Conagra Becomes S&P 500's Highest Dividend Yield Company
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Mar 04 2026
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Should l Buy CAG?
Source: NASDAQ.COM
- Dividend Yield Leader: Conagra Brands currently boasts a 7.4% dividend yield, surpassing LyondellBasell's previous 12.6% yield, which it lost after cutting its dividend, indicating Conagra's relative stability in maintaining high dividends.
- Improved Financial Health: Conagra expects its dividend payout ratio to reach 80% this year, which, while above its 50%-55% target range, reflects a stronger financial foundation compared to LyondellBasell's prior excessive payouts.
- Stable Cash Flow: Delek Logistics Partners offers an 8.9% distribution yield and has extended its distribution growth streak to 52 consecutive quarters, demonstrating strong performance backed by stable cash flows and long-term contracts, providing funding for future expansion.
- Diversified Investment Strategy: Starwood Property Trust further diversified its portfolio by acquiring Fundamental Income Properties for $2.2 billion, ensuring a 10.7% dividend yield and maintaining its dividend for over a decade, showcasing stable income streams and investor confidence.
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Analyst Views on CAG
Wall Street analysts forecast CAG stock price to rise
14 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
12 Hold
1 Sell
Hold
Current: 15.730
Low
16.00
Averages
18.67
High
22.00
Current: 15.730
Low
16.00
Averages
18.67
High
22.00
About CAG
Conagra Brands, Inc. is a branded food company. The Company’s segments include Grocery & Snacks, Refrigerated & Frozen, International, and Foodservice. The Grocery & Snacks segment includes branded, shelf-stable food products sold in various retail channels in the United States. The Refrigerated & Frozen segment includes branded, temperature-controlled food products sold in various retail channels in the United States. The International segment includes branded food products in various temperature states, sold in various retail and foodservice channels outside the United States. The Foodservice segment includes branded and customized food products, including meals, entrees, sauces, and a variety of custom-manufactured culinary products that are packaged for sale to restaurants and other foodservice establishments primarily in the United States. Its brands include Birds Eye, Duncan Hines, Healthy Choice, Marie Callender's, Reddi-wip, Slim Jim, Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP, and others.
About the author

Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
- Quarterly Dividend Announcement: Conagra Brands has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.35 per share, consistent with previous distributions, indicating the company's stable cash flow and commitment to shareholder returns.
- Dividend Yield: The forward yield of 8.9% reflects the company's attractiveness in the current market environment, particularly among high-yield investors seeking reliable income.
- Shareholder Record Dates: The dividend will be payable on June 3, with a record date of April 30 and an ex-dividend date also set for April 30, ensuring shareholders receive their earnings promptly.
- Market Sentiment: Despite prevailing tensions in the Middle East affecting mid-cap consumer staples, Conagra Brands is still viewed as a strong buy, demonstrating its resilience in uncertain market conditions.
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- Massive Deal Size: McCormick is acquiring Unilever's food business for a total value of nearly $45 billion, with $15.7 billion paid in cash, which is expected to significantly boost McCormick's annual sales and further expand its market share in the condiments and spreads sector.
- Equity Structure Change: After the deal closes, Unilever shareholders will own 55.1% of the combined company while Unilever retains a 9.9% stake, a structure that will influence future governance and strategic decisions of the merged entity.
- Strategic Focus Shift: By divesting its food business, Unilever can concentrate more on its personal care segment, which is growing faster, reflecting the company's keen insight into future market trends and consumer preferences.
- Response to Industry Trends: This acquisition aligns with the broader trend in the Big Food sector, where many packaged food and beverage companies are streamlining operations through divestitures and spinoffs to address declining consumer demand, with nearly half of 2024's M&A activity in the consumer products industry expected to come from divestitures.
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- Quarterly Dividend Announcement: Conagra Brands' Board of Directors has approved a quarterly dividend payment of $0.35 per share, scheduled for June 3, 2026, with a record date of April 30, 2026, reflecting the company's ongoing financial stability and commitment to shareholders.
- Dividend History: Conagra Brands has paid consecutive quarterly dividends since January 1976, demonstrating robust management in the food industry and enhancing investor confidence in its long-term growth potential.
- Financial Performance Overview: In fiscal 2025, Conagra Brands generated nearly $12 billion in net sales, underscoring its leadership position in the North American food market and strong market demand, which further solidifies its brand influence.
- Diverse Brand Portfolio: Conagra's portfolio includes well-known brands such as Birds Eye, Duncan Hines, and Healthy Choice, continuously innovating to meet evolving consumer preferences, thereby enhancing its market competitiveness and customer loyalty.
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- Dividend Payment Announcement: Conagra Brands has announced a quarterly dividend payment of $0.35 per share, scheduled for June 3, 2026, with a record date of April 30, 2026, reflecting the company's ongoing financial stability and commitment to shareholders.
- Dividend History: The company has paid consecutive quarterly dividends since January 1976, demonstrating a long-term focus on shareholder returns, which enhances investor confidence in the brand.
- Financial Performance Overview: Conagra Brands reported nearly $12 billion in net sales for fiscal 2025, indicating strong performance in the North American food market and solidifying its market share.
- Brand Diversity: With a portfolio that includes well-known brands like Birds Eye, Duncan Hines, and Healthy Choice, Conagra Brands continues to innovate to meet changing consumer food preferences, thereby strengthening its competitive position in the market.
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- Stock Price and Valuation: As of March 24, Campbell's shares were trading at $20.91, with a trailing P/E of 11.46 and a forward P/E of 9.01, indicating a discounted valuation despite a 5.8% dividend yield and a payout ratio below 80%.
- Brand Portfolio Strength: The company boasts a robust brand portfolio, including staple soups and well-known snack brands like Pepperidge Farm and Goldfish, and while consumer preferences are shifting towards healthier options, the demand for convenient meals and snacks remains strong, supporting the resilience of its core categories.
- Sales Growth Trend: Campbell's has achieved approximately 21% cumulative sales growth since 2021, and despite recent margin pressures, its stable cash flow and brand equity provide a foundation for future growth, suggesting that the market's pessimism regarding its long-term prospects may be overstated.
- Industry Performance Comparison: Within the packaged food sector, Campbell's has underperformed, with its stock price depreciating by about 44.90% since our last coverage due to weak snack demand and inflationary pressures, yet its compressed valuation amidst sector-wide pessimism may still present an attractive opportunity for investors.
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