The Coca-Cola Company, a beverage company, manufactures, markets, and sells various nonalcoholic beverages worldwide. The company provides sparkling soft drinks, sparkling flavors; water, sports, coffee, and tea; juice, value-added dairy, and plant-based beverages; and other beverages. It also offers beverage concentrates and syrups, as well as fountain syrups to fountain retailers, such as restaurants and convenience stores. The company sells its products under the Coca-Cola, Diet Coke/Coca-Cola Light, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, caffeine free Diet Coke, Cherry Coke, Fanta Orange, Fanta Zero Orange, Fanta Zero Sugar, Fanta Apple, Sprite, Sprite Zero Sugar, Simply Orange, Simply Apple, Simply Grapefruit, Fresca, Schweppes, Thums Up, Aquarius, Ayataka, BODYARMOR, Ciel, Costa, Dasani, dogadan, FUZE TEA, Georgia, glacéau smartwater, glacéau vitaminwater, Gold Peak, Ice Dew, I LOHAS, Powerade, Topo Chico, AdeS, Del Valle, fairlife, innocent, Minute Maid, and Minute Maid Pulpy brands. It operates through a network of independent bottling partners, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers, as well as through bottling and distribution operators. The company was founded in 1886 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

Coca-Cola looks like a high-quality but already expensive defensive asset: the business consistently generates high margins and profits, yet its valuation is noticeably ahead of the industry. A P/E ratio of 26.4 and, especially, P/S of 7.36, P/B of 10.12, and P/FCF of 28.85 indicate that the market is already pricing in a premium for brand resilience and predictable cash flow. At the same time, the dynamics of the multiples do not provide a strong reason for further valuation expansion: P/E and P/S have tended to rise in recent periods rather than decline. The company’s strong point is its very high profitability: ROE of 41.1%, ROA of 13.1%, ROI of 18.1%, as well as a net margin of 27.8% and operating margin of 29.3%, which are significantly above the industry median. The gross margin of around 61.7% also looks stable and has hardly deteriorated over the years, confirming the brand’s pricing power. The picture on earnings and operating efficiency is positive: net income, operating income, and EBITDA are at high levels, and the annual trend overall remains stable. Revenue and gross profit are also holding at steady levels without signs of structural deterioration, which is important for a consumer-sector company. The balance sheet looks acceptable: the quick ratio is above 1, the current ratio is around 1.36, and debt-to-equity is declining compared with earlier periods, although the absolute debt burden is still above the industry median. This means financial risk is not critical, but it also does not justify an aggressive upward revaluation. Dividend yield in the latest data looks weaker and more unstable than is usually expected from a defensive stock, so the dividend factor currently supports the valuation only to a limited extent. Overall, the fundamentals confirm KO’s quality and resilience more than they point to significant upside potential. For an investor, this is a story about reliability, a strong operating model, and moderate risk, but at current multiples the potential for share price growth looks limited.

Coca-Cola Company (The)

Сильный индекс, значительно упал. Быки в растерянности.

Strong index, significantly down. The bulls are confused.

Сильный индекс, незначительно вырос. Рынок на стороне быков.

Strong index, slightly up. The market is on the bulls' side.

Сильный индекс, значительно вырос. Приток средств в лонги на высоком уровне.

Strong index, significantly up. Inflow of funds into longs at a high level.

KO remains a high-margin and resilient business, but its premium valuation on P/E, P/S, and P/B limits further upside potential.

Key Points
The beverage titan posted a second quarter marked by strong growth figures.
On Wednesday, more than a few analysts raised their price targets on the shares.
One day after Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO) stock hit an all-time high price, the storied beverage conglomerate repeated the accomplishment on Wednesday. The company's shares inched higher on the back of several bullish new post-earnings analyst takes.
So refreshing
Coca-Cola reported a strong second quarter on Tuesday and, as so often happens following a blowout earnings release, a score of analysts raised their price targets on the stock.
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One of the more bullish raisers was Dara Mohsenian of white-shoe investment bank Morgan Stanley. He not only cranked his fair value assessment to $100 per share from $89, he also reiterated (and emphasized) that Coca-Cola was a top pick at his company. Almost needless to say, he continued to rate the stock as an overweight (read: buy).
According to reports, he cited several impressive growth figures for the quarter. These included the company's unit case growth of 5% year over year (trouncing analyst projections of slightly more than 2%). Mohsenian added that growth in many areas would have been impressive even without the boost of the World Cup and the hotter-than-usual weather.
Other researchers lifting their price targets for the beverage sector king included analysts from such influential companies as JPMorgan Chase's J.P. Morgan and Wells Fargo.
The best in the business
To me, Coca-Cola's second quarter wasn't a one-off or fluke because of the above-mentioned factors.
Many advertisers were competing for attention during the World Cup, and American consumers in particular have plenty of choices when it comes to quenching their heat-induced thirst. The company's advertising and marketing efforts clearly struck a chord, illustrating one of its great and almost unbeatable strengths.
Coca-Cola is firing on nearly all cylinders these days, with a management team that knows the great value of the brand it's steering, and how to extract value from it. Plus, the stock is one of the best income plays on the market with its generous dividend. I've been a longtime Coke bull, and I can't imagine changing my stance, especially given its recent performance.
Should you buy stock in Coca-Cola right now?
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JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Wells Fargo is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Eric Volkman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends JPMorgan Chase. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Why Coca-Cola Stock Was so Fizzy Today

