
NYSE:KO
This summary was created by AI, based on 5 opinions in the last 12 months.
Coca-Cola Company (KO) is widely recognized as a quintessential defensive stock, reflecting its consistent performance even amid market fluctuations, with a recent gain of 2.77% today and a remarkable 19.5% increase this year. The company shows a strong growth trajectory, particularly in its zero-calorie beverage segment, underpinned by effective management and operational strategies. Despite experiencing some resistance near the $72.50 mark, there are positive indicators with higher lows forming, suggesting potential upside. Experts praise Coca-Cola's unmatched global reach and strong demand in key markets, coupled with significant pricing power, making it a reliable investment opportunity. The fundamentals are solid, with predictions of continued revenue growth and improving margins, supported by a stable dividend yield of 3%.
We feel that the consumer staples space is trading at attractive valuations, and for the time being, much of the reason for the decline (ozempic fears), is likely overblown. KO pays a dividend of 3.3% which is slightly above its 20-year average of 3%. Relative to its 20-year historical average valuations, its forward P/E is in line with historical averages, while its EV/EBITDA and forward price to sales are both slightly above historical averages. For an investor with a long-term time horizon, we would be quite comfortable with KO today.
Unlock Premium - Try 5i Free
KO is now trading at 19.4x times' Forward P/E. KO is a mature consumer staples company and KO used to be a “bond proxy” for income investors due to the stability of its business, the capital-light nature of beverages and its high dividend yield. KO’s share price was quite resilient last year. However, due to the new expectation that rates may stay higher for longer, most consumer staples names have experienced pressure in recently, as bonds become a safer alternative for yield. KO is largely mature, revenue growth going forward is expected to be around 5%. Having said that, valuation is at a more attractive level now, currently trading at 19.4x Forward P/E, while historical averages in the last few years range from 19.3x to 26.1x. It is not a huge buy yet, but we would be OK to slowly start buying, for those with a decent time frame.
Unlock Premium - Try 5i Free
A Warren Buffett core holding. He gradually built his holdings in the late-80s and into the 1990s then didn't touch the shares. Coke and AmEx are now among his largest holdings. Total cost: $1.3 billion apiece. Last year, he earned $704 million in dividends from Coke + $302 million from AmEx in 2022 alone.
A long-term hold. If you get a profit on this, take some off the table. He likes it.