Company Overview - Beyond Meat, Inc. is a plant-based protein company founded in 2009 and headquartered in California, focusing on improving human health and environmental impact through alternatives to animal meat [1] - The company is recognized as one of the best bear market stocks to buy currently, ranking thirteenth on the list [1] Financial Performance - In September 2025, Beyond Meat reported a 19.6% year-over-year decline in Q2 revenue, totaling $75 million, alongside a net loss of $29.2 million [2] - To mitigate ongoing losses, the company plans to reduce its workforce by 6% and accelerate transformation efforts aimed at margin expansion and streamlined distribution [2] Strategic Initiatives - As part of its strategic shift, Beyond Meat introduced Beyond Ground, a new plant-based mince product containing 27g of protein per serving, free from cholesterol, GMOs, soy, and gluten [3] - The product launch is part of a broader rebranding effort to emphasize versatile plant proteins for everyday consumption rather than just replicating traditional meats [3] - Future innovations may include lentil sausages, chickpea hot dogs, and post-workout protein options inspired by ancient nutrition models [3]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the best bear market stocks to buy, emphasizing the importance of defensive stocks that outperform the market during economic downturns [1][2]. Defensive Stocks - Defensive stocks are characterized by their ability to provide protection against economic unpredictability, often coming from sectors like utilities, healthcare, and consumer staples [1]. - Michael Wilson from Morgan Stanley advocates for a shift towards conservative stocks amid economic downturns and tariff concerns, suggesting that quality and defensive equities will continue to outperform [2]. Methodology - The selection process involved using a stock analysis screener to identify consumer defensive stocks with a price target upside of less than 15%, resulting in a ranked list of 13 stocks based on hedge fund holdings as of Q2 2025 [5][6]. Company Highlights - **Beyond Meat, Inc. (NASDAQ:BYND)**: Reported a 19.6% year-over-year decline in Q2 revenue to $75 million and a net loss of $29.2 million. The company plans to cut 6% of its workforce and focus on margin expansion and streamlined distribution [8]. It introduced a new plant-based product, Beyond Ground, and aims to innovate with lentil sausages and chickpea hot dogs [9]. - **BRF S.A. (NYSE:BRFS)**: Merged with Marfrig Global Foods, creating MBRF Global Foods Company S.A. The merger aims to generate BRL 805 million ($141 million) in annual synergies. Despite challenges, BRF reported 3% revenue growth in Q2 2025 to BRL 15.4 billion, with significant growth in its pet food and plant-based segments [11][12]. The company is positioned for stronger global growth post-merger [13]. - **The Beauty Health Company (NASDAQ:SKIN)**: Reported Q2 2025 revenue of $78.2 million and EPS of $0.03, exceeding expectations. The company focuses on provider engagement and innovation, launching initiatives to enhance product development and brand loyalty [15][16]. It plans to expand its consumable product lines and has clarified asset rights to reduce risk for creditors [17].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net revenue for Q2 2025 was $75 million, down 19.6% from $93.2 million in the same period last year, primarily due to an 18.9% decrease in volume sold and a 0.9% decrease in net revenue per pound [25][26] - Gross margin decreased to 11.5% in Q2 2025 from 14.7% a year ago, impacted by reduced volume and unfavorable product mix [17][32] - Net loss for Q2 2025 was $33.2 million, or a loss of $0.43 per share, compared to a net loss of $34.5 million, or a loss of $0.53 per share, in the prior year [34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. Retail channel net revenues decreased 26.7% to $32.9 million, driven by a 24.2% decrease in volume sold and a 3.2% decrease in net revenue per pound [27] - U.S. Foodservice net revenues increased 6.8% to $11.1 million, primarily due to a 4.4% increase in net revenue per pound and a 2.3% increase in volume sold [30] - International Retail channel net revenues decreased 9.8% to $15.9 million, driven by a 13.1% decrease in volume sold, partially offset by a 3.9% increase in net revenue per pound [31] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. Retail channel faced significant challenges due to higher pricing compared to animal protein, negative narratives surrounding plant-based products, and reduced distribution points [12][13] - International Foodservice