New Indiana Distribution Deal Supercharges Midwest Reach – Strengthening Footprint in Key Border States and Reinforcing Growth Trajectory for 2025 Nashville, TN, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) ("American Rebel" or the "Company"), creator of American Rebel Light Beer (americanrebelbeer.com) and a designer, manufacturer, and marketer of branded safes, personal security and self-defense products and apparel (americanrebel.com), is expanding into Indiana through it ...

Core Viewpoint - The current market volatility, driven by President Trump's trade tariffs, presents opportunities for patient investors to capitalize on discounted stocks [1][2]. Group 1: Starbucks - Starbucks has experienced a 25.6% decline over the past quarter, with shares trading at 70% of their 52-week highs, indicating a favorable environment for bullish investors [3][4]. - The stock forecast for Starbucks is set at $98.72, suggesting a potential upside of 16.57% from the current price of $84.69, based on 27 analyst ratings [3][5]. - Analysts predict that Starbucks could rally by as much as 20% from its current trading price, although true opinions may not be revealed until sales stabilize [5][6]. Group 2: ASML - ASML's stock forecast is $906.00, indicating a potential upside of 31.24% from the current price of $690.33, based on 10 analyst ratings [7][8]. - ASML is considered indispensable in the semiconductor industry, as its machinery is crucial for companies like NVIDIA to manufacture chips [8][9]. - Analysts from J.P. Morgan Chase maintain an Overweight rating on ASML, with a valuation of $1,100, suggesting a potential upside of up to 65% [10][11]. Group 3: PepsiCo - PepsiCo's stock forecast is $160.69, indicating a potential upside of 20.14% from the current price of $133.75, based on 18 analyst ratings [12][13]. - Institutional investors have increased their holdings in Pepsi by 9.4%, reflecting confidence in the stock despite its current bearish position [12][13]. - The stock has fallen to 73% of its 52-week high, with forward P/E valuations at 16.6x, which is below the lows seen during the COVID-19 pandemic [13][14].

Group 1 - FEMSA filed its annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, with the U.S. SEC and other regulatory bodies [1] - The reports include FEMSA's audited financial statements and are available on the company's investor relations website [2] - FEMSA operates in the retail industry through its Proximity Americas Division, which includes OXXO, and Proximity Europe, which includes Valora [3] Group 2 - The company also has a Health Division that includes drugstores and digital financial services initiatives [3] - In the beverage industry, FEMSA is the largest franchise bottler of Coca-Cola products in the world by volume [3] - FEMSA employs over 392,000 people across 18 countries and is recognized in various sustainability indexes [3]

Core Insights - FEMSA reported a total revenue growth of 11.1% and an increase in income from operations by 4.9% for the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 [5] - The company faced challenges in the Proximity Americas segment, with total revenues growing by 6.8% but income from operations decreasing by 11.8% [5] - Coca-Cola FEMSA achieved a revenue growth of 10.0% and an income from operations increase of 7.4% compared to the first quarter of 2024 [5] Financial Performance - Total revenues for FEMSA reached a growth of 11.1% in Q1 2025 [5] - Gross profit increased by 15.8% in the same period [2] - Income from operations rose by 4.9% compared to Q1 2024 [5] Segment Analysis - Proximity Americas experienced a revenue growth of 6.8% but faced a significant decline in income from operations by 11.8% [2][5] - Proximity Europe saw a revenue increase of 18.0% but a decline in income from operations by 14.6% [2] - The Health segment reported a revenue growth of 21.0% and a substantial increase in income from operations by 27.4% [2] - The Fuel segment had a modest revenue growth of 1.8% but faced a decline in income from operations by 13.9% [2] User Engagement - Spin by OXXO had 8.9 million active users, representing a growth of 20.9% compared to Q1 2024 [5] - Spin Premia recorded 25.2 million active loyalty users, reflecting a growth of 15.9% compared to the same period last year [5] - The average tender for Spin Premia increased to 42.5% from 35.1% in Q1 2024 [5] Management Commentary - The CEO highlighted the company's ability to navigate a challenging environment, particularly in Mexico, leveraging a geographically diversified business platform [3] - The company anticipates a recovery in its Mexico business as the year progresses, projecting momentum in the second half of 2025 [6] - Management expressed confidence in the initiatives being implemented to drive revenues and lower costs [7]

