Group 1 - The CEO of ConAgra, one of North America's largest packaged food companies, has observed "huge" inflation in canned steel materials [1]

Core Insights - Smucker (SJM.US) reported a 3% year-over-year decline in Q4 sales to $2.1 billion, falling short of expectations [1] - Non-GAAP EPS was $2.31, exceeding market expectations, compared to $2.66 in the same period last year [1] - Adjusted gross profit decreased by 9% year-over-year [1] Sales Performance - Same-store sales fell by 1%, reflecting a 3% decline in volume/mix, driven by decreased sales in pet snacks, dessert baking products, and fruit spreads, partially offset by increased sales of Uncrustables sandwiches [1] - The U.S. retail coffee business saw an 11% sales increase, while the U.S. retail pet food business experienced a 13% sales decline [1][2] Acquisition Impact - Sales were negatively impacted by the acquisition of Hostess in November 2023, as the company faced poor performance due to reduced consumer spending [1] - CEO Mark Smucker indicated plans to offset rising raw material costs through price increases [1] Pricing and Future Outlook - Same-store sales reflected a 3% increase in net pricing, primarily due to higher coffee prices, while net prices for dessert baking products and pet snacks declined [2] - The company provided a lower-than-expected earnings guidance for the next fiscal year, projecting adjusted EPS between $8.50 and $9.50, with a midpoint of $9.00, compared to the average expectation of $10.25 [2] - Following the earnings announcement, the company's stock price fell approximately 8% in pre-market trading [2]

Group 1 - The Shenzhen Stock Exchange and Hang Seng Index Company jointly launched the Guozhen Hang Seng Greater Bay Area Digital Economy Index and Guozhen Hang Seng Greater Bay Area Consumption Index to provide distinctive cross-border investment targets and better serve investors' cross-border asset allocation needs [1][2] - The indices focus on core leading companies in the digital economy and consumption sectors, reflecting significant investment value and providing a solid foundation for index compilation and product development [1][2] - The Guozhen Hang Seng Greater Bay Area Digital Economy Index includes 50 companies with large market capitalization and good liquidity from sectors such as electronic components, telecommunications equipment, digital solutions, internet services, infrastructure, and semiconductors, featuring representatives like Tencent Holdings and Luxshare Precision [1][2] Group 2 - The Guozhen Hang Seng Greater Bay Area Consumption Index comprises 50 companies from consumer sectors such as household appliances, consumer electronics, packaged food, furniture, and personal care, including industry leaders like Gree Electric and TCL Technology [1][2] - The collaboration between the two index institutions aims to enhance the representation and investment guidance of the index market, facilitating the continuous expansion of the mutual connectivity mechanism between Shenzhen and Hong Kong [2] - The companies plan to develop more diverse indices to provide comprehensive index solutions for domestic and international market participants, helping them seize economic development and market opportunities in the Shenzhen-Hong Kong region [2]