Zacks Research Lowers Earnings Estimates for Conagra Brands

Conagra Brands (NYSE:CAG) – Investment analysts at Zacks Research cut their FY2026 earnings estimates for Conagra Brands in a research report issued on Wednesday, April 15th. Zacks Research analyst Team now expects that the company will post earnings per share of $1.70 for the year, down from their previous forecast of $1.72. Zacks Research currently has a “Hold” rating on the stock. The consensus estimate for Conagra Brands’ current full-year earnings is $2.35 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Conagra Brands’ Q4 2026 earnings at $0.47 EPS, Q2 2027 earnings at $0.49 EPS, Q3 2027 earnings at $0.40 EPS, Q4 2027 earnings at $0.45 EPS, FY2027 earnings at $1.74 EPS, Q1 2028 earnings at $0.44 EPS, Q2 2028 earnings at $0.50 EPS, Q3 2028 earnings at $0.42 EPS and FY2028 earnings at $1.82 EPS.

A number of other research firms have also weighed in on CAG. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered their price target on shares of Conagra Brands from $18.00 to $14.00 and set a “hold” rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, March 30th. Jefferies Financial Group lowered their price target on shares of Conagra Brands from $16.00 to $15.00 and set a “hold” rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, March 30th. Bank of America lowered their price target on shares of Conagra Brands from $18.00 to $17.00 and set an “underperform” rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, December 22nd. Morgan Stanley lowered their price target on shares of Conagra Brands from $19.00 to $17.00 and set an “equal weight” rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, April 2nd. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada lowered their price target on shares of Conagra Brands from $20.00 to $17.00 and set a “sector perform” rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, April 2nd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, thirteen have given a Hold rating and four have issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of “Reduce” and a consensus target price of $16.07.

Conagra Brands Stock Down 1.4%

Shares of NYSE CAG opened at $14.09 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $6.74 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -140.84 and a beta of 0.04. Conagra Brands has a 52-week low of $14.04 and a 52-week high of $25.77. The company’s 50-day simple moving average is $17.23 and its 200-day simple moving average is $17.52. The company has a quick ratio of 0.30, a current ratio of 0.90 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.79.

Conagra Brands (NYSE:CAG) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, April 1st. The company reported $0.39 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.40 by ($0.01). Conagra Brands had a negative net margin of 0.39% and a positive return on equity of 10.15%. The company had revenue of $2.79 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.76 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $0.51 EPS. The firm’s revenue for the quarter was down 1.9% compared to the same quarter last year.

Conagra Brands Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, June 3rd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, April 30th will be paid a dividend of $0.35 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, April 30th. This represents a $1.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 9.9%. Conagra Brands’s payout ratio is -1,400.00%.

Insider Transactions at Conagra Brands

In other news, Director John J. Mulligan bought 17,500 shares of Conagra Brands stock in a transaction on Tuesday, April 14th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $14.31 per share, with a total value of $250,425.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director directly owned 20,728 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $296,617.68. This trade represents a 542.13% increase in their ownership of the stock. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, Director Richard H. Lenny bought 25,000 shares of Conagra Brands stock in a transaction on Tuesday, April 14th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $14.34 per share, for a total transaction of $358,500.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director directly owned 229,340 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $3,288,735.60. This trade represents a 12.23% increase in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this purchase provides additional information. 0.57% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Conagra Brands

Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. CYBER HORNET ETFs LLC purchased a new position in Conagra Brands during the second quarter worth about $26,000. Harbour Investments Inc. raised its stake in Conagra Brands by 80.4% during the fourth quarter. Harbour Investments Inc. now owns 1,573 shares of the company’s stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 701 shares during the period. True Wealth Design LLC raised its stake in Conagra Brands by 844.4% during the third quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 1,596 shares of the company’s stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 1,427 shares during the period. MUFG Securities EMEA plc purchased a new position in Conagra Brands during the second quarter worth about $29,000. Finally, Spire Wealth Management raised its stake in Conagra Brands by 249.0% during the third quarter. Spire Wealth Management now owns 1,724 shares of the company’s stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 1,230 shares during the period. 83.75% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Trending Headlines about Conagra Brands

Here are the key news stories impacting Conagra Brands this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Two company directors bought stock on April 14 — Director Richard H. Lenny purchased 25,000 shares at about $14.34 and Director John J. Mulligan bought 17,500 shares at about $14.31 — signaling insider confidence in the business at current prices. Lenny SEC filing Mulligan SEC filing
• Positive Sentiment: Conagra announced a quarterly dividend of $0.35 ($1.40 annualized, ~9.9% yield) with an ex‑dividend/record cadence that could attract yield‑seeking investors—a supportive cash-return signal despite underlying earnings pressure. MarketBeat CAG summary
• Neutral Sentiment: BTIG initiated coverage with a neutral (market‑perform) recommendation — adds a new institutional view but not a directional endorsement. BTIG coverage
• Neutral Sentiment: Commentary pieces evaluating Conagra’s valuation ahead of CEO John Brase’s takeover are drawing attention to strategic/leadership risk and potential upside if cost or portfolio moves succeed — informational but not immediate catalysts. Valuation / CEO change article
• Negative Sentiment: Zacks Research cut multiple quarterly and full‑year EPS forecasts (across Q4’26–FY’28 and interim quarters), trimming FY2026–FY2028 estimates (e.g., FY’28 to $1.82 from $1.90) and keeping a “Hold” stance — this reduces near‑term earnings visibility and is a clear negative for the stock’s fundamental outlook. Zacks estimate revisions

About Conagra Brands

Conagra Brands, Inc is a leading packaged foods company based in Chicago, Illinois, with a broad portfolio of shelf-stable, frozen and refrigerated foods marketed under familiar brands. The company develops, produces and distributes a wide range of consumer food products, serving both retail grocery and foodservice channels. Conagra’s product lineup includes frozen entrees, snacks, condiments, baking goods and desserts, providing convenient meal solutions for consumers across North America and select international markets.

Among its well-known brands are Birds Eye, Healthy Choice, Lean Cuisine, Marie Callender’s and Banquet in the frozen foods category, as well as Hunt’s sauces, Orville Redenbacher’s popcorn, Slim Jim meat snacks and Reddi-wip toppings.