Aug 7 (Reuters) - WK Kellogg reported

second-quarter results below estimates on Thursday, hurt by soft

demand for its packaged breakfast cereal amid macroeconomic

uncertainty.

Customers have cut back spending on branded packaged food

and are seeking cheaper alternatives at private-label brands

amid pressures on consumer spending driven by U.S. President

Donald Trump's fluctuating tariff policies.

The cereal maker agreed to be bought by the Italian owner of

Ferrero Rocher in a deal worth around $3.1 billion in July, and

the Battle Creek, Michigan-based company continues to expect the

deal to close in the second half of 2025.

Net sales for the quarter ended June 28 fell 8.8% to $613

million, missing estimates of $622.1 million, according to data

compiled by LSEG.

The company reported earnings per share of 9 cents, below

estimates of 24 cents.