The Kraft Heinz Company (KHC), a blend of heritage and innovation in the food and beverage industry, has a complex lineage that intertwines with Mondelez International. The company’s origins trace back to the strategic decisions that led to the division of the original Kraft Foods. This split resulted in the creation of Mondelez International and Kraft Foods Group. Following this division, Kraft Foods Group merged with Heinz, marking the birth of Kraft Heinz.
The chart below provides a glimpse into the financial journey of Kraft Heinz post-merger, capturing the ups and downs as the company sought to leverage its combined strength and heritage in an evolving market.
Annual Returns of Kraft Heinz Stock (KHC)
| Year | Beginning | Ending | Gain/Loss | S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $40.78 | $36.98 | -9.32% | 24.73% |
| 2022 | $36.14 | $40.71 | 12.65% | -19.95% |
| 2021 | $34.23 | $35.90 | 4.88% | 28.79% |
| 2020 | $31.61 | $34.66 | 9.65% | 15.29% |
| 2019 | $43.34 | $32.13 | -25.87% | 28.71% |
| 2018 | $77.02 | $43.04 | -44.12% | -7.01% |
| 2017 | $87.53 | $77.76 | -11.16% | 18.42% |
| 2016 | $72.70 | $87.32 | 20.11% | 11.24% |
| 2015 | $72.96 | $72.76 | -0.27% | -0.69% |
The table above displays the KHC Yearly Return Rate, highlighting Kraft Heinz’s annual stock performance on a split-adjusted basis. This data does not include dividends, stock spin-offs, taxes, or transaction commissions.
Kraft Heinz (KHC) Stock History
The Formative Years (2015-2016)
The story of Kraft Heinz in the stock market begins with a period of notable change and optimism. In 2015, the year Kraft Foods Group and Heinz merged to form Kraft Heinz, the company’s stock showed a slight decline, ending the year with a minor loss of -0.27%.
However, the narrative quickly shifted in 2016, a testament to the potential seen in the merger. The stock experienced a significant rebound, surging by 20.11%. This early phase underscored the challenges and opportunities of integrating two giants, setting a precedent for the company’s resilience and strategic vision.
Challenges and Volatility (2017-2019)
The subsequent years were marked by volatility and challenges for Kraft Heinz. In 2017, the stock encountered a setback, recording an 11.16% decline. This trend continued, albeit more dramatically, in 2018 when the company faced its steepest drop of -44.12%, a reflection of various internal and external pressures. The struggle persisted into 2019, with the stock decreasing by -25.87%.
These years highlighted significant hurdles, including competitive market dynamics and operational adjustments, signaling a critical period of reassessment for the company.
A Period of Stabilization (2020-2021)
Seeking to stabilize and recover, Kraft Heinz entered a phase of gradual improvement in 2020. The stock gained 9.65%, a sign of emerging resilience and strategic recalibration. This positive momentum continued into 2021, with the stock rising by 4.88%. These years marked a cautious yet hopeful period of recovery, as the company focused on strategic initiatives and operational efficiencies to regain its footing in the market.
Recent Performance (2022-2023)
The most recent years in Kraft Heinz’s history show a mixed picture. In 2022, the stock witnessed a revival, appreciating by 12.65%, indicating a potential turnaround in investor confidence and company performance. However, 2023 brought about a reversal, with the stock declining by -9.32%. This fluctuation reflects the ongoing challenges and uncertainties in the market, even as the company strives to adapt and grow amidst changing consumer preferences and competitive landscapes.