ModernGraham Valuation: Campbell Soup Co. (CPB)
Company Profile (obtained from Google Finance): Campbell Soup Company (Campbell) together with its subsidiaries, is a manufacturer and marketer of branded convenience food products. The Company operates in five segments: U.S. Simple Meals; Global Baking and Snacking; International Simple Meals and Beverages; U.S. Beverages; and North America Foodservice. In June 2012, the Company purchased 1300 Admiral Wilson Boulevard in Camden. On August 6, 2012, the Company completed the acquisition of BF Bolthouse Holdco LLC (Bolthouse Farms). In September 2012, Vilmorin & Cie SA acquired the tomato and pepper breeding and sales business of the Company. In June 2013, Campbell Soup Co completed the acquisition of Plum Organics. In August 2013, Campbell Soup Company completed the acquisition of Kelsen Group A/S. In October 2013, it completed the sale of its European simple meals business to CVC Capital Partners.
Defensive and Enterprising Investor Tests (What is the significance of these tests, and what is PEmg ratio?):
Defensive Investor – must pass at least 6 of the following 7 tests: Score = 4/7
- Adequate Size of Enterprise – market capitalization of at least $2 billion – PASS
- Sufficiently Strong Financial Condition – current ratio greater than 2 – FAIL
- Earnings Stability – positive earnings per share for at least 10 straight years – PASS
- Dividend Record – has paid a dividend for at least 10 straight years – PASS
- Earnings Growth – earnings per share has increased by at least 1/3 over the last 10 years using 3 year averages at beginning and end of period – FAIL
- Moderate PEmg ratio – PEmg is less than 20 – PASS
- Moderate Price to Assets – PB ratio is less than 2.5 or PB x PEmg is less than 50 – FAIL
Enterprising Investor – must pass at least 4 of the following 5 tests or be suitable for a defensive investor: Score = 3/5
- Sufficiently Strong Financial Condition, Part 1 – current ratio greater than 1.5 – FAIL
- Sufficiently Strong Financial Condition, Part 2 – Debt to Net Current Assets ratio less than 1.1 – FAIL
- Earnings Stability – positive earnings per share for at least 5 years – PASS
- Dividend Record – currently pays a dividend – PASS
- Earnings growth – EPSmg greater than 5 years ago – PASS
Valuation Summary (Explanation of the ModernGraham Valuation Model)
Key Data:
MG Value | $28.56 |
MG Opinion | Overvalued |
Value Based on 3% Growth | $34.15 |
Value Based on 0% Growth | $20.02 |
Market Implied Growth Rate | 4.84% |
Net Current Asset Value (NCAV) | -$16.30 |
PEmg | 18.18 |
Current Ratio | 0.63 |
PB Ratio | 9.97 |
Balance Sheet – 9/30/2013Â
Current Assets | $2,587,000,000 |
Current Liabilities | $4,104,000,000 |
Total Debt | $2,247,000,000 |
Total Assets | $9,055,000,000 |
Intangible Assets | $3,655,000,000 |
Total Liabilities | $7,706,000,000 |
Outstanding Shares | 314,000,000 |
Earnings Per Share
2014 (estimate) | $2.42 |
2013 | $2.17 |
2012 | $2.43 |
2011 | $2.42 |
2010 | $2.42 |
2009 | $2.04 |
2008 | $1.76 |
2007 | $2.08 |
2006 | $1.82 |
2005 | $1.71 |
2004 | $1.57 |
Earnings Per Share – ModernGrahamÂ
2014 (estimate) | $2.36 |
2013 | $2.31 |
2012 | $2.33 |
2011 | $2.23 |
2010 | $2.10 |
2009 | $1.92 |
Conclusion:
Campbell Soup Co. is an average company that does not qualify for either the Defensive Investor or the Enterprising Investor. Â The failings for the Defensive Investor include the current ratio is too low, there has not been sufficient growth in earnings over the ten year period, and the company trades at a high PB ratio. Â As for the Enterprising Investor, the level of debt relative to the current assets is too high. Â Therefore, value investors seeking to follow Benjamin Graham’s methods should seek other opportunities by reviewing companies that do pass these requirements. Â As for a valuation, the company has grown EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $1.92 in 2009 to an estimated $2.36 for 2014. Â This level of growth does not support the market’s implied estimate of 4.84%, indicating the company may be overvalued at the present time.
What do you think?  Do you agree that Campbell Soup Co. is overvalued?  What would be your assessment?  Is the company not suitable for Defensive Investors or Enterprising Investors?  Leave a comment on our Facebook page or mention @ModernGraham on Twitter to discuss.
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Disclaimer: Â The author did not hold a position in Campbell Soup Co. (CPB) at the time of publication and had no intention of changing that position within the next 72 hours.
Photo Credit: Â Andrew Magill
Hi. Thanks for the informing article. Could you please explain the difference between “Earnings per share” and “Earning per share – Modern Graham”?
Thanks!
Great question. Thanks for asking! Earnings per share (EPS) is the annual data that is provided by the company. Earnings per share – Modern Graham (EPSmg) is the normalized earnings per share. We take a weighted average of the last 5 years of EPS data to determine what a normalized amount is. The intent is to try to smooth out some of the effects of the business cycle, and also to lessen the effects of extraordinary events while still taking them into account.
In general, you should aim to use normalized earnings because they can present a more accurate picture of the long-term prospects of the company.
Thanks again for asking, and keep reading!