Core Insights - The company is adopting a wait-and-see approach regarding tariff mitigation and price increases, indicating that it is premature to formulate a response to the tariffs imposed on imported aluminum [3] - The current tariffs are not expected to have a material impact on the company's operating results, but a modest impact is anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2025 and in 2026 [4] - The Midwest premium for aluminum has surged to a record high, significantly affecting the cost of cans purchased by the company [4][6] Pricing Strategy - The company raised prices effective November 1, focusing on revenue growth rather than directly addressing tariff impacts [5] - The pricing strategy takes into account consumer purchasing behavior, brand momentum, channel, and package mix [5] Industry Context - Other food manufacturers are also facing challenges due to aluminum tariffs, with The Campbell's Company reporting difficulties in offsetting tariff impacts due to a lack of domestic supply of certain steel derivatives [5] - The company expects to mitigate 60% of tariff costs in fiscal 2026 [5] - The CEO highlighted that there is insufficient capacity and supply available in the United States, which affects local purchasing options [6]

Core Insights - MNST has reported record quarterly net sales of $2.2 billion, reflecting a 16.8% increase, with a gross profit margin of 55.7%, up from 53.2% a year prior, and net income per diluted share of $0.53, a 41.1% rise [1] - The stock has seen a 39% increase this year, indicating strong investor demand and institutional support [2][4] - The company has demonstrated strong sales and earnings growth, with a 3-year sales growth rate of 10.7% and a 3-year earnings growth rate of 7% [5] Institutional Support - There is significant institutional support for MNST, as evidenced by strong investor demand and unusual buy pressure [2][6] - The stock has been recognized as a top-rated stock at MoneyFlows, indicating growing fundamentals and unusual buy pressure [6] Financial Performance - EPS is estimated to increase by 12.1% this year, contributing to the stock's upward momentum [4] - The combination of strong fundamentals and proprietary software analysis has identified MNST as a potential long-term winning stock [4][6] Price Prediction - The ongoing rally in MNST shares is attributed to Big Money buying, suggesting that the stock could be a valuable addition to a diversified portfolio [8]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of conducting thorough due diligence before making any financial decisions, particularly in the context of investments and trading activities [1] Group 1 - The content includes general news and publications, personal analysis, and opinions intended for educational and research purposes [1] - It highlights that the information provided does not constitute any recommendation or advice for investment actions [1] - The article warns that the information may not be accurate or provided in real-time, and prices may be sourced from market makers rather than exchanges [1] Group 2 - The website discusses complex financial instruments such as cryptocurrencies and contracts for difference (CFDs), which carry a high risk of losing money [1] - It encourages users to perform their own research and understand the risks involved before investing in any financial instruments [1] - The article states that FX Empire does not endorse any third-party services and is not liable for any losses incurred from using the information provided [1]

Performance Overview - The Jot ETF has achieved a 69% increase since its launch five years ago [1][2] - The ETF's performance is attributed to various momentum factors and its strategic usage as a core investment [2] Market Insights - Current market conditions are characterized by volatility, leading to a cautious outlook [3] - United Healthcare is highlighted as a safer investment option amidst market uncertainty [3] - There is an expectation of government-level resolutions in the healthcare sector, which could act as a catalyst for market movements [4] Notable Stocks - Monster Beverage is mentioned as a significant player within the consumer staples sector [4]

Core Insights - Monster Beverage Corporation (MNST) is benefiting from the ongoing growth of the global energy drinks market and consistent product innovations, positioning the company to maintain its growth trajectory and market share [1][10]. Market Performance - The company has seen significant growth in the EMEA region, particularly with the Predator Fury brand in Egypt, Kenya, and Nigeria, and the successful launch of Monster Energy Lando Norris Zero Sugar across 27 EMEA markets [2]. - In the US and Canada, net sales increased by 11.6% year-over-year in the third quarter, driven by strong execution across channels and contributions from the Monster Energy Ultra and Juice Monster families [2]. Product Portfolio - Monster Beverage offers a diverse range of energy drink brands, with the Monster Energy Drinks segment's net sales growing by 16% year-over-year on a currency-adjusted basis in the third quarter of 2025 [3]. Growth Strategies - The company is focusing on increasing household penetration and per capita consumption, supported by a pricing strategy that considers consumer behavior and brand momentum [4]. - Investments in the supply chain are aimed at improving customer service and cost structure, while the company plans to expand sales in non-Nielsen tracked channels [4][5]. Financial Performance - Year-to-date, shares of Monster Beverage have increased by 35.7%, outperforming the industry growth of 6.6% [8]. - The forward price-to-earnings ratio for MNST is 32.34X, compared to the industry average of 17.90X, indicating a premium valuation [9]. Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for MNST's EPS indicates year-over-year growth of 22.2% for 2025 and 12.8% for 2026, with recent estimates showing an upward trend [11][12].

