#6 - Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO)
The perpetual debate between Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO) and Pepsi (NASDAQ: PEP) extends into their role as favored defensive stock. Strictly based on financials, I could make a strong case for PEP stock. However, the company is currently the target of a class-action lawsuit regarding working conditions at one of its plants.
It’s unlikely that this will be a long-term headwind for the stock. However, when there are other options to choose from, I’ll go with them. And let’s face it, it’s not like KO stock is a bad choice. The company has been expanding into other beverage categories. That progress was stalled a bit due to the pandemic, but if the company’s recent earnings report is any indication, Coca-Cola will be just fine.
The company’s performance in the last year has been just okay. It’s up 16% in the last 12 months. However, investors (such as Warren Buffett) invest in Coke, in large part, for its dividend. And here the company continues to deliver as it has for the last 59 years.
About Coca-Cola
The Coca-Cola Company, a beverage company, manufactures, markets, and sells various nonalcoholic beverages worldwide. The company provides sparkling soft drinks, sparkling flavors; water, sports, coffee, and tea; juice, value-added dairy, and plant-based beverages; and other beverages. It also offers beverage concentrates and syrups, as well as fountain syrups to fountain retailers, such as restaurants and convenience stores.
More- Current Price
- $63.13
- Consensus Rating
- Buy
- Ratings Breakdown
- 17 Buy Ratings, 1 Hold Ratings, 0 Sell Ratings.
- Consensus Price Target
- $72.13 (14.3% Upside)
