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The J. M. Smucker Company Announces Record Third Quarter Results

ORRVILLE, Ohio, Feb. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The J. M. Smucker Company (NYSE: SJM) today announced results for the third quarter ended January 31, 2008, of its 2008 fiscal year. Results for the quarter and nine- month period ended January 31, 2008, include the operations of Eagle Family Foods Holdings, Inc. ("Eagle") which was acquired on May 1, 2007.

    Third Quarter Results

                                             Three months ended
                                                 January 31,           %
                                              2008       2007       Increase
                                  (Dollars in millions, except per share data)

    Net sales                                $665.4     $523.1         27%
    Net income:
       Income                                 $42.4      $40.4          5%
       Income per diluted share               $0.75      $0.71          6%

Net sales increased 27 percent in the third quarter of 2008 compared to the third quarter of 2007. The acquired Eagle businesses contributed $69.3 million in the quarter. The Smucker's(R), Jif(R), Crisco(R), and Pillsbury(R) brands realized net sales growth on a combination of volume and pricing gains. The acquired Carnation(R) business in Canada and the impact of favorable exchange rates also contributed. Net sales growth and a lower effective tax rate offset higher raw material costs and interest expense, resulting in an increase in net income.

Net income per diluted share for the quarter was $0.75, an increase of 6 percent compared to last year's third quarter. Net income for the third quarter of 2008 included restructuring and merger and integration costs of $0.04 per diluted share, while net income for the third quarter of 2007 included restructuring costs of $0.01 per diluted share. Excluding these costs in both years, the Company's income per diluted share was $0.79 in the third quarter of 2008, and $0.72 in the third quarter of 2007, an increase of 10 percent.

"On the strength of our brands, we delivered good growth this quarter," commented Richard Smucker, president and co-chief executive officer. "We were able to grow earnings despite commodity costs that continued to rise, and have reached record levels for certain raw materials. We remain enthusiastic about the opportunities for our brands, and continue to support them with investments in product quality, a steady stream of new products, and marketing spending. We maintain a long-term view on managing our business and are confident in our ability to continue to achieve profitable growth."

    Nine-Month Results

                                             Nine months ended
                                                January 31,            %
                                              2008       2007       Increase
                                  (Dollars in millions, except per share data)

    Net sales                              $1,934.8   $1,654.5        17%
    Net income:
       Income                                $133.3     $114.7        16%
       Income per diluted share               $2.33      $2.01        16%

Net sales increased 23 percent in the first nine months of 2008 compared to the first nine months of 2007, excluding the Canadian nonbranded, grain- based foodservice and industrial businesses sold in September 2006. The acquired Eagle businesses contributed $194.2 million in the first nine months of 2008.

Net income per diluted share for the first nine months of 2008 was $2.33, a 16 percent increase over last year's first nine months. Net income for the first nine months of 2008 included restructuring and merger and integration costs of $0.09 per diluted share, while net income for the first nine months of 2007 included restructuring costs of $0.13 per diluted share. Excluding these costs in both years, the Company's income per diluted share was $2.42 in the first nine months of 2008, and $2.14 in the first nine months of 2007, an increase of 13 percent.

The Company uses income and income per diluted share, excluding restructuring and merger and integration costs, as key measures of results of operations for purposes of evaluating performance internally. These non-GAAP measures are not intended to replace the presentation of financial results in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Rather, the presentation of results excluding such charges is consistent with the way management internally evaluates its businesses, facilitates the comparison of past and present operations, and provides a more comprehensive understanding of the financial results. A reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to net income for the current quarter and nine-month period is included in the "Unaudited Financial Highlights" table.

    Margins

                                        Three months ended  Nine months ended
                                           January 31,         January 31,
                                          2008     2007       2008     2007
                                                   (% of net sales)

    Gross profit                          29.4%    33.1%      31.0%    31.6%
    Selling, distribution, and
     administrative expenses              18.5%    20.8%      19.2%    20.1%
    Operating income                      10.4%    12.3%      11.4%    11.3%

Operating income increased by $4.6 million, or 7 percent, compared to the third quarter of 2007 while decreasing from 12.3 percent to 10.4 percent of net sales. The impact of higher raw material costs, predominantly the record levels for soybean oil and wheat, and the mix of product sales in the quarter resulted in gross profit of 29.4 percent of net sales compared to 33.1 percent in last year's third quarter. The impact of price increases taken to date, while essentially offsetting higher raw material costs, was not sufficient to maintain profit margins.

