Start 30 days free, no card. Full Pro access for a month, then decide. Start free

Back to analysts list

Analyst

Chris Carey

Wells Fargo · covers Consumer Defensive

Period: Reporting periods mapped to calendar 2024 Q3 – 2026 Q3 (9 quarters).

Questions
140on tracked calls
Challenge rate
13%18 of 140 questions
Companies
19questioned at least once
Reporting periods
9with questions

These figures cover the whole profile: every tracked question, all reporting periods.

How to read these numbers

Challenge rate is the share of questions that pushed back, pressed for specifics or questioned management’s assumptions. It describes how questions were asked on the calls tracked here; it does not measure whether any view turned out to be right.

Rounding. Rates are rounded to whole percentages, so a small share can show as 0% even when some questions were challenging. The count beside each rate is exact; “none of N questions” means no question was challenging.

No questions recorded. “—” means there is nothing to calculate: no questions were recorded for that period on the calls tracked here. It does not mean there was no activity.

Fewer than 3 questions. A company-level rate is withheld when fewer than 3 questions were recorded for that company; the questions are still counted everywhere else.

Small samples. Profiles with fewer than 10 questions are marked Limited sample.

Reporting periods. Questions are grouped by the calendar quarter each company’s fiscal reporting period maps to, not by the date of the call. Periods without a calendar mapping are listed separately under their fiscal label.

Questions asked

Grouped by company, most questions first. Open a company to read its questions, newest reporting period first.

Showing 140 of 140 questions from 19 companies

HSYHershey Company (The)13 questions · 7 reporting periods · 0 of 13 challenging
HSY company page →

Calendar 2026 Q2

how much of that path into your 2028 aspirations will be dependent on you needing to see cocoa deflation

MarginCost PressureTranscript · FY2026 Q2 →
Show response

Carey probed how dependent the 2028 aspiration is on cocoa deflation; Kirk said growth and margin improvement do not rest solely on cocoa. Direct.

Calendar 2026 Q1

give us a bit more insight on some of the key wins how you expect those benefits to come through and some of the timing

Revenue GrowthCompetitive DynamicsTranscript · FY2026 Q1 →
Show response

Kirk described wins across DMG and Salty for both shelf space and perimeter. Combination of new SKU gains and retailer support for tentpole events tracked weekly.

do you still feel good about the margin targets that you had put out there at Investor Day

MarginGuidance ReliabilityTranscript · FY2026 Q1 →
Show response

Steve confirmed core snacks margin will improve as one-time logistics headwinds are behind them. LesserEvil amortization and mix are expected and factored in.

Calendar 2025 Q4

Do you have a view on where you want volumes to be as we look out over the next eighteen months? And when you think volumes can get back to kind of flattish to positive

DemandInnovation & R&DTranscript · FY2025 Q4 →
Show response

Kirk targeting more balanced price/volume mix from 2027. Portfolio has pockets positioned for volume growth: sweets, better-for-you, premium, functional. Strong outlook for protein business with R&D investment. Open to organic and inorganic growth in protein space.

how aggressive can you be about hedging the current drop? And if I heard it correctly, did I hear that you don't need to take pricing in 2027

Cost PressurePricingTranscript · FY2025 Q4 →
Show response

Steve won't share 2027 hedging specifics but has structured program. Current cocoa levels reduce near-term pricing pressure. Long-term value driven by mix, innovation, and pack-price architecture beyond just price.

Calendar 2025 Q3

the tax rate came up. Obviously, there's been a sort of reorientation of tax rate

Show response

Steve identified three tax rate headwinds: legacy reserve adjustments, less tax-efficient cocoa procurement strategies, and fewer attractive tax credit investments. More guidance on 2026 rate later.

Is it fair to say that if cocoa had not come down, you probably would have to take even more pricing into next year

PricingCost PressureTranscript · FY2025 Q3 →
Show response

Steve confirmed no additional pricing planned for 2026 even if cocoa remained at prior levels. Long-term pricing remains a lever but not for 2026. Focus on transformation, productivity, CI.

Calendar 2025 Q2

the tax rate coming up for the year, some evolution of tax credits. Steve, is that a permanent dynamic going forward

Show response

Steve identified 250bp tax rate headwind from creative cocoa sourcing tax consequences and lower tax credit returns. Expected to carry into 2026.

is there a way to frame how much you're thinking about that, which is tariffs relative to lingering cocoa inflation relative to the pricing

Guidance ReliabilityMarginPricingTranscript · FY2025 Q2 →
Show response

Steve walked through 2026 puts/takes: pricing, productivity, transformation savings, smart complexity, tariff relief (positives) vs incremental cocoa inflation, elasticities, tax headwind (negatives). Multiple paths to double-digit EPS improvement.

Calendar 2025 Q1

how does pricing come into the equation? Has there been any evolution in your thinking of how large the sorts of tools

PricingCost PressureTranscript · FY2025 Q1 →
Show response

Michele described holistic approach from the start with transformation program. Measured pricing approach to balance short/long-term. Ready to activate more levers as cocoa hasn't retreated enough.

Can you expand a bit, maybe give us an early -- some early insights on the evolution of your thinking over the past few months

PricingInnovation & R&DTranscript · FY2025 Q1 →
Show response

Michele noted PPA already in market from Aug 2024 pricing, offering better value perception. Supply chain investments enable agility for PPA execution and reformulation.

Calendar 2024 Q4

the implied gross margin for Q1, I think it's like 41% and maybe roughly 35% for the remainder of the year. Is it fair to assume that the core differential

MarginCost PressureTranscript · FY2024 Q4 →
Show response

Steve confirmed cocoa is biggest inflation component with labor and warehousing more evenly paced. Less than 500bp first-half, more in second-half.

you're announced plans to transition out of your role, which is exciting. Can you maybe provide any more color or just context on the search process

Capital AllocationTranscript · FY2024 Q4 →
Show response

Michele confirmed active board-led search with focus on fast-evolving industry skills. Remains 100% focused on delivering 2025 plan and positioning for next growth phase.

CAGConagra Brands10 questions · 6 reporting periods · 2 of 10 challenging
CAG company page →

Calendar 2026 Q3

Can you just give us a sense of maybe where you are on some of the interventions to improve performance?

Competitive DynamicsDemandTranscript · FY2027 Q1 →
Show response

Carey pressed on snacks interventions and volumes; Brase said Sweet Treats is strong but permissible snacking (meat snacks, popcorn) lags and needs more marketing and innovation.

Calendar 2026 Q2

Nevertheless, can you give us a sense of where you see this complexity?

Capital AllocationCompetitive DynamicsTranscript · FY2026 Q4 →
Show response

Brase described a parallel bottoms-up zero-based SKU review across roughly 5.5 thousand SKUs and a top-down five-year portfolio view, with more at the 2027 investor day.

Calendar 2026 Q1

I wanted to see if you maybe could just take sort of a 2-, 3-year view on the margin trajectory for your key U.S. businesses.

MarginCost PressureInnovation & R&DTranscript · FY2026 Q3 →
Show response

Sean provided five margin expansion building blocks: 5%+ productivity, eventual 2% normalized inflation, chicken plant repatriation, surgical pricing with encouraging elasticities, and Project Catalyst benefiting both P&L and balance sheet.

Are we run rating at a new level for free cash flow conversion? Do you see a level of sustainability up here over 100%?

Capital AllocationTranscript · FY2026 Q3 →
Show response

Dave maintained 90% as base target but highlighted above-90% driven by cash tax efficiency and inventory reduction with AI tools. $2B inventory with 'long runway' to reduce further. Emphasized cross-functional alignment on working capital management.

