Coca-Cola Option Alert: Sep 19 $67.5 Calls Sweep (25) near the Bid: 1500 vs 3006 OI

Coca-Cola Option Alert: Sep 19 $67.5 Calls Sweep (25) near the Bid: 1500 @ $5.151 vs 3006 OI; Ref=$69.935

Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) 주식

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.

Equities

News

Markets

DLTR

FTAI

Hims & Hers Health, Inc. Class A Common Stock

HIMS

HOOD

NVDA

PHIG

PYPL

SMCI

SOFI

TMUS

월요일(3일) 미국 증시는 도널드 트럼프 대통령이 전면적인 새로운 관세를 발표하면서 급격한 매도세를 보였고, 지난주 손실이 확대되며 모든 주요 섹터가 하락세를 보였다. 

트럼프 관세로 인한 시장 매도세 속 기술 부문 큰 타격...엔비디아·슈퍼마이크로·ARM 급락

Tech

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AAPL

AMGN

AMZN

BABA

SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust

GOOG

GOOGL

KWEB

MCHI

MSFT

TSLA

XPEV

최근 몇 년 동안 성과가 좋았던 상위 주식과 자산들이 2025년 초에 주춤거리고 있다. 비트코인(CRYPTO: BTC)은 3개월 최저가로 떨어졌다.
2024년 상위 자산들의 연초 성과와 이들을 초과 성과내고 있는 자산들을 살펴보겠다.

2025년 중국 ETF 및 다우 주식의 상위 성과로, 비트코인과 매그 7이 안전 자산의 지위 상실

코카콜라(NYSE:KO)는 새로운 알루미늄 관세로 인해 생산비가 상승할 우려가 커짐에 따라 미국에서 플라스틱 병 사용을 늘리는 방향으로 전환을 고려하고 있다. 도널드 트럼프 대통령이 발표한 25% 관세는 3월 12일부터 시행되며, 외국산 철강과 알루미늄에 적용됩니다. 코카콜라는 캐나다에서 알루미늄을 수입하여 캔을 생산하기 때문에 가격 안정을 유지할 방법을 모색하고 있다.

코카콜라의 경고: 트럼프의 알루미늄 관세로 인해 더 많은 플라스틱을 사용하게 될 것

Coca-Cola Co

RESONATE BLENDS INC by Resonate Blends Inc.

Resonate Blends Inc

Kondor AI PLC

KOBE BUSSAN CO U/ADR by Kobe Bussan Co., Ltd.

KOBE BUSSAN CO LTD ORD by Kobe Bussan Co., Ltd.

Kobe Bussan Co Ltd

NEOS ETF Trust FIS Knights of Columbus Global Belief ETF

Innovator U.S. Small Cap Power Buffer ETF - October

Kodiak Sciences Inc

Eastman Kodak Co

Coca Cola Femsa S.A.B. de C.V. American Depositary Shares, each representing 10 Units (each Unit consists of 3 Series B Shares and 5 Series L Shares)

Coca-Cola Femsa SAB de CV

Kopp Glass Inc

KGL Resources Ltd

Exchange Traded Concepts Trust Capital Link Global Fintech Leaders ETF

Kojamo Oyj

KOKUSAI ELECTRIC CORP by KOKUSAI ELECTRIC CORP.

Kokusai Electric Corp

Xtrackers MSCI Kokusai Equity ETF

ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Natural Gas

KOLORFUSION INTL INC by Kolorfusion International, Inc.

Kolorfusion International Inc

Kommunitas

KOMERCNI BANKA AS UNS/ADR by Komercni Banka A.S.

KOMO PLT BASED FOODS INC by Komo Plant Based Foods Inc.

Komo Plant Based Foods Inc

SPDR S&P Kensho New Economies Composite ETF

WELLBEING DIGITAL SCIENCE by WELLBEING DIGITAL SCIENCES INC.

Wellbeing Digital Sciences Inc

ETF Opportunities Trust Formidable Fortress ETF

KONAMI GRP CORP U/ADR by Konami Group Corporation

Konami Group Corp

Konomi Network

Spinnaker ETF Series North Shore Equity Rotation ETF

Kootenay Silver Inc

KOOTENAY SILVER INC by Kootenay Silver, Inc.

