Kraft Heinz Company NASDAQ:KHC Price, Chart, News & Insight

Kraft Heinz Edges Up 1% as Cash Flow Surge Offsets Soft Organic Sales

May 6, 2026 · Earnings Report

Kraft Heinz gained 1% today after reporting first quarter 2026 results that showed modest top-line progress and a standout improvement in cash generation, even as the food giant continues to navigate weak consumer sentiment, inflationary cost pressures and declining volumes in key categories.

Net sales rose 0.8% to $6.0 billion, aided by a 1.9 percentage point tailwind from foreign currency and pricing increases taken to offset higher input costs. However, organic net sales declined 0.4%, with volume and mix down 1.2 percentage points across all three segments, dragged lower by declines in coffee, cold cuts and Indonesia. North America remained the weakest region, with organic sales down 1.1%, while Emerging Markets was the bright spot, delivering 3.8% organic growth to reach $746 million in sales, up 7.6% in reported terms.

Gross profit margin expanded 230 basis points to 36.7%, though adjusted gross profit margin slipped 30 basis points to 34.1%. Adjusted operating income fell 11.8% to $1.06 billion, pressured by higher advertising expenses and manufacturing and logistics inflation that outpaced efficiency savings. GAAP diluted EPS rose 13.6% to $0.67, largely due to lower income taxes and favorable other income items, while adjusted EPS declined 6.5% to $0.58.

The cash flow story was more encouraging. Net cash from operating activities jumped 39.7% to $1.0 billion, driven by working capital improvements including inventory optimization and better supplier payment terms. Free cash flow surged 58.9% to $0.8 billion, with free cash flow conversion reaching 111%, up 46 percentage points year-over-year. The company returned $474 million to shareholders through dividends in the quarter and retains approximately $1.5 billion in share repurchase authorization, though no buybacks were executed.

"Our first quarter results demonstrate steady progress, and I am encouraged by the early signs of momentum we're building," said CEO Steve Cahillane. "The investments we made in 2025 are now driving early traction, with improving market share trends, particularly within must-win parts of our portfolio like Taste Elevation."

For the full year 2026, Kraft Heinz reaffirmed its outlook, which remains challenging. Organic net sales are expected to decline between 1.5% and 3.5%, including roughly 100 basis points of headwind from SNAP benefit reductions. Constant currency adjusted operating income is projected to fall 14% to 18%, reflecting $600 million in incremental investments in marketing, sales and product development. Adjusted EPS is guided to a range of $1.98 to $2.10, with free cash flow conversion of approximately 100%.

The 1% gain reflects investor relief that results came in steady rather than deteriorating, with the cash flow improvement providing some reassurance that the turnaround strategy is at least generating financial flexibility even as volume recovery remains elusive.

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Global Finance News 05-06-26

Kraft Heinz announced the launch of Capri Sun Hydrate, a new electrolyte drink designed specifically for children, marking the brand’s entry into the fast-growing functional hydration segment.

The product contains electrolytes and Vitamin E, with 50% less sugar than traditional sports drinks and no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. It will be available nationwide in flavors such as Fruit Punch, Tropical Punch, and Lemon Lime.

The launch targets increasing demand from parents for healthier, lower-sugar beverage options tailored to children’s active lifestyles.

Kraft Heinz said the product reflects its broader strategy to drive growth through innovation and expand into new consumption occasions within the beverage category.
Business Wire

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WS Investor 04-21-26

The Kraft Heinz Company announced that its Oscar Mayer unit has launched Maple Bourbon Bacon, marking its first bacon innovation in five years.

Developed in partnership with Evan Williams, the new product features thick-cut bacon cured with bourbon and finished with a 12-hour slow-smoking process, delivering a sweet and smoky flavor profile with notes of maple, vanilla, and caramel.

The product will roll out nationwide in the U.S., targeting growing consumer demand for bold, trend-driven flavors. The launch also signals the start of a broader innovation strategy, with Oscar Mayer planning to introduce new bacon varieties annually through limited-edition releases and potential permanent additions.

In addition to the bacon launch, the brand is expanding its portfolio with new hot dog offerings ahead of the summer grilling season, reinforcing its focus on product innovation and consumer engagement.
Business Wire

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WS Investor 04-08-26

The Kraft Heinz Company reported weaker sales and margin pressure for 2025, alongside significant non-cash impairment charges, while outlining a $600 million investment plan aimed at restoring profitable growth in 2026.

For full-year 2025, net sales declined 3.5%, with Organic Net Sales down 3.4%. Gross profit margin decreased 140 basis points to 33.3%, and Adjusted Gross Profit Margin declined 120 basis points to 33.5%. The company recorded an operating loss of $4.7 billion, primarily driven by $9.3 billion in non-cash impairment losses. Adjusted Operating Income totaled $4.7 billion, down 11.5% year over year.

Cash generation remained resilient. Net cash provided by operating activities increased 6.6% to $4.5 billion, while Free Cash Flow rose 15.9% to $3.7 billion. The company returned $2.3 billion of capital to shareholders during the year.

In the fourth quarter, net sales fell 3.4%, with Organic Net Sales down 4.2%. Gross profit margin decreased 150 basis points to 32.6%, while Adjusted Gross Profit Margin declined 130 basis points to 33.1%. Operating income was $1.1 billion, and Adjusted Operating Income was $1.2 billion, down 15.9%. Diluted EPS dropped 68.8% to $0.55, while Adjusted EPS declined 20.2% to $0.67.

