Everyone knows Coca-Cola, but everyone isn't buying Coca-Cola's stock. That's why you might want to buy it if you are worried about a market downturn.Bear markets are a normal part of investing and there's nothing you can really do about it. They help to clean out investment excesses that build up during bull markets. The best you can do if you are worried about a bear market is prepare, because one will eventually arrive. Which is why you might want to buy Coca-Cola (KO -0.81%) like there's no tomorrow.Wha ...

Group 1: Market Overview - The market is experiencing a "micro-dip," which is viewed as a healthy pause in a strong bull market, providing opportunities for long-term investors to buy at better prices [1] - Resilient stocks during market corrections are likely to emerge as future leaders, making them attractive for investment [2] Group 2: Stock Analysis - Celsius (CELH) has shown a significant recovery after a valuation reset, with sales expected to surge by 75% this year and 25% in 2026, alongside a 34.6% increase in FY25 earnings estimates [5][6] - CommScope (COMM) is gaining attention as a player in AI infrastructure, with earnings projected to grow by 23.8% annually over the next three to five years, and a Zacks Rank of 1 indicating strong buy sentiment [9][10] - Stride (LRN) operates in the education sector, with a Zacks Rank of 1 and earnings estimates raised by up to 12% in the last month, while profits are expected to grow at a 20% annual rate [12][14] Group 3: Investment Sentiment - The three highlighted stocks—Celsius, CommScope, and Stride—combine strong fundamentals, favorable analyst sentiment, and supportive technicals, making them compelling opportunities for investment [17]

Summary of Eastroc Beverage Earnings Review Company Overview - **Company**: Eastroc Beverage (605499.SS) - **Industry**: Beverage Industry Key Financial Performance - **1H25 Results**: Sales and Net Profit (NP) grew by **34%** and **31%** year-over-year (yoy) in Q2, aligning with preliminary results [1] - **Point of Sale (PoS) Coverage**: Guozhicha reached approximately **1.8 million** PoS, covering over **40%** of total PoS (around **4.2 million** as of end-Q2) [1] - **Refrigerator Installations**: Completed the full-year target of adding **80,000 to 100,000** refrigerators in the first half of 2025, increasing the installation base to around **400,000** from **300,000** at the end of 2024 [1] Growth Strategy - **Product Diversification**: Focus on energy drinks' regional expansion, particularly in northern China, and targeting new customer groups such as white-collar workers and students [1][6] - **Branding Investment**: Plans to maintain advertising and sponsorship for Bushuila and increase marketing for Guozhicha, supported by favorable sugar cost trends [1] - **International Expansion**: Targeting Southeast Asia, especially Indonesia, with local plant site selection in progress [1] Market Dynamics - **Competition**: Management views heightened competition in the beverage market as normal and is confident in steady expansion of energy drinks [6] - **Regional Growth**: Northern China is identified as a growth engine with sales increasing by over **70%** yoy from a low base [6] New Product Development - **Guozhicha**: Significant growth potential noted since its launch in February, attributed to strong channel profitability and effective customer promotions [7] - **Capacity Expansion**: Plans to expand capacity at four existing factories to meet rising demand and improve distribution efficiency [7] Financial Projections - **Earnings Revisions**: Minor adjustments to topline estimates for 2025-2027, with a slight decrease in SG&A expense ratio estimates by approximately **1 percentage point** [7] - **Price Target**: Maintained at **Rmb 351**, with the stock trading at **33x/26x** 2025E/2026E P/E, reflecting a **28%** NP growth from 2024 to 2027 [12] Risks and Challenges - **Key Risks**: Include lower industry growth in energy drinks, competitive landscape deterioration, slower product ramp-up, potential capacity shortages, and rising raw material costs [13] Conclusion - **Investment Recommendation**: The company is rated as a "Buy" with a target price indicating a potential upside of **22.4%** from the current price [14]

Keurig Dr Pepper exceeded earnings and revenue estimates, boosted by sales of energy drinks. https://t.co/dJf1Qv0OYe ...

