Coca-Cola Stock: Is KO Outperforming the Consumer Staples Sector?

Company Overview - The Coca-Cola Company (KO) is a leading beverage manufacturer with a market cap of $312.3 billion, producing and selling various nonalcoholic beverages globally [1][2] Market Position - KO is classified as a "mega-cap stock" due to its market cap exceeding $200 billion, showcasing its significant influence and dominance in the non-alcoholic beverage industry [2] - The company benefits from strong brand recognition and a diverse product portfolio, supported by a vast distribution network that caters to global consumer preferences [2] Stock Performance - KO's stock has experienced a 2.4% decline from its 52-week high of $74.38, reached on April 22, while gaining 5.3% over the past three months, outperforming the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLP), which declined by 3.7% [3] - Year-to-date, KO shares have risen by 16.6% and increased by 12.8% over the past 52 weeks, also outperforming XLP, which saw a marginal dip and a 5.1% loss over the last year [4] Recent Financial Results - On October 21, KO reported Q3 results with adjusted revenue of $12.4 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 3.9%, and adjusted EPS of $0.82, up 6.5% from the prior-year quarter [5] Competitive Landscape - In comparison, PepsiCo, Inc. (PEP) has shown weaker performance, with a 3.9% loss year-to-date and a 10.4% decline over the past 52 weeks [5] Analyst Sentiment - Wall Street analysts maintain a bullish outlook on KO, with a consensus "Strong Buy" rating from 24 analysts and a mean price target of $80.17, indicating a potential upside of 10.4% from current levels [6]