Category Archives: Consumer Staples

2022 Large Cap Performance Analysis

Large cap stocks, as measured by the Lark Research Large Cap Index (the “Index”)[1] which mirrors the S&P 500, posted a decline of 19.5% in 2022.  As in previous years, most of the performance was driven by a handful of … Continue reading

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Campbell Soup (CPB) 23Q1 Update

Campbell Soup Company (CPB) reported much stronger than expected 23Q1 net sales and profits (vs. my estimates).  Net sales were $2.58 billion, 15% above 22Q1 and 9% above my estimate.  Diluted Non-GAAP EPS was $1.02, up 14% YOY and better … Continue reading

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Campbell Soup (CPB) 22Q4 Update

Fiscal 22Q4 net sales of $2.0 billion increased 6.1% YOY.  GAAP diluted EPS was $0.32, below 21Q4’s $0.95.  Non-GAAP adjusted EPS of $0.56 exceeded 21Q4’s $0.52.  These results were generally in line with my expectations.

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Notes and Analysis from Campbell Soup’s Fiscal 2022 Investor Day

Since 2019, Campbell Soup Company has jettisoned several businesses to focus on its core Meals and Beverage (M&B) and Snacks segments.  It has also acquired new growth platforms in Pacific Foods and Snyder’s-Lance.  Its $1 billion enterprise cost savings program … Continue reading

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2021 Market Outlook – Part 2: S&P 500 Sector Analysis

2020 was of course dominated by the impact of the pandemic on the economy and specifically on the revenues and profits of each of the S&P 500 constituents.  There was a sharp stock market sell-off in March-April, followed by a … Continue reading

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Recent Observations on Bed Bath & Beyond

The investor optimism that followed the October 2019 appointment of Mark J. Tritton as Bed Bath & Beyond’s CEO and continued after the company gave a preliminary upbeat assessment of its performance early in the Christmas selling season gave way … Continue reading

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A Brief Update on StoneMor

StoneMor Partners, L.P. has passed a few milestones since my previous update in late September.  These accomplishments have advanced its turnaround, but more is needed including a significant rebound in its profitability before the effort can be declared a success.

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An Update on Bed Bath & Beyond

Shares of Bed Bath & Beyond have sold off sharply in recent weeks, but the stock is exceptionally cheap vs. its peers. If new leadership can accelerate the company’s transformation plan successfully, the shares have significant upside potential. The article explores both risks and opportunities for Bed Bath & Beyond as it enters the next phase of its transformation plan. Continue reading

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Bed Bath & Beyond’s Next Generation Lab Store

A tour (with pictures) of the Bed Bath & Beyond East Hanover store. Continue reading

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Thoughts and Observations on Campbell Soup’s Upcoming Proxy Fight.

On May 18, 2018, in conjunction with the release of fiscal 2018 third quarter earnings report, Campbell Soup Company (CPB) announced a “CEO transition.”  Denise M. Morrison, who had served as Campbell’s President and CEO since August 2011, was retiring … Continue reading

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Bed Bath But Not Beyond Hope

BBBY has lost 70% of its value over the past three years. Profits are down sharply mostly because of price competition. Store comparable net sales have been falling mid-single digits, offset by growth in online/mobile sales and other areas. Management … Continue reading

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StoneMor’s Distribution Rate is Too High

StoneMor Partners, L.P. (STON) is the second largest owner/operator of cemeteries and funeral homes in the United States.  The company controls 307 cemeteries in 27 states and Puerto Rico.  Of those, 276 are owned and 31 are operated under contract.  … Continue reading

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