Core Insights - The article compiles significant research calls from Wall Street, highlighting upgrades and downgrades that could impact investor decisions. Upgrades - Deutsche Bank upgraded Mobileye (MBLY) to Buy from Hold with a price target of $19, indicating a favorable setup for the shares [2] - BofA upgraded Brinker (EAT) to Buy from Neutral with a price target of $192, up from $190, noting that full-service restaurants are better positioned due to higher incomes among older consumers [3] - Jefferies upgraded Ford (F) to Hold from Underperform with a price target of $12, up from $9, citing the potential for improved earnings as constraints on higher CO2 mix models loosen [4] - Rothschild & Co Redburn upgraded Affirm (AFRM) to Buy from Neutral with a price target of $101, up from $74, highlighting its established product set and international growth potential [5] - Morgan Stanley upgraded Micron (MU) to Overweight from Equal Weight with a price target of $220, up from $160, predicting multiple quarters of double-digit price increases that could enhance earnings power [6] Downgrades - Susquehanna downgraded Rambus (RMBS) to Neutral from Positive with a price target of $100, indicating that the best-case EPS outlook is already priced in [7] - BofA downgraded Shake Shack (SHAK) to Underperform from Neutral with a price target of $86, down from $148, due to margin pressures from competition and inflation [7] - Citi downgraded Boston Beer (SAM) to Neutral from Buy with a price target of $235, down from $255, anticipating continued challenges in the second half of 2025 [7] - Scotiabank downgraded AT&T (T) to Sector Perform from Outperform with a price target of $30.25, expecting modest revenue and EBITDA growth amid business segment weakness [7] - Scotiabank downgraded Check Point (CHPT) to Sector Perform from Outperform with a price target of $205, down from $220, expressing less optimism about the company despite a positive outlook for the U.S. software sector [7]

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 2, 2025) - Starcore International Mines Ltd. (TSX: SAM) (the "Company" or "Starcore") acknowledges the current postal strike across Canada, which has created significant challenges in ensuring timely delivery of shareholder communications and proxy materials.To overcome these challenges, Starcore provides the following guidance to its shareholders for the Annual General and Special Meeting to be held on Friday, October 24, 2025:The Company's meeting ma ...

Core Insights - Boston Beer Company is navigating a challenging operating environment characterized by macroeconomic uncertainty, pressured consumer spending, and weak category demand, yet it has achieved strong margin gains and earnings growth [1][4] - The company's innovation strategy, particularly with products like Sun Cruiser and Twisted Tea Light, is driving consumer engagement and brand relevance, helping to offset declines in more mature categories [2][7] - Boston Beer is focusing on long-term brand building, reinforcing core brands like Twisted Tea and Samuel Adams while expanding newer offerings, which illustrates a disciplined strategy in a competitive beverage landscape [3][4] Financial Performance - Despite weak demand and soft retail traffic, Boston Beer posted margin gains and earnings growth, indicating resilience in its financial performance [7] - The company's shares have gained 18% over the past three months, outperforming the industry and broader Consumer Staples sector, which declined by 6.6% and 1.8%, respectively [5] Valuation Metrics - Boston Beer currently trades at a forward 12-month P/E ratio of 20.43X, which is higher than the industry average of 13.82X and the sector average of 25.51X, suggesting that investors may be pricing in stronger growth prospects [9]

Core Insights - Truly Hard Seltzer has launched a limited-edition flavor called "No Shade, Just Tea," in collaboration with reality star JaNa Craig, featuring raspberry iced tea [1][2][4] - The new flavor combines hard seltzer with real brewed tea and raspberry flavor, offering a refreshing beverage option [2][3] - The product is available in packs of four 16oz. cans, with a low calorie count of 100 calories, 1g of sugar, and 5% ABV per 12oz. serving [3] Product Launch Details - The limited-edition flavor became available on September 17, 2025, through GiveThemBeer.com, with multiple drops while supplies last [3][7] - A meet-and-greet event with JaNa Craig is scheduled for September 25 at Truly's tasting room in Los Angeles, where fans can sample the new flavor [6][7] - Tickets for the meet-and-greet are priced at $25 and will be available starting September 19 [7] Brand and Market Position - Truly Hard Seltzer has been a pioneer in the hard seltzer category since 2016, focusing on innovative and flavorful alcoholic beverages [8] - The brand offers a variety of flavors and styles, including seasonal and culturally relevant limited releases, catering to diverse consumer preferences [8] - The Boston Beer Company, which owns Truly, is recognized as one of the largest craft brewers in the U.S., with a portfolio that includes various alcoholic beverages beyond beer [9]

