Key Takeaways BUD's premium and super-premium brands drove mix gains despite flat above-core results in the quarter.BEES GMV rose 11% year over year, with quarterly GMV surging 66% and partner count topping 500.Digital platforms contributed about 70% of revenues, with DTC reaching 11.9 million consumers.In a fast-evolving beverage environment, Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (BUD) , also known as AB InBev, emerges as a distinctively positioned contender, steadily advancing its claim in the global alcoholic bever ...

Core Insights - Procter & Gamble's (PG) premiumization strategy focuses on enhancing its product portfolio towards higher-value, performance-driven products that justify premium pricing and improve margins [1][10] - The strategy aims to elevate product tiers across various categories, including beauty, home care, and fabric care, by emphasizing superior efficacy and advanced formulations [1][10] Marketing and Consumer Engagement - PG's marketing investments and digital outreach reinforce its value proposition, allowing consumers to recognize the benefits of its products, which justifies higher price points [2] - The company utilizes data and digital analytics to understand changing consumer habits, tailoring marketing efforts to engage different shopper segments effectively [4] Competitive Positioning - PG's premiumization strategy enables it to compete effectively in a challenging market while keeping consumer needs at the forefront [3] - The company balances premium offerings with more affordable options to cater to both budget-conscious and quality-seeking consumers [3] Financial Performance and Valuation - PG's shares have decreased by 12.4% year-to-date, slightly better than the industry's decline of 13.3% [9] - The forward price-to-earnings ratio for PG is 20.51X, compared to the industry average of 18.21X [11] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PG's fiscal 2026 and fiscal 2027 EPS indicates year-over-year growth of 2.6% and 5.7%, respectively [12]

Core Insights - Constellation Brands, Inc. (STZ) maintains a strong position in the beer and wine & spirits sectors through a focus on premiumization, brand strength, and disciplined portfolio management [1][10] - The company is investing in innovation and launching products that align with consumer trends, which supports sustained growth across its Power Brand portfolio [2][10] - STZ's premiumization strategy is reshaping its portfolio towards high-quality labels that meet evolving consumer preferences, particularly in the wine and beer segments [3][4] Company Strategy - The core brand strategy of Constellation Brands is gaining momentum, especially in the beer business, contributing to higher earnings [4] - The company is capitalizing on premiumization trends through direct-to-consumer capabilities and an expanded global footprint [2][10] - Investments in innovation and a focus on high-margin segments are key to driving growth across the beverage alcohol market [2][10] Competitive Landscape - Key competitors include Anheuser-Busch InBev (BUD), Boston Beer Company (SAM), and Molson Coors Beverage Company (TAP), all of which are also focusing on premiumization and brand development [5][6][7][8] - BUD has seen strong performance from its core brand Corona, achieving low-teens revenue growth outside of Mexico [6] - SAM is diversifying its portfolio with products like Truly Hard Seltzer to reduce reliance on traditional beer [7] - Molson Coors is committed to growing its above-premium portfolio and investing in high-performing brands [8] Financial Performance - STZ's stock has declined by 41.1% year-to-date, compared to a 3.5% dip in the industry [9] - The company trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 10.70X, below the industry average of 14.29X [11] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates a year-over-year earnings decline of 16.6% for fiscal 2026, followed by an expected growth of 8.8% for fiscal 2027 [12]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q3 2025 reached RMB 113.1 billion, up 22.3% year-on-year, marking the fourth consecutive quarter exceeding RMB 100 billion [4][17] - Gross profit margin reached a record high of 22.9%, up 2.5 percentage points year-on-year [5][17] - Adjusted net profit reached RMB 11.3 billion, up 81% year-on-year, setting a new record high [5][23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from the smartphone segment reached RMB 46 billion, accounting for 40.6% of total revenue, with global smartphone shipments at 43.25 million units, marking a 0.5% year-on-year increase [17][18] - IoT business revenue was RMB 27.6 billion, marking seven consecutive quarters of year-on-year growth, with a gross margin of 23.9% [10][19] - Revenue from the smart EV segment reached RMB 28.3 billion, with a gross profit margin of 25.5% [21][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Xiaomi ranked among the top three in global smartphone shipments with a market share of 13.6% [7][18] - In mainland China, smartphone market share increased to 14.9%, with significant growth in the premium smartphone segment [7][18] - IoT platform connected over 1 billion devices, with overseas IoT revenue reaching record highs [19][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance premiumization, targeting the ultra-premium segment above RMB 6,000 as a new objective for the next five years [8][9] - The launch of Xiaomi HyperOS 3 aims to improve user experience and system fluidity, supporting the company's strategy to drive innovation [9][10] - The company plans to invest over RMB 200 billion in R&D over the next five years, with R&D expenses exceeding RMB 30 billion this year [14][23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in ensuring stable raw material supply despite rising memory costs impacting smartphone gross