What guidance did ConAgra Brands's management provide for the next earnings period?

What is the revenue and EPS growth rate for ConAgra Brands year over year?

What does ConAgra Brands do and what are its main business segments?

What factors drove the changes in ConAgra Brands's revenue and profit?

Did ConAgra Brands beat or miss consensus estimates last quarter?

What is ConAgra Brands's gross profit margin?

What were the key takeaways from ConAgra Brands's earnings call?

What were the key takeaways from ConAgra Brands’s earnings call?

- **Organic Sales Growth Outlook**: FY2026 second half to return to positive organic growth, driven by Frozen innovation and Snacks momentum, despite Q2 consumption trends declining due to timing shifts and price elasticity.
- **Inflation Management**: FY2026 core inflation of 7% (4% from proteins), with 85% Q2 coverage but only 60-65% full-year coverage, leaving exposure to protein price volatility.
- **Margin Improvement Path**: FY2027 margin expansion will come from productivity (5%+ in FY2026), protein inflation relief, chicken plant investments, pricing lag benefits, and AI-driven process reengineering.
- **Frozen Category Recovery**: Strong innovation pipeline (e.g., new Slim Jim Buffalo Chicken) and improved service levels (98%) position Frozen for recovery, despite short-term share loss.
- **Debt Reduction Progress**: $700M FY2026 debt paydown on track, with net debt reduced by $400M YoY and $1.1B over 12 months.


**【CEO Summary Section】**
- CEO Sean Connolly emphasized confidence in returning to positive organic sales growth in the second half of FY2026, driven by Frozen and Snacks innovation, despite Q2 consumption trends showing a low single-digit decline. This decline was attributed to timing shifts (e.g., Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP promotion delayed to Q2) and initial elasticity from price increases on Duncan Hines due to cocoa costs.
- Management highlighted Frozen Meals as a key growth driver, with new innovations like Dolly Parton frozen meals performing well. The CEO noted that service levels have improved to 98%, enabling better merchandising execution.
- The company is pursuing a 'horses for courses' strategy: investing in volume growth for Frozen and Snacks, while maximizing cash through inflation-justified pricing in staples.

**【CFO Financial Commentary】**
- CFO David Marberger stated Q1 organic sales growth benefited by 50bps from trade expense timing, which will reverse in Q2. Full-year guidance remains unchanged, with $700M debt paydown on track (net debt reduced by $400M YoY and $1.1B over 12 months).
- Core inflation for FY2026 is expected to be slightly above 7%, driven by Animal Proteins (beef, pork, turkey). Q2 is 85% covered for inflation, but full-year coverage is only 60-65%, leaving exposure to protein price volatility.
- The company is benefiting from $75M in tax legislation savings, which will enhance free cash flow.

**【Q&A Key Highlights】**
- **Inflation & Margin Clawback**: CFO noted FY2026 core inflation is 7%, with 4% from proteins. Margin improvement in FY2027 will come from productivity (5%+ in FY2026), protein inflation relief, supply chain investments (e.g., chicken plants), pricing lag benefits, and AI-driven process reengineering.
- **Frozen Category Performance**: CEO highlighted Frozen Meals' strong innovation pipeline (e.g., new Slim Jim Buffalo Chicken) and improved service levels enabling better consumer takeaway. Despite short-term share loss due to supply chain disruptions, the category is set for recovery.
- **Inventory & Cash Flow**: CFO explained Q1 inventory build was intentional to avoid stockouts post-supply chain issues. This created a $50bps headwind in Q1 but supports Q2-Q4 execution. Free cash flow remains strong, with $700M debt reduction on track.

**【Strategic Initiatives】**
- **Chicken Protein Investments**: Baked chicken plant modernization is on track for Q2 completion, while fried chicken investments will take longer. The company is temporarily outsourcing production to maintain volume, despite margin dilution.
- **Value-Seeking Consumer Strategy**: CEO emphasized innovation focused on value (e.g., price/size optimization) to appeal to lower-income consumers, while maintaining premium offerings (e.g., Dolly Parton desserts).


