Coca-Cola Option Alert: Aug 15 $65 Calls at the Bid: 850 vs 2350 OI; Earnings 4/29 Before Open [est] 

Coca-Cola Option Alert: Aug 15 $65 Calls at the Bid: 850 @ $6.1 vs 2350 OI; Earnings 4/29 Before Open [est] Ref=$68.955

Coca-Cola Option Alert: Jun, 2026 $65 Puts at the Bid: 2000 vs 685 OI; Earnings 4/29 Before Open [est] 

Coca-Cola Option Alert: Jun, 2026 $65 Puts at the Bid: 2000 @ $3.3 vs 685 OI; Earnings 4/29 Before Open [est] Ref=$68.86

Coca-Cola Option Alert: May 16 $72.5 Calls Sweep (3) near the Bid: 10000 vs 9409 OI; Earnings 4/29 Before Open [est] 

Coca-Cola Option Alert: May 16 $72.5 Calls Sweep (3) near the Bid: 10000 @ $1.14 vs 9409 OI; Earnings 4/29 Before Open [est] Ref=$69.87

Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) Stock

COCA-COLA CO/THE

Coca-Cola

Founded in 1886, Atlanta-headquartered Coca-Cola is the world's largest nonalcoholic beverage company, with a strong portfolio of 200 brands covering key categories including carbonated soft drinks, water, sports, energy, juice, and coffee. Together with bottlers and distribution partners, the company sells finished beverage products bearing Coca-Cola and licensed brands through retailers and food-service locations in more than 200 countries and regions globally. Coca-Cola generates around two thirds of its total revenue overseas, with a significant portion from emerging economies in Latin America and Asia-Pacific.

Coca-Cola Co

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Koza Altin Izletmeleri AS

Shares of beverage giant Coca-Cola Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>) hit an all-time high on Thursday. The milestone could help investor Warren Buffett be well on his way to<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/25/01/42832123/warren-buffett-beats-sp-500-in-2024-how-oracle-of-omahas-returns-compare-over-past-20-years"> beating the S&amp;P 500 </a>once again in 2025.
For decades, Coca-Cola has been a staple in Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>)(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>) portfolio. Here's a look back at the firm's very first purchase and how investors would have done had they invested in Coca-Cola stock when Buffett did.
What Happened:&nbsp;Berkshire Hathaway&#8217;s portfolio includes holdings in top public companies such as&nbsp;Coca-Cola, Apple Inc, American Express&nbsp;and more. It also owns many well-known companies, including&nbsp;Dairy Queen, Duracell, GEICO&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/22/03/26224759/warren-buffett-owns-what-10-berkshire-acquisitions-you-may-have-forgotten" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fruit of the Loom.</a>
In 1988, Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway made a splash by buying shares of Coca-Cola. By the end of the year, Berkshire Hathaway had acquired 14,172,500 shares at an average price point of $41.81.
In an annual letter that year, Buffett, who is said to drink five cans of Coke or Cherry Coke daily, addressed the purchase of Coca-Cola shares.
"In 1988, we made major purchases of Federal Home Loan Mortgage Pfd and Coca-Cola. We expect to hold these securities for a long time," Buffett said. "In fact, when we own portions of outstanding businesses with outstanding managements, our favorite holding period is forever."
Berkshire Hathaway would continue to add to its Coca-Cola position over the following years and see its share count blossom from several stock splits.
The firm now owns 400 million Coca-Cola shares, making up around 10.9% of its portfolio. Berkshire Hathaway owns over 9% of Coca-Cola's shares.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/02/43623639/coca-cola-pops-in-q4-revenue-soars-6-ceo-hails-all-weather-strategy">Coca-Cola Pops In Q4—Revenue Soars 6%, CEO Hails &#8216;All-Weather Strategy&#8217;</a>
Investing $1,000 in Coca-Cola: Buffett&#8217;s big bet in 1988 marked one of the investor&#8217;s largest bets on a public company.
If a person had invested at the same price and time Berkshire Hathaway had purchased its shares, that investor would have been pleasantly rewarded today.
A $1,000 investment at the time could have purchased 23.92 shares of Coca-Cola. Shares of Coca-Cola split 2-for-1 in 1990, 1992, 1996 and 2012. The stock splits would have turned the $1,000 investment into 382.72 shares.
Today, the $1,000 investment would be worth $27,969.18, based on a price of $73.08 at the time of writing, and not including dividends.
The investment would be up a staggering 2,696.9% over the last 37 years.
Not every investment Buffett makes is a winner. Still, the legendary investor proves that many of Berkshire Hathaway&#8217;s top holdings enjoy a nice return on investment when held for many years.
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This article was previously published by Benzinga and has been updated.

If You Invested $1,000 In Coca-Cola Stock When Warren Buffett Did, Here's How Much You'd Have Today

For many investors, dividend-focused <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/25/03/44565770/30-year-old-with-65k-in-stocks-sparks-debate-focusing-mostly-on-etfs-but-now-betting-on-bonds-small-caps-and-international-plays">stocks</a> and funds provide a way to generate passive income, whether to supplement retirement, cover day-to-day <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43768530/should-married-couples-split-expenses-dave-ramsey-says-no-youre-married-not-roommates">expenses</a>, or even finance small luxuries like annual vacations.
While some aim for significant <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44518501/20-year-old-university-student-wants-help-with-buying-dividend-stocks-whats-the-best-way-to-start-reddit-weights-in">dividend</a> payouts to replace their salary, others are happy with modest but constant returns that offer a little extra financial freedom.
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This is the case of a Reddit user who is exploring this approach. With $30,000 to invest, he's seeking long-term dividend stocks that can grow over the next 20 years until retirement. While he already holds dividend-paying stocks like Apple (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) and Walt Disney&nbsp; (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIS#NYSE">DIS</a>), he wants to expand his portfolio for stability and future income, even if it's just enough to cover yearly vacations.
&#8220;I currently have some stocks that give out dividends (Apple, Disney) but I&#8217;m looking for others. Long-term stability, that my wife and I can use the dividends as another form of income say in 20 years. Even if it&#8217;s just enough to pay for a yearly vacation here or there. Any thoughts on good companies to choose from?&#8221; he asked.
Let&#8217;s break down the Redditors&#8217; advice received in the comment section.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where to Invest $30,000 to Generate Enough Income to Cover Yearly Vacations? Reddit Answers</h2>
Put the Money in an ETF
Several commenters recommended Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SCHD#NYSE">SCHD</a>) as a core holding because of its dividend yield, historical growth, and the low-risk, diversified exposure it offers investors.
&#8220;Go all in SCHD. Low risk, nice 3.5% starting yield and it will just keep growing,&#8221; a commenter said.
Reinforcing the idea that SCHD fits the poster&#8217;s long-term stability and dividend payout need, this Redditor also suggested he goes with SCHD: &#8220;Since you want some growth and decent payout, SCHD is a great option. 3.5% dividends and 11% growth over the last 10 years each year.&#8221;
&#8220;I would stick with S&amp;P 500 ETFs being young. Put it in a self-direct investment retirement account to avoid taxes,&#8221; a comment reads.
See Also: Have $200K saved?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/have-200k-saved-heres-how-to-turn-it-into-lasting-wealth"> Here's how to turn it into lasting wealth</a>
Consider High-Yield Dividend Stocks and Trusts
Several commenters suggested higher-yield assets that would generate higher payouts for the investor in the long run.
&#8220;If you want higher yield stocks check: [Verizon Communications (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/vz#NYSE">VZ</a>)], [AT&amp;T (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/t#NYSE">T</a>)], [Realty Income Corporation (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/o#NYSE">O</a>)], [Altria Group (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/mo#NYSE">MO</a>)], [British American Tobacco (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/bti#NYSE">BTI</a>)],&#8221; a Redditor recommended.
A commenter mentioned United Parcel Service (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UPS#NYSE">UPS</a>) as a great pick since the company seems to start focusing on higher profit margin areas.
&#8220;UPS pays a solid dividend and the share price has been beaten down a lot on the news that they are reducing Amazon deliveries to focus on higher profit margin areas,&#8221; he said.
Suggesting a very detailed portfolio allocation, this Redditor mentioned several ETFs and individual stocks that he considers would help the poster reach his dividend and growth goals.
&#8220;[Vanguard S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/voo#NYSE">VOO</a>)] $5,000, 1.25% dividends. Do [dividend reinvestment plan] SCHD $5,000, 3.5% dividends. Do [dividend reinvestment plan], [JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/jepi#NYSE">JEPI</a>)], [JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/jepq#NASDAQ">JEPQ</a>)​] ($5,000), 8% combined dividends. Do [dividend reinvestment plan] [Old Republic International Corporation (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ori#NYSE">ORI</a>)] $2,000, 3% dividends. Do [dividend reinvestment plan] [Waste Management (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/wm#NYSE">WM</a>)] and [Automatic Data Processing (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/adp#NASDAQ">ADP</a>)] ($3,000), 2% average dividend. Do [dividend reinvestment plan] [Pfizer (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/pfe#NYSE">PFE</a>)] and [Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/jnj#NYSE">JNJ</a>)] $2,000, 4.75% average dividend. Do [dividend reinvestment plan] [JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/jpm#NYSE">JPM</a>)] and [UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/unh#NYSE">UNH</a>)] $2,000, 2% average dividends. Do [dividend reinvestment plan] AAPL and [Microsoft (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/msft#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>)] $2,000. [The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ko#NYSE">KO</a>)] and MO $2,000, 5% average dividends. Do [dividend reinvestment plan] JPM or [American Express (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/axp#NYSE">AXP</a>)] $2,000. JPM has good potential growth,&#8221; the suggestion says.
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Personal Finance

