Anheuser-Busch InBev is to close two breweries in the US and offload another. The Budweiser brewer said the changes mean it can “invest even more in our remaining operations”. AB InBev is shutting facilities in Fairfield in California and in Merrimack in New Hampshire. Meanwhile, the world’s largest beer maker is selling a brewery in Newark in New Jersey. Around 475 staff are affected. A spokesperson for the Michelob Ultra owner said it would offer all the employees “a full-time role elsewhere in our ...

Group 1: Broadcom and AI Trade - Broadcom is facing margin concerns after a strong Q4 performance, with expectations of a 100 basis points sequential decline in Q1 gross margin due to increased AI revenue share [4] - The company has a significant backlog of $73 billion in AI product orders scheduled over the next six quarters, but this includes lower-margin system sales [5] - Broadcom's market capitalization has surpassed that of Meta and Tesla, highlighting its importance in the AI sector following a 78% year-to-date rally [3] Group 2: Cannabis Industry - Cannabis producer stocks are rising on reports that President Trump may advocate for reclassifying marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, which would recognize its medical applications [6][7] - A call was held involving Trump and several cannabis industry executives to discuss the reclassification proposal, although no final decision has been made [7] Group 3: Anheuser-Busch InBev - Anheuser-Busch InBev plans to close its Merrimack, N.H. brewery by early 2026 as part of a modernization effort, aligning with closures at other sites [8][9] - The company holds a leading position in the U.S. beer market with approximately 33% market share, with Michelob Ultra being the top-selling beer by volume [10]

Sundry Photography/iStock Editorial via Getty Images Listen below or on the go on Apple Podcasts and Spotify Margin worries lead to selling of another big AI trade name. (0:15) Pot stocks pop. (1:16) Bud closing breweries. (2:07) The following is an abridged transcript: The AI trade hit another speed bump, with Broadcom (AVGO) under pressure post-earnings on margin concerns. Deutsche Bank’s Jim Reid noted that after a 78% YTD rally, Broadcom now has a larger market cap than Meta and Tesla, underscor ...

