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Research Alert: Khc: A Q1 Beat Against Subdued Expectations

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CFRA, an independent research provider, has providedwith the following research alert. Analysts at CFRA have summarized their opinion as follows:

KHC posted Q1 adjusted EPS of $0.58 vs. $0.62 in the prior year, beating consensus by $0.08, with net sales up 0.8% to $6.05B, though organic sales declined 0.4% due to volume weakness in coffee and cold cuts. Geographic results were mixed, with North America sales down 0.7% while Emerging Markets showed resilience at 7.6% growth, and management highlighted early traction in the Taste Elevation portfolio, where 2025 investments are showing improving market share trends. The company maintained its challenging 2026 outlook, assuming continued organic sales declines of 1.5% to 3.5% and adjusted operating income down 14% to 18% as the investment program continues. The standout performance came from cash generation, with free cash flow rising 58.9% to $766M and conversion improving 46%-pts to 111%, attributed to working capital optimization efforts that provide financial flexibility during this reinvestment phase while supporting dividend maintenance.

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