AAPL

JEPI

JEPQ

MSFT

SCHD

Man With $30K To Deploy Wants Dividends For Life – 'Even If It's Just Enough To Pay For A Yearly Vacation Here Or There,' Reddit Reacts

If you&#8217;ve been paying attention to the stock market recently, you must have come across a rather unexpected turn of events—value stocks are taking center stage from their flashy growth rivals. Over the course of three months, the Russell 1000 Value Index has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/25/03/44555763/value-stocks-are-crushing-growth-superstars-in-2025-is-more-to-come">beaten the Russell 1000 Growth Index </a>by a healthy 11%. That&#8217;s a far cry from this time last year, when tech and AI plays were driving the market upwards.
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With tariffs, geopolitical tensions, and recession jitters swirling, investors are flocking to the relative safety of value stocks. But is it a permanent pivot, or a temporary sidetrack? Although no one knows for sure what the market will do, history suggests that value stocks have a way of surviving rough patches.
For those looking to ride the wave, these <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs">four value-based ETFs</a> are worth considering:
iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IWD#NYSE">IWD</a>)
The first choice for most investors seeking to follow the Russell 1000 Value Index, IWD offers broad exposure to large-cap value stocks from a wide range of sectors, such as financials, healthcare, and consumer staples. Some of its holdings include stocks of JP Morgan Chase &amp; Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>), Exxon Mobil Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XOM#NYSE">XOM</a>) and Procter &amp; Gamble Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PG#NYSE">PG</a>). With its size and liquidity, this ETF is a convenient means of achieving diversified exposure to the value sector. It carries an expense ratio of 0.19%.
Vanguard Value ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VTV#NYSE">VTV</a>)
An affordable fund with a bottom-of-the-barrel expense ratio of 0.04%, VTV tracks the CRSP US Large Cap Value Index. Blue-chip stalwarts such as JPMorgan Chase, and Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>) are overweights in this fund, which is a good bet for stability and long-term growth.
SPDR S&amp;P 500 Value ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPYV#NYSE">SPYV</a>)
If you desire exposure to value stocks as part of the larger S&amp;P 500, SPYV may be considered. This ETF targets S&amp;P 500 stocks that reflect strong value features in terms of low price-to-earnings and price-to-book ratios. With the valuation differential between value and growth stocks as high as it is now, this ETF is poised to profit from a possible market correction. The portfolio is similar to that of IWD and VTV, and the expense ratio is 0.04%.
Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SCHD#NYSE">SCHD</a>)
Dividend stocks tend to overlap with value stocks, and SCHD is a good representative of this case. Concentrating on high-grade dividend-paying businesses, this ETF not only gets investors exposed to value stocks but also provides a steady income under market uncertainty. Its portfolio carries blue-chip brands such as Coca-Cola (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>), PepsiCo (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>), and Pfizer (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFE#NYSE">PFE</a>). This ETF comes with an expense ratio of 0.06%.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44570070/tariffs-inflation-and-tumbling-markets-these-5-etfs-thrived-amid-the-chaos-last-week">Tariffs, Inflation And Tumbling Markets: These 5 ETFs Thrived Amid Last Week&#8217;s Chaos</a>
Why Value Could Stay On Top
Last quarter&#8217;s value outperformance is more than just jitters in the market. It&#8217;s because, as BlackRock&#8217;s Global CIO of Fundamental Equities Tony DeSpirito <a href="https://www.blackrock.com/us/individual/insights/value-stocks-underweight-and-unaware?utm_source=chatgpt.com">says</a>, growth stocks now comprise almost 40% of the S&amp;P 500—more than double their long-term average of 24%. With the valuations pulled forward, investors might begin shifting into value stocks for diversification. In addition, sectors like utilities, health care, and materials—staples in value indexes—are less tariff-vulnerable and potentially even positively affected by changes in trade policy.
While growth stocks may recover over time, the current market environment has favored value stocks. For those interested in exploring this trend, these four ETFs offer examples of funds that focus on value investing.
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Photo: Shutterstock

Specialty ETFs

ETFs

SPYV

Value Stocks Gain Ground As Inflation, Recession Fears Grow: 4 ETFs To Capitalize On The Trend

