Company Overview - MGP Ingredients, Inc. (MGPI) is scheduled to report its Q2 results on July 31 [1] - The company operates in the spirit ingredient and branded spirit production sector [1] Industry Insights - There is a noted weakening demand affecting the company's performance [1]

Core Insights - Rebel Bourbon has announced the annual release of its award-winning Rebel 10-Year Single Barrel Bourbon, which is aged for a decade and bottled one barrel at a time, creating a unique flavor profile for each barrel [1][2][3] - The bourbon is bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV) with a limited allocation of 2,600 cases of 750mL bottles available at a minimum suggested retail price of $99.99 [1][2][3] Product Details - Rebel 10-Year Single Barrel is handcrafted according to a wheated recipe dating back to 1849, featuring a mash bill of 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malt [4] - The bourbon presents a golden amber color with aromas of vanilla and dark fruits, complemented by flavors of caramel, citrus, and a smooth finish with a hint of spice [4] Industry Recognition - Rebel 10-Year Single Barrel has received multiple prestigious awards, including the Single Barrel American Whiskey of the Year at the 2025 Bartender Spirits Awards and double gold medals at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition [6][7][9] - The product has also earned a double platinum medal at the 2025 ASCOT Awards, showcasing its high quality and industry acclaim [9] Company Background - Rebel Bourbon is distilled in Bardstown, Kentucky, by Lux Row Distillers, with a focus on a wheated mash bill that celebrates bold originality and a rebellious spirit [7] - Luxco, the parent company, has been a leading producer and supplier of beverage alcohol products since 1958, operating multiple distilleries and offering a diverse portfolio of award-winning brands [8][10]

Core Insights - Luxco, Inc. has launched Cortada Smoked Tequila, a premium tequila available in Blanco and Reposado varieties, exclusively in Denver and through e-commerce [1][2][3] - The retail price for Cortada Smoked Tequila Blanco is $49.99 and for Reposado is $54.99 [1][2][3] Product Details - Cortada Smoked Tequila is crafted using hand-selected, estate-grown 100% Blue Weber Agave, smoked with Mesquite and Mexican Oak, resulting in a unique flavor profile [4][5] - The Blanco variant offers a pure agave experience with notes of ripe pineapple and a wood-fired spiciness, while the Reposado variant is aged in bourbon barrels, featuring hints of dark chocolate, pepper, and clove [6] Market Positioning - The launch city, Denver, is highlighted for its rich cultural history and innovative spirit, making it an ideal location for introducing Cortada [5] - The brand manager emphasizes the creativity that smoked spirits bring to the cocktail scene, positioning Cortada as a must-try for those seeking a spicier sipping experience [8] Company Background - Luxco, founded in 1958, is a leading producer and supplier of beverage alcohol products, operating under MGP Ingredients Inc. since its acquisition in 2021 [11]

Core Concept - Penelope Bourbon has launched Cigar Sessions Chapter 1, a limited-edition whiskey crafted specifically to enhance the experience of medium-bodied cigars, marking the beginning of an annual series aimed at cigar enthusiasts [1][4][5] Product Details - Cigar Sessions Chapter 1 is available in a limited allocation of 7,500 cases, with a suggested retail price of $79.99 per 750mL bottle [2][4] - The whiskey blend includes Straight Bourbon, 100% American Single Malt, and American Light Whiskey, aged for six years with a mash bill of 72% corn, 15% rye, and 13% malt, bottled at 101 proof (50.5% ABV) [4][6] - The flavor profile features notes of milk chocolate, vanilla, candied apple, chocolate, dried peach, tobacco, warm caramel, toffee, dark fruit, and light oak [6][7] Collaboration and Innovation - The product was developed in collaboration with renowned cigar blenders Cynn Coburn and Lee Marsh, leveraging their expertise to create a whiskey that complements medium-bodied cigars [5][6] - The blending process involved exploring 19 different mash bills to achieve a balanced flavor profile suitable for cigar pairing [7] Brand Background - Founded in 2018, Penelope Bourbon has quickly become a recognized premium whiskey brand, winning over 40 industry awards, including double platinum at the 2024 ASCOT Awards [9] - The company continues to innovate with its Limited Releases and other expressions, aiming to solidify its position among top premium whiskey brands [9][10] Market Engagement - Consumers can follow Penelope Bourbon on social media for updates on Cigar Sessions Chapter 1, including special tastings and events with the cigar blenders [8]

