Kraft’s Split Could Improve Focus, Unlock Value
Kraft Foods (NYSE: KFT), which announced in early August that it would be dividing into two separate companies, announced on Monday the newly-appointed CEO and Chairman for both of the new divisions. Irene Rosenfeld, who has been CEO of Kraft since 2006 and Chairman since 2007 will head the new Global Snacks business. Tony Vernon, currently President of Kraft Foods, North America, will be the CEO of the new North American Grocery Business. He will be joined by John Cahill from private equity firm Ripplewood Holdings as Non-Executive Chairman. [1]
A quick look at the Trefis breakdown for the company can help us determine the potential impact of this proposed split.
Global Snacks Business
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The yet-to-be-named Snacks portion of the business, which will include the chocolate, candy, and gum brands, currently comprises more than approximately 45% of the company’s stock price according to Trefis analysis and is anticipated to have an estimated $32 billion in annual revenue. This division will be focused on achieving high growth through significant presence in multiple emerging markets. Depending on what divisions are included in this new business, the Trefis value may differ from what is shown in the above chart.
North American Grocery Business
The North American Grocery business, which will keep the traditional Kraft name, will include the current Grocery, Beverages, Cheese and Convenient Meals divisions, [2] approximately 55% of the company’s stock price according to Trefis analysis. This division will have an estimated revenue of $16 billion and will focus on generating high margins with it’s iconic products.
Impact of Division
By dividing the company, CEO Rosenfeld is hoping to allow each section to focus more closely on strategic priorities and allocates its resources appropriately. The division of resources is particularly important after the difficult integration of Cadbury and unpopular price increase for many of its products. In particular, this will benefit the Grocery business, which will be able to focus on regaining the market share that it has lost in recent years.
Trefis analysis currently values Kraft stock at $34.68, which is slightly below the market price
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Notes:- Kraft Foods Announces Top Leadership of Future Independent Companies, Yahoo Finance [↩]
- Kraft Foods Announces Intent to Create Two Independent, Publically Traded Companies, Kraft Foods Investor Financial News Release [↩]