Koppers Holdings Inc

Kopin Corp

Kore Group Holdings Inc

Kore Mining Ltd

Kore Group Holdings Inc Warrants (01/01/9999)

American Century Diversified Corporate Bond ETF

Direxion Daily South Korea Bull 3X Shares

Kosmos Energy Ltd

KOSE Corp

METAWELLS OIL & GAS INC by Metawells Oil & Gas Inc.

Metawells Oil & Gas Inc

Koss Corp

KOITO MFG CO LTD by Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

Koito Manufacturing Co Ltd

KOITO MFG CO LTD UNSP/ADR by Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

Korver Corp

KOMATSU WALL INDUS by Komatsu Wall Industries

Komatsu Wall Industry Co Ltd

Kemira Oyj

KOZA ALTIN ISLEML UNS/ADR by Koza Altin Islemeleri A S

Koza Altin Izletmeleri AS

U.S. markets suffered a steep selloff Monday as President Donald Trump announced sweeping new tariffs, extending last week&#8217;s losses and driving declines <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/25/03/44098232/markets-tank-after-trump-confirms-more-tariffs-heres-what-wall-street-is-saying">across all major sectors</a>.
What Happened: The S&amp;P 500 tracked by The SPDR S&amp;P 500 (NYSE:&nbsp;SPY) closed at 5,849.72, sinking 1.76%, continuing its retreat from 5,983 on Feb 24. The Nasdaq-100 monitored by Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>) fell to 20,425.58, down from 21,352 a week earlier, marking a significant correction from recent highs.
Technology stocks bore the brunt of the selloff, with NVIDIA Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) plummeting 8.63% and ARM Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARM#NASDAQ">ARM</a>) dropping 8.05%. The sector&#8217;s decline follows a brutal week where AppLovin (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APP#NASDAQ">APP</a>) had already lost 20.64% and Super Micro Computer (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>) fell 19.67% between Feb. 24-28, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">data from Benzinga Pro</a>.
However, some stocks showed positive performance amid the broader market selloff, according to the Benzinga Stock Heat Map. 
In chemicals and allied products, Eli Lilly &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>) gained 0.83%, while Procter &amp; Gamble Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PG#NYSE">PG</a>) and Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>) also edged higher. Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PM#NYSE">PM</a>) rose 2.33% in the tobacco sector. In telecom, T-Mobile US Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TMUS#NASDAQ">TMUS</a>) and Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VZ#NYSE">VZ</a>) climbed over 1.5%. Transport by air saw PHI Group Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PHIG#NASDAQ">PHIG</a>) gain 2.3%. Meanwhile, Coca-Cola Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>) and PepsiCo Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>) both advanced over 1.3%.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/04011143/Screenshot-2025-03-04-at-11.40.56%E2%80%AFAM-1024x590.png" alt="" class="wp-image-807304" /></figure>
Industrials saw significant pressure, with Vertiv Holdings (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRT#NYSE">VRT</a>) falling 10.09% and FTAI Aviation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FTAI#NASDAQ">FTAI</a>) down 7.89%. In healthcare, BeOne Medicines dropped 10.10% while Hims &amp; Hers Health (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HIMS#NYSE">HIMS</a>) declined 9.77%.
Financial stocks weren&#8217;t spared, with Robinhood Markets (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HOOD#NASDAQ">HOOD</a>) shedding 6.51% and SoFi Technologies (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOFI#NASDAQ">SOFI</a>) losing 6.40%. The slide continued a trend from last week when PayPal Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PYPL#NASDAQ">PYPL</a>) had already declined 5.58%.
Consumer discretionary and staples both tumbled, with Li Auto (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LI#NASDAQ">LI</a>) plunging 10.96% and Dollar Tree (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DLTR#NASDAQ">DLTR</a>) falling 6.02%. Energy stocks like Ovintiv (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OVV#NYSE">OVV</a>) dropped 8.65%, while utilities Vistra (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VST#NYSE">VST</a>) and Constellation Energy (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CEG#NASDAQ">CEG</a>) both fell 7.40%.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44068159/nba-legend-shaq-says-his-net-worth-quadrupled-once-he-took-note-from-jeff-bezos-and-started-investing-in-things-that-change-peoples-lives" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA Legend Shaq Says His Net Worth ‘Quadrupled&#8217; Once He Took Note From Jeff Bezos And Started Investing In Things That ‘Change People&#8217;s Lives&#8217;</a>
Why It Matters: The catalyst for Monday&#8217;s selloff was Trump&#8217;s announcement of 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, plus an additional 20% tariff on Chinese goods. The Kobeissi Letter noted these increases would raise the U.S. average effective tariff to approximately 20%, levels not seen <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/25/03/44098232/markets-tank-after-trump-confirms-more-tariffs-heres-what-wall-street-is-saying">since the Great Depression</a>.
Market strategist Tom Lee of Fundstrat suggested this week could mark the bottom for stocks in the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/03/44072005/tom-lee-sees-stocks-potentially-hitting-first-half-lows-this-week-bad-news-has-gotten-priced-in">first half of 2025</a>, noting &#8220;a lot of bad news has gotten priced in&#8221; and that retail sentiment has reached bearish levels comparable to fall 2022.
Wall Street remains divided on the tariffs&#8217; impact, with Peter Schiff warning of domestic economic harm while others like Anthony Pompliano pointed to Taiwan Semiconductor&#8216;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) $100 billion U.S. investment announcement as evidence tariffs might boost <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/25/03/44098232/markets-tank-after-trump-confirms-more-tariffs-heres-what-wall-street-is-saying">domestic manufacturing</a>.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44065932/mark-cuban-was-asked-how-hed-invest-100k-his-answer-buy-bulk-toothpaste-and-soup-for-the-best-guaranteed-return-on-investment" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mark Cuban Was Asked How He&#8217;d Invest $100K — His Answer? Buy Bulk Toothpaste And Soup For The ‘Best Guaranteed Return On Investment&#8217;</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.

