Latest news with #CocaColaCompany
Health Line
21-05-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Is Coke Zero Bad for You?
Coke Zero is calorie-free but has no nutritional value. While drinks with artificial sweeteners may have negative long-term effects, such as increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes, more research is needed. Coke Zero, recently rebranded as Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, is marketed as a healthier version of the original sugar-sweetened beverage, Coca-Cola Classic. It contains zero calories and sugar while providing the signature Coca-Cola flavor, appealing to those trying to reduce their sugar intake or control their weight. This article takes a detailed look at Coke Zero and explains whether it's a healthy choice. Zero nutritional value Coke Zero does not provide any calories and is not a significant source of nutrition. One 12-ounce (354-ml) can of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar (Coke Zero) offers: Calories: 0 Fat: 0 grams Protein: 0 grams Sugar: 0 grams Sodium: 2% of the Daily Value (DV) Potassium: 2% of the DV Artificial sweeteners are used to sweeten this beverage without adding calories. The health effects of artificial sweeteners are controversial, and concerns regarding their safety are growing. Though the research is inconsistent, some studies find that the use of artificial sweeteners may contribute to the development of obesity and metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that increase disease risk. Coca-Cola Zero Sugar (Coke Zero) uses several common artificial sweeteners, including aspartame and acesulfame potassium (Ace-K). The remaining ingredients are carbonated water, caramel color, food additives, and natural flavors. The only differences between Coke Zero and the new rebrand Coca-Cola Zero Sugar are minor changes to the natural flavor composition. Artificial sweeteners and weight loss Research results on the effects of Coke Zero and other artificially sweetened beverages on weight loss are mixed. In a 2023 52-week study of 493 adults, researchers found that compared to people who drank water, those who consumed beverages with non-nutritive sweeteners lost more weight over the study period, an average of 16.5 pounds (7.5 kilograms), compared to those who drank water, who lost an average of 13.4 pounds (6.1 kg). However, a similar 2023 study that lasted 12 weeks found no difference in weight loss among participants who drank water versus beverages with non-nutritive sweeteners. The researchers also examined other metrics, like waist circumference, but found no significant differences. The non-nutritive sweetener group lost slightly more to their waist circumference, but the difference was about 1 centimeter (cm). A 2023 review of research that looked at multiple studies suggests that non-nutritive sweeteners have no immediate effects on the metabolic or endocrine systems. The evidence on the effects of artificially sweetened beverages on weight management is conflicting, and more research is needed. Long-term research is also needed to determine if artificial sweeteners may influence the body in ways other than calorie intake. Diet sodas and tooth erosion Similarly to regular soda, drinking diet sodas like Coke Zero is associated with an increased risk of tooth erosion. One of the main ingredients in Coke Zero is phosphoric acid. One 2002 study on human teeth noted phosphoric acid causes mild enamel and tooth erosion. An older study from 2015 observed that Coca-Cola Light (Diet Coke), which differs from Coke Zero only in that it contains both phosphoric and citric acid, caused enamel and tooth erosion in freshly extracted cow's teeth in just 3 minutes. Still, the same 2002 study suggests that citric acid erodes teeth more than phosphoric acid, which suggests that Coke Zero may affect tooth enamel slightly less than Diet Coke. Diet Coke had less erosive effects than other beverages, such as Sprite, orange juice, and apple juice. Coke Zero and diabetes risk Coke Zero is sugar-free. However, the sugar substitutes it contains may not necessarily be a better option for people looking to reduce their risk of diabetes. A large 2023 study involving 105,588 participants with a follow-up of 9.1 years suggests that consuming non-nutritive sweeteners is associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A 2024 review of research suggests non-nutritive sweeteners may negatively affect the gut microbiome, or the helpful bacteria that live in your gut and aid digestion, potentially affecting metabolic health and contributing to diabetes risk and worse outcomes for people with diabetes. The results from these studies don't provide an exact explanation of how artificially sweetened beverages increase your risk of diabetes. Therefore, more research is needed. Other potential downsides Artificially sweetened beverages like Coke Zero have been linked to other health issues, including: Increased risk of heart disease: An observational study found a link between artificially sweetened beverages and an increased risk of heart disease among women with no prior history of heart disease. Increased risk of kidney disease: Soda's high phosphorus content may damage kidneys. A 2017 study noted that those who drink more than 7 glasses of diet soda per week nearly double their risk of kidney disease. Could alter your gut microbiome: Artificially sweetened beverages may alter your gut microbiome, potentially negatively affecting blood sugar management. Further research is needed to determine the exact effects of Coke Zero and other diet beverages on your health.
