Earnings per share - basic
Net income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc.		$	0.60			$	0.80				(25.0)	%
Weighted average shares outstanding			478.7				479.4				(0.1)	%
Earnings per share - diluted
Net income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc.		$	0.60			$	0.79				(24.1)	%
Weighted average share and share equivalents outstanding			479.8				480.9				(0.2)	%

 

Conagra Brands, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Earnings (in millions) (unaudited)
		SECOND QUARTER YEAR TO DATE
		Twenty-Six Weeks Ended				Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
		November 26, 2023				November 27, 2022				Percent Change
Net sales		$	6,112.1			$	6,217.2				(1.7)	%
Costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold			4,442.4				4,574.6				(2.9)	%
Selling, general and administrative expenses			732.2				1,114.3				(34.3)	%
Pension and postretirement non-service expense (income)			0.7				(12.2)				N/A
Interest expense, net			219.3				197.4				11.1	%
Income before income taxes and equity method investment earnings			717.5				343.1				109.1	%
Income tax expense			201.2				136.9				47.0	%
Equity method investment earnings			89.8				98.5				(8.8)	%
Net income		$	606.1			$	304.7				99.0	%
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests			0.2				0.3				(8.3)	%
Net income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc.		$	605.9			$	304.4				99.1	%
Earnings per share - basic
Net income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc.		$	1.27			$	0.63				101.6	%
Weighted average shares outstanding			478.4				480.0				(0.3)	%
Earnings per share - diluted
Net income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc.		$	1.26			$	0.63				100.0	%
Weighted average share and share equivalents outstanding			479.8				481.6				(0.4)	%

 

Conagra Brands, Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions) (unaudited)
		November 26, 2023				May 28, 2023
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$	61.5			$	93.3
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $3.0 and $2.7			974.1				952.8
Inventories			2,277.6				2,212.2
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			125.7				92.4
Current assets held for sale			30.2				34.3
Total current assets			3,469.1				3,385.0
Property, plant and equipment, net			2,876.5				2,736.4
Goodwill			11,109.3				11,109.4
Brands, trademarks and other intangibles, net			3,165.4				3,192.3
Other assets			1,410.2				1,506.2
Noncurrent assets held for sale			89.5				123.3
		$	22,120.0			$	22,052.6
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
Notes payable		$	559.0			$	636.3
Current installments of long-term debt			1,017.3				1,516.0
Accounts and other payables			1,474.6				1,525.5
Accrued payroll			129.5				163.5
Other accrued liabilities			639.6				583.3
Current liabilities held for sale			13.1				16.1
Total current liabilities			3,833.1				4,440.7
Senior long-term debt, excluding current installments			7,493.3				7,081.3
Other noncurrent liabilities			1,717.5				1,718.0
Noncurrent liabilities held for sale			1.9				5.3
Total stockholders' equity			9,074.2				8,807.3
		$	22,120.0			$	22,052.6

 

Conagra Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in millions) (unaudited)
		Twenty-Six Weeks Ended				Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
		November 26, 2023				November 27, 2022
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income		$	606.1			$	304.7
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization			195.9				185.5
Asset impairment charges			50.7				413.7
Equity method investment earnings less than (in excess) of distributions			76.9				(55.6)
Stock-settled share-based payments expense			3.5				59.0
Contributions to pension plans			(6.0)				(5.9)
Pension expense (benefit)			5.5				(6.9)
Other items			24.0				(4.5)
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables			(29.8)				(46.1)
Inventories			(61.8)				(380.9)
Deferred income taxes and income taxes payable, net			24.0				(39.4)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			(30.6)				(13.8)
Accounts and other payables			7.7				(109.8)
Accrued payroll			(34.1)				(32.2)
Other accrued liabilities			22.6				30.0
Net cash flows from operating activities			854.6				297.8
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment			(214.0)				(188.4)
Sale of property, plant and equipment			0.5				2.4
Purchase of marketable securities			(5.1)				(1.6)
Sale of marketable securities			5.1				1.6
Other items			9.6				4.1
Net cash flows from investing activities			(203.9)				(181.9)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Issuances of short-term borrowings, maturities greater than 90 days			93.9				172.2
Repayment of short-term borrowings, maturities greater than 90 days			(99.3)				(168.8)
Net (repayment) issuance of other short-term borrowings, maturities less than or equal to 90 days			(75.8)				72.0
Issuance of long-term debt			500.0				500.0
Repayment of long-term debt			(760.6)				(265.8)
Debt issuance costs			(3.1)				(4.0)
Repurchase of Conagra Brands, Inc. common shares			—				(150.0)
Cash dividends paid			(324.7)				(308.6)
Exercise of stock options and issuance of other stock awards, including tax withholdings			(13.3)				(5.7)
Other items			(0.5)				1.3
Net cash flows from financing activities			(683.4)				(157.4)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents			1.6				(2.1)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents, including cash balances classified as assets held for sale			(31.1)				(43.6)
Less: Net change in cash balances classified as assets held for sale			0.7				(0.4)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents			(31.8)				(43.2)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period			93.3				82.2
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		$	61.5			$	39.0