Core Insights - Wall Street continues its strong performance in 2025, but the consumer staples sector is lagging, with the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR (XLP) down 1.7% year to date, the only sector in the S&P 500 Index in the red [1][2][8] Consumer Staples Sector Overview - The consumer staples sector is facing challenges due to rising living costs, which are impacting household budgets and leading to cautious consumer spending, resulting in margin compression [2] - Despite the overall sector's poor performance, five consumer staples stocks are highlighted for their potential to perform well in 2026: PepsiCo Inc. (PEP), Monster Beverage Corp. (MNST), Lamb Weston Holdings Inc. (LW), United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI), and Ollie's Bargain Outlet Holdings Inc. (OLLI) [3][8] Company-Specific Insights PepsiCo Inc. (PEP) - PepsiCo, with a Zacks Rank of 2, is benefiting from strong beverage performance in international markets, particularly in Mexico, Brazil, Germany, and Thailand [6] - The company is focused on localizing flavors, expanding price-pack options, and enhancing productivity through digital transformation, with expected revenue and earnings growth rates of 3.3% and 5.6% for next year [7][9] Monster Beverage Corp. (MNST) - Monster Beverage, ranked 1, is capitalizing on the expanding energy drinks market, with a 16% sales growth in its energy drinks segment in Q3 2025 [10][11] - The company has expected revenue and earnings growth rates of 9.3% and 12.8%, respectively, for next year, supported by improving margins and easing supply-chain pressures [11] Lamb Weston Holdings Inc. (LW) - Lamb Weston, also ranked 1, is driving growth through its "Focus to Win" strategy, emphasizing operational efficiency and innovation [12] - The company expects a 4.1% volume increase year over year in fiscal 2026, with revenue and earnings growth rates of 1.3% and -6.3% for the current year [13] United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) - United Natural Foods, ranked 1, is showing strong growth driven by demand for natural and organic products, with strategic initiatives enhancing efficiency and service quality [14][15] - The company has an expected revenue growth rate of 2.5% and over 100% earnings growth for the current year, with a significant 24.2% improvement in earnings estimates over the last 60 days [16] Ollie's Bargain Outlet Holdings Inc. (OLLI) - Ollie's, with a Zacks Rank of 2, is leveraging a cost-effective business model and strategic investments to support growth, expecting a 16.3% revenue increase and 16.2% adjusted earnings per share improvement in fiscal 2025 [17][18] - The company plans to expand its store network significantly, aiming for over 1,300 stores, with a consistent CAGR of 9.5% from fiscal 2020 to fiscal 2024 [19][20]

Market Performance - Major U.S. indexes showed mixed performance last week, with the Nasdaq Composite, S&P 500, and Dow Jones Industrial Average declining by 2.7%, 1.4%, and 0.5% respectively [1] - Investors are shifting focus from high-valuation technology and AI stocks to more defensive sectors due to market volatility [1] Federal Reserve and Economic Data - The end of a 43-day government standoff has reduced political risks, but delays in key economic data releases have created uncertainty for the Federal Reserve and investors [2] - The Fed is balancing economic growth and inflation, with inflation remaining above the 2% target and a resilient labor market casting doubt on December rate cut expectations [2] Zacks Research Performance - Zacks Research has provided guidance that led to significant stock performance, with Macy's shares increasing by 14.9% since its upgrade to Zacks Rank 1 on September 18, outperforming the S&P 500's 2.2% increase [3][4] - Fresnillo plc also saw a 7.2% return since its upgrade to Zacks Rank 1 on September 19, compared to the S&P 500's 1.8% increase [4] Zacks Model Portfolio Returns - A hypothetical portfolio of Zacks Rank 1 stocks returned +8.64% in 2025 through September 1, outperforming the S&P 500's +7.60% [4] - The Zacks Model Portfolio has outperformed the S&P 500 index by over 12 percentage points since 1988, with an annualized average return of +23.8% compared to +11.3% for the S&P 500 [5] Specific Stock Performances - United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) shares increased by 32.4% after its Zacks Recommendation was upgraded to Outperform [7] - Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) gained 35.9% over the past 12 weeks, while CACI International Inc. (CACI) returned 20.1% during the same period [10] Earnings Certain Admiral Portfolio (ECAP) - The ECAP returned -1.30% in Q3 2025, underperforming the S&P 500's +8.1% gain, and +2.72% year-to-date compared to the S&P 500's +14.84% [15] - The portfolio aims to minimize capital loss by holding shares of companies with a proven track record of earnings stability [16] Earnings Certain Dividend Portfolio (ECDP) - Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) returned 10.9% over the past 12 weeks, while UnitedHealth Group (UNH) increased by 5.9% [18] - The ECDP returned -0.01% in Q3 2025, underperforming the S&P 500's +8.1% gain [20] Top 10 Stock Portfolio - MasTec, Inc. (MTZ) has jumped 41.2% year-to-date, outperforming the S&P 500's 14.7% increase [22] - The Top 10 portfolio has produced a cumulative return of +2,553.1% since 2012, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's +545.2% [24]

