ORRVILLE, Ohio, Nov. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The J. M. Smucker Company (NYSE: SJM) today announced results for the second quarter ended October 31, 2008, of its 2009 fiscal year.




    Second Quarter Results

                                   Three months ended
                                       October 31,              %
                                    2008         2007        Increase

                               (Dollars in millions, except per share data)

     Net sales                     $843.1       $707.9         19%
     Net income:
        Income                      $51.5        $50.2          3%
        Income per diluted share    $0.94        $0.87          8%

Net sales increased 19 percent in the second quarter of 2009 compared to the second quarter of 2008. Net sales growth was broad based with all major brands and strategic business areas contributing. The Carnation(R), Europe's Best(R) and Knott's Berry Farm(R) acquisitions contributed approximately $35.8 million in net sales to the quarter while the foreign exchange impact of the weakening Canadian dollar reduced net sales by approximately $8.2 million. Excluding acquisitions and foreign exchange, net sales increased 15 percent.

Over the last year, the Company has implemented price increases necessary to offset rising costs. While pricing was the primary driver of the net sales increase, volume gains also contributed. Most categories experienced volume gains, including Smucker's(R) fruit spreads, Pillsbury(R) baking mixes and frostings, Hungry Jack(R) potatoes and pancakes, Eagle Brand(R) sweetened condensed milk, and Crisco(R) shortening and oils, while declines were primarily limited to flour and industrial oils.

Net income per diluted share for the quarter was $0.94, an increase of 8 percent compared to last year's second quarter. Included in net income for the second quarter of 2009 were restructuring and merger and integration costs of $0.08 per diluted share, while net income for the second quarter of 2008 included restructuring and merger and integration costs of $0.04 per diluted share. Excluding restructuring and merger and integration costs in both years, the Company's income per diluted share was $1.02 in the second quarter of 2009, and $0.91 in the second quarter of 2008, an increase of 12 percent.

"The number of meals prepared and consumed at home, as recent market data indicate, continues to be trending upward in this challenging economic environment, and is currently at levels not seen since 1994," commented Tim Smucker, Chairman of the Board and Co-Chief Executive Officer. "Our brands are considered by many families to be essential items in any pantry, and we are well positioned to meet the needs of those consumers looking to do more for their families by enjoying meals together at home."

"We are excited about the closing of the Folgers transaction," added Richard Smucker, Executive Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer. "Folgers is an excellent fit with our strategy to own and market number one food brands in North America. Along with our Smucker's, Jif, Crisco, Pillsbury, Eagle Brand, Hungry Jack, Robin Hood and Bick's brands, the Folgers brands enhance our opportunities to meet our consumers needs as we focus on our consumer with the theme 'Meals Together, Memories Forever'."




    Six-Month Results

                                       Six months ended
                                          October 31,           %
                                      2008         2007      Increase

                                (Dollars in millions, except per share data)

     Net sales                      $1,506.8    $1,269.4       19%
     Net income:
        Income                         $93.7       $90.9        3%
        Income per diluted share       $1.71       $1.58        8%

Net sales increased 19 percent in the first six months of 2009 compared to the first six months of 2008. Acquisitions contributed approximately $66.8 million of the increase. Excluding acquisitions net sales increased 13 percent.

Net income per diluted share for the first six months of 2009 was $1.71, an increase of 8 percent over last year's first six months. Net income for the first six months of 2009 and 2008 included restructuring and merger and integration costs of $0.13 and $0.05 per diluted share, respectively. Excluding these costs in both years, the Company's income per diluted share was $1.84 in the first six months of 2009, and $1.63 in the first six months of 2008, an increase of 13 percent.

The Company uses income and income per diluted share, excluding restructuring and merger and integration costs, as key measures of results of operations for purposes of evaluating performance internally. These non-GAAP measures are not intended to replace the presentation of financial results in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Rather, the presentation of results excluding such charges is consistent with the way management internally evaluates its businesses, facilitates the comparison of past and present operations, and provides management a more comprehensive understanding of the financial results. A reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to net income for the current quarter and six-month period is included in the "Unaudited Financial Highlights" table.




