Source: Wikimedia Commons.
Mondelez International (MDLZ +0.87%) reported earnings after the market closed on Wednesday. Here's what you need to know about company's recent results.
Exceeding expectations
Mondelez reported earnings of $0.37 per share for the second quarter, coming in above Wall Street's expected second-quarter profits of $0.34 per share. The maker of Oreo, Chips Ahoy, and Cadbury reported EPS of that same amount in the first quarter of this year. The stock was up roughly 4.5% midday Thursday and has returned shareholders nearly 19% so far this year.
Solid organic growth
Mondelez's revenues increased 3.8% in second-quarter 2013, driven by the company's two largest categories, biscuits and chocolate, which were up 8% and 6%, respectively. The company's "power brands," including Milka chocolates, belVita biscuits, and Tang beverages, have grown more than double the company rate during the first half of 2013. The chocolatier expects its full-year 2013 organic net revenue growth outlook to come in at the low end of its 5% to 7% target.
Improving performance in developing markets
For the second quarter, Mondelez posted 9.5% revenue growth in emerging markets. Revenues derived from theses markets have accelerated during the past several quarters, from 8.4% in fourth-quarter 2012 to 9.3% in first-quarter 2013. Importantly, this growth rate is approaching Mondelez's long-term target of double-digit growth. Revenues in these markets grew most notably for BRIC markets, which were up nearly 13% during the second quarter. Russia and Brazil posted especially strong growth. Meanwhile, revenues in Latin America were up 9.6% for the quarter.
More middle-class citizens across the globe are developing Western-style snacking habits, increasing worldwide snack-food consumption, which is expected to grow 7% annually by 2015. Mondelez and its rivals are aggressively pursuing growth in untapped emerging markets, where the Illinois-based snack-food company currently obtains more than 40% of sales.
Chocolate rival Hershey (HSY 0.29%) is gaining serious ground in these hotly contested geographic markets too. It recently announced second-quarter revenue growth of 6.7% compared to a year earlier, with strong gains in China, Mexico, and Brazil. These strong results endorse Hershey's similar strategy of focusing investments in key markets, especially Asia and Latin America. The maker of Twizzlers, Reese's, and Kit Kat also upped its full-year sales outlook.
Foolish takeaway
Without a doubt, Mondelez served up a strong second quarter. These results coupled with a recently announced share repurchase program and an 8% dividend increase reflect Mondelez's commitment to create long-term value for its shareholders.