Core Insights - Monster Beverage Corporation's strategic pivot towards zero-sugar formulations aligns with consumer trends favoring healthier beverage options, moving beyond just functional benefits to long-term wellness [1][10] Group 1: Zero-Sugar Product Expansion - The expansion of Monster Beverage's zero-sugar portfolio, particularly the Ultra family, has positioned the company at the forefront of evolving consumer demand [2] - Recent quarters have shown that zero-sugar offerings have driven significant growth, with the Ultra line outperforming the broader category due to repeat purchases and a diverse flavor mix [3] - Innovations like Ultra Wild Passion and Ultra Vice Guava, along with the launch of Monster Energy Lando Norris Zero Sugar, have gained traction in both U.S. and international markets, leveraging cultural relevance and social media [4] Group 2: Market Position and Future Outlook - The momentum for zero-sugar products is expected to continue, with new SKUs planned for 2026, indicating a strong position to capitalize on the growing acceptance of zero-sugar energy drinks [5] - The company's strategic focus on innovation, pricing discipline, and targeted merchandising ensures that zero-sugar offerings remain accessible and visible across various markets [5] Group 3: Financial Performance - Monster Beverage shares have appreciated 36.7% over the past year, significantly outperforming the Zacks Beverages - Soft Drinks industry's growth of 5.5% and the broader Consumer Staples sector's decline of 2.6% [6] - The current forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple for Monster Beverage is 33.40X, which is a discount compared to the industry's average of 17.97X, presenting a compelling value for investors [11]

Group 1 - Monster Beverage (MNST) is a strong performer in the Consumer Staples sector, with a year-to-date return of approximately 34.1%, significantly outperforming the sector average of -0.6% [4] - The Zacks Rank for Monster Beverage is 1 (Strong Buy), indicating a positive outlook based on earnings estimates and revisions, with a 3.6% increase in the consensus estimate for full-year earnings over the past 90 days [3] - The Beverages - Soft drinks industry, which includes Monster Beverage, has seen a year-to-date gain of about 7%, further highlighting MNST's superior performance within its industry [5] Group 2 - Turning Point Brands (TPB) is another notable stock in the Consumer Staples sector, achieving a year-to-date return of 66.7% and also holding a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [4][5] - The Tobacco industry, to which Turning Point Brands belongs, has performed well with a year-to-date increase of 31.5%, ranking 24 among industries [6] - Investors are encouraged to monitor both Monster Beverage and Turning Point Brands for their potential to sustain strong performance in the Consumer Staples sector [6]

Summary of Celsius Holdings Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Celsius Holdings - **Industry**: Beverages, specifically energy drinks Key Points and Arguments Q3 Performance - Celsius reported a strong Q3 with **$200 million in EBITDA** and a **13% year-over-year growth rate** as per Circana data [2][4] - Alani Nu brand is projected to reach a **$1.2 billion run rate** by the end of Q3, capturing over **20% market share** in its category [4][34] Marketing and Promotions - The company emphasized the success of the **Live Fit Go campaign**, which has been a significant driver of growth since its launch in June [2][4] - Promotional activities included participation in **Amazon Prime Day** and various promotions at **Costco**, which contributed to revenue recognition timing discrepancies between Q2 and Q3 [3][4] Transition to PepsiCo - The transition of Alani Nu into the Pepsi system is underway, with expectations for a smooth integration [5][6] - Management indicated that the transition may not result in the typical large inventory fill due to cash management practices at large CPG companies [6][7] Market Dynamics - The energy drink category is experiencing healthy growth, with Celsius and Alani Nu attracting new consumers, particularly among females and those seeking sugar-free options [13][14][17] - The company anticipates continued growth in the energy drink sector, albeit at a more sustainable rate than the mid-teens growth seen recently [14] Competitive Landscape - Celsius is positioned as a leader in the female and sugar-free segments, with a strong brand identity that takes time to build [27][28] - The company acknowledges increased competition, particularly from Monster, which is launching a female-focused product [27][28] Future Outlook - The management is optimistic about Q4 and 2026, expecting improvements in gross margins and EBITDA as integration with Pepsi progresses [48][49] - The company plans to continue investing in marketing, with **23%-25% of revenue** allocated to sales and marketing in Q4 [50] Capital Allocation and M&A Strategy - Celsius announced a buyback program to address perceived undervaluation and is open to future M&A opportunities, particularly in vertical integration [54][55] - The company is also focusing on enhancing its manufacturing capabilities to drive efficiencies [56] Protein Product Opportunities - While the primary focus of the Alani Nu acquisition was energy drinks, there is potential for growth in the protein category, although no immediate plans are in place [57][59] International Expansion - Celsius aims to expand its international footprint, currently at about **5% international sales**, with plans to evaluate new markets [63][64] - The company is building a robust international team to support this growth [65] Conclusion - Celsius Holdings is positioned for continued growth in the energy drink market, with strong brand identities, a successful transition to Pepsi, and a focus on marketing and international expansion. The management remains optimistic about future performance despite current market challenges and competition.