Core Insights - Findell Capital Management has initiated a new position in Turning Point Brands (NYSE:TPB) valued at approximately $8.9 million, acquiring 90,000 shares during the third quarter [2][3] Company Overview - Turning Point Brands, Inc. is a diversified consumer products company focused on the tobacco and alternative products market, operating through established brands and a multi-channel distribution strategy [6] - The company offers a range of branded consumer products, including rolling papers, tobacco products, cigars, and vapor products, with key brands such as Zig-Zag and Stoker's [7] Financial Performance - Turning Point Brands reported a market capitalization of $1.9 billion, with a trailing twelve months (TTM) revenue of $435.7 million and a net income of $52.4 million [5] - The latest quarter showed a 31% revenue growth to $119 million and a 17% adjusted EBITDA growth to $31.3 million, driven by a significant increase in Modern Oral products, which saw sales jump 628% year over year to $36.7 million [10] Investment Context - Findell Capital Management's new stake in Turning Point Brands represents 3.5% of the fund's $253.4 million in reportable U.S. equity assets, bringing its total positions to 15 at the end of the quarter [3] - The stock price of TPB was $99.56 as of the market close, reflecting a 60% increase over the past year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's 13% gain during the same period [4]

Company Overview - Turning Point Brands, Inc. operates in the tobacco and alternative products sector, leveraging established brands like Zig-Zag and Stoker's [5] - The company employs a multi-segment strategy, serving both traditional tobacco consumers and those seeking alternative products [5] - Turning Point Brands generates revenue through the manufacture, marketing, and distribution of various branded consumer products, including rolling papers, moist snuff tobacco, and vapor products [7] Financial Performance - As of November 14, 2025, Turning Point Brands had a market capitalization of $1.93 billion and revenue of $435.72 million for the trailing twelve months (TTM) [3] - The company reported a net income of $52.37 million for the TTM [3] - In Q3, sales increased by 31% year over year to $119 million, with net income rising 70% to $21 million, resulting in diluted earnings per share of $1.13 compared to $0.68 in the prior year [8] Growth Drivers - A significant contributor to Turning Point Brands' success has been its Modern Oral line of nicotine pouches, which saw Q3 sales surge by 628% year over year to $37 million [9] - The company has raised its 2025 sales forecast for the Modern Oral line to between $125 million and $130 million, a substantial increase from the original guidance of $60 million to $80 million [9] Market Performance - As of November 14, 2025, shares of Turning Point Brands were priced at $101.22, reflecting a 75% increase over the past year, outperforming the S&P 500 by 62 percentage points [2] - The stock reached a 52-week high of $110.55 on November 5, 2025, indicating strong market performance [10]

