Is Coca-Cola Stock Outperforming the Nasdaq?

Is Coca-Cola Stock Outperforming the Nasdaq?

Sun, August 30, 2026 at 11:37 AM GMT+3 3 min read

• KO +0.67%
• ^IXIC -0.52%

With a market cap of $385.8 billion, The Coca-Cola Company (KO) is a global beverage leader with brands sold across more than 200 countries and territories, serving about 2.2 billion drinks every day. Its portfolio spans sparkling soft drinks, water, sports drinks, coffee, tea, juice, dairy and plant-based beverages, including 32 billion-dollar brands.

Companies valued at more than $200 billion are generally considered "mega-cap" stocks, and Coca-Cola fits this criterion perfectly. Supported by a strong bottling and distribution network, Coca-Cola focuses on building loved brands, sustainable growth and creating a better shared future.

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Shares of the Atlanta, Georgia-based company have decreased 3.1% from its 52-week high of $92.49. Over the past three months, its shares have gained 11.5%, outpacing the broader Nasdaq Composite's ($NASX) 1.9% dip during the same period.

KO stock is up 28.3% on a YTD basis, outperforming NASX's 13.6% return. Longer term, shares of the beverage giant have increased 31.2% over the past 52 weeks, compared to NASX's 21.6% surge over the same time frame.

Despite a few fluctuations, the stock has been trading above its 50-day moving average since October last year. In addition, it has moved above its 200-day moving average since January.

Shares of Coca-Cola rose 5% on Jul. 28 after the company reported better-than-expected Q2 2026 comparable revenue growth of about 6% to $13.37 billion and adjusted EPS of $0.97, and the adjusted operating margin expanded to 35.6. The strong quarter was driven by resilient demand for trademark Coca-Cola and zero-sugar sodas, with World Cup hydration breaks boosting Powerade and energy-drink consumption. Investor sentiment was further lifted as Coca-Cola raised its 2026 organic revenue growth forecast to about 5% and comparable EPS growth outlook to 9% - 10%, despite higher aluminum and PET costs.

In comparison, KO stock has outperformed its rival, PepsiCo, Inc. (PEP). PEP stock has decreased 1.7% on a YTD basis and 4% over the past 52 weeks.

Due to Coca-Cola's outperformance over the past year, analysts remain bullish about its prospects. The stock has a consensus rating of "Strong Buy" from 25 analysts in coverage, and the mean price target of $95.52 is a premium of 6.5% to current levels.

On the date of publication, Sohini Mondal 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. This article was originally published on Barchart.com