Conagra Brands Issues Earnings Guidance, Stock Drops
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 17 2026
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Should l Buy CAG?
Source: Fool
- Guidance Reaffirmed: Conagra Brands reiterated its fiscal 2026 earnings guidance at the Consumer Analyst Group conference, expecting net sales to decline by 1% to grow by 1%, a conservative outlook that failed to boost investor confidence, resulting in a more than 4% drop in stock price on the day.
- Profit Forecast Downgraded: The company projects adjusted earnings per share between $1.70 and $1.85, significantly lower than the $2.30 earned in 2025, indicating a continued decline in profitability that may affect future investment appeal.
- Adverse Market Trends: As consumer preferences shift towards fresher, healthier food options, Conagra's packaged food business faces challenges, and its inability to adapt to market changes could lead to further erosion of market share, impacting long-term growth potential.
- Investor Sentiment Deteriorates: The lack of positive earnings outlook and the maintenance of flat sales guidance have weakened investor confidence in the company's future performance, reflected in the significant drop in stock price, highlighting concerns over its strategic direction.
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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: 15.520
Low
16.00
Averages
18.67
High
22.00
Current: 15.520
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.
Conagra Brands Q3 Fiscal 2026 Earnings Call Insights
- Growth Trend: Conagra's pivot to focus on frozen and snack products at the beginning of fiscal 2024 has led to improved volume growth every quarter since, according to CEO Sean Connolly, despite facing temporary supply constraints, indicating strong market recovery capabilities.
- Inflation Flexibility: CFO Dave Marberger noted that Conagra is roughly 60% covered for Q1 and 40% for the full fiscal year 2027, showcasing the company's cost control abilities in areas like steel and freight, although the low coverage of only 15% in proteins may impact future margins.
- Organic Sales Outlook: Marberger reiterated expectations for positive organic net sales growth in Q4, tying this to the full-year guidance, which reflects the company's confidence in market demand, particularly driven by seasonal sales.
- Cash Flow Management: Marberger mentioned that Conagra has raised its cash conversion target to 105% and emphasized that through Project Catalyst and AI technology applications, the company expects to further optimize inventory management, thereby enhancing its competitiveness and financial flexibility.
See More
Market Watch: Oil Price Surge and Stock Market Turmoil
- Oil Price Surge Impact: Following President Trump's address on the Iran war, which raised escalation concerns, U.S. crude benchmark WTI surged 9% to $109 a barrel, putting downward pressure on the stock market and negatively affecting investor sentiment.
- Bank of America Upgrades Vale: Bank of America upgraded Vale from hold to buy, suggesting that now is an attractive entry point for investors in the iron ore producer, despite Vale's stock dropping nearly 7% since the Iran conflict began, while iron ore prices have risen about 8%.
- Wix's Outlook Downgraded: UBS downgraded Wix from buy to hold, with analysts believing its 2026 outlook indicates a slowdown in core business growth from 12% last year to 8% this year, and despite efforts to integrate AI capabilities, the company remains vulnerable to disruption by AI.
- Cheniere Energy Price Target Increased: Citigroup raised Cheniere Energy's price target from $280 to $330 while reiterating its buy rating, as supply disruptions in the Middle East could benefit U.S. LNG exports long-term, with shares up about 17% since the war began.
See More
Conagra Brands Holds Average Rating with Price Target of $16.53
- Rating Overview: Conagra Brands (CAG) currently holds an average rating of hold, indicating a cautious market sentiment regarding its future performance and reflecting investor concerns about the company's stability.
- Price Target: Analysts have set a mean price target of $16.53, which could influence investor buying decisions, particularly in the current market environment.
- Market Reaction: Despite the hold rating, market reactions to Conagra may be influenced by broader economic conditions and shifts in consumer demand, necessitating close monitoring by investors.
- Investment Strategy: Given the hold rating, investors might consider adopting a wait-and-see approach to assess future market trends and the company's performance metrics.
See More
Conagra Brands Holds Average Rating with Price Target of $16.53
- Rating Analysis: Conagra Brands (CAG) currently holds an average rating of hold, indicating a cautious market sentiment regarding its future performance and reflecting investor concerns about the company's stability.
- Price Target: The mean price target set by analysts is $16.53, suggesting a relatively conservative expectation for its stock price, which may influence investor buying decisions.
- Market Reaction: Despite the hold rating, the market's response to Conagra may be affected by the overall economic environment and industry trends, necessitating close monitoring of relevant developments by investors.
- Investment Strategy: Given the current rating and price target context, investors may need to reassess their investment strategies to adapt to the anticipated changes in market expectations for Conagra Brands.
See More
Conagra's Dividend Yield Hits 8.9%, But Risks Persist
- Dividend Yield Analysis: Conagra's dividend yield stands at 8.9%, but with a recent 3% decline in organic sales and brand value write-downs, investors should approach this high yield with caution due to underlying risks.
- Competitor Performance: In contrast, General Mills offers a 6.5% dividend yield; despite a similar 3% drop in organic sales, its strategy of focusing on industry-leading brands enhances its competitive position in the market.
- Brand Strategy Adjustment: Following its 2018 acquisition of Blue Buffalo, General Mills successfully elevated its premium pet food line and recently exited the yogurt business, demonstrating its responsiveness to changing consumer preferences.
- Future Outlook: Entering fiscal 2026, General Mills has set goals for advertising, pricing adjustments, and portfolio reshaping, with management anticipating the next quarter as a turning point for improved financial results, suggesting that now may be a good time to invest.
See More
Conagra Brands Reports Strong Growth Amid Inflation Challenges
- Frozen and Snacks Growth: Conagra Brands has achieved strong volume growth in its frozen and snacks segments, indicating effective strategy execution that is expected to enhance future market share.
