Mondelez International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDLZ) is included among the 14 Quality Stocks with Highest Dividends. Mondelez (MDLZ) Named Top Pick by Morgan Stanley as Cocoa Pressures Ease On March 16, Morgan Stanley raised its price recommendation on Mondelez International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDLZ) to $70 from $66. It reiterated an Overweight rating on the shares. The firm said the market appears too focused on pricing rollback risk, while not fully recognizing the potential earnings recovery as cocoa costs begin to n ...

Core Insights - Dutch Bros Inc. (BROS) is expanding its food program across more locations, aiming to drive higher customer traffic and larger order sizes, complementing its beverage offerings [1][5] Expansion of Food Program - The food rollout has quickly gained momentum, expanding from a small test in Phoenix to over 300 locations across 11 states by the end of 2025, with a systemwide rollout targeted by the end of 2026 [2][12] - The initiative aims to enhance relevance during morning and snack occasions, encouraging customers to pair food with beverages [2] Performance Indicators - Early performance indicators are positive, with stores offering food seeing improvements in average ticket and transaction levels, potentially contributing to a 4% comparable-sales lift at participating locations [3][12] Competitive Landscape - Key competitors include Starbucks and McDonald's, both of which have successfully integrated food offerings to boost customer traffic and average ticket size [6] - Starbucks competes directly in specialty beverages and has a strong food platform that encourages food and beverage pairings, while McDonald's combines coffee with a broad breakfast menu to capture morning traffic [7][8] Financial Outlook - Dutch Bros shares have declined by 12.2% over the past year, compared to the industry's 3.1% decline [10] - The company trades at a forward price-to-sales (P/S) multiple of 3.99, above the industry average of 3.7 [14] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BROS' 2026 earnings per share has increased, projecting a 19.7% rise in earnings [17]

Core Insights - Mondelez International, Inc. is navigating a volatile cost environment while balancing pricing discipline and volume protection, raising questions about the sustainability of organic sales growth in 2026 [1][5] Financial Performance - Organic net revenues increased by 4.3% for the full year 2025, with a notable acceleration to 5.1% in Q4, primarily driven by higher net pricing due to cocoa inflation [2][10] - Volume and mix declined by 3.7% for the year and 4.8% in Q4, influenced by elasticity in chocolate, revenue growth management actions, and soft U.S. biscuit consumption [2][10] 2026 Outlook - For 2026, organic net revenues are projected to be flat to an increase of 2%, reflecting ongoing softness in category growth and selective price investments [3][10] - The company plans substantial reinvestment to improve volume trends, expand distribution, and strengthen brand presence, despite a challenging consumer backdrop [4] Strategic Focus - The ability of Mondelez to sustain organic sales momentum in 2026 will depend on effectively balancing pricing, reinvestment, and volume recovery [5][9] - The company is expected to focus on stabilizing demand while navigating a cautious consumer environment, marking 2026 as a transition year [9]

Group 1 - The company is well positioned to capitalize on growing trends in snacking, with consumers snacking more than 3.5 times a day and a significant portion believing that snacking contributes to their well-being [3][5] - The company holds a leading global position in key categories, with a 17% share in the $128 billion Biscuits market, a 12.4% share in the $147 billion Chocolate market, a 3.9% share in the $100 billion Cakes and Pastries market, and an 8.6% share in the nearly $20 billion Snack Bars market [4] - Core snacking categories are growing at a rate 1.4 times faster than other food categories, indicating strong market potential [5]

Core Viewpoint - Cerealto, a Spanish private-label manufacturer, has agreed to sell its pasta business to Portuguese agri-food group Cerealis, which includes the manufacturing site in Venta de Baños, Palencia, with an annual capacity of approximately 90,000 tonnes [1][2]. Group 1: Transaction Details - The financial terms of the transaction remain confidential, and around 125 staff at the Venta de Baños site will transfer to the new owners [2]. - The acquisition is expected to create "important synergies" in strategic areas, enhancing international competitiveness for Cerealis [2]. Group 2: Strategic Focus - Cerealto aims to concentrate on its core snacking and breakfast categories, which it identifies as having the greatest potential for future growth [3]. - The pasta unit, described as "profitable," has benefited from sustained investment in recent years and is believed to reach its full potential under a specialist like Cerealis [3]. Group 3: Operational Continuity - The transaction guarantees continuity at the Venta de Baños site, with no anticipated changes to the workforce or daily operations [4]. - Cerealto's CEO emphasized the high performance and value of the pasta business, which has seen substantial capital investment [5]. Group 4: Future Steps - The agreement is subject to approvals from Spain's CNMC and Portugal's AdC, after which a transition phase will begin to ensure a seamless transfer to the new owner [5][6]. - Until the necessary authorizations are obtained, the business will continue to operate normally, fulfilling commitments to customers [6].

