BUZZ-Street View: Coca-Cola holds enough in its soda aisle to outperform peers

Coca-Cola's KO.N limited edition flavors of its sodas and price hikes powered a surprise rise in quarterly revenue amid sluggish demand in the packaged foods industry

Average rating of 28 analysts on KO is "buy" and median PT is $73, according to data compiled by LSEG

BUBBLING TO THE TOP

J.P.Morgan ("overweight", PT: $74) thinks KO can perform well because there are positive signs in some of the developing markets that typically drive the bulk of volume growth

Morgan Stanley ("overweight," PT: $78) says KO has stronger and more sustainable organic sales growth compared to its consumer packaged goods peers like PepsiCo PEP.O due to strong marketing, higher market share and low competition from store brands

Jefferies ("buy", PT: $79) says KO's business is strong and improving, with growing volumes, mix and pricing, and accelerating free cash flow

Brokerage also expects KO to increasingly stand out versus peers like PepsiCo, Monster Beverage Corp MNST.O

Morningstar (fair value: $64) expects KO to closely manage price and mix in 2025, including selectively investing in value offerings to maintain its market share