All eyes are on Lancaster Colony this week as the specialty food producer prepares to release its fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2025 results on Thursday. This earnings report is poised to serve as a critical indicator of the company’s resilience amidst ongoing market challenges.
Market consensus points to quarterly earnings per share (EPS) of $1.33, which would represent a 5.56 percent increase compared to the $1.26 reported for the same period last year. Revenue projections indicate a more modest climb of 1.14 percent, with analysts anticipating a figure of $458.0 million. For the complete fiscal year 2025, expectations are set at an EPS of $6.71 alongside revenue approaching approximately $1.89 billion.
A Dividend Dynasty Continues Unabated
Beyond the immediate quarterly figures, Lancaster Colony continues to demonstrate its hallmark reliability for income-focused investors. The company recently declared another quarterly cash dividend of $0.95 per share, scheduled for payment on September 30. This announcement not only maintains the previously increased distribution but also cements an extraordinary corporate achievement: 62 consecutive years of rising dividend payments. This remarkable record places the firm within an elite group of just a dozen U.S. companies with a dividend history of such length and consistency. The indicated annual dividend for 2025 now stands at $3.75 per share, up from $3.55 in the prior year.
Should investors sell immediately? Or is it worth buying Lancaster Colony?
Market Performance and Analyst Sentiment
Lancaster Colony’s equity has delivered a mixed performance recently. Shares closed Tuesday’s session at $172.77, following a Monday close at $180.51 that represented a slight gain of 0.12 percent. While the stock has posted a marginal four-week advance of +0.19 percent, it remains in negative territory for the year with a decline of 9.06 percent. The 52-week trading range spans from $156.14 to $202.63.
Despite the stock’s potential, analyst sentiment remains cautiously neutral. The median price target currently sits at $193.00, suggesting a possible 8.4 percent upside from recent levels. The forthcoming quarterly report will be pivotal in determining whether the company can generate the necessary momentum to reach this threshold.
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