margins [10][27] - The company is focused on maintaining profitability through product mix upgrades and ASP increases [10][29] - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by industry competition but emphasized the importance of innovation and product value [11][12] Other Important Information - The smart home appliance factory commenced operations, designed for a peak annual capacity of 7 million units [11][19] - The company was named to the Fortune Global 500 list for the seventh consecutive year, ranking 297th [14] - The MSCI ESG rating was upgraded from BBB to AA, marking the third consecutive year of improvement [23][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Concerns about the impact of rising memory costs on smartphone gross margins - Management acknowledged the long cycle of cost increases for memory and its impact on gross margins, suggesting price increases and product structure optimization as solutions [27][29] Question: Strategy for EV deliveries and future development - Management highlighted the rising delivery volumes and improvements in delivery efficiency, with a focus on maintaining quality and expanding the sales network [32][33] Question: Adjustments to smartphone strategy and profitability - Management indicated that while price increases may impact the overall smartphone market, the focus remains on enhancing ASP and achieving premiumization targets [39][41] Question: Impact of subsidies on EV gross margins - Management noted that while there may be short-term impacts from subsidies, the current gross margin remains healthy, and efforts are being made to maintain delivery capabilities [42][43] Question: AIoT ecosystem and future plans - Management discussed the integration of AI with IoT devices and the commitment to maintaining an open ecosystem for future developments [46][67] Question: Expansion strategy for stores and overseas markets - Management outlined plans for store efficiency improvements and gradual expansion in overseas markets, emphasizing the complementary nature of AIoT products [82][84] Question: Operating expenses trends - Management explained that the increase in operating expenses is primarily due to R&D investments and the expansion of the retail network [85][86]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Third quarter consolidated net sales revenue decreased by 3.3% [19] - Underlying pre-tax income fell by 11.9% [19] - Underlying earnings per share declined by 7.2% [19] - A non-cash partial goodwill impairment charge of $3.6 billion was recorded [21] - Non-cash intangible asset impairment charges amounted to $274 million [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. beer industry volume was down by 4.7% based on internal estimates [19] - U.S. volume share decreased by 40 basis points [19] - Contract brewing negatively impacted Americas financial volume by 450,000 hectoliters, equating to a 3 percentage point headwind [19] - EMEA and APAC volumes continued to be pressured due to soft market demand [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The macro environment has pressured demand across regions, particularly affecting lower-income and Hispanic consumers in the U.S. [8][9] - The company anticipates lower year-end U.S. distributor inventory levels compared to year-end 2024 [23] - The Midwest premium pricing has remained elevated, with costs expected to exceed the prior year by $40-$55 million [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to focus on building strong and scalable brands in both beer and beyond beer [10] - There is a commitment to premiumization, particularly in the above-premium segment, where the company is underindexed in the U.S. [12] - The company plans to implement structural changes to enhance agility and decision-making at the local level [16] - A corporate restructuring plan is in place to create a leaner organization, reducing salaried headcount by approximately 400 positions [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management believes the current industry softness is cyclical rather than structural, with expectations for recovery as macro issues subside [9][44] - The company is committed to returning to growth, supported by a healthy balance sheet and strong free cash flow [9] - Future results are expected to take time, but there is confidence in the brand portfolio and strategic plans [18] Other Important Information - The company remains committed to its dividend and share repurchase program, viewing its stock as a compelling investment [18] - The guidance for 2025 has been reaffirmed, with expectations to come in at the low end of prior ranges for key metrics [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the biggest opportunities and challenges ahead for the new CEO? - The new CEO highlighted the need to strengthen core brands and address share losses in the economy and flavor categories, while also focusing on premiumization opportunities [30] Question: Can you provide insights on the fourth quarter's top-line guidance? - The CFO indicated expectations for better performance in EMEA, APAC, and Canada, along with softer comps from contract brewing in the U.S. [32] Question: What are the pressures facing the beer category, and why is it considered cyclical? - Management noted that while there are structural issues, current pressures are largely due to macroeconomic factors, and they expect recovery as these issues are resolved [44] Question: How does the company plan to balance investments between beer and beyond beer? - The CEO emphasized the importance of supporting core beer brands while also seeking growth in the beyond beer segment, indicating a balanced approach to capital allocation [78] Question: What is the expected impact of the restructuring on the organization? - The restructuring aims to enhance agility and speed in