Wrapping up Q3 earnings, we look at the numbers and key takeaways for the packaged food stocks, including Post (NYSE:POST) and its peers.

As America industrialized and moved away from an agricultural economy, people faced more demands on their time. Packaged foods emerged as a solution offering convenience to the evolving American family, whether it be canned goods, prepared meals, or snacks. Today, Americans seek brands that are high in quality, reliable, and reasonably priced. Furthermore, there's a growing emphasis on health-conscious and sustainable food options. Packaged food stocks are considered resilient investments. People always need to eat, so these companies can enjoy consistent demand as long as they stay on top of changing consumer preferences.The industry spans from multinational corporations to smaller specialized firms and is subject to food safety and labeling regulations.

The 29 packaged food stocks we track reported a slower Q3; on average, revenues missed analyst consensus estimates by 2.2% while next quarter's revenue guidance was 10.9% below consensus. Investors abandoned cash-burning companies to buy stocks with higher margins of safety, but packaged food stocks held their ground better than others, with the share prices up 10% on average since the previous earnings results.

Post (NYSE:POST)

Founded in 1895, Post (NYSE:POST) is a packaged food company known for its namesake breakfast cereal as well as protein bars, shakes, and other healthier-for-you snacks.

Post reported revenues of $1.95 billion, up 23.2% year on year, in line with analyst expectations. It was a slower quarter for the company, with a miss of analysts' operating margin estimates.

The stock is up 8.4% since the results and currently trades at $92.55.

Read our full report on Post here, it's free.

Best Q3: Lamb Weston (NYSE:LW)

Best known for its Grown in Idaho brand, Lamb Weston (NYSE:LW) produces and distributes potato products such as frozen french fries and mashed potatoes.

Lamb Weston reported revenues of $1.73 billion, up 35.7% year on year, outperforming analyst expectations by 1.9%. It was a decent quarter for the company, with a beat of analysts' revenue estimates. Looking forward, while revenue guidance was maintained from the previous outlook, EPS guidance was raised.

Lamb Weston pulled off the fastest revenue growth among its peers. The stock is up 1% since the results and currently trades at $106.02.

Is now the time to buy Lamb Weston? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it's free.

Slowest Q3: Cal-Maine (NASDAQ:CALM)

Known for brands such as Egg-Land’s Best and Land O’ Lakes, Cal-Maine (NASDAQ:CALM) produces, packages, and distributes eggs.

Cal-Maine reported revenues of $523.2 million, down 34.7% year on year, falling short of analyst expectations by 0.4%. It was a weak quarter for the company, with a miss of analysts' revenue and EPS estimates.

Cal-Maine had the slowest revenue growth in the group. The stock is up 1.5% since the results and currently trades at $55.73.

Read our full analysis of Cal-Maine's results here.

Hershey (NYSE:HSY)

Best known for its milk chocolate bar and Hershey's Kisses, Hershey (NYSE:HSY) is an iconic company known for its chocolate products.

Hershey reported revenues of $3.03 billion, up 11.1% year on year, surpassing analyst expectations by 2.7%. It was a strong quarter for the company, with a decent beat of analysts' revenue estimates.

The stock is down 3.8% since the results and currently trades at $187.

Read our full, actionable report on Hershey here, it's free.

Freshpet (NASDAQ:FRPT)

Contrasting itself with the typical processed pet foods found throughout the industry, Freshpet (NASDAQ:FRPT) is a pet food company whose product portfolio includes natural meals and treats for dogs and cats.

Freshpet reported revenues of $200.6 million, up 32.6% year on year, surpassing analyst expectations by 3.2%. It was a decent quarter for the company, with an impressive beat of analysts' earnings estimates.

Freshpet scored the highest full-year guidance raise among its peers. The stock is up 51% since the results and currently trades at $88.

Read our full, actionable report on Freshpet here, it's free.

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The author has no position in any of the stocks mentioned