CFRA Affirms 'Buy' Stance on Coca-Cola Co (KO) as Q2 Results Top Estimates

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) is one of the defensive stocks that billionaires are buying amid US trade tariff uncertainty. On July 22, analysts at CFRA reiterated a ‘Buy’ rating and an $80 price target on the stock. The positive stance comes from the company delivering solid second-quarter results that topped analyst estimates.

The beverage giant posted adjusted earnings per share of $0.87, representing a 4% year-over-year increase. It also topped consensus estimates of $0.84. The better-than-expected earnings were driven by solid gross margins that expanded to 62.4%.

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) also recorded a 1.4% year-over-year increase in sales to $12.54 billion. The sales increase was driven by a positive price mix, which contributed to a 65% sales growth, offsetting the impact of currency headwinds. Coca-Cola also raised its full-year adjusted earnings per share to $3.04 from $3 for 2025 and to $3.20 from $3.15 for 2026.

The CFRA Buy rating is in response to the company’s global brand value, which is diminishing due to currency headwinds, and confidence in dividend aristocrat trends.

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) is a global beverage company that manufactures, markets, and sells beverage concentrates and syrups, as well as finished beverages. Its products include a wide range of sparkling soft drinks, waters, juices, value-added dairy, and plant-based beverages.

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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.