decision-making, allowing for a more localized approach to market execution [76]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the first nine months of 2025, total volumes decreased by 7%, revenue decreased by 6.6%, while revenue per hectoliter increased by 0.4% [6] - Normalized EBITDA decreased by 7.7%, and the normalized EBITDA margin contracted by 37 basis points [6] - In the third quarter, total volumes and revenue decreased by 8.6% and 8.4%, respectively, with normalized EBITDA decreasing by 6.9% but the normalized EBITDA margin expanding by 46 basis points [6][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In APAC West, volumes and revenue decreased by 7.9% and 8.7%, respectively, while normalized EBITDA decreased by 9.7% [7] - In China, volumes in the third quarter decreased by 11.4%, and revenue decreased by 15.1%, with a normalized EBITDA decrease of 17.4% [7] - In APAC East, volumes decreased by 0.5%, while revenue and revenue per hectoliter increased by 1.8% and 2.3%, respectively [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In India, the company delivered double-digit revenue growth in the third quarter, with the Budweiser brand growing ahead of the industry [10] - In South Korea, volumes were flattish, with revenue and revenue per hectoliter growing by mid-single digits [11] - The contribution of the in-home channel to total volumes and revenue has continued to increase, with premium and super premium segments outpacing traditional channels [35] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on improving top-line performance by enhancing route-to-market strategies, increasing investments in mega brands, and leading innovation in packaging and product offerings [8][10] - There is a clear priority to reignite growth and rebuild market share momentum, particularly in China [4][5] - The company aims to expand its footprint through targeted geographic expansion and restore excellence in execution [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged challenges in China due to a soft economic cycle but emphasized opportunities for improvement in inventory management and resource allocation [4][29] - The company remains optimistic about growth in India and South Korea, with a focus on premiumization and innovation to capture market share [10][12] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining investments in both on-trade and off-trade channels to support brand building and consumer engagement [46][68] Other Important Information - The company is actively managing inventory levels, with current inventories lower than the previous year, and is focused on optimizing its route-to-market [29] - The company is committed to upholding compliance standards amid ongoing customs disputes in South Korea and Taiwan [72][74] Q&A Session Summary Question: Brand performance in China and mega brands' trends - Management discussed the impact of in-home consumption trends and innovations in product offerings, particularly for Budweiser and Corona [16][17] Question: Demand trends in South Korea - Management noted that while the industry remains soft, there are pockets of growth in non-alcoholic and flavored beers, with a strong performance from the core portfolio [21][24] Question: Outlook for the China market - Management confirmed proactive inventory management and expressed cautious optimism for a rebound in selling performance [28][30] Question: In-home channel penetration and expansion plans - Management indicated that the in-home channel currently accounts for about 60% of the industry, with plans to increase penetration closer to industry averages [31][32] Question: Strategies for low alcohol beer market - Management highlighted ongoing innovations in non-alcoholic and low-alcohol products, particularly in South Korea, where consumer interest is growing [52][55] Question: Update on Korean customs tax dispute and Taiwan anti-dumping duties - Management provided updates on ongoing customs disputes and adjustments in tariff rates in Taiwan, emphasizing the importance of market access [72][74]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the first nine months of 2025, total volumes decreased by 7%, revenue decreased by 6.6%, while revenue per hectoliter increased by 0.4% [7] - Normalized EBITDA decreased by 7.7%, and the normalized EBITDA margin contracted by 37 basis points [7] - In the third quarter, total volumes and revenue decreased by 8.6% and 8.4%, respectively, with normalized EBITDA decreasing by 6.9% but the normalized EBITDA margin expanding by 46 basis points [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In APAC West, volumes and revenue decreased by 7.9% and 8.7%, respectively, with normalized EBITDA decreasing by 9.7% [8] - In China, volumes in the third quarter decreased by 11.4%, revenue decreased by 15.1%, and revenue per hectoliter decreased by 4.1% [8] - In APAC East, volumes decreased by 0.5%, while revenue and revenue per hectoliter increased by 1.8% and 2.3%, respectively [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In India, the company delivered double-digit revenue growth in the third quarter, translating into strong EBITDA performance [11] - In South Korea, volumes were flattish, with revenue and revenue per hectoliter both growing by mid-single digits [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on improving top-line performance by enhancing route-to-market strategies, increasing investment in mega brands, and leading innovation within the industry [9] - The strategy includes expanding the in-home channel and premiumizing the product offerings to capture growth opportunities [9][10] - The company aims to restore excellence in execution and improve market share momentum [4][5] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged challenges in China due to a soft economic cycle but emphasized a clear