Selling, distribution, and administrative ("SD&A") expenses increased 13 percent, for the third quarter of 2008 compared to 2007, resulting from increased marketing spending, and additional costs related to the acquired Eagle business. Corporate overhead expenses increased at a lesser rate than sales resulting in an overall decrease in SD&A from 20.8 percent of net sales to 18.5 percent, partially offsetting the decline in gross profit as a percent of net sales. Higher restructuring and merger and integration costs in the third quarter of 2008 compared to 2007 also negatively impacted operating income.

Other

Interest expense increased by $5.1 million in the third quarter of 2008 compared to the third quarter of 2007, resulting from the issuance of $400 million in senior notes in the first quarter of 2008, a portion of which was used to repay short-term debt used in financing the Eagle acquisition. The investment of excess proceeds resulted in an increase in interest income of $1.1 million during the quarter compared to the same quarter last year.

The effective tax rate decreased to 31.8 percent in the third quarter of 2008, from 33.1 percent in the comparable period in 2007, primarily as a result of statutory tax law changes and an increase in tax-exempt interest earnings. For the full year, the Company estimates an effective tax rate between 33.0 percent and 33.5 percent.

During the third quarter, the Company repurchased 1,631,000 common shares for $82.6 million in cash, including 1.5 million common shares under a previously announced Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. At its January 2008 meeting, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a 5.0 million common share increase to its share repurchase plan. Share repurchases will occur at management's discretion and there is no guarantee as to the exact number of shares that may be repurchased. Since January 2005, the Company has repurchased nearly 5.0 million common shares. At the end of the quarter, the Company had approximately 55.9 million common shares outstanding.

In February 2008, the Company incurred a storm-related loss at a third- party distribution center. Although the extent of the financial loss has not yet been determined, the Company expects proceeds from insurance coverage to substantially offset any financial impact. In addition, the Company does not expect a material disruption of business related to the incident.

    Segment Performance

    Net sales               Three months ended          Nine months ended
                                January 31,                January 31,
                                              %                         %
                                           Increase                  Increase
                           2008     2007  (Decrease) 2008      2007 (Decrease)
                            (Dollars in millions)     (Dollars in millions)

    U.S. retail market     $502.2   $393.8    28%  $1,455.6  $1,181.6   23%
    Special markets        $163.2   $129.3    26%    $479.2    $473.0    1%
    Special markets
     excluding divested
     nonbranded Canadian
     businesses            $163.2   $129.3    26%    $479.2    $397.9   20%


    U.S. Retail Market

U.S. retail market segment net sales for the quarter were up 28 percent. Net sales in the consumer strategic business area increased 13 percent led by peanut butter, fruit spreads, and Smucker's Uncrustables(R). Net sales in the consumer oils and baking strategic business area were up 46 percent. Excluding the contribution of $57.3 million from the acquired Eagle business, consumer oils and baking net sales increased 13 percent, due to growth in baking mixes, flour, and frostings, and pricing actions.

For the first nine months of 2008, U.S. retail market segment net sales increased 23 percent compared to the first nine months of 2007. Net sales in the consumer strategic business area increased 10 percent, and excluding the contribution of $165.3 million from the acquired Eagle business, net sales in the oils and baking strategic business area increased 9 percent over the first nine months of 2007.

Special Markets

Net sales in the third quarter for the special markets segment increased 26 percent. Net sales in Canada were up 49 percent primarily due to the impacts of the acquired Eagle and Carnation canned milk businesses and favorable exchange rates. Net sales increased 20 percent in foodservice, and were up 8 percent, excluding the contribution of the Eagle acquisition.

For the first nine months of 2008, special markets segment net sales increased 20 percent compared to the first nine months of 2007, excluding divested Canadian businesses.

Conference Call

The Company will conduct an earnings conference call and webcast on Friday, February 15, 2008, at 8:30 a.m. E.T. The webcast, as well as a replay in downloadable MP3 format, can be accessed from the Company's website at www.smuckers.com. For those unable to listen to the webcast, an audio replay will be available following the call and can be accessed by dialing 888-203- 1112 or 719-457-0820, with a pass code of 3196264, and will be available until Friday, February 22, 2008.

About The J. M. Smucker Company

The J. M. Smucker Company is the leading marketer and manufacturer of fruit spreads, peanut butter, shortening and oils, ice cream toppings, sweetened condensed milk, and health and natural foods beverages in North America. Its family of brands includes Smucker's(R), Jif(R), Crisco(R), Pillsbury(R), Eagle Brand(R), R.W. Knudsen Family(R), Hungry Jack(R), White Lily(R) and Martha White(R) in the United States, along with Robin Hood(R), Five Roses(R), Carnation(R) and Bick's(R) in Canada. The Company remains rooted in the Basic Beliefs of Quality, People, Ethics, Growth and Independence established by its founder and namesake more than a century ago. Since 1998, the Company has appeared on FORTUNE Magazine's annual listing of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in the United States, ranking number one in 2004. For more information about the Company, visit www.smuckers.com.

