Who Owns Campbell Soup Company?

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Who Owns The Campbell's Company?

Understanding the ownership of The Campbell's Company is key to grasping its strategic decisions and market position. Recent events, like the acquisition of Sovos Brands in March 2024, underscore how ownership shifts can impact a company's path.

The Campbell's Company, established in 1869, has a rich history rooted in innovation, evolving from its initial focus on canned goods to a diversified global food entity. With net sales reaching $9.6 billion in fiscal year 2024, the company operates through its Meals & Beverages and Snacks segments, featuring well-known brands such as its signature canned soups, Pepperidge Farm, Pace, and V8. Examining its ownership reveals a blend of public shareholders, institutional investors, and the lasting legacy of its founding family.

The ownership of The Campbell's Company is primarily distributed among institutional investors, who collectively hold a significant portion of its shares. Key institutional holders include Vanguard Group, BlackRock, and State Street Global Advisors, each managing substantial portfolios that encompass The Campbell's Company's stock. These large investment firms often influence corporate governance through their voting power on shareholder proposals and board appointments. The founding Dorrance family, through various trusts and holdings, continues to maintain a notable stake, reflecting a long-standing connection to the company's heritage and strategic direction.

As of recent filings, institutional investors manage a considerable percentage of The Campbell's Company's outstanding shares. For instance, Vanguard Group is typically among the largest shareholders, followed closely by BlackRock. These entities play a crucial role in the company's financial landscape, often advocating for strategies that aim to enhance shareholder value. The concentration of ownership among these institutions highlights the importance of their investment decisions on the company's stock performance and overall market perception. Understanding the holdings of these major players is vital for assessing the company's stability and future growth prospects, especially as it navigates market dynamics and pursues strategic acquisitions, such as the integration of Sovos Brands, which closed in March 2024.

The Campbell's Company's stock is publicly traded, meaning a significant portion of its ownership resides with individual investors who buy shares on the open market. While institutional investors often hold larger blocks of shares, the collective investment of numerous individual shareholders contributes to the company's market capitalization and liquidity. These retail investors, ranging from novice to experienced traders, participate in the company's growth by investing in its products and future potential. The accessibility of its stock through public markets allows a broad base of individuals to have a stake in the company's success, from its iconic Campbell Soup BCG Matrix to its expanding snack portfolio.

The Campbell Soup Company's origins trace back to 1869 when it was founded as Anderson & Campbell by Joseph A. Campbell and Abraham Anderson in Camden, New Jersey. Initially a canning business, it began with a modest capital of $400.

Founding Partnership

Joseph A. Campbell, a wholesale fruit merchant, partnered with Abraham Anderson, a commercial canner. Their initial venture focused on canning and packing goods.

Company Evolution

By 1876, Abraham Anderson left the partnership. The company was then renamed the 'Joseph A. Campbell Preserve Company,' marking a shift in its early ownership structure.

John T. Dorrance's Impact

Chemist John T. Dorrance joined the company in 1897. His invention of condensed soup revolutionized the industry, making it more accessible and boosting sales significantly.

Dorrance Family Ownership

Dorrance eventually purchased the company outright and became its sole owner upon his death in 1930. He bequeathed the company to his children, solidifying the Dorrance family's long-standing influence.

Leadership Tenure

John T. Dorrance served as the company's president for a significant period, from 1914 to 1930. His leadership was instrumental in the company's growth and innovation.

Early Capital Investment

The initial capital of $400 was crucial for acquiring necessary equipment and ingredients. This foundational investment allowed the nascent business to begin its operations.

The Campbell Soup Company's journey from a small partnership to a major food producer is deeply intertwined with the Dorrance family's ownership and strategic vision. John T. Dorrance's scientific innovation and subsequent acquisition of the company laid the groundwork for its enduring legacy and market position.

Founders and Key Figures

The company was founded by Joseph A. Campbell and Abraham Anderson, with Joseph A. Campbell being a key figure in its early years. Later, John T. Dorrance's scientific contributions and eventual ownership profoundly shaped the company's trajectory.

• Founders: Joseph A. Campbell and Abraham Anderson
• Initial Company Name: Anderson & Campbell
• Renamed Company: Joseph A. Campbell Preserve Company
• Key Innovator: John T. Dorrance
• Dorrance's Contribution: Invention of condensed soup
• Dorrance Family's Influence: Long-term ownership and control

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Campbell Soup Company's journey as a publicly traded entity began in 1954 on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol CPB. This transition marked a significant shift in its ownership structure, moving from private control to a broader base of investors.

