Coca-Cola KO
Coca-Cola, founded in 1886 by John Stith Pemberton in Atlanta, Georgia, is the world’s most famous sugar water—an empire built on a fizzy formula and the promise of refreshment. Known for its ubiquitous red label and relentless marketing, Coca-Cola turned a medicinal concoction into a global obsession. Its defining moment? The 1985 “New Coke” debacle, a fizzing flop that taught the company the perils of messing with a classic. Valued at a staggering $240 billion, the company's accolades include countless awards for its advertising and innovation but not without its share of controversies. From the health backlash against sugary drinks to accusations of unethical practices in its supply chain, Coca-Cola has managed to stir up more than just carbonated bubbles. Executives like James Quincey have steered the ship through turbulent waters, promising to pivot towards healthier options while still clinging to the syrupy nostalgia that keeps the brand on everyone's lips. Despite these hiccups, Coca-Cola remains a titan of the beverage industry, with its logo practically synonymous with capitalism itself.