    Margins

                                          Three months ended  Six months ended
                                               October 31,      October 31,
                                              2008     2007    2008     2007
                                                     (% of net sales)

    Gross profit                             28.9%    30.9%    29.9%    31.9%
    Selling, distribution, and
     administrative expenses:
         Marketing and selling                9.6%     9.7%     9.9%    10.1%
         Distribution                         3.3%     3.4%     3.4%     3.4%
         General and administrative           5.0%     5.5%     5.5%     6.0%
                                             17.9%    18.6%    18.8%    19.5%
    Restructuring and merger and
     integration costs                        0.8%     0.4%     0.6%     0.4%
    Other operating expense (income)          0.0%     0.1%     0.0%    (0.1%)
    Operating income                         10.2%    11.8%    10.5%    12.1%

Overall, gross profit increased $24.9 million in the second quarter of 2009 compared to the second quarter of 2008, despite higher raw material costs for soybean oil, peanuts, wheat, fruit and, to a lesser extent, other commodities. Price increases taken to date along with the impact of recent acquisitions and plant operating efficiencies have offset these higher raw material costs and have contributed to the gross profit increase. However, the Company's hedging activities resulted in mark-to-market charges of approximately $24.4 million on nonqualifying commodity hedges reflecting the sharp decline in soybean oil and wheat commodity markets during the quarter. As a result, gross margin declined from 30.9 percent to 28.9 percent.

Selling, distribution, and administrative ("SD&A") expenses increased 15 percent for the second quarter of 2009 compared to 2008, resulting primarily from increased marketing investment and distribution expenses. Most SD&A expenses, particularly selling and corporate overhead, increased at a lesser rate than net sales resulting in an overall decrease in SD&A from 18.6 percent of net sales to 17.9 percent, providing some offset to the decline in gross margin.


    Operating income increased 3 percent compared to the second quarter of
2008 and decreased from 11.8 percent to 10.2 percent of net sales.
Restructuring and merger and integration costs were $3.2 million higher in the
second quarter of 2009 compared to 2008, reducing operating margin by 0.4
percentage points.


    Segment Performance

                             Three months ended          Six months ended
                                  October 31,               October 31,
                                             %                           %
                            2008    2007  increase     2008    2007  increase

                                          (Dollars in millions)
    Net sales:
      U.S. retail market   $635.0  $535.2   19%     $1,107.1  $953.4    16%
      Special markets      $208.2  $172.7   21%       $399.7  $316.0    26%

    Segment profit:
      U.S. retail market    $99.0   $98.4    1%       $186.8  $177.2     5%
      Special markets       $26.5   $20.8   27%        $47.2   $42.4    11%

U.S. Retail Market

U.S. retail market segment net sales for the quarter were up 19 percent, with pricing accounting for the majority of the increase. Net sales in the consumer strategic business area increased 16 percent, with Smucker's fruit spreads, toppings and Uncrustables(R) sandwiches, Jif(R) and Hungry Jack all up. All major categories of the consumer business area were up in volume except for peanut butter, which was flat. Net sales in the consumer oils and baking strategic business area were up 21 percent primarily due to the effect of price increases. Volume gains in baking mixes, frostings, shortening, canned milk, and retail oil also contributed to the improvement in net sales. These increases more than offset volume declines in flour and industrial oils.

For the first six months of 2009, U.S. retail market segment net sales increased 16 percent compared to the first six months of 2008 with net sales up 14 percent in the consumer strategic business area, and up 19 percent in the consumer oils and baking strategic business area.

U.S. retail market segment profit increased 1 percent for the quarter and 5 percent for the first six months of 2009 compared to the same periods in 2008 reflecting the mark-to-market adjustment which primarily impacted the U.S. retail market segment.

Special Markets

Net sales in the second quarter for the special markets segment increased 21 percent. Net sales in the Canada strategic business area were up 29 percent, with the impact of the Carnation and Europe's Best acquisitions offsetting the impact of unfavorable foreign exchange. Pricing gains accounted for the remaining Canada net sales growth. Net sales increased in the foodservice, beverage, and international business areas by 12, 14, and 22 percent, respectively, with pricing the primary contributor. The Knott's Berry Farm acquisition also contributed to the foodservice business area increase. For the first six months of 2009, special market segment net sales increased 26 percent.