Calendar 2025 Q4

Is there any reason why it shouldn't be back in that you know, 2% range going into next year based on what we can see today?

Show response

Sean was cautious but noted historical super cycles always show a downward slope after peaks. Protein costs the last to normalize. Expressed optimism that relief could materialize and significantly benefit the P&L.

Can you just give us the latest on Conagra Brands' approach to its portfolio, you know, how you think through portfolio opportunities one way or the other

M&ACapital AllocationTranscript · FY2026 Q2 →
Show response

Sean emphasized Board-level openness to all value-creation paths, not entrenched. No inbound M&A expected near-term due to debt reduction focus, but additional outbound divestitures remain possible after Chef Boyardee.

Calendar 2025 Q2

private label is going to be seeing a lot of inflation as well. Presumably, that should be maybe improving your competitive stance vis a vis private label

Competitive DynamicsPricingTranscript · FY2025 Q4 →
Show response

Sean identified three categories where private label dynamics matter: tomatoes (Hunt's vs private label), whip topping, and cooking spray. Monitoring price gaps and thresholds but called it early innings.

it does appear that you potentially need productivity to kind of run twice the rate that you've historically driven? As a benefit to gross margins. I wonder if that checks out on your math

ChallengingMarginSupply ChainTranscript · FY2025 Q4 →
Show response

Sean noted total productivity ran north of 4% last year and north of 5% in FY2026 including tariff mitigation. Dave clarified the 4% core productivity offsets 4% core inflation, with 1% of the 3% tariff bucket mitigated through alternate supplies and negotiations.

Calendar 2025 Q1

How much of that is associated with you know, the top line know, the consumer response to this environment relative to your cost structure

MacroeconomicGuidance ReliabilityTranscript · FY2025 Q3 →
Show response

Sean framed it as another year of balancing growth and margin expansion. Won't separate the two uncertainties but emphasized volume growth priority.

you said that the shipments would come at a higher cost but you also expect gross margins to improve

ChallengingMarginSupply ChainTranscript · FY2025 Q3 →
Show response

Dave explained negative absorption and one-time shutdown costs from Q3 won't repeat at same level. Third-party co-man costs started in Q3 and continue but aren't incremental.

CHDChurch & Dwight10 questions · 6 reporting periods · 1 of 10 challenging
CHD company page →

Calendar 2026 Q2

I was wondering how you think you're tracking relative to the ambitions that you outlined at the Investor Day

Product LaunchRevenue GrowthTranscript · FY2026 Q2 →
Show response

Rick said THERABREATH toothpaste is meeting or slightly beating expectations and contributed to net sales, but declined to quantify the launch's contribution.

Calendar 2026 Q1

You noted that consumption slowed on year-ago activity that was strong in the base period. Can you give us an update on how you are thinking about growth of the business, the sustainability of growth

Show response

Tracked consumption down 20% but all-in consumption (including untracked channels) up 12-13%. Slowdown from Q4 holiday gift sets and club timing. Still expect full-year double-digit growth. Back-half activations with collaborations and advertising coming.

When you think about your Q1 delivery, how important are those gains to what we are seeing today, and really speaking to the durability of some of the volume growth that we are seeing relative to p...

Revenue GrowthInventoryTranscript · FY2026 Q1 →
Show response

Organic 5% decomposed as ~3% underlying growth plus ~2% inventory lapping tailwind. Distribution point gains: 7% TDP lift on 13-week average, 10-11% in recent resets (double CPG peers). Gains across entire portfolio, not just Hero/TheraBreath.

Calendar 2025 Q3

how might the positive contribution from TOUCHLAND help offset any of the potential profit outcomes you could envision from actions you may take on the vitamin business?

M&ACapital AllocationRevenue GrowthTranscript · FY2025 Q3 →
Show response

CEO confirmed TOUCHLAND exceeding double-digit expectations with stronger baseline for 2026 but deferred specific outlook to January Investor Day.

And in general, how would you view the competitive backdrop right now and your potential need to respond, any activity that you're seeing?

Competitive DynamicsPricingTranscript · FY2025 Q3 →
Show response

CEO showed CHD promoted less while competition promoted more, yet value tier grew for first time in 8 quarters. Sees consumer value-seeking as structural trend benefiting ARM & HAMMER.

Calendar 2025 Q2

Can you just expand on what's going right and some of the strategies that you're implementing to put up some nice market share performance?

Competitive DynamicsRevenue GrowthTranscript · FY2025 Q2 →
Show response

CEO highlighted sizing strategy, price point optimization for promotions, and Laundry/Litter value equation. Incrementally more positive than 90 days ago with July above 2.5% target.

Can you just give a bit of context on what might push you one way versus the other

Capital AllocationCompetitive DynamicsTranscript · FY2025 Q2 →
Show response

CEO outlined 3 paths: divestiture (cleanest), JV/partnership, or radical rightsizing. Noted multivit improving from -25% to down single digits recently with units turning positive.

Calendar 2025 Q1

how much was the revenue call down versus tariffs -- and maybe just simply put, what is the tariff effect that you're embedding for this year?

Trade TariffsCost PressureGuidance ReliabilityTranscript · FY2025 Q1 →
Show response

CEO provided detailed tariff mitigation waterfall: $190M gross → $100M after divestitures → $40M after supply chain moves. Net P&L impact ~$30M in 2025.

how conscious, the vitamin business, how to plan for this year on a performance category is widening. At what point does patients with plan run out

ChallengingCompetitive DynamicsCapital AllocationTranscript · FY2025 Q1 →
Show response

CEO acknowledged vitamins not meeting expectations but deferred decision to after Q2. Focused on innovation, reformulation, and trial-driving tactics.

Calendar 2024 Q4

What are you embedding from a category growth perspective?

Revenue GrowthCompetitive DynamicsTranscript · FY2024 Q4 →
Show response

Dierker detailed category growth trajectory from 4.5% in early 2024 to 2.5% by summer and year-end, with 2.5% as the 2025 baseline. Noted promotional levels are back to pre-COVID normal. Farrell added cautious macro view: prices high, wages not keeping up, consumer confidence declining.

CLXClorox10 questions · 8 reporting periods · 1 of 10 challenging
CLX company page →

Calendar 2026 Q2

can you just tell us how is that process going? What are the sorts of skill sets you're looking for?

Guidance ReliabilityTranscript · FY2026 Q4 →
Show response

Linda confirmed she is cancer-free and executing, and that the board's external CEO search is progressing on its stated timeline.

Calendar 2026 Q1

Are you having those portfolio review conversations? Is that activity becoming a bit sharper?

M&ACapital AllocationTranscript · FY2026 Q3 →
Show response

Linda: Always doing portfolio work with management and Board. Recent actions: Argentina divestiture, Saudi JV majority acquisition, VMS sale, GOJO acquisition. Evaluating resource allocation across portfolio. But some businesses need better execution, Glad proving turnaround possible with right measures (sequential share improvement, trash category up 2pts). Job #1 always healthy core.

Was there any kind of like shipment versus consumption dynamic in the quarter?

InventoryRevenue GrowthTranscript · FY2026 Q3 →
Show response

Luc: Net ~1pt negative timing for total company. Health & Wellness reversed Q2 ERP favorability as expected. Household had early shipments (~1pt, Litter/Kingsford). Lifestyle had retailer inventory adjustments (~1pt negative, one-time). Household early shipments reverse in Q4 (<1pt headwind). Q4 also has heavy merchandising period so more noise possible.

