Conagra Brands (NYSE:CAG) Bolsa

Conagra Brands

Conagra Brands is a packaged food company that operates predominantly in the United States (over 90% of fiscal 2024 revenue). Most of its revenue comes from frozen food, including brands like Marie Callender's, Healthy Choice, Banquet, and Birds Eye. Conagra also sells snacks, shelf-stable staples, and refrigerated food through brands like Duncan Hines, Hunt's, Slim Jim, Vlasic, Orville Redenbacher's, Reddi-wip, Wish-Bone, and Chef Boyardee. The company primarily sells through the us retail channel, with just 9% of fiscal 2024 revenue coming from international markets and 10% from foodservice.

Conagra Brands Inc

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Stifel analyst Matthew Smith maintains Conagra Brands (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAG#NYSE">CAG</a>) with a Hold and lowers the price target from $28 to $26.

Price Target

Stifel Maintains Hold on Conagra Brands, Lowers Price Target to $26

Wells Fargo analyst Chris Carey maintains Conagra Brands (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAG#NYSE">CAG</a>) with a Equal-Weight and lowers the price target from $28 to $27.

Wells Fargo Maintains Equal-Weight on Conagra Brands, Lowers Price Target to $27

WIIM

Conagra Brands shares are trading lower after the company lowered its FY25 adjusted EPS outlook.

Conagra Says In Q3, Experienced Manufacturing Challenges At Primary Facility That Prepares And Cooks Chicken Used In Frozen Meals

Updated Fiscal 2025 Outlook Reflects Temporary Service Constraints and Impact of Foreign Exchange; &nbsp;Long-Term Targets Unchanged
CHICAGO, Feb. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAG#NYSE">CAG</a>) announced that its upcoming presentation at the annual Consumer Analyst Group of New York (CAGNY) Conference will detail Conagra's advantaged market position, perspective on the evolving consumer environment, and unique focus on the science of growth. Conagra will also preview a series of new innovations expected to launch in calendar year 2025 and provide detail on its updated fiscal 2025 financial guidance.&nbsp;
As previously announced, Sean Connolly, president and chief executive officer, Dave Marberger, executive vice president and chief financial officer, and Bob Nolan, senior vice president, growth science, will present on February 18 at 9:00 a.m. ET.
Fiscal 2025 Outlook Update The company has experienced customer service interruptions during the third quarter due to supply constraints on two product platforms: frozen meals containing chicken and frozen vegetables. In addition, foreign exchange rates are now expected to provide a further headwind to adjusted earnings per share.
As a result of these challenges, the company is making the following updates to its fiscal 2025 financial outlook1:
<figure class="table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Metric</td>
<td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Prior Fiscal 2025 Guidance</td>
<td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Updated Fiscal 2025 Guidance</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Organic Net Sales Growth (vs. FY24)</td>
<td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Near the midpoint of (1.5)% to flat</td>
<td colspan="1" rowspan="1">~(2.0)%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Adjusted Operating Margin</td>
<td colspan="1" rowspan="1">~14.8%</td>
<td colspan="1" rowspan="1">~14.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Adjusted EPS</td>
<td colspan="1" rowspan="1">$2.45 to $2.50</td>
<td colspan="1" rowspan="1">~$2.35</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Net Leverage Ratio</td>
<td colspan="1" rowspan="1">~3.4x</td>
<td colspan="1" rowspan="1">~3.55x</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
The company's expectations for capital expenditures, free cash flow conversion, interest expense, Ardent Mills' contribution, pension income, adjusted effective tax rate and inflation remain unchanged from our second quarter earnings materials. The company's updated guidance does not include any potential impacts from new tariffs. Conagra's long-term financial targets are unchanged.