Core Viewpoint - The Coca-Cola Company is expected to report second-quarter 2025 earnings on July 22, with anticipated year-over-year revenue growth despite a slight decline in earnings per share [1][2]. Revenue and Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is $12.6 billion, reflecting a 1.9% increase from the previous year [2]. - The consensus estimate for earnings is 83 cents per share, indicating a 1.2% decline from the prior-year quarter [2]. - Coca-Cola has shown a positive earnings surprise trend over the last nine quarters, with an average surprise of 4.9% [2]. Business Performance and Trends - Coca-Cola's resilience is attributed to strong business momentum, a diverse brand portfolio, and strategic investments [5]. - The company is projected to see a 4.9% year-over-year increase in organic revenues, driven by a 5.8% rise in price/mix, despite a 0.9% decline in concentrate sales [7]. - Innovations and increased digital investments are expected to contribute positively to second-quarter revenues, with e-commerce growth rates doubling in many countries [8]. Market Challenges - Despite favorable price/mix trends, macroeconomic challenges such as low consumer confidence in China and high inflation in Argentina are anticipated to impact Coca-Cola's performance [9][10]. - The company is facing notable volume pressure in key markets, particularly in North America, which may affect overall growth [10]. Currency and Margin Impact - Currency headwinds are estimated to have a 3% negative impact on second-quarter revenues, with an anticipated 10-basis point decline in adjusted operating margin [13]. - The company expects comparable EPS growth to be affected by 5-6% from currency fluctuations [13]. Stock Performance and Valuation - Coca-Cola's stock has risen 13.4% year to date, outperforming the broader industry and the S&P 500 index [14][18]. - The stock trades at a forward 12-month P/E multiple of 22.77X, which is higher than the industry average of 17.96X [18]. Long-term Outlook - Coca-Cola commands over 40% of the global non-alcoholic beverage market, supported by a strong market presence and a focus on innovation [19]. - Despite short-term challenges, the company is well-positioned for sustained long-term growth [20]. - The upcoming earnings report is expected to reinforce Coca-Cola's resilience and growth outlook, making it a compelling long-term investment [21].

Core Insights - Celsius Holdings is highlighted as an exciting investment opportunity within the beverage industry, particularly in the health and wellness segment [1] Group 1: Company Overview - Celsius Holdings is recognized for its innovative product offerings that cater to health-conscious consumers [1] - The company has been actively engaging with market trends to identify growth opportunities [1] Group 2: Market Trends - The beverage industry is experiencing a shift towards healthier options, which aligns with Celsius Holdings' product strategy [1] - Analysts suggest that the demand for functional beverages is on the rise, presenting potential for companies like Celsius [1]

Group 1 - Celsius Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:CELH) is experiencing a positive market reaction, with a 5.2% increase in premarket trading after TD Cowen upgraded the stock to "buy" and raised the price target from $37 to $55, citing confidence in long-term growth driven by the Alani Nu acquisition and expanded retail distribution in 2026 [1] - The stock is approaching its nearly 52-week high of $44, following a brief pullback, and currently shows a year-to-date gain of 56.3% [2] - Analysts are optimistic, with 14 out of 18 having a "buy" or better rating, while short interest has increased by 5.8%, with 24.55 million shares sold short, representing 15% of the total float, indicating potential for a short-covering rally [3] Group 2 - Options for Celsius Holdings are reflecting low volatility, with a Schaeffer's Volatility Index (SVI) of 50% ranking in the 1st percentile of annual readings, suggesting historically cheap premiums [4] - The stock has historically outperformed volatility expectations, as indicated by a Schaeffer's Volatility Scorecard (SVS) of 89 out of 100 over the past 12 months [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fiscal year 2025 saw diluted earnings per share increase by 9% to $14.64, with net income reaching a record $547 million and EBITDA at $1.2 billion, up 13% from the previous year [8][19] - Total inside sales grew by 10.9%, with same-store sales up 2.6%, while prepared food and dispensed beverage sales increased by 10.3% [9][13] - Inside margin expanded by 50 basis points year-over-year to 41.5%, driven by effective vendor partnerships [9][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total prepared food and dispensed beverage sales rose by 9.7% to $392 million, while grocery and general merchandise sales increased by 13.5% to $1.02 billion [13][14] - Same-store prepared food and beverage sales were up 1.5%, with an average margin of 57.8%, despite a 30 basis point decline from the previous year [14] - Same-store grocery and general merchandise sales increased by 1.8%, with an average margin of 34.8%, up 40 basis points year-over-year [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fuel gross profit increased by 11%, with total fuel gallons sold up 13% and an average fuel margin of 38.7 cents per gallon [10][19] - Retail fuel sales rose by $162 million, primarily due to a 17.8% increase in total gallons sold, despite a 9% decline in average retail price [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasized a two-pronged approach of building and acquiring stores, achieving the largest store growth year in its history with 35 new builds and 235 units acquired [7][8] - The strategic plan focuses on accelerating food business, growing unit numbers, and enhancing operational efficiency, with a target of opening at least 80 stores in fiscal year 2026 [24][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the business model's strength and durability, anticipating EBITDA growth of 10% to 12% in fiscal year 2026 [21] - The company expects same-store sales growth of 2% to 5% and operating expenses to increase by approximately 8% to 10% [21][22] Other Important Information - The effective tax rate for the quarter was 23%, compared to 22.4% in the prior year, with net interest expense rising to $27.9 million due to financing associated with acquisitions [19][18] - The company plans to allocate approximately $125 million for share repurchases in fiscal year 2026, funded entirely by operating cash flow [21][85] Q&A Session Summary Question: Fuel margins performance and synergies - Management noted that fuel margins exceeded expectations due to effective pricing management and improved procurement capabilities [31][32] Question: Same-store sales outlook for fiscal year 2026 - Management expressed comfort with the guidance range, attributing conservatism to current economic conditions and customer behavior [42][43] Question: Impact of illicit vape on sales - Management acknowledged a negative impact from illicit vape but noted strong growth in nicotine alternatives [52][53] Question: Operating expenses guidance - Management indicated that operating expenses would see mid-teen increases in the first half of fiscal year 2026, primarily due to the integration of acquired stores [60][62] Question: Share buyback strategy - Management clarified that the $125 million share buyback would be funded by operating cash flow, with no debt draw required [81][85]

