Accessible version >> Employed by a non-US affiliate of BofAS and is not registered/qualified as a research analyst China Resources Beverage under the FINRA rules. Signs of bottoming-out, but competition & channel spending temper profit outlook Refer to "Other Important Disclosures" for information on certain BofA Securities entities that take responsibility for the information herein in particular jurisdictions. Reiterate Rating: NEUTRAL | PO: 11.00 HKD | Price: 10.24 HKD Inventory stabilizing, yet margin ...

Core Insights - The Coca-Cola Company's innovation strategy is crucial for its long-term growth, focusing on product and packaging innovation, digital/AI integration, and sustainability to meet changing consumer demands and maintain market leadership [1][9] Innovation and Product Portfolio - Coca-Cola is adapting to evolving consumer preferences by refreshing its product portfolio, particularly with healthier, low and no-sugar options, and expanding into high-growth areas like hydration, energy, and ready-to-drink coffee through acquisitions and partnerships [2][3] - The company has broadened its offerings to include Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, flavored waters, sports drinks, functional beverages, and ready-to-drink teas and coffees, enhancing its relevance across various consumption occasions [3] Market Performance - Despite innovations, Coca-Cola is experiencing soft volumes in key markets, with a 1% volume drop in the Asia Pacific region in Q3 2025, and flat volume results in Latin America and North America, indicating a broader slowdown due to weaker consumer spending and adverse conditions [4][5] - The reliance on price/mix gains to support revenues raises concerns about sustained demand, although innovation is expected to help stabilize and selectively lift volumes, particularly in zero-sugar and flavor-led offerings [5] Competitive Landscape - Competitors like PepsiCo and Monster Beverage are also focusing on innovation to align with consumer preferences, with PepsiCo emphasizing health-oriented beverages and Monster Beverage investing in new product launches and marketing strategies [6][7][8] Financial Performance - Coca-Cola shares have gained 1.5% over the past six months, compared to the industry's growth of 3.3%, and the company is trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 21.83X, above the industry average of 18X [12][13] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Coca-Cola's earnings per share implies year-over-year growth of 3.5% for 2025 and 8% for 2026, with stable estimates over the past 30 days [14]

Core Viewpoint - Coca-Cola is positioned to be a more compelling long-term investment compared to Altria, the leading tobacco company, due to its diversified product portfolio and growth potential in a changing market landscape [5]. Group 1: Altria Overview - Altria is a leading tobacco company in America, known for its flagship Marlboro brand, which holds nearly half of the retail cigarette market [2]. - The company is expanding its portfolio with smoke-free products like e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches as adult smoking rates decline [2]. - Altria has consistently increased its dividend since spinning off its international business in 2008, currently offering a forward yield of 7.2% and trading at ten times forward earnings [3]. Group 2: Coca-Cola Overview - Coca-Cola has developed a diverse range of products beyond its traditional sugary sodas, including bottled water, fruit juices, teas, and alcoholic beverages, which has helped mitigate the decline in soda consumption [8]. - The company reported organic sales growth of 16% in 2022, 12% in 2023, and is projected to maintain 12% growth in 2024, contrasting with Altria's declining sales [9]. - Coca-Cola operates a capital-light business model, producing only concentrates and syrups, which allows for high gross margins and more cash for marketing and dividends [10]. Group 3: Financial Performance and Outlook - Analysts expect Coca-Cola's adjusted EPS to grow at a CAGR of 6% from 2024 to 2027, while Altria's adjusted EPS is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4% [12]. - Coca-Cola has a forward dividend yield of 2.9% and has raised its payout for 63 consecutive years, making it a "Dividend King" [13]. - Over the past decade, Coca-Cola has delivered a total return of 126%, while Altria's total return was 99%, indicating Coca-Cola's stronger long-term performance [14]. Group 4: Market Trends and Future Prospects - The S&P 500 is near its all-time high, and the Federal Reserve is expected to cut benchmark rates in 2026, which may lead investors to favor dividend stocks like Coca-Cola over growth stocks [16]. - Coca-Cola is anticipated to benefit from this trend, positioning it as a better investment option compared to Altria for 2026 and beyond [16].

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of selecting dividend stocks that provide a balance of risk and reward for long-term investment success [1][2]. Group 1: Coca-Cola (KO) - Coca-Cola holds a dominant 47.1% market share in the U.S. carbonated soft drink market and has a diverse portfolio including lemonade, tea, water, juices, sports drinks, coffee, and alcoholic beverages [4][6]. - In Q3, Coca-Cola reported revenue of $12.45 billion, a 5% increase from $11.85 billion year-over-year, with earnings of $3.69 billion and EPS of $0.86, up from $2.84 billion and $0.66 respectively [7]. - The company achieved 10% revenue growth in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, 4% in North America, and 11% in Asia-Pacific, offsetting a 4% decline in Latin America [6][7]. - Coca-Cola offers a strong dividend yield of 3% [7]. Group 2: Enterprise Products Partners (EPD) - Enterprise Products Partners is a leading midstream company in the U.S., responsible for transporting fossil fuels without the need for expensive mining or drilling operations [8][10]. - The company reported Q3 revenue of $1.68 billion, down from $1.78 billion year-over-year, but managed to reduce operating costs from $12 billion to $10.3 billion [12]. - Net income fell slightly to $1.35 billion with EPS at $0.61, compared to $1.43 billion and $0.65 respectively [12]. - The dividend yield for Enterprise Products Partners is currently 7.1%, making it an attractive option even during revenue declines [13]. Group 3: Lam Research (LRCX) - Lam Research operates in the semiconductor industry, providing equipment for foundries to manufacture semiconductors, including wafer cleaning and plasma etching [14]. - The company reported Q3 revenue of $5.32 billion, a significant increase from $4.16 billion year-over-year, with EPS rising to $1.26 from $0.86 [15]. - Lam Research's stock has increased by 123% in 2025, although its dividend yield is relatively low at 0.6% [16]. Group 4: Diversification Strategy - The article highlights the importance of diversifying investments across different sectors to mitigate volatility risks [17]. - Investing in Coca-Cola, Enterprise Products Partners, and Lam Research can create a balanced income-generating portfolio [18].

