Campbell Soup Co. (CPB) reported a 20 per cent decline in its earning during fourth quarter; but the firm termed it better than what was expected by Wall Street. Chief Executive Doug Conant, who resumed work first time after an auto-accident, said that things would soon come under control with signs of recovery in the economy.

Regarding the company's ongoing consolidation, Mr. Conant said he would like to concentrate on food companies. He added that Campbell has been doing well in its current form and it would continue its efforts to register adequate growth rate. The company has introduced more products in the market to push its growth.

Campbell, famous for its soups, Pepperidge Farm cookies and V8 juice, expressed satisfaction over its performance in the Asia Pacific region, and announced its decision to expand its presence in Russia and China.

Campbell's profit declined to $69 million against $89 million for the quarter ended August 2. Net sales too fell 11 per cent, led by foreign currency impacts. However, it reported 41.6% increase in margin against 38.7 per cent in the same period last year.

Stocks of Campbell recently declined 2 cents to 33.04.