June same-store sales increased 3.5% year-over-year  NEWARK, N.J., July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NRSInsights, a provider of sales data and analytics drawn from retail transactions processed through the National Retail Solutions (NRS) point-of-sale (POS) platform, today announced comparative retail same-store sales results for June 2025. As of June 30, 2025, the NRS retail network comprised approximately 36,600 active terminals nationwide, scanning purchases at approximately 31,700 independent retailers ...

Core Viewpoint - Coca-Cola is considered an evergreen investment due to its consistent growth and long-term reliability, despite challenges in the beverage market [1][12] Group 1: Company Strengths - Coca-Cola has diversified its product portfolio beyond soda to include bottled water, tea, fruit juices, sports drinks, energy drinks, coffee, and alcoholic beverages, which helps mitigate declining soda consumption [3] - The company's capital-light business model, focusing on selling concentrates and syrups while bottling partners handle production, allows for consistent profits and insulation from inflation and regional macro challenges [4] - From 1984 to 2024, Coca-Cola achieved a revenue and split-adjusted EPS CAGR of 5% and 6%, respectively, maintaining stable growth through five global recessions and being a Dividend King with 63 consecutive years of dividend increases [5] - Analysts project Coca-Cola's revenue and EPS to grow at a CAGR of 5% and 11% from 2024 to 2027, driven by expansion in emerging markets, wellness-oriented brands, strategic acquisitions, and AI-driven efficiencies [6][7] Group 2: Company Weaknesses - Growth is slowing in developed markets like the U.S. and Europe, where competition from healthier and private label beverages is increasing, necessitating greater investment in emerging markets [8] - Ongoing trade wars and elevated tariffs, particularly on aluminum for cans, could lead to price increases from bottlers, potentially impacting shipments and margins during economic downturns [9] - Compared to PepsiCo, Coca-Cola's valuation at 24 times forward earnings appears less attractive, especially as PepsiCo offers a higher forward dividend yield of 4.3% [10] - Coca-Cola has underperformed the S&P 500 over the past 40 years, which has generated a total return of 3,460%, indicating that Coca-Cola may not be the best performer during bull markets [11]

Key Takeaways As evolving consumer lifestyles drive demand for healthy offerings, Celsius Holdings, Inc. (CELH) is strategically positioned to resonate well with such trends. The company is capitalizing on the booming health and wellness trends by its " LIVE FIT" campaign, which promotes energy drinks supporting a balanced lifestyle and extending its reach beyond core fitness-focused consumers. CELH "LIVE FIT" platform, which revolves around health, aspiration and daily functionality, strongly relates to to ...

Explore the exciting world of Celsius Holdings (CELH 5.98%) with our expert analysts in this Motley Fool Scoreboard episode. Check out the video below to gain valuable insights into market trends and potential investment opportunities!*Stock prices used were the prices of May 14, 2025. The video was published on Jun. 24, 2025. ...

DALLAS, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rocky Mountain High Brands, Inc. (OTC: RMHB) announced today updates on personnel changes and a disputed lawsuit by former landlord. The Company's February 14, 2025 press release referenced a variety of personnel changes to occur in the near future. They are as follows: At the present time, the turnaround team is performing these duties to keep the G&A cost at a minimum. The team is working with two potential new Directors with strong, successful financial and busin ...

Celsius Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:CELH) is set for a higher open, last seen up 5.2% in premarket trading, after TD Cowen upgraded the energy drink stock to “buy” from “hold” and lifted its price target from $37 to $55. The brokerage cited confidence in Celsius’ long-term growth trajectory, fueled by integration of the Alani Nu acquisition and broader retail distribution in 2026.Today’s pop could put CELH back on track toward its June 1 nearly 52-week high of $44, following a short-lived pullback that snapped the ...

Key Highlights: Direct Canadian Distribution Launches — All major retailers are secured, and best-in-class distributors and marketing agencies are deployed to execute at shelf and accelerate growth.Net Loss Improved by 46.5% — Q2 net loss nearly halved to $1.4 million compared to the same quarter last year, showing acceleration towards return to profitability as Canadian distribution transition advances and innovation fuels brand momentum.Solid Financial Position Maintained — $25.3 million in cash ($25.2 mi ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses three stocks—Target, Celsius Holdings, and Freshpet—that have underperformed but may have potential for recovery in the near future, despite their current challenges [1][2][3]. Group 1: Target - Target's stock has decreased by 33% over the past year, attributed to negative store comps and declining net sales over two consecutive quarters [4][5]. - The stock's yield has risen to 4.6%, and the company has a history of increasing dividends for 53 consecutive years, with expectations for a potential hike soon [5][6]. - Target faces challenges in regaining customer trust due to political controversies that have alienated both conservative and liberal shoppers [8][9]. - The company has a payout ratio of less than 50% of its trailing earnings, indicating room for dividend increases while aiming for a turnaround [6][10]. Group 2: Celsius Holdings - Celsius Holdings has experienced a 42% decline in stock value over the past year, despite being one of the year's biggest market winners with over 60% growth [11]. - The company has seen significant revenue growth in previous years, but recent quarters have shown year-over-year declines [12]. - The acquisition of Alani Nu is expected to positively impact market share and revenue, with results anticipated to improve starting from the current quarter [13]. Group 3: Freshpet - Freshpet's stock has dropped by 39%, holding a 3.5% share of the dog food market but dominating the fresh or frozen pet food segment with 96% market share in brick-and-mortar retailers [14]. - The company has consistently achieved over 27% top-line growth for seven years, but it has revised its growth expectations down to 15% to 18% for the current year [15]. - Despite the decline, Freshpet's stock remains at a premium valuation, trading at three times sales and 37 times next year's earnings, indicating potential for recovery if growth resumes [16].

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]

The Zacks Beverages – Soft Drinks industry presents a dynamic investment landscape, marked by a blend of strong growth potential and ongoing cost challenges. Rising consumer demand for healthier, functional and eco-friendly beverages is unlocking new avenues for market expansion, prompting companies to innovate and diversify their portfolios. Additionally, the industry is undergoing a digital evolution as brands increasingly adopt direct-to-consumer channels, subscription models and data-driven personalizat ...