Core Insights - SunOpta Inc. will participate in the Stephens Annual Investment Conference scheduled for November 18-20, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee [1] Company Overview - SunOpta Inc. specializes in providing customized supply chain solutions and innovation for various sectors, including beverages, broths, and healthier snack options [1]

Group 1 - Proactive provides fast, accessible, informative, and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience [2] - The news team covers key finance and investing hubs including London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney, and Perth [2] - Proactive specializes in medium and small-cap markets while also covering blue-chip companies, commodities, and broader investment stories [2][3] Group 2 - The team delivers news and insights across various sectors including biotech, pharma, mining, natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto, and emerging technologies [3] - Proactive is committed to adopting technology to enhance workflows and content production [4] - All content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, ensuring adherence to best practices in content production and search engine optimization [5]

Group 1 - Dr. Pepper has tied with Pepsi for the second most popular soft drink in the U.S., following Coca-Cola [2] - Both PepsiCo and Keurig Dr Pepper have underperformed the broader market in 2024, with the S&P 500 gaining 17%, while PEP's stock is flat and KDP's stock is down about 10% [2] - KDP is considered a better investment option compared to PEP due to its lower valuation and stronger growth in revenue and operating income [3][6] Group 2 - KDP currently trades at a lower Price-to-Operating Income multiple compared to PEP, indicating a more attractive valuation [6] - KDP shows greater revenue and operating income growth despite its lower valuation, suggesting a potential for better investment returns [6] - An analysis of the past year's metrics may indicate whether PepsiCo's stock is overvalued compared to its competitors, with continued underperformance strengthening this inference [7]

Core Viewpoint - Mondelez International has reduced its full-year sales growth expectations and anticipates a larger decline in earnings per share due to a decrease in third-quarter volumes [1][2]. Financial Performance - For the third quarter, Mondelez reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.73, a decline of 24.2% in constant currency compared to the same period last year [5]. - Headline diluted EPS fell 9.5% to $0.57 [5]. - Organic net sales increased by 3.4% to $9.74 billion for the third quarter, with reported sales up 5.9% [5]. Sales Growth Projections - The company now projects organic growth in the 4%-plus range, down from a previous forecast of around 5% [2]. - Adjusted EPS is expected to decline by about 15% on a constant-currency basis, compared to an earlier estimate of a 10% decrease [2]. Volume and Pricing Trends - Volume/mix declined by 4.6 percentage points, while pricing contributed an 8 percentage point increase [5]. - The steepest volume/mix decline was observed in Europe at -7.5%, significantly higher than the 1.8% drop in North America [6]. - Pricing in Europe was 12.6%, compared to 1.5% in North America, with organic growth in Europe at 5.1% and a slight decline of 0.3% in North America [6]. Market Conditions and Future Outlook - The CEO noted that the company faced record-high cocoa cost inflation but expressed optimism due to recent moderation in cocoa prices and signs of a strong cocoa crop this fall [4]. - The outlook is influenced by greater than usual volatility, including geopolitical, trade, regulatory uncertainties, and commodity prices [3].

Core Insights - Carillon Tower Advisers reported a continued upward trend in equity markets, driven by AI acceleration, reduced inflationary impacts, and potential interest rate cuts from the U.S. Federal Reserve [1] - The Russell 2000® Growth Index increased by 12.19% in the third quarter of 2025, slightly underperforming the Russell 2000 Value Index, which rose by 12.60% [1] Company Analysis: BellRing Brands, Inc. (NYSE:BRBR) - BellRing Brands, Inc. reported a one-month return of -13.09% and a 52-week loss of 51.96%, with a closing stock price of $31.59 and a market capitalization of $3.98 billion as of October 28, 2025 [2] - The company produces protein-based health and fitness beverages, but its stock was negatively impacted by the lack of guidance for the next fiscal year, which was interpreted as a slowdown in growth due to new market entrants [3] - In the fiscal third quarter of 2025, BellRing Brands reported net sales of $548 million, reflecting a 6% increase year-over-year [4]