Core Viewpoint - Mondelez International, Inc. is facing challenges in the current economic environment, with management's outlook for 2026 indicating lower-than-expected growth due to competitive pressures and consumer behavior shifts [2][3][6]. Group 1: Financial Outlook - TD Cowen raised its price target for Mondelez to $65 from $62 while maintaining a Buy rating, despite management's organic growth forecast for 2026 being below consensus at 0%-2% [2]. - Mondelez anticipates organic net revenue growth in 2026 to be flat to 2%, which is below the previously expected 3.84% increase [6]. - Adjusted profit growth is projected at 0%-5%, compared to analyst expectations of approximately 8.3% [6]. Group 2: Market Conditions - Cocoa prices surged by about 160% in 2024 but have recently eased due to a global surplus; however, Mondelez has secured cocoa supply for 2026 at prices above current market levels, limiting pricing flexibility [4]. - The company is experiencing volume weakness in North America, with consumers shifting towards cheaper options and buying fewer items due to multiple price increases aimed at offsetting rising cocoa costs [3][5]. - CEO Dirk Van de Put highlighted that US consumer confidence is fragile, with higher-income customers moving towards healthier snack options, while European chocolate volumes are expected to stabilize after previous price hikes [5].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is pleased with the momentum in emerging markets and has seen sequential improvements in developed markets, although not fully recovered [12] - The guidance for 2026 is cautious due to short-term pressures, particularly in the U.S. biscuit category, which is expected to remain subdued in the first half of the year [12][13] - The company anticipates a significant impact of $500 million in the first quarter due to inventory accounting adjustments [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The chocolate category has shown resilience despite price volatility, with successful execution of the chocolate strategy through pricing and revenue growth management [5][7] - In North America, the biscuit category has seen a volume decline of 4% in the last three months and 3% for the year 2025, indicating a challenging operating environment [26] - The company plans to invest more in brand awareness and improve frequency and quantity of purchases in North America, focusing on successful products like Perfect Bar and Tate's Premium Biscuit [27][28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Emerging markets are expected to continue growing, with high single-digit growth anticipated, while developed markets may decline in the low to mid-single digits [36] - The company is adjusting pricing strategies in Europe, expecting stability in the chocolate category after significant price increases in 2025 [12][13] - The North American market is characterized by low consumer confidence and a shift towards value-seeking behavior, affecting overall snacking categories [25][26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to increase investments behind its brands to drive volume growth and improve profitability, particularly in the chocolate segment [8][54] - There is a focus on innovation and new product activations, with plans to enhance the chocolate strategy further during the CAGNY Conference [10] - The company is diversifying its cocoa supply sources to mitigate risks associated with reliance on traditional cocoa-growing regions [68][69] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the recent decline in cocoa prices, which may lead to competitive reactions and necessitate flexibility in guidance for 2026 [9][13] - The company expects to see improved margins in the chocolate business by 2027, driven by better cocoa pricing and strategic investments [9][54] - Management is optimistic about returning to pre-2025 profitability levels in the European chocolate division, with plans for selective price investments if necessary [59][60] Other Important Information - The company is investing in cocoa-growing regions outside of West Africa to balance supply and reduce long-term risks [68][69] - There is an expectation of a significant uplift in chocolate margins in 2027, with a focus on reinvesting part of the gains back into the business [54] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the company's outlook on cocoa pricing and its impact on guidance? - Management indicated that recent cocoa dynamics might require adjustments and flexibility in guidance, with a focus on winning with consumers and in the marketplace [13][14] Question: How does the company plan to address cost phasing and pricing in 2026? - The company plans to maintain flat pricing in chocolate while managing costs, with a significant impact expected in the first quarter due to inventory adjustments [20][21] Question: What is the strategy for North America given the current market conditions? - Management highlighted the need to adapt to consumer behavior, focusing on value-seeking strategies and increasing market share through targeted investments [25][27] Question: How does the company view the impact of GLP-1 medications on its business? - Management believes that the adoption rate of GLP-1 medications will not significantly impact overall business volumes in the short term [65][66] Question: What are the company's plans for investments in cocoa-growing regions? - The company is diversifying its cocoa supply sources to reduce risks and is investing in regions like Ecuador and Brazil to enhance output [68][69]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a significant focus on the chocolate category, which has shown resilience despite price volatility in 2025 [6][9] - Cocoa prices have recently declined unexpectedly, which may lead to short-term pressures for the industry [8][9] - The company aims to increase margins in the chocolate business significantly by 2027 due to improved cocoa pricing [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The chocolate strategy has been effective, with successful execution in major markets like India, Brazil, and Australia, while adjustments are needed in northern European markets due to higher elasticity [6][7] - The company plans to invest more in brand marketing and innovation, particularly with successful collaborations like Biscoff [8][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Emerging markets have shown strong momentum, with expectations for continued growth in high single digits, while developed markets are expected to see declines in the low to mid-single digits [36][38] - The North American market is facing challenges, with consumer confidence at historic lows and a decline in the biscuit category [25][28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on brand investments and innovation to drive volume growth, particularly in North America and Europe [29][30] - There is a strategic emphasis on adapting to consumer behavior changes, with a focus on value-seeking consumers [25][28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the 2026 guidance, highlighting the need for flexibility due to recent cocoa price dynamics [12][13] - The company anticipates a gradual improvement in volume and revenue throughout 2026, with a focus on maintaining pricing strategies [22][24] Other Important Information - The company is investing in cocoa-growing regions outside of West Africa to diversify supply and reduce risks associated with crop diseases [69][70] - There is an ongoing exploration of lab-grown cocoa as a sustainable alternative, which may gain regulatory approval in the future [70][71] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for the chocolate strategy given cocoa price changes? - Management noted that the chocolate category has shown resilience and that adjustments will be made to pricing strategies in response to cocoa price fluctuations [6][7] Question: How does the company plan to address cost phasing in 2026? - The company will face a one-time inventory adjustment impacting costs, with expectations for sequential improvements in volume and revenue throughout the year [22][24] Question: What is the strategy for North America amidst weak volume trends? - Management highlighted the need for increased investments to drive consumer awareness and adapt to changing shopping behaviors, focusing on value and promotions [25][28] Question: How will emerging markets perform in 2026? - Emerging markets are expected to continue growing, with Brazil and Mexico showing strong performance, while Argentina's economic issues are impacting overall regional results [44][45] Question: What are the expectations for profitability recovery in European chocolate? - The company aims to return to pre-2025 profitability levels by investing in brand marketing and adjusting pricing strategies as cocoa prices stabilize [60][61]

