Mondelez International ( NASDAQ: MDLZ) was downgraded by analysts at Credit Agricole to an underperform rating. 
Share:  <span class="sent">Mondelez International ( NASDAQ: MDLZ) was downgraded by analysts at Credit Agricole to an underperform rating.</span> Tweet this   read full story

. "While Mondelez is only beginning to exploit the potential opportunities that should result from operating as a focused global snacks business, the looming question is whether management would view a tie up with PepsiCo favorably, as has been suggested," Morningstar analyst Erin Lash wrote in a research note. . . She added that while her firm believes "any deal could unlock additional value for shareholders," it remains to be seen whether the two companies could reach a deal, credit markets would support "the nearly $46 billion of debt needed to consummate" it or whether regulators would approve it. . . Peltz's Trian Fund Management did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 
Share:  .<span class="sent"> "While <span class="company">Mondelez</span> is only beginning to exploit the potential opportunities that should result from operating as a focused global snacks business, the looming question is whether management would view a tie up with PepsiCo favorably, as has been suggested," Morningstar analyst <span class="analyst">Erin Lash</span> wrote in a research note.</span> . . She added that while her firm believes "any deal could unlock additional value for shareholders," it remains to be seen whether the two companies could reach a deal, credit markets would support "the nearly $46 billion of debt needed to consummate" it or whether regulators would approve it. . . Peltz's Trian Fund Management did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Tweet this   read full story

However that growth target is likely to remain elusive until the second half of this year as it deals with issues such as lower coffee prices."Our first quarter results were in line with the expectations we outlined earlier this year as we work through some near term headwinds," Chairman and Chief Executive Irene Rosenfeld said. "Although we're not satisfied that our top line growth remained below our long term target, our results show that we've built solid underlying momentum. And I'm confident that we'll deliver our 2013 commitments.". 
Share:  However that growth target is likely to remain elusive until the second half of this year as it deals with issues such as lower coffee prices."Our <span class="sent">first quarter results were in line with the expectations we outlined earlier this year as we work through some near term headwinds," Chairman and Chief Executive <span class="analyst">Irene Rosenfeld</span> said.</span> "Although we're not satisfied that our top line growth remained below our long term target, our results show that we've built solid underlying momentum. And I'm confident that we'll deliver our 2013 commitments.". Tweet this   read full story

Adjusted EPS was $0.76, down from last year but soundly beating analyst estimates by $0.12 per share. Cost savings Kraft's CEO Tony Vernon had this to say about the quarter: Our first quarter results reflect strong returns on our new product innovations to date, as well as the fact that our cost savings outpaced our plans to reinvest in our brands. In the months to come, we'll execute our marketing playbook more broadly across our portfolio and we expect to see good progress in both top and bottom line performance for the full year. The gross margin for the quarter increased slightly to 33.06% from 32.54% a year ago, while the SG&A expenses dropped by 5.7%. 
Share:  Adjusted EPS was $0.76, down from last year but soundly beating analyst estimates by $0.12 per share. <span class="sent">Cost savings <span class="company">Kraft</span>'s CEO <span class="analyst">Tony Vernon</span> had this to say about the quarter: Our first quarter results reflect strong returns on our new product innovations to date, as well as the fact that our cost savings outpaced our plans to reinvest in our brands.</span> In the months to come, we'll execute our marketing playbook more broadly across our portfolio and we expect to see good progress in both top and bottom line performance for the full year. The gross margin for the quarter increased slightly to 33.06% from 32.54% a year ago, while the SG&A expenses dropped by 5.7%. Tweet this   read full story

The food company has said it plans to spend at least $25 million this year to back the launches of new product lines, like a Kool Aid version of its MiO drink mix, and Cool Whip frosting."Our first quarter results reflect strong returns on our new product innovations to date, as well as the fact that our cost savings outpaced our plans to reinvest in our brands," said Chief Executive Tony Vernon on Thursday. Kraft reported a first quarter profit of $456 million, or 76 cents a share, down from $483 million, or 82 cents, a year earlier. The latest quarter included 13 cents a share in interest expenses and 12 cents a share in restructuring charges. 
Share:  The food company has said it plans to spend at least $25 million this year to back the launches of new product lines, like a Kool Aid version of its MiO drink mix, and Cool Whip frosting."Our <span class="sent">first quarter results reflect strong returns on our new product innovations to date, as well as the fact that our cost savings outpaced our plans to reinvest in our brands," said Chief Executive <span class="analyst">Tony Vernon</span> on Thursday.</span> Kraft reported a first quarter profit of $456 million, or 76 cents a share, down from $483 million, or 82 cents, a year earlier. The latest quarter included 13 cents a share in interest expenses and 12 cents a share in restructuring charges. Tweet this   read full story

Equities research analysts at UBS AG raised their price target on shares of Mondelez International ( NASDAQ: MDLZ) from $50.00 to $55.00 in a research note issued to investors on Monday, AnalystRatingsNetwork.com reports. 
Share:  <span class="sent">Equities research analysts at UBS AG raised their price target on shares of Mondelez International ( NASDAQ: MDLZ) from $50.00 to $55.00 in a research note issued to investors on Monday, AnalystRatingsNetwork.com reports.</span> Tweet this   read full story