Calendar 2025 Q4

Is still correct to think about you know, taking the impact from the ERP shift this year And then adding that back effectively and in fiscal twenty seven and then assuming some underlying growth.

Guidance ReliabilityCapital AllocationTranscript · FY2026 Q2 →
Show response

Luc confirmed: FY26 shipments understated vs consumption due to ERP. FY27 pickup of ~3.5pts on sales and ~$0.90 EPS. Investment decisions based on strategy/ROI, not ERP math. Linda: watching consumer environment closely, have right tools to adjust if needed (margin position, digital capabilities, AI efficiency). Will be nimble but feel right investment level currently, excited about back-half plans.

Calendar 2025 Q3

are we talking about you have these great innovations, you'll be leaning in more and you're basically funding that with the incremental cost savings that you're getting from more favorable commodit...

DemandCapital AllocationTranscript · FY2026 Q1 →
Show response

Linda said plans already strong but sharpened based on consumer behavior shifts. Examples: adjusted Kingsford merchandising to smaller/larger sizes (grew penetration July 4/Labor Day), personalization engine driving industry-leading ROI, retail media adjustments. Teams empowered to make real-time changes.

can you give us maybe a sense of how you're thinking about the concept of portfolio and what you're really trying to accomplish

M&ACapital AllocationTranscript · FY2026 Q1 →
Show response

Linda said long-term portfolio discipline remains. Priority 1: strengthen core brands and grow share/penetration. Priority 2: actively evaluate portfolio with Board (tuck-ins, category expansion, transformational options). Strong balance sheet allows action at right value. Won't chase short-term disruption.

Calendar 2025 Q2

how are you thinking about what this business should be delivering over a medium-term horizon from a top line perspective

Revenue GrowthMarginTranscript · FY2025 Q4 →
Show response

Linda reaffirmed 3-5% algorithm requires categories back to 2-2.5%, share growth via NRM/innovation (ramping back half), international/professional +1pt contribution. ERP unlocks data, speed, productivity. Confident in capabilities but timing of category recovery uncertain.

Calendar 2025 Q1

can you just talk about, number one, what you plan to do around tariff mitigation? And secondly, does that involve accelerating productivity programs

Cost PressureMarginTranscript · FY2025 Q3 →
Show response

Linda expressed confidence in capabilities but didn't commit to FY2026 earnings growth. Productivity being pressured higher. Advertising getting best-ever returns, evaluating right level. S&A target of 13% will be achieved over time post-ERP. Not setting FY2026 expectations yet.

Calendar 2024 Q4

how do you view that low-single digits from a clean perspective? Are you still recapturing distribution points or do you view that as a clean underlying number that you would extrapolate going forw...

Revenue GrowthDemandTranscript · FY2025 Q2 →
Show response

Linda confirmed confidence in 3-5% long-term algorithm. Requires categories returning to 2-2.5% from current 0-1%, continued share growth, NRM/pricing, and above-average international/professional growth. Timing of macro recovery is the open question.

Calendar 2024 Q3

if I look at the segment disclosures, pricing's flat and Health and Wellness price mix that is down 5 and Household down 8

ChallengingPricingRevenue GrowthTranscript · FY2025 Q1 →
Show response

Kevin explained segment price/mix distortion is cyber lap noise. Structural: -1pt trade promo offset by +2pts favorable mix. Back half trade headwind goes away.

PGThe Procter & Gamble Company9 questions · 8 reporting periods · 1 of 9 challenging
PG company page →

Calendar 2026 Q2

is my premise, you know, somewhat logical around a bit of gross margin compression and thereby SG and A?

MarginCost PressureCapital AllocationTranscript · FY2026 Q4 →
Show response

Schulten confirmed productivity savings and headcount benefits flow through FY2027 and promised full brand support, but never validated or corrected the specific gross margin and SG&A premise.

Calendar 2026 Q1

are you seeing competitive activity start to ease as competition needs to become a bit more rational

Competitive DynamicsPricingTranscript · FY2026 Q3 →
Show response

Andre said it is too early to see any pullback. Latest data shows promotion activity in Europe and U.S. slightly increasing back to pre-COVID levels, relatively stable.

I wanted to ask about the concept of pricing power and whether you think that this is different

ChallengingPricingCompetitive DynamicsTranscript · FY2026 Q3 →
Show response

Andre argued pricing power must be earned through innovation, not assumed as a blanket right. Emphasized giving consumers choice via vertical portfolio rather than straight price increases.

Calendar 2025 Q4

give us a sense of the sort of cost of this progress, I suppose? And kind of the balance between the restructuring

Cost PressureCapex InvestmentTranscript · FY2026 Q2 →
Show response

Andre said heavy tech investment already done over past 5-10 years; capex tied to capacity not reinvention; June restructuring sufficient, no cliff of investment.

Calendar 2025 Q3

I do think it implies then that you're seeing improvement in businesses outside of that Skin & Personal Care segment

Geographic ExpansionInnovation & R&DTranscript · FY2026 Q1 →
Show response

Andre confirmed broad-based China progress: Fabric +5%, Fem and Hair Care growing, Baby +20%; described pattern as durable but still volatile.

Calendar 2025 Q2

Can you talk about just the durability of the trends that you're seeing? 618 is obviously more of an annual

Geographic ExpansionDemandTranscript · FY2025 Q4 →
Show response

Jon cited positive trajectory plus strong innovation response; Andre praised local team's go-to-market and distributor model changes.

Calendar 2025 Q1

the glide path back to category growth rates, I think you had said something like over, you know, the next two

Guidance ReliabilityDemandTranscript · FY2025 Q3 →
Show response

Andre reiterated wide 2-3 year planning range, re-committed to the $5 billion US household penetration opportunity from Investor Day.

Calendar 2024 Q4

In the Family Care business, the double digit growth you saw, would you attribute most of that to timing

DemandInnovation & R&DTranscript · FY2025 Q2 →
Show response

Andre attributed Family Care strength to hurricane/port pantry load; Oral Care to iO rollout; Baby to Love's innovation push.

Calendar 2024 Q3

This is a few quarters in a row that baby is under pressure. Can you just talk about the durability of this pressure

DemandProduct LaunchTranscript · FY2025 Q1 →
Show response

Andre framed family care as a durable substrate-innovation cycle and baby care as trade-up/innovation driven despite birth-rate declines.

CLColgate-Palmolive8 questions · 7 reporting periods · 2 of 8 challenging
CL company page →

Calendar 2026 Q2

why not raise the lower end of the organic sales growth guidance range?

ChallengingGuidance ReliabilityDemandTranscript · FY2026 Q2 →
Show response

Noel called the top line solid but cited market volatility and consumer uncertainty from gasoline prices as reasons for prudence on the organic low end.

Calendar 2026 Q1

just as a follow-up on North America, the margins were a bit light this quarter

ChallengingMarginTrade TariffsTranscript · FY2026 Q1 →
Show response

Stan explained NA margins pressured by tariffs (minimal in prior year) and higher raw material costs, lapping highest gross profit margin quarter. Expects YoY tariff impact to normalize going forward.

I just wanted to see if this adjust or alters your plan for pricing perhaps specifically in emerging markets

PricingCost PressureTranscript · FY2026 Q1 →
Show response

Noel emphasized pricing will be innovation-led, with value propositions across price points. Expects industry pricing to flow through as companies offset inflation. Watching consumer response carefully.