Core Insights - The Boston Beer Company reported strong first-quarter 2025 results, with earnings per share of $2.16, significantly exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 78 cents, marking a 108% year-over-year improvement [3] - Net revenues reached $453.9 million, a 6.5% increase from the prior-year quarter, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $432.3 million, driven by higher pricing and volume gains [3] - The company is focused on executing its operating plans for the summer season, leveraging a diversified brand portfolio and innovation pipeline despite ongoing macroeconomic challenges [2] Financial Performance - Gross profit improved by 17.7% year over year to $219.3 million, with gross margin expanding by 460 basis points to 48.3% from 43.7% in the previous year [9] - Advertising, promotional, and selling expenses rose by 14.4% to $137.5 million due to increased investments in media and local marketing, while general and administrative expenses decreased by 4.8% to $48 million [10] - As of March 29, 2025, the company had cash and cash equivalents of $152.5 million and total stockholders' equity of $897 million, with sufficient liquidity to meet cash requirements [11] Shipment and Depletion Trends - Shipment volume increased by 5.3% year over year to 1.7 million barrels, primarily driven by higher shipments in brands like Sun Cruiser, Hard Mountain Dew, and Twisted Tea, although depletions fell by 1% year over year [5][6] - Distributor inventory averaged nearly five weeks on hand, indicating appropriate inventory levels for each brand [8] Future Guidance - The company anticipates tariffs to have an unfavorable cost impact of $20-$30 million in 2025, which could reduce earnings per share by $1.25-$1.90 [13] - Depletions and shipments are expected to fluctuate in 2025, with second-quarter shipments anticipated to outpace depletions, but a reversal is expected in the third quarter [14] - The gross margin is projected to be between 45-47% for 2025, factoring in negative impacts from shortfall fees and non-cash expenses [15] Capital Expenditures and Share Repurchase - Capital spending is expected to be between $90-$110 million in 2025, aimed at enhancing brewery capabilities and efficiencies [17] - The company repurchased Class A common stocks worth $49.2 million in the first quarter of 2025, bringing total year-to-date repurchases to $60.5 million [12]

Core Insights - Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. (KDP) reported first-quarter 2024 results with earnings and revenues exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate, showing year-over-year improvement [1][2] Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) reached 42 cents, a 10.5% increase year over year, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 38 cents [2] - Net sales amounted to $3.64 billion, reflecting a 4.8% year-over-year increase and exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.56 billion [6] - On a constant-currency basis, net sales improved by 6.4%, driven by a 3.6% increase in volume/mix and a favorable net price realization of 2.8% [6] - Adjusted gross profit rose 1.8% year over year to $1.99 billion, while adjusted gross margin decreased by 170 basis points to 54.6% [6] Segment Performance - U.S. Refreshment Beverages segment sales totaled $2.32 billion, up 11% year over year, supported by market share gains and the acquisition of GHOST [8] - U.S. Coffee segment sales declined 3.7% year over year to $877 million, impacted by a 5.2% decline in volume/mix due to pricing actions related to rising green coffee costs [10] - International segment sales fell 6.3% year over year to $435 million, but increased by 5.4% on a constant-currency basis [11] Operational Efficiency - Adjusted operating income increased by 3.9% year over year to $847 million, aided by higher sales and productivity savings, despite inflationary pressures [7] - Adjusted operating margin contracted by 50 basis points year over year to 23.3% [7] Financial Health - As of March 31, 2025, KDP had cash and cash equivalents of $653 million, long-term obligations of $12 billion, and total stockholders' equity of $24.4 billion [12] - Net cash provided by operating activities was $209 million, with free cash flow amounting to $102 million [12] Future Outlook - KDP reaffirmed its guidance for 2025, projecting mid-single-digit net sales growth and high-single-digit adjusted EPS growth on a constant currency basis [13] - Foreign currency translation is expected to be a nearly one percentage point headwind on growth for the current year [13]

Core Insights - The Alkaline Water Company has entered into an exclusive brokerage agreement with a major sales and marketing agency, marking a significant step in its strategic growth initiative [1][4] - This partnership will enhance the retail presence of Alkaline88 across North America, providing access to over 11,000 retail locations and a team of 60,000 representatives [2][3] Strategic Collaboration - The agreement with the agency, established in 1927, will allow Alkaline88 to reach consumers through various channels, including supermarkets, club stores, convenience stores, drug retailers, and mass merchants [2] - The agency serves over 3,000 clients, offering Alkaline88 access to key decision-makers at major retail chains, which is crucial for expanding its market presence [3] National Expansion - The brokerage agreement is a key element of the company's strategic growth plan, focusing on building relationships with top-tier sales and marketing partners to enhance brand visibility [4] - The CEO expressed gratitude to the sales team for their efforts in securing this agreement, which aligns with the company's national distribution strategy [4] Company Overview - The Alkaline Water Company is a leader in the premium beverage industry, known for its Alkaline88 brand, which is recognized for its clean ingredient profile and superior hydration solutions [5] - The Alkaline88 product is created using a proprietary electrolysis process that infuses purified water with Himalayan rock salt, achieving a balanced pH of 8.8 without chemicals or additives [5] - Under the leadership of CEO Ricky Wright, the company is focused on operational improvements, market expansion, and sustainable profitable growth [5]

