CHICAGO, Jan. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mondelēz International (Nasdaq: MDLZ) today announced the appointment of Luca Zaramella to the role of Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer. In addition to his CFO responsibilities, as COO, he will have responsibility for the company’s commercial operations in its four geographical regions as well as the corporate sales, marketing and supply chain functions. Zaramella’s appointment will be effective Feb. 1, and he will continue to report directly to ...

Core Viewpoint - Oakmark Global Fund's fourth-quarter 2025 investor letter highlights its strong performance and investment strategy, focusing on long-term capital appreciation through a diverse portfolio of U.S. and non-U.S. companies, with a notable emphasis on Mondelez International, Inc. [1] Group 1: Fund Performance - In the fourth quarter, Oakmark Global Fund (Investor Class) achieved a return of 5.23%, surpassing the benchmark MSCI World Index's gain of 3.12% [1] Group 2: Mondelez International, Inc. Overview - Mondelez International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDLZ) is identified as a leading global snacking company with significant market shares in crackers, cookies, and chocolate, featuring well-known brands such as Cadbury, Milka, Toblerone, Oreo, and Ritz [3] - As of January 13, 2026, Mondelez's stock closed at $55.94 per share, with a one-month return of 3.94% and a 52-week decline of 1.24%. The company's market capitalization stands at $72.383 billion [2] Group 3: Investment Thesis on Mondelez - The fund believes Mondelez's strong pricing power and potential relief from rising commodity costs will enhance its margins, despite current margin pressures due to commodity inflation [3] - The current market conditions have allowed the fund to acquire Mondelez shares at a discounted valuation compared to historical levels, peers, and the broader market [3] Group 4: Hedge Fund Interest - Mondelez International, Inc. was held by 50 hedge fund portfolios at the end of the third quarter, an increase from 48 in the previous quarter, indicating growing interest among institutional investors [4]

Core Viewpoint - Mondelēz International, Inc. is set to release its fourth quarter 2025 financial results on February 3, 2026, and will host a conference call to discuss these results [1]. Group 1: Financial Results Announcement - The financial results for the fourth quarter of 2025 will be released on February 3, 2026, at 4:05 p.m. ET [1]. - A conference call will follow at 5:00 p.m. ET on the same day to discuss the results [1]. Group 2: Participation Details - Investors and analysts can participate in the conference call by calling 800-245-3047 from the United States or 203-518-9765 from other locations [2]. - Participants are advised to dial in approximately 10 minutes before the call starts to ensure timely access [2]. - A listen-only webcast will be available on the company's website [2]. Group 3: Replay Information - A replay of the conference call will be available until February 10, 2026, by calling 800-839-9302 from the United States or 402-220-6082 from other locations [3]. - The access code for both the conference call and its rebroadcast is MDLZQ425 [3]. - An archive of the webcast will also be available on the company's website [3]. Group 4: Company Overview - Mondelēz International operates in over 150 countries and reported net revenues of approximately $36.4 billion in 2024 [4]. - The company is known for its iconic brands, including Oreo, Ritz, Clif Bar, and Cadbury Dairy Milk [4]. - Mondelēz International is recognized as a member of the Dow Jones Best-in-Class North America and World Indices [4].

