Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2025 was $57.4 million on sales of $410.2 million, a 3.9% decline in sales compared to the previous year [5][18] - For the full year, adjusted EBITDA was $180.9 million, while net sales increased by 0.5% to $1.58 billion [5][19] - Consolidated gross profit was $130.2 million, with a gross margin of 31.7%, slightly down from 31.8% the previous year [16] - Adjusted earnings per diluted share were $1.58, compared to $1.60 in the prior year [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Food service segment net sales declined by 1.1% to $259.3 million, while soft pretzel sales increased by 3.6% [14] - Retail segment net sales fell by 8.1%, primarily due to lower frozen novelty volumes, although higher pretzel volume partially offset this decline [15] - Frozen beverage segment sales decreased by 8.3%, attributed to lower beverage volume in the quarter [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Box office sales for the period aligned with fiscal 2025 were up 10% compared to the prior year, with industry projections for a 9% increase in North America box office sales for fiscal 2026 [12] - The theater industry is expected to continue its rebound, supported by a strong lineup of movies [12][28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company initiated a business transformation program called Project Apollo, expected to generate at least $20 million in annualized operating income once fully implemented [7][8] - The focus of Project Apollo includes the consolidation of manufacturing facilities, with three facilities announced for closure [7][8] - The company plans to increase share repurchase activity, with $3 million in repurchases during the quarter and intentions to accelerate this in the current quarter [13][33] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for fiscal 2026, citing operational execution improvements and a strong innovation pipeline [6][27] - The macro environment remains cautious, particularly in the retail sector, but management is encouraged by early results in Q1 2026 [27][28] - Challenges faced in 2025 included a significant LTO for churros and unfavorable foreign exchange impacts, but management is bullish about 2026 [29] Other Important Information - The company has a strong financial position with approximately $106 million in cash and no long-term debt [12][18] - Marketing expenses increased by 4.8% year-over-year, driven by new sponsorships and promotional activities [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of portfolio optimization on sales - Management indicated that portfolio optimization could lead to a 1-1.5% impact on overall sales growth, with expectations of mid-single-digit growth year over year [22][24] Question: Macro environment and its impact on 2026 - Management noted cautious consumer sentiment but expressed positive momentum entering 2026, with expectations for theater industry recovery [27][28] Question: Timeline for Project Apollo and expected benefits - The full run rate for plant closure benefits is expected to be reached by Q2 2026, with additional savings anticipated in the latter half of the year [31] Question: Details on commercial opportunities for fiscal 2026 - Key opportunities include a churro LTO with a major customer and a frozen beverage rollout with a large convenience store operator [54] Question: Gross margin potential post-Apollo - Management aims to improve gross margins above 30% toward the mid-30s, with savings from Project Apollo contributing to this goal [56]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a decline in volume in North America by 4% compared to a 2.8% average year-to-date, indicating a slowdown in the market [20][21] - The company expects a step-up in organic net revenue growth for Q4, guiding more than 4% growth [13][46] - The company anticipates high single-digit EPS growth for 2026, despite planned investments [15][72] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Europe, the chocolate business faced a 30% price increase due to cocoa costs, but overall performance is in line with expectations [5][9] - The U.S. biscuit category is under pressure, with promotional strategies not delivering expected returns [21][66] - Emerging markets showed a 4.7% volume decline, primarily affected by Argentina's economic situation and pricing strategies in India [39][40] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumer confidence in Europe remains stable, but there are pockets of pressure due to competitive pricing and retailer margin increases [5][6] - In the U.S., consumers are shifting towards value-oriented purchases, impacting overall basket sizes and category performance [20][21] - Emerging markets like Brazil showed double-digit growth, while China experienced low single-digit growth, indicating mixed performance across regions [41][40] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on optimizing pricing strategies and promotional effectiveness to regain growth in North America [24][66] - There is a strong emphasis on innovation with new flavors and formats to drive consumer engagement [8][15] - The company plans to invest in supply chain improvements and automation to enhance profitability and service levels [48][50] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the cocoa cost environment is expected to improve, which should positively impact margins going forward [9][14] - The company is cautious about the U.S. market outlook, projecting continued challenges but also opportunities for growth through channel expansion [29][46] - Management expressed confidence in the long-term growth potential in emerging markets, despite short-term pressures [40][41] Other Important Information - The company is implementing a multi-year North America supply chain program aimed at reducing costs and improving efficiency [48][50] - There is a focus on maintaining a balance between protecting profit margins and offering value to consumers [66][68] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on European market pricing and elasticity - Management indicated that price elasticity in Europe is currently around 0.7 to 0.8, higher than historical norms, and adjustments are being made to address pricing issues [34][36] Question: U.S. market growth strategy - Management acknowledged the need to protect profit pools while also focusing on value through pack price architecture adjustments [66][68] Question: Expectations for North America in Q4 - The company expects a rebound in North America driven by improved pricing strategies and promotional effectiveness [46][72] Question: Impact of cocoa prices on future guidance - Management stated that cocoa prices are being monitored closely, with strategies in place to benefit from potential declines [14][28] Question: SG&A cost structure and future investments - Management outlined that SG&A reductions are not entirely permanent, with plans for increased spending in 2026 to support growth initiatives [55][72]

