$MDLZ

RBC Capital maintained an Outperform rating and $66 price target for Mondelez International (MDLZ), citing aligned Q3 revenue estimates but slightly lower EPS projections. The stock trades at $63.80, near its 52-week high. Recent earnings beat expectations, with revenue at $9.35B and EPS at $0.73. Analysts raised price targets, citing strong demand and strategic adjustments.

Hershey (HSY) and Mondelez (MDLZ) have both beaten EPS estimates for four quarters. Mondelez is up 23.46% YTD, while Hershey is down 1.89%. Hershey offers a higher yield (3.33%) and better dividend coverage, while Mondelez has less debt and a steadier dividend growth record. Hershey's margins have rebounded more strongly post-cocoa cost spike. The article concludes Hershey is better for retirees seeking income, while Mondelez suits younger investors.

Analysts at Goldman Sachs and RBC Capital maintained Buy ratings on Mondelez International (MDLZ), with average price target of $70.14. Bernstein and Stifel Nicolaus rated Lamb Weston Holdings (LW) Hold, with targets of $57.00 and $52.00 respectively. MDLZ closed at $62.74, LW at $53.11.

Capital Group Dividend Value ETF (CGDV) increased positions in Comcast (CMCSA), Linde (LIN), and AbbVie (ABBV) on Oct. 19, with buys totaling $96.6M, $51.7M, and $31.4M respectively. The fund also sold shares of Royal Caribbean (RCL), Meta (META), and Micron (MU). CGDV manages $39.67B and focuses on large-cap U.S. income stocks.

Gate announced it completed dividend credits in Tether (USDT) for U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs, with a 10% withholding deduction. The process covered dividends from Oct. 13-16, including shares of Lam Research (LRCX), Intuit (INTU), Mondelez (MDLZ), Thermo Fisher (TMO), and Monolithic Power (MPWR).

Mondelez International (MDLZ) launched gluten-free Ritz crackers in Original flavor, available at Walmart (WMT) and Albertsons (ACI). The company plans to expand distribution.

Kraft Heinz (KHC) offers a 7.3% dividend yield, while Mondelez (MDLZ) yields 3.6% and recently raised its dividend 4%. Kraft Heinz's dividend has remained steady since 2020, with a 50% payout ratio. Mondelez's dividend has grown 10.1% annually since 2020, with an 82% payout ratio. Analysts expect Kraft Heinz's free cash flow to decline in 2026, increasing its payout ratio to 69%. Mondelez reported 2.2% organic net revenue growth in Q2, while Kraft Heinz saw a 1.3% decline.

Mondelēz International reports a 4% sales increase in its specialty cookie segment, including brands like Honey Maid and Nilla Wafers, driven by nostalgia and America's 250th birthday. The segment, with over $1 billion in annual sales, is experiencing a 'breakout year' after two years of declines, according to the company.

Cocoa processing in Asia and Europe exceeded estimates in Q3, signaling potential demand recovery. Asian processing surged 29%, while Europe saw a 3.2% increase. Cocoa futures rose 0.5% to $5,762/ton. Chocolate stocks like Nestlé, Barry Callebaut, Mondelez, Lindt, and Hershey have rallied. Analysts note improved margins and potential volume sales growth.

Nestlé faces external management in Russia, raising concerns for other Western food companies like PepsiCo, Mondelēz, and Mars. Russian authorities cite unspecified reasons, while experts debate the implications. Companies must choose between absorbing exit costs or risking asset loss. Nestlé explores legal options, but prospects are uncertain.