Core Viewpoint - Wall Street began 2026 positively after a significant bull run over the past three years, with optimism that the upward trend in U.S. stock markets will persist this year despite fluctuations in February due to concerns over artificial intelligence (AI) trade [1] Group 1: Investment Opportunities - It is advisable to invest in U.S. giants with a market capitalization over $30 billion and a favorable Zacks Rank, with five highlighted stocks: The Hershey Co. (HSY), Tapestry Inc. (TPR), FedEx Corp. (FDX), Howmet Aerospace Inc. (HWM), and Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV) [2] - Each of the selected stocks carries either a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) [2] Group 2: The Hershey Co. (HSY) - Hershey is focused on innovation, supply-chain agility, and commercial execution, expanding its presence in the snacking category [5] - The company is undergoing a multi-year transformation to modernize its supply chain and enhance demand forecasting, supported by investments in data and digital tools [6] - HSY's expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 4.4% and 27.1%, respectively, with a current dividend yield of 2.62% [7] Group 3: Tapestry Inc. (TPR) - Tapestry is strengthening its position as a global house of brands, driven by strong performance from Coach, particularly among Gen Z consumers [9] - TPR's adjusted gross margin increased by 110 basis points in Q2 of fiscal 2026, with projected revenues above $7.75 billion and EPS between $6.40 and $6.45 [10] - The expected revenue and earnings growth rates for TPR are 9.6% and 23.7%, respectively, with a current dividend yield of 1.02% [11] Group 4: FedEx Corp. (FDX) - FedEx is implementing cost realignment initiatives under the DRIVE program, achieving annual cost savings of $2.2 billion in fiscal 2025 [12] - The company returned $4.3 billion to shareholders through dividends and buybacks in fiscal 2025, exceeding its target [13] - FDX's expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 5.6% and 1.5%, respectively, with a current dividend yield of 1.49% [14] Group 5: Howmet Aerospace Inc. (HWM) - Howmet Aerospace is benefiting from strong momentum in the commercial aerospace market and rising defense budgets [15] - The company has a solid liquidity position supporting shareholder-friendly policies, with robust orders for defense aerospace units [16] - HWM's expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 11% and 20.7%, respectively, with a current dividend yield of 0.19% [17] Group 6: Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV) - Southwest Airlines is experiencing improved air travel demand, with expectations for solid revenue trends continuing into 2026 [18] - The company is focused on cost-cutting initiatives and fleet modernization, supported by a strong balance sheet [19] - LUV's expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 12.8% and over 100%, respectively, with a current dividend yield of 1.38% [21]

Core Insights - Utz Brands is presenting at CAGNY for the first time, highlighting its robust savory snacking portfolio which includes brands like Boulder Canyon, On The Border, and Zapp's [1][2] - The company has achieved consistent top-line growth in a challenging snacking environment while enhancing productivity across its supply chain [2] - Looking ahead, Utz aims to build on its commercial momentum and drive a significant free cash flow inflection [2] Company Overview - Utz Brands offers a diverse range of savory snacks, contributing to its strong market presence [2] - The leadership team includes CEO Howard Friedman and CFO BK Kelley, who are actively engaging with stakeholders [3]

Core Viewpoint - The Campbell's Company has appointed Mohit Anand as Executive Vice President and President of Snacks, effective February 23, 2026, to lead its snack brand portfolio [1] Company Summary - Mohit Anand will oversee a portfolio that includes well-known snack brands such as Goldfish, Pepperidge Farm, Snyder's of Hanover, Lance, Kettle Brand, Cape Cod, Snack Factory, and Late July [1] - Anand will report directly to Campbell's President and CEO Mick Beekhuizen and will become a member of the company [1]

CAGNY 202 Disclaimer Forward-LookingStatements Certain statements made herein are not historical facts but are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. The forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by or include, without limitation, statements such as "may," "can," "should," "will," "estimate," "plan," "project," "forecast," "intend," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "seek," "target," "go ...

