Core Insights - Food companies are facing increased price sensitivity, uneven volume trends, and challenges to brand loyalty as consumers seek value [1] - Companies that can protect margins, manage input costs, and adapt to changing consumption habits are likely to succeed [1] The J. M. Smucker Company (SJM) - SJM is undergoing a strategic transformation, focusing on portfolio optimization through acquisitions and divestitures, including the acquisition of Hostess Brands in late 2023 [3][4] - The Hostess acquisition enhances SJM's position in the snacking category, with a 3% year-over-year sales increase in its International and Away From Home segment [4] - Despite growth, SJM's adjusted gross profit declined by 9% year-over-year in the fiscal fourth quarter due to higher input costs and weaker volume [5] - SJM is increasing marketing investments for key brands, leading to a 3% rise in selling, distribution, and administrative expenses [6] Post Holdings, Inc. (POST) - POST is strengthening its position through consistent performance, with Foodservice segment net sales rising 9.6% year-over-year to $607.9 million in Q2 fiscal 2025 [7] - Strategic pricing actions have allowed POST to protect margins amid inflation, offsetting input cost inflation and volume softness [8][9] - POST's recent acquisitions, including 8th Avenue Food & Provisions and Potato Products of Idaho, support a diversified growth strategy [10] - POST benefits from a well-diversified portfolio and disciplined execution, positioning it as a resilient player in the food industry [11] Financial Comparisons - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for POST's fiscal 2025 EPS is $6.63, while SJM's estimate has decreased by 4% to $9.28 [12] - POST trades at a forward P/E of 14.54x compared to SJM's 11.1x, reflecting stronger earnings momentum for POST [13] - In the past three months, POST's stock has declined by 6.9%, outperforming SJM's 8.8% drop, justifying the valuation gap [13] Conclusion - SJM is in a rebuilding phase, focusing on long-term growth through portfolio reshaping, while POST is growing through strategic pricing and disciplined execution [16] - In the current inflation-sensitive market, POST is viewed as the safer and smarter investment choice [16]

CINCINNATI, July 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today announced it received a top score on the Disability Equality Index®, making the company a "Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion" for the sixth year in a row. "Kroger has a strong commitment to offering a workplace where associates of all abilities can meaningfully contribute, thrive and grow," said Tim Massa, executive vice president and chief associate experience officer. "We are proud to be recognized year after year for our ...

Company Overview - Lifeway Foods, Inc. is a leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products, recognized as one of Forbes' Best Small Companies [4] - The company offers a variety of products including drinkable kefir, cheeses, and a ProBugs line for children, with sales across multiple countries [4] Financial Performance - Lifeway achieved gross sales exceeding $5.5 million for the week ending July 13, 2025, marking a 66% increase compared to the same week in the previous year [1] - The company plans to report its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025, on August 12, 2025, before market hours [2] Investor Relations - A pre-recorded conference call and webcast featuring Julie Smolyanksy, Lifeway's President and CEO, will be available on the company's website following the financial results announcement [3]

Albertsons raises its sales forecast for the full year, suggesting that consumers are eating more at home to save money https://t.co/ZDvBN1RFUe ...

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J., July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- J & J Snack Foods Corp. (NASDAQ: JJSF) announced today that it has scheduled a conference call and webcast to discuss its fiscal 2025 third quarter financial results on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 10:00 am Eastern time. Conference call participants should pre-register by clicking on this Registration Link to receive the dial-in number and a personal PIN, which are required to access the conference call. Questions will be taken only from participants on t ...

Core Viewpoint - Smithfield Foods, Inc. will release its financial results for Q2 of fiscal 2025 on August 12, 2025, before market open, followed by a conference call to discuss the results [1] Group 1: Financial Results Announcement - The financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2025 will be released before market open on August 12, 2025 [1] - A conference call is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the financial results [1] - A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available online [1] Group 2: Conference Call Replay - A recorded replay of the conference call will be available approximately three hours after the call concludes [2] - The replay can be accessed online and via telephone with a specific pin number [2] - The replay will be available until August 19, 2025 [2] Group 3: Company Overview - Smithfield Foods, Inc. is a leading American food company specializing in packaged meats and fresh pork products [3] - The company has a diverse brand portfolio and strong relationships with U.S. farmers and customers [3] - Smithfield Foods aims to responsibly meet the global demand for quality protein [3]

Meet The Italian Billionaire Behind Ferrero’s $3.1 Billion Deal For Kellogg https://t.co/NfdQ3MwPoI ...

