Core Viewpoint - Mondelez International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDLZ) is considered a top pick for retirement portfolios despite a downgrade in price target and sales growth projections by Evercore ISI [1][2]. Group 1: Sales Growth and Projections - Evercore ISI has reduced its projection for third-quarter consolidated organic sales to 3.5%, down from a consensus expectation of 4.5% [2]. - The expectation for organic sales growth in 2025 has been lowered from 5% to 4.4% [2]. - Increasing price elasticity across Europe is identified as a key factor contributing to slower sales growth [1]. Group 2: Stock Performance and Valuation - Analysts warn that short-term sales risks could lead to a 5–10% decline in Mondelez's stock, positioning it at the lower end of its 10-year price-to-earnings range of 18x [2]. - Despite immediate concerns, Mondelez is still viewed as a solid long-term growth story at a reasonable price [3]. Group 3: Company Overview - Mondelez International, Inc. is a Chicago-based international firm specializing in confectionery, cuisine, drinks, and snacks [3].

Core Viewpoint - PepsiCo, Inc. is viewed as a "defensive" investment amid a U.S. economic slowdown, although its defensive nature is less pronounced compared to previous recessions due to high pricing pressures in the Frito-Lay segment [1] Financial Performance - The company is expected to report third-quarter 2025 financial results on October 9, 2025, with an estimated EPS of $2.26 [3] - The analyst has adjusted the organic sales outlook for the IB franchise to flat growth from a previous estimate of 3% year-over-year, resulting in a total company organic sales forecast reduction to 1.8% from 2% [4] Sales and Market Trends - PepsiCo Foods North America is experiencing sluggish sales as it compares against last summer's promotions, with NielsenIQ scanner data showing little change from previous quarters [5] - Frito-Lay is facing challenging comparisons due to July 4 promotions in summer 2024, leading to a "hollowing" of middle-tier price points, while premium and value brands are performing better [6] Analyst Insights - BofA Securities analyst Peter T. Galbo maintains a Neutral rating on PepsiCo with a price target of $150, indicating a balanced approach to growth, dividends, and share repurchases [2] - There is limited risk of further sales or EPS revisions as the quarter has largely unfolded as expected, although core business fundamentals have yet to show signs of reacceleration [4]

Core Insights - Garden Veggie Snacks™ has announced a significant reinvention of its product line, introducing new recipes made with avocado oil and a new sweet potato variety, aimed at enhancing flavor and quality for both kids and parents [2][4]. Product Innovation - The new lineup includes Garden Veggie Straws and Garden Veggie™ Puffs, which are now made with avocado oil, real cheese, and feature modernized packaging [2][4]. - A fourth variety of Garden Veggie Straws made with sweet potato has been introduced, alongside existing flavors like Sea Salt, Zesty Ranch, and Screamin' Hot [5]. Market Launch - The revamped products will debut at Target starting in late September, with plans for expansion to additional national retailers in the winter and into the new year [3][4]. Brand Philosophy - The company emphasizes transparency and ingredient innovation, focusing on delivering snacks that are both enjoyable and healthy, without artificial flavors or preservatives [3][4]. - The brand aims to create a positive snacking experience for families, making snack time enjoyable for both kids and parents [3][4]. Company Background - Garden Veggie Snacks™ is part of the Hain Celestial Group, a leader in the better-for-you snacking category, committed to providing a range of delicious snacks for families [5][7].

Group 1: Avista Corp. - Avista has a history of raising dividends for 22 consecutive years, with the most recent increase on Feb. 12, raising the quarterly payout from $0.475 to $0.49 per share, resulting in an annual figure of $1.96 per share [3] - The current dividend yield for Avista is 5.39% [3] - As of June 30, Avista's annual revenue was $1.96 billion, and Q2 2025 revenues were reported at $411 million with an EPS of $0.17, both below consensus estimates [4] Group 2: Cogent Communications - Cogent Communications has increased its dividend for 51 consecutive years, with the latest hike on May 8, raising the quarterly payout from $1.01 to $1.015 per share, equating to an annual figure of $4.06 per share [6] - The current dividend yield for Cogent Communications is 11.30% [6] - As of June 30, the company's annual revenue was $1 billion, and Q2 2025 revenues were $266.17 million, which missed the consensus estimate of $246.83 million, while the per-share loss of $1.21 was better than the consensus of $1.08 loss per share [7] Group 3: Mondelez International - Mondelez International is involved in the manufacturing, marketing, and selling of snack food and beverage products globally [8]

Company Overview - The Simply Good Foods Company (SMPL) operates as a "nutritious snacking platform" with three main brands: Quest, Atkins, and OWYN [2] - Atkins represents approximately 30% of net sales but is experiencing a decline, with FY 2024 sales down 6.6% [2][4] - Quest maintains brand strength but is facing moderating growth due to increased competition [3] Financial Performance - As of September 3rd, SMPL's share was trading at $28.66, with trailing and forward P/E ratios of 20.05 and 14.71, respectively [1] - The company's long-term guidance suggests 4-6% sales growth and slightly higher EBITDA growth, which is now questioned due to structural headwinds [4] - The equity shows a return on invested capital (ROIC) of 8% and lacks a dividend, with consensus earnings growth around 8% [5] Market Challenges - The Atkins segment is facing structural headwinds, leading to a persistent decline despite management's revitalization efforts [2][4] - Competitive pressures are increasing, particularly from established players and new entrants in the protein bar market, which leverage low barriers to entry [3][4] - The overall sales mix is highly concentrated in North America, with mass retailers and e-commerce channels accounting for over half of sales [4] Strategic Considerations - Management's focus on innovation is hindered by low R&D spending relative to peers, and promotional intensity has increased due to competitive pressures [4] - The potential for further deterioration in Atkins' performance or disappointing operational execution could lead to a downside of 10-15% from current levels [5] - While SMPL has a strong balance sheet that may allow for additional acquisitions, these may not address the underlying structural challenges [5]