Alani Nu Transaction Highlights - Alani Nu's 2024 net sales reached $605 million with an adjusted EBITDA of $88 million, representing a 15% margin[16] - Alani Nu experienced a net sales CAGR of 49% from 2022 to 2024, growing from $272 million in 2022 to $605 million in 2024[19] - Alani Nu is the 4 energy drink in the U S with a brand and products created with female consumers and their health and wellness needs in mind[20] Strategic Rationale - The combined Celsius and Alani Nu portfolio is expected to drive approximately $2 billion in sales[28] - The energy category is projected to grow at a 10% CAGR from 2024 to 2029[29] - Celsius and Alani Nu drove 50% of total energy category growth[40] Pro Forma Data - Pro forma consolidated net revenue for Celsius and Alani Nu in 2024 was $1961 million, with a gross profit margin of 48% and SG&A as a percentage of revenue at 36%[60] - Alani Nu's net revenue grew by 46% from $413 million in FY 2023 to $605 million in FY 2024[62] 2025 Profile and Synergies - The combined company forecasts a gross profit margin of 47-49% and SG&A as a percentage of revenue of 32-34% for FY 2025[66] - Celsius has identified over $50 million in estimated run-rate cost synergies to be achieved over two years post-close[69]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly state an investment rating for the industry or specific companies Core Insights - Recent sales growth trends for non-alcoholic beverages have decelerated slightly, with overall dollar sales growth up +3.4% year-over-year for the two weeks ending May 17, 2025, compared to previous periods [1] - Pricing growth has softened to +2.7%, while volume growth remains stable at +0.7% year-over-year [1] - Energy drinks continue to show strong sales growth at +8.3% year-over-year, although this is a slight deceleration from previous periods [7] Summary by Category Carbonated Soft Drinks (CSDs) - Dollar sales growth in CSDs was up approximately +LSD% and stable sequentially, with pricing growth slightly stronger but offset by weaker volumes [2] - Coca-Cola Company and Pepsico Inc reported dollar sales growth of +2.7% and +0.3% respectively, with volume declines [9] Bottled Water - Dollar sales trends in bottled water were stable sequentially, with growth around +LSD% and stable pricing and volume growth [2] Energy Drinks - The energy drink category saw dollar sales growth of +8.3% year-over-year, with volume growth at +6.7% [7] - Monster Energy Co. (excluding Bang) reported dollar sales growth of +9.5% year-over-year, driven by stable volume growth [7] Salty Snacks - Dollar sales trends for salty snacks modestly accelerated to -0.9% year-over-year, with volume growth at -2.1% [8] - Pepsico Inc's salty snack sales growth was down -3.3% year-over-year [8] Specific Company Trends - PEP's dollar sales growth modestly accelerated sequentially, while MNST (excluding Bang) showed strong and stable growth at +HSD% [3] - KO's dollar sales growth remained stable at +MSD%, with stable volumes and pricing growth [3] - KDP's dollar sales growth was stable at +LSD%, with stronger pricing growth offset by softer volumes [3]