巴菲特，重大警告！

Core Viewpoint - Warren Buffett publicly criticized Kraft Heinz for its decision to announce a split without consulting shareholders, expressing disappointment and indicating the possibility of reducing or liquidating his stake in the company [1][3]. Company Overview - Kraft Heinz announced plans to split into two publicly traded companies: one focusing on sauces and the other on grocery products, with projected sales of approximately $15.4 billion and $10.4 billion respectively for 2024 [6]. - The split aims to simplify the business structure and improve brand resource allocation in response to ongoing performance pressures and industry changes [6]. Market Reaction - Since the beginning of the year, Kraft Heinz's stock has declined nearly 9%, significantly underperforming the major U.S. stock indices, with a current market capitalization of $32.3 billion [1]. - Moody's has placed Kraft Heinz on a credit rating downgrade watch and initiated a comprehensive review of its investment-grade rating due to uncertainties surrounding the company's future capital structure following the split [1][7]. Buffett's Stake and Concerns - Berkshire Hathaway, led by Buffett, holds a 27.5% stake in Kraft Heinz, valued at approximately $8.9 billion, making it the largest shareholder [3]. - Buffett expressed dissatisfaction with the additional $300 million management costs expected for the split, questioning the effectiveness of this investment [4]. - He noted that the decision to split reverses the merger he helped facilitate in 2015, which he now regrets as having overpaid for a quality company [4]. Future Implications - The split raises concerns about the strategic direction of Kraft Heinz and its ability to manage its mature brands in a tightening consumer spending environment [7]. - Moody's review will focus on the implementation risks and potential benefits of the split, as well as the new companies' leverage ratios and financial policies [7].