Jim Cramer, host of CNBC's "Mad Money," has recently highlighted a range of stocks that some believe will withstand market volatility and provide steady long-term returns. His recommendations often spark both interest and discussion among investors.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Market Movements and Mixed Signals</h2>
Coca-Cola (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>) remains among Cramer's top choices. The beverage giant posted a 6% increase in <a href="https://www.coca-colacompany.com/media-center/coca-cola-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2024-results">fourth-quarter revenue</a>, reaching $11.5 billion, while adjusted earnings per share rose 12% to $0.51.&nbsp;
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Organic revenue climbed 14% and global unit case volume edged up 2%. With a dividend yield of 2.91% and a record of 63 consecutive years of dividend increases, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44461710/warren-buffetts-24b-coca-cola-bet-still-pays-off-stock-nears-record-high-as-big-money-managers-scoop-up-shares">Coca-Cola</a> continues to be viewed as a stable investment in a turbulent market.
According to <a href="https://www.ainvest.com/news/jim-cramer-on-coca-cola-company-ko-definitely-a-stock-that-is-worth-owning-24101010c0e219af95fc94ce/">AInvest</a>, Coca-Cola's strategic partnerships with Brown-Forman (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BF#NYSE">BF</a>, BF.B)) and Molson Coors Beverage (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TAP#NYSE">TAP</a>) mark a significant expansion into the alcoholic beverage market. These collaborations could diversify Coca-Cola's product offerings and drive revenue growth, reinforcing its status as a stable investment choice.
In the banking sector, JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>) has also caught Cramer's attention. According to <a href="https://www.insidermonkey.com/blog/jpmorgan-jpm-way-too-cheap-at-14x-earnings-jim-cramer-calls-it-the-premier-bank-1446450/">Insider Monkey</a>, he referred to JPMorgan as the &#8220;premier bank&#8221; and noted that its stock is &#8220;way too cheap&#8221; at 14 times earnings. The bank reported a record annual profit of $58.5 billion, bolstered by a fourth-quarter showing with net income of $4.81 per share and revenue of $4.7 billion, up 6% year over year.&nbsp;
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Record payments revenue reached $18.1 billion. JPMorgan Chase&#8217;s stock closed at $251.13 on March 25, reflecting a 40.14% increase over the past 52 weeks. The stock offers a dividend yield of 1.99%.
Amazon (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), the e-commerce and cloud computing giant, also features among Cramer's picks. Despite a near 11% drop in its stock price over the past month following a dip in cloud computing revenue, the company remains influential.&nbsp;
Amazon Web Services generated $28.8 billion in revenue in the <a href="https://ir.aboutamazon.com/news-release/news-release-details/2025/Amazon.com-Announces-Fourth-Quarter-Results/">fourth quarter</a>, while its advertising segment produced $17.3 billion. Overall, net sales increased 10% year over year to $187.8 billion, with net income of $20.0 billion.&nbsp;
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Amazon <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1_4Q4ec6lI">announced </a>during its fourth-quarter earnings call on Feb. 6, that it plans to invest $100 billion in artificial intelligence this year, reinforcing its long-term strategy to expand AI capabilities, particularly within AWS. CEO Andy Jassy stated that the &#8220;vast majority&#8221; of this investment will be allocated to AI infrastructure.
As of March 25, Amazon&#8217;s stock closed at approximately $205.73, a 13% increase over the past year. Market analyst Jim Cramer described the stock as a "real winner in the AI selloff," highlighting investor confidence in the company&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/25/02/43681931/googles-ai-ambitions-spark-cost-cuts-over-25000-employees-offered-buyouts-as-company-focuses-on-speed-and-efficiency">AI</a>-driven growth trajectory.
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<li>How do billionaires pay less in income tax than you?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/tax-deferring-adv"> Tax deferring is their number one strategy</a>.</li>
</ul>

AMZN

'Banks Will Never Go Out Of Business'—Jim Cramer Says JPMorgan Is Too Cheap To Ignore As It Hits Record $58.5B Profit

Knowing which <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44376666/high-yield-dividend-investor-making-12900-per-year-names-10-favorite-stocks-took-me-almost-3-years-to-get-to-this-point">stocks</a> to hold for the long term and which to sell before they drag down your portfolio is a challenge every investor faces at least once in their journey.
Some swear by the &#8220;buy and hold&#8221; strategy, while others advocate for constant rebalancing of a portfolio to mitigate <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44476778/author-says-dave-ramsey-is-completely-ignorant-of-sequence-of-returns-risk-questions-whether-1-million-is-really-enough-for-retirement">risk</a>. The issue becomes even more pronounced when a portfolio is heavily condensed in high-growth but volatile sectors like technology.
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One such investor recently took to Reddit to seek advice on his $14,228 portfolio, which includes tech giants like Tesla (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>), Nvidia (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), Amazon (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>)​, Alphabet (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>, GOOG)), and Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), alongside ETFs like Vanguard S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VOO#NYSE">VOO</a>) and Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), and even some crypto-linked stocks like Coinbase Global (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COIN#NASDAQ">COIN</a>) and MicroStrategy (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>).
The poster is considering adding Robinhood Markets (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HOOD#NASDAQ">HOOD</a>) to his portfolio but is unsure if now is the right time. He&#8217;s also wondering whether to keep high-risk stocks like TSLA, COIN, and MSTR or shift to more stable assets and how to diversify his portfolio further.
Trending: Can you guess how many retire with a $5,000,000 nest egg? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/5mil-nest-egg-adv">The percentage may shock you</a>.
The Reddit community has come forward with plenty of advice in the comments; let&#8217;s see what they say.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hold or Sell? Investor With $14,000 Tech-Heavy Portfolio Ponders Diversification–Reddit Advises Him</h2>
Diversify into Other Sectors or Broader ETFs
Many Redditors indicated that the investor&#8217;s portfolio is way too concentrated in tech, which increases risk. Instead, they suggested reducing individual stock holdings and adding ETFs to gain exposure to other sectors.
&#8220;I am sure you know this, but VOO/QQQ includes all of the individual companies that you have the majority of your portfolio invested in,&#8221; a comment says.
Advising the poster to diversify his portfolio, one Redditor suggested choosing either VOO or QQQ, but not both.
&#8220;You own good companies! Personally, I would choose one of the two VOO/QQQ not both, but that&#8217;s just me and is not really a big deal&#8230; Other than that, I like everything else; I think I own all of them, except COIN. Look into buying other sectors, you are too heavily concentrated on tech.&#8221;
A commenter advised the poster to add a broad-market ETF to reduce complexity and risk.
&#8220;Too complex for this volume, many duplicates and missing diversification. Just do VOO or an [MSCI (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/msci#NYSE">MSCI</a>)] world index and that's it,&#8221; he wrote.
&#8220;VOO and QQQ are redundant and lend even more weight to the Mag 7. COIN, MSTR, TSLA, and NVDA are no-go long-term, I think. Try to add something more stable like [Raytheon Technologies (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/rtx#NYSE">RTX</a>)], [UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/unh#NYSE">UNH</a>)], or [The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ko#NYSE">KO</a>)],&#8221; a user suggested.
A Redditor recommended the investor add a mix of ETFs and stable dividend-paying stocks to improve the portfolio&#8217;s resilience.
&#8220;Continue with VOO, [Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/qqqm#NASDAQ">QQQM</a>)] only, and get some solid plays added from now on, diversify a bit. Can stick with ETFs or index, defense, utilities, energy, health care, precious metals, [Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A, BRK.B)], with the trade war, you need stuff that can survive. Look for some balance now with solid legacy names with dividends,&#8221; he wrote.
See Also: BlackRock is calling 2025 the year of alternative assets. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">One firm from NYC has quietly built a group of 60,000+ investors who have all joined in on an alt asset class previously exclusive to billionaires like Bezos and Gates.</a>
Sell TSLA, COIN, and MSTR
The poster&#8217;s most controversial holdings were TSLA, COIN, and MSTR, and some commenters argued that he should get rid of them since they&#8217;re too risky for a 10-year hold.
&#8220;Sell the TSLA and take the win; it's overvalued dramatically,&#8221; a comment reads.
&#8220;I'd scrub TSLA and MSTR and put it in VOO or QQQ. Tesla's valuation is and has been insane forever, even after the sell-off. The fundamentals are just awful for its valuation. And that's not even dipping into political stuff. Plus, it's already a decent weight in VOO anyway. And MSTR is straight-up junk,&#8221; a Redditor said.
This user also suggested selling the three stocks, saying, &#8220;I would personally remove MSTR, COIN, and TSLA and buy more of QQQ/VOO.&#8221;
&#8220;Get rid of TSLA before it wrecks your portfolio!&#8221; another comment reads.
One Redditor shared he would never hold MSTR for the long term, and suggested HOOD instead of COIN.
&#8220;No way I would hold MSTR for 10 years. You are playing crypto with COIN; in my opinion, HOOD is the better bet now that they are getting into the higher-margin gambling business. If you want Bitcoin exposure, buy [iShares Bitcoin Trust (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ibit#NASDAQ">IBIT</a>)].
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COIN

