Heinz Prepares for a Global Sales Surge

Article Excerpt

H.J. HEINZ CO. $39 (New York symbol HNZ; Income Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 314.4 million; Market cap: $12.3 billion; WSSF Rating: Above average) makes a wide variety of processed foods, including condiments, sauces, soups, baked beans, pastas and infant food. Its flagship product, Heinz Ketchup, accounts for about 60% of U.S. ketchup sales. The company continues to focus on expanding its main brands, including Ore-Ida (frozen potatoes), Classico (pasta sauces) and Weight Watchers (diet foods). Its top 15 brands each generate annual sales of over $100 million, and together supply 70% of Heinz’s total sales. Research push should pay off As part of this plan, Heinz will increase its annual research and marketing spending by 8% to 12% over the next few years. The company must write off this spending as an ordinary expense, which hurts its earnings. However, Heinz feels these investments will increase its annual sales by at least 6% and expand earnings per share by 8% to 11% per…