Is Coca-Cola Stock Outperforming the Nasdaq?
With a market cap of $306.2 billion, The Coca-Cola Company (KO) is a leading global beverage corporation. Founded in 1892, the Atlanta, Georgia-based company has evolved into a "total beverage company," offering over 500 brands across more than 200 countries and territories. Its portfolio includes iconic carbonated drinks like Coca-Cola, Sprite, and Fanta, as well as a diverse range of non-carbonated beverages, including juices, teas, coffees, plant-based drinks, and bottled waters.
Companies worth $200 billion or more are generally described as “mega-cap stocks,” and Coca-Cola firmly holds its place in this category. It boasts one of the world’s most recognizable and valuable brands, giving it immense global brand equity. Its vast and efficient global distribution network enables it to reach over 200 countries, ensuring consistent market penetration.
KO stock is trading 3.9% below its 52-week high of $74.38, achieved recently on Apr. 22. Shares of Coca-Cola have gained marginally over the past three months, trailing the broader Nasdaq Composite’s ($NASX) 1.7% rise over the same time frame.
However, KO has outperformed the broader market in the long term, rising 14.8% year-to-date and 15.6% over the past 52 weeks. In contrast, the NASDAQ has edged down marginally in 2025 and posted a comparatively lower gain of 12.7% over the past year.
KO has been trading above its 200-day moving average and mostly holding above its 50-day moving average since early February, indicating sustained bullish momentum.
On May 15, KO shares rose more than 2% as investors turned to defensive food and beverage stocks amid broader market weakness.
Moreover, KO shares closed up marginally on Apr. 29, after reporting its Q1 results. The company delivered better-than-expected results, with an adjusted EPS of $0.73, surpassing Wall Street's estimate of $0.71. Revenue also came in just above expectations at $11.13 billion, above the forecasted $11.12 billion.
Highlighting Coca-Cola’s strong performance this year, Coca-Cola’s top rival, PepsiCo Inc. (PEP), is underperforming, not just KO but the broader market. PEP stock plunged 23.9% over the past 52 weeks and dipped 13.2% on a YTD basis.
Analysts are very bullish on KO stock’s potential. The stock has a consensus rating of “Strong Buy” from 23 analysts covering it, and the mean price target of $79.96 suggests a premium of 11.8% to current price levels.
On the date of publication, Kritika Sarmah 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.