Core Viewpoint - Nestle is negotiating to divest its remaining ice cream businesses as part of CEO Philipp Navratil's strategy to streamline the company [1] Group 1 - The decision to sell the ice cream segment aligns with the company's broader efforts to focus on core areas of its business [1] - This move is part of a larger trend in the consumer food industry where companies are reassessing their product portfolios to enhance operational efficiency [1] - The divestiture reflects Nestle's commitment to optimizing its operations and potentially reallocating resources to more profitable segments [1]

Summary of China Mengniu Dairy Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: China Mengniu Dairy - **Industry**: Dairy Products - **Market Position**: Second-largest dairy producer in China, following Inner Mongolia Yili - **Key Shareholders**: COFCO (13.5%) and DANONE (7.5%) [10][26] Key Points and Arguments Industry and Market Dynamics - **Liquid Milk Sales Recovery**: After two years of pressure, liquid milk sales are showing early signs of stabilization in 2026, with January sales estimated to have mid- to high-single-digit year-over-year (YoY) growth, a significant improvement from the high-single-digit decline in the second half of 2025 [2][4] - **Raw Milk Price Stabilization**: Following herd destocking, raw milk prices have stabilized around Rmb3/kg, with expectations of a price recovery in 2026 due to continued herd contraction [3][4] - **Impact of Subsidies**: Last year's delivery subsidies boosted demand for freshly prepared milk beverages, cannibalizing packaged liquid milk sales. As these subsidies phase out, Mengniu is expected to regain some market share [3] Financial Performance and Forecasts - **Sales Growth Forecast**: Projected sales growth of 4.6% in 2026, primarily driven by the recovery in liquid milk [4] - **Operating Profit Growth**: Expected operating profit to grow by 10.6% YoY, with an improvement in operating profit margin (OPM) by 40 basis points [4] - **Net Profit Projection**: Anticipated net profit of Rmb5.1 billion, reflecting a 32.8% YoY growth, supported by operational improvements and reduced impairment losses related to raw milk prices [4] Valuation and Investment Recommendation - **Valuation Metrics**: Mengniu's valuation is attractive with an estimated P/E of 11.8x for 2026 and a projected 20% EPS CAGR from 2025 to 2027 [5] - **Target Price**: Reiterated Buy rating with a target price of HK$20.5, implying a 15x P/E for 2026 [5][6] - **Market Capitalization**: Approximately HK$66.9 billion (US$8.57 billion) with a free float of 75% [6] Risks and Challenges - **Economic Sensitivity**: Risks include significant economic slowdown, competition, cost inflation, price resistance, changes in government policies, and regulatory challenges [12] - **Industry Vulnerability**: The dairy industry is sensitive to external risks, including disease outbreaks and regulatory changes that could hinder growth [12] Additional Insights - **Herd Contraction**: The milkable cow herd has been contracting since February 2024, with a 9% reduction from peak levels by the end of 2025 [3] - **Market Trends**: The overall dairy value chain is expected to experience reduced competitive intensity as raw milk prices stabilize [2][3] This summary encapsulates the critical insights from the conference call regarding China Mengniu Dairy's market position, financial outlook, and the broader industry context.

Vi e w p o i n t | 26 Jan 2026 19:51:10 ET │ 13 pages Mengniu (2319.HK) Likely more cyclical 26E NP recovery than peers CITI'S TAKE Among big-cap China consumer staple names, we expect Mengiu's cyclical NP recovery in 26E to be more substantial than peers. With the stabilized pace of YoY sales decline in 4Q25 (-HSD), we expect its 2025E full-year OPM to fall 30bps YoY, only slightly below its guidance (YoY flat). Positively, we expect its group sales to revert to HSD growth in Jan-Feb 2026E and 5% growth in ...

Core Viewpoint - Oatly Group AB, the world's largest oat drink company, is set to report its fourth-quarter financial results for the period ending December 31, 2025, on February 11, 2026, before the U.S. market opens [1]. Company Overview - Oatly has been focused on oat-based products for over 30 years, developing expertise that has led to advancements in a variety of dairy alternatives, including milk, ice cream, yogurt, cooking creams, spreads, and on-the-go drinks [3]. - The company is headquartered in Malmö, Sweden, and its products are available in more than 50 countries worldwide [3].

