Company Overview - Monster Beverage Corporation is based in Corona, California, and operates primarily through its consolidated subsidiaries, focusing on the development and marketing of energy drinks and other beverages [3]. Upcoming Financial Results - The company will report its first-quarter results for the period ending March 31, 2025, on May 8, 2025, after the market closes [1]. - Co-Chief Executive Officers Rodney Sacks and Hilton Schlosberg will host an investor conference call on the same day at 2 p.m. Pacific Time to discuss the financial results and operations [1]. Investor Access - The investor conference call will be accessible to all interested investors via a live audio webcast on the company's website, with an archived version available for approximately one year for those unable to attend live [2].

Investors are looking for growth beyond the technology sector, and that’s putting dividend stocks back in favor. The idea is simple: When a stock’s growth outlook is unclear, dividends can help boost its total return and mitigate downside risk to investors’ portfolios. For example, The Coca-Cola Company NYSE: KO stock has been up about 17% in the last 12 months. When you add in the company’s dividend yield, which currently is about 2.12%, the total return for KO stock is closer to 20%. That’s something that ...

Since 2021, Anheuser-Busch InBev ( BUD ) has done very little for its shareholders, apart from delivering a low dividend of around 1.8%. Widening the perspective, the share price has decreased in value for its owners since the SABMillerI am a dedicated financial risk manager and investor specializing in financials, consumer, and technology industries. I have been involved in the investing world for over seven years, making deep analyses and managing different types of portfolios.I believe in deep research, ...

Group 1: Coca-Cola - Coca-Cola has a current dividend yield of 2.9%, which is more than double the S&P 500's yield of approximately 1.4% [4] - The company has a strong history of dividend payments, with a 5.2% increase earlier this year, marking its 63rd consecutive annual dividend increase [5] - Coca-Cola generated $10.8 billion in free cash flow last year, an 11% increase, allowing it to cover its dividend and repurchase $1.1 billion of its shares [6] - The company expects organic revenue growth of 4%-6% annually and high-single-digit earnings-per-share growth, supported by a strong balance sheet for potential acquisitions [7] Group 2: Camden Property Trust - Camden Property Trust has a dividend yield of 3.7% and has consistently paid dividends at or above the previous year's rate for over 15 years, increasing it by more than 130% during this period [8] - The REIT focuses on high-growth markets, driving demand for rental housing and maintaining high occupancy rates [9] - Camden is investing $744 million to develop 1,935 rental homes and has plans for additional investments of $667 million for 1,325 more homes, which will enhance rental income streams [10] Group 3: Vail Resorts - Vail Resorts has a dividend yield of 6.3% and has paid out $1.9 billion in dividends over the past decade, with steady increases except for a pause during the pandemic [11] - The company generates predictable revenue by converting skiers to its Epic Pass, achieving over 10% annual free cash flow growth [12] - Vail Resorts invests in enhancing its ski resorts and plans to acquire other high-quality resorts, which should support future dividend growth [13] Group 4: Investment Summary - Coca-Cola, Camden Property Trust, and Vail Resorts exhibit strong characteristics as dividend-paying stocks, with higher yields and a history of steady increases [14]

