Molson Coors Beverage Company (NYSE:TAP) 2025 Conference December 02, 2025 12:45 PM ET Company ParticipantsRahul Goyal - CEOTracey Joubert - CFOEric Adam Serotta - Executive DirectorEric Adam Serotta Okay.Rahul GoyalI feel like.Eric Adam SerottaGreat. Good afternoon, everyone. I'm Eric Serotta from Morgan Stanley's Beverages and Household Products and Tobacco team, and I'm very pleased to welcome Molson Coors back to our Global Consumer and Retail Conference. Before we begin, please see the Morgan Stanley R ...

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 - 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] - The U.S. beer industry volume was down by 4.7% based on internal estimates [19] - A non-cash partial goodwill impairment charge of $3.6 billion was recorded [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. volume share decreased by 40 basis points, with better performance in the on-premise channel compared to off-premise [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 and heightened competition [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 believes the current industry softness is cyclical rather than structural [9][44] 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 U.S. market where the company is underindexed in above-premium segments [12][44] - The company plans to implement structural changes to enhance agility and decision-making at the local level [16][76] - A corporate restructuring plan is in place to create a leaner organization, reducing salaried headcount by approximately 400 positions or 9% [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the challenges posed by macroeconomic factors but remains confident in the company's ability to return to growth [5][9] - The company expects to reaffirm its 2025 guidance but anticipates results at the low end of prior ranges for key metrics [22] - Management emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy balance sheet and strong free cash flow while investing in growth opportunities [18] Other Important Information - The company is committed to its dividend and share repurchase program, viewing its stock as a compelling investment [18] - The company plans to redeploy savings from restructuring to invest in key brands and commercial capabilities [17][70] Q&A Session Questions and Answers 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 capitalizing on opportunities in above-premium segments [30] Question: Can you provide insights on the implied improvement for the fourth quarter? - The company expects better top-line performance in EMEA, APAC, and Canada, along with softer comps from contract brewing in the U.S. [32] Question: What pressures are facing the beer category, and why is it believed to be cyclical? - Management noted that the beer category has faced structural issues but believes current challenges are cyclical due to macroeconomic factors [44] Question: How does the company plan to balance investments between Beer and Beyond Beer? - The company intends to maintain a strong focus on beer while also investing in Beyond Beer to ensure it becomes a significant growth driver [78]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Third quarter consolidated net sales revenue decreased by 3.3% [23] - Underlying pretax income fell by 11.9% [23] - Underlying earnings per share declined by 7.2% [23] - U.S. beer industry volume was down by 4.7% based on internal estimates [23] - A non-cash partial goodwill impairment charge of $3.6 billion was recorded [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. volume share decreased by 40 basis points, with better performance in the on-premise channel compared to off-premise [24] - Contract brewing was a 450,000 hectoliter headwind to Americas financial volume [24] - EMEA and APAC volumes continued to be pressured by soft market demand [25] 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. [9] - The Midwest premium pricing remained elevated but within expected ranges [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to focus on building strong and scalable brands in both beer and Beyond Beer [10] - Plans to prioritize investments in core and economy beer portfolios while transforming above-premium and Beyond Beer portfolios [11] - The company intends to increase focus on economy brands and capitalize on the success of brands like Banquet [12][13] - A corporate restructuring plan is being implemented to create a leaner organization and optimize cost structures [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management believes the current industry softness is cyclical and expects to return to growth [9] - The company is committed to improving shareholder value and maintaining a disciplined capital allocation approach [21] - Management acknowledges the challenges posed by macroeconomic factors but remains confident in the company's ability to navigate these headwinds [9][21] Other Important Information - The company expects to reaffirm its 2025 guidance, anticipating declines in key metrics [27] - Year-end U.S. distributor inventory levels are expected to be lower compared to year-end 2024 [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the biggest opportunities and challenges ahead for the new CEO? - The new CEO highlighted the importance of listening to employees and customers, focusing on strengthening core