Key Points
Coca-Cola dominated digital and social media channels during the FIFA World Cup.
Its wide moat, steady growth, and reliable dividend all make it a great long-term buy.
Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO) recently revealed impressive numbers for its FIFA World Cup campaign. The beverage giant activated its marketing campaign across 180+ markets, with its digital and social activations generating 60 billion digital impressions and over 9 billion social media views.
That push, which was supported by over 2,500 content creators, made Coca-Cola the number one brand by "share of voice" -- meaning it generated the most online chatter, social media engagement, and ad visibility of all the brands that participated in the FIFA World Cup. It also generated "record-setting" engagement with its Powerade brand. Over 80 million consumers engaged with its connected packaging (via QR codes or smart tags), enabling it to collect over 25 million first-party data records for future ad campaigns.
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Coca-Cola is one of the only companies that can pull off a marketing campaign of this scale. Let's see why that wide moat makes it a great dividend stock to buy in August.
Why is Coca-Cola such a resilient investment?
Coca-Cola has raised its dividend annually for 64 consecutive years, putting it in the elite club of Dividend Kings that have maintained that streak for at least 50 years. It maintained that streak through five global recessions and dozens of regional military conflicts. It pays a forward dividend yield of 2.4%, and its low payout ratio of 65% leaves it plenty of room for future hikes.
Coca-Cola might seem like a wobbly investment amid declining soda consumption rates. But over the past few decades, it has expanded its portfolio to include more brands of bottled water, fruit juices, teas, sports drinks, energy drinks, coffee, and alcoholic beverages. It also updated its sodas with smaller serving sizes, healthier versions, and new flavors. That expansion and evolution -- which it's supporting with new marketing and engagement campaigns -- allows it to steadily grow its revenues and profits.
Coca-Cola only produces the concentrates and syrups for its drinks, while its independent bottling partners manufacture and distribute the finished beverages. That asset-light model enables it to generate ample cash for dividends, buybacks, and big marketing campaigns.
Unlike PepsiCo (NASDAQ: PEP), Coca-Cola doesn't dabble in packaged foods -- which are exposed to a broader range of inflationary and competitive headwinds than its core beverages. That's why Coca-Cola's stock easily outperformed PepsiCo's over the past ten years.
Why is Coca-Cola's stock still worth buying?
From 2025 to 2028, analysts expect Coca-Cola's revenue and EPS to grow at CAGRs of 3% and 7%, respectively. That growth should be driven by AI-driven improvements to its restocking system, stronger sales of its health-oriented and wellness drinks (Fairlife dairy products, BODYARMOR functional sports drinks, and Coca-Cola Zero), and its ongoing transition from traditional mass advertising to data-driven consumer engagement.
Coca-Cola already showcased those forward-thinking marketing strategies at the FIFA World Cup this year, and it plans to do it again during the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. By collecting more data on its customers, it can deploy more personalized marketing campaigns, AI-driven promotions, and automated loyalty rewards through social and digital channels. That strategy should reinforce its brand loyalty while reducing customer acquisition costs.
Coca-Cola isn't an exciting investment, and it might not seem like a bargain at 25 times next year's earnings. But it's still a rock-solid long-term investment because it has a wide moat, plenty of irons in the fire, and enough cash to support its annual dividend hikes.
That's why Coca-Cola remains one of my top holdings (4.6% of my portfolio), and why I'd be comfortable buying more shares even as it hovers near its all-time high. So if you're looking for a solid blue chip dividend stock to buy and forget, Coca-Cola checks all the right boxes.
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Before you buy stock in Coca-Cola, consider this:
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Leo Sun has positions in Coca-Cola. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Coca-Cola Dominated the Summer's Biggest Sporting Event. Here's Why the Dividend Stock Is a Buy in August.

PepsiCo Inc. PEP offers investors a familiar but mixed setup after its second-quarter 2026 results. The stock trades below several valuation benchmarks and carries a dividend yield above 4%, while international demand remains a stabilizing force.
The debate is whether that support is enough. Softer North American trends, margin pressure, high debt and negative estimate revisions keep the investment case from looking broadly favorable.
PEP Trades Below Key Historical Valuation Levels
PepsiCo is trading at 16.2X forward 12-month earnings, below the soft-drink sub-industry multiple of 19.98X and the S&P 500 multiple of 20.11X. It also sits below its five-year median of 20.75X, suggesting the market is already discounting slower near-term momentum.
The $151 price target compares with the recent stock price of $142.86. That spread points to measured upside rather than a deep-value setup. The Coca-Cola Company KO remains a relevant beverage benchmark, while Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. KDP gives investors another North American beverage comparison when assessing category demand and valuation.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
PepsiCo Sustains Cash Returns to Shareholders
PepsiCo still offers a meaningful income component. The company expects to return $8.9 billion to shareholders in 2026, including $7.9 billion in dividends and $1 billion in share repurchases.
The annualized dividend rose to $5.92 per share from $5.69 per share, effective with the June 2026 payment. Management also continues to target free cash flow conversion of at least 80%, which supports the dividend program while leaving room for business reinvestment.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
PEP Faces Margin and Debt Pressures
Second-quarter profitability showed the pressure behind the headline earnings beat. Core gross margin declined to 54.3% from 55.1%, while core operating margin contracted 40 basis points to 16.8%.
Productivity savings and pricing helped, but affordability investments, higher operating costs and inflation limited margin leverage. Debt also remains a constraint, with short-term obligations of $10.6 billion and long-term debt of $42.6 billion at quarter-end, pushing combined debt above $53 billion.
PepsiCo’s Estimates Show Modest Growth
Current projections call for 2026 revenues of about $98.8 billion, up from $93.93 billion in 2025. Earnings are projected at $8.56 per share, compared with $8.14 in 2025.
Those forecasts still show growth, but estimate direction is less supportive. The current fiscal-year earnings estimate declined 0.5% over the past four weeks, indicating weaker near-term earnings conviction despite second-quarter revenue and earnings growth.
PEP’s Scores Temper the Value Case
The bottom line is balanced. PepsiCo’s lower earnings multiple, cash returns and international resilience give the stock some defensive appeal, but margin compression and North American softness reduce the case for aggressive buying.
The stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell), which reflects unfavorable earnings-estimate revision trends. That rank is especially important because the Zacks Rank is designed to capture near-term estimate momentum.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
PepsiCo’s Style Scores also argue for caution. Its Value Score of C, Growth Score of C and VGM Score of C do not signal a decisive bargain or broad-based strength, while its Momentum Score of F reflects weak recent stock action.
For investors focused on income and consumer-staples exposure, PEP remains a major global franchise. For those looking for improving near-term earnings momentum, the current ranking and Style Scores suggest patience.
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Is PepsiCo Stock Attractive After Q2 Earnings and Margin Pressure

PepsiCo Inc. PEP enters the second half of 2026 with durable global brands, better international volumes and reaffirmed financial guidance.
The investment debate is more balanced in North America, where soft demand, affordability spending and input-cost pressure continue to test near-term execution.
PepsiCo Builds on a Diversified Global Portfolio
PepsiCo operates in more than 200 countries and territories with a portfolio that spans beverages and convenient foods. Its brands include Pepsi, Gatorade, Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Quaker and Mountain Dew, giving the company multiple demand channels across daily consumption occasions.
PepsiCo, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Its six reporting segments further reduce reliance on one geography or category. PepsiCo Foods North America and PepsiCo Beverages North America cover the United States and Canada, while International Beverages Franchise, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Latin America Foods and Asia Pacific Foods broaden the growth base.
The Coca-Cola Company KO remains a relevant benchmark because it also sells beverages in more than 200 countries and territories. Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. KDP, with its North American beverage portfolio and distribution network, offers another comparison point for investors tracking category demand and flavor innovation.
PEP Leans on International Markets for Growth
International markets were PepsiCo’s clearest growth engine in the second quarter of 2026. International organic revenue increased 7%, marking the 21st consecutive quarter of at least mid-single-digit organic revenue growth.
The strength was broad based. International Beverages Franchise organic revenues rose 9%, Europe, the Middle East and Africa grew 6%, Latin America Foods increased 4% and Asia Pacific Foods advanced 9%. Asia Pacific Foods also delivered 10% organic volume growth, the strongest volume performance among the reported segments.
PepsiCo Uses Productivity to Support Earnings
PepsiCo’s second-quarter net revenues rose 6.4% to $24.18 billion, while organic revenues increased 2.4%. Core operating profit increased 4% and core earnings per share grew 4%, showing that productivity and pricing helped support earnings despite a tougher cost environment.
PepsiCo, Inc. Revenue (Quarterly YoY Growth)
Automation, digitalization and supply-chain simplification remain central to that support. These initiatives are intended to offset inflation, help fund brand investment and preserve flexibility as management expects higher input-cost inflation in the second half of 2026.
PEP Balances Innovation With Affordability
PepsiCo is expanding in functional hydration, protein offerings, zero-sugar beverages, permissible snacks and portion-control formats. These categories align with consumer demand for better-for-you choices while allowing the company to refresh established brands.
Affordability is the other side of the strategy. PepsiCo is using price-pack adjustments and spending behind value-oriented offerings to reach budget-conscious consumers, especially in North America. That focus helped convenient foods gain volume share, but the region still showed softer financial trends.
PepsiCo’s Signals Point to Near-Term Caution
PepsiCo’s long-term global strengths remain visible, but the stock’s near-term setup is cautious. North America organic revenue declined 0.5% in the second quarter, PepsiCo Foods North America revenues fell 2%, and PepsiCo Beverages North America organic growth was only 1% despite reported revenue growth of 7%.
The company reaffirmed its 2026 outlook for organic revenue growth of 2-4% and reported net revenue growth of 4-6%. Core constant-currency earnings per share are expected to increase 4-6%, while core earnings per share are expected to rise 5-7%. Still, earnings growth is expected to be weighted toward the fourth quarter, which raises execution risk.
The stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). That rank points to unfavorable earnings estimate revision trends over the next one to three months and supports caution for investors focused on near-term stock selection.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
PepsiCo also has a Value Score of C, Growth Score of C, Momentum Score of F and VGM Score of C. These scores suggest a middle-ground valuation and growth profile, while the weak momentum reading reinforces the more cautious near-term signal despite PepsiCo’s durable global brand base.
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From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all.
This company targets millennial and Gen Z audiences, generating nearly $1 billion in revenue last quarter alone. A recent pullback makes now an ideal time to jump aboard. Of course, all our elite picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months.
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PepsiCo's Global Growth and Brand Strategy Shape Its 2026 Outlook

