EAST HANOVER, N.J., Nov. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mondelēz Global LLC announced today a voluntary recall of 70 cases of RITZ Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches and sold in the following U.S. states: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Alabama. This recall is limited to 1 SKU and 2 Code Dates previously recalled in July. This action is not an expansion of that prior recall and is being conducted out of an abundance of caution. The affected cartons include individu ...

Core Insights - Cocoa futures have dropped to their lowest level in nearly two years, providing a potential margin boost for chocolate manufacturers facing high ingredient costs and price-sensitive consumers [1][2] - The decline in cocoa prices comes at a critical time as seasonal demand for chocolate typically increases during the holiday season, which could lead to improved earnings for companies like Hershey, Mondelez, and Nestlé [2][5] Industry Overview - The recent fall in cocoa prices follows a significant rally earlier in the year, where prices reached record highs, making cocoa one of the largest input expenses for chocolate makers [2][4] - Companies in the chocolate and confectionery sector have been dealing with challenges such as packaging inflation and margin compression, but the drop in cocoa prices offers a chance to either maintain pricing power or implement promotional discounts [4] Seasonal Demand Dynamics - The holiday season, particularly between Thanksgiving and New Year's, is a peak time for chocolate demand, which historically supports confectionery earnings [5] - The combination of seasonal demand and falling cocoa prices could lead to positive earnings revisions in early 2026 if companies can stabilize volume [5] Consumer Behavior and Market Sentiment - There is a cautionary note regarding the decline in cocoa prices, as it may reflect weakening global demand rather than just supply normalization [6] - Investors are advised to look for tangible evidence of unit growth rather than relying solely on seasonal narratives, as consumer hesitance may impact demand recovery [6][7] Investment Outlook - If chocolate manufacturers can achieve even modest margin improvements alongside steady seasonal demand, the current cocoa price drop could lead to unexpected profits [7] - The market is currently observing which companies will effectively capitalize on the lower cocoa prices to enhance profitability [7]

Core Insights - Mondelez International, Inc. (MDLZ) reported a strong third quarter for 2025 with better-than-expected revenues and earnings, but management adopted a cautious outlook for the near term due to specific headwinds encountered during the quarter [1][6] Revenue and Earnings Guidance - MDLZ now anticipates 2025 organic net revenue growth of 4% or higher, down from the previously mentioned 5% [2] - Adjusted EPS is expected to decline by 15% on a constant-currency basis, a steeper drop than the earlier estimate of 10% [2] Challenges Faced - The company experienced sharper-than-expected inventory reductions from U.S. retailers, leading to a temporary decline in shipments and more volatile near-term comparisons [3] - Unusually hot weather and increased price sensitivity in Europe negatively impacted chocolate volumes [3] - Tariff uncertainties have added costs and affected consumer sentiment in certain markets, contributing to the cautious guidance [4] Strategic Responses - Mondelez is focusing on targeted pricing actions, enhancing retail partnerships, and increasing efforts in value and club channels [5] - The company remains well-positioned in cocoa supply, providing flexibility as commodity markets change [5] Market Performance - MDLZ shares have decreased by 6.6% over the past three months, underperforming the industry decline of 7.5% and the broader Consumer Staples sector's drop of 4.3% [7] Valuation Metrics - Mondelez currently trades at a forward 12-month P/E ratio of 18.18, which is above the industry average of 14.72, raising concerns about justifying this elevated multiple in light of near-term pressures [10]

