CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc. (NASDAQ: COKE) announced that its Board of Directors has declared a dividend for the fourth quarter of 2025 of $0.25 per share on shares of the Company's Common Stock and Class B Common Stock payable on November 7, 2025, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on October 24, 2025. CONTACTS: Brian K. Little (Media)Matt Blickley (Investors)Vice President, Corporate CommunicationsExecutive Vice President, Chief Financ ...

Core Insights - Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. (FMX) is recognized as a strong defensive stock amid economic challenges, primarily due to its strategic expansion and market adaptation [1][2] Group 1: U.S. Expansion - FMX is accelerating its retail presence in the U.S. with the acquisition of 249 Delek convenience stores for $385 million, which will be rebranded as Oxxo locations [2] - By September 2025, approximately 40 stores in West Texas will be converted, featuring expanded product lines including Andatti coffee [2] - This initiative aims for incremental sales growth and modernization of offerings to enhance competitiveness in the Southwest U.S. [2] Group 2: Domestic Operations - In Mexico, FMX has closed 432 underperforming pharmacy stores to enhance profitability and operational efficiency amid a challenging consumer environment [3] - Despite mixed domestic results, overall revenues increased by 6.3% last quarter, largely driven by international expansion [3] - The company continues to optimize product assortments, pricing, and overheads to strengthen its core markets ahead of year-end [3] Group 3: Leadership and Analyst Sentiment - On September 17, 2025, FMX appointed José Antonio Fernandez Garza-Laguera as the new CEO to lead its cross-border strategy [4] - Analyst sentiment has improved following positive performance of U.S. stores and ongoing international growth [4]

Core Insights - Coca-Cola Consolidated is dedicated to meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the communities it serves, particularly through back-to-school initiatives [1][2] Community Engagement - The company emphasizes the importance of partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and local organizations to address the unique needs of each community [2] - Coca-Cola Consolidated's initiatives included packing 800 backpacks and school supply kits for students, preparing classrooms and learning spaces, and hosting a pep rally to support educators [3][4] Partnerships - Collaborations with various organizations and businesses, such as Giant, Kroger, Meijer, and local sports teams, highlight the company's commitment to community service [4] Impact on Education - The company supported over 2,700 teachers with gift cards, school supplies, snacks, and refreshments, and provided essentials for nearly 15,000 students and families [6] - Efforts to refresh schools impacted 1,400 students, teachers, and staff by improving classrooms and outdoor areas [6] Company Overview - Coca-Cola Consolidated is the largest Coca-Cola bottler in the U.S., serving approximately 60 million consumers across 14 states and the District of Columbia [5]

Core Insights - FEMSA has entered into definitive agreements with Raízen to amicably terminate their joint venture "Grupo Nós" in Brazil, allowing both companies to focus on their respective business strategies [1] - FEMSA will retain all OXXO stores in Brazil and the distribution center in Cajamar, while Raízen will keep all Shell Select convenience stores [1] - The transaction will be cash-neutral for both parties, with FEMSA assuming the existing debt of Grupo Nós at closing [1] Company Strategy - OXXO Brazil is a strategic priority for FEMSA, with plans for accelerated store expansion and adaptation of the OXXO format to local consumer needs [2] - The company aims to drive long-term returns through sustained top-line growth and operational efficiency in the Brazilian market [2] Market Positioning - FEMSA has tailored OXXO's offerings to meet local consumer preferences, introducing modern retail experiences in a market dominated by traditional trade [3] - The low penetration of modern convenience formats in Brazil presents a significant growth opportunity for FEMSA [3] Leadership Perspective - The CEO of FEMSA Retail expressed appreciation for the collaboration with Raízen and emphasized the commitment to strengthening OXXO's presence in Brazil as part of the long-term growth strategy [4] - The completion of the separation of OXXO and Shell Select stores is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the coming months [4] Company Overview - FEMSA operates in the retail industry through various divisions, including Proximity Americas with OXXO and Proximity Europe with Valora, and also has a significant presence in the beverage industry through Coca-Cola FEMSA [5] - The company employs over 392,000 people across 18 countries and is recognized in several global sustainability indices [5]

