Kraft Heinz Narrows 2026 Sales Decline Forecast to 0.5%-1.25%
Key Facts
Kraft Heinz raised the lower end of its 2026 organic sales forecast and now expects a decline of 0.5% to 1.25%, compared with a previous range of 0.5% to 2%, according to its third-quarter results filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The adjustment reflects the company’s narrower expected range of decline for the year, while its forecast remains negative. Chief Executive Steve Cahillane said the 2026 plan to transform the company’s U.S. business and accelerate international growth was "on track." He added that market share, sales and volume trends were improving in every region compared with the prior year. The quarterly figures show a contrast between weakness in developed markets and growth in emerging markets.
Organic sales fell 3.2% in North America in the third quarter and declined 1.3% in Europe and developed Pacific markets, according to the company’s filing. Emerging markets, by contrast, recorded growth of 15.6%, making them the only region among those cited to post an increase. The divergence highlights a challenge for the company’s plan to restore momentum in its U.S. business and accelerate international growth. Cahillane said market share, sales and volume trends were improving in every region year over year. The annual organic sales forecast remains negative, although its new range is narrower than the previous one.
On profitability, gross margin rose 60 basis points to 32.5% in the third quarter, while adjusted gross margin fell 40 basis points to 31.9%, according to the results. The two figures offer differing views of margin trends during the period, as reported gross margin improved alongside a decline in the adjusted measure. The available filing did not provide a detailed explanation of the factors behind the divergence. In the first nine months of 2026, net cash from operating activities was $3.0 billion, down 4.1%. Free cash flow was $2.4 billion, a decline of 5.2% over the same period.
For Vishay Intertechnology’s third-quarter results, the revenue and earnings-per-share figures cited in news trading could not be verified against a reliable open source. The company had said its fiscal quarter ended on October 3, 2026, and set November 4 for a conference call to discuss results at 9:00 a.m. Eastern time. The verified information available here therefore does not provide figures that would support attributing specific financial results to Vishay. VSH and KHC shares closed on November 3 at $27.22 and $24.52, respectively, according to EL7 data. Those closing prices were from the session before the results announcement published on November 4 and therefore do not represent a market reaction to the announcement.