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SJM

J M Smucker Co Reports 6% Increase in Q4 Sales

The J.M. Smucker Co. reported fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 net sales of $2.268 billion, up 6% from $2.144 billion a year earlier, as higher pricing more than offset softer volume. Net income per diluted share was $3.64, compared with a loss of $6.85 in the prior-year quarter, while adjusted earnings per share rose 20% to $2.77 from $2.31.

Operating income swung to $444.5 million from a loss of $599.1 million a year ago. Adjusted operating income increased 14% to $482.1 million from $422.4 million.

Cash generation also improved sharply. Cash provided by operations climbed to $579.2 million from $393.9 million, and free cash flow rose to $483.9 million from $298.9 million.

For the full fiscal year, net sales increased 4% to $9.1 billion from the prior year, or 5% excluding divestitures and foreign exchange. Adjusted earnings per share fell 10% to $9.15. Cash provided by operations increased to $1.5 billion from $1.2 billion, and free cash flow rose to $1.2 billion from $816.6 million. The company returned $464.7 million to shareholders through dividends and repaid $720.0 million of debt.

By segment in the fourth quarter, U.S. retail coffee posted net sales of $830.6 million, up 12%, with segment profit up 1% to $214.0 million. U.S. retail frozen handheld and spreads generated $454.1 million in sales, up 1%, while segment profit jumped 37% to $124.7 million. U.S. retail pet foods delivered $401.7 million in sales, up 2%, and segment profit increased 18% to $125.7 million.

Sweet baked snacks reported $237.2 million in sales, down 5%, but segment profit climbed 45% to $29.0 million. Away from home sales rose 15% to $228.3 million, and segment profit increased 21% to $55.3 million.

Looking ahead to fiscal 2027, Smucker said net sales are expected to decline 3% to 4%, adjusted earnings per share are projected at $9.75 to $10.25, and free cash flow is expected to be about $1.0 billion. As a result of these announcements, the company's shares have moved 11.53% on the market, and are now trading at a price of $113.50. For more information, read the company's full 8-K submission here.

The above analysis is intended for educational purposes only and was performed on the basis of publicly available data. It is not to be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Any buy, sell, or other recommendations mentioned in the article are direct quotations of consensus recommendations from the analysts covering the stock, and do not represent the opinions of Market Inference or its writers. Past performance, accounting data, and inferences about market position and corporate valuation are not reliable indicators of future price movements. Market Inference does not provide financial advice. Investors should conduct their own review and analysis of any company of interest before making an investment decision.

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