On Wednesday, Feb. 7, food and beverage firm Sara Lee (NYSE:SLE) released fiscal 2007 second-quarter results for the period ended Dec. 30. Here are the quick and dirty details for the quarter.

  • Total sales grew 7%, ahead of analyst expectations.
  • Diluted earnings were negative, as $0.29 in charges and restructuring activities took place. Sara Lee completed the spinoff of Hanesbrands (NYSE:HBI) on Sept. 5, 2006.
  • Management expects fiscal 2007 diluted earnings in the range of $0.58-$0.64 per share and 5%-6% sales growth to over $12 billion.

(Figures in millions, except per-share data)

Income Statement Highlights

Q2 2007

Q2 2006

Change

Sales

$3,182

$2,974

7.0%

Net Profit

($62)

$438

N/A

EPS

($0.08)

$0.57

N/A

Diluted Shares

737

765

(3.7%)



Get back to basics with a look at the income statement.

Margin Checkup

Q2 2007

Q2 2006

Change*

Gross Margin

38.03%

38.94%

(0.91)

Operating Margin

(0.06%)

3.56%

(3.62)

Net Margin

(1.95%)

14.73%

(16.68)

*Expressed in percentage points.

Margins are the earnings engine. See how they work.

Balance Sheet Highlights

Assets

Q2 2007

Q2 2006

Change

Cash + ST Invest.

$2,704

$1,955

38.3%

Accounts Rec.

$1,354

$1,746

(22.5%)

Inventory

$958

$2,184

(56.1%)



Liabilities

Q2 2007

Q2 2006

Change

Accounts Payable

$967

$1,244

(22.3%)

Long-Term Debt

$3,335

$3,736

(10.7%)



Learn the ways of the balance sheet.

Cash Flow Highlights

YTD 2007

YTD 2006

Change

Cash From Ops.

$38

$859

(95.6%)

Capital Expenditures

$239

$166

44.0%

Free Cash Flow

($201)

$693

(129.0%)



Find out why Fools always follow the money.

Comparable companies:

  • Unilever (NYSE:UL)
  • Kraft (NYSE:KFT)
  • General Mills (NYSE:GIS)

Related Foolishness:

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Fool contributor Ryan Fuhrmann has no financial interest in any company mentioned. Feel free to email him with feedback or to discuss any companies mentioned further. The Fool has an ironclad disclosure policy.