Globe and Mail
16-05-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Dividend Aristocrats Offer Safety in Market Storms. Buy These 2 Top-Rated Stocks Now.
Dividend Aristocrats, firms with over 25 years of annual dividend growth, show their resilience through recessions, periods of sticky inflation, and market downturns, rewarding investors with reliable income and long-term stability. These stocks are battle-tested shelters, and two compelling options right now could be Coca-Cola (KO) a beverage titan, and West Pharmaceutical Services (WST), a key player in drug delivery systems. Both stocks have decades of dividend growth behind them and solid momentum ahead. To that end, investors should consider grabbing these top-rated defensive gems now. Dividend Aristocrat Stock #1: Coca-Cola Valued at a market cap of $296 billion, the beverage stock is up 9.6% over the past 52 weeks and 11.1% in 2025 alone. Even when the markets wobble, Wall Street keeps betting on its timeless charm – Coke just keeps bubbling to the top. Coca-Cola is not just refreshing thirst, it is refreshing portfolios. KO, a proud Dividend King, has raised its dividend for 63 straight years, proving loyalty to its investors. In 2024 alone, it poured out $8.4 billion in dividends, pushing total payouts since 2010 to an astounding $93.1 billion. Coca-Cola's annualized dividend of $2.04 per share, translating to a forward yield of 2.89%, easily tops the SPDR S&P 500 ETF's (SPY) 1.21%. Coca-Cola unveiled its Q1 earnings results on April 29, proving once again that its 'all-weather strategy' is more than just a catchphrase. Revenue dipped 2% year over year to $11.1 billion, mostly due to currency headwinds and changes in how it reports its bottling biz, but its bottom line still sparkled. EPS rose 5% to $0.77, and comparable EPS edged up 1% to $0.73, beating expectations. Coca-Cola's superpower is still its global reach. Looking ahead, Coca-Cola isn't backing down. The company reaffirmed its full-year 2025 outlook, targeting organic revenue growth of 5% to 6%, despite a 2% to 3% currency drag. Comparable currency-neutral EPS for 2025 is expected to increase 7% to 9% year over year. This outlook shows Coca-Cola's steady hand in stormy markets. Plus, management envisions an adjusted free cash flow of $9.5 billion for fiscal 2025, including $11.7 billion in cash flow from operations. Analysts are buying the story, forecasting $2.96 EPS in fiscal 2025, up 2.8% year over year, with the next year's bottom line anticipated to grow by another 8.1% annually to $3.20 per share. Overall, KO has a solid 'Strong Buy' consensus rating. Out of the 23 analysts in coverage, 21 recommend a 'Strong Buy,' one advises a 'Moderate Buy,' while the remaining one is playing it safe with a 'Hold' rating. KO stock might be gearing up for a refresh. With analysts setting a mean price target of $79.48, the stock could rally as much as 14% from the current price levels. Dividend Aristocrat Stock #2: West Pharmaceutical West Pharmaceutical Services (WST) has quietly become a cornerstone of the global pharmaceutical supply chain. The Pennsylvania-based company engineers sophisticated containment and delivery systems for injectable drugs and healthcare products, serving clients across the Americas, EMEA, and Asia Pacific. The stock has fallen 42% from its 52-week high of $358.52. Over the past year, it has slipped 42%, with a 37% decline on a YTD basis. Despite recent stock struggles, West Pharmaceutical has stayed loyal to its long-term investors. The company has increased dividends for over three decades, and just last month, it declared a payout of $0.21 per share, payable to the shareholders on Aug. 6. Plus, it kept its annual payout at $0.84 with a modest 0.41% yield. While the yield may not grab headlines, the low 12.2% payout ratio underscores West's conservative approach to capital allocation. In Q1 alone, West Pharmaceutical returned $15.2 million in dividends and repurchased over half a million shares for $133.5 million. On April 24, West Pharmaceutical Services delivered a steady yet strategically strong Q1 performance, reporting $698 million in revenue, flat year over year, but still topping expectations by 1.5%. Adjusted EPS landed at $1.45, blowing past estimates by 18.9%, signaling that the company's operational discipline is paying off despite top-line stagnation. Historically, West Pharmaceutical has ranked among the more profitable healthcare players, averaging an operating margin of 22.7% over the past five years. In Q1, adjusted