#6 - Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO)
Turning your attention to the consumer defensive sector, let’s take a look at Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO). The company is making headlines for the wrong reasons. But that controversy is likely to pass quickly. And if Coca-Cola is lucky, so will the pandemic. The company has a global distribution network and strong brand recognition that just needs the floodgates to open.
That’s because a reopening of restaurants, bars, and live events will be the shot in the arm the company needs. But it doesn’t need as much of a shot in the arm as you might expect. The company reported full-year 2020 earnings in early February. Coke reported full-year revenue of $33.05 billion which was “only” 9% down year-over-year.
Coca-Cola is frequently compared to Pepsico (NASDAQ:PEP), and to be fair Pepsi has also done well during the pandemic. However, looking at recent price movement in the two stocks, Coke looks like the better investment at this time. And although both companies are dividend darlings, Coke also has the edge for consecutive years with a dividend increase by a 57 to 49 margin.
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 about Coca-Cola- Current Price
- $72.99
- Consensus Rating
- Buy
- Ratings Breakdown
- 19 Buy Ratings, 1 Hold Ratings, 0 Sell Ratings.
- Consensus Price Target
- $74.59 (2.2% Upside)
