For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – February 26, 2013 – Today, Zacks Equity Research discusses the U.S. Consumer Staples, including Green Mountain Coffee Roasters (GMCR), Tyson Foods (TSN), Smithfield Foods (SFD), Smucker (SJM) and Procter & Gamble (PG).
A synopsis of today’s Industry Outlook is presented below. The full article can be read at
Link: http://www.zacks.com/commentary/26005/consumer-staples-stock-outlook-feb-2013
Despite macroeconomic headwinds, some of these companies have been able to deliver impressive results and have the potential to grow in the upcoming quarters. The improved business backdrop is showing up in positive earnings momentum for consumer staples stocks, resulting in a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) for Green Mountain Coffee Roasters (GMCR), Tyson Foods (TSN) and Smithfield Foods (SFD).
Some attractive Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stocks worth considering are Smucker's (SJM) and Procter & Gamble (PG).
Coffee maker Green Mountain’s performance turned around in the fourth quarter of 2012 (ending September) from past few weak quarterly results, driven by the success of Keurig Single Cup Brewers, single serve packs (K-cups), and Keurig-related products. The company’s margins are improving with favorable green coffee costs.
The company is focusing on its products through innovations and upgrading its Keurig brewing system to attract more customers. Green Mountain has raised its earnings guidance twice for fiscal 2013 in the last two quarters. Green Mountain appears to be well positioned for growth in the future quarters.
Stabilizing coffee costs also improved the margins at Smucker's. The company has witnessed year-over-year earnings growth in all the three quarters of fiscal 2013 (ending April), driven by company’s strong portfolio of brands, focus on innovations and promotional offerings. Moreover, strategic acquisitions have broadened Smucker’s presence across emerging markets and added popular brands to its portfolio. The company has increased its fiscal 2013 earnings guidance in the last two quarters, reflecting the company’s potential to drive profits in the coming quarters.
Like Green Mountain, the consumer products giant P&G also had a tough fiscal 2012 (ending June). However, the company has implemented some meaningful changes to re-accelerate its top and bottom-line growth to keep pace with its peers, which is reflected in its two back-to-back solid quarterly results in fiscal 2013. In addition, the company’s cost savings and productivity improvement initiatives have improved margins.
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