operating profit hit $125 million, with margins climbing to 17.9%, reflecting improved efficiency even in a more complex macro environment. Cash flow also impressed. Operating cash flow rose 9.5% year over year to $129.4 million, while FCF more than doubled to $58.1 million. The company continues to lean into areas of strength, with a clear focus on capital discipline, margin improvement, and stakeholder value. West Pharmaceutical raised its full-year 2025 guidance, estimating net sales to be between $2.945 billion and $2.975 billion, while adjusted EPS is projected between $6.15 and $6.35. Analysts predict the medical device company's EPS to be $6.27 in fiscal 2025, rising by 14.4% annually to $7.17 in fiscal 2026. WST stock has a consensus 'Strong Buy' rating overall. Out of the 12 analysts covering the stock, 11 suggest a 'Strong Buy,' and one recommends a 'Hold.' The mean price target of $293.50 suggests that the stock has upside potential of 42% from current prices.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Is The Coca-Cola Company (KO) the Best Dow Stock?
We recently published a list of . In this article, we are going to take a look at where The The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) stands against other Dow stocks. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a benchmark index of the top 30 companies in the US. It represents the strength of the US economy and carries great historical significance as well. It also acts as a reference point for analysts and investors. However, not all stocks within this elite group of companies perform equally. While some thrive on innovation and economic boom, others struggle due to various setbacks and economic trends. We decided to break down the index and find out the best and worst stocks, looking at what was making them perform unexpectedly this year. In order to come up with our ranking of the best and worst Dow stocks, we first assigned a rank to each stock based on the number of hedge funds holding the stock. We then looked at the short interest in each stock and assigned the top rank to the company with the least short interest. We then combined the two ranks to see which stock was the best on average. The list is in ascending order, with the best stock taking the number one spot. Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter's strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (). A row of factory workers assembling bottles of sparkling soft drinks on a conveyor Interest as of Apr 30, 2025: 0.89% The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) operates as a beverage company. It engages in the manufacturing and sale of different nonalcoholic beverages. The company was in the spotlight as different analysts reacted favorably to its recently released earnings. BNP Paribas analyst Kevin Grundy highlighted that the firm has an industry-leading portfolio, improved EPS delivery, and market share momentum, which are the main drivers of its bullish thesis. Wells Fargo analyst Chris Carey believes that the Q1 results should soothe investors' nerves and boost confidence because of the solid margins, top-line growth fueled by volumes, and early confirmation of reiterated 2025 guidance. Moreover, Morgan Stanley analyst Dara Mohsenian believes the strong results confirm that the company is well-positioned for growth among its peers. The firm has also updated its 2025 guidance. It expects organic revenue to grow by 5% to 6%, along with the comparable currency-neutral EPS growth of 7% to 9%. However, for the full year, The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) anticipates currency fluctuations to affect revenue by 2% to 3% and EPS by 5% to 6%. The company plans to prioritize local branding campaigns and focus on affordability to meet consumer needs. Overall, KO ranks 14th on our list of best and worst Dow stocks. While we acknowledge the potential of KO as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter time frame. There is an AI stock that went up since the beginning of 2025, while popular AI stocks lost around 25%. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than KO but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock. READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Why Coca-Cola's (NYSE:KO) Earnings Are Better Than They Seem