Core Insights - Mondelez International, Inc. is a leading global snack food company with a market cap of $69.2 billion, operating in over 150 countries and owning iconic brands like Oreo and Cadbury [1] Financial Performance - Analysts expect Mondelez to report an adjusted profit of $0.70 per share for the fourth quarter, reflecting a 7.7% increase from $0.65 per share in the same quarter last year [2] - For fiscal 2025, adjusted EPS is projected to be $2.90, a decrease of 13.7% from $3.36 in 2024, but is expected to rebound to $3.14 per share in fiscal 2026, marking an 8.3% year-over-year increase [3] Stock Performance - Mondelez's stock has declined by 10.2% over the past 52 weeks, underperforming compared to the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund's 1.3% decline and the S&P 500 Index's 16.2% gain [4] - The underperformance is attributed to rising input costs, weakening consumer demand, and downward revisions to earnings outlook, particularly due to inflation in cocoa prices and other raw materials [5] Analyst Ratings - The stock holds a consensus "Moderate Buy" rating, with 14 "Strong Buys," three "Moderate Buys," six "Holds," and one "Strong Sell" among 24 analysts [6] - The mean price target for Mondelez is $68.30, indicating a potential upside of 27.1% from current price levels [6]

Core Insights - Mondelez International, Inc. (MDLZ) is valued at a market cap of $74.9 billion and operates in over 150 countries, focusing on premium snacking products like biscuits, chocolates, and candies [1] Financial Performance - In the third quarter, Mondelez reported a 5.9% increase in net revenue, with organic sales up 3.4% driven by price increases, but volumes suffered and margins were pressured due to high cocoa and input costs [4] - Adjusted EPS fell 24.2% year over year to $0.73, and operating income decreased 35.5% from the previous year to $744 million [4] - For the current fiscal year, analysts expect MDLZ's EPS to decline 12.8% year over year to $2.93 [5] Stock Performance - Over the past year, MDLZ shares have declined 17.2%, underperforming the S&P 500 Index, which has surged 17.4% [2] - Year-to-date, the stock is down 3.3%, while the benchmark index has gained 16% [2] - The stock has also trailed the First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF's 14.4% loss over the past 52 weeks [3] Analyst Ratings - Among 26 analysts covering the stock, the consensus rating is a "Moderate Buy," with 14 "Strong Buy," three "Moderate Buy," eight "Hold," and one "Strong Sell" rating [5] - The mean price target of $71.56 suggests a 23.8% potential upside from current price levels, while the Street-high price target of $85 indicates an upside potential of 47.1% [6]

Core Insights - The holiday season significantly influences snacking choices, with traditions and childhood memories playing a crucial role in consumer behavior [1][5][7] - The State of Snacking report, developed with The Harris Poll, highlights the global impact of cultural celebrations on snacking habits, particularly in Asian cultures [2][5] Company Overview - Mondelēz International, Inc. reported net revenues of approximately $36.4 billion for 2024, positioning itself as a leader in the snacking industry with a diverse portfolio of iconic brands [4] Consumer Behavior - A strong connection exists between snacking and cherished childhood experiences, with 76% of consumers recalling fond memories of sharing snacks with parents [5] - 78% of global consumers enjoy sharing their favorite childhood snacks, with particularly high rates in the Philippines, Indonesia, China, and India [5] - 73% of consumers believe certain snacks have been passed down through generations, especially in Indonesia, India, and the Philippines [5]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reaffirmed its full year 2025 organic sales growth guidance of about 5% despite headwinds from U.S. retailer restocking and hot weather in Europe impacting chocolate demand [9][10] - Organic sales in North America declined about 3.5% year over year in the first half, with underlying trends softer than anticipated [13][19] - The company expects a reasonable P&L for 2025 with top-line growth of 4% to 5% and a 10% EPS decline, indicating a challenging year ahead [6][7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted that chocolate consumption in Europe was impacted by hot weather, particularly in the U.K. and Germany, leading to a decline in volumes [10][11] - In North America, the company is focusing on optimizing shopping trips and maximizing brand presence, particularly for Oreo, which has seen increased penetration but decreased purchase frequency [17][19] - The company is implementing price pack architecture in Europe to protect specific price points and stimulate consumption through promotional activities [12][27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In emerging markets, the company sees significant growth potential, particularly in India and China, despite current consumer caution [36][40] - Brazil is performing well with good single-digit growth, while Mexico is experiencing a slowdown in consumer offtake [40][41] - Cocoa supply is expected