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Bear of the Day:Treehouse Foods (THS)

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Headquartered in Oak Brook, IL, Treehouse Foods (THS - Free Report) is a manufacturer of packaged foods and beverages with more than 50 manufacturing facilities across the US, Canada and Italy servicing retail grocery, food away from home, and industrial and export customers.

The company manufactures a variety of shelf stable, refrigerated, and fresh products. The product categories include beverages; salad dressings; snacks; beverage enhancers; pickles; Mexican and other sauces; soup and infant feeding; cereals; dry dinners; aseptic products; jams; and other products. The company also offers natural, organic, and preservative-free ingredients in many categories.

Shares Plunge After Weak Results

The company reported dismal third-quarter 2017 results. Adjusted earnings of 67 cents per share were down 4.2% year over year and missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 76 cents. Earnings were also below management’s guidance of 75-83 cents.

However, net sales of $1,548.8 million came in slightly ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1,527 million. The management also lowered their guidance for FY2017.

"We are disappointed that third quarter results came in below our expectations,” said the CEO. “In the third quarter, continued weakness in our operating earnings was only partially offset by greater expense control, reduced variable incentive compensation, and favorable taxes," per CFO.

Shares plunged more than 30% after the report.

Falling Estimates

Analysts have slashed their estimates for the company after weak results.  Zacks Consensus Estimates for the current and next fiscal year have fallen to $2.73 per share and $2.72 per share from $3.17 and $3.71 respectively, before the results.

Bottom Line

The stock has fallen to a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell) after weak results. Additionally, the “Food - Miscellaneous" industry is currently 196 out 265 Zacks Industries (bottom 26%) suggesting near-term weakness. It’s better to avoid this stock as of now.

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