Core Points - Rebel Bourbon has launched a limited-edition bourbon called Rebel 100 Childress Vineyards Cabernet Franc Barrel Finish, in collaboration with Childress Vineyards [1][2] - The bourbon is aged for four years, finished in Cabernet Franc barrels, and bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV), featuring unique flavor notes [1][3] - An allocation of 500 cases will be available at North Carolina ABC stores and Lux Row Distillers, with a suggested retail price of $39.99 per 750mL bottle [1][5] Company Overview - Rebel Bourbon is distilled in Bardstown, Kentucky, and follows a wheated mash bill recipe dating back to 1849, emphasizing a smooth and original bourbon experience [7] - Lux Row Distillers, the producer of Rebel Bourbon, is part of Luxco, a leading beverage alcohol company founded in 1958, which operates multiple distilleries and has a diverse portfolio [9] - Childress Vineyards, located in North Carolina's Yadkin Valley, is a family-owned winery known for its award-winning wines and commitment to quality, featuring over 70 acres of vineyards [10] Industry Context - The collaboration between Rebel Bourbon and Childress Vineyards represents a trend in the beverage industry where partnerships are formed to create unique products that appeal to both bourbon and wine enthusiasts [4][5] - The bourbon market continues to grow, with limited-edition releases generating significant consumer interest and engagement, particularly among racing fans and collectors [5][11]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated sales decreased by 29% to $121.7 million compared to the prior year period [23] - Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 46% to $21.8 million, primarily due to lower gross profits [26] - Adjusted earnings per common share declined to $0.36, while operating cash flows increased by nearly 82% to $44.7 million [8][27] - Gross profit decreased by 31% to $43.3 million, with gross margin declining by 120 basis points to 35.6% [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Branded Spirits segment sales declined by 4%, but the Premium Plus portfolio posted solid growth of 7% [23][9] - Distilling Solutions segment sales declined by 45%, primarily driven by a 49% decline in brown goods sales [23] - Ingredient Solutions sales decreased by 26%, impacted by supply challenges and decreased sales volume of specialty wheat starches and proteins [24][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall American whiskey category saw a production decline of 4% for the full year and 15% in the last three months of 2024 [15] - The company noted that the elevated inventory of barrels in the industry is expected to persist into 2026 [56] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on fewer but more attractive growth opportunities within its Branded Spirits portfolio [9] - Key initiatives include stabilizing the brown goods business, repositioning branded spirits for growth, and enhancing productivity [5][6] - The company is taking proactive actions to strengthen partnerships with customers in the Distilling Solutions segment [12][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the proactive steps being taken to stabilize the business and improve performance throughout the year [6] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 guidance, expecting net sales in the range of $520 million to $540 million [22] - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by elevated barrel inventories but remains optimistic about the future [56] Other Important Information - The company has made substantial progress in fortifying its balance sheet, including upsizing its credit facility and extending its private placement shelf [21][28] - The company is increasing investments in its ingredients facility to improve throughput and reliability [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Visibility into the outlook for Distilling Solutions - Management confirmed discussions with 100% of contracted customers, leading to modifications in orders and pricing [34][35] Question: Outlook for Distilling Solutions segment and margins - Expectations for the Distilling Solutions segment remain unchanged, with anticipated sales down 50% and gross profit down 65% for the year [39] Question: Quantification of new distillate negotiations and customer demand - Management expects to conclude negotiations with the remaining 25% of customers soon, with no negative feedback impacting guidance [45] Question: Optimism for Ingredient Solutions despite challenges - Management highlighted operational improvements and upcoming projects that should enhance performance in the second half of the year [48][49] Question: Impact of anticipated tariffs on customer demand - Management did not observe any significant pull forward in demand due to anticipated tariffs [75] Question: Performance of Penelope brand - Management noted that Penelope's performance exceeded expectations, leading to an increase in contingent liability [64][78] Question: Ongoing CEO search and its impact on strategic initiatives - The CEO search is ongoing, but the company is making strides in leadership and executing strategic initiatives [106][108]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated sales decreased by 29% to $121.7 million compared to the prior year period [23] - Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 46% to $21.8 million, primarily due to lower gross profits [26] - Adjusted earnings per common share decreased to $0.36 per share, while operating cash flows increased by nearly 82% to $44.7 million [8][27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Branded Spirits segment sales declined by 4%, but the Premium Plus portfolio posted a solid growth of 7% [23][9] - Distilling Solutions segment sales declined by 45%, driven by a 49% decline in brown goods sales [23] - Ingredient Solutions sales decreased by 26%, impacted by supply challenges and decreased sales volume of specialty wheat starches [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall American whiskey category is responding to the current environment with deeper production cuts, with total whiskey production down 4% for the full year [15][16] - The company expects net whiskey put away to be down materially in 2025 compared to 2024, reflecting a decision to right-size excess inventory [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on fewer but more attractive growth opportunities within its Branded Spirits portfolio [9] - Key initiatives include stabilizing the brown goods business, repositioning branded spirits for growth, and enhancing productivity [5][6] - The company is taking proactive actions to strengthen partnerships with customers in the Distilling Solutions segment [12][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the proactive steps taken to stabilize the business and improve performance throughout the year [6] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 guidance, expecting net sales in the range of $520 million to $540 million [21] - Management noted that while industry-wide barrel whiskey inventories remain elevated, early signs of stabilization are encouraging [6][31] Other Important Information - The company has made substantial progress in fortifying its balance sheet, including upsizing its credit facility and extending its private placement shelf [20][28] - The board of directors is taking steps to strengthen its ranks in anticipation of the next chapter of growth [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Visibility into the outlook for Distilling Solutions - Management confirmed that discussions with 100% of contracted customers have led to modifications in volume and pricing, providing greater visibility for 2025 [35][36] Question: Outlook for the Distilling Solutions segment and margin expectations - Management expects sales for the Distilling Solutions segment to be down 50% for the year, with gross profit down 65% [41] Question: Quantification of new distillate negotiations and branded spirits stabilization - Management indicated that they expect to conclude negotiations with the remaining 25% of customers soon and are implementing price support for mid and value brands [47][49] Question: Optimism for Ingredient Solutions despite challenges - Management highlighted ongoing operational improvements and key projects that are expected to enhance performance in the second half of the year [51][54] Question: Impact of anticipated tariffs on customer demand - Management noted that there has been no significant pull forward in demand due to anticipated tariffs [79] Question: Performance of the Penelope brand - Management acknowledged that Penelope's performance exceeded expectations, leading to an increase in contingent liability on the balance sheet [68][84]

Core Insights - MGP reported a revenue of $121.65 million for the quarter ended March 2025, reflecting a 28.7% decline year-over-year, with EPS at $0.36 compared to $1.07 in the same quarter last year [1] - The revenue exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $113.26 million by 7.41%, while the EPS surpassed the consensus estimate of $0.31 by 16.13% [1] Financial Performance - MGP's branded spirits sales were $48.23 million, slightly below the estimated $48.51 million, marking a year-over-year decrease of 3.8% [4] - Ingredient solutions sales reached $26.48 million, exceeding the estimated $26.11 million, but showing a significant decline of 25.5% compared to the previous year [4] - Distilling solutions sales were reported at $46.94 million, surpassing the average estimate of $38.64 million, yet reflecting a substantial year-over-year drop of 44.7% [4] Market Performance - Over the past month, MGP shares have returned 4.2%, contrasting with a 0.7% decline in the Zacks S&P 500 composite [3] - MGP currently holds a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), indicating potential underperformance relative to the broader market in the near term [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated sales decreased by 29% to $121.7 million compared to the prior year period [21] - Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 46% to $21.8 million, primarily due to lower gross profits [25] - Adjusted earnings per common share declined to $0.36, while operating cash flows increased by nearly 82% to $44.7 million [6][26] - Gross profit decreased by 31% to $43.3 million, with gross margin declining by 120 basis points to 35.6% [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Branded Spirits segment sales decreased by 4%, while the Premium Plus portfolio posted a 7% growth [21][6] - Distilling Solutions segment sales declined by 45%, primarily driven by a 49% decline in brown goods sales [21] - Ingredient Solutions sales decreased by 26%, impacted by supply challenges and decreased sales volume of specialty wheat starches [22][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall American whiskey category is experiencing a production decline, with total whiskey production down 4% for the full year and down 15% in the last three months of 2024 [14] - The company is seeing a shift in consumer behavior, with more consumers opting to drink what they have at home rather than purchasing new products [98] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on fewer but more attractive growth opportunities within its Branded Spirits portfolio [7] - Key initiatives include stabilizing the brown goods business, repositioning branded spirits for growth, and enhancing productivity [5][4] - The company is taking proactive actions to strengthen partnerships with customers in the Distilling Solutions segment [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the proactive steps being taken to stabilize the business and improve performance throughout the year [5] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 guidance, expecting net sales in the range of $520 million to $540 million and adjusted EBITDA between $105 million and $115 million [20] - Management noted that while the current environment is challenging, there are early signs of stabilization across all three segments [29] Other Important Information - The company has made substantial progress in fortifying its balance sheet, including upsizing its credit facility and extending its private placement shelf [19][27] - The company is prioritizing strong cash generation by managing working capital and reducing barrel inventory put away [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Visibility into the outlook for Distilling Solutions - Management confirmed that discussions with 100% of contracted customers have led to modifications in orders and pricing, providing greater visibility for 2025 [34][35] Question: Outlook for the Distilling Solutions segment - Management expects sales for the Distilling Solutions segment to be down 50% for the year, with gross profit down 65% [39] Question: Quantification of new distillate negotiations - Management indicated that they expect to conclude negotiations with the remaining 25% of customers soon, with no negative feedback affecting their guidance [45][46] Question: Optimism for Ingredient Solutions - Management highlighted operational improvements and upcoming projects that are expected to enhance performance in the Ingredient Solutions segment [49][50] Question: Impact of anticipated tariffs on customer demand - Management stated that they have not seen any significant impact on customer demand related to anticipated tariffs [76] Question: Performance of the Penelope brand - Management noted that the Penelope brand performed better than expected, leading to an increase in contingent liability on the balance sheet [66][80]

Core Viewpoint - MGP (MGPI) reported quarterly earnings of $0.36 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.31 per share, but down from $1.07 per share a year ago [1][2] Financial Performance - The earnings surprise for the quarter was 16.13%, with the company having surpassed consensus EPS estimates in all four of the last quarters [2] - MGP's revenues for the quarter ended March 2025 were $121.65 million, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 7.41%, but down from $170.56 million year-over-year [3] Stock Performance - MGP shares have declined approximately 25.2% since the beginning of the year, compared to a 5.3% decline in the S&P 500 [4] Future Outlook - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.73 on revenues of $140.29 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $2.55 on revenues of $530.14 million [8] - The estimate revisions trend for MGP is currently unfavorable, resulting in a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell) for the stock, indicating expected underperformance in the near future [7] Industry Context - The Beverages - Alcohol industry, to which MGP belongs, is currently ranked in the bottom 34% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting potential challenges ahead [9] - Molson Coors Brewing (TAP), another company in the same industry, is expected to report a quarterly earnings decline of 15.8% year-over-year, with revenues projected at $2.44 billion, down 6% from the previous year [10][11]