Bob Rich’s frozen food business was so successful that he bought the first naming rights to an NFL Stadium in 1973. With the Buffalo Bills’ home set to be demolished after this season, his son, Bob Jr. looks back on the cold realities of running a $5.8 billion family business. https://t.co/LkKp8bKPx4📸: Rich Products ...

Core Insights - Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KMB) demonstrated resilient consumer demand and steady volume growth in Q3 2025, despite ongoing margin pressures, with results aligning closely with the previous year's performance under its Powering Care strategy [1] Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for Q3 2025 were $1.82, matching the prior year's figure and exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.45 [2] - Net sales reached $4.2 billion, consistent with the prior year, despite a 2.2% negative impact from exiting the private-label diaper business in the U.S. Organic sales increased by 2.5%, supported by a 2.4% rise in volume [3] - The adjusted gross margin was 36.8%, down 170 basis points year over year, primarily due to cost inflation and tariff-related expenses [4] - Adjusted operating profit was $683 million, remaining flat compared to the previous year, with reduced expenses offsetting gross margin challenges [4] Segment Performance - The North America segment reported net sales of $2.7 billion, a decrease of 0.8%, while organic sales grew by 2.7% driven by a 2.6% volume increase [6] - The International Personal Care segment achieved $1.4 billion in sales, up 1.9%, with organic sales growth of 2.1% [7] Financial Health - At the end of the quarter, Kimberly-Clark had cash and cash equivalents of $617 million, long-term debt of $6.47 billion, and total stockholders' equity of $1.468 billion [8] - Year-to-date cash provided by operations was $1.8 billion, with capital spending totaling $741 million and $1.4 billion returned to shareholders through dividends and buybacks [8] Future Outlook - For 2025, organic sales growth is expected to align with market trends at around 2%, with reported net sales facing headwinds from currency movements and business divestitures [11] - Adjusted operating profit is forecasted to rise at a low single-digit rate on a constant-currency basis, impacted by divestitures and unfavorable foreign exchange [12] - Adjusted EPS is anticipated to increase at a low-to-mid single-digit rate, incorporating various impacts from divestitures and higher interest expenses [13] - Management projects adjusted free cash flow of approximately $2 billion for 2025 [14]

Core Insights - Nomad Foods Limited has successfully priced a USD 620 million term loan and a EUR 880 million term loan, both due in 2032, with interest rates linked to SOFR and EURIBOR respectively [1] - The company has extended its Revolving Cash Facility of EUR 175 million to 2032, indicating a strategic move to enhance liquidity and financial flexibility [1] - The net proceeds from the term loans will be utilized for repaying existing loans, transaction expenses, and general corporate purposes, reflecting a focus on financial restructuring [1] - The CFO of Nomad Foods expressed satisfaction with the refinancing outcome, highlighting the strength of the company's cash flow and portfolio [1] Company Overview - Nomad Foods is recognized as Europe's leading frozen food company, with a portfolio that includes well-known brands such as Birds Eye, Findus, iglo, Ledo, and Frikom [2] - The company is headquartered in the United Kingdom and is committed to providing high-quality, nutritious, and convenient food options to consumers [2]

Core Insights - The Kraft Heinz Company reported a decline in both top and bottom lines for Q3 2025, primarily due to weaker volumes in key categories, but management highlighted progress in productivity initiatives and brand investments [1][10] - The company is preparing for its planned separation into two standalone public companies, "Global Taste Elevation Co." and "North American Grocery Co." in the second half of 2026 [3][10] Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings were 61 cents per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 57 cents, but fell 18.7% year over year due to lower adjusted operating income and increased taxes [4] - Net sales totaled $6,237 million, down 2.3% year over year, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6,247 million, with organic net sales declining 2.5% [5] - Adjusted gross profit was $2,015 million, down from $2,189 million in the prior year, with an adjusted gross margin contraction of 200 basis points to 32.3% [7] Segment Performance - North America: Net sales of $4,641 million declined 3.8% year over year, with organic sales also down 3.8% [9] - International Developed Markets: Net sales of $895 million increased 1.6% year over year, but organic sales fell 1.4% [9] - Emerging Markets: Net sales rose 3.8% year over year to $701 million, with organic sales growing 4.7% [11] Future Outlook - The company updated its full-year 2025 outlook, expecting organic net sales to decline by 3% to 3.5%, reflecting market softness [14] - Adjusted operating income is projected to fall by 10% to 12%, with an adjusted gross profit margin decline of approximately 100 basis points [15] - Adjusted EPS is forecasted in the range of $2.50 to $2.57, down from the previous outlook [15]

Core Insights - The market began 2025 positively but faced volatility due to tariff and geopolitical risks, with the Fed cutting rates by 25 basis points to 4.00–4.25% in September and signaling two more cuts for the year [1] - Despite inflation and rising unemployment, equities remain near record highs, driven by optimism over rate cuts, AI-driven earnings growth, and hopes for a soft landing [1] - Retail investors face challenges in stock selection amidst these conditions [1] Sales Growth as a Key Metric - Sales growth is preferred over earnings for evaluating stocks, as it reflects actual demand and provides visibility into a company's business model durability [3] - Companies that can grow revenues during economic downturns demonstrate pricing power and competitive advantages [3] - Constant sales growth leads to stronger cash flows, allowing for reinvestment, market expansion, or shareholder returns without excessive debt reliance [5] Stock Selection Criteria - Stocks with 5-Year Historical Sales Growth (%) greater than industry average and Cash Flow over $500 million are prioritized [6] - Additional metrics include P/S Ratio less than industry average, positive % Change in F1 Sales Estimate Revisions, Operating Margin greater than 5%, and Return on Equity (ROE) greater than 5% [7][8][9] Recommended Stocks - **Lamb Weston (LW)**: Expected sales growth rate of 1.3% for fiscal 2026, Zacks Rank 1 [12] - **Universal Health Services (UHS)**: Expected sales growth rate of 8.5% for 2025, Zacks Rank 2 [14] - **FirstEnergy Corp (FE)**: Expected sales growth of 6.6% in 2025, Zacks Rank 2 [14] - **NetEase, Inc. (NTES)**: Expected sales growth of 10.3% for 2025, Zacks Rank 2 [15] - **JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM)**: Expected sales growth of 2.1% in 2025, Zacks Rank 2 [16]