Core Viewpoint - The Coca-Cola Company is expected to report excellent financial results, as highlighted by Jim Cramer, who considers it one of the most consistent stocks in the packaged goods sector [1]. Company Overview - The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) produces and markets a variety of nonalcoholic beverages, including soft drinks, juices, water, coffee, tea, and sports drinks [1]. - Jim Cramer regards Coca-Cola as a terrific stock with significant momentum, suggesting that the current price level presents a good buying opportunity [1]. Market Sentiment - Cramer anticipates that Coca-Cola will deliver its usual strong performance, reinforcing its reputation in the consumer packaged goods market [1]. - The stock has recently declined, which Cramer views as an advantageous entry point for investors [1].

Core Viewpoint - Walmart is eliminating synthetic dyes and artificial ingredients from its store brands by January 2027, responding to a growing consumer demand for healthier options and aligning with regulatory changes led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. [1][4][7] Group 1: Company Actions - Walmart's Great Value brand is one of the largest consumer brands in the U.S., generating billions in sales annually [2] - The retailer plans to phase out about 30 artificial ingredients, including sweeteners and preservatives, from over 1,000 products [3][9] - Walmart is specifically targeting ingredients like titanium dioxide and azodicarbonamide, while aiming to keep prices stable despite these changes [4][10] Group 2: Industry Impact - The shift in Walmart's ingredient policy is expected to influence the broader U.S. food supply chain, affecting suppliers and other retailers [3] - Several major food companies, including Kraft Heinz, General Mills, Nestlé, and Tyson Foods, have also announced plans to remove artificial dyes from their products [7] - The trend towards natural ingredients is driven by increasing health consciousness among American shoppers, with over half checking food package ingredients [8][15] Group 3: Challenges and Considerations - Natural alternatives to artificial dyes often struggle to replicate the vibrant colors and stability of synthetic options, presenting challenges for manufacturers [10][14] - Walmart has faced difficulties in maintaining appealing colors in beverages and baked goods during the transition to natural dyes [17][18] - Consumer reactions to new products with natural ingredients have been mixed, as seen in past experiences with brands like General Mills [17]

Core Viewpoint - Coca-Cola's recent stock price decline presents a buying opportunity for dividend-seeking investors despite the overall market rebound [1][12] Financial Performance - Coca-Cola's revenue grew by 5% year-over-year when excluding foreign-currency translation effects and acquisitions/divestitures, driven by higher prices and a favorable product mix [6] - Adjusted operating income increased by 15% year-over-year, indicating profitability even in a challenging quarter [6] - The company experienced a drop in volume during the second quarter, which disappointed investors [5] Dividend Information - Coca-Cola raised its quarterly dividend payout by more than 5% to $0.51, marking 63 consecutive years of dividend increases, qualifying it as a Dividend King [9] - The company maintains a payout ratio of 69%, suggesting it can comfortably sustain its dividend payments [10] - Coca-Cola's dividend yield stands at 3%, significantly higher than the S&P 500's yield of 1.2% [10] Valuation Metrics - The recent decline in Coca-Cola's share price has improved its valuation, with a current price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 24, down from 29 [11] - Compared to the S&P 500, which has a P/E ratio of 30, Coca-Cola offers a more attractive valuation [11] - The company's long-term growth targets are 4% to 6% annual revenue growth and 7% to 9% earnings per share increases [11]

Core Viewpoint - Coca-Cola is considered an evergreen investment due to its consistent growth and long-term reliability, despite challenges in the beverage market [1][12] Group 1: Company Strengths - Coca-Cola has diversified its product portfolio beyond soda to include bottled water, tea, fruit juices, sports drinks, energy drinks, coffee, and alcoholic beverages, which helps mitigate declining soda consumption [3] - The company's capital-light business model, focusing on selling concentrates and syrups while bottling partners handle production, allows for consistent profits and insulation from inflation and regional macro challenges [4] - From 1984 to 2024, Coca-Cola achieved a revenue and split-adjusted EPS CAGR of 5% and 6%, respectively, maintaining stable growth through five global recessions and being a Dividend King with 63 consecutive years of dividend increases [5] - Analysts project Coca-Cola's revenue and EPS to grow at a CAGR of 5% and 11% from 2024 to 2027, driven by expansion in emerging markets, wellness-oriented brands, strategic acquisitions, and AI-driven efficiencies [6][7] Group 2: Company Weaknesses - Growth is slowing in developed markets like the U.S. and Europe, where competition from healthier and private label beverages is increasing, necessitating greater investment in emerging markets [8] - Ongoing trade wars and elevated tariffs, particularly on aluminum for cans, could lead to price increases from bottlers, potentially impacting shipments and margins during economic downturns [9] - Compared to PepsiCo, Coca-Cola's valuation at 24 times forward earnings appears less attractive, especially as PepsiCo offers a higher forward dividend yield of 4.3% [10] - Coca-Cola has underperformed the S&P 500 over the past 40 years, which has generated a total return of 3,460%, indicating that Coca-Cola may not be the best performer during bull markets [11]