Group 1 - The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is a technical analysis indicator that measures stock momentum on a scale of 0 to 100, with a reading below 30 indicating that a stock is oversold [1] - J&J Snack Foods Corp. (Symbol: JJSF) has an RSI reading of 29.99, indicating it has entered oversold territory, with shares trading as low as $102.46 [2][4] - The current RSI of the S&P 500 ETF (SPY) is 67.8, suggesting a significant difference in market sentiment between JJSF and the broader market [2] Group 2 - JJSF's 52-week low is $102.46, while the 52-week high is $180.80, with the last trade recorded at $102.67 [4]

Core Insights - QuadMed has partnered with Utz Brands to manage the Utz Health & Wellness Center, enhancing personalized health care services for over 4,300 eligible members [1][2][3] - The transition to QuadMed aims to improve health outcomes and deliver measurable value to employers by integrating primary care and occupational health [3][4] - QuadMed's model focuses on whole-person care, which is customized for each patient, reflecting a commitment to employee well-being and productivity [4][5] Company Overview - QuadMed is a health care experience company that provides direct access to whole-person care for employees and families, with over 30 years of experience in improving health and reducing costs [5] - Quad, the parent company of QuadMed, is a marketing experience company that offers a comprehensive range of marketing and print services, serving approximately 2,100 clients across various industries [6][7] - Utz Brands, Inc. manufactures a diverse portfolio of savory snacks and has a strong family heritage, distributing products nationally through multiple channels [9]

Core Insights - Shock Top and Auntie Anne's have launched a collaborative campaign titled "Beer Kneads Pretzels" to celebrate the pairing of beer and pretzels through various promotional activities [1][3][4] Group 1: Campaign Details - The campaign includes an exclusive sweepstakes offering $300 Auntie Anne's gift cards and co-branded merchandise to three winners [4] - Each 6-pack of Shock Top Twisted Pretzel Wheat includes a promo code for $6 off a $12 purchase at Auntie Anne's, valid through December 2025 or until supplies last [5][6] - Limited-edition merchandise such as sweatshirts and sling bags will be available through social media giveaways [6] Group 2: Product Information - Shock Top's Twisted Pretzel Wheat is recognized for its pretzel aroma and smooth finish, ranking as the 14 new craft beer release in 2024 [3] - Auntie Anne's has over 2,000 locations across 49 states and 25 countries, known for its hand-rolled soft pretzels since 1988 [9] Group 3: Marketing Strategy - The partnership will leverage a multi-faceted social media campaign to engage consumers, including behind-the-scenes content and opportunities for fans to share their experiences [6][7] - The campaign aims to enhance brand visibility and consumer engagement through interactive promotions and exclusive offers [1][6]

Core Viewpoint - Pringles is launching a new lineup of flavors, including the Smoky collection, Sharp White Cheddar, and Pringles Mingles flavors, aimed at satisfying diverse consumer cravings starting in September 2025 [2][5][8]. Product Launch Details - The new Pringles Smoky collection includes three flavors: Smoky Bacon, Smoky Mesquite BBQ, and Smoky Cheddar, each offering unique taste profiles [6][5]. - Pringles Sharp White Cheddar combines rich, nutty flavors with a touch of acidity to replicate aged white cheddar cheese [6]. - Pringles Mingles introduces two new flavors: Cinnamon & Sugar, which is the brand's first sweet flavor since 2016, and Jalapeño & Queso, balancing creamy queso with fresh jalapeño flavor [6][5]. Marketing and Collaboration - To celebrate the launch, Pringles is collaborating with Chef Calvin Eng from Bonnie's restaurant to create a special dish featuring the Smoky Mesquite BBQ flavor, available for a limited time [5][7]. - The marketing strategy emphasizes innovation and consumer engagement, with a focus on unique flavor experiences [4][8]. Company Background - Kellanova, the parent company of Pringles, is a leader in global snacking with a legacy of over 100 years and net sales of approximately $13 billion for 2024 [9].

Core Insights - The snack consumption among contemporary youth is a prevalent phenomenon, with a strong demand for snacks that surpasses traditional meal consumption [1][3] - The Chinese snack market is projected to reach 1.2378 trillion yuan by 2027, indicating robust growth and a shift in consumer preferences towards snacks [4] - The rise of e-commerce has transformed snack consumption, making it a central aspect of young people's lives, while also revealing a calculated marketing strategy targeting this demographic [4][6] Market Trends - The snack market is characterized by a shift from traditional purchasing methods to online platforms, where influencers and live-streaming play a significant role in driving sales [7][8] - Young consumers often face a "trial and error" experience when purchasing trendy snacks, leading to a high rate of dissatisfaction with products that do not meet expectations [8][10] - The popularity of certain snack categories has led to market saturation, with previously successful flavors now being perceived as subpar [10][11] Consumer Behavior - Young consumers are drawn to low-priced snacks, often influenced by marketing tactics that create a sense of urgency and excitement [13][26] - Despite awareness of the potential health risks associated with processed snacks, young consumers continue to purchase them due to convenience and affordability [29][30] - The emotional connection to food, particularly in high-pressure environments, drives young consumers to seek out snacks as a source of comfort and instant gratification [30][32] Quality Concerns - There is a growing concern regarding the quality of snacks, with many products containing excessive additives and artificial ingredients that compromise health [22][20] - The prevalence of misleading marketing practices has led to a demand for authentic product reviews and evaluations, resulting in the emergence of "red and black lists" for snack products [16][19] - Consumers are increasingly aware of the disparity between product presentation and actual quality, leading to a more cautious approach to snack purchases [15][20][23]