brands and addressing gaps in the economy and flavor categories [37][39] Question: Can you provide insights on the implied improvement for Q4? - Management expects better top-line performance in EMEA, APAC, and Canada, along with lower G&A expenses due to reduced incentive compensation [40][41] Question: What are the pressures facing the beer category, and why is it considered cyclical? - Management noted that the beer category has faced structural issues but believes the current challenges are largely cyclical due to macroeconomic factors [52][53] Question: How does the company plan to address the upcoming bond maturity? - The company will review its debt as it approaches maturity, maintaining a focus on its leverage ratio [68] Question: What is the outlook for the economy portfolio? - The management emphasized the need to support the economy portfolio through appropriate marketing, innovation, and regional strategies [96]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated net sales revenue decreased by 3.3% in Q3 2025 [18] - Underlying pre-tax income declined by 11.9% [18] - Underlying earnings per share fell by 7.2% [18] - The U.S. beer industry volume was down by 4.7% based on internal estimates [18] - A non-cash partial goodwill impairment charge of $3.6 billion was recorded [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. volume share decreased by 40 basis points, with better performance in the on-premise channel compared to off-premise [18] - Contract brewing was a 450,000 hectoliter headwind to the Americas financial volume [18] - Volume in the Americas and APAC continued to be pressured across all regions due to soft market demand [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The macro environment in Europe contributed to continued industry softness, impacting demand [7] - The Midwest premium pricing remained elevated, with marketing expenses increasing while G&A decreased due to lower incentive compensation [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to focus on building strong and scalable brands in both beer and beyond beer [8] - There is a commitment to premiumization, particularly in the above-premium segment, where the company is underindexed in the U.S. [10] - The company plans to invest in core and economy beer portfolios while transforming above-premium and beyond beer portfolios [8][10] - A corporate restructuring plan is being implemented to create a leaner organization and reinvest in key brands and capabilities [15][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management believes the current industry softness is cyclical and expects a return to growth as macro issues are resolved [7][42] - The company is committed to returning cash to shareholders while also looking for scalable and accretive M&A opportunities [16][48] - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate near-term challenges and return to top and bottom-line growth [7][17] Other Important Information - The company expects to reaffirm its 2025 guidance but anticipates coming in at the low end of prior ranges for key metrics [20] - Year-end U.S. distributor inventory levels are expected to be lower compared to year-end 2024 [21] Q&A Session Questions and Answers 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 recognizing the strong foundation of the company [28] Question: Can you provide insights on the implied improvement for Q4? - Management expects better top-line performance in the Americas, APAC, and Canada, driven by lapping softer comps from contract brewing [31] Question: How do you view the pressures facing the beer category? - Management believes the current pressures are cyclical, influenced by macroeconomic factors, and expects a return to pre-2025 levels once these issues are resolved [42] Question: What is the company's approach to capital deployment and M&A? - The company aims to be disciplined in capital deployment, focusing on accretive deals that fill portfolio gaps while maintaining a strong balance sheet [48] Question: How will the restructuring improve agility and speed? - The restructuring is designed to bring leadership closer to market execution, enabling quicker decision-making and resource allocation [70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Conagra reported organic net sales of $3.2 billion in Q2, reflecting a 30 basis point increase year-over-year, driven by volume growth in the domestic retail business [19] - Adjusted gross margin was 26.4%, and adjusted operating margin was 15.3%, down 52 and 57 basis points respectively compared to the prior year, but up 110 basis points from Q1 [20] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) were $0.70, a decrease of $0.01 from Q2 of the previous year [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Grocery and Snacks segment delivered net sales of $1.3 billion, representing 1.2% organic growth driven by increased volumes and favorable price mix [21] - Refrigerated and Frozen segment also reported $1.3 billion in net sales, flat compared to the prior year, with increased volumes offset by negative price mix [21] - International segment saw organic net sales decline by 0.7%, driven by a 2.4% volume decline, partially offset by a 1.7% increase in price mix [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Conagra's portfolio held or gained volume share in 67% of