Coca-Cola: A Secure Retirement Portfolio Investment for 2024

Why Coca-Cola is a Top Pick for Retirement Portfolios Heading into 2024

InvestorPlace and The Motley Fool have both recognized Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) as a standout choice for investors aiming to build a secure retirement portfolio, particularly highlighting its performance heading into 2024. Coca-Cola's reputation for stability and resilience, backed by its iconic brand and global presence, makes it a compelling pick for those seeking reliable investments. The company's ability to navigate through economic downturns and adapt to changing consumer preferences has solidified its position as a dependable investment. Moreover, Coca-Cola's diversified product portfolio, including popular beverages like Sprite, Schweppes ginger ale, and Dasani water, not only strengthens its market dominance but also contributes to its consistent cash flow generation. This is crucial for retirement investors who prioritize stable income streams, as evidenced by Coca-Cola's impressive track record of raising its dividend payment for 62 consecutive years, boasting a current yield of 3.3%.

Coca-Cola's business model, which involves selling flavored syrups to independently operated bottling partners, has been a key factor in its success. This strategy allows for efficient capital allocation and strong cash flow generation, which in turn supports the company's ability to provide consistent dividends and shareholder returns. These financial practices are essential for those looking to safeguard their retirement plans, as they offer a solid foundation for long-term growth. The company's disciplined approach to capital allocation and its focus on growth in emerging markets signal a promising long-term growth outlook, making it an attractive option for retirement portfolios.

The recent performance of Coca-Cola's stock further underscores its appeal to investors. Closing the recent trading session at $58.91, with a 0.68% increase, Coca-Cola outperformed the S&P 500 and demonstrated resilience amidst market fluctuations. This performance, coupled with the anticipation surrounding Coca-Cola's upcoming earnings report, where earnings per share (EPS) are expected to increase, highlights the company's steady financial health. Analysts have maintained stable estimates for Coca-Cola, reflecting confidence in its continued success. The company's Forward Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio and Price/Earnings to Growth (PEG) ratio, although above the industry average, indicate a premium valuation justified by its strong market position and growth prospects.

In the broader context of the Beverages - Soft drinks industry, Coca-Cola's standing is further reinforced by its Zacks Industry Rank, which places it in the top 12% of all industries. This ranking reflects the industry's strong performance relative to other sectors and suggests a favorable environment for Coca-Cola's continued success. As investors and analysts look forward to Coca-Cola's performance in the upcoming trading sessions, especially with its forthcoming earnings report, the company's stable analyst expectations and solid financial metrics make it a prime candidate for those seeking to secure a comfortable retirement through stable and reliable investments.

Symbol Price %chg
KO.BA 17825 0
PEP.BA 9470 0
CLEO.JK 585 0
ADES.JK 12000 0
KO Ratings Summary
KO Quant Ranking
Related Analysis

Coca-Cola Edges Past Q1 Profit Estimates, Reaffirms Growth Outlook

Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) delivered a modest first-quarter beat on earnings but came in slightly below revenue expectations.

The beverage giant reported adjusted earnings of $0.73 per share, just ahead of the $0.72 analyst consensus. Revenue totaled $11.1 billion, narrowly missing forecasts of $11.2 billion.

Organic revenue grew 6% year-over-year, fueled by a 5% rise in pricing and product mix, along with a 1% gain in concentrate sales. Unit case volume rose 2%, with India, China, and Brazil driving much of the growth.

Profitability improved meaningfully, with operating margin expanding to 32.9% from 18.9% a year earlier. On a comparable basis, operating margin rose to 33.8%, helped by strong revenue execution, disciplined cost management, and the timing of marketing investments.

For the full year 2025, Coca-Cola reaffirmed its organic revenue growth target of 5% to 6%. However, the company expects a 5% to 6% currency-related drag on earnings and now forecasts comparable EPS growth of 2% to 3%.

Coca-Cola Edges Past Q1 Profit Estimates, Reaffirms Growth Outlook

Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) delivered a modest first-quarter beat on earnings but came in slightly below revenue expectations.

The beverage giant reported adjusted earnings of $0.73 per share, just ahead of the $0.72 analyst consensus. Revenue totaled $11.1 billion, narrowly missing forecasts of $11.2 billion.

Organic revenue grew 6% year-over-year, fueled by a 5% rise in pricing and product mix, along with a 1% gain in concentrate sales. Unit case volume rose 2%, with India, China, and Brazil driving much of the growth.

Profitability improved meaningfully, with operating margin expanding to 32.9% from 18.9% a year earlier. On a comparable basis, operating margin rose to 33.8%, helped by strong revenue execution, disciplined cost management, and the timing of marketing investments.

For the full year 2025, Coca-Cola reaffirmed its organic revenue growth target of 5% to 6%. However, the company expects a 5% to 6% currency-related drag on earnings and now forecasts comparable EPS growth of 2% to 3%.

Coca-Cola Gets a Boost from Weaker Dollar and fairlife Momentum, Says CFRA

CFRA raised its 12-month price target on Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) to $80 from $68, maintaining a Buy rating as favorable currency dynamics and domestic brand strength position the beverage giant for upside.

While earnings estimates remain unchanged, CFRA sees the recent decline in the U.S. dollar as a significant catalyst for Coca-Cola’s bottom line. With 61% of its revenue generated outside the U.S., a weaker dollar improves international profitability when converted back into U.S. dollars. In 2024, U.S. revenue grew 11% year-over-year, while international sales dipped 2%, highlighting domestic resilience.

