Kraft Heinz expands in Brazil

Article Excerpt

KRAFT HEINZ CO. $35 remains a hold. The foodmaker (Nasdaq symbol KHC; Income Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 1.2 billion; Market cap: $42.0 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 1.7; Dividend yield: 4.6%; TSINetwork Rating: Above Average; www.kraftheinzcompany.com) is a leading producer of processed foods. Its top brands include Velveeta and Philadelphia cream cheeses, Oscar Meyer hot dogs, and Maxwell House coffee. The company has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Hemmer, a Brazilian maker of condiments and sauces, for $225 million. It’s also paying an undisclosed sum for Brazil’s BR Spices. That firm makes spices and other seasonings. The deals are part of Kraft’s focus on higher-quality brands. They also help it expand outside its core North American market. Still, the company’s stock should stay in a limited range while its plan is developing. Kraft Heinz is still a hold. hold…