Molson bets on new beverages

Article Excerpt

MOLSON COORS CANADA INC. (Toronto symbols TPX.A $95 and TPX.B $97; Conservative Growth and Income Portfolios, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 215.3 million; Market cap: $20.9 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 0.7; Dividend yield: 2.2%; TSINetwork Rating: Average; www.molsoncoors.com) is the world’s third-largest brewer. Its main brands include Molson Canadian (Canada), Coors Light (the U.S.) and Carling (the U.K.). The company recently paid an undisclosed amount for U.K.-based Aspall Cyder Ltd. Founded in 1728, Aspall makes premium ciders and vinegars. Demand for specialty drinks like ciders is growing fast, and Molson’s extensive distribution networks should help expand Aspall’s sales outside of the U.K. The company is also reportedly looking to form an alliance with a major Canadian-based marijuana producer. Ottawa will legalize recreational marijuana use effective October 17, 2018. It’s unclear if Molson would make a major equity investment in one of those producers. However, an alliance would help it develop a marijuana-infused beer or other beverage. Molson Coors B is a buy. buy…