Tech Sector Hammered As Trump's Tariff Plans Spark Market Selloff: Nvidia, ARM, Super Micro Lead Tech Bloodbath

Many of the top-performing stocks and assets in recent years have stumbled at the start of 2025, with Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) dropping to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43987636/bitcoin-tumbles-below-85000-amid-president-trumps-eu-tariff-threats">a three-month low.</a>
Here's a look at the year-to-date performance of top 2024 assets and what's outperforming them.
What Happened: Bitcoin was a top performer in 2024, rising over 100% and hitting multiple all-time highs throughout the year, including shortly after Donald Trump won the 2024 presidency.
While Bitcoin rebounded in January, the leading cryptocurrency has since reversed course, down 10.4% year-to-date in 2025. Once seen as a hedge against interest rates, inflation, and macroeconomic concerns, Bitcoin is now declining alongside other traditionally perceived safe-haven assets.
Magnificent Seven stocks, which were also top performers in recent years, have also been underperformers in 2025, compared to the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>). Here are the year-to-date returns.
<ul>
<li>Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>): -2.4%</li>
<li>Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>): -5.3%</li>
<li>Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>)(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>): -10.4%</li>
<li>Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>): +9.9%</li>
<li>Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>): -6.4%</li>
<li>NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>): -12.8%</li>
<li>Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>): -24.5%</li>
</ul>
Compare that to the SPY, which is trading nearly even with its starting year price with a current share price of $585.03. At the time of writing, the ETF is up 39 cents on the year, or 0.07%.
Technology stocks have also outperformed in recent years, helping boost the investment returns of the Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>). The ETF, which is heavily weighted in tech stocks, is down 2.0% year-to-date in 2025.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/technicals/25/02/44043021/tesla-the-only-magnificent-seven-stock-in-freefall-can-it-reverse-course">Tesla: The Only Magnificent Seven Stock In Freefall &#8211; Can It Reverse Course?</a>
The Outperformers: While Bitcoin, tech and the Magnificent Seven stocks are down year-to-date in 2025, there are several places that are outperforming the broad market.
One of the top places is the Dow Jones Industrial Average, tracked by the SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>). The ETF is up 2.1% year-to-date in 2025, outperforming the SPY and QQQ. This often happens during periods of economic uncertainty or when industrial and manufacturing investments are stronger than technology investments.
Of the 30 Dow Jones Industrial Average stocks, 19 are positive year-to-date in 2025—a sharp contrast to the Magnificent Seven, where only one of seven stocks is in the green this year.
Among the Dow Jones Industrial Average stocks, these are the top gainers year-to-date that are each up by double digits:
<ul>
<li>Amgen Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>): +17.5%</li>
<li>International Business Machines (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>): +16.4%</li>
<li>3M Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MMM#NYSE">MMM</a>): +14.2%</li>
<li>Coca-Cola (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>): +13.7%</li>
<li>Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>): +12.8%</li>
<li>Visa Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/V#NYSE">V</a>): +10.9%</li>
</ul>
