Louisville, Kentucky-based Brown-Forman Corporation (BF.B) manufactures, distills, bottles, imports, exports, markets, and sells various alcoholic beverages. Valued at $14 billion by market cap, the company’s products include branded whiskey, vodka, wines, tequila, bourbon, and gin. Companies worth $10 billion or more are generally described as “large-cap stocks,” and BF.B perfectly fits that description, with its market cap exceeding this mark, underscoring its size, influence, and dominance within the b ...

Core Insights - Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. is investigating potential claims against MGP Ingredients, Inc. (MGPI) on behalf of long-term stockholders due to a class action complaint filed on December 16, 2024, concerning alleged breaches of fiduciary duties by the board of directors during the class period from May 4, 2023, to October 30, 2024 [1][6]. Company Overview - MGP Ingredients, Inc. is a manufacturer of hard liquors, including tequila, bourbon, rye, whiskey, vodka, and gin, selling products under its own brands and to other distributors [6]. - Prior to the class period, sales of hard liquors surged due to COVID-19, but post-quarantine, the industry experienced a slowdown, leading to increased inventory backlogs [6]. Allegations and Impact - The complaint alleges that MGPI misled investors by assuring them that it was well-positioned to manage the industry slowdown and inventory buildup [6]. - On October 17, 2024, MGPI announced that demand had slowed and excess inventory would negatively impact sales, resulting in a 29.5% drop in stock price [6]. - Following further revelations on October 31, 2024, regarding the greater-than-expected impact of excess inventory, MGPI's stock fell an additional 14.7%, closing at $49.04 per share, leading to a total decline of nearly 50% and significant loss in market capitalization [6].

How Kentucky bourbon went from boom to bust https://t.co/FRYg9hvgVr ...

Core Insights - Central Standard Craft Distillery will relocate its main operations to a refurbished 73,000-square-foot space on the historic Harley-Davidson campus in Milwaukee, aiming to open in late spring 2026 [1][3] - The expansion is expected to increase distillery production capacity by 20 times and create new job opportunities, with headcount projected to double [4][3] - Both Central Standard and Harley-Davidson have a strong history of investing in the Milwaukee community, enhancing local economic and tourism landscapes [2][6] Company Developments - Central Standard's new facility will include full distillery production, a tasting room, tours, and private events, consolidating operations currently spread across three locations [1][4] - The project is designed by Minnesota-based firm HGA, which has previously worked on Central Standard's Crafthouse & Kitchen [5] - Harley-Davidson continues to invest in the Juneau Avenue area, recently unveiling Davidson Park as part of its commitment to community revitalization [6][7] Market Position - Central Standard Craft Distillery is recognized as the fastest-growing top-10 distiller in Wisconsin, producing award-winning spirits from locally sourced ingredients [9] - The partnership with Harley-Davidson is seen as a strategic move to enhance Central Standard's presence and engagement within the Milwaukee community [4][3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - System-wide sales increased by 5.1% to $146.2 million, driven by new company-owned restaurants despite a challenging sales environment [8][20] - Total revenue decreased by 5.4% to $87.1 million compared to $92.1 million in the previous year [20] - Net loss for the quarter was $12.1 million, compared to a loss of $9.2 million in the prior year [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Twin Peaks revenue was $51 million, up 5.9% from $48.1 million in the prior year, driven by new lodge openings [20][21] - Smoky Bones revenue decreased by 17.8% to $36.1 million, down from $43.9 million, due to ongoing conversions to Twin Peaks lodges [21] - Restaurant level contribution margin for Twin Peaks decreased to 16.9% from 17.4% in the previous year [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Same store sales decreased by 1.5%, with a 2.7% decline at company-owned locations and a 1% decline at franchise locations [9] - Alcohol sales comprised nearly 50% of restaurant revenue, significantly higher than typical casual dining competitors [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to open three to four new units in 2025, building on a robust development pipeline of 100 units [7][12] - A strategic five-unit development deal was initiated to enter untapped markets in South Dakota and Montana [12] - The focus on high-margin beverage sales and local community engagement through grassroots marketing is expected to drive traffic [13][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the impact of weather and macroeconomic factors on sales but expressed optimism about upcoming promotional events and major sporting events [9][10] - The company is confident in achieving its full annual equity target raise over the next twelve months despite current market volatility [27][28] Other Important Information - Twin Peaks was awarded the Black Box Intelligence 2025 Voice of the Customer Award, highlighting strong brand loyalty and customer experience [17][18] - The company is enhancing its menu with new food innovations and promotions to maintain brand relevance [14][19] Q&A Session Summary - No questions were taken following the prepared remarks, and the call concluded without a Q&A session [3][29]