Investors Should Adopt a Defensive Strategy: Offload Staples and Invest in Healthcare.
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 26 2026
0mins
Source: Barron's
- Investment Strategy: Investors are encouraged to shift their focus towards defensive stocks for better stability in uncertain markets.
- Sector Shift: The recommended approach is to sell off consumer staples and invest in the healthcare sector.
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Analyst Views on MDLZ
Wall Street analysts forecast MDLZ stock price to rise
18 Analyst Rating
13 Buy
5 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 61.500
Low
62.00
Averages
66.82
High
84.00
Current: 61.500
Low
62.00
Averages
66.82
High
84.00
About MDLZ
Mondelez International, Inc. is a snack company. The Company’s core business is making and selling chocolate, biscuits and baked snacks. The Company also has additional businesses in adjacent, locally relevant categories including gum and candy, cheese and grocery and powdered beverages. Its portfolio includes global and local brands such as Oreo, Ritz, LU, Clif Bar and Tate’s Bake Shop biscuits and baked snacks, as well as Cadbury Dairy Milk, Milka and Toblerone chocolate. The Company’s segments include Latin America, AMEA, Europe and North America. It sells its products in over 150 countries and has operations in approximately 80 countries, including 147 principal manufacturing and processing facilities across 46 countries. It sells its products to supermarket chains, wholesalers, supercenters, club stores, mass merchandisers, distributors, convenience stores, gasoline stations, drug stores, value stores and other retail food outlets.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Chocolate Industry Returns to Cocoa Ingredients Amid Price Slump
- Cocoa Price Decline: Following a nearly 70% drop in cocoa futures since 2024, chocolate manufacturers are reverting to traditional cocoa ingredients, which is expected to lower retail prices for consumers while reviving demand for cocoa farmers and improving their economic conditions.
- Hershey's Strategic Shift: U.S. confectionery maker Hershey (HSY.N) has announced plans to increase cocoa content in its chocolate alternatives and will revert to original recipes for Hershey's and Reese's products starting next year, demonstrating responsiveness to consumer feedback.
- Market Response and Sales Growth: As cocoa prices decline, Mondelez (MDLZ.O) has reduced some chocolate prices in Europe and is beginning to see a rise in sales volumes, indicating a recovery in market demand for traditional chocolate products.
- Legislative Push for Cocoa Return: Brazil recently enacted a law requiring products labeled as dark chocolate to contain at least 35% cocoa solids, which will align the country's chocolate market with higher cocoa content standards and further stimulate cocoa demand growth.
See More
Mondelēz Declares Quarterly Dividend of $0.50
- Quarterly Dividend Announcement: Mondelēz International's Board of Directors has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.50 per share, payable on July 14, 2026, reflecting the company's stable cash flow and commitment to shareholder returns.
- Record Date for Shareholders: The record date for this dividend is set for June 30, 2026, ensuring that investors holding shares before this date will receive the payout, thereby enhancing investor confidence in holding the stock.
- Strong Financial Performance: In 2025, Mondelēz International reported net revenues of approximately $38.5 billion, demonstrating its leadership in the global snacking market, particularly driven by several iconic brands, further solidifying its market share.
- Sustainability Recognition: Mondelēz International's inclusion in the Dow Jones Best-in-Class Sustainability Indices highlights its efforts in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, enhancing brand image and attracting more sustainability-focused investors.
See More
SOUR PATCH KIDS Launches New Chewy Candy
- New Product Launch: SOUR PATCH KIDS introduces its new CHEWS, featuring a soft texture with a burst of sour inside, flipping the traditional sour-then-sweet experience to attract younger consumers.
- Market Positioning: With 87% of Gen Z playing video games weekly, the product design addresses gamers' needs by minimizing sticky fingers, enhancing their gaming experience.
- Interactive Marketing Campaign: The brand collaborates with popular gaming streamers to host live streams on Twitch and YouTube, launching an interactive 'Mischief Mode' experience that engages fans and offers chances to win custom gaming controllers and other prizes.
- Product Specifications and Pricing: The new CHEWS come in various classic flavors, priced from $1.25 to $5.09, catering to diverse consumer needs and further solidifying SOUR PATCH KIDS' position in the candy market.