Special markets segment profit increased 27 percent for the quarter and 11 percent for the first six months of 2009 compared to the same periods in 2008 primarily resulting from the impact of recent acquisitions.

Financing Activities

During the quarter, the Company issued $400 million in Senior Notes with a weighted-average interest rate of 6.6 percent. A portion of the proceeds from the Notes was used to fund costs related to the Folgers merger including the payment of the $5 per share one-time special dividend, totaling approximately $274 million, on October 31, 2008. There was essentially no impact on interest expense for the quarter since the financing closed on October 23, 2008. In addition, subsequent to the end of the quarter, the Company's debt obligations increased by Folgers' $350 million of LIBOR-based variable rate debt.

Outlook

The Company confirmed its outlook for the year. The outlook includes the addition of the Folgers coffee business, acquired from The Procter & Gamble Company, as of the acquisition date of November 6, 2008. The Company issued approximately 63.2 million common shares related to the transaction and now has approximately 118 million common shares outstanding. The Company's net sales for 2009 are estimated to range from $3.8 to $4.0 billion, in line with the original estimate, and income per diluted share, before restructuring and merger and integration cost, are estimated to range from $3.45 to $3.50. One-time costs associated with the Folgers transaction, including amounts expected to be allocated to goodwill, are estimated at $100 to $125 million and will be incurred over the next 12 to 24 months.

Conference Call

The Company will conduct an earnings conference call and webcast today, Friday, November 21, 2008, at 8:30 a.m. E.T. The webcast, as well as a replay in downloadable MP3 format, can be accessed from the Company's website at www.smuckers.com. For those unable to listen to the webcast, an audio replay will be available following the call and can be accessed by dialing 888-203- 1112 or 719-457-0820, with a pass code of 4221422, and will be available until Friday, November 28, 2008.

About The J. M. Smucker Company

For more than 100 years, The J. M. Smucker Company has been committed to offering consumers quality products that help families create memorable mealtime moments. Today, Smucker is the leading marketer and manufacturer of fruit spreads, retail packaged coffee, peanut butter, shortening and oils, ice cream toppings, sweetened condensed milk, and health and natural foods beverages in North America. Its family of brands includes Smucker's(R), Folgers(R), Jif(R), Crisco(R), Pillsbury(R), Eagle Brand(R), R.W. Knudsen Family(R), Hungry Jack(R), White Lily(R) and Martha White(R) in the United States, along with Robin Hood(R), Five Roses(R), Carnation(R), Europe's Best(R) and Bick's(R) in Canada. The Company remains rooted in the Basic Beliefs of Quality, People, Ethics, Growth and Independence established by its founder and namesake more than a century ago. Since 1998, the Company has appeared on FORTUNE Magazine's annual listing of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in the United States, ranking number one in 2004. For more information about the Company, visit www.smuckers.com.

The J. M. Smucker Company is the owner of all trademarks, except Pillsbury is a trademark of The Pillsbury Company, used under license and Carnation is a trademark of Societe des Produits Nestle S.A., used under license.

The J. M. Smucker Company Forward-Looking Language

This press release contains forward-looking statements, such as projected operating results, earnings and cash flows, that are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements. You should understand that the risks, uncertainties, factors and assumptions listed and discussed in this press release, including the following important factors and assumptions, could affect the future results of Smucker and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements: (i) volatility of commodity markets from which raw materials, particularly wheat, soybean oil, milk, peanuts, and green coffee beans, are procured and the related impact on costs; (ii) the successful integration of the coffee business with Smucker's business, operations and culture and the ability to realize synergies and other potential benefits of the merger within the time frames currently contemplated; (iii) crude oil price trends and their impact on transportation, energy, and packaging costs; (iv) the ability to successfully implement price changes; (v) the success and cost of introducing new products and the competitive response; (vi) the success and cost of marketing and sales programs and strategies intended to promote growth in Smucker's businesses, which include the coffee business; (vii) general competitive activity in the market, including competitors' pricing practices and promotional spending levels; (viii) the concentration of certain of Smucker's businesses, which include the coffee business, with key customers and the ability to manage and maintain key customer relationships; (ix) the loss of significant customers or a substantial reduction in orders from these customers or the bankruptcy of any such customer; (x) changes in consumer coffee preferences, and other factors affecting the coffee business, which represent a substantial portion of Smucker's business; (xi) the timing and amount of capital expenditures, restructuring, and merger and integration costs; (xii) the outcome of current and future tax examinations and other tax matters, and their related impact on Smucker's tax positions; (xiii) foreign currency and interest rate fluctuations; (xiv) other factors affecting share prices and capital markets generally; and (xv) the other factors described under "Risk Factors" in other reports and statements filed by Smucker with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.

