Individually packaged coffee provider Green Mountain Coffee (NASDAQ: GMCR) has tumbled more than 70% since October 17 last year, when hedge fund manager David Einhorn spoke negatively about the company.
Einhorn explained that its market is “limited” and implied that competitors could develop knock-off K-Cups. Could similar arguments apply to in-home soda provider Sodastream (NASDAQ: SODA)?
Sodastream produces in-home soda makers and supplies, including soda bottles and SodaMix syrup. While Green Mountain, creator of Keurig coffee brewers and supplies, has declined around 43% year to date, Sodastream has increased around 1%.
Green Mountain's year to date did, however, include its chairman losing his seat because he had to sell a massive amount of Green Mountain's stock after a margin call. But margin call aside— as another in-home drink company, Sodastream seems to face similar business forces to Green Mountain.
With a similar business model to Green Mountain, could Sodastream experience a similar price decline and price-to-earnings multiple contraction?
Green Mountain's patent on its K-Cups is set to run out later this year. This could be an open invitation to knock-off K-Cup producers, but knock off in-home soda syrups could arise even sooner. Increased competition could deprive Sodastream of the attractive margins it now gets on syrup. Of those who are not tied to name-brand Coke and Pepsi, consumers may soon buy Sodastream-brand soda makers only to purchase dirt cheap syrup from other companies.
Bullish:
Traders who believe that consumers will forgo drinks like Starbucks coffee and Coke for cheaper in-home options, but won't buy knock-off K-Cups and SodaMix might want to consider the following trades:
- Long Green Mountain Coffee in anticipation of renewed long term growth expectations and loyal K-Cup buyers.
- Long Sodastream expecting a growing in-home soda making market and homemade soda consumers who gravitate toward Sodastram brand syrups.
Traders who believe that consumers won't settle for drinks other than name-brands like Coke and Starkbucks and that those who do want in-home alternatives will flock to cheaper knock-off K-Cups and SodaMix may consider alternative positions:
- Short SodaStream in anticipation of limited market potential, maturation of soda maker sales and competition from knock-off syrups.
- Long Coke (NYSE: KO) for its strong profit growth and reliable corporate governance.
- Long Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX) for its promising growth and cult-like following.
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