view of improvement opportunities [4] - The company remains committed to operational excellence and is optimistic about long-term growth despite current market conditions [5][11] Other Important Information - The company continues to leverage technology to enhance commercial capabilities and optimize route-to-market strategies [11] - The performance in South Korea and India has been solid, with ongoing investments in marketing and product innovation [11][12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on brand performance in China - Management highlighted the importance of aligning brand performance with channel strategies, particularly focusing on in-home consumption and innovations [18][20] Question: Demand trends in Korea - Management noted that while the overall industry remains soft, there are pockets of growth in non-alcoholic and flavored beers, and the company is well-positioned to capture these opportunities [25][27] Question: Outlook for the China market - Management confirmed proactive inventory management and a focus on maintaining healthy route-to-market strategies, with expectations for gradual improvements [30][31] Question: In-home channel penetration - Management indicated that the in-home channel currently accounts for over 50% of their mix, with plans to increase this closer to the industry average [32][34] Question: Branding strategy for Harbin - Management expressed confidence in the Harbin brand's ability to compete nationally, particularly in Guangdong, and emphasized the need for a diverse portfolio to meet local consumer needs [39][42] Question: Commercial investment allocation - Management stated that investments are being sustained in both on-trade and off-trade channels, with a shift towards in-home channels as consumer preferences evolve [66][68] Question: Updates on Korean customs tax dispute - Management confirmed that the dispute is ongoing, with non-underlying charges recorded, but emphasized that the potential penalty exposure is not expected to be material [72][74]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the first nine months of 2025, total volumes decreased by 7%, revenue decreased by 6.6%, while revenue per hectoliter increased by 0.4% [8] - Normalized EBITDA decreased by 7.7%, and the normalized EBITDA margin contracted by 37 basis points [8] - In Q3 2025, total volumes and revenue decreased by 8.6% and 8.4%, respectively, with normalized EBITDA decreasing by 6.9% but the normalized EBITDA margin expanding by 46 basis points [8][9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In APAC West, volumes and revenue decreased by 7.9% and 8.7%, respectively, with normalized EBITDA decreasing by 9.7% [10] - In China, volumes in Q3 decreased by 11.4%, revenue decreased by 15.1%, and revenue per hectoliter decreased by 4.1% [10] - In APAC East, volumes decreased by 0.5%, while revenue and revenue per hectoliter increased by 1.8% and 2.3%, respectively [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In India, the company delivered double-digit revenue growth in Q3, with the Budweiser brand growing ahead of the industry [13] - In South Korea, volumes were flattish, with revenue and revenue per hectoliter growing by mid-single digits [14] - The contribution of the in-home channel to total volume and revenue has continued to increase, with premium and super premium segments outpacing contributions from Chinese restaurants [42] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on improving top-line performance through strengthening route-to-market, increasing investment in mega brands, leading innovation, and expanding geographic footprint [11] - The strategy includes enhancing the in-home channel and premiumizing the product offerings to capture growth opportunities [11][12] - The company is committed to leveraging technology to enhance commercial capabilities and optimize route-to-market [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged challenges in China due to a soft economic cycle but emphasized a clear view of improvement opportunities [6] - The company remains optimistic about growth in India and South Korea, with a focus on premiumization and innovation [13][30] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining investments in both on-trade and off-trade channels despite current pressures [56] Other Important Information - The company is actively managing inventory levels, with current inventories lower than the previous year [35] - There are ongoing customs tax disputes in South Korea, with non-underlying charges related to these claims amounting to $84 million [82] - In Taiwan, a provisional tariff was slightly adjusted down to 31.3% [84] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more details on brand performance in China, particularly for mega brands? - Management discussed the impact of the in-home channel and innovations like larger packaging formats to improve brand performance [21][22] Question: What is the outlook for the South Korean market given the weak industry demand? - Management noted that while the industry remains soft, there are pockets of growth in non-alcoholic and flavored beers, and the company continues to gain market share [30][31] Question: What is the current penetration level of the in-home channel in China? - Management indicated that the in-home channel accounts for about 60% of the industry but only over 50% of the company's channel mix, highlighting significant growth opportunities [38] Question: How does the company allocate resources between on-trade and off-trade channels? - Management stated that while investments in on-trade channels are maintained for brand building, a larger proportion of spending is directed towards in-home channels [77] Question: What are the strategies for low alcohol beer products? - Management emphasized ongoing innovation in non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beers, with a focus on consumer needs and market maturity [64][66] Question: Can you provide updates on the Korean customs tax dispute and Taiwan's anti-dumping duties? - Management confirmed the ongoing customs tax dispute and the slight adjustment in Taiwan's tariff rate, emphasizing the importance of maintaining market access [82][84]