experienced a decline due to lapping significant promotional activity from the previous year and macroeconomic conditions affecting customer demand [16][60] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on a fundamental reset to stabilize the business and achieve EBITDA positive operations by 2026, including significant expense reductions and gross margin expansion [6][20] - Plans to deepen distribution of core products in U.S. Retail and reposition the brand to emphasize "Beyond" as the primary identifier, expanding beyond animal protein replication [9][10] - The appointment of an interim Chief Transformation Officer aims to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs [6][79] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed disappointment with Q2 results, citing ongoing softness in the plant-based meat category and the need for a reset [5][21] - The company believes current challenges are transient and anticipates that consumer trends will eventually shift back in favor of plant-based products [22][63] - Future product offerings, such as Beyond Ground, are expected to capture consumer interest by emphasizing nutritional benefits rather than replicating animal protein [50][65] Other Important Information - Adjusted EBITDA loss was $26 million, or -34.7% of net revenues, compared to a loss of $23 million, or -24.7% of net revenues, in the prior year [35] - Cash and cash equivalents were $117.3 million, with total outstanding debt of approximately $1.2 billion as of June 28, 2025 [35] Q&A Session Summary Question: What measures will be taken to scale up the top line while reducing expenses? - Management highlighted the need to stabilize the U.S. Retail business and build brand blocks in key retailers to improve distribution and sales velocity [42][49] Question: What has changed in the international foodservice channel? - Management noted a softening in the international foodservice sector due to macroeconomic conditions and shifting animal protein prices, affecting customer menus [59][60] Question: How will the company address the issue of lapsed consumers? - Management emphasized the importance of stabilizing the business and addressing misinformation while focusing on the nutritional benefits of their products to attract flexitarian consumers [61][63]

Core Insights - Beyond Meat reported disappointing financial results for Q2 2025, primarily due to ongoing softness in the plant-based meat category, particularly in the U.S. retail channel and certain international foodservice markets [3][9][24] - The company is implementing cost-reduction measures, including a workforce reduction of approximately 44 employees, representing about 6% of its total global workforce, to strengthen its financial profile [4][6] - Net revenues decreased by 19.6% year-over-year to $75.0 million, driven by an 18.9% decrease in product volume sold and a 0.9% decrease in net revenue per pound [7][9][10] Financial Performance - Gross profit for Q2 2025 was $8.6 million, with a gross margin of 11.5%, down from $13.7 million and 14.7% in the previous year [7][19] - Loss from operations was $38.8 million, compared to a loss of $33.9 million in the same period last year, reflecting increased operational challenges [7][19] - Net loss was $33.2 million, or $0.43 per share, an improvement from a net loss of $34.5 million, or $0.53 per share, in the prior year [20][21] Revenue Breakdown - U.S. retail channel net revenues fell by 26.7% to $32.9 million, primarily due to a 24.2% decrease in volume sold [10][14] - U.S. foodservice channel net revenues increased by 6.8% to $11.1 million, driven by a 4.4% increase in net revenue per pound [11][14] - International retail channel net revenues decreased by 9.8% to $15.9 million, while international foodservice channel revenues dropped by 25.8% to $15.1 million [12][13] Cost Management Initiatives - The company anticipates one-time cash charges of approximately $0.8 million to $1.3 million related to the workforce reduction, with expected savings of $5.0 million to $6.0 million in cash compensation expenses over the next twelve months [5][6] - Operating expenses were $47.4 million, slightly down from $47.6 million in the previous year, with reductions in marketing and selling expenses [17][18] Future Outlook - Beyond Meat is not providing full-year guidance due to uncertainty in the operating environment but expects Q3 2025 net revenues to be in the range of $68 million to $73 million [24][23] - The company is focusing on strengthening its balance sheet and pursuing margin expansion initiatives despite the challenging market conditions [3][22]