Core Insights - Three stocks with strong income characteristics and buy rank are highlighted for investors to consider on October 23 Group 1: Company Performance - Guess?, Inc. (GES) has seen a Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increase by 8.1% over the last 60 days [1] - The Travelers Companies, Inc. (TRV) has experienced a Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings rise of 7.9% over the last 60 days [2] - Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. (LW) has reported a Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing by 9.4% over the last 60 days [2] Group 2: Dividend Yield Comparison - Guess?, Inc. (GES) offers a dividend yield of 5.4%, significantly higher than the industry average of 0.0% [1] - The Travelers Companies, Inc. (TRV) has a dividend yield of 1.6%, compared to the industry average of 0.7% [2] - Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. (LW) has a dividend yield of 2.3%, also above the industry average of 0.0% [3]

Core Insights - Philip Morris International Inc. reported strong third-quarter 2025 results, with both revenue and earnings exceeding expectations and showing year-over-year growth [1][2][9] Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings for the quarter were $2.24, reflecting a 17.3% increase year over year, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.10 [2][9] - Net revenues reached $10,845 million, a 9.4% increase on a reported basis and 5.9% on an organic basis, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $10,704 million [3][9] - The smoke-free business contributed significantly, with revenues increasing 17.7% and accounting for 41% of total revenues [4][9] Segment Performance - Revenues from combustible products grew 4.3% year over year, driven by high single-digit pricing, despite expected volume declines [4] - Total shipment volumes increased by 0.7% to 204.9 billion units [5] Regional Performance - In Europe, net revenues grew 12.4% to $4,719 million, supported by positive pricing and volume/mix, despite lower cigarette volumes [6] - The SSEA, CIS & MEA regions saw a 10.4% increase in net revenues to $3,273 million, primarily due to favorable pricing [7] - The EA, AU & PMI GTR regions also experienced a 10.4% revenue growth to $1,768 million, driven by favorable volume/mix [8] - Revenues in the Americas declined by 5.5% to $1,085 million, mainly due to unfavorable price variance [8] Future Outlook - For 2025, adjusted EPS is projected in the range of $7.46-$7.56, indicating a growth of 13.5-15.1% [11] - The company expects net revenues to increase by 6-8% on an organic basis and operating income to rise by 10-11.5% [13] - Capital expenditures are anticipated to be nearly $1.6 billion, primarily for smoke-free business investments [13] Other Updates - The company ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $4,037 million and announced an 8.9% increase in its quarterly dividend to $1.47 per share [10]

Core Insights - Three stocks with strong income characteristics and buy rank are highlighted for investors to consider on October 21 Group 1: Company Performance - Newmont Corporation (NEM) has seen a 6.9% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [1] - Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. (LW) has experienced a 4.3% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [2] - Royal Bank of Canada (RY) has recorded a 5.6% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [2] Group 2: Dividend Yield - Newmont Corporation (NEM) offers a dividend yield of 1.1%, which is above the industry average of 0.0% [1] - Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. (LW) provides a dividend yield of 2.3%, also above the industry average of 0.0% [2] - Royal Bank of Canada (RY) has a dividend yield of 3.1%, matching the industry average of 3.1% [3]

Core Viewpoint - Nomad Foods Limited is initiating a refinancing process for its existing Term Loans totaling USD 679 million and EUR 130 million, along with an extension of its EUR 175 million Revolving Cash Facility, with lender meetings expected to occur soon [1] Group 1: Refinancing Details - The refinancing involves USD denominated Term Loan B of USD 679 million and EUR denominated Term Loan B of EUR 130 million and EUR 553 million [1] - An associated extension of the Revolving Cash Facility of EUR 175 million is also part of the refinancing plan [1] Group 2: Company Overview - Nomad Foods is recognized as Europe's leading frozen food company, with a portfolio that includes well-known brands such as Birds Eye, Findus, iglo, Ledo, and Frikom [3] - The company is headquartered in the United Kingdom and focuses on providing convenient, high-quality, and nutritious food options [3]

Core Insights - The consumer staples sector is experiencing a trend of oversold stocks, presenting potential buying opportunities for undervalued companies [1] Group 1: Oversold Stocks - Nomad Foods Ltd (NYSE:NOMD) has an RSI of 23.8, with a stock price decline of approximately 13% over the past month, closing at $11.96 [8] - JBS NV (NYSE:JBS) has an RSI of 25.7, with a stock price decrease of around 19% over the past month, closing at $12.81 [8] - Moolec Science SA (NASDAQ:MLEC) has an RSI of 15.1, with a significant stock price drop of about 46% over the past month, closing at $0.68 [8] Group 2: Company Developments - Nomad Foods announced the appointment of Dominic Brisby as the new CEO, effective Nov. 3, following the tenure of Stéfan Descheemaeker [8] - JBS received an Overweight rating from Stephens & Co. analyst Pooran Sharma, maintaining a price target of $19 [8] - Moolec Science received regulatory approval in Argentina for its Safflower GLASO Technology and appointed Valeria Falottico as CFO, indicating progress in its operations [8]