The Coca-Cola Company (KO) AI Stock Analysis
KO AI stock analysis summary
AI ResearchThe Coca-Cola Company (KO) is a global nonalcoholic beverage company with a market cap of $404.01B. Over the trailing twelve months, the company generated $50.13B in revenue with an operating margin of 34.9%. The stock has gained 42.6% over the past year, while carrying net debt of $27.17B.
- Market cap
- $404.01B
- Revenue (TTM)
- $50.13B
- P/E
- 28.2x fwd 25.3x
- 1Y return
- 42.6% S&P 500 16.8%
- Avg. target
- $94.74 0.9% vs last close
Bull case
- Trailing twelve months operating margin reached 34.9%, well above the S&P 500 Consumer Defensive peer median of 15.5%.
- Quarterly earnings grew 16.9% year-over-year in the latest quarter ended June 30, 2026.
- The company has paid dividends for 57 consecutive years, supported by a 5-year annualized dividend growth rate of 4.5%.
Bear case
- The stock trades at a forward P/E of 25.3x, representing a premium to the S&P 500 Consumer Defensive peer median of 15.2x.
- Analysts estimate next fiscal year revenue growth of -0.1%, with revenue projected at $49.80B.
- Dividends paid of $8.78B in FY2025 exceeded the company's free cash flow of $5.30B for the year.
What Coca-Cola does
The Coca-Cola Company manufactures, markets, and distributes nonalcoholic beverages worldwide. Its portfolio features sparkling soft drinks, flavored waters, sports drinks, juices, dairy and plant-based beverages, teas, coffees, and energy drinks. The company supplies beverage concentrates, syrups, and fountain syrups to retailers, restaurants, and convenience stores. Operating under brands including Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Fanta, Sprite, Dasani, Powerade, and Minute Maid, it reaches consumers through independent bottling partners, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the company was founded in 1886.
Growth and profitability
Coca-Cola grew revenue from $38.66B in FY2021 to $47.94B in FY2025, recording a 5-year revenue CAGR of 7.7% from FY2020 to FY2025. Annual top-line growth moderated from 17.1% in FY2021 to 1.9% in FY2025. Gross margin expanded from 60.3% in FY2021 to 61.6% in FY2025, while operating margin rose to 28.7%. Net income increased to $13.11B in FY2025, yielding diluted EPS of $3.00. In the latest quarter ended June 30, 2026, revenue increased 6.7% year-over-year and quarterly earnings grew 16.9%. Over the trailing twelve months, revenue reached $50.13B with a net profit margin of 28.6%.
Balance sheet and cash flow
As of June 30, 2026, Coca-Cola held $16.37B in cash and short-term investments against total debt of $43.54B, resulting in net debt of $27.17B. Total assets stood at $107.92B and shareholders' equity was $36.15B, with a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.20 and a current ratio of 1.30. In FY2025, the company generated $5.30B in free cash flow, while spending $2.11B on capital expenditures, $746.0M on share buybacks, and $8.78B on dividends paid.
Valuation and performance
Coca-Cola trades at a trailing P/E of 28.2x and a forward P/E of 25.3x, both above the median of its S&P 500 Consumer Defensive peers of 23.3x and 15.2x, respectively. Its enterprise value of $406.18B represents an EV-to-EBITDA multiple of 20.5x, compared to the peer median of 13.3x, and its price-to-sales ratio is 8.1x against the peer group median of 1.6x. Over the past year, KO gained 42.6%, outperforming the S&P 500 return of 16.8%. Over five years, the stock returned 99.5% versus 83.0% for the index.
KO dividend
Coca-Cola pays a forward annual dividend of $2.12 per share, representing a 2.26% dividend yield and a payout ratio of 65.0%. The company has paid dividends for 57 consecutive years on a quarterly frequency, with a 5-year annualized dividend growth rate of 4.5%. Its last ex-dividend date is December 1, 2026.
What analysts expect
Wall Street analysts maintain 12 Strong Buy, 7 Buy, 4 Hold, and 1 Sell ratings on Coca-Cola. The mean price target is $94.74, representing 0.9% upside from the last close of $93.90. For the current fiscal year ending December 31, 2026, analysts estimate EPS of $3.30 on revenue of $49.83B. Coca-Cola beat EPS estimates in each of the last 4 quarters, and its next earnings report is scheduled for October 27, 2026.
Key risks and what to watch
- Net debt stood at $27.17B as of June 30, 2026, alongside a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.20.
- Annual revenue growth slowed from 17.1% in FY2021 to 1.9% in FY2025.
- Annual free cash flow declined from $11.26B in FY2021 to $5.30B in FY2025.
- The PEG ratio of 4.03 indicates a high valuation multiple relative to projected growth.
AI-generated research summary. Written with AI from Quotelinks data as of October 16, 2026 and checked so every figure matches that data. For information only, not investment advice. Disclaimer
About this KO AI stock analysis
This page is an AI-written research summary of The Coca-Cola Company (KO). The text was generated on October 30, 2026 from Quotelinks data as of October 16, 2026 (company profile, annual results, latest balance sheet, valuation, price performance and analyst estimates). An automatic check rejects any draft that contains a figure not found in that data. It is not investment advice; verify figures on the linked tabs before making decisions.
Related: KO income statement, KO balance sheet, KO key metrics, KO analyst forecast, KO chart. See the KO stock overview for the latest quote and news.
KO AI stock analysis FAQ
What is Coca-Cola's dividend yield and payout history?
Coca-Cola offers a dividend yield of 2.26% with an annual forward dividend of $2.12 paid quarterly. The company has paid dividends for 57 consecutive years and maintains a payout ratio of 65.0%.
How did Coca-Cola perform in its latest quarter?
In the quarter ended June 30, 2026, Coca-Cola reported quarterly revenue growth of 6.7% and quarterly earnings growth of 16.9% year-over-year.
What are analysts' price targets for KO stock?
Analysts have a mean price target of $94.74 for KO, representing a 0.9% upside compared to the last close of $93.90. Across 24 ratings, there are 12 Strong Buy, 7 Buy, 4 Hold, and 1 Sell recommendations.
How does Coca-Cola's valuation compare to sector peers?
Coca-Cola trades at a trailing P/E of 28.2x and an EV-to-EBITDA of 20.5x. Both multiples exceed the S&P 500 Consumer Defensive peer medians of 23.3x and 13.3x, respectively.