0840 ET - Kraft Heinz's decision to pause work on the planned split of its condiment and grocery-staples businesses and focus instead on returning the business to growth leaves it open to risk, JPMorgan analysts say in a research note. The company plans to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in marketing and product development in order to spur sales, following 19 consecutive quarters of declining volumes in North America, according to the analysts. However, those types of investments often take time to gain traction with customers, the analysts say. And if the costs are higher than expected, Kraft Heinz may find itself with less financial flexibility, they add. JPMorgan downgrades Kraft Heinz to underweight from neutral, and cuts its price target to $22 from $24. Kraft Heinz falls 1.3% premarket. (connor.hart@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

February 12, 2026 08:40 ET (13:40 GMT)

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