Core Insights - The performance of the Southeastern Small-Cap Fund has been mixed, with the underlying developments of holdings being better than stock price returns, particularly in a challenging market environment [2][3] - The fund's portfolio has a lower percentage of big winners compared to the Russell 2000, with only 15% of its holdings up an average of 30% compared to over 35% of the index's holdings up 70%+ [3] - The fund has maintained a strong position in the mid-range performance category, outperforming the Russell 2000 in that segment [4] - The fund's exposure to decliners was limited, with only 10% of the portfolio in this category, resulting in lower average losses compared to the index [5] Performance Analysis - The fund's average performance in the -20% to +20% return bucket was better than the Russell 2000's 0% return, with key holdings like White Mountains, CNX, and Rayonier contributing positively [4] - The fund's cash position and stable investments like Kodak initially provided safety but later became performance headwinds [6] - The fund's leverage rules have been effective in avoiding pitfalls, and adjustments to the overweight rule have been made to enhance performance [7][8] Notable Contributors - Beclé, a tequila and whiskey manufacturer, was a significant contributor due to its undervaluation and strong market position [9] - GCI Liberty, a communications company in Alaska, benefited from its unique market position and insider support from John Malone [10] - Graham Holdings showed strong performance due to growth in its education and healthcare segments [11] - Mattel has positioned itself well with strong brand power and a robust balance sheet, leading to significant stock repurchases [12] - Oscar Health experienced above-market growth but was exited due to emerging industry risks [14] Notable Detractors - Boston Beer faced challenges due to declining volumes in its major brands, although management is actively addressing these issues [15] - Clearwater Paper struggled with a weak market for solid bleached sulfate paperboard, but management is focusing on share repurchases [16] - Park Hotels & Resorts was impacted by macroeconomic concerns affecting leisure travel, leading to a decision to exit the position [18] Portfolio Activity - The fund made seven new purchases during the year, including GCI Liberty and Beclé, while exiting eight positions, including Kodak and Oscar Health [20][19] Outlook - The fund anticipates continued engagement through research perspectives and podcasts, focusing on quality investments amid market volatility [21] - The fund's strategy emphasizes owning resilient, free cash flow-generating assets to navigate market fluctuations effectively [22]

Core Thesis - Diageo plc is viewed positively by analysts due to its strong brand portfolio, strategic leadership under CEO Dave Lewis, and potential for transformation despite challenges in the alcohol industry [1][5][6] Company Overview - Diageo plc operates in the production, marketing, and distribution of alcoholic beverages across multiple regions including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Africa [2] - The company has over 200 globally recognized brands such as Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, and Guinness [3] Financial Performance - Revenue increased from $15.2 billion in 2017 to $20.5 billion in 2022, but has stagnated at $20.24 billion in 2025 [3] - The stock has declined approximately 37% this year and is 60% below its peak in 2022 [3] Leadership and Strategy - Dave Lewis, the new CEO, brings 27 years of experience and aims to reinvigorate Diageo through cost-cutting and focusing on core growth areas [2][3] - The company is implementing cost-saving measures and strategic capital allocation, including the sale of its 65% stake in East African Breweries Limited for about $3 billion [4] Market Challenges - The primary challenge facing Diageo is the decline in per capita alcohol consumption, particularly in spirits, as consumers are drinking less [4] - Analysts expect continued rationalization of the brand portfolio and divestment of non-core assets to improve financial health [5] Investment Outlook - Diageo is considered an attractive entry point around $85, with a nearly 5% dividend yield and strong cash flow, presenting a favorable risk/reward scenario [5] - The company’s fundamentals and valuation remain compelling despite the broader challenges in the alcohol sector [6]

Company Overview - Rebel Bourbon has reintroduced Rebel Root Beer Whiskey, an innovative product that combines traditional bourbon with root beer flavors [1][2] - The whiskey is distilled in Bardstown, Kentucky, by Lux Row Distillers, maintaining a wheated mash bill that dates back to 1849 [6] - Luxco, the parent company, has been a significant player in the beverage alcohol industry since its founding in 1958, operating multiple distilleries and offering a diverse portfolio of brands [7] Product Details - Rebel Root Beer Whiskey is bottled at 70 proof (35% ABV) and is priced at a minimum suggested retail price of $19.99 for a 750mL bottle and $0.99 for a 50mL bottle [1][2] - The whiskey features a flavor profile that includes sassafras, vanilla, licorice, molasses, bourbon whiskey, caramel, and honey notes, culminating in a sweet and spicy finish [3] Marketing and Consumer Engagement - The brand manager, Philip Lux, emphasized the product's fun and rule-free nature, promoting its versatility for various consumption methods [4] - Marketing initiatives include merchandise giveaways and promotional events featuring "Shoot the Root" branding [4] Awards and Recognition - Rebel Bourbon has received multiple industry accolades, including Single Barrel American Whiskey of the Year for Rebel 10-Year Single Barrel at the 2025 Bartender Spirits Awards [6]