 

Conagra Brands, Inc. Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures to Reported Financial Measures (in millions)
Q2 FY24		Grocery & Snacks				Refrigerated & Frozen				International				Foodservice				Total Conagra Brands
Net Sales		$	1,295.1			$	1,338.5			$	279.6			$	294.9			$	3,208.1
Impact of foreign exchange			—				—				(6.5)				—				(6.5)
Organic Net Sales		$	1,295.1			$	1,338.5			$	273.1			$	294.9			$	3,201.6
Year-over-year change - Net Sales			(4.1)	%			(5.8)	%			8.1	%			4.3	%			(3.2)	%
Impact of foreign exchange (pp)			—				—				(2.5)				—				(0.2)
Organic Net Sales			(4.1)	%			(5.8)	%			5.6	%			4.3	%			(3.4)	%
Volume (Organic)			(3.7)	%			(3.3)	%			3.3	%			(2.5)	%			(2.9)	%
Price/Mix			(0.4)	%			(2.5)	%			2.3	%			6.8	%			(0.5)	%
Q2 FY23		Grocery & Snacks				Refrigerated & Frozen				International				Foodservice				Total Conagra Brands
Net Sales		$	1,349.9			$	1,421.5			$	258.7			$	282.8			$	3,312.9
Net sales from divested businesses			—				—				—				—				—
Organic Net Sales		$	1,349.9			$	1,421.5			$	258.7			$	282.8			$	3,312.9
Q2 FY24 YTD		Grocery & Snacks				Refrigerated & Frozen				International				Foodservice				Total Conagra Brands
Net Sales		$	2,498.0			$	2,490.1			$	539.8			$	584.2			$	6,112.1
Impact of foreign exchange			—				—				(13.9)				—				(13.9)
Organic Net Sales		$	2,498.0			$	2,490.1			$	525.9			$	584.2			$	6,098.2
Year-over-year change - Net Sales			(1.6)	%			(5.3)	%			9.7	%			4.7	%			(1.7)	%
Impact of foreign exchange (pp)			—				—				(2.9)				—				(0.2)
Organic Net Sales			(1.6)	%			(5.3)	%			6.8	%			4.7	%			(1.9)	%
Volume (Organic)			(4.0)	%			(6.7)	%			1.9	%			(3.8)	%			(4.7)	%
Price/Mix			2.4	%			1.4	%			4.9	%			8.5	%			2.8	%
Q2 FY23 YTD		Grocery & Snacks				Refrigerated & Frozen				International				Foodservice				Total Conagra Brands
Net Sales		$	2,538.2			$	2,629.1			$	492.2			$	557.7			$	6,217.2
Net sales from divested businesses			—				—				—				—				—
Organic Net Sales		$	2,538.2			$	2,629.1			$	492.2			$	557.7			$	6,217.2

 

