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Updated: 03-Sep-25 13:02 ET
Campbell Soup higher after Q4 EPS beat, but tariffs cloud FY26 outlook (CPB)

Campbell Soup (CPB) is trading higher after reporting its Q4 (Jul) results this morning. EPS topped consensus estimates, extending its streak, while revenue was roughly in line. Revenue grew 1.2% yr/yr to $2.32 bln, a slower pace than recent quarters. For FY26, the company guided EPS to $2.40-2.55 and revenue growth of down 2% to flat. Organic sales are expected to range from -1% to +1%, reflecting continued momentum in Meals & Beverages and an expected stabilization in Snacks in 2H26.

  • Its Meals & Beverages segment reported net sales of flat yr/yr at $1.20 bln, while organic sales fell 3% on a 4% volume/mix decline. Still, consumption rose 1% in the quarter as at-home cooking trends stayed strong, helping offset the timing reversal of shipments from Q3.
  • Its Snacks segment continues to lag, though it showed sequential improvement. Net sales grew 2% yr/yr to $1.12 bln, but organic sales fell 2% as a 5% volume/mix decline outweighed a 2% price lift. Weaknesses in Snyder's pretzels and partner brands remained a drag, though Goldfish and Cape Cod were bright spots, driving share gains and healthier consumption.
  • Tariffs proved to be a headwind toward its profitability. Adjusted EPS of $0.62 included a $0.06 lift from an extra week, but tariffs and divestitures both carried a $0.02 negative impact. EBIT margin slipped 50 bps, with tariffs driving 30 bps of the hit. Gross margin fell 90 bps to 30.5% on cost inflation and supply chain costs.
  • In terms of the guidance and anticipated costs, tariffs are expected to represent ~4% of COGS, with section 232 steel/aluminum driving ~60% of the hit. FY26 adjusted EBIT is forecast to fall 13-9%, while adjusted EPS is expected to be down 18-12%. About two-thirds of the decline in EPS is tariff-related, with the rest tied to base business performance.

Briefing.com Analyst Insight

Campbell Soup continues to benefit from steady at-home demand in Meals & Beverages, but mounting tariff costs cloud the FY26 outlook. With margins under pressure and EPS set for a double-digit drop, near-term challenges remain. Still, sequential improvement in Snacks and expected stabilization in 2H26 are encouraging. And with the stock trading near lows, we think the earnings beat, momentum in Meals & Beverages, and signs of progress in Snacks were enough to get shares moving.

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