Core Insights - Constellation Brands, Inc. (STZ) maintains a strong position in the beer and wine & spirits sectors through a focus on premiumization, brand strength, and disciplined portfolio management [1][10] - The company is investing in innovation and launching products that align with consumer trends, which supports sustained growth across its Power Brand portfolio [2][10] - STZ's premiumization strategy is reshaping its portfolio towards high-quality labels that meet evolving consumer preferences, particularly in the wine and beer segments [3][4] Company Strategy - The core brand strategy of Constellation Brands is gaining momentum, especially in the beer business, contributing to higher earnings [4] - The company is capitalizing on premiumization trends through direct-to-consumer capabilities and an expanded global footprint [2][10] - Investments in innovation and a focus on high-margin segments are key to driving growth across the beverage alcohol market [2][10] Competitive Landscape - Key competitors include Anheuser-Busch InBev (BUD), Boston Beer Company (SAM), and Molson Coors Beverage Company (TAP), all of which are also focusing on premiumization and brand development [5][6][7][8] - BUD has seen strong performance from its core brand Corona, achieving low-teens revenue growth outside of Mexico [6] - SAM is diversifying its portfolio with products like Truly Hard Seltzer to reduce reliance on traditional beer [7] - Molson Coors is committed to growing its above-premium portfolio and investing in high-performing brands [8] Financial Performance - STZ's stock has declined by 41.1% year-to-date, compared to a 3.5% dip in the industry [9] - The company trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 10.70X, below the industry average of 14.29X [11] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates a year-over-year earnings decline of 16.6% for fiscal 2026, followed by an expected growth of 8.8% for fiscal 2027 [12]

BOSTON, Nov. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Truly Hard Seltzer, the Official Hard Seltzer partner of U.S. Soccer, has announced an exclusive, limited-edition jacket collection created in collaboration with iconic sports collaborator and apparel designer Jeff Hamilton. With a limited number of jackets available to purchase beginning today, this collectible release celebrates American soccer fans and marks Truly's continued commitment to delivering premium experiences for the passionate U.S. Soccer community. A ...

Core Insights - Truly Hard Seltzer has launched a limited-edition jacket collection in collaboration with designer Jeff Hamilton, celebrating American soccer fans and marking the brand's commitment to the U.S. Soccer community [1][2][4] Company Overview - Truly Hard Seltzer is the first-ever Official Hard Seltzer partner of U.S. Soccer since 2022, aiming to enhance the fan experience as soccer gains prominence in the upcoming year [2][5] - The brand has been a pioneer in the hard seltzer category since 2016, offering a variety of flavors and innovative products to meet consumer preferences [5][6] Product Details - The Truly x Jeff Hamilton collection features jackets priced at $150, available exclusively on Truly's e-store [2][4] - Each jacket design pays homage to U.S. Soccer's history, including elements inspired by the 1994 U.S. Men's National Team uniforms and local soccer culture [3][4] Marketing Strategy - The collaboration with Jeff Hamilton is intended to create a deeper connection with soccer fans, providing them with a collectible item that embodies the spirit of U.S. Soccer [4][3] - The marketing approach emphasizes honoring passionate soccer fans and enhancing their experience beyond just beverage consumption [4][3]

