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What Campbell Soup Company's Earnings Mean for Mutual Fund Investors (CPB)

Shauna O'Brien Nov 25, 2014

Campbell Soup Company (CPB) released its first quarter financial results on Tuesday. The Camden, NJ-based company posted higher results that came in above analysts’ expectations.

Inside CPB’s Q1 Results

Earnings

The company reported earnings of $368 million, or 74 cents per share, up from $305 million, or 57 cents per share, in the same quarter last year. Analysts expected to see earnings of 72 cents per share.

Revenue
Revenue increased 4% to $2.26 billion from $2.17 billion a year ago. On average, analysts expected to see revenue of $2.22 billion.

Outlook
Looking forward, the company expects to see FY2015 adjusted earnings between $2.42 and $2.50 per share and sales growth between 0% and 2%. Previously, the company expected to see earnings between $2.45 and $2.50 per share and sales growth between 1% and 2%.

Mutual Funds to Watch

Investors seeking exposure to Campbell Soup Company without purchasing the individual may want to consider one of the mutual funds below as an alternative. Below are the mutual funds that currently hold the largest stake in the company.

Symbol	Mutual Fund	Stake
LCEAX	Invesco Diversified Dividend	1.74%
PRFDX	T. Rowe Price Equity Income	1.73%
JVMAX	American Century Equity Income	1.27%

The Bottom Line

The funds above may be a better alternative than purchasing stock of CPB, since they offer investors a diverse portfolio with exposure to many companies and industries.

Dividend focused investors may want to consider the Invesco Diversified Dividend fund for a portfolio of dividend stocks like Campbell’s.

Investors interested in CPB may also want to consider other packaged foods companies including Mondelez International (MDLZ), Unilever (UL) and Kraft Foods (KRFT).