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.