its categories in Q2, marking the fifth consecutive quarter of share gains [8] - In the frozen and snacks domains, 87% of the portfolio held or gained volume share in Q2 [9] - The company outperformed its closest peer by 24 percentage points in share performance [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to maintain its strategy focused on brand building and innovation, despite economic pressures and inflation [5][17] - Conagra aims to prioritize top-line momentum and consumer loyalty through continued investments in brand building [17] - Limited pricing actions will be implemented to offset rising cocoa and sugar prices while maintaining a disciplined approach to brand management [17][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that inflation and unfavorable foreign exchange rates will pressure profitability in the second half of the fiscal year [5][15] - The expectation for inflation relief has been pushed to fiscal 2026, with ongoing economic pressures shaping consumer purchasing decisions [5][15] - The company updated its guidance for fiscal 2025, expecting organic net sales growth near the midpoint of a range of down 1.5% to flat [18][29] Other Important Information - Conagra generated $754 million in net cash flows from operating activities in the first half of fiscal 2025, down from the prior year [26] - The company has repaid over $600 million of debt in the last twelve months, aiming for a long-term net leverage goal of three times by the end of fiscal 2026 [28][31] - The adjusted tax rate is expected to be approximately 23%, down from 23.5% based on year-to-date favorability [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for organic net sales growth? - The company now expects full-year organic net sales growth to be near the midpoint of the guidance range of minus 1.5% to flat growth versus fiscal 2024 [29] Question: How is the company addressing inflation and foreign exchange impacts? - Limited pricing actions will be taken to offset some inflation in cocoa and sugar, while the company remains committed to brand investments [17][29] Question: What is the outlook for free cash flow conversion? - The company expects full-year free cash flow conversion to be greater than 100%, with stronger performance anticipated in the second half of the year [28][31]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q3 net sales were approximately $3 billion, reflecting an organic net sales decline of 2% [7][19] - Adjusted gross margin increased by 52 basis points to 28.7%, driven by increased productivity [7][20] - Adjusted operating margin was 16.4%, representing a 49 basis point decrease compared to the prior year quarter [7] - Q3 adjusted EPS was $0.69, a decrease of $0.07 over the prior year quarter [7][20] - Free cash flow for the year to date reached $1.2 billion, with a conversion rate of approximately 124% [17][27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Grocery and Snacks segment net sales increased by 3.4% compared to the prior year, driven by improved price mix [22] - Refrigerated and Frozen segment net sales declined by 8.1%, primarily due to increased strategic investments [22] - International segment saw volume and net sales increase over the prior year quarter, driven by strong performance in Mexico and global exports [16] - Foodservice segment net sales decreased due to reduced or exited less profitable business and softness in food away from home traffic [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately 52% of brands held or gained unit share, a 12% increase compared to the prior year [13] - In the frozen category, Conagra's portfolio outperformed the market on a volume basis [12][14] - Recent four weeks of volume consumption improved to -1.2% year-over-year, a 6.5 percentage point improvement since Q1 [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to prioritize brand building investments across merchandising, innovation, and advertising to drive volumes while sustaining gross margin recovery [10][11] - Innovation remains a key strategic tool, with plans to modernize recipes and expand product offerings [15] - The company is focused on operational efficiency and cost savings to improve margins while maintaining investment in brands [23][25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving targets and driving shareholder value based on consumer response to investments and cost savings progress [5] - The company is increasing expectations for adjusted operating margin while reaffirming net sales and adjusted EPS guidance [5][28] - Management noted that the stabilization in the supply chain has enabled further productivity initiatives [8] Other Important Information - The company reduced its net leverage ratio to 3.44 times, reflecting strong free cash flow and debt reduction efforts [17][27] - Adjusted SG&A increased by 7.4%, primarily due to the timing of incentive compensation expense [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for the adjusted operating margin? - The company has modestly increased its adjusted operating margin expectations to approximately 15.8% for the full year [28] Question: How is the company addressing the challenges in the Foodservice segment? - The company is focusing on reducing or exiting less profitable business while managing price mix increases to offset volume declines [16][22]