Guidance

Conagra Brands Updates FY25 Adj. EPS From $2.45-$2.50 To ~$2.35 Vs $2.46 Est.; Revenue From Near The Midpoint Of (1.5)% To Flat To ~(2.0)%

The rise of appetite-suppressing drugs like Ozempic is changing the way Americans eat, but there's a twist: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/cannabis">cannabis</a> legalization is pulling consumer behavior in the opposite direction. Bloomberg's <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/prognosis?sref=TBDibEcD">Prognosis newsletter</a> recently dug into this fascinating interplay, highlighting how these two trends are reshaping the food industry and public health.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Ozempic Effect: Appetite On Pause</h3>
Ozempic, Wegovy and other GLP-1 agonists have become household names for their remarkable ability to help people shed pounds. These drugs don't just curb appetite, they're also influencing what people buy. According to a <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-02-16/ozempic-users-cut-grocery-spending-by-up-to-9-survey-finds">Morgan Stanley report</a>, households using GLP-1 drugs have cut their spending on snacks, pastries and ice cream by 6% to 9%. Meanwhile, healthier options like yogurt and vegetable snacks are seeing a boost, as companies like Danone (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DANOY#OTC">DANOY</a>) and Nestlé adjust their product lines to meet demand.
Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>), maker of Ozempic, has even <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/novo-nordisk-ceo-says-fielding-114820887.html">received calls</a> from food industry leaders worried about the drug's impact. And they have reason to be concerned: Walmart (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>) has <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-10-04/walmart-says-ozempic-weight-loss-drugs-causing-slight-pullback-by-shoppers">reported</a> that households with GLP-1 users are buying less food overall. As the popularity of these drugs grows, with the market <a href="https://www.jpmorgan.com/insights/global-research/current-events/obesity-drugs">projected</a> to hit $100 billion by 2030, the ripple effects are only just beginning.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cannabis Legalization: The Munchies Are Big Business</h3>
On the flip side, marijuana legalization is sparking a very different trend. With recreational cannabis now legal in 24 states, the infamous &#8220;<a href="https://elplanteo.com/munchies/">munchies</a>&#8221; are giving a major boost to junk food sales. Researchers from the <a href="https://www.nber.org/papers/w33176">National Bureau of Economic Research</a> found that grocery spending on snacks, cookies and candy jumped nearly 9% in states that legalized recreational marijuana.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">A Collision Of Cultural Forces</h3>
These two trends &#8211; Ozempic's appetite-suppressing revolution and cannabis' munchies-driven consumption &#8211; paint a complex picture of American eating habits. On one side, GLP-1 drugs are helping people slim down and rethink their diets. On the other, marijuana legalization is encouraging indulgence, particularly in the form of high-calorie comfort foods.
Companies are scrambling to adapt. Nestlé and Conagra (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAG#NYSE">CAG</a>), for instance, are launching new products designed to appeal to both GLP-1 users and cannabis consumers. Think high-protein, portion-controlled frozen meals that cater to health-conscious shoppers, alongside indulgent snacks that satisfy the munchies. It's a balancing act and a testament to the food industry's ability to pivot with the times.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Bigger Picture: Health And Economics</h3>
Cannabis legalization has brought tangible economic benefits, including increased GDP, job creation and tax revenue for states where it's legal. For example, Colorado and California have reported billions in tax revenue since legalization. Moreover, cannabis policies have helped reduce arrests and shifted law enforcement resources toward other priorities, fostering a growing legal industry that has supported local economies.
At the same time, public health challenges remain. Research indicates mixed outcomes. While substance use and dependency have increased slightly in some states, other studies highlight a decrease in opioid-related deaths and alcohol consumption, suggesting cannabis can serve as a harm-reduction tool.
Meanwhile, GLP-1 drugs present their own set of challenges. While they offer a promising tool in combating obesity, their rapid adoption is forcing industries reliant on indulgent eating, from fast food to snacks, to rethink their strategies. Questions about the long-term effects of these drugs and their impact on consumer behavior remain unanswered.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">What's Next?</h3>
The intersection of Ozempic's appetite suppression and cannabis's munchies effect highlights the complexity of consumer trends in the U.S. Will GLP-1 drugs lead to healthier lifestyles, or will the munchies win out? For now, it's clear that both trends are reshaping industries and pushing companies to innovate like never before.
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Biotech

Cannabis

Health Care

DANOY

How Ozempic And Legal Weed Are Changing What America Eats

Stifel analyst Matthew Smith maintains Conagra Brands (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAG#NYSE">CAG</a>) with a Hold and lowers the price target from $30 to $28.

