Here's Why WK Kellogg Stock is Down 8% Despite Q3 Earnings Beat

Shares of WK Kellogg Co. KLG have tumbled 8.1% since it reported third-quarter 2024 results on Nov. 7. The leading branded ready-to-eat cereal provider’s top and bottom lines declined year over year. However, both metrics surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate. WK Kellogg’s adjusted earnings per share were 31 cents, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 26 cents. This metric decreased from adjusted earnings of 33 cents reported in the year-ago quarter.Find the latest EPS estimates and surprises on Zacks Earnings Calendar.The company recorded net sales of $689 million, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $674 million. However, the top line declined 0.4% year over year. In the third quarter, price/mix rose 1.8%, while volume declined 1.1%.WK Kellogg Co. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise WK Kellogg Co. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | WK Kellogg Co. QuoteWK Kellogg’s Margin & Cost DetailsAdjusted gross profit was $203 million, up from $193 million reported in the year-ago period. Adjusted gross margin expanded 150 basis points (bps) to 29.4% from 27.9%.WK Kellogg’s adjusted EBITDA came in at $65 million, up 18.2% year over year. The upside can be attributed to stronger top-line performance, sustained operational discipline and the timing of brand-building expenditures. We note that the adjusted EBITDA margin increased 150 bps year over year to 9.5% in the quarter under review. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $162 million, down 9.5% from $179 million reported in the year-ago quarter. As a percentage of sales, the metric came in at 23.5%, down 240 bps from 25.9%.KLG’s Financial Snapshot: Cash, Debt and Equity OverviewThe Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $47 million, long-term debt of $472 million and total equity of $316 million. KLG generated cash from operating activities of $98 million for the year-to-date period ended Sept. 28, 2024.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchWK Kellogg’s 2024 GuidanceWK Kellogg reiterated its full-year adjusted net sales growth guidance while upgrading its adjusted EBITDA growth view. Adjusted net sales growth for 2024 is projected to be at the lower end of the guidance of 1% decline to 1% growth. Adjusted EBITDA is likely to be in the range of 5% to 6%, an increase from the previous projection of 3% to 5%. The adjusted EBITDA is expected to be in the range of $271-$273 million.Interest expenses are likely to be in the band of $30-$35 million for the year. Management anticipates depreciation and amortization expenses of $75-$80 million. KLG’s stock has gained 7.4% in the past three months compared with the industry’s 4.2% growth.Stocks to ConsiderIngredion Incorporated INGR serves diverse sectors in food, beverage, brewing, pharmaceuticals and other industries. The company currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). INGR has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 9.5%, on average. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Ingredion’s current financial year’s earnings indicates growth of 12.5% from the year-ago reported number.Freshpet Inc. FRPT is a pet food company that manufactures and markets natural fresh foods, refrigerated meals and treats for dogs and cats in the United States and Canada. It currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). FRPT has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 144.5%, on average.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Freshpet’s current financial-year sales and earnings indicates growth of 27.3% and 224.3%, respectively, from the prior-year reported levels.McCormick & Company, Inc. MKC is a leading manufacturer, marketer and distributor of spices, seasonings, specialty foods and flavors to the entire food industry. It currently carries a Zacks Rank #2. MKC has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 13.8%, on average.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for MKC’s current fiscal-year sales and earnings indicates growth of 0.6% and 8.2%, respectively, from the prior-year reported levels.Free Report: 5 Clean Energy Stocks with Massive UpsideEnergy is the backbone of our economy. It’s a multi-trillion dollar industry that has created some of the world’s largest and most profitable companies.Now state-of-the-art technology is paving the way for clean energy sources to overtake “old-fashioned” fossil fuels. Trillions of dollars are already pouring into clean energy initiatives, from solar power to hydrogen fuel cells.Emerging leaders from this space could be some of the most exciting stocks in your portfolio.Download Nuclear to Solar: 5 Stocks Powering the Future to see Zacks’ top picks free today.Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Freshpet, Inc. (FRPT): Free Stock Analysis Report McCormick & Company, Incorporated (MKC): Free Stock Analysis Report Ingredion Incorporated (INGR): Free Stock Analysis Report WK Kellogg Co. (KLG): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks