Feb 4 (Reuters) - Cadbury-parent Mondelez International ( MDLZ )

forecast a bigger-than-estimated drop in its annual

profit on Tuesday, signaling pressures from high input costs and

soft demand for its confectionery, including chocolates and

biscuits.

Shares of the Chicago-based company fell nearly 4% after the

bell. They were down nearly 18% in 2024.

Prices of cocoa - a key ingredient in chocolate - have

increased relentlessly over the past year, forcing companies

such as Mondelez ( MDLZ ) to hike prices of their products.

That has pushed budget-strained consumers, who were already

grappling with a cost-of-living crisis, toward cheaper

alternatives.

Mondelez ( MDLZ ) expects its 2025 profit to fall 10% on an adjusted

basis, compared with analysts' average estimate of a 6.7%

decline, according to data compiled by LSEG.

"This outlook does not reflect any imposition of import

tariffs by the U.S. and potential retaliatory actions taken by

other countries, as the tariff and trade environment is

uncertain and rapidly evolving at this time," the company said

in a statement.

The company reported net revenue of $9.60 billion for the

quarter ended Dec. 31, compared with the estimates of $9.64

billion.

On an adjusted basis, it earned 65 cents per share, below

the estimates of 66 cents per share.