PepsiCo Inc. PEP is showing two different operating pictures in 2026. International markets are delivering stronger volume growth, while North America is dealing with tighter consumer budgets and softer demand.
The shift matters because PepsiCo’s portfolio now leans on emerging consumer needs as much as legacy scale. Functional beverages, zero-sugar drinks, permissible snacks and affordable formats are shaping where it invests next.
PepsiCo, Inc. Revenue (Quarterly YoY Growth)
PepsiCo Captures Global Volume Momentum
PepsiCo’s international business provided the clearest signal in the second quarter. International convenient-food organic volume increased 4%, while International Beverages Franchise organic volume rose 5%.
Asia Pacific Foods delivered the strongest reported segment volume performance, with organic volume up 10%. International organic revenue increased 7%, marking the 21st consecutive quarter of at least mid-single-digit growth.
That helps offset a more difficult U.S. backdrop. The Coca-Cola Company KO remains a relevant beverage peer as investors compare global brand reach and zero-sugar demand across the beverage group.
PepsiCo, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
PEP Expands in Functional and Zero-Sugar Products
PepsiCo’s beverage strategy is moving further into functional hydration and zero-sugar offerings. In North America, Gatorade delivered volume and net revenue growth, helped by Gatorade Lower Sugar and continued strength in Gatorlyte.
Propel also posted volume and net revenue growth, while Pepsi Zero Sugar, Pepsi Wild Cherry & Cream, Mountain Dew Zero Sugar and Mug Root Beer gained value and volume share. The company is broadening products tied to hydration, protein, fiber, energy and portion control.
PepsiCo’s convenient-food portfolio is making a similar shift. Permissible options such as Baked, Simply, SunChips, Siete and Quaker Rice Cake offerings delivered volume and net revenue growth in the quarter.
PepsiCo Adapts Pricing to Value-Conscious Consumers
North American demand remains the main pressure point. In the second quarter, North America organic revenue declined 0.5%, as U.S. food and beverage category growth moderated.
PepsiCo Foods North America revenues fell 2%, mainly because of lower effective net pricing. The company is using affordability investments and price-pack architecture to stay relevant to selective consumers.
That response has trade-offs. Greater affordability spending can protect household penetration, but lower effective pricing and reinvestment may weigh on margins. Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. KDP, with its North American beverage focus, gives investors another reference point for value, innovation and channel demand.
PEP Invests in Automation and Supply Chains
PepsiCo is using automation, digitalization and supply-chain simplification to respond to inflation and higher operating costs. These initiatives are part of its broader productivity program.
Productivity savings and effective net pricing helped core operating profit increase 4% in the second quarter. However, core operating margin contracted 40 basis points to 16.8%, showing that higher operating costs and reinvestment still constrained profitability.
Management expects productivity gains to help mitigate higher input costs in the second half of 2026. Advertising, marketing and portfolio investments may still limit near-term margin recovery.
PepsiCo’s Ratings Reflect Uneven Trend Strength
The bottom line is that PepsiCo has trend exposure, but the stock still reflects uneven near-term conditions. International volumes, functional beverages and healthier snack formats are moving in the right direction, while North American demand and margin pressure remain concerns.
The stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). That ranking points to caution over the next one to three months, especially as near-term earnings-estimate trends remain unfavorable and execution is expected to be weighted toward the fourth quarter.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
PepsiCo’s Value Score of C, Growth Score of C and VGM Score of C do not indicate a broad-based style advantage. Its Momentum Score of F is weaker and signals that recent price action has not supported the global portfolio story.
Research Chief Names "Single Best Pick to Double"
From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all.
This company targets millennial and Gen Z audiences, generating nearly $1 billion in revenue last quarter alone. A recent pullback makes now an ideal time to jump aboard. Of course, all our elite picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months.
Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners Up
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