Calendar 2025 Q4

what is the kind of the state of the union on how Colgate is thinking about using the balance sheet, perhaps more specifically with M&A

M&ACapital AllocationTranscript · FY2025 Q4 →
Show response

Sutula highlighted strong balance sheet with record $4.2B operating cash flow, low leverage, and dry powder. Capital allocation priorities: invest in business, return to shareholders, then M&A. Impairment doesn't change portfolio strategy.

Calendar 2025 Q3

were there anomalies in Q3 gross profit that should be easing from here over and above just the rising commodity backdrop

MarginCloud & AICapital AllocationTranscript · FY2025 Q3 →
Show response

Sutula confirmed Total reformulation ~50bps and private label exit as anomalies easing. Wallace detailed extensive AI strategy across marketing, innovation, agentic commerce, and demand planning.

Calendar 2025 Q2

Where are you seeing this business going from here?

Geographic ExpansionDemandCompetitive DynamicsTranscript · FY2025 Q2 →
Show response

Wallace contrasted strong Colgate China with struggling Hawley & Hazel needing go-to-market restructuring. India relaunching core brands and Total, with e-commerce share up 500bps. INR 10 entry price point being addressed.

Calendar 2025 Q1

in what regions or product categories do you have the highest level of confidence

Revenue GrowthDemandTranscript · FY2025 Q1 →
Show response

Wallace pointed to oral care brand health, Total relaunch, Hill's segment growth as confidence drivers. Sutula expected North America and Asia to improve in back half with private label rolling off.

Calendar 2024 Q4

Can you expand a bit more on some of the end-market competitive activity you're seeing with some specificity on specific markets

Competitive DynamicsPricingTranscript · FY2024 Q4 →
Show response

Wallace identified India as most notable with urban modern trade discounting. Turkey and South Africa isolated. Europe constructive with CL gaining significant share. US constructive.

Show 13 more companies
MDLZMondelez International8 questions · 4 reporting periods · 2 of 8 challenging
MDLZ company page →

Calendar 2026 Q2

just kind of sticking around that 2% range and not being a bit more forthright about a bit more upside.

ChallengingGuidance ReliabilityMacroeconomicDemandTranscript · FY2026 Q2 →
Show response

Luca conceded upside potential and gave an informal 2.5% ceiling, citing the Middle East crisis and the Q3 European heat wave as the reasons for caution.

What are you doing specifically to accelerate your distribution in these channels?

ChallengingGeographic ExpansionCompetitive DynamicsDemandTranscript · FY2026 Q2 →
Show response

Dirk gave the history channel by channel (value, convenience, away from home) and why each was previously deprioritized.

Calendar 2025 Q4

Can you help us understand regionally where that change might be occurring? Some of the key drivers

DemandGeographic ExpansionTranscript · FY2025 Q4 →
Show response

Dirk reviewed regions: AMEA big source of volume growth with India, Australia, China recovering. LatAm expected to be good year. North America not counting on volume growth but category decline easing. Europe biscuits/cakes continuing well, chocolate pricing easing with selective repricing. Volume improvement phasing gradually through year.

Should we expect the media investment to be done in 2026, the rebasing of media, the rebasing of comp

Capex InvestmentMarginTranscript · FY2025 Q4 →
Show response

Dirk confirmed 2027 will see another investment step-up in working media. Want to drive volume growth as first base of growth. Commodities easing, especially cocoa, will provide significant chocolate margin uplift in 2027. Reinvesting part, flowing part to bottom line. Aiming for strong EPS growth in 2027.

Calendar 2025 Q3

Is there any pull forward of investment that you had planned for 2026 coming into Q4 as you see some opportunities

Capex InvestmentMarginTranscript · FY2025 Q3 →
Show response

Luca said Q4 A&C plans are locked. Pulled back on nonworking media primarily. Continuous brand investment is the virtuous model. Planning Biscoff India launch and chocolate-Biscoff activations. Not possible to assume 2026 completes investment needs, will continue investing in years to come.

a strategy that's a bit more focused on value and protecting the profit pool is the right strategy as we exit this cycle

PricingCompetitive DynamicsTranscript · FY2025 Q3 →
Show response

Dirk explained value-driven promos didn't generate expected volume returns. Consumer behavior driven by fixed basket size, not responsive to simple discounting. Using PPA to offer products at $3-$4 price points with good margins. About 70% of range was above $4 price point 1.5 years ago, now significantly reduced.

Calendar 2025 Q1

if cocoa were to go down, and that's going to help your margins a lot, would you give some of that back-in pricing

PricingCost PressureTranscript · FY2025 Q1 →
Show response

Luca laid out both scenarios. If cocoa falls: expand GP dollars and reinvest materially. If stays high: cocoa butter already declining for 2026, demand destruction helping. Either way, positioned for 2026 top and bottom line expansion.

Do you think you're tracking better than your going inflation expectations? Are there more opportunities to procure commodity

Cost PressureMarginTranscript · FY2025 Q1 →
Show response

Luca said opportunistic procurement of minor commodities at favorable prices. Also extended FX coverage into 2026 at favorable carry. Coverage for 2025 now largely complete.

GISGeneral Mills7 questions · 5 reporting periods · 1 of 7 challenging
GIS company page →

Calendar 2026 Q3

Do you have a different expectation for pricing relative to where you started the year?

Show response

With base-price resets behind them, Dana said the focus is positive price mix, with all SRM levers, including trade and list pricing, on the table given inflation.

Calendar 2026 Q2

Is there some visibility in the smoothing out of this inventory volatility?

Show response

McNabb attributed the gap to customer mix (e-comm/mass carrying less inventory) and assumes a low-single-digit FY27 headwind.

improving share trends in Totino's and improving wilderness dog feeding.

Competitive DynamicsDemandTranscript · FY2026 Q4 →
Show response

Harmening called it an 'and' - stabilize Totino's/Wilderness and double down on what is working like Tiki Cat and Cheerios protein.

Calendar 2025 Q4

Can you just expand a bit on the percentage of your portfolio where you've taken or initiated pricing investments?

Show response

Dana confirmed pricing investments on 2/3 of portfolio completed by Q2-end across refrigerated dough, fruit snacks, salty snacks, and soup; Totino's still working through price pack architecture conversion from bag to box.

Can you just expand on where we're at with Wilderness, the current strategy with Wilderness

Competitive DynamicsProduct LaunchTranscript · FY2026 Q2 →
Show response

Dana acknowledged Wilderness performance down similar to Q1 and unacceptable; team working on new positioning, protein-first new products, comparative advertising, and improved in-store execution for the back half.

Calendar 2025 Q2

how do you ensure that this isn't a race to the bottom with branded competitors or private label?

ChallengingPricingCompetitive DynamicsMarginTranscript · FY2025 Q4 →
Show response

CEO emphasized targeted category-specific pricing actions, not broad cuts. CFO confirmed SG&A will grow faster than top line due to media investment and incentive reset.

Calendar 2025 Q1

is there a message today that the savings targets between HMM and the incremental $100 million are there to be fully reinvested back into the business?

MarginCompetitive DynamicsRevenue GrowthTranscript · FY2025 Q3 →
Show response

CFO confirmed savings are targeted for reinvestment, not margin improvement. CEO identified price/mix as the biggest delta between category growth and GIS performance.

KOThe Coca-Cola Company7 questions · 7 reporting periods · 1 of 7 challenging
KO company page →

Calendar 2026 Q2

If that were not to happen, can you just give us a sense of the potential implications?

Regulation PolicyCapital AllocationTranscript · FY2026 Q2 →
Show response

Murphy gave the timeline range but pointed to existing disclosures rather than sizing the downside on the call.