to increase, leading to a potential surplus and a decrease in cocoa prices, which could positively impact margins [32][33] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The long-term strategy established in 2018 remains valid, focusing on building presence in key categories and supporting brand growth [5][6] - The company is exploring collaborations with other brands to drive innovation and market presence, viewing these partnerships as win-win opportunities [20][25] - The cakes and pastries category is identified as a significant growth opportunity, with expectations of reaching $125 billion by 2030 [52][54] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed that consumer spending behavior has not changed significantly over the past two and a half years, with consumers remaining cautious and prioritizing basic necessities [14][15] - The company anticipates continued challenges in North America over the next 6 to 12 months, with a focus on adapting to consumer behavior [19][40] - Management is optimistic about the upcoming Christmas season, expecting stronger engagement and better elasticities as consumers adjust to new price levels [12][29] Other Important Information - The company is closely monitoring cocoa supply dynamics and exploring alternative sourcing to mitigate cocoa price risks [30][34] - The capital allocation strategy remains disciplined, with a focus on smaller M&A opportunities and a pragmatic approach to share buybacks [47][50] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for North America in the next 6 to 12 months? - Management indicated that consumers are cautious and spending has not increased, leading to a challenging environment for the foreseeable future [16][19] Question: How does the company view collaborations with other brands? - Collaborations are seen as opportunities for innovation and market expansion, with potential benefits for both parties involved [20][25] Question: What is the company's strategy regarding cocoa supply and pricing? - The company is optimistic about an increase in cocoa supply leading to lower prices, which would positively impact margins [32][33] Question: What are the growth expectations in emerging markets? - Emerging markets are expected to contribute significantly to growth, with a focus on building strong brands and distribution networks [36][39]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reaffirmed its full year 2025 organic sales growth guidance of about 5% despite facing headwinds from U.S. retailer restocking and adverse weather conditions in Europe [9][10] - For 2025, the company anticipates a reasonable top-line growth of 4% to 5% but expects a 10% decline in EPS, indicating a challenging profit environment [6][7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Organic sales in North America declined approximately 3.5% year over year in the first half, attributed to retailer restocking and softer underlying trends [14][20] - The company is focusing on optimizing shopping trips and maximizing brand presence, particularly for products like Oreo, which has seen increased penetration but decreased purchase frequency [18][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Europe, the company experienced a decline in chocolate volumes due to higher temperatures impacting consumption, particularly in key markets like the U.K. and Germany [12][27] - Elasticities in Europe have increased to around 0.6 to 0.7, higher than the anticipated 0.4, indicating a shift in consumer response to pricing [28][29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The long-term strategy established in 2018 remains valid, focusing on building presence in key categories and supporting brand growth [5][6] - The company is exploring collaborations with other brands, such as Coca-Cola and Biscoff, to enhance product offerings and market presence without engaging in M&A [21][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that consumer spending behavior has not changed significantly over the past two and a half years, with consumers remaining cautious and prioritizing basic necessities [15][16] - The outlook for North America is expected to remain challenging for the next 6 to 12 months, with a focus on adapting to consumer behavior and optimizing product offerings [20][40] Other Important Information - The company is optimistic about cocoa prices decreasing in the future due to increased supply from West Africa and other regions, which could improve margins [30][31][34] - The cakes and pastries category is seen as a significant growth opportunity, with expectations of reaching a $125 billion market by 2030 [52][54] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for North America in the next 6 to 12 months? - Management expects continued challenges in North America, with consumers remaining cautious and spending patterns not changing significantly [20] Question: How does the company view its collaborations with other brands? - Collaborations are seen as win-win opportunities that enhance product offerings without the complexities of M&A [21][26] Question: What is the current view on cocoa fundamentals? - Cocoa supply is expected to