Innovative Campbell Is Ready to Surge

Article Excerpt

CAMPBELL SOUP CO. $33 (New York symbol CPB; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 379.6 million; Market cap: $12.5 billion; WSSF Rating: Above average) is the world’s largest maker of canned soups, and has 70% of the soup market in the United States. It also makes sauces and canned pasta (under the Prego brand), cakes and cookies (Pepperidge Farm) and vegetable juices (V8). Wal-Mart accounts for 15% of Campbell’s total sales. In the past few years, the company has sold off its less promising businesses to focus on its core operations and brands. Narrower focus pays off Campbell’s sales rose from $6.7 billion in fiscal 2003 to $7.5 billion in 2005 (fiscal years end July 31). In 2006, the company sold its UK operations for $870 million, and sales fell to $7.3 billion. Sales rose 8.2% to $7.9 billion in 2007. Earnings before unusual items rose from $1.52 a share (total $626 million) in 2003 to $1.71 a share ($707 million) in 2005…