Company Overview - Turning Point Brands, Inc. (NYSE:TPB) specializes in manufacturing, marketing, and distributing branded consumer products, operating through segments like Stoker's and Zig-Zag [1] Recent Rating Update - Oppenheimer upgraded TPB to "Outperform" with a stock price of approximately $98.74, indicating expectations for better performance than the overall market [2][6] Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, TPB reported a 31.2% increase in total consolidated net sales, reaching $119 million compared to the same period in 2024, driven primarily by the Stoker's segment which saw an 80.8% increase in net sales [3][6] - The Zig-Zag segment experienced a 10% decline in net sales, indicating mixed performance across product lines [3] Stock Performance - TPB's stock price is currently at $101.23, reflecting a 6.36% increase or $6.05, with fluctuations between a low of $94.50 and a high of $110.33 on the same day [4][6] - Over the past year, TPB's stock reached a high of $110.35 and a low of $47.53, demonstrating significant volatility [4] Market Capitalization and Trading Volume - TPB's market capitalization is approximately $1.82 billion, with a trading volume of 1,379,296 shares on the NYSE, indicating strong market presence and investor interest [5]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenue increased by 31% to $119 million for Q3 2025, with adjusted EBITDA rising 17% to $31.3 million [7][17] - Gross margin improved to 59.2%, up 360 basis points year over year and 210 basis points sequentially [17] - Adjusted EBITDA guidance raised to a range of $115-$120 million, up from $110-$114 million [7][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Modern oral revenue, including Fre and On!, surged 628% year over year to $36.7 million [8][18] - Stoker's revenue increased by 81% to approximately $74.8 million, with MST sales up 6% and loose leaf sales up 4% [12][18] - Zig-Zag revenue decreased by 11% to $44.2 million, reflecting anticipated declines due to a focus on modern oral products [12][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - White nicotine pouch brands now account for 31% of the business, up from 26% in Q2 and 6% a year ago [18] - Analysts expect the nicotine pouch category to approach or exceed $10 billion in manufacturers' revenue by the end of the decade [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is prioritizing investments in modern oral products while maintaining cash flow from heritage brands [10][11] - Key initiatives include reallocating sales and marketing resources, expanding international markets, and enhancing U.S. manufacturing capabilities [10][11] - The company aims to double the size of its sales force by the end of 2026 [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the growth potential in the nicotine pouch market and the company's long-term target of achieving double-digit market share [9] - The company is focused on maintaining a balance between growth and profitability, with expectations of continued promotional activity in the market [66] Other Important Information - The company raised $100 million in gross proceeds under its at-the-market offering program to support growth initiatives [10][19] - The company plans to update its buyback authorizations to provide for $200 million of capacity under each program [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Capacity and COGS for onshoring - Management indicated that onshoring will lead to immediate savings in inbound freight and tariff avoidance, with expected improvements in unit economics as production ramps up [22][24][25] Question: In-store market share for modern oral category - Management noted that while specific market share data is not disclosed, they are encouraged by the results of in-store selling as distribution expands [26][27] Question: Growth drivers for MST and loose leaf - Growth in MST and loose leaf was attributed to a combination of increased market share and favorable pricing, with significant opportunities for further gains [31][32] Question: Modern oral growth drivers for Fre and On! - Both brands experienced healthy growth, with On! dominating B2C and making inroads into brick-and-mortar accounts, while Fre had a strong quarter in both online and physical retail [33][35] Question: Promotional environment outlook - Management remains bullish on the category, anticipating continued promotional activity driven by larger competitors, while focusing on building brand connections with consumers [66]

Core Insights - Turning Point Brands, Inc. reported a total consolidated net sales increase of 31.2% to $119.0 million for Q3 2025 compared to Q3 2024 [1] - The Stoker's segment experienced a significant net sales increase of 80.8% [1] - Conversely, the Zig-Zag segment saw a decrease in net sales by 10% [1] Financial Performance - Total consolidated net sales for Q3 2025 reached $119.0 million, marking a substantial growth of 31.2% year-over-year [1] - The Stoker's segment's net sales growth of 80.8% indicates strong performance and demand within this category [1] - The decline of 10% in the Zig-Zag segment's net sales suggests potential challenges or shifts in consumer preferences affecting this product line [1]

Industry Overview - The Zacks Tobacco industry is facing significant challenges, including declining cigarette sales due to shifting consumer preferences, inflationary pressures, and tightening regulations [1][4] - Rising health awareness and stricter restrictions on smoking are reducing demand for traditional tobacco products, negatively impacting overall industry performance [1][4] Key Trends - **Challenges in Cigarette Sales Volumes**: The industry is experiencing a decline in cigarette sales driven by inflation and changing consumer spending patterns, alongside regulatory restrictions on sales and advertising [4] - **Escalated Costs**: Industry participants are affected by cost inflation related to essential materials, energy, and labor, which poses risks to profit margins [5] - **Rising Popularity of Smoke-Free Options**: There is a growing demand for smoke-free alternatives like heated tobacco and vapor products, driven by health awareness and regulatory changes [6] Industry Performance - The Zacks Tobacco industry currently ranks 165, placing it in the bottom 32% of over 243 Zacks industries, indicating dull near-term prospects [7][8] - The industry's consensus estimate for current financial year earnings has decreased by 1.2% since August 2025, reflecting a negative earnings outlook [9] Market Comparison - Over the past year, the Zacks Tobacco industry has outperformed the S&P 500, gaining 36.4% compared to the S&P 500's growth of 18.4% [11] Valuation Metrics - The industry is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 14.44X, lower than the S&P 500's 23.53X and the sector's 16.37X [14] Company Highlights - **Philip Morris International**: This company is transitioning towards a smoke-free future, focusing on reduced-risk products (RRPs) and has seen a 30% increase in shares over the past year [17][19] - **Altria Group**: Altria is prioritizing RRPs and has experienced a 31.7% surge in shares over the past year, supported by its strong legacy brands [22][23] - **Turning Point Brands**: This company has gained momentum with a 105.8% increase in shares over the past year, focusing on innovative product launches and expanding distribution channels [26][28]

