Topic: How To Invest

Q: Hi Pat: Thanks for all the great advice over many years. What are your thoughts on SodaStream?

Article Excerpt

A: SodaStream International, $96.22, symbol SODA on Nasdaq (Shares outstanding: 22.6 million; Market cap: $2.2 billion; www.sodastream.com), makes beverage carbonation systems, which transform tap water into carbonated soft drinks and sparkling water. Based and manufactured in Israel, SodaStream’s products are available in over 80,000 retail stores in 45 countries. In addition to sales of its sparkling water makers, SodaStream earns recurring revenue by selling the carbonation cylinders, CO2 refills, bottles, and flavouring that consumers need to operate their systems. SodaStream originally marketed its line of products as a cost-effective and easy alternative to soda drinks. However, since 2015, it has focused on establishing itself as a sparkling water and wellness brand. That strategic repositioning has dramatically improved falling sales. With revenue of $562.7 million for 2013, SodaStream’s sales then dropped 9.0% to $511.8 million in 2014 and another 19.3% in 2015 to $413.1 million. Revenue then rebounded to $476.1 million for 2016 and $543.4 million for 2017. The company earned $42.0 million ($1.96 per…