Core Viewpoint - Quantum BioPharma Ltd. announces the hiring of MNP LLP for PCAOB audits of Unbuzzd Wellness Inc. in preparation for a potential IPO, following the resignation of the previous auditor [1][2][3] Group 1: Company Developments - Unbuzzd Wellness Inc. has engaged MNP LLP to conduct PCAOB audits effective May 20, 2025, to ensure compliance and readiness for a possible IPO [1][2] - The company has changed its name to Unbuzzd Wellness Inc. effective May 23, 2025, with new CUSIP and ISIN numbers assigned [4][5] - There were no reservations or modified opinions in the previous auditor's reports, indicating a clean audit history [3] Group 2: Product Information - Unbuzzd is a scientifically-proven beverage designed to accelerate alcohol metabolism, restore mental clarity, and reduce hangover symptoms, appealing to a broad audience of alcohol consumers [8][9] - The product has been validated by a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, demonstrating its effectiveness in speeding up alcohol metabolism and reducing symptoms of intoxication [9] Group 3: Leadership Insights - John Duffy, CEO of Unbuzzd Wellness Inc., emphasizes the importance of MNP's engagement in adhering to industry standards and preparing for the IPO [3] - Gerry David, Board Co-Chair, highlights the completion of PCAOB audits as a crucial step in raising capital and considering an IPO [3] Group 4: Ownership and Financial Structure - Quantum BioPharma retains a 20.11% ownership stake in Unbuzzd Wellness Inc. and is entitled to 7% royalty payments from sales until reaching $250 million, after which the royalty rate will drop to 3% [6]

Group 1 - Tilray Brands, Inc. will participate in the TD Cowen 9th Annual Future of the Consumer Conference on June 3, 2025, in New York, with a fireside chat scheduled for 11:00 a.m. ET [1] - The company is recognized as a global leader in the lifestyle and consumer packaged goods sector, focusing on cannabis, beverage, wellness, and entertainment industries [3] - Tilray operates in multiple regions including Canada, the United States, Europe, Australia, and Latin America, supporting over 40 brands in more than 20 countries [3]

Core Insights - The Alkaline Water Company is expanding its market presence in the Midwest by partnering with Pete's Market, a family-owned grocery chain in the Chicago area [1][2][3] - Alkaline88 products will be available in all 19 current Pete's Market locations, with 4 additional stores opening soon, enhancing the brand's visibility in a key consumer market [2][4] - The CEO of The Alkaline Water Company emphasized the alignment of brand values with Pete's Market, which is known for high-quality products and exceptional service [3][4] Company Overview - The Alkaline Water Company, Inc. is recognized as a leader in the premium beverage industry, particularly for its Alkaline88 brand, which features a balanced pH of 8.8 and a clean ingredient profile [6] - The company utilizes a proprietary electrolysis process to infuse purified water with Himalayan rock salt and trace minerals, ensuring a chemical-free product [6] - Under the leadership of CEO Ricky Wright, the company is focused on operational improvements, market expansion, and achieving sustainable profitable growth [6] Market Strategy - The Midwest is identified as a key growth region for The Alkaline Water Company as part of its national expansion strategy [4] - The partnership with quality retailers like Pete's Market is seen as a testament to the increasing consumer demand for Alkaline88 products across the country [4] - Recent retail placements in Arizona and Southern California indicate the company's commitment to expanding its national footprint [4]