GOOGL

HOOD

IBIT

MSCI

MSTR

NVDA

QQQM

TSLA

$14K Investor In TSLA, NVDA, And QQQ Faces Dilemma – 'Looking To Hold For At Least 10 Years' But Is That A Recipe For Disaster? Reddit Debates

WIIM

MNST

Shares of beverage and soft drink companies are trading lower after HHS Secretary RFK Jr. said he would seek to bar soda purchases using food stamps.

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bearish move on Coca-Cola. Our analysis of options history for Coca-Cola (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>) revealed 9 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 33% of traders were bullish, while 66% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 4 were puts, with a value of $242,950, and 5 were calls, valued at $168,051.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $70.0 to $95.0 for Coca-Cola during the past quarter. 
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Examining the volume and open interest provides crucial insights into stock research. This information is key in gauging liquidity and interest levels for Coca-Cola's options at certain strike prices. Below, we present a snapshot of the trends in volume and open interest for calls and puts across Coca-Cola's significant trades, within a strike price range of $70.0 to $95.0, over the past month.
<h3>Coca-Cola 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1743185736_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Biggest Options Spotted:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>KO</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$4.75</td>
<td>$4.7</td>
<td>$4.72</td>
<td>$75.00</td>
<td>$108.0K</td>
<td>71</td>
<td>234</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KO</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$24.25</td>
<td>$24.0</td>
<td>$24.11</td>
<td>$95.00</td>
<td>$60.5K</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$3.15</td>
<td>$3.1</td>
<td>$3.1</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
<td>$52.0K</td>
<td>25.2K</td>
<td>190</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KO</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/04/25</td>
<td>$0.33</td>
<td>$0.33</td>
<td>$0.33</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
<td>$41.0K</td>
<td>2.4K</td>
<td>2.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$0.15</td>
<td>$0.12</td>
<td>$0.12</td>
<td>$75.00</td>
<td>$34.2K</td>
<td>12.2K</td>
<td>6.4K</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Coca-Cola</h3>
Founded in 1886, Atlanta-headquartered Coca-Cola is the world's largest nonalcoholic beverage company, with a strong portfolio of 200 brands covering key categories including carbonated soft drinks, water, sports, energy, juice, and coffee. Together with bottlers and distribution partners, the company sells finished beverage products bearing Coca-Cola and licensed brands through retailers and food-service locations in more than 200 countries and regions globally. Coca-Cola generates around two thirds of its total revenue overseas, with a significant portion from emerging economies in Latin America and Asia-Pacific.
<h3>Where Is Coca-Cola Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 6,081,173, the price of KO is up 0.06% at $70.78. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 32 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About Coca-Cola</h3>
1 market experts have recently issued ratings for this stock, with a consensus target price of $80.0.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Piper Sandler persists with their Overweight rating on Coca-Cola, maintaining a target price of $80. 
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for Coca-Cola, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Options

Markets

Decoding Coca-Cola's Options Activity: What's the Big Picture?

<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/03/28/soda-ban-food-stamps-rfk-west-virginia/" title="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/03/28/soda-ban-food-stamps-rfk-west-virginia/">https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/03/28/soda-ban-food-stamps-rfk-west-virginia/</a>

News

Watching PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Monster Beverage, Keurig Dr Pepper; Shares Move Lower 'RFK Jr. Pushes Ban On Soda From Being Purchased With Food Stamps' - Washington Post

NBA player Stephen Curry and&nbsp;former First Lady Michelle Obama&nbsp;have launched Plezi Hydration, a sports drink with a health-conscious twist.
What Happened: Curry and Obama unveiled Plezi Hydration under the umbrella of Obama&#8217;s public benefit firm, Plezi Nutrition. The drink is a fresh addition to the NBA player&#8217;s expanding portfolio of off-court business ventures, <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/26/stephen-curry-teams-up-with-michelle-obama-to-launch-sports-drink-.html">reported</a> CNBC.
In 2023, Obama launched Plezi Nutrition to promote healthier eating for kids, building on her &#8220;Let&#8217;s Move!&#8221; campaign from her White House years.
Plezi Hydration steps into the highly competitive sports drink market with a distinct emphasis on health and wellness. The beverage contains no added sugars or artificial sweeteners, has lower sodium than its competitors, and provides a full day&#8217;s supply of vitamin C.
Plezi Hydration, translating to&nbsp;&#8220;fun&#8221; in Creole, will be&nbsp;available in three flavors: lemon lime,&nbsp;tropical punch, and&nbsp;orange mango twist. The beverages will be available in California at Walmart (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>), Albertsons (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACI#NYSE">ACI</a>), and Safeway, and nationwide on Amazon (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>). Each 16.9-ounce bottle will be priced at $2.29 and contain 70 calories.
Curry said,&nbsp;&#8220;We&#8217;ve created something with smart&nbsp;ingredients and unbeatable flavor, so&nbsp;people can fuel their bodies&nbsp;the right way. No nonsense,&nbsp;no shortcuts — because the&nbsp;next generation deserves better.&#8221;
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Why It Matters: Functional beverages or healthier drinks are becoming a major part of the health and wellness market. According to NIQ research, innovation is transforming the industry, leading to 258 new product launches last year, featuring unique functions and ingredients.
The sports drink sector is dominated by three major brands: PepsiCo&#8217;s Gatorade (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>) with a 61% market share, Coca-Cola&#8217;s Powerade (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>) at 14.5%, and BodyArmor at 11.8%, as per Euromonitor International.
The launch of Plezi Hydration comes at a time when the beverage industry is seeing a shift towards healthier options.&nbsp;Celsius Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CELH#NASDAQ">CELH</a>)&nbsp;is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/content/44512107/healthy-energy-drinks-celsius-holdings-building-out-the-space">leading the charge</a> in creating a new category of healthy energy drinks. Meanwhile,&nbsp;PepsiCo is reportedly in talks to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44339268/pepsico-reportedly-in-talks-to-acquire-poppi-amid-rising-demand-for-probiotic-drinks">acquire Poppi</a>, a healthier soda brand, indicating a rising demand for healthier beverages. 
Plezi Hydration&#8217;s&nbsp;focus on health and wellness&nbsp;could potentially disrupt the sports drink market, currently dominated by traditional high-sugar drinks.
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<li>READ MORE: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44523216/microsoft-plans-proprietary-ai-to-power-business-software-and-reduce-openai-dependence-report">Microsoft Plans Proprietary AI To Power Business Software And Reduce OpenAI Dependence: Report</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Sports

CELH

NBA Player Stephen Curry Joins Michelle Obama To Introduce Health-Focused Sports Drink