Calendar 2026 Q1

This is the first quarter in a few years where the underlying contribution to gross margin is a bit negative

ChallengingMarginCost PressureTranscript · FY2026 Q1 →
Show response

John isolated the Q1 gross margin miss to a one-off China juice inventory phasing item plus tea/coffee commodity pressure, said full-year trend is not going backwards.

Calendar 2025 Q4

can you perhaps comment on some of the markets which have been a bit more challenging or more volatile perhaps than usual in 2025

Geographic ExpansionDemandTranscript · FY2025 Q4 →
Show response

Henrique detailed China as long-term investment where share gains continue despite below pre-pandemic sentiment. India expected back on track in 2026. Mexico leveraging RGM capabilities and World Cup activation.

Calendar 2025 Q3

I wanted to ask 2 category questions. So just on coffee

Competitive DynamicsProduct LaunchTranscript · FY2025 Q3 →
Show response

James said Costa business doing well but non-store growth hypothesis hasn't materialized. Zeros and diets are mid-teens of soft drink volume with Diet Coke stabilized and growing.

Calendar 2025 Q2

North America margins were, you know, incredibly strong in Q2 even with higher marketing on a year-on-year basis

Show response

James attributed margins to productivity initiatives, deceleration of lower-margin vertically integrated businesses mixing out, and normalization from weak position four years ago.

Calendar 2025 Q1

To what level are such margins sustainable? And do you envision any caveats in the quarter

MarginCapital AllocationTranscript · FY2025 Q1 →
Show response

John acknowledged timing benefit but pointed to long-term algorithm embedding margin expansion. Confident in balancing investment and productivity.

Calendar 2024 Q4

Can you just maybe provide some context, number one, on how incremental moves in aluminum might impact your cost per case outlook

Cost PressureTrade TariffsTranscript · FY2024 Q4 →
Show response

James emphasized aluminum is predominantly US-centric, manageable through PET packaging shifts and hedging. Does not fundamentally undermine volume outlook.

PEPPepsiCo7 questions · 7 reporting periods · 0 of 7 challenging
PEP company page →

Calendar 2026 Q2

give us a sense of how you're viewing the M&A environment, willingness for additional acquisitions

M&AProduct LaunchCapital AllocationTranscript · FY2026 Q2 →
Show response

Laguarta said Siete and poppi are both doing well after early integration friction (poppi distributor transition, Siete ingredient issues) now resolved; both central to portfolio transformation alongside Celsius/Alani partnerships.

Calendar 2026 Q1

World Cup activation look like for PepsiCo, perhaps specifically for Frito, how is it different versus past events

Capital AllocationDemandGeographic ExpansionTranscript · FY2026 Q1 →
Show response

Steve emphasized flexibility in managing across all segments. Ramon detailed the World Cup activation: global Lays flavors, no Lays no game campaign, personalized communications, Quaker stadium presence, and retailer/delivery partnerships.

Calendar 2025 Q4

Maybe just a few tidbits on how you're thinking about Mountain Dew and how to reinvigorate some of the growth

Competitive DynamicsProduct LaunchDemandTranscript · FY2025 Q4 →
Show response

Ramon cited Pepsi Zero success via 100K+ consumer Pepsi Challenge, Food Deserves Pepsi campaign; Mountain Dew progressing with local granular marketing and Baja Blast franchise but will take longer.

Calendar 2025 Q3

how much of this is the consumer shifting preferences you know, toward, you know, healthier eating

DemandMacroeconomicTranscript · FY2025 Q3 →
Show response

Ramon identified three structural global trends: digital purchasing, ingredient awareness/clean labels, and affordability pressure on low/middle-income households. Described these as secular trends driving portfolio transformation urgency.

Calendar 2025 Q2

how flexible is the system to responding to ingredient changes

Regulation PolicyProduct LaunchTranscript · FY2025 Q2 →
Show response

Ramon confirmed technical roadmap to eliminate artificial colors and flavors from beverages, same as food. Consumer-centric approach: will execute as regulations or preferences evolve.

Calendar 2025 Q1

Do you think that this is the start of something that can be a bit more durable? What are your expectations for the brand from here

Revenue GrowthCompetitive DynamicsTranscript · FY2025 Q1 →
Show response

Ramon linked share gains to long-term capability building in operations, data, and technology; highlighted Pepsi Zero, Gatorade Zero, and powder/tablet growth as structural improvements.

Calendar 2024 Q4

What specific about what's going on in Europe that has allowed you to see that positive balance of delivery over the course of this year

Geographic ExpansionMarginTranscript · FY2024 Q4 →
Show response

Ramon credited Europe's success to consistent simplification, cost extraction reinvested into growth platforms like zero-sugar and away-from-home, with large per-cap growth opportunity remaining.

SJMJ.M. Smucker Company (The)7 questions · 4 reporting periods · 2 of 7 challenging
SJM company page →

Calendar 2026 Q3

Is this just a substantial reversal in coffee in Q2? Or is the Sweet Baked Snacks business expected to get worse

DemandRevenue GrowthTranscript · FY2027 Q1 →
Show response

Marshall cited ongoing momentum and prudent coffee volume assumptions but gave limited segment-level specifics on the delta.

Calendar 2026 Q2

At what point are you transitioning from trade spending into list price reductions?

Show response

Mark explained coffee is a pass-through category and that list price declines follow physical inventory of lower-cost coffee.

Can you just give us a sense on your ability to forecast accurately this business?

ChallengingMarginGuidance ReliabilityTranscript · FY2026 Q4 →
Show response

Tucker confirmed the ~30% segment profit direction and pointed to cost control and trade execution as the drivers.

Calendar 2026 Q1

organic sales in the quarter were pretty substantially below consumption, at least on our data. Why was that? What drove the gap between consumption and what you reported

ChallengingDemandCompetitive DynamicsTranscript · FY2026 Q3 →
Show response

Tucker attributes gap to operational timing and bakery network reset. Also notes promotional activity was pulled in H2 to be redeployed more efficiently. Will build back profitability from low watermark.

I think it came in a bit light of expectations. Perhaps those expectations were a function of that compare in the base period

DemandInnovation & R&DTranscript · FY2026 Q3 →
Show response

Mark pleased overall with pet. Meow Mix +5% with Gravy Bursts innovation expanding. Milk-Bone returned to growth on base biscuits and PB Bites. Pup-Peroni tail remains soft but brand refresh underway.

Calendar 2024 Q4

What is your assessment of sequential developments in the coffee category and also for your business? And how do you see the impact of elasticity, perhaps weather

Show response

Mark acknowledges difficulty in answering weather impact directly but highlights at-home resilience (70% share) and portfolio ability to shift to where growth is.

you've made some comments about fiscal 2026 EPS being above algorithm. And as we assess Hostess trends, clearly an expectation for it to get better

Guidance ReliabilityCost PressureTranscript · FY2025 Q2 →
Show response

Tucker declines specific FY2026 outlook but frames the building blocks: base momentum, stranded overhead removal, synergies, Transformation Office, debt paydown benefit.

TAPMolson Coors Beverage Company7 questions · 7 reporting periods · 0 of 7 challenging
TAP company page →

Calendar 2026 Q2

inflation is the expectation now that it's running higher for the full year than the prior expectation?

Cost PressureMarginTranscript · FY2026 Q2 →
Show response

Rahul framed H1 cost management as solid within the guided framework, with fuel and logistics the newer pressure. Tracey confirmed Midwest Premium raised to above $130 million from at-least $125 million, with hedges and the cost savings program partially offsetting.

Calendar 2026 Q1

Can you just give us a sense of what an improvement means, does that mean back to share growth and some of the key drivers as you see them?