- Strong Cash Flow and Productivity: The company focuses on maximizing cash flow and optimizing operational levers to mitigate inflationary pressures, ensuring financial stability amidst rising costs.
- Pricing Strategy and Market Elasticity: Conagra has implemented strategic pricing actions in certain product categories, yielding encouraging elasticity results that demonstrate its ability to maintain profitability in a competitive market.
- Challenges and Risks Ahead: Despite strong performance, the company faces challenges from broad-based inflation and fluctuations in raw material costs, which could impact future profitability and pricing strategies.
See More
Conagra Brands Q3 Fiscal 2026 Earnings Call Insights
- Growth Trend: Conagra's pivot to focus on frozen and snack products at the beginning of fiscal 2024 has led to improved volume growth every quarter since, according to CEO Sean Connolly, despite facing temporary supply constraints, indicating strong market recovery capabilities.
- Inflation Flexibility: CFO Dave Marberger noted that Conagra is roughly 60% covered for Q1 and 40% for the full fiscal year 2027, showcasing the company's cost control abilities in areas like steel and freight, although the low coverage of only 15% in proteins may impact future margins.
- Organic Sales Outlook: Marberger reiterated expectations for positive organic net sales growth in Q4, tying this to the full-year guidance, which reflects the company's confidence in market demand, particularly driven by seasonal sales.
- Cash Flow Management: Marberger mentioned that Conagra has raised its cash conversion target to 105% and emphasized that through Project Catalyst and AI technology applications, the company expects to further optimize inventory management, thereby enhancing its competitiveness and financial flexibility.
See More
Market Watch: Oil Price Surge and Stock Market Turmoil
- Oil Price Surge Impact: Following President Trump's address on the Iran war, which raised escalation concerns, U.S. crude benchmark WTI surged 9% to $109 a barrel, putting downward pressure on the stock market and negatively affecting investor sentiment.
- Bank of America Upgrades Vale: Bank of America upgraded Vale from hold to buy, suggesting that now is an attractive entry point for investors in the iron ore producer, despite Vale's stock dropping nearly 7% since the Iran conflict began, while iron ore prices have risen about 8%.
- Wix's Outlook Downgraded: UBS downgraded Wix from buy to hold, with analysts believing its 2026 outlook indicates a slowdown in core business growth from 12% last year to 8% this year, and despite efforts to integrate AI capabilities, the company remains vulnerable to disruption by AI.
- Cheniere Energy Price Target Increased: Citigroup raised Cheniere Energy's price target from $280 to $330 while reiterating its buy rating, as supply disruptions in the Middle East could benefit U.S. LNG exports long-term, with shares up about 17% since the war began.
See More
Conagra Brands Holds Average Rating with Price Target of $16.53
- Rating Overview: Conagra Brands (CAG) currently holds an average rating of hold, indicating a cautious market sentiment regarding its future performance and reflecting investor concerns about the company's stability.
- Price Target: Analysts have set a mean price target of $16.53, which could influence investor buying decisions, particularly in the current market environment.
- Market Reaction: Despite the hold rating, market reactions to Conagra may be influenced by broader economic conditions and shifts in consumer demand, necessitating close monitoring by investors.
- Investment Strategy: Given the hold rating, investors might consider adopting a wait-and-see approach to assess future market trends and the company's performance metrics.
See More
Conagra Brands Holds Average Rating with Price Target of $16.53
- Rating Analysis: Conagra Brands (CAG) currently holds an average rating of hold, indicating a cautious market sentiment regarding its future performance and reflecting investor concerns about the company's stability.
- Price Target: The mean price target set by analysts is $16.53, suggesting a relatively conservative expectation for its stock price, which may influence investor buying decisions.
- Market Reaction: Despite the hold rating, the market's response to Conagra may be affected by the overall economic environment and industry trends, necessitating close monitoring of relevant developments by investors.
- Investment Strategy: Given the current rating and price target context, investors may need to reassess their investment strategies to adapt to the anticipated changes in market expectations for Conagra Brands.
See More
Conagra's Dividend Yield Hits 8.9%, But Risks Persist
- Dividend Yield Analysis: Conagra's dividend yield stands at 8.9%, but with a recent 3% decline in organic sales and brand value write-downs, investors should approach this high yield with caution due to underlying risks.
- Competitor Performance: In contrast, General Mills offers a 6.5% dividend yield; despite a similar 3% drop in organic sales, its strategy of focusing on industry-leading brands enhances its competitive position in the market.
- Brand Strategy Adjustment: Following its 2018 acquisition of Blue Buffalo, General Mills successfully elevated its premium pet food line and recently exited the yogurt business, demonstrating its responsiveness to changing consumer preferences.
- Future Outlook: Entering fiscal 2026, General Mills has set goals for advertising, pricing adjustments, and portfolio reshaping, with management anticipating the next quarter as a turning point for improved financial results, suggesting that now may be a good time to invest.
See More
Conagra Brands Reports Strong Growth Amid Inflation Challenges
- Frozen and Snacks Growth: Conagra Brands has achieved strong volume growth in its frozen and snacks segments, indicating effective strategy execution that is expected to enhance future market share.
- Strong Cash Flow and Productivity: The company focuses on maximizing cash flow and optimizing operational levers to mitigate inflationary pressures, ensuring financial stability amidst rising costs.
- Pricing Strategy and Market Elasticity: Conagra has implemented strategic pricing actions in certain product categories, yielding encouraging elasticity results that demonstrate its ability to maintain profitability in a competitive market.
- Challenges and Risks Ahead: Despite strong performance, the company faces challenges from broad-based inflation and fluctuations in raw material costs, which could impact future profitability and pricing strategies.
See More