The market seemed underwhelmed by last week's earnings announcement from The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) despite the healthy numbers. We did some analysis to find out why and believe that investors might be missing some encouraging factors contained in the earnings. We've found 21 US stocks that are forecast to pay a dividend yield of over 6% next year. See the full list for free. To properly understand Coca-Cola's profit results, we need to consider the US$2.1b expense attributed to unusual items. It's never great to see unusual items costing the company profits, but on the upside, things might improve sooner rather than later. We looked at thousands of listed companies and found that unusual items are very often one-off in nature. And that's hardly a surprise given these line items are considered unusual. If Coca-Cola doesn't see those unusual expenses repeat, then all else being equal we'd expect its profit to increase over the coming year. That might leave you wondering what analysts are forecasting in terms of future profitability. Luckily, you can click here to see an interactive graph depicting future profitability, based on their estimates. Because unusual items detracted from Coca-Cola's earnings over the last year, you could argue that we can expect an improved result in the current quarter. Because of this, we think Coca-Cola's earnings potential is at least as good as it seems, and maybe even better! And the EPS is up 5.2% annually, over the last three years. At the end of the day, it's essential to consider more than just the factors above, if you want to understand the company properly. With this in mind, we wouldn't consider investing in a stock unless we had a thorough understanding of the risks. Our analysis shows 3 warning signs for Coca-Cola (1 is concerning!) and we strongly recommend you look at them before investing. This note has only looked at a single factor that sheds light on the nature of Coca-Cola's profit. But there are plenty of other ways to inform your opinion of a company. Some people consider a high return on equity to be a good sign of a quality business. While it might take a little research on your behalf, you may find this free collection of companies boasting high return on equity, or this list of stocks with significant insider holdings to be useful. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Coca-Cola Pre-Q1 Earnings: Do Positive Business Trends Suggest a Buy?
The Coca-Cola Company KO is slated to report first-quarter 2024 earnings on April 29, before the opening bell. The company is expected to register year-over-year top and bottom-line declines when it reports first-quarter Zacks Consensus Estimate for first-quarter earnings is pegged at 71 cents per share, indicating a 1.4% decline from the prior-year quarter's reported figure. The consensus mark for earnings has moved down by a penny in the past 30 days. For quarterly revenues, the consensus mark is pegged at $11.1 billion, implying a 1.6% decline from the year-ago quarter's reported figure. (See the Zacks Earnings Calendar to stay ahead of market-making news.)The Atlanta, GA-based company has been reporting steady earnings outcomes, as evident from its positive top and bottom-line surprise trends in the trailing eight quarters. Coca-Cola delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 5.3%, on average. On the last reported quarter's earnings call, the company registered an earnings surprise of 7.8%. Given its positive record, the question is, can KO maintain its momentum? Our proven model does not conclusively predict an earnings beat for KO this time around. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the chances of an earnings beat. But that is not the case here. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they are reported with our Earnings ESP has a Zacks Rank #3 and an Earnings ESP of -0.86%. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Coca-Cola demonstrates resilience, fueled by strong business momentum, including a diverse brand portfolio, strategic investments and consistent revenue growth across its segments. This upward trajectory has been supported by effective pricing strategies and increased the first quarter of 2025, Coca-Cola's price/mix is projected to have gained from both price hikes and a favorable product mix. Pricing strength is expected to have stemmed from proactive adjustments in inflation-impacted markets, alongside routine pricing initiatives. Additionally, a positive mix shift in several developed markets is expected to have bolstered the company's anticipate favorable price/mix trends to have fueled the company's first-quarter performance. Our model forecasts a 5.2% year-over-year increase in organic