The firm also points to Coca-Cola’s fairlife brand as a key, underappreciated growth engine. Annual sales have already surpassed $1 billion, and expansion is set to accelerate with the completion of a $650 million production facility in New York later this year.

Despite ongoing debates around health-related policy shifts and tariff risks, CFRA believes those concerns are already priced in. With a healthy dividend yield supporting long-term returns, Coca-Cola is seen as a solid opportunity for investors seeking both growth and income.

Coca-Cola Gets a Boost from Weaker Dollar and fairlife Momentum, Says CFRA

CFRA raised its 12-month price target on Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) to $80 from $68, maintaining a Buy rating as favorable currency dynamics and domestic brand strength position the beverage giant for upside.

While earnings estimates remain unchanged, CFRA sees the recent decline in the U.S. dollar as a significant catalyst for Coca-Cola’s bottom line. With 61% of its revenue generated outside the U.S., a weaker dollar improves international profitability when converted back into U.S. dollars. In 2024, U.S. revenue grew 11% year-over-year, while international sales dipped 2%, highlighting domestic resilience.

The firm also points to Coca-Cola’s fairlife brand as a key, underappreciated growth engine. Annual sales have already surpassed $1 billion, and expansion is set to accelerate with the completion of a $650 million production facility in New York later this year.

Despite ongoing debates around health-related policy shifts and tariff risks, CFRA believes those concerns are already priced in. With a healthy dividend yield supporting long-term returns, Coca-Cola is seen as a solid opportunity for investors seeking both growth and income.

Coca-Cola Rises 3% on Strong Q4 Earnings, Pricing Strategy Boosts Demand

Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) delivered better-than-expected fourth-quarter earnings, as strategic pricing and product innovation helped drive an unexpected rise in global volumes. The results lifted the soda giant’s stock more than 3% intra-day today.

The company’s focus on higher-priced beverages and packaging adjustments—such as slimmer 12-ounce cans—has helped maintain demand, particularly in the U.S., where budget-conscious consumers have been more selective with their spending. This strategy supported growth in premium offerings like sparkling flavors, juices, plant-based drinks, and value-added dairy.

North America unit case volume increased by 1%, with regional revenue surging 16%. However, this strength was partially offset by flat volumes in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, where supply chain disruptions—particularly in the Middle East—posed challenges.

Globally, unit case volume expanded by 2%, defying expectations of a slight decline. Notably, China, which has struggled with sluggish post-pandemic consumer demand in recent quarters, contributed to the volume growth.

Financially, Coca-Cola posted comparable earnings per share of $0.55, marking a 12% increase from the prior year and beating analyst estimates of $0.52. Revenue climbed 6% year-over-year to $11.50 billion, also surpassing expectations.

Looking ahead, Coca-Cola projects organic revenue growth of 5% to 6% for fiscal 2025, slightly below the 7.09% analysts had anticipated. Comparable EPS is expected to grow 2% to 3%, reaching a range of $2.94 to $2.97, aligning closely with Wall Street estimates of $2.95.

Coca-Cola Rises 3% on Strong Q4 Earnings, Pricing Strategy Boosts Demand

Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) delivered better-than-expected fourth-quarter earnings, as strategic pricing and product innovation helped drive an unexpected rise in global volumes. The results lifted the soda giant’s stock more than 3% intra-day today.

The company’s focus on higher-priced beverages and packaging adjustments—such as slimmer 12-ounce cans—has helped maintain demand, particularly in the U.S., where budget-conscious consumers have been more selective with their spending. This strategy supported growth in premium offerings like sparkling flavors, juices, plant-based drinks, and value-added dairy.

North America unit case volume increased by 1%, with regional revenue surging 16%. However, this strength was partially offset by flat volumes in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, where supply chain disruptions—particularly in the Middle East—posed challenges.

Globally, unit case volume expanded by 2%, defying expectations of a slight decline. Notably, China, which has struggled with sluggish post-pandemic consumer demand in recent quarters, contributed to the volume growth.

Financially, Coca-Cola posted comparable earnings per share of $0.55, marking a 12% increase from the prior year and beating analyst estimates of $0.52. Revenue climbed 6% year-over-year to $11.50 billion, also surpassing expectations.

Looking ahead, Coca-Cola projects organic revenue growth of 5% to 6% for fiscal 2025, slightly below the 7.09% analysts had anticipated. Comparable EPS is expected to grow 2% to 3%, reaching a range of $2.94 to $2.97, aligning closely with Wall Street estimates of $2.95.

Coca-Cola Upgraded to Buy as Growth Potential Aligns with Attractive Valuation

TD Cowen analysts upgraded Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) to Buy from Hold, maintaining a price target of $75 on the stock. The upgrade reflects confidence in Coca-Cola’s ability to sustain strong performance across multiple markets and capitalize on long-term growth opportunities, particularly in international markets.

The analysts raised the fiscal 2025 organic sales growth estimate to 6%, at the high end of Coca-Cola’s long-term growth projections. This optimism is based on the company’s exceptional execution in key regions, even amidst temporary challenges. The recent pullback in Coca-Cola’s stock, driven by concerns over a temporary slowdown in third-quarter volumes and uncertainties around new U.S. trade policies and foreign exchange impacts, is seen as an overreaction.

According to the analysts, Coca-Cola remains well-positioned to benefit from increasing per capita beverage consumption globally, offering significant growth potential in emerging markets.