Core Viewpoint - Mondelez International, Inc. is positioned favorably in the market with strong cash returns to shareholders and improved EPS visibility due to declining cocoa prices, despite facing challenges from cocoa cost inflation [2][3][4]. Group 1: Financial Performance and Shareholder Returns - Mondelez has a robust history of returning cash to shareholders, with dividends growing at an annual rate above 10% over the past five years [3]. - The company has repurchased over $13 billion of its own shares since 2018, reducing the share count by approximately 15% [3]. - Morgan Stanley raised its price target for Mondelez to $65, indicating positive sentiment towards the stock [2]. Group 2: Market Challenges and Opportunities - The recent decline in cocoa prices is seen as beneficial for Mondelez, enhancing visibility into earnings per share forecasts [2]. - However, the company has warned that unprecedented cocoa cost inflation could potentially reduce adjusted earnings per share by up to 15% in 2025 [4]. - Mondelez operates from a position of financial strength, supported by its diverse geographic presence and established brand portfolio amid economic uncertainties [4]. Group 3: Company Overview - Mondelez International, Inc. is recognized as one of the largest snack companies globally, with a diverse portfolio that includes biscuits, chocolate, cakes, pastries, snack bars, and candy [5].

(the "Company") (A joint stock company incorporated in the People's Republic of China with limited liability) WARNING The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited and the Securities and Futures Commission take no responsibility for the contents of this Post Hearing Information Pack, make no representation as to its accuracy or completeness and expressly disclaim any liability whatsoever for any loss howsoever arising from or in reliance upon the whole or any part of the contents of this Post Hearing Information ...