Mondelez International, Inc. MDLZ is seeing solid momentum in its gum and candy business, supported by a mix of volume and pricing gains, wider distribution and product innovation. The category has also benefited from strength across several key markets, including Brazil, Mexico, China and the United States.
In the second quarter of 2026, gum and candy organic net revenues increased 7.6%. Volume and mix contributed 4.3 percentage points to growth, while pricing added 3.3 percentage points. Gum and candy represented 10% of total Mondelez revenues in fiscal 2025.
The category also maintained growth through the first half of 2026. Organic net revenues increased 5.3% year to date, with volume and mix contributing 2.4 percentage points and pricing adding 2.9 percentage points. The presentation showed 4.2% year-to-date category value growth for gum and candy based on available scanner data across measured channels in key markets.
Within the category, Stride in China continued to deepen its relevance with Gen Z consumers while expanding distribution. In the United States, Sour Patch Kids continued to deliver innovation and increase its presence across growth channels. Sour Patch Kids Chews also supported expansion in channels such as convenience.
Gum and candy remains a solid growth contributor for Mondelez, supported by volume, pricing, innovation and distribution gains. Sustained momentum could improve portfolio diversification, though tougher comparisons may test the category’s growth durability in the second half.
MDLZ Stock Price Performance, Valuation & Estimates
The Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock has dipped 5.7% over the past year compared with the industry’s decline of 20.2%.
MDLZ Price Performance Versus Industry
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From a valuation standpoint, MDLZ trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 18.29, above the industry’s average of 14.22.
MDLZ Valuation Compared to Industry
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Mondelez’s current and next fiscal year earnings per share implies year-over-year growth of 3.7% and 4.5%, respectively.
Stocks to Consider
The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. CHEF is a distributor of specialty food and center-of-the-plate products across the United States, Canada and the Middle East. CHEF currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for The Chefs' Warehouse’s current fiscal-year sales and earnings per share (EPS) implies growth of 10.6% and 33.7%, respectively, from the year-ago figures. CHEF delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 30.4%, on average.
Utz Brands, Inc. UTZ, a leading U.S. manufacturer of branded salty and savory snacks, currently carries a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy).
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Utz Brands’ current fiscal-year sales suggests a 3.7% jump from the prior-year levels. However, the consensus estimate for current fiscal-year EPS indicates a 2.4% decline from the year-ago period. UTZ delivered a trailing four-quarter surprise of 1.8%, on average.
Laird Superfood, Inc. LSF is a consumer product company that develops, manufactures and markets plant-based, natural and functional food and beverage products. LSF currently carries a Zacks Rank #2.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Laird Superfood’s current fiscal-year sales and EPS suggests growth of 188.2% and 104%, respectively, from the year-ago figures. LSF delivered an earnings surprise of 100% in the last reported quarter.
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Mondelez International, Inc. (MDLZ): Free Stock Analysis Report
The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. (CHEF): Free Stock Analysis Report
Utz Brands, Inc. (UTZ): Free Stock Analysis Report
Laird Superfood, Inc. (LSF): Free Stock Analysis Report
This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).