Coca-Cola(US:KO) The Motley Fool·2026-01-31 10:15Core Viewpoint - Coca-Cola is highlighted as a strong dividend stock with a long history of increasing dividends, making it a suitable investment for those seeking passive income and stability during market volatility [2][8]. Company Overview - Coca-Cola has maintained consistent growth in unit case volume over the last decade, with the only decline occurring during the pandemic in 2020 [4]. - The company has achieved a 13% annualized organic revenue growth since 2015, primarily driven by higher price/mix, indicating strong pricing power [4]. Financial Performance - Coca-Cola's adjusted free cash flow grew by 11% to nearly $11 billion in 2024, with projections of reaching $13.1 billion by 2027 on $52 billion of adjusted revenue [7]. - The company has a market capitalization of $322 billion and a current price of $74.81, with a gross margin of 61.55% [6][7]. Dividend History - Coca-Cola has increased its dividend for 63 consecutive years, qualifying it as a Dividend King [8]. - In 2024, the company paid out 73% of its adjusted free cash flow in dividends, consistent with its historical payout range [8]. - The dividend has increased by 50% over the last decade, with a current quarterly payment of $0.51, resulting in a dividend yield of 2.79%, significantly higher than the S&P 500 average [9]. Growth and Risks - The company's pricing power, global distribution, and focus on high-margin products are expected to sustain dividend growth [10]. - A key risk to monitor is potential shifts in consumer preferences, particularly regarding sugary beverages, which could impact future sales volume and dividend increases [11]. Investment Outlook - Analysts project about 6% annualized earnings growth for Coca-Cola, suggesting it may not outperform the S&P 500 but remains a solid choice for income-focused investors [12].