Best Stock to Buy Right Now: Constellation Brands vs. Coca Cola

Core Viewpoint - The beverage industry presents diverse investment opportunities, with Constellation Brands and Coca-Cola as key players, but their stock performances have diverged significantly in early 2025 [1][2]. Constellation Brands - Constellation Brands is facing challenges due to a 20% tariff on imports from Mexico, impacting its flagship brands like Corona and Modelo [3]. - The company is implementing strategic measures such as cost cuts, inventory stockpiling, and potential price hikes to mitigate the impact of increased costs [4]. - Despite recent turbulence, analysts project a 2% revenue growth and a 12% increase in earnings per share (EPS) to an estimated $13.46, indicating strong underlying demand [5]. - The stock is currently trading at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 13, which is considered a bargain compared to Coca-Cola's P/E ratio of around 24 [6]. - There is optimism that the tariffs may be temporary, and the fundamentals of Constellation Brands remain solid, making it a potential buy for investors [7]. Coca-Cola - Coca-Cola has effectively navigated tariff pressures due to its robust global supply chain and diverse product portfolio, which includes over 200 brands [8]. - In 2024, Coca-Cola's organic revenue grew by 14% year-over-year, with adjusted EPS increasing by 7% to $2.88, and management anticipates continued growth in 2025 [9]. - The company's strong execution across various economic conditions has established it as a stable investment, supported by high-quality earnings and cash flow [10]. - Coca-Cola has a long history of dividend increases, with a recent hike of 4.8% to $0.51 per share, resulting in a current dividend yield of nearly 3%, higher than Constellation Brands' 2.2% yield [10]. Investment Decision - While both stocks are viewed positively, Constellation Brands is considered the better buy due to its discounted valuation and potential for outperforming in 2025 [11]. - The significant sell-off in Constellation Brands may have already factored in worst-case scenarios, positioning it favorably for future performance as financial results reaffirm its strengths [12].