TreeHouse Foods Inc. (THS), Campbell Soup Company (CPB), ConAgra Foods, Inc. (CAG): Three Food Companies That Could Boost Your Portfolio Returns

The demand for ready-to-eat foods has increased more than ever because of today’s fast and busy lifestyles. Packaged food products have experienced higher sales than the other retail grocery store segments, and demand is expected to rise further. The industry is projected to expand by almost 15% between 2010 and 2015. In 2015, it is expected that sales will exceed $92.7 billion. Almost all of the industry players are expanding their operations because of this projected expansion, either through organic growth or acquisition-based growth.

TreeHouse Foods Inc. (NYSE:THS)

Manufacturer TreeHouse Foods Inc. (NYSE:THS) has made two purchase agreements in 2013. In its latest agreement, the company has announced plans to acquire Associated Brands, a private-label manufacturer of powdered drinks, specialty teas, and sweeteners. Associated Brands’ dry mix categories, including powdered drinks, oatmeal, and side dishes, complement TreeHouse Foods Inc. (NYSE:THS)’s portfolio. TreeHouse Foods Inc. (NYSE:THS) will gain a stronger foothold in the North American market and enter the specialty tea category with this acquisition. The company’s pro forma 2013 sales will be around $2.5 billion, approximately 13% higher than the prior year’s sales, while its adjusted EBITDA will be around $350 million. The transaction is expected to have a neutral effect on 2013 earnings for TreeHouse Foods Inc. (NYSE:THS), but looks poised to benefit the company’s investors in 2014. The company’s per-share earnings are expected to be up by approximately $0.14 to $0.16 in the next year.

TreeHouse Foods Inc. (NYSE:THS) previously acquired Cains Foods, a privately held manufacturer of shelf-stable foods. As with the Associated Brands acquisition, this acquisition is also expected to have a neutral effect on the company’s 2013 earnings. It is expected to increase earnings by roughly $0.05 per share in 2014.

Due to an improved mix of sales and operating efficiencies, the reported gross margins of TreeHouse Foods Inc. (NYSE:THS) in the second quarter of 2013 increased by 0.6% year over year. The company’s direct operating income and margins improved in all of its segments. The adjusted EBITDA of the company grew by 8.3% to $0.65 per share. TreeHouse’s full-year EPS is projected to be in the range of $3.07 to $3.12, an improvement of 22.5% to 24% over 2012.

TreeHouse has also made some strategic changes. In May 2013, the company made some changes in its senior management. Christopher D. Sliva, its senior vice president and COO of the operating unit Bay Valley Foods, was promoted to executive vice president of the company and president of Bay Valley. Silva had an outstanding career at various consumer packaged goods companies, and has strong experience in managing operations. This change may have a positive impact on the company’s financial stability in the long run.

What synergies will peers’ acquisitions bring?
Campbell Soup Company (NYSE:CPB)has acquired Kelsen Group, a producer of baked snacks. Kelsen’s products are sold in 85 countries around the world, with sales of $180 million in fiscal year 2012. The sweet biscuit market in China and Hong Kong is growing at a faster pace than the global average. Campbell Soup Company (NYSE:CPB) is well positioned to take advantage of this growth because Kelsen is the market leader in both China and Hong Kong. The acquisition is expected to boost revenues for Campbell Soup Company (NYSE:CPB), and eventually enhance its profitability.

Campbell Soup Company (NYSE:CPB)’s management plans to strengthen the company’s core business and expand its operations into higher-growth areas. This plan will help the company expand its international presence and improve its profitability by diversifying its revenue base.

ConAgra Foods, Inc. (NYSE:CAG), another player in the market, acquired Ralcorp Holdings at the beginning of the year. ConAgra Foods, Inc. (NYSE:CAG) now projects that the acquisition will help drive double-digit EPS growth until 2017. ConAgra’s EPS in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013 was up by 18% on a year-over-year basis. The company’s projected EPS for fiscal year 2014 is $2.40, which represents approximately 11% comparable growth. The company’s per-share earnings are expected to grow at a 10% rate from 2015 to 2017.

Final takeaway
TreeHouse’s improved sales and operating margins have strengthened its financial position, which suggests future profit growth. The company’s acquisitions are expected to add further to EPS, which could also lead to higher profitability. Based on these expectations, the stock seems to be a good buy.

Campbell Soup Company (NYSE:CPB)’s revenues in the third quarter of fiscal year 2013 have increased by 13%, and its earnings per share increased by 3.5% on a year-over-year basis. The Kelsen acquisition will also significantly increase Campbell Soup’s revenues. Campbell Soup Company (NYSE:CPB)’s dividend has been constantly increasing; its dividend increased at a CAGR of 5.7% over the last five years. Therefore, the company’s future prospects look bright.

ConAgra Foods, Inc. (NYSE:CAG)’s strong current position, as well as the EPS growth expectations for ConAgra Foods, Inc. (NYSE:CAG), suggest handsome future earnings.

The article 3 Food Companies That Could Boost Your Portfolio Returns originally appeared on Fool.com is written by usman iftikhar.

Fool contributor Usman Iftikhar has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

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