CEO Steve Cahillane said the company will pause work related to its previously announced separation plans, citing the need to concentrate resources on executing its operating plan and avoiding related dis-synergies.

To support a return to profitable growth, Kraft Heinz announced a $600 million investment focused on marketing, sales, R&D, product superiority, and selective pricing initiatives. Management emphasized that strong Free Cash Flow and a solid balance sheet position the company to fund these investments while continuing shareholder returns.

The company also provided its full-year 2026 outlook, signaling a renewed strategic focus on accelerating momentum in its Taste Elevation portfolio and stabilizing its U.S. business.

Source: Business Wire.

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WS Investor 02-11-26

The Kraft Heinz Company reported weaker sales and margin pressure for 2025, alongside significant non-cash impairment charges, while outlining a $600 million investment plan aimed at restoring profitable growth in 2026.

For full-year 2025, net sales declined 3.5%, with Organic Net Sales down 3.4%. Gross profit margin decreased 140 basis points to 33.3%, and Adjusted Gross Profit Margin declined 120 basis points to 33.5%. The company recorded an operating loss of $4.7 billion, primarily driven by $9.3 billion in non-cash impairment losses. Adjusted Operating Income totaled $4.7 billion, down 11.5% year over year.

Cash generation remained resilient. Net cash provided by operating activities increased 6.6% to $4.5 billion, while Free Cash Flow rose 15.9% to $3.7 billion. The company returned $2.3 billion of capital to shareholders during the year.

In the fourth quarter, net sales fell 3.4%, with Organic Net Sales down 4.2%. Gross profit margin decreased 150 basis points to 32.6%, while Adjusted Gross Profit Margin declined 130 basis points to 33.1%. Operating income was $1.1 billion, and Adjusted Operating Income was $1.2 billion, down 15.9%. Diluted EPS dropped 68.8% to $0.55, while Adjusted EPS declined 20.2% to $0.67.

CEO Steve Cahillane said the company will pause work related to its previously announced separation plans, citing the need to concentrate resources on executing its operating plan and avoiding related dis-synergies.

To support a return to profitable growth, Kraft Heinz announced a $600 million investment focused on marketing, sales, R&D, product superiority, and selective pricing initiatives. Management emphasized that strong Free Cash Flow and a solid balance sheet position the company to fund these investments while continuing shareholder returns.

The company also provided its full-year 2026 outlook, signaling a renewed strategic focus on accelerating momentum in its Taste Elevation portfolio and stabilizing its U.S. business.

Source: Business Wire.

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WS Investor 02-11-26

The Kraft Heinz Company announced that its HEINZ brand has introduced the HEINZ KegChup, the first-ever keg of HEINZ ketchup, designed for large gatherings and watch parties ahead of football’s biggest game. The stainless steel keg holds 114 ounces of HEINZ ketchup and features a tap-style spigot, aiming to ensure fans do not run out of the brand’s signature condiment during game-day celebrations.

The idea was inspired by the beer industry’s keg format and follows strong consumer interest after the concept was teased on social media, generating nearly one million views. Kraft Heinz plans to give a limited number of fans the chance to win the KegChup through an Instagram promotion and open exclusive preorder access for a broader release planned for the start of the 2026 football season. The launch highlights the company’s focus on brand-led innovation and consumer engagement around major cultural moments.

Source: Business Wire

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WS Investor 01-27-26

The Kraft Heinz Company (Nasdaq: KHC) will release its fourth quarter and full year 2025 financial results on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026.

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The Investor 01-20-26

The Kraft Heinz Company said its Ore-Ida brand has partnered with Fischer Sports to launch limited-edition “French Fry Skis,” blending the brand’s iconic crinkle-cut fries with winter sports culture. The novelty skis feature a fry-inspired design and are built with Fischer’s performance technology, targeting skiers familiar with the “pizza to French fry” learning milestone on the slopes.

The limited-edition skis will go on sale February 1 for $250 in select retailers across Oregon and Idaho, with promotional events planned at Snowmass later in January. Kraft Heinz said the collaboration is part of Ore-Ida’s broader effort to engage consumers through playful brand extensions tied to seasonal moments.

Source: Business Wire

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The Investor 01-18-26

The Kraft Heinz Company said its Ore-Ida brand has partnered with Fischer Sports to launch limited-edition French Fry Skis inspired by Ore-Ida’s iconic crinkle-cut fries.

The collaboration brings a playful twist to ski culture by celebrating the classic transition from “pizza” to “French fry” skiing, with skis featuring crinkle-cut ridges, a golden fry design, and Fischer’s performance-focused construction. The limited-edition skis will be available from February 1 for $250 at select retailers in Oregon and Idaho, with on-slope demos planned at Snowmass later in January.

Kraft Heinz said the campaign blends brand heritage with winter sports culture, aiming to connect Ore-Ida’s freezer-aisle legacy with experiential marketing on the slopes.

Source: The Kraft Heinz Company, Business Wire, January 14, 2026

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Global Finance News 01-14-26

The Kraft Heinz Company announced that its HEINZ brand has launched the HEINZ Dipper, a first-of-its-kind fry box with a built-in ketchup compartment designed for easy, mess-free dipping on the go. The new packaging will debut at participating restaurants and sports stadiums across eleven countries, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, Italy, Portugal, China and others. The launch targets growing demand for convenient “away from home” eating occasions and will be used to test broader global distribution.

Source: The Kraft Heinz Company, Business Wire, January 13, 2026

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The Investor 01-13-26

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