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Topic: Growth Stocks

H.J. HEINZ CO. $35 – New York symbol HNZ

H.J. HEINZ CO. $35 (New York symbol HNZ; Income Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 315 million; Market cap: $11 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 1.1; WSSF Rating: Above Average) is a leading maker of condiments. Its flagship product, Heinz Ketchup, makes up about 60% of all ketchup sold in the U.S. Heinz also makes frozen potatoes (under the Ore-Ida brand), pasta sauces (Classico) and diet foods (Weight Watchers).

Heinz has expanded its overseas operations over the last few years. These now account for about 60% of its sales. And the company plans to keep adding new markets: it’s particularly interested in China, India, Russia and Poland.

However, Heinz’s international growth adds currency risk. In its latest fiscal year, which ended April 29, 2009, sales rose just 0.8%, to a record $10.15 billion from $10.07 billion in the prior year. But excluding the negative impact of the higher U.S. dollar, sales would have risen 7.4%. The company raised its selling prices, which helped offset a 1.5% drop in volumes. Earnings rose 9.3%, to $923.1 million from $844.9 million. Earnings per share rose 10.3%, to $2.90 from $2.63, on fewer outstanding shares.

In fiscal 2010, Heinz feels it can save $250 million through unspecified productivity improvements. Still, its 2010 earnings will probably fall to $2.65 a share due to the high U.S. dollar. The stock trades at a reasonable 13.2 times that estimate. The $1.68 dividend yields 4.8%.

Heinz is a buy.

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