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Let’s dig into the relative performance of Zevia (NYSE:ZVIA) and its peers as we unravel the now-completed Q4 beverages, alcohol, and tobacco earnings season.

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.

While some beverages, alcohol, and tobacco stocks have fared somewhat better than others, they have collectively declined. On average, share prices are down 3.2% since the latest earnings results.

Zevia (NYSE:ZVIA)

With a primary focus on soda but also a presence in energy drinks and teas, Zevia (NYSE:ZVIA) is a better-for-you beverage company.

Zevia reported revenues of $39.46 million, up 4.4% year on year. This print was in line with analysts’ expectations, but overall, it was a softer quarter for the company with full-year EBITDA guidance missing analysts’ expectations.

“We are pleased to have ended the year on a strong note with a return to top line growth and significant progress towards achieving profitability. We elevated our brand identity, advanced our three strategic growth pillars and continued to lay a strong foundation for growth and profitability over the long term.” said Amy Taylor, President and Chief Executive Officer of Zevia.

The stock is down 30.5% since reporting and currently trades at $2.26.

Read our full report on Zevia 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.