Core Viewpoint - Kraft Heinz is undergoing a strategic shift under new CEO Steve Cahillane, who acknowledges that previous cost-cutting measures have negatively impacted the company's performance and plans to invest in rebuilding capabilities and brand relevance [1][2][4]. Group 1: Financial Performance - Kraft Heinz's shares have decreased approximately 74% from their peak in 2017, indicating significant financial struggles [2]. - The company anticipates a decline in organic net sales between 1.5% and 3.5% for the current year [2]. - Berkshire Hathaway is contemplating an exit from its investment in Kraft Heinz after incurring a $3.8 billion write-down on its stock last year [3]. Group 2: Strategic Changes - Under Cahillane's leadership, Kraft Heinz plans to invest $600 million in various areas, including research and development and marketing, to enhance its operational capabilities [4]. - The company is pausing a planned break-up to focus on strengthening its core business [4]. Group 3: Product Innovation - Kraft Heinz is experimenting with new product formats, such as selling Capri-Sun drinks in plastic bottles, which have shown early success in increasing popularity among teenagers [5]. Group 4: Brand Relevance - Cahillane emphasizes the need to make Kraft Heinz's iconic brands relevant for today's consumers, acknowledging that the company has relied too heavily on its established brand names without adapting to current market demands [6].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fiscal 2026 started strong with Q1 adjusted EBITDA significantly above expectations, leading to an increase in guidance [4] - The company maintained net leverage flat despite aggressive share repurchases and the sale of the 8th Avenue pasta business [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The foodservice normalized run rate was updated positively, reflecting strong operating performance [4] - The cereal category has recently returned to a low single-digit growth rate after previous declines, attributed to changes in SNAP and trade-down behavior from other categories [11][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a significant change in the cereal category's trajectory, with improvements in both cereal and peanut butter segments [12] - The pet food segment experienced volume challenges, particularly in the dog category, while cat food remained stronger [78] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to focus on share repurchases as a primary use of free cash flow, while remaining opportunistic regarding M&A as market valuations change [10] - There is an ongoing assessment of promotional spending and assortment adjustments to enhance efficiency in the cereal category [29] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the normalized run rate for foodservice, expecting continued growth driven by value propositions for operators [45] - The company is balancing its focus between the foodservice segment and the RTD shakes plan, ensuring not to overemphasize the latter [39] Other Important Information - The company has successfully closed two cereal facilities, with cost savings expected to impact the P&L starting in Q3 [80] - Management indicated that the portfolio is well-aligned with updated dietary guidelines, with no immediate changes anticipated [74] Q&A Session Summary Question: Market valuations and M&A activity - Management noted that as market multiples change, M&A opportunities become more attractive, but current valuations may not yet warrant significant changes in capital allocation [10] Question: Cereal category performance - Management observed a recent improvement in the cereal category, attributing it to SNAP changes and a shift towards more affordable breakfast options [12] Question: Foodservice business expectations - Management indicated that the balance of the portfolio remains in line with initial expectations, with no material changes anticipated [22] Question: Pricing dynamics in pet food - Management confirmed that pricing challenges were primarily driven by the pet segment, particularly with the Nutrish brand [53] Question: Private label business performance - The private label business is performing as expected, with growth opportunities identified in mashed potatoes and mac and cheese [65] Question: Trends in the pet category - Management noted that the dog food segment remains softer compared to cat food, with expectations for gradual recovery [78]

