Core Viewpoint - The Coca-Cola Company announced that Chief Operating Officer Henrique Braun will become CEO in March 2024, succeeding James Quincey, who will transition to Executive Chairman after nine years of leadership [1][2]. Group 1: Leadership Transition - James Quincey has led Coca-Cola since 2017, during which the company expanded its product range beyond sodas to include waters, coffees, energy drinks, and dairy products, and successfully navigated the COVID-19 pandemic [2][3]. - Under Quincey's leadership, Coca-Cola's stock price increased by over 60% since May 2017 [2]. - Henrique Braun, a 30-year veteran of Coca-Cola, has held various leadership roles globally and was appointed COO in January 2023 [3]. Group 2: Strategic Focus - Braun will prioritize identifying new growth opportunities, addressing consumer needs, and enhancing the company's technology [4]. - Coca-Cola's stock has risen by 13.53% year-to-date, closing at $70.21, while competitor PepsiCo's stock has decreased by 0.34% this year [4].

Core Viewpoint - Coca-Cola has announced that its Chief Operating Officer, Henrique Braun, will become the next CEO effective March 31, 2026, as James Quincey transitions to the role of executive chairman [1] Group 1: Leadership Transition - Henrique Braun, 57, has been with Coca-Cola for three decades and has held various leadership roles, including overseeing operations in Brazil, Latin America, Greater China, and South Korea [2] - James Quincey, 60, has been recognized as a "transformative leader" during his nine years as CEO, during which Coca-Cola added over 10 billion-dollar brands and entered the alcoholic beverage market [3][4] Group 2: Company Performance and Challenges - Under Quincey's leadership, Coca-Cola underwent a significant restructuring in 2020, reducing its brands by half and laying off thousands of employees to streamline operations [4] - The company is currently facing challenges such as weak demand for its products in the U.S. and Europe, along with increased scrutiny of its ingredients [5] - Coca-Cola plans to release a version of its trademark Cola with cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup in response to consumer demand [5] Group 3: Future Outlook - The board is confident that Braun will leverage the company's strengths and pursue global growth opportunities [5]

Core Viewpoint - National Beverage Corp. maintains a strong market presence in the beverage industry, focusing on health-conscious consumers with a diverse product range, despite facing competition and market challenges [1]. Financial Performance - In the fourth quarter, National Beverage reported a 5.5% increase in net sales, reaching $314 million, with operating income rising by 8.6% to $57.5 million. Net income increased to $44.8 million, and earnings per share reached $0.48 [4][6]. - For the fiscal year, net sales climbed to $1.2 billion, with a gross margin of 37.0% of sales. Operating income for the year increased by 7.8% to $235 million [4]. Market Position and Outlook - The consensus price target for FIZZ has shown stability over the past quarter, with an average target of $35, consistent with the previous month, but decreased slightly from $37.5 last year, indicating a consistent outlook with some concerns [2]. - UBS has set a price target of $42 for the stock, indicating positive expectations for the company's future performance [5]. Dividend and Investment Appeal - National Beverage offers an estimated forward yield of 4.6% through special dividends, appealing to income-focused investors despite inconsistent payouts [3][6]. - The company's new stock buyback plan and improving margins are expected to support earnings per share growth, even as revenue growth has slowed to low single digits [3][6]. Challenges and Strategic Initiatives - Despite challenges such as wildfires in California and severe winter weather, National Beverage has maintained stable earnings due to strong pricing power and cost deflation in packaging [5]. - The launch of a new LaCroix flavor is expected to contribute to growth, addressing market share pressure from larger competitors [5].

Leadership Transition - The Coca-Cola Company announced that Henrique Braun will become the next CEO, effective March 31, 2026, succeeding James Quincey, who will transition to executive chairman after nine years [1][9] - Braun, currently the executive vice president and COO, has been with the company since 1996 and has held various global roles [4] - Quincey, who became CEO in 2017, has led the company through significant changes, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and has seen Coca-Cola's stock price increase by nearly 63% during his tenure [6] Strategic Focus - In his new role, Braun will prioritize global growth opportunities, enhance consumer engagement, and expand the use of technology to drive performance [4] - Braun expressed excitement about future growth in partnership with bottlers and sees significant opportunities in a rapidly changing global market [2]

Coca-Cola said Chief Executive James Quincey will step down and be replaced by Henrique Braun, the company’s operating chief https://t.co/edP2IKR2ZX ...

