Core Insights - The Honey Pot Company has appointed Janis Smith-Gomez as Chair of its Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2026, highlighting a strategic leadership change within the company [1][3] Company Overview - The Honey Pot Co. is a leading feminine care brand founded in 2012, focusing on plant-derived ingredients and clinically tested formulas [4] - The company offers a wide range of holistic wellness products across various categories, including feminine hygiene, menstrual care, personal care, and sexual wellness [4] - The Honey Pot Co. aims to educate and support consumers globally regarding menstrual health and vaginal wellness, with products available in over 33,000 stores in the U.S. [4] Leadership Background - Janis Smith-Gomez has extensive experience in commercial and marketing roles, having worked at Johnson & Johnson and other major consumer goods companies [2] - Her previous roles include Vice President of US Marketing for Johnson & Johnson's skin health and beauty portfolio and Vice President of Global Brand Experience for its Medical Devices division [2] - Smith-Gomez's educational background includes a B.A. and an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago [2] Strategic Vision - The leadership transition is expected to enhance the company's growth and brand development, aligning with its mission of promoting human health and wellness [3] - The Honey Pot Co. emphasizes a purpose-driven approach, aiming to empower women and lead conversations around feminine health through education [3]

Core Viewpoint - WPP, once the largest advertising holding company globally, is currently facing a crisis due to the loss of major clients like Mars and PepsiCo [1] Group 1: Company Performance - WPP has experienced significant client attrition, losing key accounts that are critical to its revenue stream [1] Group 2: Industry Context - The advertising industry is witnessing shifts as major clients seek alternatives, impacting traditional advertising giants like WPP [1]

Core Viewpoint - Hershey Company demonstrates strong financial performance with a notable increase in stock price following its quarterly earnings announcement, reflecting investor confidence and growth potential in the confectionery industry [2][3][4]. Financial Performance - Hershey's stock rose from a closing price of $205.79 to a last traded price of $220.93 after the earnings announcement, with a trading volume exceeding 1.5 million shares [3]. - The company reported quarterly revenue of $3.09 billion, surpassing the anticipated $2.97 billion, marking a 7% increase compared to the same period last year [4]. - Earnings per share (EPS) were reported at $1.71, exceeding analysts' expectations by $0.31 [3][6]. - Hershey achieved a net margin of 11.84% and a return on equity of 32.08%, indicating strong financial health [4][6]. Future Guidance - For fiscal year 2026, Hershey has set an EPS guidance range of 8.20 to 8.52 [5]. - The company announced an increase in its quarterly dividend, which is scheduled to be paid on March 16th [5]. Market Position - Morgan Stanley has set a new price target for Hershey at $238, indicating a potential increase of about 3.42% from the current stock price of $230.12 [2][6]. - Hershey competes with major players in the confectionery industry, including Mars, Nestlé, and Mondelez International [1].

This story was originally published on Marketing Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Marketing Dive newsletter. Publicis Groupe grew organic revenue, an important measure of agency health, 5.9% year over year to 3.87 billion euros, or about $4.57 billion, in Q4 2025, according to an earnings statement. Those figures topped analyst estimates but landed below the year-ago period, when Q4 organic growth came out at 6.3%. Full-year organic growth came in at 5.6% YoY at the ...

Core Insights - The winners of Product of the Year 2026 were announced, showcasing innovative products across various categories as voted by 8,000 consumers, making it the UK's largest consumer-voted award for product innovation [1][17]. Product Categories Home and Lifestyle - Simba Sleep Hybrid Pro Mattress won in the 'Mattress' category, while Emma Original Hybrid Pillow took the win for 'Pillow', emphasizing the importance of sleep [3][21]. - Verisure's New Alarm System with LockGuard was recognized for its advanced security features, integrating alarm protection with intelligent access control [4][21]. - Air Wick's Advanced Electrical Plug-In was noted for its long-lasting fragrance and improved scent control [5][21]. Food and Beverage - Cheez-It Snap'd and Goodfella's New York Style Pizza were highlighted for their innovative flavors and convenience in the snack and frozen food categories, respectively [6][21]. - Daawat Extra Long Basmati Rice won in the 'Rice' category, showcasing premium quality [7][21]. - Arla achieved five wins in the beverage category, including Protein Milkshake Range, appealing to health-conscious consumers [9][21]. Pet Products - Nestlé Purina Petcare's GOURMET™ REVELATIONS™ Fine Cuts in Gelée won for its premium presentation and flavors for cats, while Wagg Chews won in the 'Dog Treats' category [11][21]. Health and Beauty - Wisdom's Intense White Professional LED Teeth Whitening Kit was recognized for delivering professional-level results at home [13][21]. - Essity UK Ltd received multiple awards for its intimate and incontinence care products, emphasizing enhanced protection and comfort [15][21]. Miscellaneous - The winners are now entitled to feature the iconic red logo on their packaging, symbolizing innovation and consumer trust [18].