Fundsmith Equity Fund Performance - Fundsmith Equity Fund's T Class Accumulation shares returned 0.8% in 2025, underperforming the MSCI World Index which returned 12.8% [1] - Since inception, the fund has outperformed the index by 1.7% per annum [1] - Underperformance in 2025 attributed to index concentration, growth of assets in Index Funds, and dollar weakness [1] Brown-Forman Corporation Analysis - Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE:BF-B) experienced a one-month return of -12.46% and a 52-week loss of 22.71% [2] - As of January 12, 2026, Brown-Forman's stock closed at $26.62 with a market capitalization of $12.33 billion [2] - Fundsmith highlighted that Brown-Forman and PepsiCo's snack business are affected by reduced appetites due to weight loss drugs and changing drinking habits among Generation Z [3] Hedge Fund Interest in Brown-Forman - Brown-Forman was held by 35 hedge fund portfolios at the end of Q3 2025, a decrease from 37 in the previous quarter [4] - While Brown-Forman is recognized for its investment potential, certain AI stocks are considered to offer greater upside potential with less downside risk [4]

Alcohol Industry Insights - 54% of Americans drink alcohol, marking an all-time low compared to 68%-71% in the 1970s and early 80s, raising questions about whether this is a secular trend or a phase, particularly among Gen Z [1] - Alcohol consumption has historically fluctuated due to health concerns, with companies like Brown-Forman and Diageo experiencing new 52-week lows, indicating a decline in alcohol consumption [2][4] - The average number of drinks per adult per week in the U.S. has remained stable between 10 and 12 for decades, only slightly below its 2021 peak, suggesting that regular drinkers maintain their consumption patterns despite market softness [10] Demographic Trends - From 2023 to 2025, the share of drinkers in households earning less than $40,000 fell by 14 percentage points to 39%, indicating affordability issues may be influencing drinking habits [7][8] - The decline in drinking among higher-income households may be attributed to health concerns or a reset of drinking norms after excessive consumption during COVID [9] Company Performance: Brown-Forman - Brown-Forman has faced challenges, including a 5% decline in sales and a 14% drop in earnings per share in Q2 2026, with expectations of low single-digit declines for the remainder of the year [21] - Analysts project Brown-Forman to earn $1.65 per share in 2026, trading at 15.4 times this estimate, with an enterprise value of $14.42 billion, indicating a more favorable valuation compared to Wayfair [22] Company Performance: Wayfair - Wayfair's stock has increased by 143% over the past 12 months, but the company has a poor history of profitability, with only six profitable quarters since going public in 2014 [13][16] - In Q3 2025, Wayfair reported a loss of $99 million, which is $25 million higher than the loss in Q3 2024, highlighting ongoing financial struggles [18] Investment Considerations - The comparison between Brown-Forman and Wayfair suggests that despite current challenges, Brown-Forman is viewed as a more stable investment due to its history of profitability and dividend payments, while Wayfair is seen as chasing an uncertain future [22]

Core Insights - The value of Irish whiskey exports fell by 5% in 2025, totaling €930 million ($1.1 billion), primarily due to a challenging trading environment in the US [1] - The overall value of Irish food, drink, and horticulture exports grew by 12% to €19 billion, marking a significant performance despite market volatility [6] Group 1: Irish Whiskey Market - Irish whiskey exports accounted for 45% of total drinks shipments from Ireland [1] - The US market saw a 5% decline in Irish whiskey exports, influenced by stockpiling in anticipation of tariffs and a 12% devaluation of the US dollar [2] - In the EU, Germany was the largest market for Irish whiskey, with stable exports to France and a slight dip in sales to Poland and the UK [3] Group 2: Other Spirits and Alcoholic Beverages - Exports of Irish gin decreased by 14% in value as markets rationalized brand offerings [3] - Both gin and whiskey faced challenges due to US trading uncertainties and a slowdown in premiumisation driven by consumer spending pressures [4] - Irish cream liqueurs saw a 10% increase in exports to €430 million, benefiting from premiumisation trends in the UK and North America [4] Group 3: Irish Beer Exports - The value of Irish beer exports increased by 7% to approximately €350 million, with a 14% decline in exports to the UK and a 21% increase to EU markets [5] - France emerged as the largest market for Irish beer products in value terms [5] Group 4: Overall Export Performance - Total Irish drinks exports value increased by 2% in 2025 to €2 billion, with the EU, UK, and US comprising 81% of the exports [5] - Bord Bia anticipates a transitional year for drinks in 2026, with positive indicators in the US suggesting improved market sellout rates and lower inventories [6]