Core Insights - Coca-Cola's CEO James Quincy will transition to the role of executive chairman in March 2026, with Enrique Braun, the current COO, set to take over as CEO [1] Company Performance - Since James Quincy became CEO in May 2017, Coca-Cola's stock has increased by approximately 63% [1]

In this articleCoca-Cola said Wednesday its Chief Operating Officer Henrique Braun will succeed James Quincey as CEO next year.The change will take effect on March 31, the company said.Quincey, 60, has held the top job at the beverage giant since 2017.This is breaking news. Please refresh for updates. ...

Core Viewpoint - The Coca-Cola Company has announced the appointment of Henrique Braun as CEO, effective March 31, 2026, succeeding James Quincey, who will become Executive Chairman after a successful nine-year tenure [1][5]. Leadership Transition - James Quincey, who is 60 years old, will step down after leading the transformation of Coca-Cola into a total beverage company and adding over 10 billion-dollar brands during his tenure [2][3]. - Quincey has reshaped the company's strategy to create a more agile organization, focusing on digital transformation and modernized marketing, while also navigating the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic [3]. Future Focus - As the new CEO, Braun's priorities will include identifying global growth opportunities, enhancing consumer engagement, and leveraging technology to drive business performance [4][9]. - Braun expressed his commitment to continuing the momentum established by Quincey and unlocking future growth in collaboration with bottlers [9]. Background of Henrique Braun - Braun has been with Coca-Cola since 1996 and has held various leadership roles, including EVP and COO since January 1, 2025, and has overseen all operating units globally [6][7]. - His previous positions include President of the Latin America operating unit and President for Greater China & South Korea, showcasing his extensive experience across different markets [7]. Acknowledgment of Leadership - David Weinberg, Coca-Cola's lead independent director, praised Quincey's transformative leadership and expressed confidence in Braun's ability to build on the company's strengths for future growth [5][14]. - Quincey acknowledged the privilege of serving Coca-Cola for 30 years and endorsed Braun as the right leader for the company's future [13].

Core Insights - The year 2025 has been strong for equities, but investors are shifting focus towards stable, income-generating opportunities due to stretched tech valuations and concerns over an AI bubble [2] - Dividend stocks are seen as a refuge in frothy markets, providing reliable income, steady cash flow, and downside protection [2] Company Analysis - Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is highlighted as a leading beverage company with a strong global presence, selling hundreds of brands across various markets [3] - The stock has experienced a 12% gain over the past year, with shares remaining flat over the last six months, indicating potential consolidation before future growth [4] - Coca-Cola currently offers a dividend yield of 2.91%, supported by over 60 years of consistent dividend growth [4] - The company consistently exceeds earnings expectations, receiving strong buy ratings from analysts, including a recent $80 price target from Bank of America, suggesting a 14% upside [5] - Coca-Cola is positioned as a strong option for conservative investors looking to reduce tech exposure and invest in consumer staples, providing brand power and long-term dividend reliability [6] Comparative Analysis - Merck has shown a strong rebound in Q4 2025, supported by positive analyst ratings and a solid dividend yield [7] - MPLX offers a high-yield income opportunity with potential for upside, although it carries higher volatility and mixed analyst sentiment [7]

This story was originally published on Food Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Food Dive newsletter. Editor's note: This story has been updated with analyst commentary. Dive Brief: Coca-Cola COO Henrique Braun will replace James Quincey as CEO starting March 31, the company announced Wednesday. Braun and Quincey both joined Coca-Cola in 1996. Quincey, who has served as CEO for nine years, will transition to the role of executive chairman. During his tenure, he shed ...