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Major Food Giants Unite to Promote Regenerative Agriculture
- Joint Declaration Issued: Forty major food and agriculture groups, including Carlsberg, Diageo, Nestle, and Mondelez, have signed a joint declaration aimed at advancing and scaling regenerative agriculture, highlighting the industry's commitment to sustainability.
- Sustainability Goals: This collaborative effort not only reflects these companies' dedication to environmental protection but also has the potential to enhance agricultural productivity and soil health, leading to long-term economic benefits and improved brand image.
- Non-Profit Network Support: The declaration is initiated by a non-profit network, indicating a growing consensus within the industry regarding support for regenerative agriculture, which may attract more companies to participate and accelerate the adoption of sustainable farming practices.
- Market Impact Potential: As consumer demand for sustainable products rises, this initiative is expected to enhance the market competitiveness of participating companies and drive the entire industry towards more environmentally friendly production methods.
See More
US-India Relations Face New Challenges Amidst US-China Summit
- Tension in US-India Relations: The shift in the Trump administration's China policy has strained US-India relations, with experts noting India's concerns that the US may prioritize China as the main negotiating partner, thereby diminishing India's strategic role in the Indo-Pacific.
- Need for Enhanced Strategic Value: To counter potential marginalization, India must establish more tangible cooperation with the US in sectors such as defense, maritime security, and critical minerals, thereby enhancing its strategic value and ensuring its importance in US-China relations.
- Changes in Trade Policy: The Trump administration's trade policy has become more transactional, with a 25% penalty tariff imposed on India last year for allegedly profiting from cheap Russian oil, further deteriorating bilateral relations.
- Concerns Over G2 Concept: India's attention to the US-China summit has intensified, with fears that the so-called 'G2' concept may marginalize middle powers like India, impacting its voice and influence in international affairs.
See More
German Court Rules Mondelez Misled Consumers
- Misleading Packaging Ruling: A German court ruled that U.S. food giant Mondelez misled consumers by reducing the weight of its Milka chocolate bars from 100 grams to 90 grams without significantly altering the packaging, highlighting the company's lack of transparency.
- Consumer Protection Lawsuit: The ruling supports a lawsuit initiated by a consumer protection agency, emphasizing the importance of consumer rights and potentially prompting other companies to be more cautious in product labeling.
- Market Trust Erosion: This incident may lead to a decline in consumer trust in the Mondelez brand, impacting its sales performance in the highly competitive chocolate market, particularly among consumers who prioritize product quality and transparency.
- Potential Legal Ramifications: The court's decision could trigger more similar lawsuits, prompting other companies in the industry to reassess their product packaging and marketing strategies to avoid legal risks and protect brand reputation.
See More
Chocolate Industry Returns to Cocoa Ingredients Amid Price Slump
- Cocoa Price Decline: Following a nearly 70% drop in cocoa futures since 2024, chocolate manufacturers are reverting to traditional cocoa ingredients, which is expected to lower retail prices for consumers while reviving demand for cocoa farmers and improving their economic conditions.
- Hershey's Strategic Shift: U.S. confectionery maker Hershey (HSY.N) has announced plans to increase cocoa content in its chocolate alternatives and will revert to original recipes for Hershey's and Reese's products starting next year, demonstrating responsiveness to consumer feedback.
- Market Response and Sales Growth: As cocoa prices decline, Mondelez (MDLZ.O) has reduced some chocolate prices in Europe and is beginning to see a rise in sales volumes, indicating a recovery in market demand for traditional chocolate products.
- Legislative Push for Cocoa Return: Brazil recently enacted a law requiring products labeled as dark chocolate to contain at least 35% cocoa solids, which will align the country's chocolate market with higher cocoa content standards and further stimulate cocoa demand growth.
See More
Mondelēz Declares Quarterly Dividend of $0.50
- Quarterly Dividend Announcement: Mondelēz International's Board of Directors has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.50 per share, payable on July 14, 2026, reflecting the company's stable cash flow and commitment to shareholder returns.
