Coca-Cola Enterprises

From flooding in Pakistan to wildfires in Russia, something seems to be going on. Climate change? A growing number of businesses aren't waiting around to find out for sure. Instead, they're making pragmatic plans to get ready just in case.

The Mexican version of Coke -- made with cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup and served in glass bottles rather than plastic -- is making great inroads in the U.S. market. And it's not just Hispanic consumers who are buying.

Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE) upped its profit forecast for 2010 on strong European demand. The company now expects profit of $1.78 to $1.82 a share, MarketWatch reported. The Atlanta-based company previously forecast profit of $1.73 to $1.77 a share. Coca-Cola Enterprises also said 2011's...

PepsiCo will announce its second-quarter numbers on Tuesday, and analysts expect earnings per share of $1.07 to $1.10, up from $1.02 a year earlier. If they're right, it will mark a continuation of the company's stable period of success. But PepsiCo's management is thinking bigger.

Beverage company stocks may remain a sweet investment even if recently proposed soda levies are enacted. Companies such as Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have been diversifying into healthier product lines, which should help reduce the impact of soda taxes on their bottom lines.

When it needed money to fund its big 1980s expansion, Coke spun off its bottling business. Now, it's re-acquiring its largest bottler, Coca Cola Enterprises, in a transaction worth roughly $12.17 billion.

Big consumer stock names are on tap Thursday as Coca-Cola makes it official, snapping up the North American operations of its largest bottler Coca-Cola Enterprises. Then later today, Apple kicks off its annual shareholder meeting. Analysts say investors may be looking for a fresh catalyst to send shares even higher.