PepsiCo Rides Global Volume Growth as North American Demand Slows

The Dow and the S&P 500 ended higher on Tuesday, driven by robust earnings and a decline in energy prices, as investors continued to dump chip stocks and take refuge in other defensive assets. The Nasdaq ended in negative territory.
How Did the Benchmarks Perform?
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) jumped 1%, or 537.24 points, to close at 52,747.32 points.
The S&P 500 rose 0.2%, to finish at 7,428.78 points. Health care, communication services, and consumer staples stocks were the biggest gainers, while energy and tech stocks were the worst performers.
The Information Technology Select Sector SPDR (XLK) lost 1.8%, while the Energy Select Sector SPDR (XLE) dropped 1.4%. The Health Care Select Sector SPDR (XLV) gained 2.4%. The Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR (XLP) added 2%, while the Communication Services Select Sector SPDR (XLC) rose 1.9%. Seven of the 11 sectors of the benchmark index ended in positive territory.
The tech-heavy Nasdaq declined 0.2%, to end at 24,876.91 points.
The fear gauge, the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), was down 2.46% to 18.21. Advancers outnumbered decliners on the S&P 500 by a 2.5-to-1 ratio. A total of 17.2 billion shares were traded on Tuesday, lower than the last 20-session average of 17.4 billion.
On the S&P 500, there were 63 new 52-week highs and one new low.
Robust Earnings Boost Markets, Chip Selloff Continues
The S&P 500 rallied on Tuesday, boosted by gains in The Boeing Company (BA) and The Coca-Cola Company (KO) after the companies reported their quarterly results. Shares of Boeing jumped 4.8% despite the company reporting a wider-than-expected loss in the second quarter of 2026.
Boeing reported a quarterly loss of $0.76 per share, wider than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $0.34. However, it posted revenues of $24.56 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.11%.
The Coca-Cola Company reported second-quarter 2026 earnings of $0.97 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.92 per share. The company’s shares ended up 5%.
Dow, which posted its third straight day of gains, got a boost from The Sherwin-Williams Company (SHW). The company’s shares jumped 8.3% after it reported second-quarter 2026 earnings of $3.7 per share, outpacing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.56 per share. The Sherwin-Williams Company has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
The earnings season is fast gathering pace, and robust quarterly results from some of the industry bellwethers somewhat offset the bleeding chip stocks. Investors are concerned that companies like Microsoft Corporation (MSFT), Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) and Alphabet, Inc. (GOOGL) are investing too much in AI data centers, which could be a risky affair.
Chip stocks continued to suffer on Tuesday, with the PHLX Semiconductor (SOX) declining 4.5%. Investors are now waiting to see the quarterly guidance from tech giants Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, Inc. (AAPL) and Meta Platforms Inc. (META), which will report their quarterly results this week.
Declining oil prices also helped markets, as Iran started talks with Oman and Saudi Arabia regarding the Strait of Hormuz. West Texas Intermediate crude futures dropped nearly 4% to end at $79.26 a barrel. International Brent crude settled at $84.09, declining 4.8%.
Economic Data
The Conference Board reported on Tuesday that consumer confidence fell to 90.8 in July from an upwardly revised 92.2 in the prior month. The reading came sharply lower than the consensus estimate of a rise to 92.3.
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Our team of experts has just released the 5 stocks with the greatest probability of gaining +100% or more in the coming months. Of those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian highlights the one stock set to climb highest.
This top pick is a little-known satellite-based communications firm. Space is projected to become a trillion dollar industry, and this company's customer base is growing fast. Analysts have forecasted a major revenue breakout in 2025. Of course, all our elite picks aren't winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks' Stocks Set to Double like Hims & Hers Health, which shot up +209%.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Stock Market News for July 29, 2026