The ownership landscape of Campbell Soup Company is characterized by a blend of institutional, retail, and insider holdings. As of July 2025, institutional investors command a majority stake, holding between approximately 52.35% and 59% of the company's stock. This concentration of ownership among large funds and financial institutions suggests they wield considerable influence over corporate governance and strategic decisions. Retail investors, representing individual shareholders, collectively own a notable portion, estimated between 23% and 43.47%. The Dorrance family, descendants of founder John T. Dorrance, remains a significant insider shareholder group, holding between 16% and 18.68% of the company's stock. This historical family involvement continues to shape the company's trajectory.

Key Shareholders and Family Influence

The Dorrance family's enduring connection to the company is a defining aspect of its ownership. Tracing back to John T. Dorrance, who became the sole owner by 1930, his descendants continue to be major stakeholders.

• Mary Alice Malone is the largest individual shareholder, holding 17.88% of shares as of July 2025.
• Bennett Dorrance holds 15% of the company's outstanding shares.
• In 2020, Mary Alice Malone and Bennett Dorrance together owned 33.1% of the company.
• As of March 31, 2025, major institutional investors include Vanguard Group Inc. (8.09%), BlackRock, Inc. (7.68%), and State Street Corp (3.96%).
• The top 13 to 14 shareholders collectively own approximately 50% to 51% of the company.

Historically, the Campbell Soup Company ownership structure has seen periods of internal discussion and potential shifts. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, certain family members explored divesting their stakes, which generated speculation about a potential sale of the entire company and positively impacted its stock performance. These past events underscore how family dynamics can play a role in the company's strategic direction and overall governance, influencing the Target Market of Campbell Soup and its operational focus.

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The Campbell Soup Company's governance structure includes a Board of Directors composed of 12 members, with a significant presence of independent directors. Keith R. McLoughlin currently serves as the Chairman of the Board. The board's composition reflects substantial influence from major shareholders, notably members of the Dorrance family, including Mary Alice Malone Jr., Bennett Dorrance, Jr., and Archbold D. van Beuren, who are all elected directors.

The voting power at Campbell Soup Company is primarily determined by its Capital Stock, where each share generally carries one vote on all matters, including the election of directors. This one-share-one-vote principle means that shareholders' influence is directly proportional to the number of shares they hold. While most decisions require a simple majority of votes cast, certain significant corporate actions may necessitate a two-thirds approval, as stipulated by the company's governing documents or applicable laws. The absence of preferred stock ensures that the voting power of common shareholders is not diluted.

Shareholder Influence and Board Dynamics

The composition of the Campbell Soup Company's Board of Directors highlights the enduring influence of the Dorrance family, descendants of the company's founder. This family representation on the board ensures that their long-term interests are considered in strategic decisions.

• The Board of Directors has 12 members.
• Key family members on the board include Mary Alice Malone Jr., Bennett Dorrance, Jr., and Archbold D. van Beuren.
• The voting structure is predominantly one-share-one-vote.
• Past activist investor involvement, such as the engagement with Third Point LLC in 2018, demonstrates how external shareholder pressure can impact board composition and company strategy. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for comprehending Revenue Streams & Business Model of Campbell Soup.

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In recent years, the Campbell Soup Company has navigated significant strategic maneuvers that have reshaped its ownership landscape and market standing. A key development was the acquisition of Sovos Brands, Inc. in March 2024, a move that has demonstrably impacted its financial performance and future outlook.

The acquisition of Sovos Brands contributed to a 6% increase in net sales to $2.4 billion in the third quarter of fiscal 2024. For the full fiscal year 2024, net sales rose by 3% to $9.636 billion, largely attributed to this acquisition and favorable pricing. Looking ahead, the company initially projected fiscal 2025 net sales growth of 9%-11% and an adjusted EPS increase of 1%-4% due to the Sovos Brands deal. However, in March 2025, the company revised its full-year fiscal 2025 guidance downwards, anticipating net sales growth between 6% and 8% and adjusted EPS in the range of $2.95 to $3.05, citing weaker performance in certain snacking categories.

Shareholder Returns and Buybacks

Campbell's announced an equity buyback plan on December 3, 2024. As of April 27, 2025, the company had repurchased 1,247,183 shares, representing 0.42% of outstanding shares, for $60.55 million. The company returned $403 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases year-to-date fiscal 2025.

Leadership and Strategic Outlook

Mick Beekhuizen assumed the role of President and CEO at the beginning of February 2025. The company's strategic plan targets organic net sales growth of approximately 2% to 3% and adjusted EBIT growth of 4% to 6% through fiscal 2027, supported by a new $250 million enterprise cost savings program through fiscal 2028.

Institutional Ownership Trends

Institutional investors held 59% of the company's stock as of July 2025. This increasing institutional ownership can influence stock price volatility based on their trading decisions.

Understanding Campbell Soup Company Ownership

The Campbell Soup Company is a publicly traded entity, meaning its ownership is distributed among its shareholders. For a deeper understanding of its historical trajectory, explore the Brief History of Campbell Soup.

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