Stifel Maintains Hold on Conagra Brands, Lowers Price Target to $28

Conagra Brands's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAG#NYSE">CAG</a>) short percent of float has risen 10.12% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 15.95 million shares sold short, which is 3.81% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 2.82 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Conagra Brands Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1736946923_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Conagra Brands has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Conagra Brands's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Conagra Brands's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 5.59%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Short Sellers

Short Ideas

Peering Into Conagra Brands's Recent Short Interest

During times of turbulence and uncertainty in the markets, many investors turn to dividend-yielding stocks. These are often companies that have high free cash flows and reward shareholders with a<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/yield-investments"> high dividend payout</a>.
Benzinga readers can review the latest analyst takes on their favorite stocks by visiting <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">Analyst Stock Ratings</a> page. Traders can sort through Benzinga's extensive database of analyst ratings, including <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/22/09/28888638/exclusive-study-finds-benzinga-analyst-ratings-data-yields-market-beating-strategie">by analyst accuracy</a>.
Below are the ratings of the most accurate analysts for three high-yielding stocks in the consumer staples sector.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Kraft Heinz Company (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KHC#NASDAQ">KHC</a>)</h3>
<ul>
<li>Dividend Yield: 5.57%</li>
<li>TD Cowen analyst Robert Moskow maintained a Hold rating and cut the price target from $34 to $32 on Jan. 8, 2025. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 67%.</li>
<li>Evercore ISI Group analyst David Palmer downgraded the stock from Outperform to In-Line and lowered the price target from $38 to $35 on Jan. 7, 2025. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 62%.</li>
<li>Recent News: On Oct. 30, Kraft Heinz posted third-quarter earnings of 75 cents per share, beating estimates, but reported a revenue decline and anticipates a prolonged recovery in U.S. retail.</li>
<li>Benzinga Pro's real-time newsfeed alerted to latest <a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent011525&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">KHC news</a>. </li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image is-resized"><a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent011525&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img decoding="async" src="blob:https://editorial.benzinga.com/8218ab9a-9e7e-4522-8375-228aba88a427" alt="" style="width:579px;height:auto" /></a></figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAG#NYSE">CAG</a>)</h3>
<ul>
<li>Dividend Yield: 5.37%</li>
<li>JP Morgan analyst Ken Goldman maintained a Neutral rating and cut the price target from $30 to $29 on Jan. 3, 2025. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 77%.</li>
<li>B of A Securities analyst Bryan Spillane maintained a Neutral rating and cut the price target from $31 to $29 on Dec. 20, 2024. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 62%.</li>
<li>Recent News: On Dec. 19, the company reported second-quarter adjusted earnings per share of 70 cents, beating the analyst consensus estimate of 67 cents.</li>
<li>Benzinga Pro's real-time newsfeed alerted to latest <a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent011525&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">CAG news</a> </li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image is-resized"><a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent011525&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img decoding="async" src="blob:https://editorial.benzinga.com/14824195-75d1-4a55-84bb-390b41a774b5" alt="" style="width:652px;height:auto" /></a></figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CALM#NASDAQ">CALM</a>)</h3>
<ul>
<li>Dividend Yield: 3.89%</li>
<li>Goldman Sachs analyst Adam Samuelson maintained a Sell rating and raised the price target from $47 to $52 on July 17, 2024. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 60%.</li>
<li>Stephens &amp; Co. analyst Ben Bienvenu reiterated an Equal-Weight rating with a price target of $65 on April 3, 2024. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 75%.</li>
<li>Recent News: On Jan. 7, Cal-Maine Foods reported better-than-expected quarterly EPS and revenues.</li>
<li>Benzinga Pro&#8217;s real-time newsfeed alerted to latest <a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent011525&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">CALM news</a> </li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent011525&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="917" height="835" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/15071438/image-97.png" alt="" class="wp-image-734513" style="width:619px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/15071438/image-97.png 917w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/15071438/image-97-300x273.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/15071438/image-97-768x699.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 917px) 100vw, 917px" /></a></figure>
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Dividends

Pre-Market Outlook

Markets

CALM

Wall Street's Most Accurate Analysts Give Their Take On 3 Defensive Stocks Delivering High-Dividend Yields

JP Morgan analyst Ken Goldman maintains Conagra Brands (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAG#NYSE">CAG</a>) with a Neutral and lowers the price target from $30 to $29.