Core Insights - Crew Carwash, an Indianapolis-based car wash chain, has been recognized as the best place to work in 2026 according to Glassdoor, based on employee reviews, marking a rise from its second position in the previous year [1][2] Company Performance - Crew Carwash achieved a rating of 4.6 out of 5, with employee reviews highlighting supportive leadership, career growth, and a strong team culture as key factors for its success [2] - The company operates approximately 55 locations across Indiana and Minnesota [1] Industry Trends - Glassdoor's annual Employees' Choice Awards, now in their 18th year, honor the best workplaces based on anonymous employee feedback, distinguishing it from other workplace awards [3] - The competitive job market has made Glassdoor's awards a trusted resource for job seekers, emphasizing companies that maintain high employee satisfaction and trust [3] Rankings Overview - The top 10 places to work in 2026 include: 1. Crew Carwash 2. In-N-Out Burger 3. Nvidia 4. Ryan 5. Keller Williams 6. Mars 7. ServiceNow 8. Bain & Company 9. Houston Methodist 10. EPAM Systems [4][6] New Entrants and Market Changes - New companies making their debut on the 100 Best Places to Work list include Alaska Airlines at 38, Dutch Bros. Coffee at 75, and Bath & Body Works at 80, indicating a shift in workplace excellence [5] - The representation of companies from the San Francisco Bay Area decreased significantly, with only 13 companies listed compared to 23 in 2025, while New York City saw an increase to 10 companies from six in 2024 [6]

Market Overview - The global pet industry is expected to grow steadily, with the pet care market projected to reach $201.2 billion by 2026, driven by innovation, sustainability, and evolving consumer demands [1] - Companies are expanding production capacities and investing in new facilities across multiple countries, including the UK, Germany, the US, and India [2] - Credit ratings in the pet sector are showing divergence, with companies like Elanco and Zoetis receiving upgrades, indicating confidence in pet health innovations despite economic uncertainties affecting vet visits and adoption rates [2] Product Innovation and Trends - Pet food is a key area of innovation, with fresh, frozen, and raw diets gaining popularity; 70% of surveyed consumers prefer fresh pet food [3] - Functional and personalized products are on the rise, with increased use of single and insect proteins, and a shift towards healthier pet snacks featuring functional ingredients [3] - Demand for high-end outdoor accessories and smart products is increasing, with a focus on sustainable packaging solutions [3] Channel and Business Model Changes - Subscription services and membership models are emerging as new growth areas in retail, with companies like Pets at Home and Chewy seeing significant revenue increases from these services [4] - The small pet market is expanding, with products for hamsters and birds expected to grow at a CAGR of 5% from 2025 to 2033 [4] - The professional services sector is becoming more standardized, with regulations being introduced for grooming and pet insurance covering alternative therapies [4] Regional Market Characteristics - Germany is a major market in Europe, with pet spending expected to exceed €7 billion in 2024, particularly in cat food, which is growing at 3.5% [5] - Emerging markets like Turkey show significant potential, with the pet food market projected to grow from $12.7 million in 2022 to $30 million by 2027 [5] - The UK faces challenges with declining pedigree dog breeding but is enhancing subscription service regulations; North America leads in fresh pet food and smart product innovations [5] Challenges and Opportunities - The industry is facing raw material supply pressures, particularly with Category 3 animal fats, leading to increased costs that challenge profitability [6] - Despite rising price sensitivity among consumers, there is a strong demand for natural, healthy, and sustainable products [6] - Future growth opportunities lie in AI-driven personalized nutrition, pet mental health products, and urban pet-friendly spaces, emphasizing the need for innovation and compliance [6]

