Core Insights - Kirin Holdings Co. is a significant player in the beverage industry, competing with major companies like Anheuser-Busch InBev and Asahi Group Holdings, and is seen as an attractive investment option due to its recent financial performance and growth potential [1] Financial Performance - On February 13, 2026, Kirin reported earnings per share of $0.36, surpassing the estimated $0.30, indicating a positive earnings surprise [2][6] - The company's revenue reached approximately $4.44 billion, exceeding the estimated $4.22 billion, showcasing robust financial health [2][6] Growth Potential - Kirin's growth potential is highlighted by its favorable Growth Score and a top Zacks Rank, indicating it as a standout growth stock with the potential for exceptional returns [3] - The company's positive earnings outlook is reflected in its upgrade to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), driven by growing optimism about its earnings prospects [4] Valuation Metrics - Kirin's valuation metrics suggest it is a potential value investment, with a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of approximately 24.92 and a price-to-sales ratio of about 0.86 [5] - The company's debt-to-equity ratio of approximately 0.84 and current ratio of around 1.35 indicate a balanced financial structure, further supporting its investment appeal [5]

Core Viewpoint - Coca-Cola is experiencing a mixed performance in the market, with analysts maintaining a positive outlook despite recent stock fluctuations and a middling earnings report [2][6]. Group 1: Stock Performance - Coca-Cola's stock is currently priced at $76.81, reflecting a decrease of approximately 1.49% [4]. - The stock has traded between a low of $76.01 and a high of $77.51 in the current session [4]. - Over the past year, Coca-Cola's stock reached a high of $79.20 and a low of $65.35, indicating market volatility [4]. Group 2: Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - Morgan Stanley has maintained an "Overweight" rating for Coca-Cola and raised its price target from $81 to $87, anticipating a 13.27% increase from the current price [3][6]. - Citi's analyst Filipo Falorni also revised his 12-month forecast for Coca-Cola, increasing it from $75 to $87, marking a 16% upward adjustment [3]. - Following the Q4 2025 earnings report, all seven rating revisions classified Coca-Cola's stock as a 'Buy', indicating expectations of a rally over the next 12 months [2][6]. Group 3: Market Capitalization and Trading Volume - Coca-Cola's market capitalization is approximately $330.56 billion, highlighting its significant presence in the beverage industry [5]. - The trading volume for Coca-Cola today is 28.83 million shares, indicating active investor interest [5].

This story was originally published on Food Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Food Dive newsletter. Dutch beverage giant Refresco is buying organic food and plant-based drink maker SunOpta in a deal valued at $1.1 billion.  Refresco is purchasing the manufacturer for $6.50 per share in cash. The transaction, expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, implies an equity value of $829 million for SunOpta and includes about $265.8 million of the company’s debt. Sunopt ...

Core Viewpoint - The Danish brewer is experiencing a decline in earnings as it increasingly shifts its focus towards soft drink offerings due to a decrease in consumer demand for beer [1] Group 1: Earnings Performance - Earnings have fallen for the company, indicating a challenging financial environment [1] - The reliance on soft drink products is growing as a response to the softening consumer appetite for beer [1] Group 2: Market Trends - There is a noticeable shift in consumer preferences, with a decline in beer consumption impacting the company's traditional revenue streams [1] - The company is adapting its strategy to focus more on non-alcoholic beverages in light of changing market dynamics [1]

Core Insights - Coca-Cola has maintained a dividend growth streak for 63 years, making it one of only 56 companies globally recognized as Dividend Kings as of December 2025 [1][2] - There are indications that Coca-Cola may announce a significant dividend increase, potentially in the double digits, as the last substantial hike over 10% occurred in 2007 [2] Dividend Growth Analysis - Over the past decade, Coca-Cola's average annual dividend growth was 3.94%, which has generally outpaced inflation but is considered modest [3] - The dividend hikes from 2021 to 2025 have been relatively low compared to historical performance, with cumulative growth of 25.5% since 2021, which barely matches the 24.3% inflation during the same period [4][7] Historical Performance - From 1994 to 1998, Coca-Cola's dividend growth was robust, with increases of 14.7% in 1994 and a cumulative rise of 76% over five years, significantly outpacing the cumulative inflation rate of 12.8% [5][7] Current Financial Performance - Recent earnings reports show a substantial adjusted quarterly earnings growth of 29.8%, compared to just 5% growth a year prior [8] - Coca-Cola's operating margin has increased to 32% from 21.2% a year earlier, indicating improved profitability and greater cash availability for dividends, share buybacks, or acquisitions [9]