Core Insights - The owner of Michelob Ultra is in discussions to acquire a boxed punch brand that has become popular among younger consumers [1] Company Summary - The acquisition talks indicate a strategic move by the company to diversify its product offerings and appeal to a younger demographic [1] Industry Summary - The boxed punch segment is gaining traction, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences towards convenient and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, the company experienced top-line growth of 0.9% and EBITDA growth of 3.3%, with margin expansion of 85 basis points [8][21] - Underlying EPS increased by 1% in U.S. dollars and 0.3% in constant currency, reaching $0.99 per share [21][22] - Revenue per hectoliter increased by 4.8%, driven by disciplined revenue management and a portfolio of premium brands [8][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The premium beer, non-alcohol beer, and beyond beer segments continued to outperform, with the quarterly GMV of the BIS marketplace reaching nearly $1 billion [5][8] - In the U.S., the portfolio saw a revenue increase in the mid-40s, led by Cutwater, which grew revenue in the triple digits [9] - Michelob Ultra became the number one brand in the industry by volume year to date, gaining market share in all 50 states [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue increased in 70% of the company's markets, with bottom-line growth in four of five operating regions [8][21] - In China, revenue declined by 15.2%, with volumes underperforming the industry due to a soft consumer environment [13] - In Brazil, revenue declined by 1.9% due to unseasonable weather and a softer consumer environment, but market share gains were achieved [11][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing its strategic priorities, including investments in brands and innovations to drive market share gains [4][5] - A $6 billion share buyback program was approved, alongside an interim dividend of €0.15 per share, reflecting confidence in long-term growth [7][22] - The partnership with Netflix aims to create co-marketing campaigns and enhance consumer experiences, integrating beer with entertainment [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged headwinds in China and unseasonable weather in the Americas but expressed confidence in the resilience of the strategy [4][5] - The outlook for the beer category remains positive, with expectations for industry volume growth as conditions normalize [12][40] - The company anticipates a significant opportunity in 2026 with the FIFA World Cup in North America, which is expected to enhance brand visibility and consumer engagement [25][41] Other Important Information - The company is actively managing its debt portfolio, announcing the redemption of $2 billion of outstanding bonds [7][22] - The growth of the non-alcohol beer segment is seen as a key opportunity, with the portfolio growing by 27% [15][81] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on the $6 billion buyback program and its implications for capital allocation - Management indicated that the buyback program reflects improved balance sheet flexibility and is part of a disciplined capital allocation strategy [27][29] Question: Outlook for global beer volume growth - Management noted that the medium-term outlook for global beer is around 1% growth, with potential for further growth through beyond beer propositions [28][30] Question: Volume growth expectations for 2026 - Management expressed optimism for volume growth in 2026, particularly with the FIFA World Cup and improving consumer sentiment [40][41] Question: Impact of input costs and FX on 2026 - Management stated that while they do not provide specific guidance on costs, they hedge 12 months ahead and expect a more normalized environment in 2026 [43][45] Question: Performance in Latin America, particularly Brazil and Colombia - Management highlighted that while Brazil faced challenges due to weather, Colombia continued to show strong performance and volume growth [52][53] Question: Insights on the Champions League sponsorship and ROI - Management emphasized the importance of integrating brands with major events and cultural moments to enhance long-term brand positioning [62][63] Question: Success of Cutwater and its sustainability - Management noted that Cutwater has become a top 10 spirits brand in the U.S., driven by consistent brand building and strategic investments [66][67]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, the company achieved top-line growth of 0.9% and EBITDA growth of 3.3%, with margin expansion of 85 basis points [7][21][25] - Underlying EPS increased by 1% in U.S. dollars and 0.3% in constant currency, reaching $0.99 per share [21][25] - Revenue per hectoliter increased by 4.8%, driven by disciplined revenue management and a portfolio of mega brands [7][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The premium beer, non-alcohol beer, and beyond beer segments continued to outperform, with the quarterly GMV of the BIS marketplace reaching nearly $1 billion [5][6] - In the U.S., revenue growth in the mid-40s was led by Cutwater, which grew revenue in the triple digits [9] - Michelob Ultra became the number one brand in the industry by volume year to date, gaining market share in all 50 states [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue increased in 70% of the company's markets, with bottom-line growth in four of five operating regions [8][21] - In China, revenue declined by 15.2% due to a soft consumer environment, with the company focusing on enhancing execution and route to market [13][14] - In Brazil, revenue declined by 1.9% driven by unseasonable weather, but market share gains and disciplined management offset the decline [11][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on consistent execution of its strategy, investing in brand power and innovation to drive market share gains [5][6] - A $6 billion share buyback program was approved, alongside an interim dividend of €0.15 per share, reflecting confidence in long-term growth [6][24] - The company aims to leverage partnerships, such as with Netflix, to enhance brand visibility and consumer engagement [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged headwinds in China and unseasonable weather in the Americas but expressed confidence in the resilience of the strategy [4][5] - The outlook for the beer category remains positive, with expectations for industry volume growth as conditions normalize [12][41] - The company anticipates a strong performance in 2026, driven by events like the FIFA World Cup in North America [27][41] Other Important Information - The company is actively managing its debt portfolio, announcing the redemption of $2 billion of outstanding bonds [6][24] - The non-alcohol beer segment is seen as a key growth opportunity, with net revenue growing by 27% [16][86] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on the $6 billion buyback program - Management indicated that the buyback program reflects improved balance sheet flexibility and is part of a disciplined capital allocation strategy [30][32] Question: Outlook for global beer volume growth - Management noted that the long-term potential for the beer category is around 1% growth, with opportunities for further growth through beyond beer propositions [34][35] Question: Volume growth expectations for 2026 - Management expressed optimism for volume growth in 2026, citing reduced consumer pressure from lower inflation and the impact of the FIFA World Cup [41][42] Question: Impact of input costs in 2026 - Management did not provide specific guidance on input costs but indicated that hedging policies are in place to manage FX risks [45][47] Question: Consumer improvement in Brazil and Colombia - Management noted that while Brazil faced challenges due to weather, Colombia continued to show strong volume growth and market share gains [56][57] Question: Performance of Cutwater brand - Management highlighted Cutwater's significant growth, becoming one of the top 10 spirits brands in the U.S., and emphasized the brand's potential for further expansion [70][71]

Financial Performance - The company's EBITDA increased by 3.3% in 3Q25[12] - The company's revenue per hl grew by 4.8% in 3Q25[13] - The company announced a share buyback program of $6 billion[12] - The company announced a debt redemption of $2 billion[12] - The company announced an interim dividend of €0.15 per share[12] - The company's underlying EPS (USD) increased by 1.0%[13] Regional Performance - North America's revenue decreased by 0.7%[17] - Middle Americas' revenue increased by 4.2%[17] - South America's revenue increased by 2.0%[17] - EMEA's revenue increased by 3.0%[17] - APAC's revenue decreased by 9.0%[17] Brand Performance - No-alcohol beer revenue increased by 27%[12] - Beyond Beer revenue increased by 27%[12] - BEES Marketplace quarterly GMV increased by 66%, approaching $1 billion[12]

