KO AI Stock Analysis – Buy, Hold, or Avoid?
The Coca-Cola Company (KO)
Coca-Cola (KO) offers a compelling long-term investment case with robust fundamentals, resilient margins, and a defensive profile, though near-term technicals suggest caution for traders. The stock is fairly valued at a premium, supported by strong cash flows, consistent dividend growth, and a dominant market position. While short-term momentum is neutral, the overall risk/reward remains attractive for income and defensive growth investors.
Fundamentals
Coca-Cola demonstrates a robust financial profile with consistent revenue growth, strong profitability, and impressive earnings quality. Its margins have rebounded recently, aided by effective cost management and premiumization strategies. The stock's steady performance and resilience highlight its enduring appeal in global beverage markets, despite a moderate growth rate.
Financial Highlights
- Revenue
- Net Income
- Net Margin (%)
Revenue
2.41% YoY
Q4 2025
Net Income
3.46% YoY
Q4 2025
Net Margin
Q4 2025
Growth Metrics
Revenue Growth YoY
Latest Quarter: Q4 2025
Net Income Growth YoY
Latest Quarter: Q4 2025
Revenue Per Share Growth YoY
Latest Quarter: Q4 2025
EPS Growth YoY
Latest Quarter: Q4 2025
Book Value Per Share Growth YoY
Latest Quarter: Q4 2025
| Q4 2025 | Q3 2025 | Q2 2025 | Q1 2025 | Q4 2024 | Q3 2024 | Q2 2024 | Q1 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 11.8B | 12.5B | 12.5B | 11.1B | 11.5B | 11.9B | 12.4B | 11.3B |
| Revenue Growth YoY | +2.41% | +5.07% | +1.39% | -1.51% | +6.41% | -0.83% | +3.27% | +2.91% |
| Net Income | 2.3B | 3.7B | 3.8B | 3.3B | 2.2B | 2.8B | 2.4B | 3.2B |
| Net Income Growth YoY | +3.46% | +29.78% | +58.03% | +4.82% | +11.25% | -7.74% | -5.34% | +2.25% |
| EPS | $0.53 | $0.86 | $0.89 | $0.77 | $0.51 | $0.66 | $0.56 | $0.74 |
| EPS Growth YoY | +3.92% | +30.30% | +58.93% | +4.05% | +10.87% | -7.04% | -5.08% | +2.78% |
Profitability Metrics
Gross Margin
TTM
Operating Margin
TTM
Net Margin
TTM
Return on Equity
TTM
Return on Assets
TTM
| Q4 2025 | Q3 2025 | Q2 2025 | Q1 2025 | Q4 2024 | Q3 2024 | Q2 2024 | Q1 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Margin | 60.05% | 61.49% | 62.39% | 62.59% | 60.04% | 60.65% | 61.08% | 62.52% |
| Operating Margin | 15.57% | 31.97% | 34.14% | 32.88% | 23.47% | 21.17% | 21.29% | 18.95% |
| Net Margin | 19.21% | 29.67% | 30.39% | 29.92% | 19.01% | 24.03% | 19.50% | 28.12% |
| Return on Equity (ROE) | 7.06% | 11.83% | 13.33% | 12.71% | 8.83% | 10.74% | 9.33% | 12.02% |
| Return on Assets (ROA) | 2.96% | 5.00% | 5.29% | 4.76% | 3.18% | 3.87% | 3.50% | 4.73% |
Technical Analysis
KO stock is currently in a mild uptrend within its advancing phase, showing institutional accumulation signals. The price is trading near the 50-day moving average with RSI neutral and ADX indicating a weak trend, suggesting a range-bound but bullish tendency. Key levels around $77.5 and $82 provide important pivot points for potential upside continuation or consolidation.
No extreme reading
Mixed signals
Range-bound market
Watching for cross
Key Technical Values
Price with Moving Averages
50-day, 150-day and 200-day simple moving averages
Relative Strength Index
Momentum oscillator measuring speed and magnitude of price changes
RSI (14)
Earnings
Coca-Cola demonstrates a robust financial profile with consistent revenue growth, strong profitability, and impressive earnings quality. Its margins have rebounded recently, aided by effective cost management and premiumization strategies. The stock's steady performance and resilience highlight its enduring appeal in global beverage markets, despite a moderate growth rate.