Core Insights - Twisted Tea Hard Iced Tea is launching its first-ever U.S. Hispanic advertising campaign to engage Hispanic drinkers and celebrate culture, flavor, and fun [1][2] Campaign Overview - The campaign includes Spanish-language support across various media, retail, and influencer partnerships, aiming to authentically connect with Hispanic communities [2] - It features collaborations with three award-winning Hispanic chefs to create Twisted Tea-infused grilling sauces, enhancing the culinary experience associated with the brand [3][8] Chef Collaborations - Chef Eduardo Lara from Wolf of Tacos in Miami created "The Redemption," a mildly spicy grilling sauce made with hibiscus and guajillo chiles [8] - Chef Anastacia Quiñones-Pittman from Eledi in Dallas developed "Tamarindo Twist," a tangy sauce inspired by classic BBQ flavors [8] - Chef duo Alex & Elvia Garcia from Evil Cooks in Los Angeles produced "Twisted Tail," a spicy salsa blending traditional flavors with Twisted Tea [8] Marketing and Media Strategy - The campaign includes Spanish-language ads running on streaming TV, social media, and digital platforms, featuring backyard party themes to resonate with family and friends [4] - On-the-ground experiences will be activated in key markets such as California, Florida, and Texas, including pop-up samplings and local partnerships [4][5] Brand Positioning - Twisted Tea aims to expand its fanbase by authentically reaching out to Hispanic households, which have been growing in number [5] - The brand emphasizes its commitment to bringing people together and enhancing social gatherings through its products [5]

Group 1 - Alan Brochstein is a pioneer in the cannabis investment sector, having focused exclusively on this industry since 2007 [1] - He founded AB Analytical Services to provide independent consulting to registered investment advisors [1] - Brochstein is the managing partner of New Cannabis Ventures, which has been a key provider of financial information in the cannabis industry since 2015 [1] Group 2 - Alan has led the investing group 420 Investor since 2013, which focuses on publicly-traded cannabis stocks [2] - The group covers 20 stocks, providing investment news, earnings report previews, and post-report analyses [2] - Additional features of the group include a model portfolio, 10 weekly videos with chart analysis, 3 weekly summary pieces, a monthly newsletter, and a chat for questions [2]

