Core Points - SSCP, an Applebee's franchisee, is hosting the "Buy A Hero a Bud" program to support veterans, aiming to sell 10,000 Bud Light beers, with all unclaimed funds benefiting the nonprofit Folds of Honor [1][2] - The program allows guests to purchase beers for local veterans, providing free drinks to over 4,000 veterans last year and donating more than $20,000 to Folds of Honor [2] - SSCP has a history of supporting veterans, having been one of the early adopters of offering free meals to veterans since 2007 [2] Company Overview - SSCP Management is a family-owned restaurant leader founded by Sunil Dharod in Dallas, Texas, focusing on exceptional guest experiences [3] - Applebee's is a major casual dining brand in the U.S., with 1,514 restaurants across the country and internationally, emphasizing community engagement and charitable efforts [4]

Core Viewpoint - Constellation Brands Inc has gained favor with Berkshire Hathaway, which has increased its stake in the company multiple times, indicating potential undervaluation and investor interest in recovery signs ahead of the upcoming earnings report [1][5][6]. Earnings Estimates - Analysts project Constellation Brands to report second-quarter revenue of $2.46 billion, a decrease from $2.92 billion in the same quarter last year [2]. - Expected earnings per share (EPS) for the second quarter is $3.38, down from $4.32 in the previous year [2][3]. - The company missed EPS estimates in the first quarter but has beaten analyst estimates in nine of the last ten quarters overall [3]. Analyst Sentiment - Analysts have been reducing their price targets for Constellation Brands ahead of the quarterly results, with Bank of America Securities lowering its target from $182 to $150 and downgrading the stock from Neutral to Underperform due to soft beer consumption [4]. - Other analysts have also adjusted their price targets downward, with UBS lowering from $205 to $175, Goldman Sachs from $196 to $168, Wells Fargo from $170 to $155, and Citigroup from $155 to $145 [9]. Key Items to Watch - Berkshire Hathaway's stake in Constellation Brands has increased by 114% in the first quarter and by 12% in the second quarter, currently holding 13.4 million shares valued at $1.9 billion [6]. - The stake represents approximately 7.6% ownership of Constellation Brands, although it constitutes only 0.6% of Berkshire Hathaway's investment portfolio [6]. - The company has faced challenges with Modelo Especial losing its title as the bestselling beer in America, now surpassed by Michelob ULTRA, attributed to weaker demand among Hispanic consumers [8][10]. Company Guidance - Constellation Brands previously lowered its full-year guidance, expecting net beer sales to decline by 2% to 4%, compared to an earlier forecast of flat to a gain of 3% year-over-year [11]. - Analysts and investors will be monitoring if there are any improvements in guidance during the upcoming earnings report [11]. Stock Performance - Constellation Brands' stock has decreased by 2.4% to $138.75, with a year-to-date decline of 37.7% in 2025 [11].

Core Insights - Anheuser-Busch InBev has regained the title of the bestselling beer in America with its Michelob ULTRA brand, surpassing Bud Light and Modelo Especial [1][2]. Group 1: Market Performance - Michelob ULTRA has become the number one beer in the retail sector over the past 52 weeks, according to Circana data, and also leads in bars and restaurants as per Nielsen data [4]. - Over the last five years, Michelob ULTRA has experienced a growth of 15% and gained over 2% of the beer market [5]. - Anheuser-Busch InBev's stock has increased by 18.4% year-to-date in 2025, recovering from previous losses related to Bud Light [11]. Group 2: Competitive Landscape - Constellation Brands' Modelo Especial has seen weaker demand recently, attributed to higher prices and economic concerns affecting Hispanic buyers, who represent about half of Constellation's beer business [8]. - Constellation has lowered its full-year guidance, expecting net beer sales to decline by 2% to 4% compared to earlier projections of flat to a 3% increase year-over-year [9]. Group 3: Marketing and Partnerships - Michelob ULTRA has engaged in partnerships with major sports leagues and events, including the NBA, WNBA, PGA Tour, and the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, enhancing its visibility [3][6]. - The brand has also signed a multi-year partnership with Netflix for co-branded deals, which is expected to further increase consumer attention [7].

