Their moves to satisfy consumers carry risk

Article Excerpt

These two leading U.S. foodmakers continue to adjust their product portfolios as consumers shift to healthier products. However, relying on acquisitions to expand adds to their risk. KRAFT HEINZ CO. $40 is a hold. The firm (Nasdaq symbol KHC, Conservative-Growth Dividend Payer Portfolio; Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 1.2 billion; Market cap: $48.0 billion; Dividend yield: 4.0%; Dividend Sustainability Rating: Average; www.kraftheinzcompany.com) is a leading maker of processed foods. Top products include Velveeta and Philadelphia cream cheeses, hot dogs under the Oscar Meyer brand, and beverages such as Maxwell House coffee. The company cut the quarterly dividend by 36.5%, with the March 2019 payment, to $0.40 a share from $0.63. The current annual rate of $1.60 yields 4.0%. That cut was due to declining sales of its older brands as consumers continued their shift to healthier options. Kraft Heinz has now completed the sale of its Nuts business, which includes the Planters, Cheez Curls, and Cheez Balls brands. It will use the $3.35 billion…