Thirsty For Molson Coors?

Molson Coors Brewing Co. TAP reported earning this morning that fell 6% in the second quarter, as they company's key demographic is struggling with high unemployment. The company reported earnings of $1.18 per share on $933.6 million in revenues. Wall Street analysts were expecting $1.29 per share in earnings on $958.6 million in revenues. The company's core customers, men under 28, are seeing particularly high unemployment, and that is hurting business, as are escalating fuel and ingredient costs. which are affecting nearly all consumer product makers. Denver-based Molson Coors makes beers such as Coors Light, Keystone Light and Blue Moon, but with volumes down for its products, higher costs, and investments abroad, the company missed earnings estimates. As such, shares are down around 1% as of the time of this writing. “In the past several years, we have continued to strengthen the Company's balance sheet, added new brands and businesses in select markets, and doubled our dividends,” said Peter Swinburn, CEO in the press release. “The combination of substantial cash generation and cash balances now also permits us to use our cash to increase returns to shareholders through a stock repurchase program.” “This announcement reflects our continued confidence in the future growth and cash generating potential of our Company. We are in a strong position to increase cash returns to Molson Coors shareholders while preserving the financial flexibility to explore growth opportunities and strengthen our balance sheet,” said Stewart Glendinning, Molson Coors Chief Financial Officer. The company also announced that its Board of Directors is going to buy back up to $1.2 billion in stock over the next three years. Molson Coors shares have fallen some 12% this year, excluding dividends and with a market cap of just above $8 billion, the company seems primed for an activist investor to do something with the company. It has a multitude of brands that could be spun off, or sold to enhance shareholder value. It's joint venture with SAB, known as MillerCoors is also another portfolio that something could be done with to generate higher returns. Blue Moon, which is the company's craft beer, is selling particularly well and could potentially be spun off to generate higher returns for shareholders. I would not be surprised to see a name like Bill Ackman, Carl Icahn, or another noted value investor to take a large stake in the company to try to drum up some value in the name. At less than 12 times forward earnings and sporting a 2.8% dividend yield, TAP looks like a decent value for shareholders at these levels. Perhaps shares are worth taking a sip at these levels here. ACTION ITEMS:

Bullish:
Traders who believe that Molson Coors will get its act together might want to consider the following trades:

• Go long Coors and short potential buyers. Potential buyers include SAB, Altria MO, which also is in the SABMiller joint venture, or larger brewers, like Heineken HINKY.

Bearish:
Traders who believe that Coors is likely to continue to see declining volumes may consider alternate positions:

• Stop drinking Coors Light. It tastes like water. Go after that cute girl or guy at the bar with something a little better tasting in your hands. If you don't impress them, at least you'll have the great taste of a better beer in your mouth.

Neither Benzinga nor its staff recommend that you buy, sell, or hold any security. We do not offer investment advice, personalized or otherwise. Benzinga recommends that you conduct your own due diligence and consult a certified financial professional for personalized advice about your financial situation.