"平时都是一两个冰柜，现在十几个冰柜一列排开，我们一楼还有个冷库，全是冰激凌和各种冷冻食 品。"近日，广州出现持续高温天气，炎炎夏日带动"清凉经济"升温，解暑产品消费迎来大涨，有超市 加大冷饮、冰激凌供货力度。 南都记者走访广州夏日消费市场发现，不仅冷饮、冰激凌、防晒、空调等"清凉"商品消费迎来大增，各 大商场也推出夏日特色活动，通过"场景化消费+体验式经济"模式，打造夏日消费生态圈。线上平台如 美团提供的数据也显示，6月，广州地区玩水、游泳消费火热，玩水游泳相关关键词搜索量环比增长 78.8%，订单量增幅超77%；进入7月，广州地区"夜宵团购"订单同比增长超37%。 在高德置地春广场纳凉的市民。 冷饮销量大增 有百货店冰柜由两个增至十余个 "最近冷饮卖得多，尤其是大桶装的冰水。"广州天河领展广场周边的雪柜士多超市店员向记者介绍，从 日常销售情况来看，冷饮的销售相比平日更为可观。7月9日至13日，南都记者走访广州多家超市和便利 店发现，冷饮及雪糕销量呈现出增长态势。 今年国家家电补贴力度不小，空调成为销售火爆的品类，东山百货业务部经理戴崇业介绍，1－6月，空 调销量同比上升超40%。值得一提的是，在东山百货， ...

Investment Rating - The report maintains a target for the TOPIX at 2,900 points for Q2 2026, with a base case EPS growth forecast of 1% for 2025 and 8% for 2026 [7][9]. Core Insights - The report suggests a strategic shift from high volatility stocks to high-dividend stocks, anticipating a cautious outlook during the April–June earnings season and an increased preference for cash flow among investors [6]. - External pressures include US tariff hikes, which have increased from 10% to 25%, creating uncertainty in trade negotiations, particularly in the auto sector [6]. - The upcoming Upper House election is expected to influence sectors such as defense, retail, real estate, and utilities, depending on the ruling coalition's performance [6]. - The Financial Services Agency (FSA) plans to revise Japan's Corporate Governance Code, which may lead to renewed interest in cash-rich stocks [6]. Summary by Sections Economic Outlook - The report anticipates a cautious economic environment with potential political shifts post-election affecting fiscal and monetary policies [6]. - The demand for infrastructure investment is expected to grow, enhancing the performance of national resilience-related sectors over the medium to long term [6]. Sector Preferences - Domestic demand-oriented sectors are favored over external demand-driven sectors, with a net overweight position in the financial sector [18][20]. - Specific sectors such as pharmaceuticals, retail, and construction materials are highlighted for their growth potential, while export-oriented sectors may face challenges [17][21]. Focus List - The focus list includes companies with a cautious view on cyclical large-scale external demand stocks and a bullish view on domestic demand growth stocks [21]. - Companies such as Kajima, Japan Tobacco, and Cosmos Pharmaceutical are rated as Overweight, indicating strong potential for returns [21].

Investment Rating - The report indicates a mixed investment outlook for the consumer sector in China, with a preference for new consumer names that can deliver unique growth amidst demand uncertainties, while mature names face investor concerns due to fluid overall demand [2][12]. Core Insights - The overall consumption trend in China appears unexciting for 2Q25, with sequentially softer trends observed across multiple sectors, including spirits, dairy, sportswear, cosmetics, condiments, and prepared food, despite resilient headline numbers supported by trade-in policies [1][35]. - There is a divergence in stock preferences, with investors favoring new consumer brands that show strong growth potential, while mature brands are under scrutiny due to demand fluctuations [2][12]. - Structural growth opportunities are expected to drive stock outperformance in sectors such as sports brands, diversified retailers, pet food, beverages, and restaurants, while sectors like apparel, footwear OEM, and furniture remain less favored [2][3]. Summary by Sections Demand Trends - Sales trends are softening in 2Q25, with headline growth numbers steady due to trade-in policy support, but multiple consumer subcategories indicate fluid demand [35][37]. - Categories benefiting from subsidy support, such as appliances and freshly made drinks, show solid performance, while spirits and high-end restaurants face headwinds from anti-extravagance policies [38][39]. Pricing Dynamics - Emerging pricing risks are noted across various sectors, with increased competition leading to deeper discounts, particularly in the automotive and sportswear sectors [43][44]. - The report highlights a trend of rational spending among consumers, leading to weaker average selling prices (ASP) across multiple categories [30][43]. Sector Performance - The report outlines expected revenue and net income growth for new consumer names to outperform older ones from 2025 to 2027, driven by structural growth opportunities [12][21]. - Specific sectors such as pet care and freshly made drinks are highlighted for their robust growth potential, while traditional categories like spirits and dairy face challenges [11][21]. Future Outlook - The outlook for 2H25 suggests cautious optimism, with expectations of easier comparisons and continued support from trade-in policies, although growth pressures remain due to high bases and macroeconomic conditions [35][39]. - The report emphasizes the importance of overseas expansion and product innovation as key themes for future growth, particularly for companies looking to penetrate lower-tier cities and international markets [31][34].