ConAgra Foods reports solid fiscal 2010 EPS

ConAgra Foods Inc., one of North America’s leading food companies, on June 24 reported results for the fiscal 2010 fourth quarter ended May 30, 2010. Diluted EPS from continuing operations was $0.27 compared with $0.38 a year ago. After adjusting for net $0.12 in the current quarter and net $0.03 in the year-ago period from items impacting comparability, current-quarter diluted EPS was $0.39, down from $0.41 for the same period a year ago. The decline was expected, principally due to the extra week in the year-ago period and challenges for the Lamb Weston operations. Items impacting comparability in the current year and prior year are summarized toward the end of this release.

Gary Rodkin, ConAgra Foods’ chief executive officer, commented, “We are pleased with our fiscal year, posting comparable diluted EPS of $1.74 and generating very strong operating cash flow of $1.4 billion. We grew year-over-year unit and dollar market share in our Consumer Foods segment, reflecting successful sales, innovation, and marketing initiatives. This top-line progress, coupled with cost savings initiatives, allowed us to generate strong earnings, invest for the future, and more than offset challenges affecting our Commercial Foods segment. We are confident that fiscal 2011 will continue to demonstrate our company’s earnings power and ability to generate strong cash flows.”