HANOVER, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Utz Brands, Inc., a leading U.S. manufacturer of branded salty snacks for more than a century, will showcase its newest flavor launches and product innovations at the 2025 National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) Show. The event will take place October 15–17, 2025, at McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, IL, bringing together the largest gathering of convenience and fuel retailing professionals for networking, education, and product discovery. At. ...

Core Concept - Cheez-It has launched "Studio Cheez," an immersive nightclub experience in New York City designed to satisfy late-night cravings with Cheez-It-infused cocktails and snacks, enhancing the nightlife experience for fans aged 21 and over [2][3][5]. Group 1: Experience Overview - Studio Cheez is located in New York's East Village and will operate from October 9 to October 11, 2023, from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., featuring a unique party atmosphere that combines music, dancing, and Cheez-It snacks [5][10]. - The nightclub experience includes a Cheez-It Tap for dispensing crackers, a light-up dance floor, and themed decor, all aimed at creating a fun and engaging environment for attendees [7][8]. Group 2: Menu Highlights - The menu features Cheez-It-infused cocktails such as the Cheez-Tini, Smoked Gouda Old Fashioned, and Hot & Spicy Cheezarita, along with mocktail options [6][5]. - Late-night bar bites include creative dishes like Cheez Dog Tower, Cheezy Pizza Pocket, and CheezMallow Treat, all designed to complement the Cheez-It theme [12]. Group 3: Marketing and Brand Engagement - The launch of Studio Cheez follows the brand's campaign "Cravings Can Happen Anywhere," emphasizing the fun and enjoyment associated with Cheez-It snacks [3][4]. - Exclusive merchandise will be available for fans, including apparel and collectibles, enhancing brand engagement and providing a memorable experience [9].

Core Insights - PepsiCo is set to announce its Q3 earnings results on October 9th, before market opening [1] - Wall Street anticipates an EPS of $2.26 for the company [1] - Revenue is projected to increase by 2% to $23.84 billion [1] Financial Expectations - Expected EPS: $2.26 [1] - Expected revenue: $23.84 billion, reflecting a 2% increase [1]

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]