JP Morgan Maintains Neutral on Conagra Brands, Lowers Price Target to $29

Barclays analyst Andrew Lazar maintains Conagra Brands (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAG#NYSE">CAG</a>) with a Overweight and lowers the price target from $33 to $32.

Barclays Maintains Overweight on Conagra Brands, Lowers Price Target to $32

B of A Securities analyst Bryan Spillane maintains Conagra Brands (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAG#NYSE">CAG</a>) with a Neutral and lowers the price target from $31 to $29.

B of A Securities Maintains Neutral on Conagra Brands, Lowers Price Target to $29

RBC Capital analyst Nik Modi reiterates Conagra Brands (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAG#NYSE">CAG</a>) with a Sector Perform and maintains $29 price target.

Reiteration

RBC Capital Reiterates Sector Perform on Conagra Brands, Maintains $29 Price Target

Wells Fargo analyst Chris Carey maintains Conagra Brands (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAG#NYSE">CAG</a>) with a Equal-Weight and lowers the price target from $30 to $28.

Wells Fargo Maintains Equal-Weight on Conagra Brands, Lowers Price Target to $28

The day after a volatile Federal Reserve meeting, Wall Street grappled with the stark reality of Fed Chair <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/jerome-powell">Jerome Powell</a>&#8216;s cautious tone on cutting interest rates in 2024. The message left investors weighing the impact of higher-for-longer interest rates amid<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/12/42585715/us-gdp-upwardly-revised-to-31-in-q3-jobless-claims-drop-more-than-expected-treasury-yields-hit-7-month-highs"> a still-resilient economy.</a>
Despite the hawkish undertones, stocks managed to stabilize, with major indices posting modest gains as dip-buyers emerged.
The S&amp;P 500 rose 0.5%, recovering from a steep 3% selloff on Wednesday—its worst one-day drop since September 2022. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.4%, attempting to break a staggering 10-day losing streak, its longest since 1974, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 edged 0.3% higher. 
While equities regained some ground, market conviction remains tepid as investors brace for Friday's release of the November inflation report, a critical data point for the Federal Reserve&#8217;s future policy decisions. The report could either reaffirm the Fed's hawkish stance or inject hope for an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/12/42598354/wall-street-pins-hopes-on-fridays-crucial-fed-inflation-report-yet-a-miracle-is-needed-to-shift-the-narrative">lower-than-expected data.</a>
Thursday's economic data continued to underscore the resilience of the U.S. economy. Third-quarter GDP growth was upwardly revised from 2.8% to 3.1%, amid strong consumer spending. Weekly jobless claims fell to 220,000 last week, below forecasts of 230,000, signaling a still-tight labor market.
The bond market extended its selloff, with longer-dated Treasuries taking the biggest hit. Fixed-income investors remain under pressure, exacerbated by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42594797/trump-wants-to-get-rid-of-the-debt-ceiling-30-year-treasury-bonds-fall-to-2024-lows-stocks-cut-gains">recent comments from Donald Trump,</a> who floated the idea of eliminating the U.S. debt ceiling entirely—a development that could upend Treasury market dynamics.
In currency markets, the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) rose 0.2%, hitting its highest level since November 2022, supported by robust economic data.
Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) remained flat at $100,000, following Wednesday&#8217;s 5.6% plunge.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Thursday&#8217;s Performance In Major US Indices</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Major Indices</td>
<td>Price</td>
<td>1-day %chg</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500</td>
<td>5,903.81</td>
<td>0.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow Jones</td>
<td>42,511.46</td>
<td>0.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq 100</td>
<td>21,278.46</td>
<td>0.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell 2000</td>
<td>2,228.69</td>
<td>-0.1%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Updated at 12:10 p.m. ET </figcaption></figure>
According to&nbsp;<a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent121924&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">Benzinga Pro</a>&nbsp;data:
<ul>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) rose 0.5% to $589.79.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>)&nbsp;rose 0.5% to $426.40.</li>
<li>The tech-heavy&nbsp;Invesco QQQ Trust Series&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>) edged 0.3% up to $517.89.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;iShares Russell 2000 ETF&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IWM#NYSE">IWM</a>) stalled at $220.70. </li>
<li>The&nbsp;Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLU#NYSE">XLU</a>) outperformed, up by 1%; the&nbsp;Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLB#NYSE">XLB</a>) lagged, down 0.6%.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Thursday&#8217;s Stock Movers</h3>
<ul>
<li>Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MU#NASDAQ">MU</a>) plummeted over 16% after a weaker-than-expected guidance for fiscal 2025, eyeing the worst 1-day drop since March 2020. </li>
<li>Accenture plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACN#NYSE">ACN</a>) rallied over 6% in reaction to stronger-than-expected quarterly earnings.</li>
<li>Other stocks reacting to earnings included Darden Restaurants Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DRI#NYSE">DRI</a>) up 15%, Cintas Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CTAS#NASDAQ">CTAS</a>) down 10%, Paychex Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PAYX#NASDAQ">PAYX</a>), up 2.5%, ConAgra Brands Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAG#NYSE">CAG</a>), down 2%, FactSet Research Systems Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDS#NYSE">FDS</a>) up 3.3%, CarMax Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KMX#NYSE">KMX</a>), up 4.3%, and Lamb Weston Holdings Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LW#NYSE">LW</a>), down 23%. </li>
<li>Major companies slated to report their earnings after the close include FedEx Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDX#NYSE">FDX</a>) and Nike Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NKE#NYSE">NKE</a>). </li>
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US Stocks Edge Up, Micron Suffers Worst Day Since March 2020, Bond Yields Surge: What's Driving Thursday's  Markets?

