The Campbell Soup Company yesterday (22 May) reported that third quarter profits increased by 13.7% from the third quarter of last year, driven by increased US soup sales and price hikes.


The New Jersey-based company’s net earnings totalled US$146m for the third quarter, or $0.40 per share, up from $146m reported in the same period last year.


Adjusted net earnings for the first nine-months of the financial year, when various accounting and tax issues are taken into account, were $662m compared with $589m in the prior year, an increase of 12%.


Net sales for the quarter increased by 6% to $1,836m, reflecting the 4% increase in volume and mix and 3% rise in price and sales and reduced promotional spend, which was down 1%.  Net sales for the first nine-months of the fiscal year increased to $6,227m, up 3% from the previous year.


Commenting on the results, Douglas R. Conant, Campbell’s president and CEO, said: “We delivered an outstanding quarter. Our US soup business was exceptionally strong on both the top and bottom line. Our strategy to direct our marketing spending toward better communicating the quality, convenience and value of our soups and away from heavy promotional activity worked very well for the quarter and year to date. Our continued emphasis on innovation and more effective marketing programs, including advertising, is working. As we look ahead to next soup season with our strategic initiatives to introduce lower sodium soups and expand our premium soup offerings, we plan to increase our investment to leverage this year’s momentum.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“Beyond US soup, we also delivered strong results in our US sauce and beverage businesses, as well as Pepperidge Farm and Canada. While we are pleased with the overall performance of our North American business, our international business is performing below our growth expectations. We are taking actions to improve the overall performance of our international portfolio.”


Conant said that based on these results the company had revised previous guidance, which predicted EPS increases of 5% to 7% from FY2005. “Based on our strong year-to-date performance, we now expect that our fiscal 2006 earnings per share will increase between 9% and 10% from this adjusted base,” he said.