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) on Tuesday closed up +0.21%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) closed up +1.03%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) closed down -0.98%. September E-mini S&P futures (ESU26) rose +0.24%, and September E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQU26) fell -0.88%.
Stock indexes settled mixed on Tuesday, with the Dow Jones Industrials climbing to a 1.5-week high and the Nasdaq 100 falling to a 2.75-month low. Better-than-expected earnings from Boeing, Coca-Cola and Sherwin-Williams were supportive of stocks on Tuesday. Also, software stocks rose as investors rotated into sectors that had recently underperformed.
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However, the Nasdaq 100 was under pressure amid a deepening rout in chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks, driven by fresh concerns over artificial intelligence spending and rising competition from China. Also, the unexpected decline in US July consumer confidence weighed on market sentiment on Tuesday.
Lower crude oil prices have also eased inflation concerns and pushed bond yields lower, supporting stocks. Sep WTI crude oil prices (CLU26) fell by more than -4% on Tuesday to a 1-week low, as the US and Iran extended their pause in hostilities. The focus is now on talks between Iran and Oman over reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The 10-year T-note yield fell -5 bp to 4.60%.
However, tensions remain high in the Middle East as the US maintains its blockade of Iranian oil shipments in the Persian Gulf. Also, President Trump on Tuesday said that the US would “take out” Pickaxe Mountain, an Iranian facility that the US and Israel said they suspect is a nuclear site, if there wasn’t a deal. In addition, Houthi militants said they would continue striking Saudi Arabia after claiming to have struck facilities linked to Saudi Aramco in the Red Sea port towns of Jizan and Yanbu on Saturday. Yanbu, the western end of the East-West pipeline, has become Saudi Arabia’s key crude export outlet since the Strait of Hormuz has been effectively shut off by the war.
The US May S&P composite-20 home price index rose +1.6% y/y, stronger than expectations of +1.3% y/y and the largest increase in 10 months.
The Conference Board US Jul consumer confidence index unexpectedly fell by -1.4 to 90.8, weaker than expectations of an increase to 92.4.
The US Jul Richmond Fed manufacturing survey rose +1 to 5, weaker than expectations of 6.
The outlook for strong Q2 earnings, which continue this week, is a bullish factor for stocks. The markets are awaiting results from a raft of megacap technology companies this week, including Microsoft and Meta Platforms on Wednesday, and Amazon.com and Apple on Thursday. Forecasts compiled by Bloomberg Intelligence suggest Q2 earnings may increase by +23%, close to Q1’s blowout earnings of +30%, which was more than double the +12% analysts had expected. AI spending is expected to account for most of earnings, with AI infrastructure stocks set to contribute nearly 60% of the S&P 500's earnings-per-share growth in Q2. So far, earnings results have been positive, with 86% of the 170 S&P 500 companies that have reported Q2 earnings beating estimates, according to Bloomberg data.
The markets are discounting a 30% chance of a +25 bp rate hike at the Tue/Wed FOMC meeting.
Overseas stock markets settled mixed on Tuesday. The Euro Stoxx 50 closed up +0.12%. China's Shanghai Composite closed down -1.16%. Japan's Nikkei-225 Stock Average fell to a 2-month low and closed down sharply by -3.95%.
Interest Rates
September 10-year T-notes (ZNU6) on Tuesday closed up +7.5 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield fell -4.9 bp to 4.600%. T-notes pushed higher on Tuesday as a -4% plunge in crude oil prices eased inflation expectations. The 10-year breakeven inflation rate fell to a 1-month low of 2.192% on Tuesday. T-notes also rose after US July consumer confidence unexpectedly declined. Solid demand for the Treasury’s $44 billion auction of 7-year T-notes was bullish for T-note prices, as the auction had a bid-to-cover ratio of 2.49, better than the 10-auction average of 2.47.
European government bond yields moved lower on Tuesday. The 10-year German bund yield fell to a 2-week low of 3.103% and finished down -2.9 bp to 3.104%. The 10-year UK gilt yield slid to a 1-week low of 4.944% and finished down -5.2 bp to 4.944%.
The France Jul consumer confidence survey rose +2 to a 4-month high of 86, stronger than expectations of 85.
The markets are discounting an 86% chance of a +25 bp ECB rate hike at its next policy meeting on September 10.
US Stock Movers
Software stocks rallied on Tuesday, a supportive factor for the overall market. Workday (WDAY) closed up more than +8% to lead gainers in the Nasdaq 100, and Thomson Reuters (TRI) and Autodesk (ADSK) closed up more than +5%. Also, Adobe (ADBE), ServiceNow (NOW), Salesforce (CRM), and Atlassian (TEAM) closed up more than +4%, and Intuit (INTU) closed up more than +3%. In addition, Microsoft (MSFT) and Cadence Design Systems (CDNS) closed up more than +1%.
Chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks retreated on Tuesday, weighing on the Nasdaq 100. The iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) dropped to a 2.5-month low and closed down more than -4%. Sandisk (SNDK) closed down more than -14% to lead losers in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100, and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), ARM Holdings Plc (ARM), Micron Technology (MU) and Seagate Technology Holdings Plc (STX) closed down more than -8%. Also, Applied Materials (AMAT), Marvell Technology (MRVL), and Lam Research (LRCX) closed down more than -7%, and KLA Corp (KLAC) and Western Digital (WDC) closed down more than -6%. In addition, Intel (INTC) closed down more than -5%, and Qualcomm (QCOM) closed down more than -4%.
Cryptocurrency-exposed stocks moved lower on Tuesday after Bitcoin (^BTCUSD) fell more than -1% to a 1-week low. Galaxy Digital Holdings (GLXY) closed down more than -9%, and MARA Holdings (MARA) closed down more than -4%. Also, Strategy (MSTR), Riot Platforms (RIOT), and Circle Internet Group (CRCL) closed down more than -2%, and Coinbase Global (COIN) closed down -0.39%.
IQVIA Holdings (IQV) closed up more than +13% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 after boosting its full-year revenue forecast to $17.28 billion to $17.48 billion from a previous forecast of $17.15 billion to $17.35 billion, stronger than the consensus of $17.28 billion.
Sherwin-Williams (SHW) closed up more than +8% to lead gainers in the Dow Jones Industrials after reporting adjusted EPS of $3.70, better than the consensus of $3.51, and raising its full-year adjusted EPS forecast to $11.80 to $12.20 from a previous forecast of $11.50 to $11.90, above the consensus of $11.76.
Nucor (NUE) closed up more than +7% after reporting Q2 net sales of $10.40 billion, above the consensus of $10.03 billion.
Coca-Cola (KO) closed up +5% after raising its full-year comparable EPS forecast to +9% to +10% from a previous view of +8% to +9%.
Boeing (BA) closed up more than +4% after reporting Q2 revenue of $24.56 billion, stronger than the consensus of $24.26 billion.
Amkor Technology (AMKR) closed down more than -24% after forecasting Q3 net sales of $1.95 billion to $2.05 billion, weaker than the consensus of $2.11 billion.
Corning (GLW) closed down more than -12% after forecasting Q3 core sales of $4.9 billion to $5.0 billion, the midpoint below the consensus of $5.0 billion.
Noble Corp. (NE) closed down more than -9% after cutting its full-year adjusted Ebitda estimate to $850 million to $925 million from a previous forecast of $940 million to $1.02 billion, below the consensus of $970.3 million.
Carrier Global (CARR) closed down more than -8% after reporting Q2 gross margin of 27.2%, below the consensus of 28.1%.
RXO Inc (RXO) closed down more than -6% after TD Cowen downgraded the stock to sell from hold with a price target of $19.
Earnings Reports (7/29/2026)
Align Technology Inc (ALGN), American Water Works Co Inc (AWK), Amphenol Corp (APH), Aon PLC (AON), Automatic Data Processing Inc (ADP), Biogen Inc (BIIB), Boston Scientific Corp (BSX), Bunge Global SA (BG), Carvana Co (CVNA), CBRE Group Inc (CBRE), CH Robinson Worldwide Inc (CHRW), Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc (CMG), Cognizant Technology Solutions (CTSH), Electronic Arts Inc (EA), Entergy Corp (ETR), Equinix Inc (EQIX), Essex Property Trust Inc (ESS), Everest Group Ltd (EG), Fair Isaac Corp (FICO), Flex Ltd (FLEX), Fortinet Inc (FTNT), Fortive Corp (FTV), Garmin Ltd (GRMN), GE HealthCare Technologies Inc (GEHC), Generac Holdings Inc (GNRC), General Dynamics Corp (GD), Humana Inc (HUM), IDEX Corp (IEX), Invitation Homes Inc (INVH), Johnson Controls International (JCI), L3Harris Technologies Inc (LHX), Lam Research Corp (LRCX), Lennox International Inc (LII), Masco Corp (MAS), Meta Platforms Inc (META), MGM Resorts International (MGM), Microsoft Corp (MSFT), Mid-America Apartment Communities (MAA), Old Dominion Freight Line Inc (ODFL), O'Reilly Automotive Inc (ORLY), Procter & Gamble Co/The (PG), PTC Inc (PTC), Public Storage (PSA), QUALCOMM Inc (QCOM), Regency Centers Corp (REG), Robinhood Markets Inc (HOOD), Smurfit Westrock PLC (SW), Stanley Black & Decker Inc (SWK), Starbucks Corp (SBUX), Tyler Technologies Inc (TYL), Ventas Inc (VTR), Verisk Analytics Inc (VRSK), Vertiv Holdings Co (VRT), VICI Properties Inc (VICI), Vulcan Materials Co (VMC), Waste Management Inc (WM), WEC Energy Group Inc (WEC).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Stocks Settle Mostly Higher on Positive Earnings Results