Core Insights - Mondelez International is investing 620 million zlotys ($169 million) to expand its biscuit factory in Płońsk, Poland, aiming to make it the largest in the country [1][3] - The expansion is expected to increase production capacity by 30% and create 180 new jobs, adding to the current workforce of approximately 700 employees [1][4] Company Operations - The Płońsk facility has been operational since 1976 and has evolved into a key biscuit production hub for Mondelez in Europe, responsible for about 60% of the European volumes of the Barni brand, known as Lubisie in Poland [2] - The investment will include a dedicated production line for the Lubisie brand, a second line for Milka biscuits, a new raw-materials warehouse, and upgrades to site infrastructure [3][4] Strategic Importance - The strategic location of Poland is highlighted as crucial to Mondelez International's supply chain, with the investment reflecting the company's ambition to lead in the snacks market [3] - The modernization efforts are aimed at enhancing plant efficiency by 30% and improving safety measures [4]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the growing influence of nostalgia on consumer choices in the snack industry, particularly in China, where 86% of consumers enjoy sharing their childhood favorite snacks [8][12][13]. Group 1: Nostalgia and Consumer Behavior - The sixth annual Mondelēz International State of Snacking report highlights that cherished traditions and warm childhood memories are key factors influencing global snack choices [6][4]. - Brands are increasingly tapping into nostalgia as a mainstream consumer motivation, with successful campaigns like Kang Shifu's "White Moonlight Revival Plan" allowing consumers to vote on classic products to bring back [12][13]. - Mars Wrigley successfully reintroduced the "White Arrow" gum, resonating with older consumers while attracting younger generations, showcasing the importance of emotional connections in brand loyalty [15][17]. Group 2: Balancing Innovation and Nostalgia - The article discusses the challenge of balancing nostalgia with innovation, noting that a high percentage of new products fail within a year, with only 15% of food and beverage innovations surviving [21][22]. - Brands are shifting focus towards upgrading classic products through "micro-innovation," which allows them to leverage existing brand recognition while meeting evolving consumer demands [24][30]. - Examples include the introduction of real fruit juice in popular gummy products and the redesign of classic candy shapes to appeal to younger consumers' social media sharing habits [26][28]. Group 3: Seasonal and Emotional Marketing - Seasonal sentiments play a crucial role in snack consumption, with snacks serving as both a source of enjoyment and a means of emotional connection during holidays [32][34]. - Brands are actively innovating for holidays, with limited edition products designed to enhance festive experiences, such as the Christmas-themed gummy candies from Kuli [35][39]. - The article concludes that emotional marketing significantly boosts brand loyalty, with consumers engaged through emotional connections showing over 30% higher loyalty than average consumers [39][40].

Market Performance - The US equity market continued to rally in Q3 2025, with the S&P 500 returning 8.1% and the Russell 1000 Value surging 5.3% [1] - The SCCM Value Equity Strategy returned 6.9% (gross of fees) and 6.8% (net of fees) in the same quarter [1] - Year-to-date, the strategy returned 13.0% (gross), outperforming the Russell 1000 Value's +11.7% and the S&P 500's +14.8% [1] Mondelez International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDLZ) - Mondelez International, Inc. manufactures and markets snack food and beverage products [2] - The stock experienced a one-month return of -9.50% and a 52-week decline of 12.95% [2] - As of November 19, 2025, Mondelez's stock closed at $56.08 per share, with a market capitalization of $72.564 billion [2] Performance Analysis - The stock selection within the Consumer Staples sector, particularly Mondelez, detracted from relative performance, with Mondelez declining by 6.6% [3] - The decline was attributed to rising cocoa futures amid concerns about crop yields in West Africa due to dry weather [3] - Mondelez is working to mitigate risks associated with cocoa prices by expanding its supply base beyond Africa to Southeast Asia [3] Hedge Fund Interest - Mondelez International, Inc. is not among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, with 49 hedge fund portfolios holding the stock at the end of Q2 2025, down from 52 in the previous quarter [4] - While Mondelez has investment potential, certain AI stocks are viewed as offering greater upside potential and less downside risk [4]

Core Insights - The integration of AI technology is crucial for building sustainable competitive advantages in brand establishment, as demonstrated by products like "gluten-free golden Oreo" and improved classic recipes of other snacks [1][2] - Mondelez International has made significant investments in digital transformation, committing over $1 billion in 2022 and aiming for 20% of revenue to come from digital channels by 2030 [2][3] Product Development - AI tools have enhanced research and development efficiency, reducing product launch cycles by 2 to 5 times compared to traditional methods, with 70 SKUs already utilizing AI for digital recipe planning [3][4] - The use of consumer feedback platforms allows for real-time data analysis, helping to identify consumer preferences and improve product offerings [3] Supply Chain Optimization - AI has improved supply chain accuracy and responsiveness, with predictive systems enhancing decision-making and operational efficiency [3][4] - The implementation of AI visual recognition systems has significantly reduced defect rates in production, achieving a 90% decrease in cookie defects [4] Marketing Transformation - Mondelez has developed a comprehensive content management system using AI to streamline marketing processes, from creative generation to optimization [5] - The collaboration with Accenture to create a generative AI tool has led to enhanced social media content production for brands like Oreo and Milka [4][5] Digital Infrastructure - The launch of an automated smart warehouse in Beijing marks a significant step in enhancing logistics efficiency and operational speed [7][8] - The integration of AI across various facilities demonstrates the company's commitment to deepening its digital capabilities [6][8] Internal AI Integration - Mondelez has established a three-tier risk identification and management mechanism to ensure AI applications align with corporate strategy and deliver measurable business value [9][10] - The company is focused on building an AI talent culture through various training and development initiatives, enhancing employee capabilities in AI [10][11] Overall Strategy - Mondelez's approach to AI is not just about technology adoption but also about embedding AI into the organizational structure and business processes to create tangible value [9][10] - The ongoing narrative of Mondelez's journey with AI reflects its commitment to consumer-centric innovation and operational excellence [13]

