Topic: How To Invest

Q: May I have your recommendation for J.M. Smucker Co. on New York? Thanks.

Article Excerpt

A: J.M. Smucker Co., $130.49, symbol SJM on New York symbol (Shares outstanding: 106.1 million; Market cap: $13.7 billion; www.jmsmucker.com), is the largest maker of jams, jellies and peanut butter in the U.S. Its top brands include Smucker’s and Jif. It also makes pet food and many other consumer products. The company has over 30 offices and manufacturing facilities across North America. The U.S. accounted for about 83.3% of Smucker’s total sales in the latest quarter. Walmart, its largest customer, represents about 34% of its sales. Acquisitions have helped Smucker expand in the past few years, particularly into faster-growing businesses like pet foods. Pet food alone now generates 24% of Smucker’s total sales, while coffee products contribute 35%, and consumer products bring in 24%. The remainder of sales were from the International and Away From Home segments. Key acquisitions include the March 2015 purchase of Big Heart Pet Brands for $6.0 billion. That business makes a variety of well-known pet foods, including Milk-Bone…