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bearish stance on Coca-Cola (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the trades showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with KO, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
So how do we know what these investors just did? 
Today, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga</a>'s options scanner spotted 11 uncommon options trades for Coca-Cola.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 27% bullish and 63%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 7 are puts, for a total amount of $514,911, and 4 are calls, for a total amount of $252,263.
<h3>Projected Price Targets</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $45.0 to $72.0 for Coca-Cola over the recent three months. 
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
In terms of liquidity and interest, the mean open interest for Coca-Cola options trades today is 1363.44 with a total volume of 8,816.00.
In the following chart, we are able to follow the development of volume and open interest of call and put options for Coca-Cola's big money trades within a strike price range of $45.0 to $72.0 over the last 30 days.
<h3>Coca-Cola Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1743097630_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Biggest Options Spotted:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>KO</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/18/26</td>
<td>$4.6</td>
<td>$4.45</td>
<td>$4.48</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
<td>$274.6K</td>
<td>422</td>
<td align="right">813</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/20/26</td>
<td>$5.9</td>
<td>$5.8</td>
<td>$5.9</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
<td>$82.6K</td>
<td>224</td>
<td align="right">140</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$4.1</td>
<td>$4.05</td>
<td>$4.1</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
<td>$79.9K</td>
<td>2.8K</td>
<td align="right">243</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KO</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$1.7</td>
<td>$1.63</td>
<td>$1.7</td>
<td>$72.00</td>
<td>$67.1K</td>
<td>3</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>12/18/26</td>
<td>$26.7</td>
<td>$25.4</td>
<td>$26.03</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
<td>$52.0K</td>
<td>49</td>
<td align="right">20</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Coca-Cola</h3>
Founded in 1886, Atlanta-headquartered Coca-Cola is the world's largest nonalcoholic beverage company, with a strong portfolio of 200 brands covering key categories including carbonated soft drinks, water, sports, energy, juice, and coffee. Together with bottlers and distribution partners, the company sells finished beverage products bearing Coca-Cola and licensed brands through retailers and food-service locations in more than 200 countries and regions globally. Coca-Cola generates around two thirds of its total revenue overseas, with a significant portion from emerging economies in Latin America and Asia-Pacific.
In light of the recent options history for Coca-Cola, it's now appropriate to focus on the company itself. We aim to explore its current performance.
<h3>Current Position of Coca-Cola</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 5,545,514, the price of KO is up 0.91% at $70.66. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 33 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for Coca-Cola</h3>
In the last month, 1 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $80.0.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Piper Sandler keeps a Overweight rating on Coca-Cola with a target price of $80. 
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for Coca-Cola, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Market Whales and Their Recent Bets on Coca-Cola Options

Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>) shares are trading higher on Thursday. According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?gspk=YWRhbWVja2VydDUzMzY&amp;gsxid=zBMR4PKmcgBw" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro</a>, KO stock has gained over 15% in the past year.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recalled 864 12-packs of Coca-Cola sold in two states earlier this month, and on Monday, the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/ires/?Event=96489" rel="noreferrer noopener">recall</a> was classified as Class II.
The recalled beverages, which were bottled and distributed by Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling, LLC, in Milwaukee, were recalled as they were contaminated by plastic, according to a release by the FDA.
A spokesperson <a target="_blank" href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/food/2025/03/26/coca-cola-recall-plastic-contamination/82668218007/" rel="noreferrer noopener">told </a>USA Today that the cases are being withdrawn for not meeting the company&#8217;s high-quality standards, emphasizing their commitment to providing high-quality products to consumers.
The recall was initiated on March 6 and subsequently classified by the FDA on March 24, 2025.
Also Read:<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/03/44509733/gm-ford-tesla-and-other-auto-stocks-slide-in-thursday-pre-market-whats-going-on" rel="noreferrer noopener"> GM, Ford, Tesla And Other Auto Stocks Slide In Thursday Pre-Market: What&#8217;s Going On?</a>
Investors can gain exposure to the stock via&nbsp;iShares U.S. Consumer Staples ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IYK#NYSE">IYK</a>).
Last month, Coca-Cola CEO&nbsp;James Quincey told investors in an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://seekingalpha.com/article/4757080-the-coca-cola-company-ko-q4-2024-earnings-call-transcript" rel="noreferrer noopener">earnings call</a>, &#8220;If aluminum cans become more expensive, we can put more emphasis<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43759161/coca-cola-warns-trumps-tariffs-could-force-it-to-use-more-plastic-if-aluminium-cans-become-more-expensive-we-can-shift-to-pet" rel="noreferrer noopener"> on PET bottles.&#8221;</a>
He acknowledged that packaging costs are just one part of the company&#8217;s overall expenses but said rising aluminum prices still matter.&nbsp;
Coca-Cola has been selling more drinks in aluminum cans in recent years as part of its sustainability efforts.
Still, in 2023, nearly half (47.7%) of its beverages were packaged in plastic, while aluminum and steel cans made up just 26%, according to the company&#8217;s environmental report.&nbsp;
The company had set a goal to make all of its packaging recyclable this year and to use at least 50% recycled content by 2030. But as of last year, only 17% of its PET plastic contained recycled material.
Price Action: KO shares are trading higher by 0.75% to $70.55 at last check Thursday.
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Image via Shutterstock.

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What's Going On With Coca-Cola Stock Today?