Key Points
The defensive stock has delivered strong gains for investors this year.
Coca-Cola flexed its strong marketing capabilities during the World Cup.
The company also continues to benefit from brand diversification and repositioning to meet consumers' shifting beverage preferences.
Long viewed as a defensive consumer staples stock, Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) is showing that sometimes it pays to be safe, especially if you can outperform once in a while.
Following its second-quarter earnings results, released early on July 28, the stock rose roughly 5%. This year, Coca-Cola stock is up nearly 28%, outperforming many major market indexes and even some of the most prominent artificial intelligence stocks.
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Coca-Cola is also one of the strongest dividend stocks in the entire stock market. Having paid and raised its annual dividend for 64 consecutive years, Coca-Cola is a Dividend King with a trailing yield of 2.4%.
Here are three reasons why this dividend stock just hit an all-time high.
Image source: The Motley Fool.
Excellent results despite a challenging operating environment
In the second quarter, Coca-Cola reported adjusted earnings per share of $0.97, beating Wall Street consensus estimates by $0.04. Revenue of $13.38 billion came in $220 million ahead of estimates.
Additionally, Coca-Cola’s management team raised its full-year guidance. The company is now guiding for adjusted earnings per share growth of 9% to 10%, up from a prior guide of 8% to 9%.
Coca-Cola is now also expecting 5% organic revenue growth, up from a previous guidance range of 4% to 5%.
The results are impressive, given that many consumers are feeling the pressure from higher prices and economic challenges that have persisted since the pandemic.
Coca-Cola has also effectively managed the steel and aluminum tariffs implemented by President Donald Trump last year, which remain in effect.
Organic growth across all markets
The strong earnings results came from organic quarterly revenue growth in all of Coca-Cola’s markets from Asia Pacific (2%) to North America (7%). Collectively, the company generated 6% organic revenue growth in the quarter.
Coca-Cola’s CEO Henrique Braun noted that trademark Coca-Cola volume growth of 5% in the quarter is the strongest volume seen in 17 years, excluding the recovery from COVID-19. Powerade also grew global volume 8% in the quarter.
Braun attributed the strength to the company’s marketing work around the FIFA World Cup.
“First, on becoming more consumer-centric, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is a great example of how we are leveraging the four I’s: insights, innovation, intimacy, and integration, to build capability for the long term,” Braun said during the company’s earnings call. “We entered the tournament with a stronger foundation and greater system alignment, allowing us to bring the activation to life with more speed, precision, and scale.”
Success outside sugary soda
As consumer preferences have shifted, particularly toward health-conscious beverages, Coca-Cola has adapted as well, acquiring and developing additional beverage brands to meet consumers where they are.
Brands outside of the more traditional sugary soda drinks delivered strong results in the quarter.
For instance, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar case volume grew 16%; Diet Coke grew 7%; and water, sports, coffee, and tea grew 6%.
Braun said the company’s strategy remains focused on “driving more from more markets and more from more brands.”
The company is also leveraging its marketing prowess to reposition brands.
For instance, the company recently revamped its marketing for Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, which has zero sugar and caffeine, as a relaxing drink for nighttime, a strategy that Braun sees as an “untapped opportunity.”
Should you buy stock in Coca-Cola right now?
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Bram Berkowitz has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Coca-Cola Earnings Are in. 3 Reasons Why the Dividend Stock Just Hit an All-Time High.