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 Insights - Mondelēz International is committed to long-term value creation through its global portfolio of iconic snack brands, focusing on growth in both Developed and Emerging Markets [1][2] Group 1: Strategic Priorities - The company aims to reignite growth in Developed Markets while maintaining momentum in Emerging Markets, supported by significant investments in innovation and brand activation [2][4] - Mondelēz International reaffirms its long-term growth algorithm of 3 to 5 percent organic net revenue growth, high-single-digit adjusted EPS growth, and over $3 billion in free cash flow [3] Group 2: Market Positioning - The company has a strong portfolio of consumer-loved brands and a diversified global footprint, which provides confidence in delivering consistent growth and resilience [2][8] - Approximately 80 percent of net revenues come from core categories of chocolate, biscuits, and baked snacks, with a goal to increase this to 90 percent over time [9] Group 3: Action Plans - Specific action plans are in place to improve volumes in Developed Markets, particularly in U.S. biscuits and European chocolate, while also expanding growth in Emerging Markets like China, India, Brazil, and Mexico [9] - The company is focused on disciplined capital allocation to support brand reinvestment and growth-accretive mergers and acquisitions, while maintaining balance sheet flexibility [9]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rising trend of high-end snack stores, particularly nut shops, which have become increasingly popular despite their high prices, leading to a unique market dynamic in the snack industry [6][10][36]. Group 1: Pricing and Consumer Behavior - The prices of snacks in high-end stores like Xueji Snack have surged, with items like cashews costing around 100 yuan per pound and various dried fruits and nuts exceeding 200 yuan per pound, making them more expensive than pork [6][15][22]. - Consumers express frustration over the high prices, with comments likening the cost of snacks to luxury goods and questioning the snack industry's direction [10][11][16]. - Despite the high prices, consumers are willing to spend, driven by the perception of quality and the influence of social media marketing [23][25][36]. Group 2: Store Characteristics and Marketing Strategies - New-style nut shops are strategically located in shopping centers, utilizing bright displays and free samples to attract customers [19][21]. - The marketing strategy heavily relies on social media influencers and KOLs to promote products, creating a trendy image around snacks [24][28]. - Product innovation is crucial, with brands frequently updating their offerings to maintain consumer interest and cater to changing tastes [30][32][36]. Group 3: Industry Dynamics and Competition - The snack industry is experiencing a split, with traditional brands facing declining sales while discount snack supermarkets are thriving [39][40]. - New entrants like Xueji Snack are capitalizing on the trend for high-end snacks, appealing to a demographic that values quality and novelty [41][46]. - The competitive landscape is intense, with established brands struggling to adapt to changing consumer preferences, while new brands find opportunities in the market [39][47].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects EBITDA margin expansion of 40-50 basis points for the year, accounting for planned investments in California [12][13] - The leverage ratio is projected to be in the range of 3.0-3.2 times, with a goal to deleverage by 0.3-0.4 times per year [51] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates continued distribution gains and plans to invest in marketing and innovation to support growth [10][15] - The California expansion is expected to contribute to top-line sales and incremental households, with a current market share of 1.9% [66] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company views the category as flat for the upcoming year, reflecting a cautious optimism based on recent trends [44][80] - The company has seen positive category improvement in the fourth quarter, with expectations for continued growth despite a dynamic environment [43][80] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on geographic expansion, distribution gains, and maintaining a rational promotional environment [10][11] - The management emphasizes the importance of innovation and marketing support to drive consumer engagement and growth [94][96] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management expresses confidence in the commercial plan for 2026, highlighting the importance of flexibility to adapt to market changes [10][11] - The company acknowledges the challenges faced by consumers but believes its diverse product offerings will help maintain engagement [94][95] Other Important Information - The company has invested in revenue management capabilities to better understand pricing dynamics across its portfolio [22] - The management is optimistic about the supply of alternative oils and ingredients for new product offerings, ensuring no anticipated supply issues [70] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations regarding competitive pricing and investment needs - The management feels confident in their commercial plan and anticipates a flat category, allowing for flexibility in investment [10][11] Question: Clarification on EBITDA margin guidance - The management expects 40-50 basis points of margin expansion, factoring in planned investments [12][13] Question: Insights on distribution and shelf space - The management expects positive distribution gains in both expansion and core markets, driven by innovation and marketing support [42][81] Question: Consumer environment and portfolio strategy - The management acknowledges a dynamic consumer environment but believes their growth drivers will help overcome challenges [94][95] Question: Impact of new product offerings on margins - The management anticipates that new product launches will be margin accretive, leveraging premium ingredients [70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects EBITDA margin expansion of 40-50 basis points for 2026, which accounts for a planned investment of $4 million-$6 million for California expansion [11][12] - The leverage ratio is projected to be between 3.0-3.2 times, with a goal to reduce it to 2.5-3 over time [50][51] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates positive distribution gains in 2026, driven by innovation and expansion into California, which is currently an untapped market [41][64] - The company has seen strong performance in productivity, mitigating inflation impacts, and expects to maintain a positive contribution from both volume and price across its portfolio [22][25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted that its core markets, particularly in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., were disproportionately impacted by disruptions in November, affecting overall sales [30][31] - The overall category is expected to remain flat, with cautious optimism for a positive response from consumers due to better brands and innovation [43][44] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on geographic expansion, distribution gains, and investing in marketing and innovation to drive growth [9][10] - The management emphasized the importance of maintaining a flexible approach to navigate a dynamic market environment while preparing for various outcomes [78][79] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the commercial plan for 2026, highlighting the importance of a rational promotional environment and continued investment in marketing [9][10] - The management acknowledged the challenges posed by inflation and consumer dynamics but remains optimistic about the company's ability to grow through strategic initiatives [92][93] Other Important Information - The company is launching new products, including protein pretzels and Boulder Canyon offerings, with expected distribution gains starting in Q2 [33][34] - The management is committed to maintaining affordability and value for consumers, which is crucial for driving volume growth [52][56] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations regarding competitive pricing and investment for 2026 - Management feels confident in their commercial plan and anticipates a flat category, guiding for 200-300 basis points of growth [9][10] Question: Clarification on EBITDA margin guidance - The company expects 40-50 basis points of margin expansion, accounting for planned investments and a dynamic environment [11][12] Question: Impact of SNAP disruption on sales - The core markets were more affected due to their demographic characteristics, which contributed to the overall sales impact [30][31] Question: Distribution and innovation timeline - Distribution gains are expected to start in Q1, with innovations rolling out in Q2 [33][34] Question: Consumer dynamics and affordability - Management noted that affordability remains a key focus, with a balanced approach to pricing and innovation [52][56] Question: Long-term portfolio strategy - The company is focused on expanding its portfolio to include more protein and fiber options, aligning with consumer trends [95][96]

Utz Brands, Inc. Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2025 Earnings Presentation February 12, 2026 Disclaimer Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements made herein are not historical facts but are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. The forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by or include, without limitation, statements such as "may," "can," "should," "will," "estimate," "plan," "projec ...