Core Viewpoint - Dividend investing can build wealth and provide passive income, with dividend stocks outperforming non-dividend payers in the long run [1] Group 1: Dividend Stocks Overview - Dividend stocks can be ideal long-term investments even for those focused on growth stocks, as they provide stability during market fluctuations [2] - Companies that are essential in their industries and offer in-demand products and services are key targets for dividend investing [2] Group 2: Verizon Communications - Verizon is a leading telecom company in the U.S. with over 146 million wireless customers, playing a significant role in the economy [4] - The company is expanding its broadband business and plans to add over 2.2 million new fiber subscribers through the acquisition of Frontier Communications [5] - Verizon's stock has a yield of 7.01%, a payout ratio of 57.68%, and has raised dividends for 21 consecutive years, paying an annual dividend of $2.76 per share [5] - Despite recent struggles in gaining new wireless customers, Verizon is viewed as a long-term stability and dividend investment opportunity [7] Group 3: Johnson & Johnson - Johnson & Johnson is now a pure-play health company focusing on medical technology and innovative drugs, operating in a non-cyclical industry [8] - The stock has a yield of 2.37%, priced at $219.57, and has gained 48% over the past year [9] - The company reported a 4.4% year-over-year revenue increase and a 15.7% EPS jump in the third quarter, generating $14.3 billion in free cash flow in the first nine months of 2025 [10] - Johnson & Johnson has a payout ratio of 48.94%, has increased dividends for 63 years, and pays an annual dividend of $5.20 per share with a 5-year dividend growth rate of 5.25% [12] Group 4: Coca-Cola - Coca-Cola is a blue-chip dividend stock with a yield of 2.89%, having raised dividends for 63 consecutive years [13] - The stock is priced at $70.48, with a 13% gain over the past year, and has a payout ratio of 67.85%, paying an annual dividend of $2.04 per share [14] - Coca-Cola operates an asset-light business model, selling concentrates and syrups to bottling partners, which minimizes operating costs and generates steady revenue [15] - The company has demonstrated resilience, generating over 100% total return over the past decade, making it a reliable choice for dividend investors [16]

Core Viewpoint - Coca-Cola China has officially launched its 2026 Year of the Horse Spring Festival series, featuring a limited edition New Year firework can that incorporates traditional Chinese cultural elements [1] Group 1: Product Launch - The 2026 Year of the Horse Spring Festival series will include a limited edition can designed with horse zodiac and firework patterns, integrating traditional auspicious symbols [1] - The marketing campaign will also incorporate Chinese intangible cultural heritage, specifically embroidery art, to enhance the festive product offerings [1] Group 2: Marketing Strategy - Coca-Cola China's brands will collaborate in the Spring Festival market activities, providing a diverse product range to cater to various consumer scenarios such as stocking up, returning home, visiting relatives, dining, and leisure activities [1]

Core Viewpoint - Warren Buffett has made significant changes to the Berkshire Hathaway portfolio, including a $4 billion sale of Apple Inc. shares to increase cash and Treasuries reserves [3]. Group 1: Portfolio Changes - Berkshire Hathaway sold approximately $4 billion in Apple Inc. shares to build a substantial cash and Treasuries reserve [3]. - Investors looking to replicate Buffett's trades through Berkshire's 13F filings should be aware that the information is limited and outdated [4]. Group 2: Investment Opportunities - Long-standing positions like The Coca-Cola Co. and Visa Inc. may be worth considering for investors as they approach the new year [4]. - Coca-Cola has a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 23.8, which is at or below its levels from the past two years, despite some concerns about its valuation compared to alternatives [5]. - Coca-Cola's strong pricing power allows it to maintain cash flow during inflationary periods, and it reported a 4-cent earnings per share (EPS) beat in the last quarter [6]. - With 64 consecutive years of dividend increases and a yield of 2.89%, Coca-Cola remains a strong buy-and-hold candidate [7]. - Visa may have operational advantages over competitors due to potential credit card interest rate limits [7]. Group 3: Potential Risks - Bristol Myers Squibb has attractive qualities but faces near-term challenges from Medicaid changes and patent expirations [7].

