The rating agency believes Kraft Heinz "will be unable to meaningfully grow adjusted EBITDA" amid "significant" competition from other manufacturers.
The packaged-foods giant appears to be pivoting toward growth rather than cost cutting in replacing Bernardo Hees with Miguel Patricio.
The company offset rising input costs in Q2 by raising prices of its packaged foods and condiments by 1.3 percentage points.
Conagra's $8.1 billion acquisition of Pinnacle furthers its push into a sector that has been a "rare bright spot" for the packaged foods industry.
Blue Apron is hoping its new CFO, a consumer packaged foods veteran, can help "drive strong and sustainable growth."
The company's profits were boosted by higher pricing but analysts are skeptical it can increase sales as consumers shy away from processed foods.
The company has been able to offset higher supply chain costs by cutting back on discounts and other expenses.
The acquisition of Blue Buffalo "provides General Mills with the leading position in the large and growing wholesome natural pet food category."
“There's no question that our financial performance in 2017 did not reflect our progress or potential,” CEO Bernardo Hees says.
"McCormick is increasing its marketing spending and innovation, along with increasing prices, to help drive sales growth."
The company's sales fell for a ninth straight quarter, reflecting consumers' shift from packaged foods to fresh, organic products.
The $1.5 billion deal furthers Post's strategy of broadening its portfolio of brands amid slowing demand for cereal in the U.S.
