NEW YORK – WK Kellogg (NYSE:K) Co (NYSE: KLG), a prominent player in the ready-to-eat cereal market, today announced its fourth-quarter earnings, revealing a slight miss on earnings per share (EPS) but surpassing revenue expectations.
The company reported a fourth-quarter EPS of $0.18, which was $0.03 below the analyst consensus of $0.21. However, Kellogg's revenue for the quarter was $651 million, exceeding the consensus estimate of $646.43 million.
The company's full-year 2023 reported net sales showed a 2.5% increase year-over-year (YoY), reaching $2,763 million. Kellogg's full-year standalone adjusted net sales grew by 2.8% YoY, hitting $2,739 million, which was at the high end of the company's guidance.
This growth was attributed to revenue growth management initiatives and continued commercial reactivation. Kellogg's net income for the full year stood at $110 million, resulting in a standalone adjusted EBITDA margin of 9.4%, surpassing the provided guidance.
Following the earnings release, Kellogg's stock saw a positive response from the market, with shares rising by 3%. This investor optimism is further buoyed by the company's increased 2024 EBITDA guidance, which was revised upwards from the forecast shared in the third-quarter earnings call.
Gary Pilnick, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of WK Kellogg Co, expressed satisfaction with the company's performance, stating, "I'm pleased to report we delivered our financial guidance for 2023. Our team is executing, driving results, and building momentum to unlock our unique value proposition."
He highlighted the advantages of being an independent company, noting the strategic focus and operational flexibility that are contributing to the achievement of their strategic objectives.
Kellogg's financial results and the positive market reaction underscore the company's resilience and strategic execution amid a competitive and dynamic market. With the company's increased guidance for 2024, investors appear to have confidence in Kellogg's ability to maintain its growth trajectory and deliver on its financial targets.
InvestingPro Insights
As WK Kellogg Co (NYSE: KLG) navigates the post-earnings landscape, investors are keenly analyzing the company's financial health and future prospects. According to InvestingPro data, Kellogg's Market Cap stands at a robust $18.72B, with a P/E Ratio of 19.54, reflecting investor confidence in the company's earnings potential. Despite a challenging environment, Kellogg's Gross Profit Margin for the last twelve months as of Q4 2023 remains strong at 32.68%, showcasing the efficiency of its operations.
InvestingPro Tips reveal that Kellogg has maintained dividend payments for an impressive 53 consecutive years, a testament to its commitment to shareholder returns. This consistency is a significant factor for income-focused investors. Additionally, analysts predict the company will be profitable this year, aligning with the optimistic tone set by Kellogg's CEO regarding the company's strategic execution and financial guidance for 2024.
Investors looking to delve deeper into WK Kellogg Co's financials and future outlook can find a wealth of additional InvestingPro Tips by visiting https://www.investing.com/pro/KLG. For those considering an InvestingPro subscription, use the coupon code PRONEWS24 to get an additional 10% off a yearly or biyearly Pro and Pro+ subscription. With these insights, investors can better position themselves in the market and make informed decisions about their investment in Kellogg's stock.
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