Conagra Brands (NYSE: CAG) takes $2B charge, posts FY26 loss and cuts dividend
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Conagra Brands reported Q4 FY26 net sales of $2.9 billion, up 3.6%, with organic net sales flat as 1.6% price/mix growth offset a 1.6% volume decline. Gross margin contracted to 24.4%, and higher SG&A plus $2.0 billion of non-cash goodwill and brand impairment charges drove a net loss of $1.6 billion, or $3.37 per diluted share. Adjusted net income was $228 million, or $0.47 per share, and adjusted EBITDA was $484 million.
For fiscal 2026, net sales declined 2.9% to $11.3 billion and gross margin decreased to 23.9%. The company recorded a net loss of $1.9 billion, or $4.00 per share, compared with earnings of $2.40 a year earlier, while adjusted EPS fell to $1.72 from $2.30 and adjusted EBITDA declined to $1.84 billion. Operating cash flow was $1.4 billion and free cash flow $978.7 million, supporting an 11.9% reduction in net debt to $7.1 billion and a net leverage ratio of 3.83x.
New CEO John Brase highlighted priorities around restoring margins, increasing brand and supply-chain investment, simplifying operations, and enhancing financial flexibility. Consistent with these priorities, the board approved a quarterly dividend of $0.175 per share (annualized $0.70) and issued fiscal 2027 guidance for organic net sales down (3)% to (1)%, adjusted operating margin of 10.0%–10.5%, and adjusted EPS of $1.40–$1.50.
Positive
- Free cash flow of $978.7 million in FY26, driven by $1,402.1 million in operating cash flow and $423.4 million of capital expenditures, provides meaningful internally generated funds for debt reduction and reinvestment.
- Net debt fell to $7,050.4 million, an 11.9% year-over-year reduction, resulting in a net leverage ratio of 3.83x at fiscal year-end and improving the balance sheet profile.
Negative
- $2.0 billion in non-cash goodwill and brand impairment charges in Q4 FY26 contributed to a full-year net loss of $1,916.2 million and diluted EPS of $(4.00), versus $2.40 in the prior fiscal year.
- Core profitability deteriorated, with FY26 gross margin down 194 basis points to 23.9%, adjusted operating margin declining to 11.3%, adjusted EPS falling to $1.72 from $2.30, and adjusted EBITDA decreasing 17.3% to $1,840.4 million.
- The dividend was reduced to an annualized $0.70 per share, as the quarterly payout moves from $0.35 per share in Q4 FY26 to $0.175 per share, lowering ongoing cash returns to shareholders.
Insights
Analyzing...
8-K Event Classification
Key Figures
Key Terms
goodwill impairment charges financial
organic net sales financial
free cash flow financial
net leverage ratio financial
adjusted EBITDA financial
53rd week financial
Earnings Snapshot
For fiscal 2027 the company guides to organic net sales change between (3)% and (1)% versus fiscal 2026, adjusted operating margin of 10.0%–10.5%, adjusted EPS of $1.40–$1.50, capital expenditures of approximately $550 million, and free cash flow conversion of greater than 90%.
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
