MDLZ

The article recommends three consumer staples stocks as buying opportunities before October ends: Monster Beverage (expanding globally with Coca-Cola's distribution), Keurig Dr Pepper (planning a 2027 business split), and Mondelez International (showing sales recovery after price increases). Each stock has an upcoming earnings catalyst that could drive market re-evaluation.

Mondelez International is successfully expanding its Biscoff brand across biscuits and chocolate categories in Europe and India. The Marabou Biscoff chocolate launch captured 7% market share in Sweden within weeks, while Biscoff biscuits in India are exceeding internal projections. The company is increasing brand investments and innovation efforts to drive consumer trials and establish Biscoff as a global growth platform.

As consumer sentiment drops to a four-month low amid rising inflation and interest rate hike concerns, Zacks recommends four defensive consumer staples stocks: Coca-Cola, Philip Morris International, Mondelez International, and Dole plc. All four stocks carry Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) ratings with low beta values and solid dividend yields.

With consumer sentiment dropping to a 4-month low amid inflation concerns and potential interest rate hikes, Zacks recommends four defensive consumer staples stocks: Coca-Cola, Philip Morris International, Mondelez International, and Dole plc. All four stocks feature low betas and are positioned to weather economic uncertainty while offering dividend yields and earnings growth.

GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound are rapidly gaining adoption, with 11% of U.S. adults now using them. This is benefiting drug manufacturers Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, whose sales are surging.

However, snack and beverage companies face headwinds as GLP-1 users reduce grocery spending by 5-8%, particularly on processed snacks. While some companies like Coca-Cola and Monster Beverage are weathering the impact due to their low-calorie portfolios, others like PepsiCo and Hershey are experiencing declining sales.

Molson Coors (TAP) acquired Monaco Cocktails through Atomic Brands to expand in the ready-to-drink spirits category. Monaco's first full quarter showed sales and profits ahead of expectations, with presence in five states offering significant expansion potential.

Both Monaco and Fever-Tree are on track to contribute 1-2% of TAP's net sales. TAP stock trades at a discount valuation (7.68X forward P/E vs. industry average 14.18X) but has underperformed its sector over six months.

Helen of Troy Limited (HELE) reported Q2 adjusted EPS of 79 cents, beating estimates by 55%, with net sales rising 2.1% to $440.9 million. The company raised its fiscal 2027 adjusted EPS guidance to $3.60-$4.15 and free cash flow forecast to $120-$140 million, driven by strength in Home & Outdoor segment, favorable tariff refunds, and lower debt levels.

The Food-Miscellaneous industry faces challenging conditions driven by elevated living costs, cautious consumer spending, and demand for value-oriented products. Despite persistent cost pressures and uneven foodservice demand, companies are investing in innovation and operational efficiencies. Four stocks highlighted include Chefs' Warehouse (Strong Buy), Mondelez and Mama's Creations (Buy), and Conagra (Hold), with the industry ranked #210 out of 247 Zacks industries, indicating dull near-term prospects.

The Food-Miscellaneous industry faces headwinds from value-conscious consumers, cost inflation, and uneven foodservice demand, resulting in a Zacks Industry Rank #210 (bottom 15%). However, companies focusing on product innovation, health-focused offerings, and operational efficiencies are positioned for growth. The industry has underperformed the S&P 500 by 22.5% over the past year and trades at a lower valuation (13.62X P/E) compared to historical averages.

The Chefs' Warehouse (CHEF) reported 10% organic specialty sales growth in Q2 2026, driven by unique placement growth of 7.2%, specialty case growth of 6%, and cross-selling initiatives. The company is investing in salesforce development, product expertise, and AI-driven tools to enhance customer relationships and increase product penetration. CHEF stock has rallied 97.8% over the past year and carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) rating, though it trades at a premium valuation of 37.36x forward P/E compared to the industry average of 13.62x.

PepsiCo exceeded Q3 expectations with core EPS of $2.34 and revenues of $25.27B, driven by 3.1% organic revenue growth and strong international performance. However, the company lowered its 2026 core earnings growth outlook to 2.5-3.5% from 5-7%, citing continued North American margin pressure and operating cost inflation.

Ingredion Incorporated reported a 7% volume increase in its Texture & Healthful Solutions segment in Q2 2026, marking nine consecutive quarters of growth driven by clean-label demand and solutions-led sales. However, the company faces near-term pressure from tapioca costs that have risen over 40% since the start of the year. For 2026, T&HS net sales are expected to grow in mid-single digits with operating income increasing mid-to-high single digits.

Flowers Foods (FLO) reported a 40 basis point decline in Q2 gross margin to 48.4% due to lower production volumes reducing operating leverage across its bakery network. Total company volume fell 5.8% with Branded Retail volume dropping 7.6%. The company expects $9 million in savings for the remainder of 2026 and $20 million in annualized run-rate savings from cost-structure initiatives, but faces challenges offsetting margin pressure from weak volumes.

Portillo's has partnered with the OREO brand to launch three limited-time Halloween treats: the OREO Shake, OREO Cake, and OREO Cake Shake, available nationwide starting October 6, 2026. The collaboration combines Portillo's famous cake and shakes with OREO cookies, and includes a loyalty program promotion offering $1 OREO Cake slices to Perks members from October 12-18.

McCormick & Company delivered solid Q3 fiscal 2026 results with net sales rising 17.4% to $2,024.8 million, driven by the McCormick de Mexico acquisition and 1.9% organic growth. Adjusted earnings of 86 cents per share beat consensus estimates, while adjusted gross margin expanded 180 basis points to 39.3%. The company reaffirmed its fiscal 2026 outlook but expects higher commodity and freight costs in Q4, with a packaging constraint potentially reducing full-year organic growth by 30 basis points.

The Chefs' Warehouse (CHEF) reported Q2 gross margin expansion of 49 basis points to 25.1%, driven by higher sales volumes and operating leverage. The company posted 15.2% gross profit growth and 34.6% adjusted EBITDA growth.

For 2026, CHEF expects net sales of $4.50-$4.60 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $305-$315 million, implying continued margin expansion. The stock has surged 80% year-to-date.

McCormick reported Q3 earnings of $0.86 per share, beating consensus estimates of $0.75, with revenues of $2.02 billion exceeding expectations. However, the stock carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) rating due to unfavorable estimate revisions and has underperformed the market by 31.9% year-to-date. Mondelez is expected to report Q3 earnings of $0.71 per share with revenues of $9.97 billion.