Core Insights - Coca-Cola China officially launched its 2026 New Year series activities with a fireworks event in Chongqing, emphasizing the theme "Let’s Celebrate Together" to enhance consumer engagement during the Spring Festival [2][4] - The Spring Festival is a crucial consumption period in China, and Coca-Cola aims to strengthen its brand connection with this holiday through cultural expressions and product innovations [2][7] Group 1: Cultural and Product Innovation - Since 2022, Coca-Cola China has been integrating traditional Chinese culture into its product offerings, including zodiac-themed packaging and the introduction of fireworks elements in its products [4] - For the 2026 Year of the Horse, Coca-Cola China will launch a limited edition New Year fireworks can featuring traditional auspicious symbols, combining modern beverage marketing with traditional craftsmanship [4] Group 2: Multi-Brand Strategy - Coca-Cola China leverages its multi-brand portfolio, including Coca-Cola, Sprite, Minute Maid, Fanta, and Costa Coffee, to cover various consumer needs during the Spring Festival [4] - Each brand tailors its activities to specific consumption scenarios, ensuring a comprehensive approach to meet diverse consumer demands during the holiday [4] Group 3: Supply Chain and Market Strategy - Coca-Cola China has established a robust supply chain by collaborating with three major bottling partners and 46 factories nationwide to ensure stable product supply during the Spring Festival [6] - The company will initiate a "Market Impact Week" before the holiday to engage directly with consumers and gather market insights for future product planning [6] Group 4: Long-term Market Commitment - With over 40 years in the Chinese market, Coca-Cola aims to deepen its connection with local consumers by continuously innovating products and services tailored to their needs [7] - The brand seeks to become an indispensable part of the Chinese Spring Festival, revitalizing traditional celebrations and injecting new energy into the consumption market [7]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the value of investing in dividend-paying stocks, highlighting their benefits for both retirees and pre-retirees, as dividends can be reinvested to purchase more shares [1] Group 1: Realty Income - Realty Income is a REIT with a dividend yield of 5.5%, known for its monthly dividend payments and a history of 667 consecutive months of payouts [2][4] - The company has a market capitalization of $57 billion, with a current stock price of $61.42 and a gross margin of 48.14% [3][4] - Realty Income's portfolio includes approximately 15,500 properties across the U.S., U.K., and Europe, maintaining a high occupancy rate of 98.7% [5] Group 2: AbbVie - AbbVie, a pharmaceutical company, has a dividend yield of 3.1% and has increased its payout by an average of 7% annually over the past five years [5][6] - The company has a market cap of $379 billion, with a current stock price of $214.35 and a gross margin of 69.68% [6][7] - AbbVie is investing nearly $11 billion in R&D for 2024 and has a strong product pipeline with around 90 products in development [7][8] Group 3: Coca-Cola - Coca-Cola is a well-established dividend payer with a yield of 2.9% and has increased its dividend for 64 consecutive years [9][10] - The company has a market capitalization of $303 billion, with a current stock price of $70.44 and a gross margin of 61.55% [10][11] - Coca-Cola's revenue grew by 5% year over year, with a global unit case volume increase of only 1%, indicating stable demand for its products [11][12]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Neutral" rating for Coca-Cola Co (KO US) with a current price of US$70.48 and a target price of US$71.38 [2]. Core Insights - The franchise restructuring is expected to be completed by 2026, aiming for an operating profit margin of 30-35%. Key steps include the sale of a 40% stake in Indian bottling operations and partial interests in African bottling businesses [3][12]. - Coca-Cola China's bottling partners are projected to achieve mid-single-digit revenue growth, supported by significant upgrades to production facilities, including a smart green production base in Guangdong [4][13]. - A smooth CEO transition is anticipated as COO Henrique Braun is set to succeed James Quincey on March 31, 2026, with expectations for continued strategic execution [5][14]. - The company is expected to unlock new growth opportunities in India and enhance its total beverage portfolio through the performance of its protein drink brand, Fairlife [6][15]. Financial Summary - Revenue projections for Coca-Cola are as follows: - 2025: US$48.046 billion - 2026: US$51.221 billion - 2027: US$53.836 billion - Corresponding net profits are projected at US$12.874 billion, US$13.951 billion, and US$14.775 billion for the same years [2][10]. - The diluted EPS is forecasted to be US$2.98 in 2025, US$3.24 in 2026, and US$3.45 in 2027, with a P/E ratio of 24 for 2025 and decreasing to 20 by 2027 [2][10].