You are cautioned not to unduly rely on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, when evaluating the information presented in this press release. Smucker does not assume any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements to reflect new events or circumstances.



    (Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071219/SMUCKERLOGO )




                          The J. M. Smucker Company
            Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

                                 Three Months Ended       Six Months Ended
                                      October 31,            October 31,
                                    2008        2007      2008        2007
                               (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

    Net sales                    $843,142    $707,890  $1,506,799  $1,269,403
    Cost of products sold         599,723     489,402   1,055,601     864,931
    Gross Profit                  243,419     218,488     451,198     404,472
    Selling, distribution, and
     administrative expenses      151,292     131,361     283,176     248,111
    Restructuring costs               127         588         646         901
    Merger and integration costs    6,210       2,552       9,610       2,984
    Other operating (income)
     expense - net                   (507)        313        (359)     (1,373)
    Operating Income               86,297      83,674     158,125     153,849
    Interest income                 1,901       3,826       3,239       7,321
    Interest expense              (11,314)    (10,917)    (22,058)    (21,010)
    Other income (expense) - net      341        (707)      1,366        (461)
    Income Before Income Taxes     77,225      75,876     140,672     139,699
    Income taxes                   25,772      25,710      46,928      48,772
    Net Income                    $51,453     $50,166     $93,744     $90,927

       Net income per common
        share                       $0.95       $0.88       $1.73       $1.60

       Net income per common
        share - assuming dilution   $0.94       $0.87       $1.71       $1.58

     Dividends declared per
      common share                  $5.32       $0.30       $5.64       $0.60

    Weighted-average shares
     outstanding               54,385,025  57,104,442  54,333,865  56,875,027
    Weighted-average shares
     outstanding - assuming
     dilution                  54,777,202  57,531,816  54,722,389  57,398,474



                          The J. M. Smucker Company
               Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

                                             October 31, 2008   April 30, 2008
                                                   (Dollars in thousands)

    Assets
    Current Assets:
         Cash and cash equivalents                 $192,505          $184,175
         Trade receivables                          267,498           162,426
         Inventories                                500,608           379,608
         Other current assets                        44,749            49,998
               Total Current Assets               1,005,360           776,207

    Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net             514,002           496,296

    Other Noncurrent Assets:
         Goodwill                                 1,121,406         1,132,476
         Other intangible assets, net               638,388           614,000
         Other assets                                97,185           110,902
               Total Other Noncurrent Assets      1,856,979         1,857,378
                                                 $3,376,341        $3,129,881

    Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
    Current Liabilities:
          Accounts payable                         $146,799          $119,844
          Current portion of long-term debt          75,000               -
          Other current liabilities                 245,532           119,553
              Total Current Liabilities             467,331           239,397

    Noncurrent Liabilities:
          Long-term debt, net of current portion  1,113,205           789,684
          Other noncurrent liabilities              283,520           300,947
              Total Noncurrent Liabilities        1,396,725         1,090,631

    Shareholders' Equity, net                     1,512,285         1,799,853
                                                 $3,376,341        $3,129,881



                          The J. M. Smucker Company
           Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow

                                                          Six Months Ended
                                                             October 31,
                                                         2008          2007
                                                       (Dollars in thousands)

    Operating Activities
       Net income                                      $93,744        $90,927
       Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
        cash provided by operating activities:
            Depreciation                                30,043         28,651
            Amortization                                 2,953          1,538
            Share-based compensation expense             6,035          5,973
            Working capital                           (110,494)       (86,664)
    Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities           22,281         40,425