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Global

Coca-Cola Sites Were Among Secret Targets Of EU Antitrust Raids

In a market environment that's anything but calm, both individual investors and mutual fund managers are rethinking their strategies. Growth stocks are proving elusive, so many are turning to defensive names—a tactic long embraced by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/25/02/43451833/warren-buffetts-1m-bet-why-simple-index-funds-crushed-hedge-funds-by-7-1-to-2-2-over-a-decade">Warren Buffett</a>.
<a href="https://www.investors.com/research/best-stocks-to-buy-watch-ibd-screen-of-the-day/">Investor's Business Daily's</a> "Stocks That Funds Are Buying" screener recently highlighted 14 stocks that fit the bill. Among these, Coca‑Cola (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>) and O'Reilly Automotive (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORLY#NYSE">ORLY</a>) are getting a lot of attention.
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<li>Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/rad-intel">invest pre-IPO from $0.55 per share now</a>.</li>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Defensive Moves Gain Ground</h2>
Coca‑Cola has managed to stand out even as major indexes have been slipping and market volatility has increased. According to <a href="https://www.alphaspread.com/comparison/nyse/ko/vs/indx/gspc">Alpha Spread</a>, over the past 12 months, Coca-Cola has outperformed the S&amp;P 500, delivering a 19% return compared to the index&#8217;s 9% growth. This strong performance highlights Coca-Cola&#8217;s resilience and continued investor confidence.
The stock's weekly performance has placed it solidly in a buy zone, with critical entry levels around $71.77 and 72.65. Coca‑Cola's momentum has been strong since late January, and recent <a href="https://d1io3yog0oux5.cloudfront.net/_2e64352bb48bdc5f4b77d6dc46c09d7e/cocacolacompany/db/734/8176/earnings_release/2024+Q4+Earnings+Release+%28Ex-99.1%29+-+Final.pdf">fourth‑quarter earnings estimates </a>exceeded expectations, according to <a href="https://www.fool.com/data-news/2025/02/11/coca-cola-tops-q4-estimates-demand-up/">The Motley Fool</a>.
Forecasts indicate earnings could grow by 3% to 4% in 2025. Notably, <a href="https://simplywall.st/stocks/us/food-beverage-tobacco/nyse-ko/coca-cola/news/the-coca-cola-company-nyseko-is-favoured-by-institutional-ow-2">Simply Wall Street</a> reports institutional investors hold approximately 65% of Coca-Cola&#8217;s shares, highlighting strong confidence from major investment firms. A steady dividend yield of 2.8% only adds to the stock's appeal.
Trending: This platform is reshaping how you invest in private companies —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/kingscrowd-adv"> and you can be a part of it for $0.18 per share</a>
O'Reilly Automotive (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORLY#NASDAQ">ORLY</a>) is also turning heads. As consumers increasingly choose to maintain and repair their current vehicles over buying new ones in uncertain times, demand for auto parts has remained steady. Its share price has been creeping above a flat‑base buy zone, even hitting levels of $1,348.16.&nbsp;
Despite some fluctuations following a <a href="https://corporate.oreillyauto.com/2025/02/05/oreilly-automotive-inc-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2024-results-3/">mixed fourth‑quarter report</a> in February, the stock has accumulated over a 13% gain year‑to‑date, as reported by <a href="https://www.macrotrends.net/stocks/charts/ORLY/oreilly-automotive/stock-price-history">Macrotrends</a>.&nbsp;
The company's fundamentals—reflected in an earnings stability factor of 7, an accumulation/distribution rating of B–, and a 1.2 up/down volume ratio—indicate a solid position. Recent data from <a href="https://www.investors.com/ibd-data-stories/oreilly-automotive-joins-rank-of-stocks-with-rs-ratings-over-90/">Investors Business Daily</a> shows that its relative strength rating has risen into the 90s, reinforcing its defensive status.
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In the midst of this shift, big money managers scoop up shares, reinforcing a trend toward safer investments. Data from<a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/active-mutual-funds-struggle-to-beat-large-cap-stock-benchmarks-again-ba4a2f6d"> MarketWatch</a> reveal that just 36% of actively managed U.S. large‑cap mutual funds outperformed their benchmarks in 2024. This underperformance has nudged managers to lean into <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/25/02/43466203/warren-buffetts-127-billion-stock-sell-off-sends-wall-street-a-stark-warning-for-2025-below-average-returns-ahead">stocks</a> that promise steady returns.
Not everyone sees the picture the same way. Some market strategists<a href="https://www.wsj.com/finance/stocks/investor-sentiment-outlook-aaii-survey-725a24bb"> </a>believe that high‑quality growth stocks still carry long‑term potential if market sentiment shifts. According to <a href="https://washingtoncrossingadvisors.com/why-market-stress-favors-quality-the-macroeconomic-case-for-quality-investing/">Washington Crossing Advisors</a>, high-quality companies generally fare better in a difficult economic environment because they possess good balance sheets and sound earnings.
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<li>Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die."<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/warren-buffet-make-money-when-you-sleep"> Here&#8217;s how you can earn passive income with just $100.</a></li>
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ORLY

Warren Buffett's $24B Coca-Cola Bet Still Pays Off—Stock Nears Record High As 'Big Money Managers Scoop Up Shares'

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/warren-buffett">Warren Buffett</a> ended 2024 hoarding cash. Yet a longer look at <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/berkshire-hathaway">Berkshire Hathaway</a>'s portfolio suggests that, as usual, Buffett isn't tipping his hand over his portfolio management strategy going forward. 
According to the firm&#8217;s 13-F regulatory filings, while top Berkshire holdings like American Express (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AXP#NASDAQ">AXP</a>) and Coca-Cola (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>) remain steady, Buffett is simultaneously curbing big positions in portfolio stalwarts.
Here&#8217;s what Buffett is selling and what he&#8217;s preparing for.
"Warren Buffett's been selling for a reason, and it's not because he's lost confidence in investing," said Steven Kibbel, a certified financial planner and an advisor at Prop Firm App, a website dedicated to proprietary trading and investment strategies. "He's sitting on a record cash pile that tells you everything. He's not just taking money off the table for the sake of it; he's waiting for better opportunities."
It&#8217;s no secret that the stock market has been pricey in recent years, and Buffett has never been one to chase high valuations. "He's also said before that when the market cap of U.S. stocks surpasses GDP by too much, it's a warning sign," Kibbel said. "Right now, that's exactly where we are."
Altogether, Berkshire Hathaway was a seller in 2024, exiting out of equity positions worth $143 billion, which boosted the company's ample cash stack to $334 billion. While Buffett wasn't crystal clear about his pivot to cash in his 2024 annual letter to shareholders, he left some clues for investors.
"Despite what some commentators currently view as an extraordinary cash position at Berkshire, the great majority of your money remains in equities. That preference won't change," Buffett wrote.
"Berkshire shareholders can rest assured that we will forever deploy a substantial majority of their money in equities – mostly American equities, although many of these will have international operations of significance," he added. "Berkshire will never prefer ownership of cash-equivalent assets over the ownership of good businesses, whether controlled or only partially owned."
In an ironic sidebar, Buffett also noted how far Berkshire has come in the past six decades, using taxes as a metric.
"In 1965, the company did not pay a dime of income tax, an embarrassment that had generally prevailed at the company for a decade. Fast forward 60 years and imagine the surprise at the Treasury when that same company – still operating under the name of Berkshire Hathaway – paid far more in corporate income tax than the U.S. government had ever received from any company – even the American tech titans that commanded market values in the trillions."
Buffett noted that the company's $26.8 billion tax comprised about 5% of all U.S. corporate taxes paid in 2024.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where Buffett Is Selling</h2>
2024, especially the last quarter of the year, saw Berkshire exiting large positions in the financial sector.
"Bank stocks are a big part of Buffett's sell-off," Kibbel noted. "Look at what's happening with interest rates. Higher rates hurt banks' lending businesses, and with economic uncertainty, it's harder to predict how well these companies will perform."
Here's a closer look at three of the big stocks Berkshire Hathaway has been cutting, with a view on what comes next for the Buffett portfolio.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Apple</h3>
Team Buffett sold about 67% of its stake in Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) in 2024, selling most of it in the first three quarters of the year. The portfolio still holds $75.1 billion in AAPL shares. Apple shares are down -14.8% in 2025, so Buffett's AAPL haircut has largely paid off as the tech giant's share price dwindled downward.
Some market watchers say Buffett's Apple sale is about risk exposure.
"When a single stock makes up close to half of your portfolio, even a legend like Buffett knows it's time to trim," said John Beck, a founding partner at Beck &amp; Beck Missouri Lawyers who regularly consults with clients on money matters. "Apple's reliance on China, increased regulatory scrutiny, and supply chain vulnerabilities make it a long-term concern."
Other market experts advise not reading too much into Buffett pulling back on his AAPL exposure.
"Investors selling Apple because Buffett has pared down his position may be misreading his actions," said Robert R. Johnson, professor of Finance Heider College of Business at Creighton University. "Apple currently represents over 22% of Berkshire Hathaway&#8217;s $280-million-dollar marketable securities portfolio. To me, that signals that he has high confidence in the firm.&#8221;
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bank of America</h3>
After its 2024 selloff, Berkshire owns less than the 700 million Bank of America (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>) shares it initially purchased in 2017.
"Bank stocks are a big part of the Buffett sell-off," Kibbel said. "Look at what's happening with interest rates. Higher rates hurt banks' lending businesses, and with economic uncertainty, it's harder to predict how well these companies will perform."
Buffett's been trimming his position in Bank of America for a while, not all at once. To Kibble, "That suggests he's being careful about it.&#8221;
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Citigroup</h3>
Berkshire Hathaway is in sell mode for a few reasons beyond a pricey market landscape.
"First, interest rates have fundamentally changed the game," Beck noted. "When money was cheap, financial stocks like Bank of America and Citigroup made sense. With higher rates, profit margins shrink, and banks face regulatory uncertainty. Buffett isn't just reacting to today—he's positioning for the next five to ten years."
It&#8217;s the same issue with Citigroup (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/C#NYSE">C</a>), as Buffett dumped over 70% of that stake in a single quarter. "If one of the best financial minds in the world is reducing exposure to major banks, that says something," Kibbel said.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Takeaway On Buffett And His Growing Cash Position</h2>
It's hard to say what Buffett thinks as the first quarter of 2025 draws to a close. Yet, as the adage goes, the past is prologue, and Buffett may be planning something more significant than shaving down the size of some of his portfolio favorites.
"Warren Buffett has sold a large percentage of his holdings in Apple because he likely thinks it is fully valued," said David I. Kass, a finance professor at the University of Maryland. "However, Apple remains Berkshire&#8217;s largest equity holding. Similarly, he has reduced his stake in Bank of America and Citigroup."
Kass noted that Buffett is also raising cash in preparation for Greg Abel to succeed him as CEO in the near future, enabling Abel to start with a relatively clean slate. "The sales of other stocks, like Ulta Beauty and Nu Holdings, were most likely those of his portfolio managers, Todd Combs or Ted Weschler, since those stakes were relatively small."
Lastly, Buffett is not selling because he thinks these companies are bad; he&#8217;s doing so because he wants to be liquid.
"Take Apple, for example," said David Capablanca, a short-selling equity trading specialist and host of the Friendly Bear Podcast. "He's been trimming his position in Apple, his largest holding, for three quarters now. That tells me he's concerned about valuations, especially in a high-interest-rate environment where tech stocks tend to struggle."
Investors may want to keep in mind that Buffett is not selling out of fear—he's selling to be aggressive when he buys.
"That's the key difference," Capablanca said. "When markets drop, he'll be sitting on a massive pile of cash, ready to scoop up bargains."
So, should the average investor track Berkshire's move into cash? It depends, Capablanca said.
"If you're thinking long-term like Buffett, then yes, studying his moves can give you some insight," he noted. "But blindly copying him isn't the way—he has a different strategy, time horizon, and level of patience than most retail investors. The important thing is understanding why he's doing what he's doing, not just mirroring his trades," he concluded.
Photo: Shutterstock

