Coca-Cola Announces Restructuring Amid CEO Transition, Stock Dips Slightly
Coca-Cola shares edged lower following news of planned job cuts in Atlanta, part of a broader 2026 restructuring initiative. The stock closed at $67.84, down 0.15%, underperforming the S&P 500's 0.62% gain. PepsiCo and Mondelez saw steeper declines, falling 0.69% and 1.88% respectively.
The workforce reductions, detailed in a December 30 letter to Georgia officials, will begin around February 28, 2026. Coca-Cola indicated phased layoffs with no immediate facility closures. The timing coincides with CEO James Quincey's planned departure in March, when COO Henrique Braun will take the helm.
Investors are weighing the restructuring's potential cost savings against macroeconomic headwinds. Upcoming U.S. jobs and inflation data could influence Coca-Cola's near-term performance as markets assess defensive stocks.