ConAgra Brands, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAG#NYSE">CAG</a>) shares are trading slightly lower in the morning session on Thursday.
The company reported second-quarter adjusted earnings per share of 70 cents, beating <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/12/n42573423/conagra-brands-reports-second-quarter-results" rel="noreferrer noopener">the analyst consensus estimate of 67 cents.</a>
Quarterly sales of $3.195 billion, beating the street view of $3.149 billion. The results show a 0.4% decrease in net sales, with organic net sales up by 0.3%.
The&nbsp;0.3%&nbsp;increase in organic net sales was driven by a&nbsp;0.1% negative impact from&nbsp;price/mix and a&nbsp;0.4%&nbsp;increase in volume.
Net sales for the Grocery &amp; Snacks segment increased&nbsp;2.0% to&nbsp;$1.3 billion, reported and organic net sales for the Refrigerated&nbsp;&amp; Frozen segment were flat at&nbsp;$1.3 billion, net sales for the International segment decreased&nbsp;12.9% to&nbsp;$243 million, and sales for the Foodservice segment decreased 0.9% to&nbsp;$292 million.
The reported operating margin fell to 12.6%, down by 138 basis points, while the adjusted operating margin decreased to 15.3%, a 57 basis point drop.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42585797/darden-restaurants-stock-gains-after-q2-earnings-beat-estimates-sales-jump-6" rel="noreferrer noopener">Darden Restaurants Stock Gains After Q2 Earnings Beat Estimates, Sales Jump 6%</a>
&#8220;While momentum remains strong, we expect the business to be impacted by two headwinds in the back half including higher than expected inflation and unfavorable foreign exchange rates,&#8221; said Sean Connolly, president and chief executive officer of Conagra Brands.
Net interest expense was&nbsp;$108 million in the quarter, a 4.5% decrease compared to the prior year period due to a reduction in total debt.
For the first half of fiscal 2025, the company generated&nbsp;$754 million&nbsp;in operating cash flow. The company ended the quarter with net debt of&nbsp;$8.4 billion.
Outlook: Conagra Brands has lowered its FY25 adjusted EPS outlook to $2.45 &#8211; $2.50 <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/41138385" rel="noreferrer noopener">from the previous view</a> of $2.60 &#8211; $2.65. The analyst consensus estimate stands at $2.58.
The company projects organic net sales to be near the midpoint of a 1.5% decline to flat <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/guidance" rel="noreferrer noopener">growth year-over-year.</a>
Price Action: CAG shares are trading lower by 1.88% to $26.86 at last check Thursday.
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ConAgra Brands Stock Slips After Lowering FY25 Earnings Outlook, CEO Cautions Of Headwinds Ahead