    Investing Activities
       Businesses acquired, net of cash acquired       (56,076)      (163,494)
       Additions to property, plant, and equipment     (55,770)       (36,319)
       Proceeds from sale of business                        -          3,407
       Purchases of marketable securities                    -       (179,505)
       Sales and maturities of marketable securities       866        183,411
       Other - net                                       8,267            446
    Net Cash Used for Investing Activities            (102,713)      (192,054)

    Financing Activities
       Proceeds from long-term debt                   400,000         400,000
       Repayments of long-term debt                         -        (148,000)
       Dividends paid                                (309,160)        (34,243)
       Purchase of treasury shares                     (3,356)         (3,627)
       Other - net                                      2,185          19,413
    Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities          89,669         233,543
    Effect of exchange rate changes                      (907)          5,090
    Net increase in cash and cash equivalents           8,330          87,004
    Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
     of period                                        184,175         200,119
    Cash and cash equivalents at end of period       $192,505        $287,123



                          The J. M. Smucker Company
                        Unaudited Financial Highlights

                                   Three Months Ended       Six Months Ended
                                       October 31,             October 31,
                                     2008      2007         2008        2007
                                 (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

    Net sales                       $843,142  $707,890  $1,506,799  $1,269,403

    Net income and net income per
     common share:
       Net income                    $51,453   $50,166     $93,744     $90,927
       Net income per common share
        -- assuming dilution           $0.94     $0.87       $1.71       $1.58

    Income before restructuring
     and merger and integration
     costs: (1)
       Income                        $55,675   $52,219    $100,578     $93,456
       Income per common share -
        assuming dilution              $1.02     $0.91       $1.84       $1.63


    (1) Reconciliation to net income:
        Income before income taxes   $77,225   $75,876    $140,672    $139,699
        Merger and integration
         costs                         6,210     2,552       9,610       2,984
        Restructuring costs              127       588         646         901
        Income before income taxes,
         restructuring, and merger
         and integration costs        83,562    79,016     150,928     143,584
        Income taxes                  27,887    26,797      50,350      50,128
        Income before restructuring
         and merger and integration
         costs                       $55,675   $52,219    $100,578     $93,456

       The Company uses income and income per diluted share, excluding
       restructuring and merger and integration costs, as key performance
       measures of results of operations for purposes of evaluating
       performance internally.  These non-GAAP measures are not intended to
       replace the presentation of financial results in accordance with U.S.
       GAAP.  Rather, the presentation of results excluding such charges is
       consistent with the way management internally evaluates its businesses,
       facilitates the comparison of past and present operations and provides
       management a more comprehensive understanding of the financial results.



                          The J. M. Smucker Company
                        Unaudited Reportable Segments

                                    Three Months Ended      Six Months Ended
                                       October 31,             October 31,
                                     2008      2007         2008        2007
                                              (Dollars in thousands)

    Net sales:
       U.S. retail market          $634,988  $535,224  $1,107,129    $953,379
       Special markets              208,154   172,666     399,670     316,024
    Total net sales                $843,142  $707,890  $1,506,799  $1,269,403

    Segment profit:
       U.S. retail market           $98,960   $98,407    $186,821    $177,165
       Special markets               26,451    20,788      47,189      42,424
    Total segment profit           $125,411  $119,195    $234,010    $219,589
       Interest income                1,901     3,826       3,239       7,321
       Interest expense             (11,314)  (10,917)    (22,058)    (21,010)
       Amortization                  (1,482)   (1,417)     (2,953)     (1,538)
       Share-based compensation
        expense                      (3,236)   (3,147)     (6,035)     (5,973)
       Restructuring costs             (127)     (588)       (646)       (901)
       Merger and integration
        costs                        (6,210)   (2,552)     (9,610)     (2,984)
       Corporate administrative
        expense                     (27,736)  (27,249)    (56,628)    (55,380)
       Other unallocated income
        (expense)                        18    (1,275)      1,353         575
    Income before income taxes      $77,225   $75,876    $140,672    $139,699

SOURCE The J. M. Smucker Company