Things went downhill for Campbell’s (NASDAQ: CPB) in November 2025, when the then-vice president and chief information security officer, Martin Bally, was caught on tape mocking “poor people,” calling the company’s own products “3D-printed meat,” and making racist comments about his co-workers.
The initial shock sent the shares down about 5% over the following week and a half, and by mid-March 2026, the prices had dropped so low that the company was on the verge of being kicked off the S&P 500, its market cap dropping below $7 billion.
At press time, April 20, 2026, the picture is no less dire, as Campbell’s stock last closed at $20.79, the lowest level in nearly twenty-three years.
CPB stock price. Source: TradingView
Of course, the decline also highlights mounting pressure from intensifying competition and shifting consumer preferences. Recent financial results have not been ideal either.
Last quarter, the management reported adjusted earnings per share of $0.51, missing $0.54 estimate and the $0.57 consensus forecast, primarily due to weaker-than-expected sales and operating profit.
Wall Street lowers Campbell’s stock price target
Unsurprisingly, Wall Street has not been kind to Campbell’s since the controversy started, with the most recent analyst notes being overwhelmingly bearish.
On April 9, Exane BNP’s Max Gumport lowered the firm’s price target on Campbell’s from $22 to $19, with a “Underperform” rating. The new figure indicated a potential downside of 8.49% from the company’s previous close.
A day earlier, Wells Fargo analyst Christopher Carey rated the company a “Sell,” cutting the bank’s price target on CPB from $20 to $18.
Similarly, Deutsche Bank cut its own price target on shares of Campbell’s from $23 to $20 in a research note sent by analyst Stephen Powers on March 30, setting a “Hold” rating on the stock.
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