Despite a sharp 22% drop in cocoa sales volume and multi-year lows in cocoa futures, Barry Callebaut's (SWX:BARN) share price has rallied strongly. Analysts are divided on whether the current valuation reflects deep value or overlooks persistent headwinds in its core commodity business.
As cocoa futures pull back from historic highs, Morgan Stanley boosts its price target for snack giant Mondelez International, citing improved earnings visibility. The firm maintains an Overweight rating, highlighting the company's resilient financials and shareholder returns amidst lingering sales growth uncertainties.
Cocoa futures have plunged to multi-year lows, pressured by a global surplus and weakening demand as high chocolate prices curb consumption. Analysts point to favorable harvests in West Africa and falling processing volumes as key factors extending the market's month-long decline.
Cocoa prices staged a modest technical rebound on Friday, halting a month-long slide that had pushed contracts to their lowest levels in over two years. The move higher, driven by short-covering in an oversold market, comes amid a complex backdrop of abundant near-term supplies, weakening demand, and a tightening longer-term outlook.
Mondelez International merges its financial and operational leadership under CFO Luca Zaramella, a move analysts say aims to tighten cost control and execution amid intense competition and commodity pressures.
Hershey (HSY) shares are drawing renewed attention from Wall Street as upbeat earnings sentiment converges with the launch of its innovative Jolly Rancher Heat Wave Gummies. While recent momentum is strong, valuation metrics present a complex picture for the iconic confectioner.
