RBC Capital analysts reaffirmed their Sector Perform rating and a $51 price target on Campbell Soup (NASDAQ:CPB), expressing caution about the company’s overly optimistic outlook on macro trends and category performance.
The analysts anticipated Campbell’s fiscal first-quarter results to align with expectations but flagged concerns over management’s bullish perspective on market conditions, suggesting it might lead to downward revisions in guidance later in the fiscal year. While the Meals & Beverages (M&B) segment showed promise due to trends like value-seeking and increased at-home meal preparation, the Snacks segment faced more challenges in the near term. The continued performance strength of Sovos Brands provided some potential upside for the M&B category.
Despite these positives, the analysts remained cautious due to increased competition and limited visibility impacting the broader packaged food sector, concerns from which Campbell Soup was not exempt.