Core Viewpoint - Kraft Heinz reported lower third-quarter sales and adjusted its full-year outlook due to concerns about rising inflation and a decrease in consumer spending [1] Company Summary - Kraft Heinz experienced a decline in third-quarter sales, indicating potential challenges in maintaining revenue growth [1] - The company has revised its full-year outlook downward, reflecting a cautious approach in light of current economic conditions [1] Industry Summary - The food industry is facing pressures from higher inflation, which is impacting consumer purchasing behavior [1] - There is a noticeable pullback in consumer spending, which may affect overall sales across the industry [1]

Core Insights - MGP Ingredients, Inc. has appointed Matias Bentel as chief marketing officer and Chris Wiseman as senior vice president of operations [1] - Both executives will report to Julie Francis, the president and CEO, and will join the company's executive leadership team [1] - The company expresses excitement about the new appointments, highlighting Matias's decade of experience [1]

Core Viewpoint - Hormel Foods is spinning off its Justin's brand through an investment agreement with Forward Consumer Partners, with the transaction expected to close by year-end, resulting in Justin's becoming a standalone company with a new CEO [1][2]. Company Overview - Justin's brand, known for nut butters and chocolate snacks, was founded in 2004 and has been recognized for its strong brand equity and growth potential [2][3]. - Hormel Foods acquired Justin's in 2016 and has since expanded its product portfolio to include almond and peanut butters, as well as peanut and almond butter cups [3]. Leadership Changes - Peter Burns will return as CEO of Justin's, a position he previously held in 2016, while Matt Leeds from Forward Consumer Partners will become chairman of the new standalone company [4]. - John Ghingo, president of Hormel Foods, emphasized the strategic partnership with Forward as a means to unlock the brand's potential [3]. Financial Performance - Hormel Foods anticipates a strong top line for the fourth quarter, driven by sustained demand across retail, foodservice, and international sectors, particularly from turkey products and Planters snacks [5]. - Net sales for the quarter are projected at the upper end of guidance, although adjusted earnings per share are expected to be around $0.08 to $0.09 below previous expectations [6].

Core Insights - Hormel Foods is selling a 51% stake in Justin's to Forward Consumer Partners while retaining 49% ownership [2][4] - Justin's has expanded its product offerings since Hormel's acquisition in 2016, including new nut spreads and candy products [3] - The partnership aims to leverage resources for growth while maintaining Hormel's investment in Justin's success [4] Company Overview - Hormel Foods, known for brands like Spam and Planters, acquired Justin's in 2016 for $286 million [2] - Justin's founder, Justin Gold, will return as a strategic advisor, and Peter Burns will resume the role of CEO [4][5] Strategic Implications - The transaction reflects Hormel's strategy to unlock brand potential through partnerships [4] - Forward Consumer Partners views Justin's as a strong brand with significant untapped potential [5]

Core Viewpoint - Ben & Jerry's co-founder Ben Cohen claims that Unilever has prevented the ice cream maker from creating a "flavor for Palestine," highlighting tensions between the brand's social activism and its parent company's corporate policies [1][7]. Group 1: Company Actions and Responses - Ben Cohen is creating a watermelon-flavored ice cream to advocate for Palestinian rights after Unilever blocked Ben & Jerry's from launching a similar initiative [1][7]. - Cohen emphasizes the importance of addressing the suffering of the Palestinian people, particularly children, and aims to raise awareness through this new flavor [6][9]. - The company has faced internal conflicts, with Cohen and co-founder Jerry Greenfield expressing that Unilever has silenced their social activism efforts [3][13]. Group 2: Social and Political Context - Watermelons have become a symbol of Palestinian solidarity, reflecting the colors of the Palestinian flag, which Cohen intends to incorporate into his new flavor [5]. - Cohen's activism includes vocal opposition to U.S. military actions in Gaza, indicating a broader political stance that aligns with the brand's historical commitment to social justice [10][9]. - The recent ceasefire in Gaza is acknowledged by Cohen as a temporary relief, but he stresses the ongoing need for rebuilding and addressing the rights of Palestinians [6].