Core Insights - The drinking habits of the younger generation have evolved into a lifestyle focused on emotions, socializing, health, and creativity, moving away from the traditional notion of drinking to get drunk [1] Group 1: Market Trends - Young consumers, particularly the Z generation, are becoming the dominant force in the alcohol market, with drinking participation rates expected to rise from 66% to 73% between 2023 and 2025 [2] - Social media engagement around drinking topics has surged, with a total of 7.499 million mentions in the past year, marking a 219% increase, and interactions exceeding 1.4 billion [2] - Low-alcohol beverages are favored by 83% of young respondents, with beer maintaining a strong presence, while innovative products like fruit wines and low-alcohol cocktails are gaining popularity [2] Group 2: Drinking Contexts - Solo drinking has become a significant trend for self-care among young people, with related social media mentions increasing by 200% and interactions surpassing 426 million [3] - Social gatherings, characterized by a relaxed atmosphere, are preferred for drinking, with venues like restaurants and bars being popular choices for young adults [3] Group 3: Health Consciousness - There is a growing trend of "health-conscious drinking," where young consumers seek to enjoy alcohol without compromising their health, leading to the emergence of concepts like "traditional Chinese medicine cocktails" [4] - Innovative health-oriented drinking practices include using ingredients like bird's nest in traditional drinks and combining alcohol with wellness activities [4] Group 4: DIY Cocktail Culture - The trend of DIY cocktails is on the rise, with over 60% of young people expressing interest in making their own drinks at home, positioning them as a new generation of "home bartenders" [5] - Popular base spirits for cocktails include whiskey, vodka, and gin, with creative mixers like sparkling water and flavored sodas being frequently used [5]

Core Insights - Pernod Ricard India's Blenders Pride has launched the Zenith Black Edition, a limited release of one million bottles aimed at premium whisky consumers [1][2] - The new variant features a distinctive black design while maintaining the brand's signature blend, with plans for nationwide distribution [1][4] Company Overview - Blenders Pride, launched in 1995, is a leader in India's premium blended whisky segment, with a portfolio that includes Blenders Pride Premium Whisky, Reserve Collection, and Four Elements variant [3] - Pernod Ricard India operates as a fully owned subsidiary of Pernod Ricard SA, managing a diverse portfolio that includes Seagram's whiskies, international scotch brands, vodka, wine, cognac, and champagne [4] - The company exports its Seagram's whiskies to over 28 countries, showcasing its global reach [4] Marketing Strategy - The launch of the Zenith Black Edition is positioned as an evolution of the brand's design language, targeting a specific consumer segment referred to as "the One in a Million" [2] - The product extension reflects the competitive nature of the premium whisky market, where packaging and limited availability serve as key differentiation strategies [4]

Market Overview - The global market for Japanese sake is projected to reach $2.01 billion by 2031, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.2% over the coming years [1]. Key Producers - Major producers of Japanese sake globally include Takara, Dassai, Gekkeikan, Kiku-Masamune, Kubota, Nihonsakari, Juyondai, Hakkaisan, Ozeki, and Kokuryu. The top five manufacturers are expected to hold approximately 23.0% of the market share in 2024 [5]. Product Segmentation - Regular sake is the leading product segment, accounting for about 37.4% of the market share [8]. Application Segmentation - The primary consumer demographic for Japanese sake is individuals aged 20-40 years, representing around 64.0% of the demand [11]. Key Drivers - The surge in global demand and the trend towards premiumization are transforming sake from a niche beverage into a high-end global spirit, with exports reaching new highs [12]. - Strategic innovation and product diversification are being pursued by breweries to attract new consumers, including the introduction of sparkling sake, low-alcohol sake, and sake cocktails, as well as flavors appealing to Western tastes [12]. - The "Cool Japan" strategy and the tourism boom prior to the pandemic have introduced sake culture to millions of tourists, fostering a loyal international following [12]. Major Challenges - Japan faces a significant demographic challenge with a declining population and shrinking core consumer base, leading to a sustained decrease in domestic sake sales [13]. - Sake is experiencing intense competition from other alcoholic beverages such as shochu, beer, whiskey, and wine, which are often marketed more aggressively [13]. - The traditional multi-tier distribution system in Japan is inefficient and opaque, posing high entry barriers for emerging or small-scale producers [13].

Core Viewpoint - Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE:BF-B) has faced significant challenges in 2025, with a year-to-date stock decline of 29% and a 15% drop since December 11th, primarily influenced by a downgrade from Citi [2]. Company Performance - The stock was downgraded by Citi from Neutral to Sell, with a revised price target of $27, down from $30 [2]. - Analyst concerns suggest that the benefits from excess shipments may reverse in 2026, indicating potential future challenges for the company [2]. Industry Trends - The alcoholic beverage sector, particularly stocks like Brown-Forman, is perceived negatively, with predictions of continued struggles in 2025 [3]. - Changing consumer preferences are noted, with younger demographics favoring non-alcoholic options like mocktails, while traditional drinkers are aging out [4].