Core Viewpoint - Vita Coco Company, Inc. is experiencing a mixed performance in the stock market, with a recent decline in stock price and upcoming earnings report that is anticipated to show modest growth in earnings but a slight decrease in revenue [1][2]. Company Performance - The stock closed at $54.17, down by 1.47% from the previous day, underperforming the S&P 500's loss of 0.01% [1]. - Over the past month, the stock has increased by 2.9%, which is lower than the Consumer Staples sector's gain of 4.93% and higher than the S&P 500's gain of 0.78% [1]. Earnings Estimates - The upcoming earnings report is projected to show earnings of $0.13 per share, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 8.33% [2]. - The consensus estimate for revenue is $126.87 million, indicating a 0.33% decrease compared to the same quarter last year [2]. - For the entire fiscal year, earnings are estimated at $1.23 per share, representing a growth of 14.95%, while revenue is projected to remain unchanged at $608.87 million [3]. Analyst Estimates and Rankings - Recent adjustments to analyst estimates suggest a favorable outlook on the company's business health and profitability [4]. - The Zacks Rank system currently rates Vita Coco Company, Inc. at 4 (Sell), indicating a less favorable investment outlook [6]. Valuation Metrics - The company has a Forward P/E ratio of 34.74, which is significantly higher than the industry average of 17.44 [7]. - The PEG ratio stands at 1.56, compared to the average PEG ratio of 2.12 for the Beverages - Soft drinks industry [8]. Industry Context - The Beverages - Soft drinks industry is part of the Consumer Staples sector and currently holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 215, placing it in the bottom 13% of all industries [9].

Core Insights - The Coca-Cola Company (KO) is entering the final quarter of 2025 with strong organic growth momentum, supported by effective strategies in volume gains, pricing, and cost management [1][10] - Despite macroeconomic challenges, Coca-Cola has gained value share for 18 consecutive quarters, indicating robust competitive positioning [2][10] - Looking ahead to 2026, Coca-Cola's management is optimistic about sustaining organic growth through pricing adjustments, productivity initiatives, and a focus on premiumization [3][5] Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, Coca-Cola achieved organic revenue growth at the high end of its long-term model, with a focus on balancing pricing and volume [1][10] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Coca-Cola's earnings implies year-over-year growth of 3.5% for 2025 and 8% for 2026, with earnings estimates remaining unchanged over the past 30 days [13] - Coca-Cola's current forward price-to-earnings ratio stands at 21.71X, which is higher than the industry average of 18.15X [12] Market Dynamics - Coca-Cola's diversified global footprint is a significant advantage, with emerging markets like Latin America and Africa providing long-term growth opportunities [4][10] - The company is adapting to changing consumer behavior and currency volatility while maintaining its organic growth resilience [5] - Competitors PepsiCo Inc. (PEP) and Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. (KDP) are also showing resilience in their organic growth outlooks, with both companies implementing strategies to navigate the current market environment [6][7][8]