- Record Date for Shareholders: The record date for this dividend is set for June 30, 2026, ensuring that investors holding shares before this date will receive the payout, thereby enhancing investor confidence in holding the stock.
- Strong Financial Performance: In 2025, Mondelēz International reported net revenues of approximately $38.5 billion, demonstrating its leadership in the global snacking market, particularly driven by several iconic brands, further solidifying its market share.
- Sustainability Recognition: Mondelēz International's inclusion in the Dow Jones Best-in-Class Sustainability Indices highlights its efforts in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, enhancing brand image and attracting more sustainability-focused investors.
See More
SOUR PATCH KIDS Launches New Chewy Candy
- New Product Launch: SOUR PATCH KIDS introduces its new CHEWS, featuring a soft texture with a burst of sour inside, flipping the traditional sour-then-sweet experience to attract younger consumers.
- Market Positioning: With 87% of Gen Z playing video games weekly, the product design addresses gamers' needs by minimizing sticky fingers, enhancing their gaming experience.
- Interactive Marketing Campaign: The brand collaborates with popular gaming streamers to host live streams on Twitch and YouTube, launching an interactive 'Mischief Mode' experience that engages fans and offers chances to win custom gaming controllers and other prizes.
- Product Specifications and Pricing: The new CHEWS come in various classic flavors, priced from $1.25 to $5.09, catering to diverse consumer needs and further solidifying SOUR PATCH KIDS' position in the candy market.
See More
Major Food Giants Unite to Promote Regenerative Agriculture
- Joint Declaration Issued: Forty major food and agriculture groups, including Carlsberg, Diageo, Nestle, and Mondelez, have signed a joint declaration aimed at advancing and scaling regenerative agriculture, highlighting the industry's commitment to sustainability.
- Sustainability Goals: This collaborative effort not only reflects these companies' dedication to environmental protection but also has the potential to enhance agricultural productivity and soil health, leading to long-term economic benefits and improved brand image.
- Non-Profit Network Support: The declaration is initiated by a non-profit network, indicating a growing consensus within the industry regarding support for regenerative agriculture, which may attract more companies to participate and accelerate the adoption of sustainable farming practices.
- Market Impact Potential: As consumer demand for sustainable products rises, this initiative is expected to enhance the market competitiveness of participating companies and drive the entire industry towards more environmentally friendly production methods.
See More
US-India Relations Face New Challenges Amidst US-China Summit
- Tension in US-India Relations: The shift in the Trump administration's China policy has strained US-India relations, with experts noting India's concerns that the US may prioritize China as the main negotiating partner, thereby diminishing India's strategic role in the Indo-Pacific.
- Need for Enhanced Strategic Value: To counter potential marginalization, India must establish more tangible cooperation with the US in sectors such as defense, maritime security, and critical minerals, thereby enhancing its strategic value and ensuring its importance in US-China relations.
- Changes in Trade Policy: The Trump administration's trade policy has become more transactional, with a 25% penalty tariff imposed on India last year for allegedly profiting from cheap Russian oil, further deteriorating bilateral relations.
- Concerns Over G2 Concept: India's attention to the US-China summit has intensified, with fears that the so-called 'G2' concept may marginalize middle powers like India, impacting its voice and influence in international affairs.
See More
German Court Rules Mondelez Misled Consumers
- Misleading Packaging Ruling: A German court ruled that U.S. food giant Mondelez misled consumers by reducing the weight of its Milka chocolate bars from 100 grams to 90 grams without significantly altering the packaging, highlighting the company's lack of transparency.
- Consumer Protection Lawsuit: The ruling supports a lawsuit initiated by a consumer protection agency, emphasizing the importance of consumer rights and potentially prompting other companies to be more cautious in product labeling.
- Market Trust Erosion: This incident may lead to a decline in consumer trust in the Mondelez brand, impacting its sales performance in the highly competitive chocolate market, particularly among consumers who prioritize product quality and transparency.
- Potential Legal Ramifications: The court's decision could trigger more similar lawsuits, prompting other companies in the industry to reassess their product packaging and marketing strategies to avoid legal risks and protect brand reputation.
See More