Conagra Brands, Inc. Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures to Reported Financial Measures (in millions)
Q2 FY24		Grocery & Snacks				Refrigerated & Frozen				International				Foodservice				Corporate Expense				Total Conagra Brands
Operating Profit		$	279.2			$	220.2			$	5.9			$	38.0			$	(94.8)			$	448.5
Restructuring plans			2.7				0.5				0.5				—				(0.2)				3.5
Impairment of business held for sale			—				—				34.2				—				—				34.2
Legal matters			—				—				—				—				14.0				14.0
Fire related cost (benefit)			—				1.5				—				(2.6)				—				(1.1)
Corporate hedging derivative losses (gains)			—				—				—				—				11.2				11.2
Adjusted Operating Profit		$	281.9			$	222.2			$	40.6			$	35.4			$	(69.8)			$	510.3
Operating Profit Margin			21.6	%			16.5	%			2.1	%			12.9	%							14.0	%
Adjusted Operating Profit Margin			21.8	%			16.6	%			14.5	%			12.0	%							15.9	%
Year-over-year % change - Operating Profit			(18.0)	%			(12.0)	%			(84.0)	%			33.2	%			(10.9)	%			(18.4)	%
Year-over year % change - Adjusted Operating Profit			(17.3)	%			(14.2)	%			10.3	%			24.3	%			(31.9)	%			(9.3)	%
Year-over-year bps change - Operating Profit		(366) bps				(115) bps				(1,214) bps				279 bps								(261) bps
Year-over-year bps change - Adjusted Operating Profit		(348) bps				(162) bps				30 bps				193 bps								(108) bps
Q2 FY23		Grocery & Snacks				Refrigerated & Frozen				International				Foodservice				Corporate Expense				Total Conagra Brands
Operating Profit		$	340.4			$	250.3			$	36.9			$	28.5			$	(106.5)			$	549.6
Restructuring plans			(0.1)				0.8				(0.1)				—				1.2				1.8
Acquisitions and divestitures			—				—				—				—				0.5				0.5
Fire related costs			—				7.9				—				—				—				7.9
Municipal water break costs			0.6				—				—				—				—				0.6
Corporate hedging derivative losses (gains)			—				—				—				—				2.4				2.4
Adjusted Operating Profit		$	340.9			$	259.0			$	36.8			$	28.5			$	(102.4)			$	562.8
Operating Profit Margin			25.2	%			17.6	%			14.3	%			10.1	%							16.6	%
Adjusted Operating Profit Margin			25.3	%			18.2	%			14.2	%			10.1	%							17.0	%

 

Conagra Brands, Inc. Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures to Reported Financial Measures (in millions)
Q2 FY24 YTD		Grocery & Snacks				Refrigerated & Frozen				International				Foodservice				Corporate Expense				Total Conagra Brands
Operating Profit		$	537.9			$	419.4			$	29.6			$	82.1			$	(131.5)			$	937.5
Restructuring plans			7.5				1.1				19.1				—				0.2				27.9
Impairment of business held for sale			—				—				34.2				—				—				34.2
Acquisitions and divestitures			—				—				—				—				0.2				0.2
Legal matters			—				—				—				—				14.0				14.0
Fire related cost (benefit)			—				3.1				—				(5.9)				—				(2.8)
Corporate hedging derivative losses (gains)			—				—				—				—				(16.4)				(16.4)
Adjusted Operating Profit		$	545.4			$	423.6			$	82.9			$	76.2			$	(133.5)			$	994.6
Operating Profit Margin			21.5	%			16.8	%			5.5	%			14.0	%							15.3	%
Adjusted Operating Profit Margin			21.8	%			17.0	%			15.4	%			13.0	%							16.3	%
Year-over-year % change - Operating Profit			(8.9)	%			1,134.6	%			(53.6)	%			176.5	%			(30.8)	%			77.5	%
Year-over year % change - Adjusted Operating Profit			(8.3)	%			(2.6)	%			30.4	%			51.7	%			(26.7)	%			3.5	%
Year-over-year bps change - Operating Profit		(174) bps					1,555 bps			(748) bps				872 bps									684 bps
Year-over-year bps change - Adjusted Operating Profit		(159) bps				48 bps				244 bps				403 bps								82 bps
Q2 FY23 YTD		Grocery & Snacks				Refrigerated & Frozen				International				Foodservice				Corporate Expense				Total Conagra Brands
Operating Profit		$	590.8			$	34.0			$	63.8			$	29.7			$	(190.0)			$	528.3
Restructuring plans			0.2				1.4				(0.2)				—				5.3				6.7
Impairment of businesses held for sale			0.5				5.7				—				20.5				—				26.7
Acquisitions and divestitures			—				—				—				—				0.6				0.6
Goodwill and brand impairment charges			—				385.7				—				—				—				385.7
Fire related costs			—				7.9				—				—				—				7.9
Municipal water break costs			3.2				—				—				—				—				3.2
Corporate hedging derivative losses (gains)			—				—				—				—				1.9				1.9
Adjusted Operating Profit		$	594.7			$	434.7			$	63.6			$	50.2			$	(182.2)			$	961.0
Operating Profit Margin			23.3	%			1.3	%			13.0	%			5.3	%							8.5	%
Adjusted Operating Profit Margin			23.4	%			16.5	%			12.9	%			9.0	%							15.5	%