Opinion

Trading Ideas

3 Beloved Stocks Warren Buffett Is Dumping As Markets Fall

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bearish approach towards Coca-Cola (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in KO usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 10 extraordinary options activities for Coca-Cola. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 20% leaning bullish and 80% bearish. Among these notable options, 3 are puts, totaling $164,127, and 7 are calls, amounting to $240,657.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $45.0 to $80.0 for Coca-Cola over the recent three months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
In today's trading context, the average open interest for options of Coca-Cola stands at 10124.25, with a total volume reaching 19,462.00. The accompanying chart delineates the progression of both call and put option volume and open interest for high-value trades in Coca-Cola, situated within the strike price corridor from $45.0 to $80.0, throughout the last 30 days.
<h3>Coca-Cola 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1742496370_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Significant Options Trades Detected:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>KO</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$2.65</td>
<td>$2.61</td>
<td>$2.61</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
<td>$76.2K</td>
<td>3.3K</td>
<td>332</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KO</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$5.55</td>
<td>$5.3</td>
<td>$5.55</td>
<td>$72.50</td>
<td>$56.0K</td>
<td>814</td>
<td>114</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$0.19</td>
<td>$0.12</td>
<td>$0.13</td>
<td>$80.00</td>
<td>$51.9K</td>
<td>29.2K</td>
<td>4.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/18/26</td>
<td>$25.4</td>
<td>$25.05</td>
<td>$25.17</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
<td>$37.7K</td>
<td>54</td>
<td>15</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$1.25</td>
<td>$1.23</td>
<td>$1.23</td>
<td>$72.50</td>
<td>$35.5K</td>
<td>12.1K</td>
<td>931</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Coca-Cola</h3>
Founded in 1886, Atlanta-headquartered Coca-Cola is the world's largest nonalcoholic beverage company, with a strong portfolio of 200 brands covering key categories including carbonated soft drinks, water, sports, energy, juice, and coffee. Together with bottlers and distribution partners, the company sells finished beverage products bearing Coca-Cola and licensed brands through retailers and food-service locations in more than 200 countries and regions globally. Coca-Cola generates around two thirds of its total revenue overseas, with a significant portion from emerging economies in Latin America and Asia-Pacific.
<h3>Present Market Standing of Coca-Cola</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 6,320,413, the KO's price is up by 0.08%, now at $69.33. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 40 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On Coca-Cola</h3>
1 market experts have recently issued ratings for this stock, with a consensus target price of $80.0.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Piper Sandler continues to hold a Overweight rating for Coca-Cola, targeting a price of $80. 
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for Coca-Cola with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

Coca-Cola Options Trading: A Deep Dive into Market Sentiment

Goldman Sachs analyst Bonnie Herzog reiterated a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/KO/analyst-ratings">Neutral rating</a> on the shares of Coca-Cola Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>) with a price forecast of $65.
On March 18, the analyst co-hosted investor meetings with Coca-Cola management at their headquarters in Atlanta. The team, according to the analyst, expressed an optimistic outlook. 
They highlighted KO's adaptability in a challenging macroeconomic environment, with their &#8220;all-weather&#8221; strategy working effectively. 
However, they acknowledged inflation&#8217;s impact on consumers, emphasizing affordability to maintain engagement with price-sensitive groups. 
The company's ability to pivot quickly to local market dynamics was praised, reflecting KO's agility as a competitive advantage.
Looking forward, KO plans to continue its growth trajectory, supported by its marketing transformation, which enables faster execution and improved efficiency. This allows the company to reinvest savings into growth initiatives, including disciplined innovation, especially in alcohol. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/03/44398998/nvidia-and-elon-musks-xai-join-blackrock-microsoft-led-ai-infrastructure-partnership">NVIDIA And Elon Musk&#8217;s xAI Join BlackRock, Microsoft Led AI Infrastructure Partnership</a>
Coca-Cola&#8217;s success in innovation, with a threefold increase in success rates since 2019, is seen as key to long-term value. A visit to Coca-Cola's Innovation Lab further demonstrated how the company uses technology and AI to develop new products, packaging, and flavors.
Coca-Cola has significant growth opportunities, particularly in developing and emerging markets, where it holds just a 7% share of commercial beverages despite these regions representing 80% of the global population.
A healthy relationship with bottling partners is vital for long-term growth, and KO's U.S. re-franchising efforts have been largely successful.
Management is considering price increases in response to rising costs, but any changes are expected to be less aggressive than last year, opined the analyst.
Despite KO's strong performance, the consumer environment has grown more complex, with some pullback in consumer spending expected. 
While the consumer landscape is volatile, Coca-Cola is focused on affordability to engage pressure-sensitive groups, particularly lower-income consumers. Its ability to quickly adapt to changing market conditions and complex operations is viewed as a competitive advantage.
While Coca-Cola continues to see significant growth potential, especially in emerging markets, the stock's premium to its peers and the uncertain consumer backdrop is a concern, the analyst said.
Price Action: Coca-Cola shares traded lower by 0.65% at $68.93 at last check Wednesday.
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Price Target

