Heinz Company (NYSE: HNZ) recently released 4Q as well as FY 2007 results. Raise a toast of tomato juice because Heinz has implemented its multiyear product innovation and growth plan in all aspects. At its recent close of $47.20, the stock has not moved much from its beginning-of-the-year price of $45.75, so shares are still bargain-priced for what an investor gets.
Heinz's P/E is right at industry average, but its EPS is above industry average. Both growth and income are on track to exceed estimates and the company recently raised the dividend rate 8.6%, in addition to a FY 2006 dividend rate raise of 16.7%.
Don't just think ketchup when thinking Heinz. The company also owns such well-known brands as Boston Market, Smart Ones (diet foods), Classico (pasta sauces), Ore-Ida (frozen taters), and Weight Watchers. All these products are eaten by consumers every day and there is no mystery about the business model. Heinz stock merits a careful look from investors.
AT&T's Meandering Should End Soon
Closing Bell: Does The Market Ever Drop? (TSL, PALM, FDX, NKE, TEVA)
Research In Motion Is in Recovery Mode