Competitive DynamicsCost PressureTranscript · FY2026 Q1 →
Show response

Rahul broke down portfolio: flavor achieving share growth (Topo Chico turnaround), above premium making good progress, value is the persistent leaky bucket needing most work (Keystone Apple, Keystone Ice, High Life Light expansion). Miller Lite has regional challenges requiring targeted local action. STR trends improved in Q1 vs Q4. Tracey confirmed Q2 expected to have largest Midwest Premium increase, lapping only $35M in H2 2025.

Calendar 2025 Q4

is there any phasing considerations that you want to put out there for the guidance this year

Guidance ReliabilityCompetitive DynamicsTranscript · FY2025 Q4 →
Show response

Tracey said quarterly phasing similar to 2025, same number of days, Midwest Premium headwind lapping primarily in H2 (big rise was H2 2025). Marketing concentrated in summer selling season. Rahul identified key metrics: market share improvements, portfolio mix transformation (Fever-Tree as highest NSR/hl brand), cost savings flowing to margins, and continued buyback execution.

Calendar 2025 Q3

Does that mean if the category improves a little bit next year from the current lows? You would be entering 2025 with low inventory

DemandCapital AllocationTranscript · FY2025 Q3 →
Show response

Rahul said days of inventory in a healthy place, brewery network has capacity to pivot for Q1 supply needs. On reinvestment, committed to building brands, championing beer category, deploying balance sheet to fill portfolio gaps while returning cash to shareholders. Not signaling massive spending spike.

Calendar 2025 Q2

Have you seen any of those increases in Q2? Or is that all in the back half of the year?

Cost PressureTrade TariffsDemandTranscript · FY2025 Q2 →
Show response

Tracey detailed $20-35M incremental Midwest Premium cost in H2 at $0.60-0.75/lb, full-year impact $40-55M. Noted it's the least-hedged commodity due to opaque pricing and expensive hedging. Gavin attributed consumer confidence hit to late January/early February, dismissed GLP-1 impact, acknowledged D9 varies by market.

Calendar 2025 Q1

This was the first quarter, I believe of small net favorability in cost inflation within your COGS for hectoliters disclosures

Cost PressureMarginTranscript · FY2025 Q1 →
Show response

Tracey confirmed capability investments are driving cost savings that offset inflation. Gavin said board is evaluating internal and external CEO candidates, emphasizing cultural fit and support for current strategy.

Calendar 2024 Q4

I was wondering if you could comment a bit on what we're seeing in the beer category, specifically year-to-date

DemandMacroeconomicTranscript · FY2024 Q4 →
Show response

Management cautioned against reading too much into short-term data, noting Q4 was the best industry quarter of 2024 and early 2025 trends are not dissimilar to 2024.

KDPKeurig Dr Pepper6 questions · 6 reporting periods · 0 of 6 challenging
KDP company page →

Calendar 2026 Q2

I wanted to ask about the strength that you're seeing in the U.S. Refreshment business.

DemandRevenue GrowthTranscript · FY2026 Q2 →
Show response

Tim detailed the volume mix drivers (CSDs, energy, sports hydration) and flagged tougher comps moderating growth in H2.

Calendar 2026 Q1

How much visibility do you have in your coffee costs at this point of the year, I assume, high?

MarginCost PressureTranscript · FY2026 Q1 →
Show response

Anthony confirmed high degree of confidence in low DD EPS guide with green coffee cost as primary swing item. Mostly hedged on other commodities including Middle East-exposed inputs. Tim noted Creamy Coconut expected to be big success contributing to Dr Pepper share growth year-to-go.

Calendar 2025 Q4

I wanted to just start with some context on the top line performance for stand alone Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. specifically contribution from The US refreshment business

Show response

Anthony detailed standalone KDP guidance of 4-6% top line with sales growth across all segments. U.S. RB the most significant driver with CSD share gains, sports hydration, and energy. JDE Peet's adding $8.5-8.7B revenue for 6-7pp EPS contribution consistent with 10% first-year accretion.

Calendar 2025 Q2

can you just talk about how you see the evolution or the relative contribution of these businesses a bit more medium term

Revenue GrowthCompetitive DynamicsTranscript · FY2025 Q2 →
Show response

Tim detailed broad-based momentum across CSDs, energy (7% share), and Electrolit (30% growth). Expects both base and partner growth to contribute to MSD long-term algorithm.

Calendar 2025 Q1

Can you maybe just help us frame how you would view, maybe with a bit more specificity your free cash flow development

Capital AllocationTranscript · FY2025 Q1 →
Show response

Tim confirmed free cash flow accelerating profile with 2025 better than 2024 after adjusting for $225M GHOST distribution payment. Deleveraging is current priority with goal to keep leverage below 2.5x.

Calendar 2024 Q4

I wanted to just maybe talk through the building blocks for 2025 beginning with the commentary on Q1

Revenue GrowthGuidance ReliabilityTranscript · FY2024 Q4 →
Show response

Sudhanshu provided detailed sales and EPS driver walkthrough, flagged upper-end revenue trajectory and Q1 phasing headwinds from fewer shipping day and later Easter.

KHCKraft Heinz6 questions · 5 reporting periods · 1 of 6 challenging
KHC company page →

Calendar 2026 Q2

And so what if organic sales trails for longer than expected? Would you lean in more?

Show response

Steve expressed increasing confidence in driving better share and organic sales growth, and signaled openness to portfolio reshaping if value-accretive opportunities arise.

Calendar 2026 Q1

can you unpack that a little bit across the most meaningful drivers

Revenue GrowthGeographic ExpansionTranscript · FY2026 Q1 →
Show response

CFO quantified Indonesia at 70 bps Q1 headwind, expected to lap in H2. U.S. market share improvement, European Heinz investment step-up, and away-from-home sauces share gains all contributing. CEO clarified not calling for acceleration, being prudent with guidance.

What does the toolkit look like for you to work through a sustained higher inflation environment

Cost PressureMarginTranscript · FY2026 Q1 →
Show response

CEO stated $600M investments will not be sacrificed to protect margins, and would lean into more investment if returns warrant. First line of defense is productivity. Industry-wide pricing possible if inflation persists but unpredictable given geopolitical dynamics.

Calendar 2025 Q4

how you envision this playing out. Will you Lead with more promotional activity early starting in Q2? We expect price rollbacks beginning in Q2

PricingCompetitive DynamicsTranscript · FY2025 Q4 →
Show response

CEO confirmed quick pricing and opening price point adjustments possible immediately, price-pack architecture takes longer. CFO clarified majority of $600M on marketing/R&D/headcount, not price. Selective base price reductions in a couple of categories where thresholds crossed. Q2 starts with optimizing 2025 promo tactics.

Calendar 2025 Q1

From a gross margin perspective, specifically the Q2 weakness, that you're expecting

MarginCompetitive DynamicsTranscript · FY2025 Q1 →
Show response

CFO cited three Q2 margin pressures: promotion step-up for summer, large hedge losses, and commodity peaks. CEO highlighted Mexican strategy growing double digits and Philadelphia and desserts categories progressing.

Calendar 2024 Q4

if you could diagnose what you think is driving some of this underperformance relative to categories on a broader level

ChallengingCompetitive DynamicsRevenue GrowthTranscript · FY2024 Q4 →
Show response

CEO narrowed the problem to 4 brands in US Retail, cited Capri Sun as a blueprint, but didn't fully address the systemic question of what happens if investments fail.