Group 1 - Mondelez International, Inc. reported Q2 2025 results with an Adjusted EPS of $0.73, exceeding the consensus estimate of $0.68, and quarterly revenue of $8.98 billion, surpassing analyst expectations of $8.82 billion [2] - The company experienced a year-over-year net revenue increase of 7.7%, although there was a decline of 1.5% in volume/mix, indicating that favorable pricing significantly contributed to revenue growth [2] - Mondelez announced a 6% increase in its dividend and introduced new products in collaboration with Reese's, including the REESE'S OREO Cup, which is expected to perform well based on online excitement [3] Group 2 - The company has a dividend yield of 3.19%, providing stable income for shareholders and enhancing its appeal to potential investors [4] - Mondelez International is a global snacking company formed in 2012 from the spin-off of Kraft Foods' global snack and confectionery business, owning several billion-dollar brands such as Oreo, Ritz, Cadbury Dairy Milk, and Toblerone [4]

Core Viewpoint - Mars' acquisition of Kellanova is likely to receive approval from the European Commission before Christmas, with a new deadline set for December 19 to complete the investigation into the deal [1][2]. Group 1: Regulatory Timeline - The European Commission had previously suspended its investigation into the merger due to a lack of requested information, which has now been received, allowing the investigation to resume [2][3]. - The original deadline of October 31 for the investigation was cancelled, and the new provisional deadline is December 19 [2]. Group 2: Merger Details - Mars confirmed the acquisition of Kellanova, the maker of Pringles and Cheez-It, for $35.9 billion [4][5]. - The U.S. Federal Trade Commission approved the merger in June, making the EU approval the last remaining hurdle [3]. Group 3: Competition Concerns - Preliminary findings from the European Commission indicated that the merger could lead to higher consumer prices due to Mars' increased negotiating power with retailers in the European Economic Area [4][6]. - Several retailers in the EEA have expressed concerns regarding the potential impact of the merger on pricing [6].

Industry Overview - The snack and baking industry is undergoing a significant transformation from "shallow water" to "deep water" [4] - The competition is shifting from simple taste innovation to a new dimension of "product innovation + scenario exploration + value delivery" [5] Market Potential - The snack market in China has substantial growth potential, with per capita annual consumption of savory snacks at only 2 kg compared to 15 kg in the US and nearly 7 kg in Australia, indicating a significant gap [3] - The lower-tier markets are showing a 10.4% growth in fast-moving consumer goods, highlighting the potential for snack brands to thrive in these areas [5] Consumer Trends - Five major trends in snack innovation have emerged: health consciousness, emotional satisfaction, new Chinese styles, functionality, and flexible meal options [7][8] - Consumers are increasingly focused on health attributes, shifting from "harmless" to "beneficial" snacks, with a growing preference for scientifically balanced nutrition [8] Emotional Value - Snacks are becoming important emotional regulators, with products designed to address stress management and sleep aid gaining popularity [9] - The younger generation views snacks not just as energy sources but as tools for emotional buffering [9] Cultural Influence - The rise of national trends is revitalizing traditional ingredients, with local specialties and intangible cultural heritage driving innovation in snacks [9] - The concept of "medicinal food" is gaining traction, with a projected annual growth rate of 20%-30% for snacks incorporating these elements [9] Functional Snacks - The boundary between snacks and supplements is blurring, with increasing consumer demand for functional snacks that offer benefits like sleep aid and immune support [10] - Modular snack design is seen as a future direction, allowing for versatile consumption scenarios [11] Brand Strategies - Companies are focusing on rapid product development and marketing strategies that resonate with consumers, emphasizing emotional connections and cultural relevance [17] - Successful brands are leveraging consumer insights to innovate and enhance product offerings, ensuring they meet evolving consumer needs [17]