Trump's proposed tariffs could raise prices for consumers and slow spending
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
0mins
Should l Buy MDLZ?
Source: Newsfilter
Impact of Proposed Tariffs: Retail analysts warn that President-elect Trump's proposed tariffs on imports, particularly from China, could lead to significant price increases for consumers across various retail categories, potentially raising costs by double-digit percentages.
Vulnerability of Retailers: Companies heavily reliant on Chinese imports, such as Five Below and Crocs, may struggle with profit margins and be forced to raise prices, while others like Bath & Body Works, which source locally, are less exposed to these tariff impacts.
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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: 58.770
Low
62.00
Averages
66.82
High
84.00
Current: 58.770
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.
Mondelez International's Selective M&A Strategy
- M&A Strategy Shift: Mondelez International (MDLZ) plans to adopt a selective M&A strategy in 2023, with management viewing acquisitions as a tool to support its snacking strategy, although high valuations limit the number of viable targets.
- Increased Market Competition: In recent years, companies have sought acquisitions of trendier, higher-growth brands to rejuvenate sales, leading to heightened competition among potential buyers, which impacts M&A feasibility.
- Clear Target Focus: At the 2026 CAGNY conference, CEO Dirk Van de Put and CFO Luca Zaramella reiterated that targeted growth-accretive acquisitions remain part of MDLZ's capital allocation framework, focusing on core biscuits, chocolate, and baked snacks, particularly in under-indexed geographies.
- Ongoing M&A Activity: Since 2018, MDLZ has executed about ten snacking transactions, including acquisitions of Clif Bar and Tate’s Bake Shop, demonstrating its commitment to expanding in the cakes, pastries, and premium chocolate sectors.
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Cocoa Futures Prices Plummet Significantly
- Price Collapse: Cocoa futures have plummeted nearly 70% from an all-time high of around $12,000 per ton in late 2024 to below $3,000 as of early March, significantly impacting the cost structure for chocolate manufacturers.
- Demand Shift: Elevated prices over the past two years have led consumers to switch to private-label brands or reduce purchases, resulting in a notable decline in chocolate demand, with industry analysts warning that this demand destruction could have long-term implications for market structure.
- Surplus and Tariff Issues: A global cocoa surplus is forecasted for the 2025/26 crop year, but exporters at West African ports are reportedly rejecting some new crop arrivals due to quality concerns, while U.S. tariffs of 21% on Ivory Coast cocoa further compress profit margins for American producers.
- Future Risks: Despite current price declines, farmers and governments face losses that may lead to supply restrictions, risking future shortages, while the market remains vulnerable to climate impacts, increasing the likelihood of supply disruptions.
See More
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- Impact on Supply Chains: The Iran conflict may disrupt global supply chains, leading to logistical challenges for businesses.
- Rising Costs: Increased energy and freight costs are anticipated as a result of the conflict, affecting various industries.
- Consumer Demand Pressure: The situation could weaken consumer demand, particularly impacting U.S. consumer staples companies.
- Economic Implications: Overall, the conflict poses significant economic risks that could ripple through multiple sectors.
See More
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- 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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Market Insights: Goldman Sachs reports that this shift in investment strategy appears to be yielding positive results.
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- New Flavor Launch: The MARVEL OREO Stuf of Doom Cookies will hit shelves on March 2, 2026, introducing the mysterious Masked Decadence flavor, which combines chocolate graham and toasted marshmallow-flavored creme, aimed at attracting younger consumers and enhancing brand appeal.
- Interactive Experience: This launch ties into the narrative of the MARVEL OREO Stuf of Legends Cookies, allowing consumers to engage in a digital adventure, thereby increasing brand interactivity and consumer involvement, which enhances brand loyalty.
- Limited Release: Special edition cookies will be available for presale starting February 23, with a nationwide retail launch on March 2, expected to attract a large number of cookie enthusiasts and MARVEL fans, driving sales growth.
- Brand Collaboration: The partnership between OREO and MARVEL not only introduces new products but also solidifies the brand's cultural position by offering exclusive tasting opportunities at an event in Brooklyn, showcasing the deep connection between the brand and its fans.