The J. M. Smucker Company is the owner of all trademarks, except Pillsbury is a trademark of The Pillsbury Company, used under license and Carnation is a trademark of Societe des Produits Nestle S.A., used under license.

The J. M. Smucker Company Forward-Looking Language

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding estimates of future earnings and cash flows that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Uncertainties that could affect actual results include, but are not limited to: volatility of commodity markets from which raw materials are procured and the related impact on costs; crude oil price trends and its impact on transportation, energy, and packaging costs; the ability to successfully implement price changes; the success and cost of introducing new products and the competitive response; the success and cost of marketing and sales programs and strategies intended to promote growth in the Company's businesses; general competitive activity in the market, including competitors' pricing practices and promotional spending levels; the concentration of certain of the Company's businesses with key customers and the ability to manage and maintain key customer relationships; the loss of significant customers or a substantial reduction in orders from these customers or the bankruptcy of any such customer; the ability of the Company to obtain any required financing; the timing and amount of capital expenditures, restructuring, and merger and integration costs; the outcome of current and future tax examinations and other tax matters, and their related impact on the Company's tax positions; the timing and amount of proceeds from insurance settlements; foreign currency and interest rate fluctuations; the timing and cost of acquiring common shares under the Company's share repurchase authorization; and other factors affecting share prices and capital markets generally. Other risks and uncertainties that may materially affect the Company are detailed from time to time in the respective reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Forms 10-Q, 10- K, and 8-K.

                          The J. M. Smucker Company
            Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

                                    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended
                                        January 31,            January 31,
                                      2008       2007        2008       2007
                                 (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

    Net sales                      $665,373   $523,081  $1,934,776 $1,654,545
    Cost of products sold           469,658    349,425   1,334,589  1,122,412
    Cost of products sold -
     restructuring                      262        689         262      9,981
    Gross Profit                    195,453    172,967     599,925    522,152
    Selling, distribution, and
     administrative expenses        122,907    108,789     371,018    333,274
    Other restructuring
     costs (credits)                    705       (199)      1,606      1,337
    Merger and integration costs      2,900          -       5,884          -
    Operating Income                 68,941     64,377     221,417    187,541
    Interest income                   3,694      2,629      11,015      6,625
    Interest expense                (10,725)    (5,656)    (31,735)   (17,681)
    Other income (expense) - net        250       (902)      1,162     (1,210)
    Income Before Income Taxes       62,160     60,448     201,859    175,275
    Income taxes                     19,759     20,021      68,531     60,555
    Net Income                      $42,401    $40,427    $133,328   $114,720

      Net income per common share     $0.75      $0.72       $2.35      $2.03

      Net income per common
       share - assuming dilution      $0.75      $0.71       $2.33      $2.01

     Dividends declared per
      common share                    $0.30      $0.28       $0.90      $0.84

    Weighted-average shares
     outstanding                 56,400,147 56,185,039  56,716,734 56,494,799
    Weighted-average shares
     outstanding - assuming
     dilution                    56,823,265 56,787,600  57,206,738 57,060,218



                          The J. M. Smucker Company
               Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

                                            January 31, 2008    April 30, 2007
                                                   (Dollars in thousands)
    Assets
    Current Assets:
       Cash and cash equivalents                   $327,664          $200,119
       Trade receivables                            141,215           124,048
       Inventories                                  348,277           286,052
       Other current assets                          37,161            29,147
          Total Current Assets                      854,317           639,366

    Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net             489,448           454,028

    Other Noncurrent Assets:
       Goodwill                                   1,110,341           990,771
       Other intangible assets, net                 592,812           478,194
       Marketable securities                         17,202            44,117
       Other assets                                  98,133            87,347
          Total Other Noncurrent Assets           1,818,488         1,600,429
                                                 $3,162,253        $2,693,823

    Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
    Current Liabilities:
       Accounts payable                            $114,634           $93,500
       Current portion of long-term debt                -              33,000
       Other current liabilities                    129,289           109,968
          Total Current Liabilities                 243,923           236,468

    Noncurrent Liabilities:
       Long-term debt, net of current portion       790,424           392,643
       Other noncurrent liabilities                 277,302           269,055
          Total Noncurrent Liabilities            1,067,726           661,698

    Shareholders' Equity, net                     1,850,604         1,795,657
                                                 $3,162,253        $2,693,823



