Analysts weigh in on the new CEO at Molson Coors amid market share losses to Anheuser-Busch

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Molson Coors Beverage Company (NYSE:TAP [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/TAP]) is being sized up by analysts after the announcement of the appointment of Rahul Goyal as President and Chief Executive Officer to succeed Gavin Hattersley, who will remain in an advisory role until the end of 2025.

The CEO switch arrived with shares of Molson Coors (NYSE:TAP [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/TAP]) down 22% on a year-to-date basis amid some market share loss to Anheuser-Busch InBev (BUD [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/BUD]), which has the number one (Michelob Ultra) and number three (Bud Light) beer brands in the U.S. by market share, according to Circana data.

Goldman Sachs Bonnie Herzog viewed the appointment of Moyal as a strategic positive for Molson Coors (TAP [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/TAP]). He was noted to be a driving force behind many of the company's most successful recent ventures, including leading the company's beyond beer ambition by building successful partnerships with Coca-Cola (KO [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/KO]) and Fever Tree. Moyal also was key in the acquisitions of ZOA and Naked Life. "While we recognize that the beer category has been under pressure recently, which has weighed on the stock, we remain encouraged by TAP's progress on its transformation journey as it advances its strategy to premiumize and diversify its portfolio beyond beer - a key area of focus where we believe Mr Goyal can deliver continued growth," advised Herzog.

Looking ahead, Herzog highlighted that Molson Coors' balance sheet is in a much healthier position today, and the company's strong free cash flow generation provides management with more optionality to invest in its business. Goldman Sachs has a Buy rating in place on TAP.

Bank of America analyst reminded investors that Goyal will face what has been a softer beer category than even the company expected, without any clear signs of a bottom. "We see a risk that other factors beyond the economy come into play," he warned. The firm kept a Neutral rating on TAP.

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* Molson Coors Beverage Company 2025 Q2 - Results - Earnings Call Presentation [https://seekingalpha.com/article/4808975-molson-coors-beverage-company-2025-q2-results-earnings-call-presentation]
* Molson Coors Beverage appoints Rahul Goyal CEO [https://seekingalpha.com/news/4497304-molson-coors-beverage-appoints-rahul-goyal-ceo]
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