Group 1: Coca-Cola and Costa Coffee - Coca-Cola has reportedly abandoned the plan to sell Costa Coffee due to bidders' offers falling short of expectations, marking a "latest setback" for the company [1] - The expected price for Costa Coffee was around £2 billion (approximately ¥18.7 billion), which is about half of the £3.9 billion paid during its acquisition in 2018 [1] - Future plans for a potential sale of Costa Coffee may be revisited in the medium term [1] Group 2: Costa Coffee Financial Performance - Costa Coffee's revenue for 2024 is reported at £1.2 billion (approximately ¥11.2 billion), but the operating loss has more than doubled to £13.5 million (approximately ¥12.5 million) [2] - The company attributes the loss to weak foot traffic in commercial streets and pressure from low-cost competitors [2] Group 3: Haidilao Management Changes - Haidilao announced significant executive and board changes, with founder Zhang Yong returning as CEO effective January 13, 2026 [3] - The company aims to enhance management efficiency and decision-making through the promotion of intelligent and automated management processes [3] - New executive directors have been appointed to support innovation and long-term development [3] Group 4: Haidilao's Business Expansion - Since the launch of the "Pomegranate Plan" in 2024, Haidilao has introduced several new dining sub-brands, expanding its offerings beyond hot pot [4] - The company operates 14 restaurant brands with a total of 126 stores, in addition to its core hot pot business [4] Group 5: Hushang Auntie Profit Forecast - Hushang Auntie has issued a positive profit forecast for 2025, expecting net profits to reach between ¥495 million and ¥525 million, a year-on-year increase of 50% to 60% [5] - The growth is attributed to a multi-brand development strategy and ongoing operational efficiency improvements [5] Group 6: Salia's Profit Growth - Salia reported a net profit of ¥1.3 billion for the September to November 2025 period, a 16% year-on-year increase, achieving a two-year high [6] - The company’s sales increased by 15% to ¥31.7 billion during the same period, despite rising raw material costs [6] Group 7: Alo Yoga's Expansion in China - Alo Yoga is set to open its first store in China in Shanghai's Jing'an Kerry Center in the second quarter, with a second store planned for Beijing [7] - The brand emphasizes high-quality yoga and sportswear, with a pricing strategy positioned in the premium segment [7] Group 8: Global Yoga Apparel Market Growth - The global yoga apparel market is projected to reach $28.84 billion by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate of approximately 8.31% [8] - Alo Yoga has appointed former Dior executive Benedetta Petruzzo as CEO to accelerate global expansion [8][9] Group 9: Dongpeng Beverage Profit Forecast - Dongpeng Beverage expects a net profit of between ¥4.34 billion and ¥4.59 billion for 2025, representing a year-on-year growth of 30.46% to 37.97% [17] - The company continues to focus on channel management and product exposure to drive sales growth [17] Group 10: Moutai's Corporate Sales Strategy - Moutai has opened sales of its 1499 yuan per bottle Flying Moutai to qualifying corporate clients, focusing on existing customers for 2026 contracts [18] Group 11: San Yuan's Revenue Projection - San Yuan expects to achieve approximately ¥6.35 billion in revenue for the previous year, with a significant increase in net profit projected for 2025 [19] - The company maintains a leading market share in liquid milk in Beijing, with over 50% in low-temperature fresh milk [19] Group 12: Mammut Potential Acquisition - Swiss outdoor brand Mammut is considering a sale, with an estimated transaction value of up to €500 million, and Anta Group is seen as a potential buyer [20]