Group 1: Company Performance - Mondelez International, Inc. reported third-quarter revenue of $9.74 billion, reflecting a 6% increase year-over-year and exceeding Wall Street expectations by $70.6 million [3] - The company has focused on tightening costs and improving profitability over the past decade, while also expanding its presence in the health-focused food category [4] Group 2: Market Outlook - Analyst Brian Holland from DA Davidson lowered the price target for Mondelez to $62 from $65, maintaining a Neutral stance, influenced by the company's third-quarter results and forward outlook [2] - The company anticipates challenges in certain markets but notes a recent decline in cocoa prices and early signs of a strong fall cocoa crop as positive developments [3] Group 3: Investment Considerations - Mondelez is recognized among the 15 Best Passive Income Stocks to Buy Right Now, indicating its potential as a stable investment option [1] - The company has a history of steadily increasing its dividend since becoming independent, appealing to income-focused investors [4]

Core Insights - Mondelez International, Inc. (MDLZ) faced significant challenges in Q3 2025 due to record-high cocoa costs, resulting in a $796 million drop in adjusted gross profit at constant currency and a sharp decline in adjusted gross profit margin to 30.4%, down 1,010 basis points [1][9]. Group 1: Cocoa Costs and Profitability - The decline in adjusted gross profit and margins was primarily driven by increased raw material and transportation costs, along with an unfavorable product mix [2][9]. - The company indicated that Q3 represented the peak of cocoa inflation for the year, with recent signs of cocoa prices beginning to moderate due to a stronger crop [2][9]. Group 2: Pricing Strategies and Consumer Sensitivity - Despite the potential for lower cocoa prices to alleviate some pressure, earlier price hikes, particularly in Europe where chocolate prices rose by about 30%, have made consumers more price-sensitive, with elasticity increasing to approximately 0.7 to 0.8 [3][9]. - To address this sensitivity, Mondelez is adjusting pack sizes and resetting price points to make products more appealing to consumers [3]. Group 3: Promotional Challenges and Productivity - Mondelez faced challenges with promotional efforts that did not meet expectations, compounded by retailer margin pressure and shifts in consumer shopping behavior [4]. - The company emphasized the importance of productivity, noting that cost savings in manufacturing and overhead helped mitigate the impact in Q3, and continued progress in this area will be crucial for 2026 [4][5]. Group 4: Valuation and Market Performance - Mondelez's shares have declined by 8.2% over the past three months, underperforming the industry decline of 7.6% and the broader Consumer Staples sector's drop of 5% [6]. - The company currently trades at a forward 12-month P/E ratio of 17.9, above the industry average of 14.66, raising concerns about the justification of this multiple given the uncertain pace of margin recovery and ongoing cost pressures [10].

Core Insights - Carillon Tower Advisers released its third-quarter 2025 investor letter for the Carillon Eagle Growth & Income Fund, noting that the S&P 500 Index achieved year-to-date returns of 13.7% with growth and momentum as key contributors [1] - The market's current performance is heavily reliant on AI deployment, indicating that any weaknesses in this area could pose significant risks to future market strength [1] Company Summary: Mondelez International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDLZ) - Mondelez International, Inc. manufactures and markets snack food and beverage products, with a one-month return of -7.36% and a 52-week loss of 13.45% [2] - As of November 11, 2025, Mondelez's stock closed at $57.12 per share, with a market capitalization of $73.705 billion [2] - Despite better-than-expected second-quarter financials, Mondelez's shares underperformed in the third quarter due to management's cautious outlook on U.S. demand trends and volatility in cocoa commodity prices [3] - Mondelez is not among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, with 49 hedge fund portfolios holding its stock at the end of the second quarter, down from 52 in the previous quarter [4] - While Mondelez is recognized for its solid dividend history, the company is viewed as having less upside potential compared to certain AI stocks [4]