Conagra Brands cut its outlook for the year with inflation outpacing the price hikes put into place by the major food producer.
The cost of goods increased 10.1%. during the quarter, and on Thursday, the Chicago-based company, which has deep Omaha roots, said it expects full-year gross inflation to be approximately 16% compared with its previous guidance of 14%.
Another round of prices will be needed, the maker of Birds Eye, Slim Jim and Reddi-wip said Thursday.
“We experienced higher-than-expected cost pressures as the third quarter progressed and expect those pressures to continue into the fourth quarter, particularly in certain frozen, refrigerated and snacks businesses,” said CEO Sean Connolly. “In response, we have taken steps to implement additional inflation-driven pricing actions.”
Higher prices being rolled out by ConAgra will not become evident until the first fiscal quarter of 2023, Connolly said.
The Chicago company lowered it’s adjusted per-share earnings expectations by 15 cents, to $2.35. That’s well below the $2.42 per share Wall Street had been projecting, according to a survey of industry analysts by FactSet.
During the third quarter, ConAgra earned $218.4 million, or 45 cents per share. A year earlier it earned $281.4 million, or 58 cents per share.
Stripping out certain items, earnings were 58 cents per share, which met Wall Street’s expectations.
Sales for the period ended Feb. 27 rose 5% to $2.91 billion from $2.77 billion partly on higher prices. This beat the $2.85 billion analysts called for.
Foodservice segment sales surged 18.9% as restaurant traffic continued to improve amid an easing of COVID-19 restrictions. Sales for the grocery and snacks unit climbed 6.2% on increased prices and favorable brand mix.
Looking ahead to the fourth quarter, ConAgra expects adjusted earnings of about 64 cents per share. Gross inflation is anticipated to be approximately 16%.
Wall Street predicts earnings of 70 cents per share.
Conagra Brands says inflation is outpacing its price hikes.
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