Core Insights - Howard Johnson's, once the largest restaurant chain in the U.S. with around 1,000 locations in the 1970s, has closed its final restaurant in 2022 after 97 years of operation [2][3]. Company Overview - Founded in 1925 near Boston by Howard D. Johnson, the brand was known for its consistency, offering the same menu and service standards across all locations [2][3]. - The chain was characterized by its iconic orange-roofed restaurants, a wide variety of ice cream flavors, and classic American fare such as hot dogs and hamburgers [4]. Historical Significance - Howard Johnson's played a significant role in American dining culture, particularly for families traveling on highways, and was one of the first to standardize franchise operations in the U.S. [4]. - The brand is remembered for pioneering consistent fast-food dining and contributing to the family travel culture in mid-20th-century America [4].

Core Insights - Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is launching a new prototype store on King Street from November 13-15, featuring an immersive chocolate experience that engages all five senses [1][3] - The store design includes a modern layout with warm wood accents, an expanded ice cream counter, and signature handcrafted chocolates, maintaining the brand's heritage [2][3] Company Overview - Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. is a leading franchiser of premium chocolate and confectionery retail stores, producing a wide range of products since 1981 [5] - The company operates over 250 stores across the United States and has several international locations, with its stock listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol "RMCF" [5] Grand Opening Details - The grand opening will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 13 at 10 a.m., along with promotions such as free caramel apples or truffles with purchases over $25 [4] - Additional activities include a Golden Ticket Giveaway, free samples, and exclusive giveaways throughout the weekend [4]

Core Insights - ICG Enterprise Trust has successfully realized its largest portfolio company, Froneri, with cash proceeds of €41 million received from the investment [1] - Froneri, a manufacturer and distributor of ice cream products, represented 2.7% of ICGT's portfolio as of July 31, 2025 [2] - Following the realization of Froneri, ICGT's total available liquidity will increase to £223 million, and its gearing ratio will improve to 3% [2] Financial Overview - As of July 31, 2025, ICGT had total available liquidity of £187 million and a gearing ratio of 5% [2] - The cash proceeds from the Froneri realization contribute significantly to ICGT's liquidity position [1][2] Company Background - ICG Enterprise Trust is a leading listed private equity investor focused on long-term compounding growth through investments in profitable, cash-generative private companies, primarily in Europe and the US [4] - The company employs a flexible mandate and a highly selective approach to balance concentration and diversification, risk and reward [5]

Core Viewpoint - The potential demerger of Unilever's ice cream business is anticipated to occur in early December, contingent upon the automatic SEC approval for the listing of The Magnum Ice Cream Company [1] Group 1 - Unilever's CFO Srinivas Phatak indicated that the demerger could take place soon if regulatory approvals are secured [1]

Company News - Ben & Jerry's co-founder Jerry Greenfield announced his exit from the ice cream maker [1] - Greenfield alleges Unilever has taken away the company's independence and "silenced" its social activism [1]

Core Viewpoint - Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry's, has resigned due to growing tensions with parent company Unilever over its stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza [1][4]. Group 1: Company Background - Ben & Jerry's was founded in 1978 by Jerry Greenfield and Ben Cohen in a renovated gas station and has maintained a socially conscious mission since its acquisition by Unilever in 2000 [8]. - The company has been involved in a legal dispute with Unilever, alleging efforts to silence its political activism, particularly regarding its stance on the Gaza conflict, which it described as "genocide" [6]. Group 2: Leadership and Values - Greenfield expressed that he could no longer work for a company that he believes has been "silenced" by Unilever, emphasizing the importance of pursuing values and social justice [4][6]. - He highlighted that Unilever had previously guaranteed Ben & Jerry's independence to uphold its values when it acquired the company over 20 years ago [2]. Group 3: Current Developments - The resignation of Greenfield marks a significant moment in the ongoing conflict between Ben & Jerry's and Unilever, which has been escalating since 2021 when the ice cream maker announced it would cease sales in the West Bank [4]. - Unilever's ice cream unit, Magnum, has publicly disagreed with Greenfield's perspective and has sought constructive dialogue with the co-founders to strengthen the brand's values-based position [6].