 

Conagra Brands, Inc. Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures to Reported Financial Measures (in millions)
Q2 FY24		Gross profit				Selling, general and administrative expenses				Operating profit 1				Income before income taxes and equity method investment earnings				Income tax expense				Income tax rate				Net income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc.				Diluted EPS from income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc common stockholders
Reported		$	846.6			$	398.1			$	448.5			$	334.8			$	102.9				26.5	%		$	286.2			$	0.60
% of Net Sales			26.4	%			12.4	%			14.0	%
Restructuring plans			2.8				0.7				3.5				3.5				0.8								2.7				0.01
Corporate hedging derivative losses (gains)			11.2				—				11.2				11.2				2.6								8.6				0.02
Advertising and promotion expenses 2			—				72.5				—				—				—								—				—
Fire related cost (benefit)			1.5				(2.6)				(1.1)				(1.1)				(0.3)								(0.8)				—
Impairment of business held for sale			—				34.2				34.2				34.2				(0.1)								34.3				0.07
Legal matters			—				14.0				14.0				14.0				3.6								10.4				0.02
Rounding			—				—				—				—				—								—				(0.01)
Adjusted		$	862.1			$	279.3			$	510.3			$	396.6			$	109.5				24.3	%		$	341.4			$	0.71
% of Net Sales			26.9	%			8.7	%			15.9	%
Year-over-year % of net sales change - reported			(145) bps				116 bps				(261) bps
Year-over-year % of net sales change - adjusted			(129) bps				(9) bps				(108) bps
Year-over-year change - reported			(8.2)	%			6.8	%			(18.4)	%			(26.5)	%			(16.0)	%							(25.1)	%			(24.1)	%
Year-over-year change - adjusted			(7.6)	%			(4.1)	%			(9.3)	%			(15.3)	%			(12.9)	%							(12.9)	%			(12.3)	%
Q2 FY23		Gross profit				Selling, general and administrative expenses				Operating profit 1				Income before income taxes and equity method investment earnings				Income tax expense				Income tax rate				Net income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc.				Diluted EPS from income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc common stockholders
Reported		$	922.3			$	372.7			$	549.6			$	455.4			$	122.5				24.3	%		$	381.9			$	0.79
% of Net Sales			27.8	%			11.3	%			16.6	%
Restructuring plans			0.1				1.7				1.8				1.8				0.5								1.3				—
Acquisitions and divestitures			—				0.5				0.5				0.5				0.1								0.4				—
Corporate hedging derivative losses (gains)			2.4				—				2.4				2.4				0.6								1.8				—
Advertising and promotion expenses 2			—				78.8				—				—				—								—				—
Fire related costs			7.4				0.5				7.9				7.9				1.9								6.0				0.01
Municipal water break costs			0.6				—				0.6				0.6				0.2								0.4				—
Rounding			—				—				—				—				—								—				0.01
Adjusted		$	932.8			$	291.2			$	562.8			$	468.6			$	125.8				24.3	%		$	391.8			$	0.81
% of Net Sales			28.2	%			8.8	%			17.0	%

1 Operating profit is derived from taking Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity method investment earnings, adding back Interest expense, net and removing Pension and postretirement non-service (income) expense.

2 Advertising and promotion expense (A&P) has been removed from adjusted selling, general and administrative expense because this metric is used in reporting to management, and management believes this adjusted measure provides useful supplemental information to assess the company's operating performance. Please note that A&P is not removed from adjusted profit measures.

