Wrapping up Q4 earnings, we look at the numbers and key takeaways for the beverages, alcohol, and tobacco stocks, including Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO) and its peers.
These companies' performance is influenced by brand strength, marketing strategies, and shifts in consumer preferences. Changing consumption patterns are particularly relevant and can be seen in the rise of cannabis, craft beer, and vaping or the steady decline of soda and cigarettes. Companies that spend on innovation to meet consumers where they are with regards to trends can reap huge demand benefits while those who ignore trends can see stagnant volumes. Finally, with the advent of the social media, the cost of starting a brand from scratch is much lower, meaning that new entrants can chip away at the market shares of established players.
The 15 beverages, alcohol, and tobacco stocks we track reported a mixed Q4. As a group, revenues beat analysts’ consensus estimates by 1.6% while next quarter’s revenue guidance was 0.6% below.
In light of this news, share prices of the companies have held steady. On average, they are relatively unchanged since the latest earnings results.
Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO)
A pioneer and behemoth in carbonated soft drinks, Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO) is a storied beverage company best known for its flagship soda.
Coca-Cola reported revenues of $11.4 billion, up 4.2% year on year. This print exceeded analysts’ expectations by 6.5%. Overall, it was a very strong quarter for the company with a solid beat of analysts’ organic revenue estimates and a decent beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates.
Coca-Cola pulled off the biggest analyst estimates beat of the whole group. The stock is up 11.4% since reporting and currently trades at $71.86.
Is now the time to buy Coca-Cola? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.
Best Q4: Anheuser-Busch (NYSE: BUD)
Born out of a complicated web of mergers and acquisitions, Anheuser-Busch InBev (NYSE: BUD) boasts a powerhouse beer portfolio of Budweiser, Stella Artois, Corona, and local favorites around the world.
Anheuser-Busch reported revenues of $14.84 billion, up 2.5% year on year, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 5.5%. The business had a stunning quarter with an impressive beat of analysts’ EPS estimates and a solid beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates.
The market seems happy with the results as the stock is up 13.6% since reporting. It currently trades at $62.18.
Is now the time to buy Anheuser-Busch? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.
Slowest Q4: Boston Beer (NYSE: SAM)
Known for its flavorful beverages challenging the status quo, Boston Beer (NYSE: SAM) is a pioneer in craft brewing and a symbol of American innovation in the alcoholic beverage industry.
Boston Beer reported revenues of $402.3 million, up 2.2% year on year, exceeding analysts’ expectations by 2.4%. Still, it was a disappointing quarter as it posted full-year EPS guidance missing analysts’ expectations.
Interestingly, the stock is up 3.9% since the results and currently trades at $243.47.
Read our full analysis of Boston Beer’s results here.
Molson Coors (NYSE: TAP)
Sporting an impressive roster of iconic beer brands, Molson Coors (NYSE: TAP) is a global brewing giant with a rich history dating back more than two centuries.
Molson Coors reported revenues of $2.74 billion, down 2% year on year. This number beat analysts’ expectations by 1.1%. Overall, it was a strong quarter as it also logged a decent beat of analysts’ EPS and EBITDA estimates.
The stock is up 14.6% since reporting and currently trades at $61.24.
Read our full, actionable report on Molson Coors here, it’s free.
Philip Morris (NYSE: PM)
Founded in 1847, Philip Morris International (NYSE: PM) manufactures and sells a wide range of tobacco and nicotine-containing products, including cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and oral nicotine pouches.
Philip Morris reported revenues of $9.71 billion, up 7.3% year on year. This print surpassed analysts’ expectations by 2.8%. It was a strong quarter as it also recorded a solid beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates and a decent beat of analysts’ gross margin estimates.
The stock is up 21% since reporting and currently trades at $158.48.
Read our full, actionable report on Philip Morris here, it’s free.
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