STZConstellation Brands6 questions · 6 reporting periods · 2 of 6 challenging
STZ company page →

Calendar 2026 Q3

What is delivering that expansion into the back half of the year?

ChallengingMarginCost PressureTranscript · FY2027 Q2 →
Show response

Hankinson guided second-half beer operating margins of 34.5%-35.5% on normal seasonality and sized Veracruz at about $75 million of annualized depreciation, about 90 bps of margin.

Calendar 2026 Q2

Can you give us more context on how you see these 2 brands specifically and what you're doing to reaccelerate

DemandCompetitive DynamicsTranscript · FY2027 Q1 →
Show response

Fink acknowledged the headwinds, citing distribution/awareness upside on Modelo and a saliency-driven playbook for Corona Extra.

Calendar 2026 Q1

are you expecting a step-up in depreciation this year with the capacity

Capex InvestmentMarginDemandTranscript · FY2026 Q4 →
Show response

Garth confirmed depreciation step-up from Veracruz mid-year startup. Bill highlighted Pacifico exploding in Circana channels, replicating Modelo's west-to-east expansion pattern. New yellow can campaign driving consumer excitement.

Calendar 2025 Q3

you need to believe that these margins are going to turn positive, more than a little positive, to get to the full year guidance

ChallengingMarginDemandTranscript · FY2026 Q2 →
Show response

Garth cited H2 seasonal volume boost, DTC vintage releases, and resolution of H1 distributor payment and inventory trip messiness. Bill noted retained wine business beaten the market for six straight months, up 2% on apples-to-apples basis.

Calendar 2025 Q2

Does this moment in time, give you a bit more credence to think about maybe investing or diversifying the portfolio

Competitive DynamicsDemandTranscript · FY2026 Q1 →
Show response

Bill cited innovation since Investor Day (Non-Alc, Oro repricing, Sunbrew) as expanding the portfolio. Pacifico now #2 brand in LA with 50% of growth from outside California, LDA 21-25 share twice the sector average.

Calendar 2025 Q1

I'm really trying to parse out the impact of tariffs on this model, whether that's just the aluminum cans relative to everything else

MarginCost PressureFxTranscript · FY2025 Q4 →
Show response

Garth confirmed guidance includes aluminum tariff impact, noted FX hedging above 70% for FY26 with incremental hedges being layered in amid peso weakness. Declined to break out specific tariff dollar amounts.

CPBCampbell Soup Company5 questions · 3 reporting periods · 1 of 5 challenging
CPB company page →

Calendar 2026 Q3

Will that be driven primarily by Snacks given the low starting point for Q1? And then margins get better from the Q1 starting point? Or will that happen in both divisions?

Show response

Cunfer said the Snacks margin recovery is a second-half event, so the Q2 margin improvement is mostly on the Meals side, with both divisions benefiting in the back half.

can you give us a sense of what the strategic shift now is that you are acknowledging that you have to start protecting the bottom line

ChallengingPricingMarginTranscript · FY2026 Q4 →
Show response

Beekhuizen and Cunfer framed pricing as a short-term margin-protection action rather than a strategic retreat, made case-by-case with RGM, investing in price only where the math yields volume, while cost savings and productivity also offset inflation.

Calendar 2026 Q2

Give us a sense of how that fiscal Q3 margin came in relative to your own expectations?

Show response

Cunfer said the sequential improvement was in line with expectations, driven by lower trade and marketing spend.

how you would see net price realization versus RGM and specific areas in the portfolio

PricingCost PressureTranscript · FY2026 Q3 →
Show response

Beekhuizen and Cunfer prioritized productivity and trade ROI optimization, with surgical pricing only as a last resort.

Calendar 2025 Q4

I think I think this is

MarginCost PressureTranscript · FY2026 Q1 →
Show response

CFO confirmed Q1 margin in line with plan. Guided Q2 gross margin similar or slightly worse than Q1's -150bp. Gradual improvement in Q3, material improvement in Q4 as tariff impacts begin to lap. Acknowledged gross margins need to get 'well above 30%' over time with cost initiatives underway.

ELEstée Lauder Companies (The)5 questions · 5 reporting periods · 0 of 5 challenging
EL company page →

Calendar 2026 Q2

you talked about faster organic sales growth in the front half of the year. Can you just dimensionalize that?

Guidance ReliabilityProduct LaunchTranscript · FY2026 Q4 →
Show response

CEO attributed stronger first-half growth to innovation timing but did not commit to being above the guidance range; detailed East/West travel retail coordination.

Calendar 2026 Q1

Can you give us a sense of how you see the U.K., how the strategies to improve the market are evolving?

DemandGeographic ExpansionTranscript · FY2026 Q3 →
Show response

Stephane confirmed U.K. sequential improvement and return to positive territory. Priority emerging markets delivered double-digit growth led by India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Turkey. Middle East showed net sales growth pre-conflict from Eid/Ramadan shipments. Saudi flat with only 2% March decline. Continental Europe muted with France/Germany challenged but fragrance share gains in France and Spain. Double Wear launch expected to drive further improvement.

Calendar 2025 Q4

your outlook for the market in the medium term

DemandGeographic ExpansionTranscript · FY2026 Q2 →
Show response

Stephane noted sequential improvement driven by emerging markets and U.K. returning to positive. France and Germany consumer sentiment subdued. Spain and Italy strong with fragrance share gains. U.K. applying U.S. playbook with Amazon, specialty multi, Boots. Priority emerging markets delivered double-digit growth led by Turkey, Middle East, Thailand, and mid-single-digit India. Double Wear launch expected to drive further improvement.

Calendar 2025 Q3

can you just talk about perhaps your ability to sustain stable, let's call it, SG&A dollars over the next few years

MarginCost PressureTranscript · FY2026 Q1 →
Show response

Stephane outlined leverage path: gross margin accretive innovation, inventory discipline, value chain efficiency for unit growth leverage, SG&A decreased 3% via PRGP. Akhil added three paths to double-digit margin: gross margin upside from 74%, nonconsumer-facing cost reduction, and consumer-facing ROI improvement. Tax rate guided at 36% for FY2026, driven by geographical earnings mix and stock comp impact. Tax planning underway as top priority.

Calendar 2025 Q2

regarding the quarter-to-date developments, specifically in Asia that you highlighted in the press release

DemandGeographic ExpansionTranscript · FY2025 Q4 →
Show response

Stephane detailed divergent Asia trends: China stabilizing with growth in all categories and channels in Q4, 10 brands grew at retail. The Ordinary successfully launched in China with Sephora. Japan strong but decelerating on FX. Korea soft with new GM in place. Europe more concerning with sequential slowing in France and Germany, targeting more innovation and consumer coverage. Committed to all four geographic regions positive by fiscal year-end.

KMBKimberly-Clark5 questions · 5 reporting periods · 1 of 5 challenging
KMB company page →

Calendar 2026 Q2

What was the tariff refund in the quarter? Do you expect any more?

Trade TariffsGuidance ReliabilityTranscript · FY2026 Q2 →
Show response

Nelson quantified the $45 million refund as roughly half of North America tariffs paid, with nothing more material factored into the balance-of-year outlook.

Calendar 2026 Q1

how you feel differently right now, whether that's the time lag when commodities hit your P&L

Cost PressurePricingTranscript · FY2026 Q1 →
Show response

Hsu and Urdaneta described transformation from reactive to proactive commodity management. Programmatic hedging, strategic supplier relationships, integrated margin management philosophy embedded in culture.

Calendar 2025 Q4

can you just help reconcile or clarify whether there's been any evolution in the expectations, you know, as of the S-4 relative to where we are today?