Core Insights - Michelob Ultra has become the top-selling beer in the US, surpassing Modell Especial in retail sales by volume over the past 52 weeks, according to Circana data [1] - The beer's popularity is attributed to effective marketing strategies at major sporting events, including the FIFA Club World Cup and the upcoming 2026 World Cup in the US [2] - Despite Michelob Ultra's success, the overall retail beer sales in the US have declined nearly 5% in the first half of 2025, totaling $34.7 billion [3] Industry Trends - The light lager style beer is also leading in sales at bars and restaurants, indicating a shift in consumer preferences towards lower-calorie options [2] - A Gallup survey reveals that only 54% of US adults report drinking alcohol, marking the lowest level in nearly 90 years, with a growing belief that moderate drinking is detrimental to health [3] - The trend towards lower-calorie beers like Michelob Ultra may be a response to changing consumer attitudes towards alcohol consumption [4]

Group 1 - Michelob Ultra has become the best-selling beer in the US, surpassing Modelo Especial during the 52 weeks ended September 14, according to Anheuser-Busch InBev [1] - Michelob Ultra also led sales in bars and restaurants over the past year, as reported by Nielsen IQ [1] - Bud Light, previously the top-selling beer for over two decades, faced a significant decline in sales due to a controversial partnership with a transgender influencer, leading to a boycott [2][3] Group 2 - Constellation Brands, which owns Modelo Especial and Corona, has experienced a sales slump attributed to declining demand among Hispanic consumers, who represent about half of its business [4][6] - Economic concerns, such as rising food prices and a weak job market, have caused Hispanic consumers to reduce their beer consumption, impacting Constellation's sales [6] - Constellation has revised its full-year forecast, expecting a 2% to 4% drop in net beer sales, down from previous expectations of flat sales to a 3% increase [7] Group 3 - AB InBev's shares have increased by 17% this year, while Constellation's shares have fallen by 40% [7] - Tariffs on aluminum and Mexican imports have posed additional challenges for beer manufacturers [7]

Core Insights - Michelob Ultra has surpassed Modelo Especial to become the best-selling beer in the United States, marking a significant shift in the market dynamics [1][2] - AB InBev's Michelob Ultra's rise comes after a challenging period for the company, particularly following the backlash against Bud Light [2] - Constellation Brands is facing challenges, including tariffs and declining demand from its core Hispanic consumer base, which has historically been significant for Modelo Especial [3][4] Company Performance - AB InBev's stock has increased by over 16% this year, reflecting the positive impact of Michelob Ultra's sales performance [4] - In contrast, Constellation Brands' shares have decreased by 39%, indicating struggles in its business operations and market position [4] Market Dynamics - The shift in consumer preferences has led to Michelob Ultra becoming the top seller in both retail and bar/restaurant channels [1] - Constellation Brands has revised its fiscal year forecast, expecting a decline in net beer sales by 2% to 4% due to lower volumes and tariff impacts, a change from its previous expectation of flat to 3% growth [4]

Core Viewpoint - Cracker Barrel is undergoing a strategic transformation to revitalize its brand, which includes a new logo and updates to its visual elements, restaurant spaces, and offerings [1][2]. Brand Refresh - The new logo eliminates the image of a man leaning against a barrel and removes the phrase "old country store," leaving only the words "Cracker Barrel" on a yellow background [2]. - The brand refresh aims to maintain the company's "rich history of country hospitality" and "authentic charm" that has made it a beloved destination for families [3]. Market Reaction - Following the unveiling of the new logo, shares of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store dropped approximately 10% [2]. - The company has a market capitalization of about $1.2 billion, which is relatively small compared to other restaurant chains [5]. Social Media Backlash - The logo change has faced criticism on social media, particularly from conservative circles, with claims that it is an attempt to erase traditional American branding in favor of diversity and inclusion [4]. - Conservative activist Robby Starbuck commented on the backlash, suggesting that the company would learn that "wokeness really doesn't pay" [5].