Reiteration

Analyst Ratings

Coca-Cola Can Adapt Despite Pullback In Consumer Spending, Says Analyst

PepsiCo Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>) is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/pepsico" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">discussing a deal</a> to acquire the healthier soda brand Poppi for over $1.5 billion, Bloomberg reported on Friday, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter.
The &#8220;functional soda&#8221; includes prebiotics, probiotics, and added fiber, which companies market as digestive health boosters.
PepsiCo had <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-14/pepsico-is-said-near-1-5-billion-plus-deal-for-soda-brand-poppi?sref=TBDibEcD">previously </a>abandoned its plans to launch its functional soda under the Soulboost brand.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41508511/coca-cola-pepsi-may-launch-budget-drinks-in-india-to-fend-off-competition-from-indias-richest-mans-s" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coca-Cola, Pepsi May Launch Budget Drinks In India To Fend Off Competition From India&#8217;s Richest Man&#8217;s Soft Drink Company: Report</a>
Allison Ellsworth and Stephen Ellsworth co-founded Poppi.
The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/content/40160612/probiotic-soda-market-projected-to-achieve-significant-cagr-of-7-1-by-2031-datam-intelligence" rel="noreferrer noopener">global&nbsp;probiotic soda market</a>&nbsp;reached&nbsp;$242.1 million in 2023&nbsp;and is projected to reach $422.4 million by 2031, at a&nbsp;CAGR of 7.1%&nbsp;from 2024 to 2031, driven by rising health consciousness and the increasing popularity of gut-friendly products.&nbsp;
PepsiCo held $8.5 billion in cash and equivalents <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43460249/pepsicos-q4-sales-miss-estimates-on-downcast-performance-in-north-america-stock-dives" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">as of Dec. 28</a>.
It reported a fourth-quarter sales decline of 0.2% to $27.78 billion, missing the analyst&nbsp;consensus estimate of $27.89 billion. Adjusted EPS of $1.96&nbsp;beat the consensus estimate of $1.94.
PepsiCo expects&nbsp;a low-single-digit increase in organic revenue for fiscal 2025 and a mid-single-digit increase in core constant currency EPS.
Piper Sandler&#8217;s Michael Lavery <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/01/42858329/why-pepsico-is-an-opportunity-for-investors-with-a-long-term-time-horizon" rel="noreferrer noopener">noted how PepsiCo&#8217;s</a> aggressive promotional strategy failed to bear fruit due to weak U.S. consumer spending. However, the analyst highlighted it as a buying opportunity for investors with a long-term time horizon despite the business challenges and negative investor sentiment.
Coca-Cola Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>) Chair and CEO James Quincey highlighted in the fourth-quarter report how the company acquired a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43647586/coca-cola-won-overall-share-from-pepsi-maaza-crosses-1-billion-milestone-analyst-says-never-seen-fundamentals-this-good-amid-strong-2025-outlook" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">significant market share</a> from PepsiCo.
Last November, then President-elect Donald Trump announced Robert F. Kennedy Jr. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/42015164/why-pepsi-stock-is-falling" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">as his nominee</a> to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). PepsiCo&#8217;s shift toward health-conscious products coincided with Kennedy&#8217;s stricter health and nutrition regulations.
PepsiCo stock lost close to 10% in the last 12 months.
Kennedy met PepsiCo and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/03/44209953/rfk-jr-takes-on-food-giants-calls-meeting-with-pepsico-and-general-mills" rel="noreferrer noopener">other company executives</a> this week to address health concerns linked to processed foods and additives.
Price Action: PEP stock is down 0.03% at $148.29 at last check Friday.
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Photo Courtesy: ZikG on Shutterstock.com

PepsiCo Reportedly In Talks To Acquire Poppi Amid Rising Demand For Probiotic Drinks

The Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) has raised concerns over the impact of newly enacted <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/03/44269301/trumps-25-tariffs-on-steel-and-aluminum-imports-take-effect-eu-retaliates-us-steel-nucor-century-aluminum-and-other-domestic-stocks-cheer">steel and aluminum tariffs</a>.
What Happened: The CMI warns that tariffs will have an inflationary influence on the domestic can industry. 
The Trump administration argues that these measures would protect domestic production and reduce reliance on foreign metals. But manufacturers say they will raise costs and harm competitiveness.
"While we support President Donald Trump's efforts to address unfair trade practices, tariffs on steel and aluminum will increase prices for canned foods and beverages," CMI's president Robet Budway <a href="https://www.cancentral.com/can-manufacturers-respond-to-trump-232-tariffs-steel-aluminum/">said</a> in a statement.
Per the Aluminum Association, Canada provides nearly two-thirds of the <a href="https://www.aluminum.org/news/us-aluminum-industry-responds-232-implementation-calls-certainty-tariff-landscape">domestically used aluminum</a>, while Mexico is the third-largest supplier. The new tariffs apply to all non-USMCA-compliant imports. Even compliant goods from Canada and Mexico will be subject to tariffs starting April 2. Additionally, China faces separate 20% tariffs on its aluminum exports to the U.S.
The U.S. can-making industry produces around 135 million cans annually, employing over 28,000 workers across 33 states. Nine domestic mill production lines have closed since the original 2018 tariffs on tin mill steel. That leaves only three operational facilities. CMI warns that domestic production cannot meet the demand, forcing manufacturers to rely on imports.
Numerous large companies rely on aluminum cans for manufacturing, particularly in the beverage, food, and aerosol industries. They include Coca-Cola (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>), Campbell Soup  (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CPB#NYSE">CPB</a>), and Clorox (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CLX#NYSE">CLX</a>).
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/03/44275216/bitcoin-to-defy-trump-tariffs-recession-fears-will-hit-200000-by-end-of-2025-standard-chartered">Bitcoin To Defy Trump Tariffs, Recession Fears, Will Hit $200,000 By End Of 2025: Standard Chartered</a>
Why It Matters: The situation will likely get worse for manufacturers, according to Japanese bank Nomura. 
The firm published a special report evaluating the effects of these tariffs. The firm estimated that the effective tariff rate on total U.S. imports will rise from 2.4% in 2024 to 10.1% in 2025 due to the expanded scope of trade restrictions. 
Furthermore, it warned about the retaliatory measures from key trading partners, particularly the European Union, which are likely in the coming months.
Nomura anticipates that while the current tariffs are 25%, the cumulative tariff rate on targeted steel and aluminum products could climb as high as 35% once additional country-specific penalties are layered. This would further strain industries reliant on these materials, including can manufacturing.
To prevent this outcome, CMI has called for targeted tariff relief to ensure the competitiveness of U.S.-made canned goods.
"Aluminum and steel tariffs place price pressures on American-produced goods by artificially and dramatically increasing the cost of critical production materials, making U.S.-made food less competitive against foreign products. We are calling on President Trump to provide targeted tariff relief, ensuring steel and aluminum cans and the products packaged in those cans continue to be ‘Made in America.'"
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Can Manufacturers Warn About Tariffs, Ask For Targeted Relief

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"Publicis Wins Coke Mandate In U.S. And Canada From London-Listed Rival" - Financial Times

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