Core Viewpoint - FEMSA's shares have increased by 24.3% year-to-date, outperforming the broader industry and Consumer Staples sector, which grew by 10.7% and 5.7% respectively, while also surpassing the S&P 500's decline of 12.6% in the same period [1]. Stock Performance - At the current price of $106.23, FMX stock is trading at a 13.7% discount to its 52-week high of $123.09 and reflects a 31% premium from its 52-week low of $81.08 [5]. - The stock is above its 50 and 200-day moving averages, indicating a bullish sentiment [5]. Growth Strategies - FEMSA is focused on the FEMSA Forward Strategy, aimed at long-term value creation in its core businesses, including retail, Coca-Cola FEMSA, and Digital@FEMSA [6]. - The retail business, particularly the Proximity division, presents substantial long-term growth opportunities [6]. Digital Initiatives - FEMSA is advancing in the digital space through Digital@FEMSA, which aims to create a value-added digital and financial ecosystem [7]. - The company is investing in digital offerings, loyalty programs, and fintech platforms within its OXXO chains to strengthen its long-term position [8]. Business Unit Performance - FEMSA is experiencing solid growth trends across all business units, with significant opportunities in the Proximity and Health retail sectors [9]. - OXXO Mexico is a key pillar of FEMSA's retail operations, with a store network exceeding 1,000 locations and increasing productivity per store [11]. Valuation Perspective - FEMSA is trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio of 19.79X, which is above the industry average of 12.49X, indicating a premium valuation [12]. - This premium is justified by FEMSA's consistent financial performance and growth prospects, driven by successful digital initiatives and strong performances in OXXO Mexico and OXXO Gas [13]. Investment Potential - The focus on the FEMSA Forward strategy, digital expansion, and potential in Proximity and Health retail businesses offers significant long-term growth opportunities [15].

Core Viewpoint - Barfresh Food Group Inc. is set to host a business update call on May 1, 2025, to discuss company developments and performance [1]. Group 1: Company Overview - Barfresh Food Group Inc. (NASDAQ:BRFH) specializes in the development, manufacturing, and distribution of ready-to-blend and ready-to-drink beverages, including smoothies, shakes, and frappes [4]. - The company primarily serves the education market, foodservice industry, and restaurant chains, offering products in both single-serving and bulk formats for on-site preparation [4]. - Barfresh utilizes a proprietary system for its single-serving products, which involves portion-controlled pre-packaged beverage ingredients, ensuring quick, cost-efficient, and waste-free beverage preparation [4]. Group 2: Investor Relations - The company has provided contact information for investor relations, including John Mills and Deirdre Thomson from ICR, with their respective phone numbers and email addresses [5].

Group 1: Event Overview - The fifth China International Consumer Products Expo features over 1,700 consumer enterprises and more than 4,100 brands from 71 countries and regions, with eight major exhibition halls [3] - New exhibition areas for new consumer technology, artificial intelligence, and low-altitude economy have been established, focusing on cutting-edge technologies such as smart wearables, smart home devices, and intelligent connected vehicles [3] Group 2: Artificial Intelligence and Robotics - The AI exhibition area, particularly the robotics section, has become a focal point, attracting large crowds with demonstrations of various robotic capabilities [4] - China Mobile's quadruped robot, designed for companionship, features a display screen for dynamic expressions and a compartment for delivering medication, with a projected price of 20,000 to 30,000 yuan [5][7] - Strong Brain Technology showcased a bionic hand that can play the piano, integrating brain-computer interface technology and AI algorithms for rehabilitation purposes [7] Group 3: Automotive Innovations - The "vehicle-road-cloud integration" technology in the automotive sector has shown promising results, with real-time interaction between autonomous vehicles and cloud platforms being piloted in Hainan Province [8][10] - The AI smart intersection technology enhances vehicle adaptability and reduces traffic accidents, with a system latency of less than 0.1 seconds [10] - Consumer interest in automotive intelligence has significantly increased, with many attendees prioritizing advanced driving assistance systems [10] Group 4: Low-altitude Economy - The low-altitude economy has been highlighted as a significant topic, with flying cars expected to be delivered next year, primarily for scenic tourism applications [12][14] - Companies like EHang are collaborating with tourism firms to pilot island sightseeing routes, indicating a shift from professional to consumer applications in the low-altitude sector [14][16] Group 5: Globalization of Chinese Brands - Moutai Group reported overseas revenue exceeding 5.189 billion yuan in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 19.27%, emphasizing the importance of internationalization for consumer brands [16][18] - Luckin Coffee is expanding its international presence, with significant growth in Singapore and plans to enter other global markets [20] - The expo reflects China's openness and the clear path for Chinese brands to globalize, showcasing a blend of advanced technology and consumer goods [22]