                          The J. M. Smucker Company
           Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow

                                                 Nine Months Ended January 31,
                                                      2008           2007
                                                    (Dollars in thousands)

    Operating Activities
       Net income                                     $133,328       $114,720
       Adjustments to reconcile net
        income to net cash provided by operating
        activities:
         Depreciation                                   43,528         42,387
         Amortization                                    2,940          1,186
         Asset impairments and other restructuring
          charges                                          262         10,089
         Share-based compensation expense                8,692          8,282
         Working capital                               (10,328)        35,378
    Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities          178,422        212,042

    Investing Activities
       Businesses acquired, net of cash acquired      (166,963)       (60,488)
       Additions to property, plant, and equipment     (53,562)       (42,903)
       Proceeds from sale of business                    3,407         84,054
       Purchases of marketable securities             (229,405)       (20,000)
       Sales and maturities of marketable securities   256,861         23,195
       Other - net                                         973           (944)
    Net Cash Used for Investing Activities            (188,689)       (17,086)

    Financing Activities
       Proceeds from long-term debt                    400,000           -
       Repayments of long-term debt                   (148,000)          -
       Dividends paid                                  (51,478)       (47,820)
       Purchase of treasury shares                     (86,300)       (51,943)
       Other - net                                      18,689        (11,655)
    Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing
     Activities                                        132,911       (111,418)
    Effect of exchange rate changes                      4,901         (3,326)
    Net increase in cash and cash equivalents          127,545         80,212
    Cash and cash equivalents at
     beginning of period                               200,119         71,956
    Cash and cash equivalents at end of period        $327,664       $152,168



                          The J. M. Smucker Company
                        Unaudited Financial Highlights

                                    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended
                                        January 31,           January 31,
                                      2008      2007        2008       2007
                                 (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

    Net sales                      $665,373  $523,081  $1,934,776 $1,654,545

    Net income and net income
     per common share:
      Net income                    $42,401   $40,427    $133,328   $114,720
      Net income per common share
       -- assuming dilution           $0.75     $0.71       $2.33      $2.01

    Income before restructuring
     and merger and integration
     costs: (1)
      Income                        $44,992   $40,828    $138,448   $122,127
      Income per common share --
       assuming dilution              $0.79     $0.72       $2.42      $2.14


    (1) Reconciliation to net income:
      Income before income taxes    $62,160   $60,448    $201,859   $175,275
      Merger and integration costs    2,900         -       5,884          -
      Cost of products sold -
       restructuring                    262       689         262      9,981

      Other restructuring costs
       (credits)                        705      (199)      1,606      1,337

      Income before income taxes,
       restructuring, and merger
       and integration costs         66,027    60,938     209,611    186,593

      Income taxes                   21,035    20,110      71,163     64,466
      Income before restructuring
       and merger and integration
       costs                        $44,992   $40,828    $138,448   $122,127

The Company uses income and income per diluted share, excluding restructuring and merger and integration costs, as key performance measures of results of operations for purposes of evaluating performance internally. These non-GAAP measures are not intended to replace the presentation of financial results in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Rather, the presentation of results excluding such charges is consistent with the way management internally evaluates its businesses, facilitates the comparison of past and present operations and provides a more comprehensive understanding of the financial results.

                          The J. M. Smucker Company
                        Unaudited Reportable Segments

                                   Three Months Ended      Nine Months Ended
                                       January 31,           January  31,
                                     2008      2007        2008        2007
                                             (Dollars in thousands)

    Net sales:
        U.S. retail market         $502,174  $393,797  $1,455,553  $1,181,556
        Special markets             163,199   129,284     479,223     472,989
    Total net sales                $665,373  $523,081  $1,934,776  $1,654,545

    Segment profit:
        U.S. retail market          $79,379   $77,751    $256,544    $236,796
        Special markets              25,206    17,230      67,630      52,448
    Total segment profit           $104,585   $94,981    $324,174    $289,244


    (Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071219/SMUCKERLOGO )

SOURCE J. M. Smucker Company

CONTACT: Investors - Mark R. Belgya, Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer and Treasurer, or Sonal Robinson, Director, Corporate Finance and
Investor Relations; Media - Maribeth Badertscher, Director, Corporate
Communications, all of The J. M. Smucker Company, +1-330-682-3000

For further information: CONTACT: Investors - Mark R. Belgya, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, or Sonal Robinson, Director, Corporate Finance and Investor Relations; Media - Maribeth Badertscher, Director, Corporate Communications, all of The J. M. Smucker Company, +1-330-682-3000
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