Conagra Brands Lowers FY25 Outlook: Sees Adjusted EPS Between $2.45-$2.50 Vs. $2.58 Estimate (Prior View: $2.60-$2.65), Projects Organic Net Sales Near The Midpoint Of (1.5)% To Flat YoY

Conagra Brands (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAG#NYSE">CAG</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $0.70 per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $0.67 by 4.48 percent. The company reported quarterly sales of $3.195 billion which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $3.149 billion by 1.45 percent. This is a 0.41 percent decrease over sales of $3.208 billion the same period last year.

Earnings Beats

Conagra Brands Q2 2025 Adj. EPS $0.70 Beats $0.67 Estimate, Sales $3.195B Beat $3.149B Estimate

<h3>Companies Reporting Before The Bell</h3>
• Lamb Weston Hldgs (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LW#NYSE">LW</a>) is expected to report quarterly earnings at $1.01 per share on revenue of $1.67 billion. 
• Soho House (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHCO#NYSE">SHCO</a>) is expected to report quarterly loss at $0.01 per share on revenue of $332.86 million. 
• FuelCell Energy (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FCEL#NASDAQ">FCEL</a>) is estimated to report quarterly loss at $1.80 per share on revenue of $40.83 million. 
• MBX Biosciences (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MBX#NASDAQ">MBX</a>) is likely to report earnings for its third quarter. 
• Darden Restaurants (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DRI#NYSE">DRI</a>) is projected to report quarterly earnings at $2.02 per share on revenue of $2.87 billion. 
• Cintas (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CTAS#NASDAQ">CTAS</a>) is expected to report quarterly earnings at $1.02 per share on revenue of $2.56 billion. 
• Paychex (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PAYX#NASDAQ">PAYX</a>) is expected to report quarterly earnings at $1.13 per share on revenue of $1.31 billion. 
• Conagra Brands (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAG#NYSE">CAG</a>) is projected to report quarterly earnings at $0.68 per share on revenue of $3.15 billion. 
• CarMax (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KMX#NYSE">KMX</a>) is estimated to report quarterly earnings at $0.59 per share on revenue of $6.00 billion. 
• Accenture (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACN#NYSE">ACN</a>) is likely to report quarterly earnings at $3.42 per share on revenue of $17.17 billion. 
• FactSet Research Systems (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDS#NYSE">FDS</a>) is likely to report quarterly earnings at $4.25 per share on revenue of $564.74 million. 
<h3>Companies Reporting After The Bell</h3>
• Mobix Labs (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MOBX#NASDAQ">MOBX</a>) is likely to report earnings for its fourth quarter. 
• Innovative Solns (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ISSC#NASDAQ">ISSC</a>) is estimated to report earnings for its fourth quarter. 
• BlackBerry (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BB#NYSE">BB</a>) is projected to report quarterly loss at $0.01 per share on revenue of $149.98 million. 
• Scholastic (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SCHL#NASDAQ">SCHL</a>) is projected to report quarterly earnings at $2.61 per share on revenue of $584.04 million. 
• Mission Produce (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVO#NASDAQ">AVO</a>) is estimated to report quarterly earnings at $0.08 per share on revenue of $216.80 million. 
• Nike (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NKE#NYSE">NKE</a>) is likely to report quarterly earnings at $0.83 per share on revenue of $12.47 billion. 
• FedEx (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDX#NYSE">FDX</a>) is estimated to report quarterly earnings at $3.95 per share on revenue of $22.14 billion. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

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Earnings Scheduled For December 19, 2024

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Conagra Brands to Release Fiscal 2025 Second Quarter Earnings on December 19, 2024

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Conagra Brands Canada Recognized as one of Greater Toronto's Top Employers

Conagra Brands Announces Quarterly Dividend Payment

Conagra Brands Introduces Badges on Select Healthy Choice Products, Leading Consumers to GLP-1-Friendly Options

Future of Frozen Food 2025 Report Reveals New Frozen Food Trends and Generational Insights

CONAGRA BRANDS REPORTS SECOND QUARTER RESULTS

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