Core Insights - Sin stocks, representing companies in industries like alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and gambling, are often viewed as unethical but have a history of delivering strong returns due to consistent demand [2][3][4] - These stocks are characterized by their defensive nature, maintaining stable demand even during economic downturns, which allows for strong pricing power and consistent cash flows [3][4] - Despite their potential for robust returns, sin stocks face challenges such as heavy regulation, negative public perception, and ethical concerns that may deter some investors [5][10] Industry Overview - Sin stocks have shown resilience during both economic expansions and contractions, making them appealing for investors willing to overlook ethical concerns [4] - The alcohol sector is experiencing a shift towards premium and craft offerings, while tobacco companies are adapting to declining cigarette use by investing in vaping products [8] - The cannabis industry is rapidly expanding in regions where legalization is increasing, presenting both growth opportunities and volatility [8][9] Company Analysis - **Diageo Plc (DEO)**: Focuses on market share growth through innovation and premiumization in the alcohol sector [6] - **Las Vegas Sands (LVS)**: Concentrates on property upgrades and strategic investments to drive growth in the gambling sector [6][18] - **Turning Point Brands (TPB)**: Building a growth story around established brands and next-generation products, with a focus on smoke-free alternatives [12][13][14] - **Boston Beer Company (SAM)**: Maintains a strong position in the U.S. craft beverage market, emphasizing innovation and operational efficiency to adapt to consumer preferences [15][16][17] - **MGM Resorts International (MGM)**: Holds a leading position in global gaming, enhancing its competitive edge through capital investments and expansion in digital gaming [18][19][20]

Industry Overview - The Zacks Tobacco industry is shifting towards smoke-free alternatives due to increased consumer health awareness and stricter regulations on traditional cigarettes [1][4] - Major companies like Philip Morris International, Altria Group, and Turning Point Brands are investing in reduced-risk products (RRPs) to cater to the demand for healthier nicotine options [1][4] Market Trends - The popularity of smoke-free options, such as heated tobacco and vaping products, is reshaping the industry as consumers seek safer alternatives [4] - Tobacco companies are leveraging strong pricing power to maintain revenues despite declining cigarette sales, as loyal consumers tend to absorb price increases [2][5] Challenges - The industry faces challenges in cigarette sales volumes due to inflation and changing consumer behavior, alongside regulatory restrictions impacting sales and advertising [6] Industry Performance - The Zacks Tobacco industry ranks 65, placing it in the top 27% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating positive near-term prospects [7][8] - The industry has outperformed the broader market, gaining 63.8% over the past year compared to the S&P 500's 9.8% increase [10] Valuation - The industry is currently trading at a forward P/E of 15.78X, lower than the S&P 500's 21.89X and the sector's 17.62X [13] Company Highlights - **Altria Group**: Focused on transitioning to a smoke-free future with its oral nicotine pouch brand, on!, and has seen a 29.3% increase in shares over the past year [15][17] - **Philip Morris International**: Leading in RRPs with products like IQOS and ZYN, shares have surged 81% in the past year [20][21] - **Turning Point Brands**: Gaining traction with innovative products and strong demand for smokeless alternatives, shares have skyrocketed 132.8% in the past year [24][25]