Core Insights - Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc. reported a decline in key financial metrics for the first quarter of 2025, including net sales and income from operations, attributed to fewer selling days and changes in distribution methods [3][5][10]. Financial Performance - Volume decreased by 6.6% in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024, with two fewer selling days accounting for approximately 2.1% of this decline [4][5]. - Net sales fell by 0.7% to $1.58 billion, negatively impacted by the two fewer selling days, which accounted for about $40 million or 2.5% of the change [5][7]. - Gross profit decreased by 2.1% to $627.1 million, with a gross margin of 39.7%, down 50 basis points from the previous year [7][8]. - Income from operations was $189.8 million, a decrease of 11.9% from $215.4 million in Q1 2024, with the two fewer selling days contributing approximately $10 million to this decline [10][11]. Beverage Sales - Sparkling beverage sales decreased by 1.9%, while still beverage sales saw a smaller decline of 0.5% compared to the previous year [6]. - The decline in Sparkling category sales was partially due to softness in the Coca-Cola Original Taste brand, although other core products showed solid growth [6][9]. - Excluding Dasani, net sales in the Still category increased by 1.8%, driven by growth in sports drinks and enhanced water products [6]. Operating Expenses - Selling, delivery, and administrative (SD&A) expenses increased by 2.9% to $437.3 million, with SD&A as a percentage of net sales rising to 27.7% [9][10]. - The increase in SD&A expenses was primarily due to higher labor costs and inflationary pressures [9]. Cash Flow and Investments - Cash flows from operations for Q1 2025 were $198.2 million, compared to $194.3 million in Q1 2024 [12]. - The company invested approximately $98 million in capital expenditures during the quarter, with expectations of around $300 million for the fiscal year 2025 [12].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, net sales increased by $19 million or 17% year-over-year to $131 million, driven by a 25% growth in Vita Coco coconut water net sales [22][24] - Gross profit for the quarter was $48 million, an increase of $1 million compared to the prior year, with gross margins at 37%, down approximately 550 basis points from 42% in Q1 2024 [23][24] - Net income attributable to shareholders was $19 million or $0.31 per diluted share, compared to $14 million or $0.24 per diluted share in the prior year [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Vita Coco coconut water net sales increased by 25%, while private label sales decreased by 12%, with private label coconut water experiencing a 10% growth offset by a decline in coconut oil [22][24] - The other product category saw an 84% growth, primarily due to the positive impact from Vita Coco treats [15][24] - In the Americas, Vita Coco coconut water net sales increased by 24% to $86 million, while private label decreased by 13% to $21 million [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Vita Coco coconut water grew by 20% in retail dollars in the US and 21% in the UK during Q1 2025 [10] - The coconut water category is one of the fastest-growing beverage categories, with growth rates of 23% in the US and 19% in the UK [9][10] - The international segment reported a 17% increase in net sales, with Vita Coco coconut water growing by 36% across major markets [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to grow the Vita Coco brand by expanding the coconut water category and innovating around core offerings [8] - International growth is a priority, with significant investments planned for the UK, Germany, and other European markets [13] - The company is exploring innovation in adjacent categories and potential M&A opportunities to enhance shareholder value [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the coconut water growth trajectory, citing a strong inventory position and positive retail programming [14][21] - The company anticipates that the coconut water category will continue to grow, with expectations of doubling the category in the coming years [13] - Management is confident in navigating the current environment, including potential tariff impacts, due to a diversified sourcing strategy [20][21] Other Important Information - The company has a strong balance sheet with total cash on hand of $154 million and no debt under its revolving credit facility [26] - The board approved an additional $25 million for share repurchases, increasing the total authorization to $65 million [26][27] - The company expects net sales for the full year 2025 to be between $555 million and $570 million, with gross margins projected at 35% to 37% [27][28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on your mitigation efforts regarding tariffs? - Management indicated that they entered the year with healthy inventory, which helps delay tariff impacts. Mitigation efforts include continuous cost improvements and potential pricing adjustments to offset tariff costs [34][35][36] Question: What is the expected impact of pricing on demand? - Management plans to take pricing to cover the unmitigated costs of tariffs, with expectations that the category's health will support consumer acceptance of price increases [41][42][56] Question: How is the company planning to grow internationally? - The company is investing in both marketing and supply chain resources to support growth in international markets, emphasizing the need for boots on the ground to establish relationships with retailers [89][90] Question: What are the drivers behind higher finished goods costs? - Higher finished goods costs are attributed to new factory setups and increased ocean freight rates compared to the previous year [59][63][65] Question: How flexible is the company in adjusting sourcing in response to tariffs? - The company is well-positioned to adapt sourcing strategies, with a lead time of 12 to 24 months for new factories, but can reallocate supply more quickly between markets [97][100][102]

Group 1 - Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (BUD) is set to report earnings on May 8, with significant changes in operational conditions expected [1] - The upcoming earnings report will provide insights beyond just quarterly numbers, indicating a shift in the company's operational landscape [1] Group 2 - The company is under scrutiny for its performance metrics and competitive positioning in the market [1]