Key Points
Coca-Cola's marketing expertise is paying dividends for investors.
Management lifted its full-year earnings forecast.
Shares of Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO) rose to record highs on Tuesday after the beverage titan said the World Cup boosted its sales and profits.
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A well-planned advertising strategy fueled Coca-Cola's gains
Coca-Cola's net revenue rose 7% year over year to $13.4 billion in the second quarter.
The soda king credited its global marketing campaign for the World Cup with helping to drive volumes of its trademark Coca-Cola and Powerade sports drink up by 5% and 8%, respectively. Coca-Cola Zero Sugar was a particularly strong performer, with volumes up 16%.
"We had, during the World Cup, really a great opportunity for us to shine our brands," CEO Henrique Braun said during an interview with CNBC. "During the hydration breaks, Powerade was there."
Coca-Cola's operating income increased 9% to $4.7 billion, as its operating margin improved to 34.9% from 34.1% in the year-ago quarter.
All told, the beverage leader's adjusted earnings jumped 11% to $0.97 per share. That exceeded Wall Street's estimates, which had called for per-share profits of $0.93.
Raised guidance
These solid results prompted Coca-Cola to lift its full-year outlook. Management now projects organic revenue growth of roughly 5% and adjusted earnings-per-share growth of 9% to 10% in 2026.
During a conference call with analysts, Braun acknowledged that consumers are facing challenges related to ongoing inflation. Yet many still choose to purchase Coca-Cola products, which have become affordable luxuries in the current economic environment.
Should you buy stock in Coca-Cola right now?
Before you buy stock in Coca-Cola, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Coca-Cola wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $379,662!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,206,116!*
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Joe Tenebruso has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Why Coca-Cola Stock Climbed to an All-Time High Today

Key Points
Coke is executing well under new CEO Henrique Braun.
The company delivered strong growth, in part due to its sponsorship of the World Cup.
Coca-Cola is virtually a must-own stock for dividend investors.
Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO) just did it again.
The beverage giant blew past estimates in its second-quarter earnings report, showing why it’s been one of the most reliable stocks on the market for a century.
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Organic revenue jumped 6% as the company benefited from volume growth, a successful marketing push that included a World Cup sponsorship, strategic pricing, and a 16% volume surge in Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, which seemed to benefit from increased adoption of GLP-1s.
Overall revenue rose 7% to $13.4 billion, edging past estimates at $13.17 billion.
New CEO Henrique Braun said, ”While we continue to see a dynamic consumer landscape, we leveraged our powerful brands and system to gain value share, delivering revenue, profit, and earnings growth while also investing in the long term.
Adjusted operating margin ticked up from 34.7% to 35.6%, and adjusted earnings per share grew 11% to $0.97, topping expectations at $0.93. Management also lifted its guidance, calling for organic revenue growth of 5%, up from a previous range of 4%-5%, and it now sees adjusted EPS growth of 9%-10%, compared to a prior range of 8%-9%.
The results and updated guidance were enough to send the stock up as much as 7.3% today, pushing it to an all-time high. Coca-Cola has been on a tear this year, as the stock is now up 26%, outperforming the S&P 500 with no exposure to a potential AI bubble.
Coca-Cola is also trouncing rival PepsiCo this year, which is essentially flat, as the two have bifurcated starting in May, as the chart below shows.
Pepsi’s growth has also been more sluggish, with organic revenue growth of just 2.5% through the first half of the year.
Image source: The Motley Fool.
Is Coca-Cola a buy?
Coca-Cola has long been a favorite of dividend and value investors, including Warren Buffett, whose Berkshire Hathaway has owned the stock since 1988, and it’s easy to see why.
Coca-Cola has an arsenal of top beverage brands, including its namesake, Diet Coke, Sprite, Fanta, Minute Maid, and a wide range of other beverage brands across bottled water, sports drinks, teas, juices, and even coffee following its acquisition of Costa Coffee, the U.K- based international coffeehouse chain.
As a Dividend King, a company that has raised its dividend for at least 50 years in a row, Coca-Cola is also among the most reliable dividend payers on the market. The company has raised its dividend for 64 consecutive years, and now offers a dividend yield of 2.5%, even with the stock up 26% this year, typically raising it by 4%-5% annually.
Coca-Cola is also a classic recession-proof stock, another reason investors like Warren Buffett favor it. Consumers buy its beverages in good times and bad, and its brand power and marketing muscle, including relationships such as its World Cup sponsorship, should ensure it remains the top soft drink company by market share worldwide.
The company is executing as effectively as it has in years. For income investors and other looking for a reliable, defensive stock, Coca-Cola remains a buy.
Should you buy stock in Coca-Cola right now?
Before you buy stock in Coca-Cola, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Coca-Cola wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $379,662!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,206,116!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 886% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 206% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
*Stock Advisor returns as of July 28, 2026.
Jeremy Bowman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.