Group 1: Coca-Cola and Costa Coffee - Coca-Cola has reportedly abandoned plans to sell Costa Coffee due to bids falling short of expectations, marking a setback for the company [3] - The expected sale price for Costa Coffee was around £2 billion (approximately ¥187 billion), which is about half of the £3.9 billion paid during its acquisition in 2018 [3] - Costa Coffee's financial performance has declined, with 2024 revenue at £1.2 billion (approximately ¥112 billion) and operating losses exceeding £13.5 million (approximately ¥1.25 million), attributed to weak foot traffic and competition from low-cost rivals [4] Group 2: Haidilao Management Changes - Haidilao announced significant executive and board changes, with founder Zhang Yong returning as CEO effective January 13, 2026, following a series of leadership transitions [5][6] - The company has been implementing various initiatives, including the "Red Pomegranate Plan," and has expanded its brand portfolio to include 14 restaurant brands with a total of 126 outlets [6] Group 3: Salia's Financial Performance - Salia reported a record high net profit of ¥1.3 billion for the September to November 2025 period, a 16% year-on-year increase, driven by a low-price strategy and increased customer numbers [7] - Sales during the same period grew by 15% to ¥31.7 billion, with operating profit rising 19% to ¥2 billion [7] Group 4: Alo Yoga's Expansion in China - Alo Yoga is set to open its first store in China in Shanghai's Jing'an Kerry Center in the second quarter, with a second store planned for Beijing's Sanlitun area [8][9] - The brand, founded in 2007, emphasizes high-quality yoga and activewear and has expanded its product range to include various lifestyle items [9] Group 5: Dongpeng Beverage's Profit Forecast - Dongpeng Beverage expects a net profit increase of 30.46% to 37.97% for 2025, projecting a profit of ¥4.34 billion to ¥4.59 billion [19] - The company aims to enhance its channel management and explore multi-category development to sustain growth [19] Group 6: Mamut's Potential Acquisition - Swiss outdoor brand Mammut is reportedly considering a sale, with an estimated transaction value of €500 million, and Anta Group is seen as a potential buyer [23]

Core Viewpoint - Coca-Cola China is launching a series of activities for the 2026 Year of the Horse Spring Festival, focusing on cultural expression, product innovation, and market layout to meet diverse consumer needs during this important holiday [1][3]. Group 1: Event Launch - Coca-Cola China held a themed fireworks display in Chongqing to kick off the 2026 Year of the Horse Spring Festival series, inviting around 700 consumers to participate both offline and online [1][3]. - The fireworks display incorporated elements of the Spring Festival and the Year of the Horse, with live streaming allowing online viewers to engage through comments and interactions [3]. Group 2: Product Innovation - Coca-Cola China has been integrating traditional Chinese culture into product innovation, launching limited edition packaging since the 2022 Year of the Tiger, and continuing with the 2025 Year of the Snake and the upcoming 2026 Year of the Horse [5]. - The 2026 limited edition features designs based on the Year of the Horse and fireworks, incorporating auspicious symbols and traditional embroidery art to enhance the festive product offerings [5]. Group 3: Multi-Brand Collaboration - During the Spring Festival, multiple brands under Coca-Cola China, including Coca-Cola, Sprite, Minute Maid, Fanta, and Costa Coffee, will collaborate to cover various consumer scenarios such as stocking up, family reunions, and entertainment [7]. - These brands will utilize digital interactions and cross-industry collaborations to launch diverse marketing activities tailored to consumer preferences during the holiday [7]. Group 4: Supply Chain and Market Strategy - Coca-Cola China is enhancing its supply chain capabilities by collaborating with three major bottling partners and 46 factories to ensure stable product supply during the peak consumption period of the Spring Festival [8][9]. - A "Market Impact Week" will be initiated before the festival, involving various teams to engage with consumers and gather insights for future product planning and market strategies [8]. - Over the past three years, Coca-Cola China has invested in upgrading multiple production bases to improve efficiency and delivery capabilities, with five factories already modernized [9].

Core Viewpoint - Costco Wholesale Corporation has ended its partnership with PepsiCo and returned to Coca-Cola for its food courts, marking a significant shift after a decade-long relationship [1][2]. Group 1: Partnership Transition - The transition back to Coca-Cola began in late 2025 and was completed in early 2026 [1]. - Costco had been exclusively partnered with Pepsi since 2013, initially switching to Pepsi as a cost-saving measure to maintain the price of its popular hot dog and soda combo at $1.50 [2]. Group 2: Reasons for the Switch - The reasons for the switch back to Coca-Cola have not been officially disclosed, but customer preference and Coca-Cola's renewed commitment to quality and partnership with Costco are suggested factors [2]. Group 3: Market Performance - Costco has outperformed the market over the past 20 years by 7.13% on an annualized basis, achieving an average annual return of 16.0% [3]. - The current market capitalization of Costco Wholesale is $426.19 billion [3].