SodaStream International Ltd. (NASDAQ:SODA) was upgraded to a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) on May 12 after the Israel-based manufacturer of household soda machines reported better-than-expected first-quarter 2016 results on May 10.
Shares of the company gained more than 25% following the announcement of strong first-quarter performance, which also drove the company to raise its full-year sales and profit guidance.
Quarterly Results
SodaStream surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings per share and revenues in the quarter by 93.3% and 13.4% respectively. Though earnings of 29 cents declined 27.5% year over year due to the inclusion of a financial gain in the fourth quarter of 2015, sales and margin were strong.
Total revenue of $100.9 million rose 10.4% year over year. The better-than-expected sales performance was driven by higher sales in Western Europe – its largest region – and improved sales in the Americas that offset currency headwinds.
During the quarter, volume of Sparkling water makers increased 11%, flavors sales increased 7% and gas refills revenue rose 12%. The fast pace of sales of water makers and gas refills indicates that there is increasing demand among customers.
Strong revenue results in the first quarter of 2016 are encouraging after a string of weak sales figures over the past few quarters due to low demand for its products, which include soda/sparkling water machines and flavored syrups.
The company achieved better sales and profits in the first quarter on the back of new flavors on the shelf and improved efficiency and operating performance from the fully-functional Lehavim production facility.
SodaStream has also been pursuing a global restructuring and growth plan. It is repositioning itself as a water-based brand under a health and wellness plan and making significant changes in its growth strategies to turn around the business.
There are an increasing number of consumers shifting away from traditional soda toward more natural, water-based beverages with fewer calories. SodaStream offers a very healthy option to these health conscious customers.
As part of the plan, the company rolled out a range of natural water-enhanced flavors in the U.S. and some international markets last year. The company also launched an automated Sparkling Water Maker, named Power, supporting the launch with an integrated marketing campaign, including TV, PR and digital, as well as improved retail execution.
SodaStream’s products are primarily sold at major retail stores like Kohl’s, Corp. (NYSE:KSS) , Macy’s, Inc. (NYSE:M) and Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc. (NASDAQ:BBBY) .
Outlook
The estimates moved northward as SodaStream raised its revenue and operating income outlook for 2016 driven by the better-than-expected quarterly results in first quarter 2016.
Total revenue for 2016 is expected to witness a slight year-over-year increase, better than the previous expectation of flat figures. Adjusted operating income is expected to be slightly above 2015 levels, better than the prior expectation of flat year-over-year numbers.
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