 

Conagra Brands, Inc. Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures to Reported Financial Measures (in millions)
Q2 FY24 YTD		Gross profit				Selling, general and administrative expenses				Operating profit 1				Income before income taxes and equity method investment earnings				Income tax expense				Income tax rate				Net income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc.				Diluted EPS from income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc common stockholders
Reported		$	1,669.7			$	732.2			$	937.5			$	717.5			$	201.2				24.9	%		$	605.9			$	1.26
% of Net Sales			27.3	%			12.0	%			15.3	%
Restructuring plans			7.1				20.8				27.9				27.9				7.1								20.8				0.04
Acquisitions and divestitures			—				0.2				0.2				0.2				—								0.2				—
Corporate hedging derivative losses (gains)			(16.4)				—				(16.4)				(16.4)				(4.2)								(12.2)				(0.03)
Advertising and promotion expenses 2			—				131.2				—				—				—								—				—
Fire related cost (benefit)			3.1				(5.9)				(2.8)				(2.8)				(0.7)								(2.1)				—
Impairment of business held for sale			—				34.2				34.2				34.2				(0.1)								34.3				0.07
Legal matters			—				14.0				14.0				14.0				3.6								10.4				0.02
Rounding			—				—				—				—				—								—				0.01
Adjusted		$	1,663.5			$	537.7			$	994.6			$	774.6			$	206.9				23.9	%		$	657.3			$	1.37
% of Net Sales			27.2	%			8.8	%			16.3	%
Year-over-year % of net sales change - reported		90 bps				(594) bps					684 bps
Year-over-year % of net sales change - adjusted		59 bps				(11) bps				82 bps
Year-over-year change - reported			1.7	%			(34.3)	%			77.5	%			109.1	%			47.0	%							99.1	%			100.0	%
Year-over-year change - adjusted			0.5	%			(2.9)	%			3.5	%			(0.1)	%			(0.2)	%							(1.4)	%			(0.7)	%
Q2 FY23 YTD		Gross profit				Selling, general and administrative expenses				Operating profit 1				Income before income taxes and equity method investment earnings				Income tax expense				Income tax rate				Net income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc.				Diluted EPS from income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc common stockholders
Reported		$	1,642.6			$	1,114.3			$	528.3			$	343.1			$	136.9				31.0	%		$	304.4			$	0.63
% of Net Sales			26.4	%			17.9	%			8.5	%
Restructuring plans			0.3				6.4				6.7				6.7				1.7								5.0				0.01
Acquisitions and divestitures			—				0.6				0.6				0.6				0.1								0.5				—
Corporate hedging derivative losses (gains)			1.9				—				1.9				1.9				0.5								1.4				—
Advertising and promotion expenses 2			—				140.7				—				—				—								—				—
Fire related costs			7.4				0.5				7.9				7.9				1.9								6.0				0.01
Municipal water break costs			3.2				—				3.2				3.2				0.8								2.4				—
Impairment of businesses held for sale			—				26.7				26.7				26.7				6.6								20.1				0.04
Goodwill and brand impairment charges			—				385.7				385.7				385.7				58.9								326.8				0.68
Rounding			—				—				—				—				—								—				0.01
Adjusted		$	1,655.4			$	553.7			$	961.0			$	775.8			$	207.4				23.7	%		$	666.6			$	1.38
% of Net Sales			26.6	%			8.9	%			15.5	%

1 Operating profit is derived from taking Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity method investment earnings, adding back Interest expense, net and removing Pension and postretirement non-service (income) expense.

2 Advertising and promotion expense (A&P) has been removed from adjusted selling, general and administrative expense because this metric is used in reporting to management, and management believes this adjusted measure provides useful supplemental information to assess the company's operating performance. Please note that A&P is not removed from adjusted profit measures.