Core Insights - Anheuser-Busch InBev is expected to report third-quarter 2025 earnings on October 30, with anticipated year-over-year revenue growth [1][10] Revenue and Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AB InBev's quarterly revenues is $15.4 billion, reflecting a 2% increase from the previous year [2] - The consensus estimate for earnings per share is 97 cents, indicating a 1% decline from the prior year [2] - The earnings estimate has decreased by 4% over the past 30 days [2] Recent Performance - In the last reported quarter, AB InBev's earnings per share exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4.3%, with an average earnings surprise of 10.1% over the last four quarters [3] Factors Influencing Q3 Results - The company's results are expected to benefit from strategic measures such as pricing actions, premiumization, and revenue management initiatives [4] - Strong consumer demand for AB InBev's brand portfolio is likely to have contributed positively to sales performance [4] - The focus on premium beer offerings aligns with consumer preferences, and the expansion of the Beyond Beer portfolio is expected to support performance [5] Challenges Facing the Company - AB InBev faces significant pressure from soft volumes in key markets like China and Brazil, indicating that revenue growth is primarily driven by price/mix rather than consumption [6] - The company is experiencing volume pressures due to shifting consumer preferences and competition from non-alcoholic alternatives [6] - Elevated costs from commodity inflation and supply chain issues, along with a challenging macroeconomic environment, are anticipated to negatively impact quarterly performance [7] Valuation and Stock Performance - The stock has a forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio of 15.05X, compared to a five-year high of 23.71X and the industry average of 14.02X [9] - Year-to-date, AB InBev shares have increased by 22.4%, contrasting with a 4.6% decline in the industry [12]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Unilever reported underlying sales growth of 3.9% in Q3 2025, with underlying price growth at 2.4% and volume contributing 1.5% [5][6][18] - Turnover for Q3 was EUR 14.7 billion, down 3.5% year-on-year, primarily due to a negative currency impact of 6.1% [18][19] - The company expects an adverse currency impact on full-year turnover of around 6% and a 30 basis points impact on the underlying operating margin [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Beauty and Wellbeing and Personal Care were major growth engines, with underlying sales growth of 5.1% and 4.1% respectively [22][10] - Power brands, which represent over 75% of turnover, grew by 4.4% in Q3, with volumes up 1.7% for the total group [6][7] - Home Care underlying sales grew 3.1%, driven by strong performances from CIF and Domestos [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America saw underlying sales growth of 5.5%, driven by Personal Care and Wellbeing brands [7][8] - Emerging markets grew by 4.1%, led by a return to growth in Indonesia and China, despite challenges in India and Latin America [3][9] - Latin America experienced a decline in underlying sales by 2.5%, with a 7.3% decline in volume [9][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on premium segments and fast-growing channels, with a significant shift towards digital commerce [22][60] - Unilever is preparing for the demerger of its ice cream business, expected to be completed in 2025 [3][17] - The strategic priority is to strengthen the portfolio with more beauty, wellbeing, and personal care products, aiming for a higher market share in key categories [22][47] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in meeting full-year outlook despite some market softness, particularly in Latin America [21][22] - The company anticipates volume growth in Q4 to be at least in line with Q3, with an expected improvement in underlying operating margin for the full year [21][68] - Management highlighted the importance of learning from challenges in Latin America to avoid similar issues in other regions [32][75] Other Important Information - The company has made significant investments in premium innovations and brand execution, which are expected to drive future growth [22][23] - The acquisition of Dr. Squatch is expected to enhance Unilever's presence in the premium male grooming segment [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on volume growth expectations into 2026 - Management confirmed expectations of 2% volume growth into 2026, reflecting confidence in long-term market performance [25][28] Question: Growth of Wellbeing and Prestige in North America - Management noted strong double-digit growth in Liquid I.V. and Nutrafol, with improvements in prestige beauty brands like Hourglass and K18 [28][29] Question: Challenges in Latin America - Management acknowledged self-inflicted issues in Brazil, particularly in laundry and deodorants, and outlined corrective actions being taken [30][31] Question: Pricing outlook in light of commodity costs - Management indicated that while commodity costs are relatively benign, wage inflation and currency devaluation are factors to consider for future pricing strategies [38][39] Question: Performance in China and Indonesia - Management reported positive growth in both markets, with significant improvements in Indonesia attributed to a reset in business fundamentals [71][72]