Product & Health Focus - Goodles aims to be a healthier reimagining of mac and cheese, incorporating extra protein, fiber, prebiotics, and nutrients from plants [1] - The product is formulated to taste delicious, masking the added nutritional elements [2] - Goodles targets adults who enjoy mac and cheese but seek healthier options, aiming to expand the category rather than compete directly [5] - The product contains both high protein and fiber, catering to health-conscious consumers [6][7] Market & Growth - Goodles identified a market opportunity by targeting adults, unlike competitors focused on children [4][5] - The brand's colorful packaging is designed to appeal to a broad audience, not just health enthusiasts [10][11] - Goodles is experiencing rapid growth, selling a box every half-second [12] - The company accounts for approximately 79% of the growth in the mac and cheese category [13] - Goodles has added approximately 24 million households in the last 12 months, equating to roughly 78 million people [13] Investor Perspective - Initially, many VCs and investors considered Goodles a "terrible idea" due to its unconventional packaging [9]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The second quarter results met expectations with an improvement in year-over-year top line performance [4] - A noncash impairment charge of $9.3 billion was recorded due to a sustained decline in stock price, affecting the carrying value of intangible assets [16][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In emerging markets, top line growth was approximately 8% driven by both price and volume, with the highest operating income margin ever achieved [28] - North America retail showed a decline of 2.7% in the latest four weeks, excluding cold cuts and bacon, with year-to-date decline at 4% [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is experiencing challenges in North America retail, but improvements are noted in other segments, particularly in emerging markets [28][29] - Inflation is expected to be around 5% to 7% for the year, with pricing actions taken to mitigate impacts [26][50] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on unlocking long-term shareholder value through strategic evaluations and investments in product superiority and manufacturing capabilities [4][10] - Continued investment in marketing and product innovation is planned, with a target of reaching 4.8% of net sales by the end of 2025 [22][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strategy and ongoing investments, emphasizing a disciplined approach to financial management [10][31] - The company is optimistic about growth opportunities in emerging markets and is committed to driving improvements in North America retail [28][30] Other Important Information - The company is actively expanding its brand growth system, which is expected to impact 40% of the business by the end of the year [46] - Significant product renovations are underway, with expectations of a 20% market increase year-over-year in the second half [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Strategic transactions and potential business separation - Management is evaluating strategic options to unlock long-term value while maintaining financial discipline [10][11] Question: Details on impairment charge - A $9.3 billion noncash impairment charge was recorded due to a decline in stock price, which was anticipated [16][17] Question: Pricing and promotion levels - The company is investing in pricing and marketing, with a 100 basis point increase in pricing year-over-year and a 30 basis point increase in marketing [22][26] Question: Sales trends in emerging markets - Emerging markets saw an 8% top line growth, with confidence in achieving double-digit growth by year-end [36][38] Question: Timing of inflation and promotions - The impact of inflation and promotions pushed from Q2 to Q3 is estimated at 30 to 40 basis points [40][41] Question: Organic sales growth in North America Retail - The company is focused on stabilizing North America retail through investments in product superiority and marketing [46][48] Question: Gross margin outlook and inflation - Inflation is expected to remain at 5% to 7%, with a 100 basis point impact from tariffs anticipated [50][51] Question: Pace of innovation - Innovation as a percentage of sales increased from 1.6% in 2022 to 3% by the end of last year, with plans for further growth [65][66]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The second quarter results met expectations with an improvement in year-over-year top line performance [4] - A noncash impairment charge of $9.3 billion was recorded due to a sustained decline in stock price, affecting the carrying value of intangible assets [15][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In emerging markets, the top line grew approximately 8% driven by both price and volume, with the highest operating income margin ever achieved [26] - North America retail showed a decline of 2.7% in the latest four weeks, excluding cold cuts and bacon, with year-to-date performance down 4% [27] - Significant investments are being made in product renovations and marketing, particularly in key brands like mac and cheese, lunchables, and mayo [30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is experiencing a negative pricing trend in North America when excluding cost inflation, which is expected to be around 5% to 7% for the year [21][24] - The company is focusing on maintaining consumer-centric pricing strategies while investing in marketing to reach 4.8% of net sales by the end of 2025 [21][24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is actively evaluating strategic options to unlock long-term shareholder value, maintaining financial discipline in any potential actions [9][10] - Continued investment in product superiority, manufacturing capabilities, and marketing is emphasized as a key strategy for growth [4][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strategy and ongoing investments, indicating that the company is not done with its growth initiatives [29] - The focus remains on driving improvements in North America retail through brand growth systems and product renovations [46][49] Other Important Information - The company is expanding its distribution and innovation efforts in the away-from-home segment, particularly in emerging markets [26][37] - The company anticipates some relief from commodity inflation in Q4, with ongoing high inflation in certain areas like heat and coffee [52] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on strategic transactions and potential business separation - Management confirmed that the board is working urgently on evaluating strategic options to unlock long-term value, emphasizing financial discipline [9][10] Question: Details on the sizable impairment recorded - A noncash impairment charge of $9.3 billion was due to a sustained decline in stock price, which had been monitored for some time [15][16] Question: Pricing and promotion levels - The company is investing in pricing and marketing, with a 100 basis point increase in pricing year-over-year and an additional 30 basis points in marketing [21][24] Question: Sales trends in emerging markets - Emerging markets saw an 8% top line growth, with confidence in achieving double-digit growth rates by year-end [36][37] Question: Gross margin outlook and inflation impact - Inflation is expected to remain at 5% to 7%, with a 100 basis point impact from tariffs anticipated for the year [52][53] Question: Innovation pace and future plans - Innovation as a percentage of sales increased from 1.6% in 2022 to about 3% by the end of last year, with plans to continue driving innovation [67][69]

Market Trend - Goodles 品牌迅速普及，因为该公司意识到成年人也喜欢 Mac and Cheese [1]

Market Trend - The mac and cheese market has potential beyond children, as adults also enjoy the product [1] Company Strategy - Goodles' success is attributed to recognizing and catering to the adult mac and cheese market [1]

Market Trend - Goodles remembered that adults like mac and cheese too, leading to its widespread popularity [1]

Market Trend - Goodles 品牌迅速普及，原因是该品牌意识到成年人也喜欢 Mac and Cheese [1]

Core Insights - Campbell's reported a 1% organic net sales growth for fiscal 2025 Q3, with adjusted EBIT increasing by 2% and adjusted EPS at $0.73, reflecting a 3% year-over-year decline, while full-year adjusted EPS is now expected at the low end of prior guidance [1] Meals and Beverages Performance - The meals and beverages segment achieved a 6% organic net sales growth and a 2% increase in consumption, marking six consecutive quarters of positive in-market consumption [2] - Strong household penetration gains in condensed cooking soups were noted, particularly among millennial consumers, with mac and cheese marketing adding approximately 1 million new households, the largest quarterly gain in four years for this subcategory [2][3] Snacks Segment Challenges - The snacks division experienced a 5% decline in organic net sales, with a 3% drop in consumption attributed to category-wide contraction and company-specific execution issues [4][5] - Recovery prospects for the snacks segment are now pushed into fiscal 2026, with management focusing on price-point strategies, multipack offerings, and targeted innovation to preserve share and margin [5] Cost Management and Acquisition Integration - The company achieved approximately $110 million in cost savings towards a $250 million multi-year target, with the SOVOS acquisition integration unlocking additional efficiencies [6][7] - Despite a 110 basis point contraction in adjusted gross profit margin, disciplined cost controls enabled a 2% adjusted EBIT gain, and acquisition synergies positively impacted adjusted EPS [6][8] Future Outlook - Management reaffirmed FY2025 guidance, now expecting adjusted EPS at the low end of the range, with meals and beverages facing shipment-related headwinds and snacks' full-year operating margin projected at 13% [8] - The FY2025 cost savings target has been raised to $130 million, and the company anticipates capital expenditures at approximately 4.5% of net sales, with tariff-related impacts on adjusted EPS estimated at $0.03–$0.05 [8]