Core Insights - Anheuser-Busch has announced a $300 million commitment to create and sustain U.S. manufacturing jobs, with a significant investment of $15 million in its St. Louis Brewery [1][4] - The company aims to drive innovation and build a stronger future for American workers, veterans, and the manufacturing industry through this investment [2][4] - The recent passage of the American Beer Act in Missouri is expected to facilitate long-term economic growth and support for local jobs [2][4] Investment and Development - The investment in St. Louis includes funding for supply chain infrastructure to enhance the transportation of American-grown ingredients and iconic beers [4] - Anheuser-Busch's Technical Excellence Center in St. Louis has trained over 2,000 employees and will now open its doors to local trade schools, marking a significant collaboration with the National Association of Manufacturers' Manufacturing Institute [2][4] - Recent investments across various breweries include enhancements in production capacity and equipment updates, such as in Baldwinsville, NY, and improvements in transportation capabilities in Houston, TX [3][8] Workforce and Community Engagement - The company is expanding its digital credentialing system to help veterans translate their military experience into manufacturing skills, promoting career opportunities for veterans [4] - Anheuser-Busch has a long-standing commitment to supporting American farmers, military, veterans, and first responders, contributing to community welfare through initiatives like emergency drinking water donations [6][7]

Core Insights - Anheuser-Busch is investing over $300 million in U.S. facilities in 2025, with a specific $9 million investment in its Baldwinsville, NY brewery [1][2][5] - The investments are part of the Brewing Futures initiative aimed at creating and sustaining American manufacturing jobs [2][3] - Over the past five years, Anheuser-Busch has invested more than $2 billion in its manufacturing facilities across the U.S. [1][5] Investment Details - The $9 million investment in Baldwinsville will enhance operations and expand production capacity for both traditional beer and fast-growing Beyond Beer products [3][4] - The investment includes maintenance of brewery equipment and updates to refrigeration units [3] - Anheuser-Busch has made nearly $90 million in investments in the Baldwinsville brewery over the past five years [4] Economic Impact - Anheuser-Busch operates over 100 facilities nationwide and employs approximately 65,000 individuals [5] - The company has made over $1.6 billion in capital investments in New York State since 1983 [4] - The company sources over $700 million in high-quality ingredients from American farmers and has purchased more than $7 billion in goods and services from U.S. suppliers [7] Strategic Focus - The Brewing Futures initiative focuses on three key pillars: creating and sustaining manufacturing jobs, advancing technical skills training, and strengthening career opportunities for veterans [8] - Anheuser-Busch emphasizes its commitment to supporting the communities where its employees live and work [4][9]

Core Viewpoint - Anheuser-Busch InBev reported mixed second-quarter results with a revenue growth of 3.0% to $15.004 billion and normalized EBITDA gains of 6.5%, but missed expectations on beer volumes, leading to a 9.1% decline in stock price in pre-market trading, the worst session since the COVID-19 pandemic [1][4]. Financial Performance - Revenue increased by 3.0% to $15.004 billion and normalized EBITDA rose by 6.5% with margin expansion of 116 basis points to 35.3% [1][6]. - Despite the volume challenges, the company demonstrated pricing power by growing revenues while selling less beer [6]. Volume Performance - Beer volumes declined by 1.9% year-over-year, significantly worse than the 0.3% decline forecasted by analysts [5]. - The decline in volumes was primarily driven by significant drops in China (7.4%) and Brazil (6.5%), with the company acknowledging underperformance in China and attributing Brazil's decline to tough comparisons and adverse weather conditions [6]. Market Outlook - The average target price for BUD stock is $82.67 for the next 12 months, with optimistic predictions reaching as high as $91.00 and bearish outlooks at $72.00 [7]. - All six analysts covering the stock maintain Strong Buy ratings, with no Hold or Sell recommendations [9].