Coca-Cola Co. (NYSE: KO) is set to report its first-quarter financial results before the markets open on Wednesday. The consensus estimates from Thomson Reuters are $0.44 in earnings per share (EPS) on $10.28 billion in revenue. In the same period of last year, it posted EPS of $0.48 and $10.70 billion in revenue.
This stock remains a top Warren Buffet holding and offers not only safety, but an incredible strong worldwide brand. Coca-Cola is the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Globally, it is the number one provider of sparkling beverages, ready-to-drink coffees and juices and juice drinks.
Led by Coca-Cola, one of the world’s most valuable and recognizable brands, the company’s portfolio features 20 billion-dollar brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Georgia and Del Valle. Through the world’s largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy its beverages at a rate of more than 1.9 billion servings a day.
The strong U.S. dollar may not continue to be a headwind to the international business as the uptrend seems to have rolled over. The company has expanded its product lines, and it posted fourth-quarter earnings that top Wall Street analysts were very encouraged by.
A few analysts weighed in on Coca-Cola prior to the release of the earnings report:
- Jefferies has a Neutral rating with a $48 price target.
- Sanford Bernstein has a Buy rating with a $50 price target.
- Susquehanna reiterated a Hold rating with a $41 price target.
- RBC Capital reiterated a Buy rating with a $52 price target.
- Merrill Lynch reiterated a Buy rating with a $52 price target.
So far in 2016, this stock has outperformed the broad markets with a more than 8% gain. Over the past 52 weeks, the stock is up over 18%.
Shares of Coca-Cola were trading at $46.47 on Tuesday, with a consensus analyst price target of $47.73 and a 52-week trading range of $36.56 to $47.13.
Cash Back Credit Cards Have Never Been This Good
Credit card companies are at war, handing out free rewards and benefits to win the best customers. A good cash back card can be worth thousands of dollars a year in free money, not to mention other perks like travel, insurance, and access to fancy lounges. See our top picks for the best credit cards today. You won’t want to miss some of these offers.
Flywheel Publishing has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Flywheel Publishing and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Latest from 24/7
