-- Jennifer Garner's Baby Food Company—Once Upon a Farm—Is Having Its IPO Today [Stocks Surge After 3 Days of Big Declines][Is the Tech Stock Sell-Off 'Healthy'?][Bitcoin's Slide Points to 'Crypto Winter'][The Job Market Freeze Has Deepened This Winter]- Top StoriesOnce Upon a Farm, co-founded by actress Jennifer Garner, goes public today.Michael Nagle / Bloomberg via Getty ImagesClose### Key Takeaways- Actress Jennifer Garner's company started trading on the New York Stock Exchange Friday.- Once Upon a Far ...

Key Takeaways PM posted adjusted EPS of $1.70, up 9.7% Y/Y, beating estimates despite revenues missing expectations.Smoke-free revenues rose 12% and accounted for over half of net revenues in three of four regions.Net revenues climbed 6.8% as pricing strength and smoke-free volumes offset lower cigarette shipments.Philip Morris International Inc. (PM) reported fourth-quarter 2025 results, with both top and bottom lines increasing year over year. Net sales missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate, while earnings ...

Core Insights - PepsiCo, Inc. shares rose over 4% intraday following fourth-quarter results that surpassed analyst expectations for both earnings and revenue [1] - The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $2.26, exceeding the consensus estimate of $2.24, and revenue of $29.34 billion, above the expected $28.98 billion [1] Financial Performance - Organic revenue increased by 2.1% during the quarter, indicating a sequential acceleration in both reported and organic growth, driven by improvements in North American and international operations [2] - Reported revenue grew by 5.6% year over year, while core constant-currency EPS rose by 11% [2] Future Outlook - PepsiCo reaffirmed its 2026 outlook, projecting organic revenue growth of 2% to 4% and core constant-currency EPS growth of 4% to 6% [3] - The company announced a 4% increase in its annualized dividend to $5.92 per share, marking the 54th consecutive annual dividend increase [3] Regional Performance - Regional performance varied, with Europe, the Middle East, and Africa achieving 12% revenue growth, while PepsiCo Foods North America grew by 1.5% [4] - The company introduced a new $10 billion share repurchase program, which will extend through February 2030 [4]

J&J Snack Foods (JJSF) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.33 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.32 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.33 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of +3.13%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this drink and snack maker would post earnings of $1.06 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.58, delivering a surprise of +49.06%.Over the last four quarter ...

PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP) is one of the stocks on Jim Cramer’s recent game plan. Cramer highlighted the company’s snack division struggling due to GLP-1 drugs, as he remarked: Now, Tuesday’s filled with high-profile companies like PepsiCo, Merck, and Pfizer in the morning. I worry about PepsiCo because of its snack division, Frito-Lay. It’s struggling, a casualty of the GLP-1 weight loss drugs. At the same time, CEO Ramon Laguarta could be ready to take some serious actions to lessen the company’s depend ...

Core Viewpoint - PepsiCo has ended a streak of profit declines by beating fourth-quarter earnings expectations and increasing its dividend by 4%, despite lowering its profit growth outlook [1] Earnings Results - PepsiCo's stock experienced a pullback in early trading following a lowered profit-growth outlook, even after reporting stronger-than-expected earnings [1] - The company reported strength in its international businesses, contributing to the earnings beat [1] - Revenue growth exceeded Wall Street projections due to increased pricing, although the volume of products sold declined compared to the previous year [1] - The decline in volume was attributed to weakness in convenient foods, which offset gains in the beverage segment [1]

Key Takeaways Mondelez is expected to deliver Q4 revenues of $10.3B, up 7.4%, with EPS of 70 cents.Mondelez is adjusting pricing, pack sizes and promotions to better match affordability and steady demand.MDLZ expects easing inflation and supply-chain efficiencies to support stronger fourth-quarter profits.Mondelez International, Inc. (MDLZ) is likely to witness top and bottom-line growth when it reports fourth-quarter 2025 earnings on Feb. 3. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is pegged at $10.3 bill ...

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - **Sector**: China Consumer Sector - **Key Insights**: The sector shows signs of consumption recovery despite a near-term property market downturn. Valuation remains attractive, approximately 1 standard deviation below 10-year averages, indicating that a consumption recovery is not yet priced in [2][21]. Consumer Staples - **Baijiu**: Anticipated demand support for mid-end baijiu due to easing alcohol bans and private consumption growth. Companies are expected to accelerate channel transformations for sustainable EPS growth [3][8]. - **Beer**: Premiumization continues through product diversification and in-home channel expansion, despite on-trade softness. CR Beer expects low-single-digit volume growth in 2025, with Heineken volumes projected to grow by 20% YoY [3][8]. - **Dairy**: Liquid milk sales are expected to recover modestly in 2026, driven by marketing and innovation, despite a weak 2025. Fresh milk shows resilience with double-digit growth [3][8]. - **Freshly-Made Beverages (FMB)**: Guming is expected to maintain steady SSSG in 2026 through category expansion and dine-in growth, despite the phase-out of delivery subsidies [3][8][19]. - **Condiments**: Sequentially improving demand is expected, with Haitian focusing on multi-product categories and Jonjee anticipating a cleaner 2026 after a weak 4Q25 [3][8]. Consumer Discretionary - **Home Appliances**: Companies like Midea and Haier expect higher overseas growth compared to domestic markets in 2026. Strategies include price hikes and operational efficiencies [4][10]. - **Jewelry**: Brands with unique designs may consolidate post-VAT reform. Laopu is expected to achieve strong sales growth due to increased focus on value-added services [4][10]. - **Restaurants**: Intense competition leads to divergent strategies, with some companies lowering prices while others upgrade offerings. DPC Dash is on track for expansion despite market uncertainties [4][10]. Stock Implications - **Most Preferred Stocks**: CR Beer, Guming, MIXUE, China Foods, YUM China, among others, are highlighted as preferred investments due to their growth potential [5]. - **Least Preferred Stocks**: Companies like Swellfun, Nongfu, and Gree are noted as less favorable due to various challenges [5]. Key Risks - Risks include demand recovery uncertainties, cost inflation or deflation, and changes in the competitive landscape. These factors could significantly impact the consumer sector's performance [21]. Additional Insights - **Pet Food**: The industry is shifting towards online sales, with over 85% of sales occurring digitally. Competition is intensifying, pushing brands towards innovation and product differentiation [13]. - **Snack Sector**: Rapid category diversification and channel restructuring are creating growth opportunities, particularly through snack discounters [9][12]. This summary encapsulates the essential insights and projections from the conference call, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state and future outlook of the China consumer sector.