Core Insights - AB InBev has enhanced its competitive position through a focus on premiumization and innovation, achieving a 6.5% year-over-year increase in EBITDA in Q2 2025 despite volume pressures in key markets like Brazil and China [2][6] - The company's strategy emphasizes value-driven growth, leveraging high-margin brands and consumer insights to shift towards products that offer pricing power and brand loyalty [2][3] Premiumization Strategy - AB InBev's global portfolio includes megabrands such as Corona, Budweiser, Stella Artois, and Michelob Ultra, which are central to its premiumization strategy [3] - The company owns eight of the world's ten most valuable beer brands, with Corona's revenues growing by 7.7% outside of Mexico, and Michelob Ultra and Stella Artois rising in global rankings [3] Innovation and Product Development - Innovation is a key growth driver, with successful launches like Michelob Ultra Zero and Busch Light Apple, catering to health-conscious and younger consumers [4] - The focus on developing no- and low-alcohol options broadens appeal across various consumption occasions [4] Digital Transformation - AB InBev is enhancing its competitiveness through digital transformation, with platforms like BEES achieving a 63% year-over-year increase in gross merchandise value, reaching $785 million [5] - Direct-to-consumer digital platforms generated $134 million in revenues, improving operational efficiency and enabling data-driven decision-making [5] Future Outlook - The premiumization and innovation strategies position AB InBev well for sustained market leadership, adapting to long-term consumer shifts and economic dynamics [6] - Despite short-term volume softness in regions like Brazil and China, the company's focus on value creation and premium growth is expected to maintain its competitive edge [6] Stock Performance - AB InBev's shares have declined by 12.1% over the past three months, underperforming the industry and broader Consumer Staples sector [7] - The stock trades at a forward P/E ratio of 14.63X, higher than the industry average of 13.65X, indicating that investors may be anticipating stronger growth prospects [10]

Core Insights - Constellation Brands slightly beat expectations in its second-quarter earnings report despite a downturn in the alcohol market, leading to mixed sentiments among shareholders [1] Financial Performance - Net sales for the quarter were $2.48 billion, down from $2.92 billion a year ago, but slightly above the expected $2.46 billion [6] - The company reported a profit of $466 million for the quarter [6] - Overall beer sales declined by 7% year-over-year, while revenue from the wine and spirits category fell by 19% year-over-year, following a 21% drop in the previous quarter [6] Market Challenges - Constellation faces significant challenges, including a 50% import tax on aluminum cans, which does not apply to bottled beer [2] - Economic uncertainty has led to reduced discretionary spending, particularly among Latino consumers, who make up about half of Constellation's customer base [2] - Gen Z's disinterest in alcohol consumption is evident, with only 54% of US adults reporting alcohol consumption, the lowest level in nearly 90 years [2] Competitive Landscape - Michelob Ultra has overtaken Modelo as America's top-selling beer, indicating a shift in consumer preferences [3] - The company's share price has decreased by approximately 37% this year, with a 17% drop occurring in September alone [3] - Analysts have expressed skepticism about finding positive catalysts for US beer trends, leading to a downgrade of the company's stock by Barclays [3] Industry Trends - The craft beer market is experiencing a downturn, with more craft breweries closing than opening in the past 18 months, a trend not seen in over 20 years [4]

Group 1: Lockheed Martin - Lockheed Martin derives approximately 75% of its $71 billion sales from contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense, making it a key player in the defense contracting industry [2][3] - The F-35 contract is the largest defense procurement program ever awarded and is expected to provide stable revenue through the 2060s, benefiting long-term investors [3] - Lockheed Martin recently introduced Vectis, a new drone designed for collaboration with fighter jets, indicating the company's adaptability and continued growth potential in the defense sector [5][6] - The company has a price-to-earnings ratio of 27 and offers a dividend yield of 2.7%, providing investors with both income and stability [6] Group 2: Ambev - Ambev is the largest brewer in Latin America and the Caribbean, holding monopolistic positions with approximately 60% beer market share in Brazil and over 70% in Bolivia [8][9] - The company has significant growth potential as per capita beer consumption in Latin America is lower than in developed countries, presenting opportunities for volume growth [10] - Ambev benefits from a trend of consumers preferring foreign beers, allowing it to leverage Anheuser-Busch InBev's premium portfolio [10] - The company maintains a high-yield dividend of 7.6% and is well-positioned to sustain its market share through economic cycles [11] Group 3: Investment Outlook - Both Lockheed Martin and Ambev offer healthy dividends, long-term growth potential, and competitive advantages, making them suitable for dividend-focused portfolios [12]