Shares of
Campbell Soup Company
(
CPB
) soared to a new 52-week high of $42.23 on Tuesday, Mar 19, as
the company continues to gain from a consistent positive earnings
surprise trend, strong revenue growth and impressive management
guidance. Average volume of shares traded over the last 3 months
stands at approximately 1,918,550. Moreover, the stock currently
trades at a forward P/E of 16.5x, at a slight premium from the
peer group average of 16.2x.
This Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) foods and simple meals manufacturer
closed trade at $42.19 on Mar 19, representing a solid
year-to-date return of approximately 17.5%, while gaining about
28.0% over the past one year.
Looking at its earnings surprise history, Campbell has beaten the
Zacks Consensus Estimates consecutively in the past 8 quarters.
The average positive surprise in the trailing 8 quarters comes to
7.1%.
The recent second-quarter fiscal 2013 results have added to its
streak of upbeat performances. Campbell Soup posted earnings of
70 cents per share for second-quarter fiscal 2013, handily
surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 66 cents, which led to
a surprise of 6.1%. Moreover, quarterly earnings surged 9% year
over year, primarily driven by a 10.5% rise in the top line.
Looking ahead, the company continues to anticipate sales growth
in the range of 10%-12% and earnings between $2.51 and $2.57 per
share in fiscal 2013, reflecting an increase of 3%-5% from 2012
level. The current Zacks Consensus Estimate stands at $2.55 per
share.
Apart from strong results, Campbell's growth story looks
compelling. We believe Campbell's prudent investment and
strategic initiatives toward product innovation and brand
building will boost its customer base and profitability.
Besides Campbell, other stocks in the retail space that touched
all-time highs in the recent weeks are
Constellation Brands Inc.
(
STZ
),
The Clorox Company
(
CLX
) and
Colgate-Palmolive Co.
(
CL
).
COLGATE PALMOLI (CL): Free Stock Analysis
Report
CLOROX CO (CLX): Free Stock Analysis Report
CAMPBELL SOUP (CPB): Free Stock Analysis
Report
CONSTELLATN BRD (STZ): Free Stock Analysis
Report
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