10 Best Dividend-Paying Beverage Stocks to Buy

4. Mondelez International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDLZ)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 51

Mondelez International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDLZ) is an American multinational confectionery, food, and beverage company that employs approximately 80,000 individuals around the world. The company markets its products in over 150 countries, offering a vast array of snacks, chocolates, biscuits, and beverages.

Mondelez International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDLZ) further boosted its portfolio last year with the acquisition of a majority stake in Evirth, the leader in China’s fast-growing frozen-to-chilled baked snacks category. The move represented an important step forward in the company’s strategy to accelerate growth in the cakes and pastries category – a core focus alongside chocolate and biscuits.

Mondelez International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDLZ) reported a revenue of $9.6 billion in Q4 2024, up 3.11% YoY but still below market consensus by over $51 million. The company’s overall revenue for 2024 surged by 4.3% YoY, delivering growth in both developed and emerging markets. Mondelez’s chocolate segment grew by 7.4% last year and its two flagship global brands, Cadbury Dairy Milk and Milka, also delivered outstanding growth.

Mondelez International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDLZ) continued its track record of strong free cash flow in 2024, generating $3.5 billion, and delivering $4.7 billion to shareholders through buybacks and dividends. The company’s balance sheet was further boosted in October 2024 through the divestment of its stake in Dutch coffee maker JDE Peet for $2.4 billion, providing another important source of funding for reinvestment that can be used to buy back stock as well as further advancing the company’s brands, talent, and capabilities.