Core Insights - Boston Beer Company, Inc. (SAM) reported third-quarter 2025 results with earnings per share of $4.25, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.78 and reflecting a year-over-year increase of 48.6. However, net revenues fell 11% year over year [1][9]. Financial Performance - Net revenues for the third quarter were $571.5 million, down 11% from the prior-year quarter, with revenues excluding excise taxes declining 11.2% to $537.5 million. This decline was attributed to lower shipment volumes, partially offset by higher pricing and a favorable product mix [2]. - Shipment volume decreased by 13.7% year over year to 1.9 million barrels, primarily due to lower volumes of Truly Hard Seltzer, Twisted Tea, and Samuel Adams, although brands like Sun Cruiser and Angry Orchard showed growth [3]. - Gross profit fell 2.5% year over year to $273.1 million, but gross margin improved by 450 basis points to 50.8%, driven by brewery efficiencies, procurement savings, and a favorable product mix [5][9]. Expenses and Costs - Advertising, promotional, and selling expenses rose 11.3% to $164.7 million due to increased investments in brand media and marketing, while general and administrative expenses increased by 2.5% to $44.9 million [6]. - The company anticipates advertising expenses to increase by $50-$60 million, up from a previous estimate of $30-$50 million [13]. Financial Position - As of September 27, 2025, Boston Beer had cash and cash equivalents of $250.5 million and total stockholders' equity of $911 million, with $150 million available in its line of credit [7]. - The company repurchased shares worth $161.3 million year to date, with approximately $266 million remaining on its $1.6 billion share buyback expenditure limit [8]. Future Guidance - Boston Beer updated its 2025 financial guidance, expecting mid-single-digit declines in depletions and shipments, with price increases remaining at 1-2% [10][11]. - The gross margin forecast for 2025 is now 47-48%, reflecting a change due to lower-than-expected tariff impacts [12]. - Capital spending is now projected at $50-$70 million, down from the previous range of $70-$90 million [14].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q3 2025 decreased by 11.2% due to lower volumes, partially offset by increased pricing and favorable product mix [26] - Gross margin for Q3 2025 was 50.8%, an increase of 450 basis points year over year, marking the highest level since 2018 [26][27] - Year-to-date EPS reached $11.82, with guidance for full-year EPS revised to $7.80 to $9.80, up from $6.72 to $9.54 [28][32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Depletions decreased by 3% in Q3 2025, with shipments down 13.7%, primarily driven by declines in Twisted Tea, Truly Hard Seltzer, and Samuel Adams [26][10] - Twisted Tea saw a year-to-date decline of 5% in dollar sales, while Angry Orchard returned to growth with increased depletions [12][24] - Sun Cruiser became the leading RTD spirits brand in on-premise channels, with significant growth in distribution and velocity [18][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall beer industry is estimated to be down over 4% in volume, while the beyond beer category, which represents over 85% of the company's volume, is expected to grow [6][10] - The hard seltzer category declined 4% in dollars in measured off-premise channels, as consumer preferences shift towards premium RTD spirits [21] - Hispanic consumer buying rates remain challenged, impacting brands like Twisted Tea, which has a significant portion of its drinker base from this demographic [12][13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on innovation, advertising investment, and margin improvement, with a strong emphasis on the beyond beer category [4][6] - Plans to expand Sun Cruiser and launch additional innovation brands in 2026 are underway, alongside increased advertising support [19][20] - The company aims to maintain share within its brand families and is investing in local market activation programs to support brand growth [8][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management acknowledged a challenging macroeconomic environment affecting consumer demand, particularly among low to middle-income consumers [6][12] - Despite current headwinds, the company sees long-term growth opportunities in the beyond beer category and is committed to investing in its brands [7][10] - Management expressed confidence in the strategies and team in place to navigate the current environment and improve share trends [25] Other Important Information - The company generated over $230 million in operating cash flow in the first nine months of the year, allowing for brand investments and share repurchases [11] - The company has narrowed its volume guidance range for the year and raised its gross margin and EPS guidance, reflecting strong performance year-to-date [30][32] - The company ended the quarter with a cash balance of $250.5 million and an unused credit line of $150 million, providing flexibility for future investments [33] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on promotional spend and timing - Management indicated that promotional spending will support Twisted Tea and that local marketing efforts will continue into next year [36][40] Question: Thoughts on smaller pack sizes - Management is exploring smaller pack sizes but believes that traditional sizes offer better value and margin [37][42] Question: Gross margin performance and future targets - Management expressed confidence in maintaining high gross margins and achieving targets through ongoing savings projects [46][50] Question: Top-line growth outlook - Management is optimistic about Sun Cruiser's growth potential and aims to maintain share across its brand portfolio [54][58] Question: Impact of hemp beverages and Hispanic consumers - Management noted that economic conditions and health concerns are significant factors affecting demand, with limited impact from hemp beverages [72][74]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q3 decreased by 11.2% due to lower volumes, partially offset by increased pricing and favorable product mix [32] - Gross margin for Q3 was 50.8%, an increase of 450 basis points year-over-year, marking the highest level since 2018 [33] - Year-to-date EPS reached $11.82, with guidance for full-year EPS revised to $7.80 to $9.80, up from $6.72 to $9.54 [38] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Depletions decreased by 3% in Q3, with shipments down 13.7%, primarily driven by declines in Twisted Tea, Truly Hard Seltzer, and Samuel Adams [32] - Sun Cruiser and Angry Orchard brands showed growth, with Sun Cruiser becoming the leading RTD spirits brand in on-premise channels [22][32] - Twisted Tea experienced a decline of 5% in dollar sales year-to-date, attributed to macroeconomic factors and competition from RTD spirits [15][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall beer industry is estimated to be down over 4% in volume, while the company's depletions were down 3% [12][32] - The hard seltzer category declined by 4% in dollars, with Truly remaining a top brand but underperforming [25] - The Hispanic consumer segment continues to face challenges, impacting demand across the industry [16][97] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on innovation, brand support through advertising, and margin improvement initiatives [7][11] - Plans to expand Sun Cruiser and introduce new innovation brands in 2026, while continuing to support Twisted Tea with advertising and promotional efforts [20][25] - The company aims to maintain share in its brand families and capitalize on growth opportunities in the beyond beer category [71][80] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The current macroeconomic environment remains challenging, with consumers managing budgets tightly and moderation trends impacting demand [8][9] - Management remains optimistic about long-term growth opportunities in the beyond beer category, which represents over 85% of the company's volume [9][10] - The company expects to see improvements in the macroeconomic environment and brand performance in the long term [21][72] Other Important Information - The company generated over $230 million in operating cash flow in the first nine months, allowing for brand investments and share repurchases [14] - The company has narrowed its volume guidance range and raised gross margin and EPS guidance for the full year [36][38] - The company ended the quarter with a cash balance of $250.5 million and an unused credit line of $150 million [40] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on promotional spend and local marketing - Management indicated that promotional spending will support Twisted Tea and that local marketing efforts will continue into next year [44][46] Question: Gross margin performance and future targets - Management expressed confidence in maintaining high gross margins due to ongoing savings projects and operational efficiencies [56][59] Question: Top line growth outlook and brand contributions - Management remains optimistic about Sun Cruiser's growth potential and aims to maintain share for Twisted Tea and Truly [70][76] Question: Impact of hemp beverages and Hispanic consumers - Management noted that the Hispanic consumer segment represents about 20% of Twisted Tea drinkers and highlighted macroeconomic factors as significant drivers of industry declines [97][98] Question: Fourth quarter earnings outlook - Management reiterated that Q4 is typically the lowest revenue quarter and explained the changes in production and marketing spend that contribute to this trend [104][108]