Company Overview - The Kraft Heinz Company (NASDAQ:KHC) produces a variety of food and beverage products, including condiments, dairy, meals, meats, beverages, and snacks under well-known brands such as Kraft, Heinz, Oscar Mayer, and Philadelphia [2]. Leadership Changes - Steve Cahillane has recently taken over as CEO of Kraft Heinz, starting on January 1st. He previously led Kellogg and is seen as a capable leader who could potentially orchestrate a successful split of Kraft Heinz into two companies later this year [2]. Market Sentiment - Jim Cramer expressed skepticism about Kraft Heinz's prospects, noting that the food business is currently facing challenges. He indicated that he would not recommend buying the stock, especially in light of Warren Buffett's decision to reduce his stake in the company [1]. Strategic Outlook - Despite the skepticism, there is potential for value creation under Cahillane's leadership, particularly given his past success with Kellogg. However, there are doubts regarding the company's upcoming split and its implications for future performance [2].

Summary of Conference Call Records Industry Overview: China Consumer Staples Key Themes and Trends 1. **Cautious Outlook for 2026**: The industry is observing a cautious outlook into 2026, with a focus on the trends surrounding the Chinese New Year (CNY) [2] 2. **Mixed Performance in Beverages**: - Nongfu and Eastroc maintained strong momentum with double-digit growth despite being in a slack season, driven by strong product cycles [1] - Tingyi and UPC beverages experienced a decline in December due to heightened competition, although subsidies for freshly-made drinks have retreated [1] 3. **Beer Demand**: - Overall beer demand remains subdued, particularly in on-trade channels, with Bud China seeing a deeper sequential decline [1] - CR Beer and Chongqing Brewery managed slight volume growth, while Tsingtao's volume increased by 12% on easier comparisons [1] 4. **Condiments and Frozen Foods Recovery**: - Haitian reported sustained growth in the mid-single to high-single digits, with a faster quarter-on-quarter growth in Q4 [1] - Anjoy's growth accelerated in December despite a higher base, indicating a favorable setup for Q1 [1] 5. **Dairy Sector Stabilization**: - Liquid milk demand is stabilizing after a period of destocking, with herd downsizing settling at a 4.5% year-over-year decline [1] - Raw milk prices held steady at approximately Rmb3.03/kg in December, with a 3.0% year-over-year decline in average prices for Q4 [1][24] Company-Specific Insights 1. **Yili**: - Management highlighted an improving raw milk supply-demand balance supported by herd downsizing, although demand remains lackluster [2] - The company is focusing on channel inventory discipline and targeted marketing to sustain performance [8] 2. **Haitian**: - Noted a sequential acceleration in Q4 and sees potential for consumption upgrading in chained restaurants [2] 3. **Anjoy**: - Resumed double-digit sales growth since September, driven by enhanced execution and channel strategies [8] 4. **CR Beer**: - Expects no incremental SG&A investment impact in 2026, focusing on maintaining margins amid cost pressures [8] Market Dynamics 1. **Expense Outlook**: - The expense outlook remains cautious, with a focus on margin expansion for beer, dairy, and food & beverage sectors amid diminishing cost benefits [8] 2. **Channel Health**: - Companies are making efforts to sustain channel health throughout 2025, which is expected to underpin recovery in 2026 [8] 3. **New Product Cycles**: - A sequentially improving outlook for both Yili and Mengniu is anticipated, supporting volume and margin accretion [8] Investment Preferences 1. **Preferred Sectors**: - Beverage, pet foods, and condiments/prepared foods are highlighted as sectors with potential for growth [9] 2. **Key Stock Ideas**: - Recommendations include Eastroc, Nongfu, Weilong for visible growth, and Haitian H-shares/Anjoy as early beneficiaries of on-trade recovery [9] Additional Insights 1. **Snacks Performance**: - Weilong sustained strong sales growth in December, with vegetable snacks up over 30% year-over-year [1] 2. **Pet Foods**: - China Pet Foods led in year-over-year growth in December, while other covered names weakened compared to previous months [32] This summary encapsulates the key points from the conference call records, providing insights into the current state and future outlook of the China consumer staples industry.