Latest Earnings
Q4 2025 Earnings (Dec 31, 2025)
Earnings Per Share (EPS)
Actual
$0.58
Estimated
$0.56
Surprise
+$0.02
Surprise %
+2.65%
Revenue
Actual
$11.8B
Estimated
$12.05B
Surprise
-$249.71M
Surprise %
-2.07%
Historical Earnings
| Q4 2025 | Q3 2025 | Q2 2025 | Q1 2025 | Q4 2024 | Q3 2024 | Q2 2024 | Q1 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Earnings Per Share | ||||||||
| EPS (Actual) | $0.58 | $0.82 | $0.87 | $0.73 | $0.55 | $0.77 | $0.84 | $0.72 |
| EPS (Estimated) | $0.56 | $0.78 | $0.83 | $0.71 | $0.52 | $0.74 | $0.81 | $0.70 |
| EPS Surprise | +$0.02 | +$0.04 | +$0.04 | +$0.02 | +$0.03 | +$0.03 | +$0.03 | +$0.02 |
| % Diff | +2.7% | +5.3% | +4.3% | +2.2% | +6.2% | +4.1% | +4.2% | +2.9% |
| Revenue | ||||||||
| Revenue (Actual) | $11.8B | $12.46B | $12.54B | $11.13B | $11.54B | $11.85B | $12.36B | $11.3B |
| Revenue (Estimated) | $12.05B | $12.41B | $12.57B | $11.16B | $10.68B | $11.61B | $11.78B | $11.01B |
| Revenue Surprise | -$249.71M | +$49.93M | -$32.13M | -$29.33M | +$861.94M | +$243.77M | +$587.28M | +$292.58M |
| % Diff | -2.1% | +0.4% | -0.3% | -0.3% | +8.1% | +2.1% | +5.0% | +2.7% |
Valuation
Coca-Cola is currently trading at a premium valuation relative to sector averages but retains strong fundamentals with steady revenue and earnings growth alongside robust margins. Market sentiment remains positive supported by strategic partnerships and dividend increases, although some macroeconomic and regulatory risks temper the outlook. Overall, the company's solid cash flows and brand strength underpin its valuation despite some near-term challenges.
Valuation Metrics
Price to Earnings
TTM
Price to Sales
TTM
Price to Book
TTM
Enterprise Value to EBITDA
TTM
Enterprise Value to Revenue
TTM
| Q4 2025 | Q3 2025 | Q2 2025 | Q1 2025 | Q4 2024 | Q3 2024 | Q2 2024 | Q1 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price to Earnings | 33.11 | 19.11 | 19.86 | 22.73 | 30.56 | 27.17 | 28.44 | 20.75 |
| Price to Sales | 25.44 | 22.69 | 24.14 | 27.20 | 23.24 | 26.11 | 22.18 | 23.34 |
| Price to Book | 9.35 | 9.04 | 10.59 | 11.55 | 10.79 | 11.67 | 10.61 | 9.98 |
| Enterprise Value to EBITDA | 92.58 | 65.52 | 62.04 | 72.90 | 86.22 | 83.92 | 81.93 | 65.50 |
| Enterprise Value to Revenue | 28.42 | 25.47 | 27.32 | 30.86 | 26.24 | 28.84 | 24.62 | 26.18 |
Sentiment & Analyst Ratings
Coca-Cola (KO) exhibits a broadly positive market sentiment supported by strong analyst buy ratings and bullish retail investor outlook, underpinned by consistent dividends and strategic deals such as the Marriott partnership. However, technical indicators point to short-term weakness due to a recent dip below the 50-day moving average, reflecting mixed momentum amid some macroeconomic and regional demand concerns. Overall, confidence remains high in KO's long-term prospects despite near-term caution.
