Coca-Cola Stock: Analyst Estimates & Ratings

Core Viewpoint - The Coca-Cola Company is a leading global beverage brand with a strong market presence and a diversified product portfolio, currently valued at $312.1 billion [1]. Performance Summary - Over the past year, Coca-Cola's stock has gained 15.2%, slightly underperforming the S&P 500 Index, which increased by 16.1%. In the last six months, KO stock returned 6.3%, compared to the SPX's 9.2% [2]. - Coca-Cola has outperformed the First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF, which declined by 2.7% over the past year and 2.3% over the past six months [3]. Market Position and Demand - The company benefits from steady demand for its beverages, a diversified global footprint, and strong pricing power, which helps maintain margins during cost pressures. This defensive nature was evident when Coca-Cola's stock rose over 1% on January 20, despite a broader market decline [4]. - Rising interest rates, slowing global growth, and persistent inflation have led investors to favor resilient consumer staples like Coca-Cola over cyclical stocks [4]. Earnings Outlook - For FY2025, analysts project Coca-Cola's EPS to grow by 3.8% to $2.99 on a diluted basis. The company has a solid earnings surprise history, beating consensus estimates in the last four quarters [5]. - Among 24 analysts covering Coca-Cola, the consensus rating is a "Strong Buy," with 19 "Strong Buy" ratings, two "Moderate Buys," and three "Holds" [5]. Analyst Sentiment - The current analyst configuration is less bullish than a month ago, when 20 analysts had given a "Strong Buy" recommendation. Recently, BofA Securities reaffirmed a "Buy" rating and raised the price target to $80 from $78, indicating continued confidence in the company's outlook [6].