Campbell Soup Reports Third Quarter Profits Up On Godiva Sale

May 19, 2008 3:35 p.m. EST

Camden, NJ (AHN) - Third Quarter net income for Campbell Soup Co. reached $532 million, or $1.40 per share up from last year's $217 million, or $0.55 cents per diluted share.

According to the company, this period's growth was boosted by gains from the sale of its Godiva chocolate line, as well as strong demand from international markets.

Sales growth in its beverages, baking, snacking, and international businesses rose 7.4% to $1.88 billion from $1.75 billion last year.

The company said it expects a "strong finish" to its fiscal year, encouraged by emerging markets in Russia and China. Campbell Soup projects an adjusted net per-share earnings growth of 5% to 7% from the fiscal 2007 adjusted base of $1.95.

Campbell has also unveiled its new line of "healthier" soup products planned for the next fiscal year - all of which focus on wellness.