Campbell Soup Co. reported its results for the second quarter of fiscal 2013. Net earnings for the quarter ended Jan. 27, 2013, were $190 million, or $0.60 per share, compared with $205 million, or $0.64 per share, in the prior year. The current and prior years’ reported net earnings included charges associated with restructuring programs. Excluding restructuring and restructuring-related charges, adjusted net earnings increased 6 percent to $220 million, compared with $207 million in the prior year’s quarter, and adjusted net earnings per share increased 9 percent to $0.70 compared with $0.64 in the year-ago quarter. A detailed reconciliation of the reported financial information to the adjusted information is included at the end of this news release.
Denise Morrison, Campbell’s president and chief executive officer, said in a prepared statement, “We are pleased with our performance in the quarter. Within U.S. simple meals, we saw growth in U.S. soup as consumers responded to our efforts in brand building and innovation, both in our core business and in new products. While we reduced overall advertising spending, we were able to maintain competitive levels and to increase advertising support for new innovation. Our work to improve taste adventure and deliver more effective and efficient marketing and promotion resulted in increased consumption in this important business.”
Morrison continued, “Our global baking and snacking business has benefitted from innovation in both core brands and new products, plus increased distribution and merchandising. Gains in snack crackers, cookies and fresh bakery products drove sales and earnings at Pepperidge Farm. Arnott’s sales increased with solid performance in Australia and Indonesia.
“Our newly acquired Bolthouse Farms business delivered solid results in the fresh carrots, beverages and salad dressings categories, driven by innovation and increased distribution. The Bolthouse Farms integration is also progressing well.”
Morrison concluded, “Despite weakness in our U.S. beverages and North America foodservice businesses, our first half business results were positive. Although profits in U.S. beverages improved, we have more work to do to drive the top line and continue to stabilize profit in a sluggish shelf-stable juice category. Halfway through our fiscal year, we are making progress against our plans to return Campbell to sustainable, profitable net sales growth.”