Core Points - American Rebel Holdings, Inc. congratulates Tony Stewart on his recent victory at the NHRA Route 66 Nationals, marking his fourth consecutive final and second win in his Top Fuel career [1][9] - The company has a strong association with Tony Stewart Racing, enhancing its brand visibility through sponsorships and social media reach [5][7] Group 1: Company Overview - American Rebel Holdings, Inc. operates primarily as a designer, manufacturer, and marketer of branded safes and personal security products, and has recently entered the beverage industry with American Rebel Beer [13] - The company is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the ticker AREB [13] Group 2: Sponsorship and Marketing - American Rebel is an associate sponsor for Tony Stewart's Top Fuel Dragster and Matt Hagan's Funny Car for all 20 races of the NHRA Mission Foods 2025 season, with primary sponsorship for five races [5][8] - The sponsorship provides significant exposure during race broadcasts on major networks, including Fox Sports and its affiliates [5] Group 3: Digital Media and Engagement - NHRA is expanding its digital media presence, creating opportunities for content creators and influencers, which will benefit American Rebel by increasing brand engagement [6] - The social media following of Tony Stewart and his team members enhances American Rebel's visibility, with Stewart having nearly 750,000 followers on X and over 250,000 on Instagram [7]

Core Insights - The Alkaline Water Company Inc. has reentered the Phoenix market by placing its products at a well-established family-owned grocer, enhancing its local presence [1][3] - The company's flagship product, Alkaline88, is now available in three sizes: one-gallon, 3-liter, and 1.5-liter bottles, across various retail formats in the Phoenix area [2][4] - The expansion in Phoenix follows recent retail placements in Southern California and a strategic entry into the convenience store channel in Arizona, indicating the company's commitment to market growth and national availability [4] Company Overview - The Alkaline Water Company Inc. is recognized as a leader in the premium beverage industry, focusing on superior hydration solutions with its Alkaline88 products, which are known for their clean ingredient profile and 8.8 pH balance [5] - The company utilizes a proprietary electrolysis process to create its products, infusing purified water with Himalayan rock salt, trace minerals, and electrolytes [5] - Under the leadership of co-founder Ricky Wright as CEO, the company is implementing strategies aimed at operational improvements, market expansion, and sustainable profitable growth [5]

Core Viewpoint - FEMSA has entered into an accelerated share repurchase (ASR) agreement to repurchase $250 million of its American Depositary Shares (ADS) to enhance capital returns to shareholders [1][2]. Group 1: ASR Agreement Details - The ASR agreement involves an initial delivery of 483,559 ADSs on May 20, 2025 [1]. - The total number of shares repurchased will depend on the daily volume-weighted average price of the ADS during the agreement term, minus a discount [2]. - The final settlement of the ASR is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2025 [2]. Group 2: Company Overview - FEMSA operates in the retail industry through its Proximity Americas Division, which includes the OXXO small-format store chain, and Proximity Europe, which operates Valora [3]. - The company also has a Health Division that includes drugstores and digital financial services initiatives [3]. - In the beverage sector, FEMSA is the largest franchise bottler of Coca-Cola products globally by volume [3]. - FEMSA employs over 392,000 people across 18 countries and is recognized in various sustainability and ESG indexes [3].