 

Conagra Brands, Inc. Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures to Reported Financial Measures (in millions)
		November 26, 2023				November 27, 2022				% Change
Net cash flows from operating activities		$	854.6			$	297.8				187.0	%
Additions to property, plant and equipment			(214.0)				(188.4)				13.6	%
Free cash flow		$	640.6			$	109.4				485.6	%

 

		Q2 FY24				Q2 FY23
Notes payable		$	559.0			$	363.1
Current installments of long-term debt			1,017.3				954.3
Senior long-term debt, excluding current installments			7,493.3				8,081.8
Total Debt		$	9,069.6			$	9,399.2
Less: Cash			61.5				39.0
Net Debt		$	9,008.1			$	9,360.2

 

		Q2 FY24
Net Debt1		$	9,008.1
Net income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc.		$	985.1
Add Back: Income tax expense			283.0
Income tax expense attributable to noncontrolling interests			(0.5)
Interest expense, net			431.5
Depreciation			326.2
Amortization			54.1
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA)		$	2,079.4
Restructuring plans2			27.4
Acquisitions and divestitures			8.0
Corporate hedging derivative losses (gains)			18.8
Goodwill and brand impairment charges3			343.6
Legal matters			17.8
Fire related costs			2.7
Municipal water break costs			0.3
Third-party vendor cybersecurity incident			4.4
Impairment of business held for sale			34.2
Adjusted EBITDA		$	2,536.6
Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA4			3.55

1 As of November 26, 2023.

2 Excludes comparability items related to depreciation.

3 Excludes comparability items attributable to noncontrolling interests.

4 The company defines its net debt leverage ratio as net debt divided by adjusted EBITDA for the trailing twelve month period.

 

Conagra Brands, Inc. Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures to Reported Financial Measures (in millions)
		Q2 FY24				Q2 FY23				% Change
Net income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc.		$	286.2			$	381.9				(25.1)	%
Add Back: Income tax expense			102.9				122.5
Income tax expense attributable to noncontrolling interests			(0.1)				(0.1)
Interest expense, net			113.3				100.3
Depreciation			86.0				77.8
Amortization			13.3				14.7
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization		$	601.6			$	697.1				(13.7)	%
Restructuring plans 1			0.8				1.8
Acquisitions and divestitures			—				0.5
Corporate hedging derivative losses (gains)			11.2				2.4
Fire related cost (benefit)			(1.1)				7.9
Municipal water break costs			—				0.6
Impairment of business held for sale			34.2				—
Legal matters			14.0				—
Adjusted Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization		$	660.7			$	710.3				(7.0)	%
		Q2 FY24 YTD				Q2 FY23 YTD				% Change
Net income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc.		$	605.9			$	304.4				99.1	%
Add Back: Income tax expense			201.2				136.9
Income tax expense attributable to noncontrolling interests			(0.1)				(0.1)
Interest expense, net			219.3				197.4
Depreciation			169.1				156.0
Amortization			26.8				29.5
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization		$	1,222.2			$	824.1				48.3	%
Restructuring plans 1			21.8				6.7
Acquisitions and divestitures			0.2				0.6
Corporate hedging derivative losses (gains)			(16.4)				1.9
Fire related cost (benefit)			(2.8)				7.9
Municipal water break costs			—				3.2
Impairment of businesses held for sale			34.2				26.7
Goodwill and brand impairment charges			—				385.7
Legal matters			14.0				—
Adjusted Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization		$	1,273.2			$	1,256.8				1.3	%

1 Excludes comparability items related to depreciation.

For more information, please contact:
MEDIA: Mike Cummins
312-549-5257
Michael.Cummins@conagra.com
INVESTORS: Melissa Napier
312-549-5738
IR@conagra.com

 

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SOURCE Conagra Brands, Inc.

FAQ

What is the ticker symbol for Conagra Brands?

The ticker symbol for Conagra Brands is CAG.

What were the net sales for Conagra Brands in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024?

The net sales for Conagra Brands in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024 were $3.2 billion.

What was the percentage decrease in organic net sales for Conagra Brands in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024?

The organic net sales for Conagra Brands decreased by 3.4%.

What was the percentage decrease in operating margin for Conagra Brands in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024?

The operating margin for Conagra Brands decreased by 261 basis points.

What was the diluted EPS for Conagra Brands in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024?

The diluted EPS for Conagra Brands was $0.60.

What is the updated guidance for Conagra Brands' organic net sales in fiscal year 2024?

Conagra Brands expects organic net sales to decrease between 1.0% and 2.0% compared to fiscal 2023.