revenues for the first quarter, driven by a 4.1% rise in the price/mix and a 1.1% increase in concentrate first-quarter results are expected to reflect gains from innovations and increased digital investments. E-commerce has surged, with growth rates doubling in many countries. KO has accelerated investments in digital capabilities, enhancing consumer connections and piloting digital initiatives to capture online demand, likely boosting first-quarter revenues. CocaCola Company (The) price-eps-surprise | CocaCola Company (The) Quote Despite a favorable price/mix in most markets, macroeconomic challenges are expected to have impacted KO's first-quarter performance. Factors such as low consumer confidence in China, geopolitical and economic instability in Eurasia and the Middle East, and high inflation in Argentina are expected to have weighed on Coca-Cola's top-line the last reported quarter's earnings call, management noted that inflation was normalizing in developed markets, but developing and emerging markets continue to experience high inflation, leading to elevated pricing and currency headwinds. These inflationary pressures and currency fluctuations are expected to have affected some segments in the first on the current rates and impacts of hedged positions, the company anticipates currency headwinds to have influenced first-quarter 2025 revenues by 3-4%. Additionally, acquisitions, divestitures and structural changes are expected to have negatively impacted revenues by 2-3% in the to-be-reported quarter. Comparable EPS growth is likely to have included headwinds of 5-6% from currency, and 2-3% from acquisitions, divestitures and structural model estimates a 3.6% impact on first-quarter revenues from currency headwinds, and a 2.4% impact of acquisitions, divestitures and structural adjustments. KO shares have exhibited an uptrend, rising as much as 18.8% in the past year. The stock has surpassed the broader industry and the Consumer Staples sector's 1.9% and 3.4% growth, respectively. The KO stock also outperformed the S&P 500 index, which increased 5.2% in the same period. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The Coca-Cola stock has outperformed its competitor PepsiCo Inc. PEP, which has declined 19.5% in the past year. The stock has also outpaced Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. KDP and Monster Beverage Corporation's MNST growth of 11.2% and 4%, respectively, in the same the valuation standpoint, KO trades at a forward 12-month P/E multiple of 24.19X, exceeding the industry average of 19.36X and the S&P 500's average of 19.6X. Coca-Cola's valuation appears quite undoubtedly commands a high valuation, reflecting its strong market positioning, brand power and long-term growth potential compared with other non-alcoholic beverage companies. However, we believe that its valuation is too stretched at this time. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Coca-Cola remains a powerhouse in the beverage industry, commanding more than 40% of the global non-alcoholic beverage market. The company's enduring success is driven by a formidable market presence, world-class marketing capabilities, and a relentless focus on innovation. With a portfolio boasting more than 4,700 products and above 500 brands, spanning sodas, juices, waters and energy drinks, Coca-Cola continues to reinforce its dominant market share, broad product range, and strategic emphasis on innovation and digital transformation position it well for sustained long-term growth. However, short-term headwinds such as inflationary pressures, global macroeconomic uncertainties and unfavorable currency fluctuations remain challenges to navigate. Regardless of how Coca-Cola's stock reacts to its first-quarter 2025 earnings, it remains a compelling long-term investment, underpinned by strong profitability and an expanding global footprint. Prospective investors should carefully evaluate the current valuation before entering a position. For existing shareholders, holding on to the KO stock is advisable, as the upcoming earnings release is expected to reaffirm the company's resilience and long-term growth potential. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report CocaCola Company (The) (KO) : Free Stock Analysis Report PepsiCo, Inc. (PEP) : Free Stock Analysis Report Monster Beverage Corporation (MNST) : Free Stock Analysis Report Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc (KDP) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Sign in to access your portfolio
