Mondelez (MDLZ) Target Lowered at TD Cowen as 2026 Staples Outlook Turns Cautious

Group 1: Company Overview - Mondelez International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDLZ) is recognized as one of the 13 Best Consumer Staples Dividend Stocks to invest in currently [1] - The company operates through several core segments including biscuits, chocolate, gum, and candy, with a strong portfolio of established brands [2] - Mondelez sells its products in over 150 countries, providing it with significant scale and brand recognition [3] Group 2: Financial Performance and Outlook - TD Cowen analyst Robert Moskow has lowered Mondelez's price target from $68 to $62 while maintaining a Buy rating, reflecting a cautious outlook for the consumer staples sector in 2026 [2] - The firm anticipates a challenging year for large-cap names, with volume growth expected to remain negative at -0.9% for 2025 and pricing conditions to stay muted [2] - Cocoa costs are identified as a major headwind, with potential inflation impacting adjusted earnings per share by up to 15% in 2025 [2] Group 3: Dividend and Investment Appeal - Mondelez has consistently raised its dividend payout for over a decade, with a current yield of approximately 3.7% as of January 7 [3] - The company's strong financial position and brand portfolio provide some insulation against economic uncertainties [2]