increase, leading to a potential decrease in cocoa prices, which would benefit the company's margins [30][31][34] Question: What are the growth expectations in emerging markets? - Emerging markets are crucial for long-term growth, with a focus on building strong brands and expanding distribution [36][39]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reaffirmed its full year 2025 organic sales growth guidance of about 5% despite facing headwinds from U.S. retailer restocking and adverse weather conditions in Europe affecting chocolate demand [9][10] - For 2025, the company anticipates a reasonable top-line growth of 4% to 5% but expects a 10% decline in EPS, which is considered acceptable given the current cocoa circumstances [6][7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Organic sales in North America declined approximately 3.5% year over year in the first half, attributed to retailer restocking and softer underlying trends [14][20] - The company is focusing on optimizing shopping trips and maximizing brand presence, particularly for Oreo, which has seen increased penetration but decreased purchase frequency [18][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Europe, the company experienced higher elasticities than anticipated, with current levels around 0.6 to 0.7, compared to the expected 0.4 [28][29] - The cocoa supply situation is improving, with a 7% increase in cocoa pot counts in West Africa compared to the last five-year norm, suggesting potential price reductions in the future [31][32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The long-term strategy established in 2018 remains valid, focusing on building presence in key categories and supporting brand growth [5][6] - The company is exploring collaborations with other brands, such as Coca-Cola and Biscoff, to enhance product offerings and market presence [21][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that consumer spending has remained stagnant over the past 24 to 30 months, leading to cautious shopping behavior [15][16] - The outlook for North America is expected to remain challenging for the next 6 to 12 months, with consumers becoming increasingly careful in their spending [20] Other Important Information - The cakes and pastries category is projected to grow from $95 billion to approximately $125 billion by 2030, with the company aiming to enhance its position in this fragmented market [52][54] - The company is maintaining a disciplined approach to M&A, focusing on smaller assets that align with its strategic goals [48][50] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for North America in the next 6 to 12 months? - Management expects continued challenges in North America, with consumers remaining cautious and spending levels stagnant [20] Question: How does the company view current cocoa levels and supply dynamics? - The company believes current cocoa prices are unsustainable and anticipates a surplus in the market, leading to potential price reductions [30][32] Question: What is the strategy regarding M&A and share buybacks? - The company remains disciplined in M&A, focusing on smaller strategic assets, while being pragmatic about share buybacks given current stock prices [46][50]

Core Insights - Mondelēz International reported a net revenue increase of 7.7% in Q2 2025, with organic net revenue growth of 5.6% driven by strong pricing execution in the chocolate segment and growth across most geographies [1][2][5] - The diluted EPS rose by 8.9% to $0.49, while adjusted EPS decreased by 14.5% on a constant currency basis to $0.73 [1][4][14] - The company returned $2.9 billion to shareholders in the first half of 2025 and announced a 6% increase in the quarterly dividend [1][14] Financial Performance - **Net Revenue**: Q2 2025 net revenues reached $8.984 billion, a 7.7% increase compared to the previous year, with organic growth of 5.6% [3][19] - **Operating Income**: Operating income for Q2 2025 was $1.172 billion, reflecting a 37.2% increase year-over-year, while adjusted operating income decreased by 14.0% [4][14] - **Gross Profit**: Gross profit was $2.937 billion, up 5.0%, but the gross profit margin decreased to 32.7% [4][14] Regional Performance - **Latin America**: Reported net revenues of $1.194 billion, a decrease of 3.1% year-over-year, with organic growth of 5.4% [3] - **Asia, Middle East & Africa**: Revenues increased by 14.7% to $1.821 billion, with organic growth of 8.6% [3] - **Europe**: Revenues rose by 18.7% to $3.412 billion, with organic growth of 12.5% [3] - **North America**: Revenues decreased by 3.5% to $2.557 billion, with organic growth declining by 3.4% [3] Cash Flow and Capital Return - The company generated $1.4 billion in cash from operating activities year-to-date and reported free cash flow of $0.8 billion [1][14] - A quarterly cash dividend of $0.50 per share was declared, marking a 6% increase [1][14] 2025 Outlook - The company maintains an organic net revenue growth target of approximately 5% for 2025, with adjusted EPS expected to decline by about 10% on a constant currency basis due to cocoa cost inflation [7][8] - Free cash flow for 2025 is projected to exceed $3 billion [7]