Conagra Brands, Inc. (CAG) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

- **Strategic Focus on Growth**: Frozen and snacks volumes prioritized via A&P, accepting 11% margin compression in fiscal '26 for long-term recovery.
- **Inflation Mitigation**: 4-5% productivity offsets 1% of 3% tariffs; 90% cash flow conversion funds $700M debt reduction and dividend.
- **Supply Chain Investment**: $160M chicken plant modernization to reduce costs and improve service levels, enabling fiscal '27 margin expansion.
- **Portfolio Restructuring**: 70% of portfolio now frozen/snacks; multi-serve packaging innovations (e.g., Banquet Mega Chicken Filets) drive premiumization and volume growth.

**【CEO Summary Section】**
- CEO Sean Connolly emphasized the company's strategic focus on volume growth in frozen and snacks, driven by innovation and supply chain investments. Despite 11% inflation, the company expects to recover margins in fiscal '27 through productivity, inflation relief, and repatriation of outsourced production. Key initiatives include AI-driven process reengineering and chicken plant modernization. Volume growth in frozen and snacks is prioritized over short-term margin, with 5 consecutive quarters of strong response before supply constraints.

**【CFO Financial Commentary】**
- CFO David Marberger highlighted fiscal '26 guidance: sales down 1-1% YoY, with first half down slightly and second half up slightly. Core inflation of 4% (60% from materials, 20% animal proteins) and 3% tariffs. Productivity of 4-5% will mitigate 1% of tariffs. Fiscal '26 EBITDA margin expected at 7-8%, with $700M debt reduction and dividend maintained. Cash flow conversion of 90% supports investments and debt repayment. Long-term margin expansion hinges on inflation normalization and supply chain efficiency.

**【Q&A Highlights】**
- **Inflation Strategy**: Company prioritizes volume growth in frozen/snacks via A&P, accepting margin compression. Elasticity for growth businesses is -1, while canned food focuses on cash flow. Tariff mitigation (1% of 3% tariffs) includes alternative sourcing and supplier collaboration.
- **Supply Chain Resiliency**: $160M CapEx for chicken plant modernization to reduce costs and improve service levels. Fiscal '26 service levels restored to 98%, enabling volume recovery.
- **Portfolio Management**: Divestitures (Chef Boyardee, Fish) reduce overhead, freeing cash for growth. Frozen and snacks now 70% of portfolio, with multi-serve packaging innovation (e.g., Banquet Mega Chicken Filets) driving premiumization.
- **Leverage and Dividend**: Despite $700M debt reduction, dividend maintained to balance shareholder returns and investment needs. Fiscal '27 expects margin expansion via inflation relief, productivity, and repatriation of outsourced production.
- **Competitive Positioning**: Innovation in frozen (e.g., AI-driven product development) differentiates from private label, with premiumization examples like Banquet Mega Filets ($4 price point vs. $0.88 in 2015).

Conagra Brands (CAG)-10 Jul 25-2025 Q4 Earnings call transcript

- **Consumption Resilience**: Frozen and snacking categories show strong demand despite macro challenges.
- **Margin Pressure**: 4%+ input cost inflation persists; Q3 gross margin hit by $25M supply chain costs.
- **Debt Reduction Focus**: $0.5B debt paid down YTD; targeting 3x leverage by FY26 end.
- **Tariff Risk**: Ongoing monitoring of Mexican vegetable, palm oil tariffs could impact margins.
- **Q4 Recovery**: Expect improved service levels, gross margin rebound, and SG&A efficiency.

**【CEO Key Themes】**
- **2026 Outlook Uncertainty**: Management avoids providing FY26 guidance due to macro volatility (inflation, tariffs, consumer sentiment). Q4 2025 shipment volumes expected to improve, but cost headwinds persist.
- **Consumer Behavior Shifts**: Strong consumption trends in frozen and snacking categories driven by value-seeking, protein-focused products. C-store channel underperforming vs. other channels.
- **Tariff & Inflation Risks**: Ongoing 4%+ input cost inflation despite prior expectations of deflation. Tariff risks (e.g., Mexican vegetables, palm oil) remain fluid and could impact margins.
- **Snacking Outperformance**: 4% Q3 volume growth vs. industry weakness, driven by protein-centric portfolio (meat snacks, popcorn) and new FATTY acquisition success.