Leadership Changes - Boston Beer Company announced immediate leadership changes, appointing Phil Hodges as Chief Operating Officer (COO) [1][2] - Hodges will oversee day-to-day operations and focus on brand building and margin enhancement initiatives, reporting to CEO Jim Koch [2][4] Phil Hodges' Background - Phil Hodges has over 30 years of experience in consumer packaged goods (CPG), previously serving as CSCO at Carlsberg and CFO at Kraft Foods International [3] - Since becoming CSCO in May 2023, Hodges has improved service levels and efficiency in the company's supply chain, leading to strong gross margin expansion [3] Promotion of Phil Savastano - Phil Savastano has been promoted to Chief Supply Chain Officer, overseeing various operational areas and reporting to Hodges [5][7] - Savastano joined Boston Beer in March 2024 and has a background with Tesla and Molson Coors, contributing to operational excellence [5]

Core Insights - Truly Hard Seltzer has launched a limited-edition flavor called "No Shade, Just Tea," in collaboration with reality star JaNa Craig, featuring raspberry iced tea [1][2][4] - The new flavor combines hard seltzer with real brewed tea and raspberry flavor, offering a refreshing beverage option [2][3] - The product is available in packs of four 16oz. cans, with a low calorie count of 100 calories, 1g of sugar, and 5% ABV per 12oz. serving [3] Product Launch Details - The limited-edition flavor became available on September 17, 2025, through GiveThemBeer.com, with multiple drops while supplies last [3][7] - A meet-and-greet event with JaNa Craig is scheduled for September 25 at Truly's tasting room in Los Angeles, where fans can sample the new flavor [6][7] - Tickets for the meet-and-greet are priced at $25 and will be available starting September 19 [7] Brand and Market Position - Truly Hard Seltzer has been a pioneer in the hard seltzer category since 2016, focusing on innovative and flavorful alcoholic beverages [8] - The brand offers a variety of flavors and styles, including seasonal and culturally relevant limited releases, catering to diverse consumer preferences [8] - The Boston Beer Company, which owns Truly, is recognized as one of the largest craft brewers in the U.S., with a portfolio that includes various alcoholic beverages beyond beer [9]

Leadership Change - Michael Spillane will step down as CEO of Boston Beer Company effective August 15, 2025, to focus on personal matters, but will remain on the board as a non-executive director [1][6] - Jim Koch, the founder and chairman of the board, will take over as CEO, a position he previously held from 1984 until January 2001 [2][6] Company Performance - Under Spillane's leadership, Boston Beer delivered one of its most profitable quarters in many years during the second quarter [3] Company Background - Boston Beer Company, founded in 1984, is one of the largest craft brewers in the United States, known for its high-quality products and innovation in the craft beer and flavored malt beverage categories [4][7] - The company has expanded its offerings to include hard cider, hard seltzer, and hard tea, with core brands such as Angry Orchard, Dogfish Head, Samuel Adams, Truly Hard Seltzer, and Twisted Tea [7]

Core Insights - Boston Beer Company, Inc. (SAM) reported second-quarter 2025 results with earnings per share of $5.45, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.37 and showing a 241% year-over-year improvement [3][9] - Net revenues reached $587.9 million, a 1.5% increase from the prior-year quarter, but fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $597 million [4] - Despite a 5% decline in depletions due to economic uncertainty and adverse weather, the company gained market share through a diversified brand portfolio and strong innovation [2][7] Financial Performance - Gross profit improved by 9.8% year over year to $292.5 million, with gross margin expanding by 380 basis points to 49.8% [11] - Advertising, promotional, and selling expenses rose by 10.7% to $15.5 million, while general and administrative expenses decreased by 4.7% to $2.3 million [12] - Year-to-date depletions are estimated to have declined by 3% year over year, with distributor inventory levels deemed appropriate [10] Market Position and Guidance - The company raised its gross margin guidance for 2025, now projecting a gross margin of 46-47.3% including tariffs, up from the previous estimate of 44% to 46.5% [17] - Capital spending expectations have been reduced to $70 to $90 million, reflecting a more disciplined investment approach [19] - The company anticipates depletions and shipments to decline in the high single digits to low single digits for 2025, with price increases remaining unchanged at 1% to 2% [16]