See More
Mondelez International's Selective M&A Strategy
- M&A Strategy Shift: Mondelez International (MDLZ) plans to adopt a selective M&A strategy in 2023, with management viewing acquisitions as a tool to support its snacking strategy, although high valuations limit the number of viable targets.
- Increased Market Competition: In recent years, companies have sought acquisitions of trendier, higher-growth brands to rejuvenate sales, leading to heightened competition among potential buyers, which impacts M&A feasibility.
- Clear Target Focus: At the 2026 CAGNY conference, CEO Dirk Van de Put and CFO Luca Zaramella reiterated that targeted growth-accretive acquisitions remain part of MDLZ's capital allocation framework, focusing on core biscuits, chocolate, and baked snacks, particularly in under-indexed geographies.
- Ongoing M&A Activity: Since 2018, MDLZ has executed about ten snacking transactions, including acquisitions of Clif Bar and Tate’s Bake Shop, demonstrating its commitment to expanding in the cakes, pastries, and premium chocolate sectors.
See More
Cocoa Futures Prices Plummet Significantly
- Price Collapse: Cocoa futures have plummeted nearly 70% from an all-time high of around $12,000 per ton in late 2024 to below $3,000 as of early March, significantly impacting the cost structure for chocolate manufacturers.
- Demand Shift: Elevated prices over the past two years have led consumers to switch to private-label brands or reduce purchases, resulting in a notable decline in chocolate demand, with industry analysts warning that this demand destruction could have long-term implications for market structure.
- Surplus and Tariff Issues: A global cocoa surplus is forecasted for the 2025/26 crop year, but exporters at West African ports are reportedly rejecting some new crop arrivals due to quality concerns, while U.S. tariffs of 21% on Ivory Coast cocoa further compress profit margins for American producers.
- Future Risks: Despite current price declines, farmers and governments face losses that may lead to supply restrictions, risking future shortages, while the market remains vulnerable to climate impacts, increasing the likelihood of supply disruptions.
See More
The Impact of the Iran Conflict on Consumer Staples Companies
- Impact on Supply Chains: The Iran conflict may disrupt global supply chains, leading to logistical challenges for businesses.
- Rising Costs: Increased energy and freight costs are anticipated as a result of the conflict, affecting various industries.
- Consumer Demand Pressure: The situation could weaken consumer demand, particularly impacting U.S. consumer staples companies.
- Economic Implications: Overall, the conflict poses significant economic risks that could ripple through multiple sectors.
See More
Investors Should Adopt a Defensive Strategy: Offload Staples and Invest in Healthcare.
- 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.
See More
The Anti-AI Trend Is Booming: Here Are the Top Performing Stocks.
Investor Behavior: Investors are moving away from struggling software companies and seeking stability in stocks less likely to be affected by the rise of artificial intelligence.
Market Insights: Goldman Sachs reports that this shift in investment strategy appears to be yielding positive results.
See More
MARVEL OREO Launches New Masked Decadence Flavor Cookies
- New Flavor Launch: The MARVEL OREO Stuf of Doom Cookies will hit shelves on March 2, 2026, introducing the mysterious Masked Decadence flavor, which combines chocolate graham and toasted marshmallow-flavored creme, aimed at attracting younger consumers and enhancing brand appeal.
- Interactive Experience: This launch ties into the narrative of the MARVEL OREO Stuf of Legends Cookies, allowing consumers to engage in a digital adventure, thereby increasing brand interactivity and consumer involvement, which enhances brand loyalty.
- Limited Release: Special edition cookies will be available for presale starting February 23, with a nationwide retail launch on March 2, expected to attract a large number of cookie enthusiasts and MARVEL fans, driving sales growth.
- Brand Collaboration: The partnership between OREO and MARVEL not only introduces new products but also solidifies the brand's cultural position by offering exclusive tasting opportunities at an event in Brooklyn, showcasing the deep connection between the brand and its fans.
See More