Leadership Evolution - The company has seen a leadership change with the founder returning as CEO after nearly 25 years, indicating a shift in management dynamics [1] - The CEO emphasizes a focus on delegation and prioritizing tasks that add value to the company's success, rather than traditional responsibilities associated with the title [1] Succession Planning - The CEO is actively engaged in ensuring a strong succession plan, reflecting a commitment to the company's long-term stability and growth [1] - The leadership approach is characterized by a strategic focus on high-impact areas, suggesting a methodical approach to management [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The beer industry is projected to experience a mid single-digit decline in 2025, following several years of significant declines prior to this year [24] - The company has raised its 2025 gross margin guidance, indicating improvements in operational efficiency and cost management [45] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The fourth category of alcoholic beverages, which includes hard cider and other innovative products, is expected to outgrow traditional beer, wine, and liquor [23] - Twisted Tea, which had been growing at double digits for over twenty years, has recently faced a decline, with growth dropping from high single digits to low single digits [37] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Hispanic consumer base is under economic pressure, which may impact population growth and consumption patterns in the alcohol industry [10] - The company is focusing on the on-premise market, which has been neglected by the industry, to strengthen brand presence and consumer engagement [28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is prioritizing innovation in the fourth category of alcoholic beverages, leveraging its existing infrastructure and logistics advantages [23] - There is a strategic focus on internal succession planning, with efforts to develop multiple CEO candidates from within the organization [4] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management acknowledges ongoing challenges in the alcohol consumption landscape, citing health concerns and economic pressures as significant factors affecting the industry [10][32] - The company is optimistic about its growth potential in the fourth category, despite the overall decline in traditional beer consumption [23] Other Important Information - The company has repurchased $110 million of stock in the first half of the year and announced an additional $50 million share buyback, reflecting a commitment to returning value to shareholders [57] - The management is cautious about pricing strategies for Twisted Tea, indicating that previous price increases may have been too aggressive [40] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the company view the current state of U.S. alcohol consumption? - The management expressed concerns about the structural headwinds affecting consumption, particularly among the Hispanic population and health-related discussions surrounding alcohol [10][32] Question: What lessons have been learned from the Truly experience that are being applied to SunCruiser? - The company is focusing on a market-by-market rollout for SunCruiser, avoiding national advertising and being cautious about flavor proliferation [34][35] Question: What actions are being taken to optimize Twisted Tea's pricing and retail presence? - The management is addressing pricing strategies to ensure they remain competitive while also strengthening marketing efforts targeted at Hispanic consumers and traditional demographics [39][40] Question: How does the company plan to sustain gross margin improvements amid ongoing challenges? - The company is focusing on procurement efficiencies, production improvements, and network optimizations to drive further cost savings [46][50] Question: What is the company's approach to capital allocation and share buybacks? - The management emphasized a shareholder-first approach, prioritizing business needs while also returning excess cash to shareholders through buybacks [57][58]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has raised its 2025 margin guidance, indicating improvements in gross margins despite challenges from tariffs and inflationary pressures [47][59] - The company is generating significant cash flow, with a healthy cash balance allowing for stock repurchases totaling $110 million in the first half of the year and an additional $50 million buyback announced [59] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The fourth category of products, which includes hard cider and other innovative beverages, is expected to outgrow traditional beer, wine, and liquor, indicating a strategic shift towards more innovative offerings [23][24] - Twisted Tea has experienced a decline in growth rates, prompting the company to reassess pricing strategies and marketing efforts to regain market share [38][41] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The beer industry is projected to face a mid-single-digit decline, with the company acknowledging the need for improved execution at retail to counteract this trend [25][30] - The Hispanic consumer base is under economic pressure, which may impact overall consumption trends in the alcohol industry [10][33] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on innovation within the fourth category of beverages, leveraging its brewing capabilities to create products that align with consumer tastes [23][24] - There is a strategic emphasis on strengthening retail execution and marketing efforts, particularly in the on-premise segment, to build brand equity and consumer connections [30][32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges ongoing challenges in the operating environment, including economic uncertainty affecting the majority of consumers, and recognizes the need for targeted promotions to drive volume [33][34] - The company is committed to maintaining share in core brands while pursuing growth through innovation, indicating a balanced approach to market challenges [52][58] Other Important Information - The company is working on developing multiple internal CEO candidates to ensure a strong succession plan, reflecting a long-term strategic focus on leadership continuity [4] - Management has noted the importance of balanced research on the health effects of alcohol, suggesting a need for the industry to invest in neutral research to counteract negative perceptions [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the company view the current state of U.S. alcohol consumption? - Management expressed concerns about the structural headwinds affecting consumption, particularly related to health discussions and economic pressures on the Hispanic population [9][10] Question: What lessons have been learned from the Truly experience that are being applied to SunCruiser? - The company is focusing on a market-by-market rollout for SunCruiser, emphasizing a bottom-up approach and cautious SKU proliferation to ensure sustainable growth [35][36] Question: What actions are being taken to optimize Twisted Tea's pricing and retail presence? - Management is addressing pricing strategies that may have been set too high, particularly for 12 packs, and is working to restore brand equity through targeted marketing efforts [40][41] Question: How does the company plan to sustain gross margin improvements amid ongoing challenges? - The company is focused on procurement efficiencies, production improvements, and network optimizations to drive further cost savings and sustain margin growth [47][51]

Industry Overview - The Zacks Beverages – Alcohol industry is facing significant pressure due to inflation affecting labor, transportation, and raw materials, leading to rising ingredient prices and increased shipping and packaging costs, which are squeezing margins and profitability [1][5][6] - Newly imposed tariffs, including a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico and a 10% tariff on goods from China, are expected to disrupt the U.S. beverage alcohol market, raising prices for imported brands and dampening consumer demand [7] Growth Opportunities - Despite challenges, the industry is experiencing growth through premiumization, with consumers increasingly seeking higher-quality offerings such as ready-to-drink (RTD) spirits, canned wines, and flavored malt beverages [2][8][9] - Leading companies are focusing on innovation and strategic investments to capture market momentum, with a strong emphasis on product development and premium positioning [3] Company Strategies - Diageo Plc is focusing on innovation and consumer moderation, with a strong emphasis on non-alcoholic spirits and a $2 billion productivity program aimed at driving efficiency while ensuring sustainable growth [21][22] - The Boston Beer Company is committed to revitalizing its brands and expanding its Beyond Beer segment, which is expected to continue outpacing the traditional beer market [25][26] - Compania Cervecerias Unidas is recognized for its diverse portfolio and strong market presence in multiple countries, with a focus on maintaining a robust balance sheet and market-leading brands [29][30] Market Performance - The Zacks Beverages – Alcohol industry has underperformed the broader sector and the S&P 500, with a collective decline of 16.2% over the past year compared to a 5.7% dip in the Zacks Consumer Staples sector and a 17.7% rally in the S&P 500 [13] - The industry is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 14.58X, significantly lower than the S&P 500's 22.59X and the sector's 17.12X [16]