Core Insights - Investing in stocks is a preferred method for wealth building, providing both income and growth potential. Dividend stocks are essential for passive income investors, but selecting the right ones can be challenging due to the vast options available [1][2]. Company Summaries Coca-Cola - Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) is a leading global beverage company with a diverse product portfolio, including soft drinks, teas, coffee, and juices. The company has successfully increased product prices while achieving higher revenue and sales [3][4]. - Coca-Cola is an asset-light business model focusing on syrup concentrate production, which allows for higher profit margins and lower operating costs, resulting in significant cash flow and shareholder rewards [4]. - The company has a strong dividend history, being a dividend aristocrat with 63 consecutive years of dividend increases, a yield of 2.90%, and an annual dividend of $2.04. The payout ratio stands at 67.85% [5]. - In Q3, Coca-Cola reported revenue of $12.5 billion, a 5% year-over-year increase, with organic revenue growth of 6%. Operating income surged by 59%, and EPS rose by 30% to $0.86. The company is expected to perform well in 2026 due to its global presence and steady dividend growth [6]. 3M Company - 3M (NYSE:MMM) is a global conglomerate with a diverse range of products in healthcare, industrial, safety, and consumer sectors. The company has recently seen a positive turnaround, with management raising full-year guidance [7][8]. - In Q3, 3M reported revenue of $6.50 billion, up 3.5%, and generated $1.3 billion in adjusted free cash flow. The safety and industrial segment grew by 5.4%, and EPS was reported at $1.55. The company is on a recovery path [8][9]. - The management anticipates full-year EPS between $7.95 and $8.05, with organic revenue expected to improve by over 2%. In Q3, 3M allocated $900 million for buybacks and dividends [9][10]. - The stock is currently priced at $161.76, reflecting a 24.72% increase in 2025, with a dividend yield of 1.81% and an annual dividend of $2.92. The payout ratio is 36.54% [10][11]. Morgan Stanley - Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) is one of the largest financial institutions in the U.S., known for its investment banking and wealth management services. It has a dividend yield of 2.31% and a history of 28 years of dividend payments [12][13]. - The company has seen a 38% stock price increase in 2025, currently trading at $172.96. It has a healthy investment banking pipeline and is positioned to benefit from increased M&A and IPO activities [12][13]. - In Q3, Morgan Stanley reported an 18% revenue increase to $18.22 billion, with profits soaring by 45% to $4.61 billion. The investment banking segment experienced a 44% growth, while equities trading revenue rose by 35% [14][15].

Core Viewpoint - Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. (KDP) is positioned in a competitive beverage market with a price target of $32 set by Jefferies, indicating an 11.93% potential upside from its current price of $28.59 [1][6] Group 1: Stock Performance - KDP's stock is currently priced at $28.59, down 2.19% today, with a trading range between $28.46 and $29.46 [4] - Over the past year, KDP's stock has fluctuated between a high of $36.12 and a low of $25.03, indicating volatility [4] - The company's market capitalization is approximately $38.84 billion, with a trading volume of 17.51 million shares [5] Group 2: Investor Activity - Cullen Capital Management LLC reduced its holdings in KDP by 16.7%, selling 299,376 shares, leaving them with 1,498,536 shares valued at about $49.5 million [2] - Norges Bank acquired a new stake in KDP worth around $568.5 million, reflecting confidence in the company's future [3] - Vanguard Group Inc. increased its holdings by 9.8% in the second quarter, now owning 159.3 million shares valued at $5.27 billion after purchasing an additional 14.2 million shares [3]

Core Insights - Asahi Group Holdings Ltd. is facing significant challenges in recovering from a cyberattack that severely impacted its production and distribution capabilities, leading to a notable decline in alcohol sales in Japan [1][2]. Sales Performance - In November, Asahi's alcohol sales in Japan fell over 20% compared to the previous year, worsening from a nearly 10% decline in October [1]. - Soft drink sales showed some recovery, with a decline of around 25% in November, an improvement from a roughly 40% drop in October [2]. - Food product sales decreased by about 10%, which is better than the more than 20% decline experienced the previous month [2]. Cyberattack Impact - The cyberattack in September caused significant disruptions, shutting down key internal systems for order and shipment management, forcing the company to process transactions manually [2]. - Asahi expects its supply chain to be largely restored by February, but the attack has resulted in a projected delay of over 50 days for the company's financial results following the fiscal year-end [3]. - The company acknowledged that a "short-term impact" on earnings in Japan is unavoidable due to the cyberattack [3]. Competitor Performance - In contrast to Asahi, Kirin Holdings Co. reported a 1% increase in beer sales in November, while Sapporo Holdings Ltd. experienced a 12% drop in sales volume for the same period [3]. Data Breach - Asahi disclosed that up to 1.9 million records of private information may have been compromised during the cyberattack, although no ransom was paid [4]. - Additional leaked information was found on the dark web following the attack [4]. Stock Performance - Despite the challenges, Asahi's shares rose by 0.2% on Wednesday, with a total increase of 6.2% for the year [4].