Core Viewpoint - Reed's, Inc. will host a conference call on May 14, 2025, to discuss its financial results for Q1 2025, with results to be reported in a press release prior to the call [1] Company Overview - Reed's, Inc. is a leader in handcrafted, natural ginger beverages, established in 1989, and offers a portfolio under the Reed's®, Virgil's®, and Flying Cauldron® brand names [4] - The company is recognized as America's 1 name in natural, ginger-based beverages, with products including ginger beers, ginger ales, and ready-to-drink ginger mules [5] - Reed's has expanded into the zero-sugar segment with a proprietary natural sweetener system [5] Product Lines - Virgil's® offers an award-winning line of craft sodas made with natural ingredients, free from GMOs and artificial preservatives, available in various flavors including Root Beer and Vanilla Cream [6] - Flying Cauldron® is a non-alcoholic butterscotch beer made with natural ingredients, known for its creamy vanilla and butterscotch flavors, and contains no artificial additives [7] Conference Call Details - The conference call will take place at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time, with a toll-free dial-in number provided for participants [2] - The call will include a question-and-answer period following the management's discussion [2] - The conference call will be available for live broadcast and replay on the investor relations section of the company's website [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Coca-Cola Company reported strong growth and sustained momentum in FY 2025 despite external challenges such as inflation and geopolitical issues [2] - The company celebrated a milestone of $30 billion brands, with half of those being organic and half acquired [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company operates approximately 200 master brands across more than 200 countries and territories, showcasing its ability to scale [4] - Coca-Cola's global workforce of over 700,000 is focused on serving consumers with beverages they love [2] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Coca-Cola's all-weather strategy aims to drive top-line revenue and deliver robust bottom-line returns, indicating a strong market presence [2] - The company continues to expand its portfolio to include healthier beverage options, with 68% of its beverage portfolio containing fewer than 100 calories per 12-ounce serving [89] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Coca-Cola is committed to being a total beverage company, focusing on innovation and digital experimentation to meet evolving consumer demands [6] - The company emphasizes sustainability goals, including improving water security, reducing packaging waste, and decreasing emissions [5] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in future growth opportunities globally, despite the challenges faced [6] - The company remains focused on consumer preferences and is committed to providing a diverse portfolio of beverages [87] Other Important Information - Coca-Cola's commitment to refillable packaging remains strong, with significant investments in refillable bottling lines and new packaging options [84][85] - The company has been actively engaging in sustainability efforts, including reducing plastic waste and increasing the use of recycled materials [91] Q&A Session Summary Question: Plans to expand reusable packaging - Management confirmed ongoing focus on refillable packaging, with examples of growth in returnable glass bottles and investments in various markets [82][83] Question: Steps towards healthier beverages - Coca-Cola is dedicated to offering a diverse beverage portfolio, including low and no-calorie drinks, and has invested significantly in products with enhanced nutritional benefits [87][88] Question: Addressing plastic pollution - The company is focused on reducing plastic waste through refillables and increasing the use of recycled materials, while advocating for improved collection infrastructure [91][92] Question: Reviving retired brands like Tab - Management indicated no current plans to revive Tab but acknowledged the potential for limited runs of retired products in the future [96][97]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, net sales increased by $19 million or 17% year-over-year to $131 million, driven by a 25% growth in Vita Coco coconut water net sales [23][26] - Gross profit for the quarter was $48 million, an increase of $1 million compared to the prior year, with gross margins at 37%, down approximately 550 basis points from 42% in Q1 2024 [25][26] - Net income attributable to shareholders was $19 million or $0.31 per diluted share, compared to $14 million or $0.24 per diluted share in the prior year [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Vita Coco coconut water net sales increased by 25%, while private label sales decreased by 12%, with private label coconut water growth of 10% offset by a decline in coconut oil [23][26] - The International segment saw net sales up 17%, with Vita Coco coconut water growing 36% across major markets [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Coconut water category growth was reported at 23% in the US and 19% in the UK for Q1 2025 [8] - Vita Coco coconut water grew 20% in retail dollars in the US and 21% in the UK [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to grow the Vita Coco brand by expanding the coconut water category and innovating around core offerings [7] - International growth is a priority, particularly in underdeveloped markets like Germany, which saw a doubling of volume sold compared to the same quarter last year [7][13] - The company is exploring innovation in adjacent categories and potential M&A opportunities to enhance shareholder value [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about branded coconut water growth in 2025, supported by a stronger inventory position and retail programming [10][14] - The company anticipates that international operations will eventually match the size of its American business [14] - Management is confident in navigating the current environment, including potential tariff impacts, due to a diversified sourcing strategy [21][22] Other Important Information - The company has a strong balance sheet with total cash of $154 million and no debt [28] - Share repurchase program has been increased to $65 million, with $23 million already utilized [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance for the year and mitigation efforts regarding tariffs - Management confirmed that the guidance includes the 10% baseline tariff and discussed ongoing cost-saving initiatives and potential pricing adjustments to offset tariff impacts [36][39] Question: SG&A growth guidance - The slight increase in SG&A growth guidance reflects a broader range due to uncertainty, with investments focused on marketing and team expansion [42][45] Question: Supply availability for growth - Management indicated that while coconut supply is abundant, planning and timing are critical for scaling operations [56][57] Question: Pricing strategy amidst growth - The company plans to take pricing in response to cost increases, balancing the need to maintain brand momentum [58][59] Question: Drivers of higher finished goods costs - Higher finished goods costs are attributed to new factory setups and elevated ocean freight rates compared to the previous year [62][67] Question: Shelf space and distribution strategy - The company expects improved shelf space and distribution gains, particularly in convenience stores and through successful product launches [114][116]