Kellanova K delivered third-quarter 2024 results, with both the top and bottom lines coming ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate and earnings increasing year over year. While sales declined year over year, the company saw an increase in organic sales. Kellanova’s robust third-quarter results underscore the success of its growth-focused and profitable portfolio strategy.
On Aug. 14, 2024, Kellanova unveiled a deal with Mars, Incorporated (a global leader in pet care, snacking, and food), per which Mars will acquire Kellanova for $83.50 per share in cash. The transaction is anticipated to close in the first half of 2025, subject to various approvals. Kellanova is not issuing any guidance due to its pending deal with Mars, Incorporated.
K’s Quarterly Performance: Key Insights
Kellanova reported adjusted earnings of 91 cents per share, which increased 18.2% year over year, driven by increased operating profit. On a currency-neutral basis, adjusted earnings per share (EPS) rose 19.5% to 92 cents. The bottom line surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 85 cents.
Kellanova Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Kellanova price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Kellanova Quote
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The company recorded net sales of $3,233 million, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3,154 million. However, the top line fell 0.7% year over year. The downside can be attributed to unfavorable currency movements, which offset the favorable price/mix and volume. Organic net sales (excluding currency impacts) grew 6%.
The company's impressive organic net sales growth was largely fueled by volume expansion and currency-driven price/mix gains in emerging markets. Developed markets also witnessed organic growth with volumes improving sequentially despite a slower-than-expected industry demand recovery. This, along with support from productivity gains and easing cost inflation, enabled Kellanova to enhance its profit margins.
Kellanova’s adjusted operating profit increased 16.1% to $441 million while rising 19.4% to $453 million on a currency-neutral basis.
Decoding Kellanova’s Segment-Wise Results
Sales in the North America segment amounted to $1,673 million, up 1.1% year over year and 1.2% on an organic basis due to improved pricing/mix, partly offset by lower volumes.
Revenues in the Europe segment totaled $616 million, up 7.2% year over year. Organic net sales rose 3.6%. Revenue growth initiatives and favorable currency translation contributed positively, though these gains were partially offset by a volume decline, which showed moderation compared to recent quarters.
Revenues in Latin America totaled $329 million, down 5.5% year over year due to currency headwinds, partly made up by favorable price/mix and volumes. Organic sales ascended 4.1%.
Revenues in the Asia Pacific and the Middle East & Africa segment totaled $657 million, down 10.2% year over year. Unfavorable foreign currency rates caused the downside. However, the favorable price/mix and volume growth were upsides. Organic sales jumped 21.6%.
Kellanova Stock: Other Updates
The company ended the reported quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $569 million, long-term debt of $5,051 million and total equity of $3,758 million.
Kellanova generated net cash from operating activities of $1,293 million for the year-to-date period. Capital expenditures amounted to $440 million, and free cash flow was $853 million during this time.
Shares of this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company have rallied 30% in the past three months compared with the industry’s growth of 10.8%.
Stocks to Consider
Freshpet FRPT manufactures, distributes and markets natural fresh meals and treats for dogs and cats. It currently sports a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for FRPT’s current financial-year sales and earnings indicates advancements of 26.1% and 202.9%, respectively, from the prior-year figures. Freshpet has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 132.9%, on average.
BRF BRFS, which produces and slaughters poultry and pork for processing, production and sale of fresh meat, processed products, pasta, margarine, pet food and other products, currently sports a Zacks Rank #1. BRFS delivered a positive earnings surprise of 57.1% in the last reported quarter.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BRF’s current financial-year sales and earnings implies growth of 14.7% and 256.7%, respectively, from the year-ago reported numbers.
McCormick & Company, Inc. MKC is a leading manufacturer, marketer and distributor of spices, seasonings, specialty foods and flavors. It currently carries a Zacks Rank #2.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for McCormick & Company’s current fiscal-year sales and earnings indicates advancements of 0.6% and 8.2%, respectively, from the year-ago reported figures. MKC has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 13.8%, on average.
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