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Conagra's (CAG) Growth Initiatives Look Good: Time to Buy?
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On Jan 10, 2017, Zacks Investment Research upgraded Conagra Brands, Inc. (CAG - Free Report) to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) from a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell). Going by the Zacks model, companies with a Zacks Rank #2 are likely to perform better than the broader market over the next few quarters.
Over the last three months, shares of Conagra recorded a return of 6.74%, as against the negative return of 1.03% provided by the Zacks classified Food-Miscellaneous Preparation/Diversified industry.
Why the Upgrade?
Conagra has been steadily boosting its profitability over the past several quarters. The company is improving its margin for fueling commercial growth and generating greater cash flow in business. Improved price/mix, input cost favorability and supply-chain productivity are expected to widen profit margin in the quarters ahead.
Conagra believes that these factors would support its margin growth to at least 32%, by the end of fiscal 2020. Earnings growth is anticipated to be higher on improved margin, lower selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses and reduced interest expense as a result of lower debt.
In order to become a high performing company, Conagra has been remodeling its portfolio via disciplined mergers & acquisitions, and certain major divestitures. The company also completed the divestiture of its Lamb Weston business in Nov 2016. Conagra is aimed at growing as a pure consumer branded food company, along with attaining high commercial flexibility through this divestiture. It is financing productive innovation projects and strengthening its balance sheet through its divestiture proceeds.
In addition, the company is highly committed toward its shareholders and intends to boost their value via lucrative share repurchase and dividend offers.
Over the last 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the stock moved north for both fiscal 2017 and 2018.
Calavo Growers, Inc. (CVGW - Free Report) also sports a Zacks Rank #1 and witnessed an average earnings surprise of 11.81% over the trailing four quarters.
Ollie's Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc. (OLLI - Free Report) , currently flaunting a Zacks Rank #1, has an average earnings surprise of 17.64% for the last four quarters.
Zacks' Top 10 Stocks for 2017
In addition to the stocks discussed above, would you like to know about our 10 finest buy-and-hold tickers for the entirety of 2017?
Who wouldn't? As of early December, the 2016 Top 10 produced 5 double-digit winners including oil and natural gas giant Pioneer Natural Resources which racked up a stellar +50% gain. The new list is painstakingly hand-picked from 4,400 companies covered by the Zacks Rank. Be among the very first to see it>>
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Conagra's (CAG) Growth Initiatives Look Good: Time to Buy?
On Jan 10, 2017, Zacks Investment Research upgraded Conagra Brands, Inc. (CAG - Free Report) to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) from a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell). Going by the Zacks model, companies with a Zacks Rank #2 are likely to perform better than the broader market over the next few quarters.
Over the last three months, shares of Conagra recorded a return of 6.74%, as against the negative return of 1.03% provided by the Zacks classified Food-Miscellaneous Preparation/Diversified industry.
Why the Upgrade?
Conagra has been steadily boosting its profitability over the past several quarters. The company is improving its margin for fueling commercial growth and generating greater cash flow in business. Improved price/mix, input cost favorability and supply-chain productivity are expected to widen profit margin in the quarters ahead.
Conagra believes that these factors would support its margin growth to at least 32%, by the end of fiscal 2020. Earnings growth is anticipated to be higher on improved margin, lower selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses and reduced interest expense as a result of lower debt.
In order to become a high performing company, Conagra has been remodeling its portfolio via disciplined mergers & acquisitions, and certain major divestitures. The company also completed the divestiture of its Lamb Weston business in Nov 2016. Conagra is aimed at growing as a pure consumer branded food company, along with attaining high commercial flexibility through this divestiture. It is financing productive innovation projects and strengthening its balance sheet through its divestiture proceeds.
In addition, the company is highly committed toward its shareholders and intends to boost their value via lucrative share repurchase and dividend offers.
Over the last 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the stock moved north for both fiscal 2017 and 2018.
ConAgra Foods Inc. Price and Consensus
ConAgra Foods Inc. Price and Consensus | ConAgra Foods Inc. Quote
Key Picks
Some other favorably placed stocks in the industry are listed below:
B&G Foods, Inc. (BGS - Free Report) , which has recorded an average earnings surprise of 12.16% for the last four quarters, currently boasts a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Calavo Growers, Inc. (CVGW - Free Report) also sports a Zacks Rank #1 and witnessed an average earnings surprise of 11.81% over the trailing four quarters.
Ollie's Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc. (OLLI - Free Report) , currently flaunting a Zacks Rank #1, has an average earnings surprise of 17.64% for the last four quarters.
Zacks' Top 10 Stocks for 2017
In addition to the stocks discussed above, would you like to know about our 10 finest buy-and-hold tickers for the entirety of 2017?
Who wouldn't? As of early December, the 2016 Top 10 produced 5 double-digit winners including oil and natural gas giant Pioneer Natural Resources which racked up a stellar +50% gain. The new list is painstakingly hand-picked from 4,400 companies covered by the Zacks Rank. Be among the very first to see it>>