Core Insights - Cove Soda has appointed Bryan Crowley as the new CEO to lead the company's expansion in North America following a $15 million Series A funding round [1][2] - The company aims to strengthen its leadership team and capitalize on the growing functional soda market [5] Leadership Changes - Bryan Crowley brings over 25 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, previously serving as CEO of G Fuel and holding senior roles at various beverage companies [2][3] - Craig Olikiewicz has been appointed as Chief Commercial Officer, with a strong background in sales and commercial leadership [2] - Joe Lee, who joined Cove Soda early last year, has been named Chief Operating Officer, bringing over 20 years of experience in international operations and supply chain management [3] Company Background - Cove Soda was founded in 2017 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, by brothers John and Ryan MacLellan, focusing on functional carbonated soft drinks without added sugars [3][4] - The brand claims to be the leading functional soda brand in the domestic market and utilizes a proprietary blend of stevia and erythritol for flavor [4] Market Position and Strategy - Crowley emphasized the transition of functional soda from an emerging trend to a high-growth category, highlighting the need for creative brand building and disciplined execution [5] - The company has partnered with Keurig Dr Pepper for national distribution, sales, and marketing across Canada, indicating a strategic move to enhance market presence [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an adjusted EPS of $1.81 and an adjusted ROTCE of 7.7% for Q4 2025, with full-year adjusted net income surpassing $16 billion, reflecting an 180 basis points improvement to 8.8% ROTCE [4][20] - Total revenues increased by 2%, with adjusted revenues up 8%, driven by growth in banking, services, US Personal Banking (USPB), and Wealth [19][20] - Expenses rose by 6% to $13.8 billion, influenced by higher compensation, tax charges, and technology expenses [19][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Services revenues increased by 15%, with net income of $2.2 billion and an ROTCE of 36.1% for Q4 [27][28] - Markets revenues were down 1%, with fixed income and equities both experiencing slight declines, but overall, the Markets business saw an 11% revenue increase for the full year [30][31] - Banking revenues surged by 78%, driven by corporate lending and investment banking, with M&A fees up 84% [31][32] - Wealth management revenues grew by 7%, with net new investment asset flows of $7.2 billion in Q4 [32][34] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 24% increase in assets under custody and administration, reflecting strong client engagement and onboarding of new clients [5][28] - Cross-border transaction value increased by 14%, indicating robust activity in the services sector [28] - The corporate exposure remains primarily investment-grade, with low corporate non-accrual loans and net credit losses [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a multi-year transformation journey, emphasizing operational efficiency, technology investments, and enhancing client experience through AI [4][12] - The strategy includes maintaining a disciplined approach to expenses while investing in growth areas, aiming for a ROTCE target of 10%-11% [15][39] - The company is actively working to close the gap with best-in-class peers in investment banking and capital markets through talent acquisition and product innovation [76] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the global economic outlook, citing strong capital investment and a healthy consumer environment as drivers for growth [12][14] - The company is well-positioned to navigate challenges, with a focus on leveraging its balance sheet and expertise across nearly 100 countries [14] - Management highlighted the importance of continued investment in the franchise to sustain growth and improve returns [39][76] Other Important Information - The company repurchased over $13 billion in common shares during the year, with a CET1 ratio of 13.2%, significantly above regulatory requirements [10][26] - The company is nearing the end of its international divestitures, with significant progress in its transformation efforts [11][39] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on Markets performance and ROTCE - The fourth quarter had tough year-over-year comparisons, but the full year saw strong performance in Markets, particularly in spread products and equities [50][52] Question: Efficiency ratio target clarification - The efficiency ratio target was adjusted to around 60% to allow for continued investments in the business while maintaining expense discipline [54][55] Question: Transformation progress and remaining work - Over 80% of transformation efforts are at or near target state, with remaining work focused on compliance, risk, controls, and data [58][60] Question: Addressing the gap with peers in investment banking - The company is investing in technology and talent to close the gap with best-in-class peers, particularly in investment banking and capital markets [72][76] Question: NII outlook and drivers - The NII outlook for 2026 is expected to grow by 5%-6%, driven by loan and deposit volume growth [89][90]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an adjusted EPS of $1.81 and an adjusted ROTCE of 7.7% for Q4 2025, with full-year adjusted net income surpassing $16 billion, reflecting an 180 basis points improvement to 8.8% ROTCE after adjustments for Banamex and Russia [3][18] - Total revenues increased by 2%, with adjusted revenues up 8%, driven by growth in banking, services, USPB, and wealth [17][18] - Expenses rose by 6% to $13.8 billion, influenced by higher compensation, tax charges, and technology expenses [17][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Services revenues increased by 15%, with net income of $2.2 billion and an ROTCE of 36.1% for Q4 [25] - Markets revenues were down 1%, with fixed income and equities both experiencing slight declines, but average loans increased by 25% [27] - Banking revenues surged by 78%, with M&A fees up 84%, marking a record year for investment banking [28][29] - Wealth management revenues grew by 7%, with net new investment asset flows of $7.2 billion in Q4 [30][31] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Cross-border transaction value increased by 14%, and assets under custody and administration grew by 24% [25] - The company maintained a diversified deposit base of $1.4 trillion, with a 1% increase driven by growth in services [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a multi-year transformation strategy, with over 80% of its programs nearing target state [10][12] - Investments in technology and operational efficiency are prioritized to enhance client experience and reduce expenses [11][39] - The company aims to achieve a ROTCE target of 10%-11% and maintain positive operating leverage [13][36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The global economy is showing signs of optimism, with inflation normalizing and capital investment remaining strong, particularly in technology [11][12] - The company is well-positioned to support corporate clients, who are predominantly investment-grade in credit quality [12] - Management expressed confidence in the ongoing transformation and the ability to deliver higher returns in the future [39] Other Important Information - The company repurchased over $13 billion in common shares during the year, with a total capital return of over $17.5 billion [9][24] - The company is nearing the end of its international divestitures, including the sale of its consumer business in Poland and operations in Russia [9][10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on market performance and ROTCE - Management noted strong top-line revenue growth for markets, with a focus on optimizing RWA and deploying it in high-return areas [41][42][43] Question: Clarification on efficiency ratio targets - Management confirmed the shift in efficiency ratio targets to around 60%, emphasizing the need for continued investment in the business [45] Question: Update on transformation progress - Management highlighted that over 80% of transformation efforts are nearing completion, with a focus on compliance, risk, controls, and data modernization [46][48] Question: Addressing competitive gaps in investment banking - Management acknowledged past gaps but emphasized ongoing investments in technology and talent to enhance competitive positioning [52][54] Question: Outlook for net interest income (NII) - Management expects NII growth of 5%-6% in 2026, driven by loan and deposit volume growth [60][61]