ChallengingGuidance ReliabilityM&ATranscript · FY2025 Q4 →
Show response

Urdaneta acknowledged two differences vs S-4: softer Q4 2025 demand creating lower base, and Costco distribution loss not fully offsettable in 2026. Underlying business consistent with long-term algorithm.

Calendar 2025 Q3

I specifically wanted to dig a bit deeper on the comment that North America is kind of tracking well quarter-to-date

Competitive DynamicsMarginTranscript · FY2025 Q3 →
Show response

Torres explained volume mix growth on top of growth: 2.2% YTD, 2.9% two-year stack. Urdaneta noted gross margins expected to expand in Q4 with tariff mitigation flowing through.

Calendar 2025 Q1

are you pulling forward future savings? Are you now thinking that the savings program will be bigger over time than your prior expectations

Show response

Urdaneta noted strong start but not yet raising $3B five-year target. Hsu explained pricing restraint is strategic: competitors sourcing locally don't face same tariff costs, so pricing up would be uncompetitive.

MNSTMonster Beverage4 questions · 4 reporting periods · 0 of 4 challenging
MNST company page →

Calendar 2026 Q2

your confidence around your ability to protect gross margins, say, without a major global pricing round

MarginPricingCost PressureTranscript · FY2026 Q2 →
Show response

Hilton cited inflation in distribution, aluminum (hedged via a ladder approach) and freight, and noted international sales carry lower gross margins; he offered no firm gross-margin commitment.

Calendar 2026 Q1

I just wanted to get your take on the ability to confront this cost environment with some of the tools that you have

MarginCost PressurePricingTranscript · FY2026 Q1 →
Show response

Hilton quantified the aluminum margin impact at under 1%, noted geographic mix was 120bps headwind, and handed to Rob Gehring who confirmed late-2025 pricing actions are working and they continue evaluating further pricing.

Calendar 2025 Q2

Is there any pull forward that you're seeing ahead of those pricing discussions? Any timing dynamics that we should be thinking about

Show response

CEO deflected 2026 guidance but expressed passion about innovation pipeline and fall launches. On last year's slowdown: attributed to pre-election consumer hesitancy, high inflation, high gas prices. Believes energy's functional need state supports sustainable growth.

Calendar 2024 Q4

can you just talk about the sorts of things that you're looking at in order to make that decision about new pricing

PricingTrade TariffsTranscript · FY2024 Q4 →
Show response

Co-CEO noted Reign Storm and Bang were excluded from November price increase, creating pricing opportunities. International pricing under review. Decision depends on tariff resolution and competitor actions.

Challenge rate by company

Every company this analyst questioned, most questions first. A company-level rate is shown from 3 questions; below that it is withheld.

CompanyQuestionsChallenge rate
HSY Hershey Company (The)130%none of 13 questions
CAG Conagra Brands1020%2 of 10 questions
CHD Church & Dwight1010%1 of 10 questions
CLX Clorox1010%1 of 10 questions
PG The Procter & Gamble Company911%1 of 9 questions
CL Colgate-Palmolive825%2 of 8 questions
MDLZ Mondelez International825%2 of 8 questions
GIS General Mills714%1 of 7 questions
KO The Coca-Cola Company714%1 of 7 questions
PEP PepsiCo70%none of 7 questions
  • HSY
    Hershey Company (The) · 13 questions
    0%none of 13 questions
  • CAG
    Conagra Brands · 10 questions
    20%2 of 10 questions
  • CHD
    Church & Dwight · 10 questions
    10%1 of 10 questions
  • CLX
    Clorox · 10 questions
    10%1 of 10 questions
  • PG
    The Procter & Gamble Company · 9 questions
    11%1 of 9 questions
  • CL
    Colgate-Palmolive · 8 questions
    25%2 of 8 questions
  • MDLZ
    Mondelez International · 8 questions
    25%2 of 8 questions
  • GIS
    General Mills · 7 questions
    14%1 of 7 questions
  • KO
    The Coca-Cola Company · 7 questions
    14%1 of 7 questions
  • PEP
    PepsiCo · 7 questions
    0%none of 7 questions
Show all 19 companies
CompanyQuestionsChallenge rate
SJM J.M. Smucker Company (The)729%2 of 7 questions
TAP Molson Coors Beverage Company70%none of 7 questions
KDP Keurig Dr Pepper60%none of 6 questions
KHC Kraft Heinz617%1 of 6 questions
STZ Constellation Brands633%2 of 6 questions
CPB Campbell Soup Company520%1 of 5 questions
EL Estée Lauder Companies (The)50%none of 5 questions
KMB Kimberly-Clark520%1 of 5 questions
MNST Monster Beverage40%none of 4 questions
  • SJM
    J.M. Smucker Company (The) · 7 questions
    29%2 of 7 questions
  • TAP
    Molson Coors Beverage Company · 7 questions
    0%none of 7 questions
  • KDP
    Keurig Dr Pepper · 6 questions
    0%none of 6 questions
  • KHC
    Kraft Heinz · 6 questions
    17%1 of 6 questions
  • STZ
    Constellation Brands · 6 questions
    33%2 of 6 questions
  • CPB
    Campbell Soup Company · 5 questions
    20%1 of 5 questions
  • EL
    Estée Lauder Companies (The) · 5 questions
    0%none of 5 questions
  • KMB
    Kimberly-Clark · 5 questions
    20%1 of 5 questions
  • MNST
    Monster Beverage · 4 questions
    0%none of 4 questions

Activity by reporting period

Questions recorded for each calendar quarter that companies’ reporting periods map to (not the call date), with the challenge rate for that period. Periods inside the range with no questions are shown as “No questions recorded”.

Questions by calendar reporting period
Calendar periodQuestionsChallenge rateCompanies
2024 Q3250%1 of 2 questions2
2024 Q4147%1 of 14 questions12
2025 Q11911%2 of 19 questions15
2025 Q21712%2 of 17 questions14
2025 Q3166%1 of 16 questions12
2025 Q4195%1 of 19 questions15
2026 Q12417%4 of 24 questions16
2026 Q22317%4 of 23 questions19
2026 Q3633%2 of 6 questions5
  1. 2024 Q32 questions · challenge rate 50% (1 of 2 questions) · 2 companies
  2. 2024 Q414 questions · challenge rate 7% (1 of 14 questions) · 12 companies
  3. 2025 Q119 questions · challenge rate 11% (2 of 19 questions) · 15 companies
  4. 2025 Q217 questions · challenge rate 12% (2 of 17 questions) · 14 companies
  5. 2025 Q316 questions · challenge rate 6% (1 of 16 questions) · 12 companies
  6. 2025 Q419 questions · challenge rate 5% (1 of 19 questions) · 15 companies
  7. 2026 Q124 questions · challenge rate 17% (4 of 24 questions) · 16 companies
  8. 2026 Q223 questions · challenge rate 17% (4 of 23 questions) · 19 companies
  9. 2026 Q36 questions · challenge rate 33% (2 of 6 questions) · 5 companies

Topics

Topics tagged on this analyst’s questions.

  • Margin44
  • Demand37
  • Competitive Dynamics32
  • Cost Pressure31
  • Pricing28
  • Revenue Growth22
  • Capital Allocation20
  • Guidance Reliability16
  • Geographic Expansion12
  • M&A10
Show all 20 topics
  • Product Launch8
  • Innovation & R&D6
  • Trade Tariffs6
  • Capex Investment4
  • Macroeconomic4
  • Inventory3
  • Regulation Policy2
  • Supply Chain2
  • Fx1
  • Cloud & AI1