Company Overview - Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE: FMX) is the largest bottler by sales volume of Coca-Cola and operates in 18 countries [1] - The company has diversified interests in logistics, beverages, healthcare, and fuel [1] Market Presence - FMX has a significant international presence, indicating its strong market position and operational capabilities across various sectors [1] Investment Insights - The company is recognized as a major player in the beverage industry, particularly in its role as a bottler for Coca-Cola, which may present potential investment opportunities [1]

Company Overview - Coca-Cola FEMSA is the largest Coca-Cola system bottler in the world by volume [1] - The company operates in 10 countries across Latin America [1] - It has more than 2 million sales outlets and offers leading brands in all its operating geographies [1]

Core Viewpoint - The private sector is experiencing job losses, which is beneficial for earnings season and dividend growth stocks due to easing wage pressures and lower inflation, leading to better profit margins and dividend hikes [2]. Dividend Growth Stocks Dividend Growth Stock 1: T-Mobile US (TMUS) - T-Mobile US initiated a new dividend program in 2023 and raised its dividend by 35% to 88 cents per share after merging with Sprint [6][8]. - The company is expanding its margins and free cash flow, which supports its dividend growth strategy [7][9]. Dividend Growth Stock 2: Amphenol (APH) - Amphenol has seen significant growth, particularly in AI-related applications, with total orders increasing by nearly 60% year-over-year in Q1 2025 [12]. - The company raised its dividend by 50% last year, marking one of its largest increases [12]. Dividend Growth Stock 3: California Resources (CRC) - California Resources has shifted towards green-energy initiatives and has increased its quarterly distribution by 128% since its initiation [15]. - The company has been profitable since emerging from bankruptcy in 2021 and has seen its shares triple since relisting [16]. Dividend Growth Stock 4: RLJ Lodging Trust (RLJ) - RLJ Lodging Trust reduced its dividend significantly during the pandemic but has since increased it by 1,400% from its low point [19]. - Analysts project a 40% AFFO payout ratio for RLJ, indicating potential for further dividend growth [20]. Dividend Growth Stock 5: Coca-Cola Consolidated (COKE) - Coca-Cola Consolidated has shown consistent top-line growth and recently announced a $16-per-share special dividend, along with a quintupled regular payout to $2.50 per share [24]. - The company currently pays out only 15% of its earnings as dividends, suggesting room for future increases [24].

Core Viewpoint - FEMSA has successfully completed the divestiture of its logistics operations under Solistica to Grupo Traxión for a total consideration of 4,040 million Mexican pesos, enhancing its strategic focus on core business areas [1][2]. Company Overview - FEMSA operates in various sectors including retail through its OXXO store chain and health division, as well as in the beverage industry as the largest franchise bottler of Coca-Cola products globally. The company employs over 392,000 people across 18 countries and is recognized in multiple global sustainability indices [3]. TRAXIÓN Overview - TRAXIÓN is the leading transportation and logistics company in Mexico, offering a comprehensive service portfolio across three main business segments: Cargo Mobility, Logistics and Technology, and Personnel Mobility. The company has a fleet of 11,043 power units and over 22,000 employees, positioning itself as a consolidator in a fragmented industry [4].

Core Insights - Coca-Cola Consolidated has announced a $90 million investment in a new 400,000-square-foot distribution and warehouse facility in Columbus, Ohio, which includes additional buildings for equipment repair and fleet maintenance [1][2] - The new facility is designed to enhance service capabilities for customers and the local community through innovative sustainability processes and technology [1][2] Investment and Economic Impact - The Columbus warehouse will manage over 16 million cases of products annually, averaging about 75,000 cases per day [2] - The investment has led to the creation of 35 new jobs, increasing total employment at the facility to 360 [3] Facility Features - The new campus includes a sales center, on-site wellness clinic, and an experiential learning center for employee training and skill development [4] - The facility incorporates advanced sustainability measures such as LED lighting, EV charging infrastructure, and recycling partnerships [5] Community Engagement - Coca-Cola Consolidated employs over 2,210 individuals across 15 facilities in Ohio, serving more than 21,000 businesses [6] - The company actively supports local non-profits, including Ronald McDonald House and Nationwide Children's Hospital [6] Company Overview - Coca-Cola Consolidated is the largest Coca-Cola bottler in the U.S., distributing over 300 brands and flavors across 14 states and the District of Columbia [7] - The company has a long-standing commitment to its consumers and communities, emphasizing excellence and profitable growth [8]