Core Insights - The Alkaline Water Company is expanding its distribution into the Midwest by placing its products at Woodman's Markets, a well-regarded independent grocery retailer [1][3] - The flagship product, Alkaline88 one-gallon bottles, will be available in Woodman's Markets' 24-hour superstores, providing access to a large customer base [2][5] - This expansion follows a recent placement in Southern California, indicating the company's commitment to strategic growth across the United States [4] Company Overview - The Alkaline Water Company, Inc. is recognized as a leader in the premium beverage industry, focusing on clean and pure hydration solutions [6] - The Alkaline88 brand is known for its 8.8 pH balance and clean ingredient profile, crafted through a proprietary electrolysis process [6] - The company is led by co-founder Ricky Wright, who is implementing strategies for operational improvements and market expansion [6]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 30% growth in earnings per share year over year, marking the ninth consecutive quarter of profitability [5] - EBITDA margins expanded to 24.1% compared to 19.7% in the prior period [5] - Net revenue for Q1 2025 was $8.2 million, a 13% decrease from $9.4 million in the same quarter last year [12] - Gross margin increased to 75.4% from 72% year over year [12] - Operating expenses decreased by 15% to $4.2 million from $5 million in the prior year [12] - Net income for Q1 was $876,000 or $0.10 per diluted share, up from $580,000 or $0.08 per diluted share in the previous year [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The RTD beverage segment generated $30,000 in revenue during Q1, with expectations of $2 million in Q2 due to strong orders from Amazon [17][18] - A long-term supplier agreement for Focus Factor products is expected to yield significant cost savings [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has entered a three-year license agreement for the Focus Factor brand in the UAE, expecting revenue generation by Q4 2025 [6] - A wholly owned subsidiary has been established in Mexico, with revenue expected to start in early Q3 [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to expand its global presence by adding new licensees in selected markets where it does not currently operate [6] - The focus remains on growing the Canadian and US convenience store business for RTD beverages [8] - The refinancing of debt is expected to alleviate over $10 million in principal payments in 2025 and extend maturity into 2029 [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ongoing discipline around cost management and the strength of the operating model [5] - The company does not expect material impacts from tariffs due to its sourcing strategy [11] Other Important Information - Cash and cash equivalents decreased to $177,900 from $687,900 at the end of 2024 [14] - Total liabilities decreased to $31.3 million from $33 million at the end of 2024 [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: What was the RTD beverage revenue in the quarter and plans for rollout? - The RTD beverage segment generated $30,000 in Q1, with expectations of $2 million in Q2 due to Amazon orders [17] Question: What are the plans for geographic territories and distribution channels? - The focus is primarily on Canada and the US, targeting convenience stores and existing retailers [20] Question: Will G&A expenses rise through the year? - G&A expenses are expected to remain flat as a percentage, with some headcount additions [21] Question: What was the licensing revenue booked in Q1? - The company received a $1.5 million fee for the UAE license agreement, with revenue expected to start in Q4 [23][25]

TORONTO, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tilray Brands, Inc. (Nasdaq: TLRY; TSX: TLRY), a global lifestyle and consumer packaged goods company at the forefront of beverage, cannabis and wellness industries, is excited to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, High Park Holdings Ltd., is launching XMG Atomic Sours, a new line of cannabis beverages and gummies that redefine the sour experience. XMG Atomic Sours includes two cannabis-infused drinks, Cherry Blasted Lime and Foggy Peaches, and two cannabis- ...

Investment Rating - The report maintains a consistent sector preference, favoring sports brands, diversified retailers, dairy, beverages, and restaurants, while being less favorable towards apparel/footwear OEM, furniture, projectors, discretionary small kitchen appliances, jewelry, and non-super-premium spirits [11]. Core Insights - Consumption in China has shown signs of recovery, with retail sales growth improving to +4.6% year-over-year in 1Q25, and companies in the coverage reporting an average growth of 14% compared to 12% in 4Q24 [1]. - Despite the positive growth, companies remain cautious about the outlook due to ongoing volatility and external factors such as US-China tariff developments impacting consumer confidence [2][1]. - Margin performance in 1Q25 was mixed, with some companies benefiting from favorable raw material prices and cost control, while others faced risks from marketing investments and competition [1]. - Companies are generally maintaining disciplined pricing strategies and healthier inventory levels, although some categories like spirits and sportswear are experiencing challenges due to demand pressures [1]. - The impact of tariffs on earnings and consumer sentiment is significant, with companies cautious about the second half of 2025 amid uncertainties [2]. Summary by Sections Key Findings from 1Q25 Results - Retail sales growth improved to +4.6% year-over-year, with coverage companies reporting an average growth of 14% [1]. - Labor Day consumption growth accelerated, indicating a potential rebound in consumer spending [1]. Expectations for 2Q25 - Companies are cautious about the outlook for 2H25 due to tariff uncertainties, although those with market share gain opportunities may be more resilient [2]. Sector/Stock Preferences - Preferred sectors include sports brands, diversified retailers, dairy, beverages, and restaurants, while least preferred sectors include apparel/footwear OEM and furniture [11]. Macro Data Points - The report notes that macroeconomic data points are solid, but ongoing tariff developments and policy support need to be monitored [11]. Valuation Methodology - The report emphasizes the importance of understanding the valuation methodology and the potential risks associated with it [11].