**【CFO Financial Highlights】**
- **Debt Reduction Progress**: $0.5B debt paid down YTD; targeting 3x leverage by FY26 end. Free cash flow conversion at 125%.
- **Q4 2025 Expectations**: Improved service levels, gross margin recovery (absorption costs down), and SG&A efficiency.
- **CapEx Adjustments**: $40M FY25 CapEx reduction due to timing shifts; FY26 spending expected to rebound.
- **Maintenance Capital Priority**: Modernizing supply chain with $150M+ annual maintenance spend, including frozen plant upgrades.

**【Key Risks】**
- Tariff and inflation volatility
- C-store channel weakness
- Supply chain disruptions
- Consumer spending pullback

Conagra Brands (CAG)-3 Apr 25-2025 Q3 Earnings call transcript

Conagra Brands (CAG)-19 Dec 24-2025 Q2 Earnings call transcript

Conagra Brands (CAG)-2 Oct 24-2025 Q1 Earnings call transcript

Conagra Brands (CAG)-11 Jul 24-2024 Q4 Earnings call transcript

Conagra Brands (CAG)-4 Apr 24-2024 Q3 Earnings call transcript

Conagra Brands (CAG)-4 Jan 24-2024 Q2 Earnings call transcript

Conagra Brands (CAG)-5 Oct 23-2024 Q1 Earnings call transcript

Conagra Brands (CAG)-13 Jul 23-2023 Q4 Earnings call transcript

Conagra Brands (CAG)-5 Apr 23-2023 Q3 Earnings call transcript

Conagra Brands (CAG)-5 Jan 23-2023 Q2 Earnings call transcript

Conagra Brands (CAG)-6 Oct 22-2023 Q1 Earnings call transcript

Conagra Brands (CAG)-14 Jul 22-2022 Q4 Earnings call transcript

Conagra Brands (CAG)-7 Apr 22-2022 Q3 Earnings call transcript

Conagra Brands (CAG)-6 Jan 22-2022 Q2 Earnings call transcript

Conagra Brands (CAG)-7 Oct 21-2022 Q1 Earnings call transcript

Conagra Brands (CAG)-13 Jul 21-2021 Q4 Earnings call transcript

Conagra Brands (CAG)-8 Apr 21-2021 Q3 Earnings call transcript

Conagra Brands (CAG)-7 Jan 21-2021 Q2 Earnings call transcript

Conagra Brands (CAG)-1 Oct 20-2021 Q1 Earnings call transcript

Conagra Brands (CAG)-30 Jun 20-2020 Q4 Earnings call transcript

Conagra Brands (CAG)-31 Mar 20-2020 Q3 Earnings call transcript

Conagra Brands (CAG)-19 Dec 19-2020 Q2 Earnings call transcript

Conagra Brands (CAG)-26 Sep 19-2020 Q1 Earnings call transcript

Conagra Brands (CAG)-27 Jun 19-2019 Q4 Earnings call transcript

Conagra Brands (CAG)-21 Mar 19-2019 Q3 Earnings call transcript

Conagra Brands (CAG)-20 Dec 18-2019 Q2 Earnings call transcript

Conagra Brands (CAG)-27 Sep 18-2019 Q1 Earnings call transcript

Conagra Brands (CAG)-28 Jun 18-2018 Q4 Earnings call transcript

Conagra Brands (CAG)-22 Mar 18-2018 Q3 Earnings call transcript

Conagra Brands (CAG)-21 Dec 17-2018 Q2 Earnings call transcript

Conagra Brands (CAG)-28 Sep 17-2018 Q1 Earnings call transcript

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