Analyst Recommendations
Risk Assessment
Coca-Cola's financial health shows solid liquidity with improving short-term asset coverage and a manageable solvency profile despite relatively high leverage common in its sector. Risks stem mainly from macroeconomic uncertainties in international markets, currency fluctuations, changing consumer preferences, and regulatory pressures around health and sustainability. While the company benefits from a strong global brand and defensive sector positioning, ongoing operational and market challenges moderate the investment risk profile.
Liquidity & Solvency
Current Ratio
Latest Quarter: Q4 2025
Quick Ratio
Latest Quarter: Q4 2025
Debt-to-Equity
Latest Quarter: Q4 2025
Debt-to-Assets
Latest Quarter: Q4 2025
| Q4 2025 | Q3 2025 | Q2 2025 | Q1 2025 | Q4 2024 | Q3 2024 | Q2 2024 | Q1 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liquidity Metrics | ||||||||
| Current Ratio | 1.46 | 1.21 | 1.21 | 1.10 | 1.03 | 1.06 | 1.08 | 1.04 |
| Quick Ratio | 1.25 | 1.00 | 0.98 | 0.89 | 0.84 | 0.90 | 0.92 | 0.86 |
| Solvency Metrics | ||||||||
| Debt-to-Equity | 1.41 | 1.52 | 1.73 | 1.87 | 1.83 | 1.74 | 1.69 | 1.61 |
| Debt-to-Assets | 0.43 | 0.45 | 0.47 | 0.48 | 0.45 | 0.44 | 0.43 | 0.43 |
Liquidity Assessment
Current Ratio: 1.46(Adequate)
Quick Ratio: 1.25(Strong)
The company has adequate liquidity but may face challenges in a downturn.
Solvency Assessment
Debt-to-Equity: 1.41(High)
Debt-to-Assets: 0.43(Moderate)
The company has relatively high debt levels, which may increase financial risk in economic downturns.
Frequently Asked Questions about KO
AI Answers: Common Questions About KO
Get AI-powered answers to the questions investors ask most about The Coca-Cola Company
KO is a good buy for long-term, income-oriented investors given its strong fundamentals, 23.6% FY25 EPS growth, and reliable dividends. At $77.47, the stock trades at a P/E of 25.48 and near the 50-day SMA, making it fairly valued for its quality and stability. Short-term traders may want to wait for a technical breakout above $77.5.
Unless your thesis has changed or you need to rebalance, there is no strong reason to sell KO now. Fundamentals remain robust, margins are improving, and the technical setup is neutral—not bearish. Long-term investors should hold, while short-term traders can reassess on a confirmed move above or below key levels.
KO's main risks are macroeconomic softness in emerging markets, currency volatility, and regulatory pressures such as sugar taxes. The company carries a debt-to-equity ratio above 1.4 and debt at 43% of assets, but interest coverage is strong (>4x), so liquidity and solvency are manageable.
Technical resistance is at $77.5 and $82.0 (52-week high), with analyst price targets up to $90. Downside support is at $72.10 and $71.50. Near-term, expect range-bound trading; long-term, moderate appreciation toward analyst targets is likely if fundamentals persist.
KO is fairly valued at a P/E of 25.48 and elevated EV/EBITDA, trading at a premium to the sector but justified by its cash flow, margins, and brand strength. The premium reflects stability and dividend growth, not high growth expectations.
KO is fundamentally strong, with FY25 gross margin at 61.6%, net margin at 27.3%, and ROE above 30%. Revenue and EPS have grown steadily, and liquidity ratios (current ~1.46, quick >1.2) have improved, supporting a robust balance sheet.
Technically, KO is consolidating near its 50-day SMA ($77.53) with RSI at 54 and ADX at 14.6, indicating neutral momentum and a weak trend. A breakout above $77.5 could target $82.0, while support lies at $72.10 and $71.50.
Key catalysts include upcoming earnings reports (with KO beating EPS estimates in 8 of the last 8 quarters), product innovation in health-conscious categories, and strategic partnerships like the Marriott deal. Macro events and regulatory developments, especially around sugar taxes, should also be watched.
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