Core Insights - The Zacks Tobacco industry is transitioning towards smoke-free alternatives due to increasing consumer health awareness and stricter regulations on traditional cigarettes [1][5][6] - Major companies like Philip Morris International, Altria Group, and Turning Point Brands are heavily investing in reduced-risk products (RRPs) to leverage this trend [1][6] Industry Overview - The Zacks Tobacco industry encompasses companies that manufacture and sell cigarettes, cigars, snuffs, and nicotine-based products, including RRPs like e-cigarettes and vaping products [3] - Products in this industry are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which enforces permissible nicotine levels [4] Trends Impacting the Industry - There is a rising demand for smoke-free options driven by health concerns and government regulations aimed at reducing cigarette consumption [5] - Tobacco companies are focusing on innovations to enhance user experience and energy efficiency in RRPs, leading to significant revenue growth [6] Pricing Power and Sales Challenges - Tobacco companies maintain strong pricing power, allowing them to implement price increases despite declining cigarette sales volumes [7] - The industry faces challenges from inflation and regulatory restrictions, which are impacting cigarette sales and consumer behavior [8][9] Industry Performance - The Zacks Tobacco industry has outperformed the broader market, gaining 61.1% over the past year compared to the S&P 500's growth of 6.2% [13] - The industry is currently trading at a forward P/E of 14.37X, lower than the S&P 500's 19.88X [14] Company Highlights - **Philip Morris International**: Transitioning to a smoke-free future with a focus on RRPs like IQOS and ZYN, aiming for a majority smoke-free business by 2030. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its EPS is $7.18, with shares gaining 76.7% in the past year [15][17][16] - **Altria Group**: Focusing on smoke-free brands like NJOY and on!, while modernizing operations through its "Optimize and Accelerate" initiative. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its EPS is $5.31, with shares increasing by 40% in the past year [18][19] - **Turning Point Brands**: Experiencing growth through its core brands and modern oral nicotine products, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate for its EPS at $3.42 and shares soaring 115.8% in the past year [20][22]

Core Insights - The Zacks Tobacco industry is transitioning towards smoke-free alternatives due to increasing consumer health awareness and stricter regulations on traditional cigarettes [1][4] - Major companies like Philip Morris International, Altria Group, and Turning Point Brands are heavily investing in reduced-risk products (RRPs) to leverage this trend [1][4] Industry Overview - The Zacks Tobacco industry encompasses companies that manufacture and sell cigarettes, cigars, snuffs, and nicotine-based products, including RRPs like e-cigarettes and heat-not-burn products [3] - Products are sold through various retail channels and are subject to strict regulations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration [3] Trends Impacting the Industry - The demand for smoke-free options is rising, driven by health concerns and government regulations aimed at reducing cigarette consumption [4] - Tobacco companies are focusing on innovations in RRPs to enhance user experience and energy efficiency, leading to significant revenue growth in this segment [4] Pricing Power - Tobacco companies maintain strong pricing power, allowing them to implement price increases despite declining cigarette sales volumes [5] - The addictive nature of cigarettes results in consumer loyalty, making them less sensitive to price hikes [5] Challenges - The industry faces challenges in cigarette sales volumes due to inflation and changing consumer behavior towards smoke-free alternatives [6] - Regulatory restrictions on sales and advertising further impact traditional cigarette sales [6] Industry Performance - The Zacks Tobacco industry ranks 90, placing it in the top 36% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating positive near-term prospects [7][8] - The industry has outperformed the broader market, gaining 61.1% over the past year compared to 6.2% for the broader sector and 8.1% for the S&P 500 [10] Valuation - The industry is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 14.37X, lower than the S&P 500's 19.88X and the sector's 17.66X [13] Company Highlights - **Philip Morris International**: Transitioning to a smoke-free future with a focus on RRPs like IQOS and ZYN, aiming for a majority smoke-free business by 2030; shares have gained 76.7% in the past year [16][17] - **Altria Group**: Focusing on smoke-free brands and modernizing operations through its "Optimize and Accelerate" initiative; shares have surged 40% in the past year [19] - **Turning Point Brands**: Experiencing growth through core brands and modern oral nicotine products; shares have skyrocketed 115.8% in the past year [22][23]