** Incoming CEO Henrique Braun said Coca-Cola KO.N must speed up innovation, as packaged food companies race to keep pace with shifting preferences for low-sugar products and boom in weight-loss drugs
** Co on Tuesday posted Q4 revenue of $11.82 billion vs estimates of $12.03 billion - data compiled by LSEG
** Median PT of 27 brokerages is $81 - LSEG data
STILL SERVING GROWTH ON ICE
** Morgan Stanley ("overweight," PT: $87) says KO's long‑term organic sales growth should stay above peers on stronger pricing power driven by higher marketing, steady market share gains as well as advantage in key beverage categories and emerging markets
** Evercore ISI ("outperform," PT: $85) says apart from North America, tough first‑quarter comparison will weigh on early‑year trends, but thinks co's guidance may be cautious as new Braun takes over
** Morningstar ("fair value," PT: $74) says despite macro and geopolitical challenges, KO still grew sales in line with mid‑single‑digit long‑term goal due to strong brand investment and total beverage strategy
** Expects zero‑sugar sodas and functional drinks to remain key priorities in coming years
** RBC Capital Markets ("outperform," PT: $87) says results were good despite some temporary mix and timing issues
** Adds co's underlying momentum remains strong; the earnings report doesn't affect confidence in co's ability to handle tough global environment
(Reporting by Akriti Shah in Bengaluru)
((akriti.shah@thomsonreuters.com))
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