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>) shares are up 12.3% year-to-date in 2025, despite struggles from its top portfolio holding, Apple. The Warren Buffett-led conglomerate has a history of outperforming the S&amp;P 500, and 2025 could be another strong year.
Perhaps among the bigger surprises for outperformers in 2025 are Chinese stocks. Using <a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent022825&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">the Benzinga Pro </a>screener tool and looking for the top performing stocks year-to-date with market capitalizations of $1 billion or more revealed Xpeng Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XPEV#NYSE">XPEV</a>) and Alibaba Group Holdings (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>) among the top performers up 82% and 57% respectively.
Chinese ETFs are also performing well in 2025, here are the returns of some of the largest:
<ul>
<li>KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KWEB#NYSE">KWEB</a>): +17.4%</li>
<li>iShares China Larce-Cap ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FXI#NYSE">FXI</a>): +17.2%</li>
<li>iShares MSCI China ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MCHI#NASDAQ">MCHI</a>): +15.9%</li>
</ul>
The strong returns of several Chinese stocks and the ETFs come as the country faces<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/02/44010093/trumps-plan-for-canada-mexico-china-tariffs-to-start-march-4-could-shake-stock-market"> proposed additional tariffs</a> from President Donald Trump.
With only two months of 2025 behind us, the landscape could change significantly in the next 10 months.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/01/43403758/exclusive-this-magnificent-7-stock-will-feel-the-pinch-of-feds-rate-decision-poll-shows">EXCLUSIVE: This &#8216;Magnificent 7&#8217; Stock Will Feel The Pinch Of Fed&#8217;s Rate Decision, Poll Shows</a></li>
</ul>
Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

Bitcoin, Magnificent 7 Lose Safe-Haven Status In 2025 As China ETFs, Dow Stocks Outperform

<img alt="U.S. investor and philanthropist Warren Buffet listens to a question during a press conference in Beijing, China, 30 September 2010.Microsoft Corp. co-founder Bill Gates and billionaire investor Warren Buffett met Chinas super-rich Wednesday (29 September 2010) in Beijing to sell the art of giving over a dinner that sparked some soul searching among the worlds second-largest number of billionaires. Although the two said they would not be asking Chinas newly minted billionaires to give up their fortunes, there have been reports invitees were reluctant to attend because they did not want to be pressured. In response, Gates and Buffett, who have campaigned to persuade American billionaires to give most of their fortunes to charity, issued a letter earlier this month saying they would not be pushing anyone to give up their fortunes but wanted to promote philanthropy." class="article-image-one" src="https://www.marketbeat.com/logos/articles/med_20250225092502_buffetts-on-the-sidelines-should-you-follow.png" style="height:702px; width:1200px" />
Warren Buffett and <a href="https://www.marketbeat.com/stocks/NYSE/BRK-A/">Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: </a><a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/brk-a#NYSE">BRK-A</a>) always make headlines in February when the firm holds its annual meeting. Among the many takeaways is what the company has been buying and selling and how invested it is in the market. A critical detail from the 2025 meeting is that Berkshire Hathaway&#39;s cash pile hit a record high, suggesting the Oracle of Omaha and his investment Colossus are on the sidelines.&nbsp;
[content-module:CompanyOverview|NYSE:BRK.A]The cash pile didn&#39;t just grow; Berkshire Hathaway&#39;s cash pile ballooned by nearly 70%, rising by $134 billion to over $330 billion, more significant than the market cap of 94% of the <a href="https://www.marketbeat.com/stocks/NYSEARCA/SPY/">S&amp;P 500 (NYSEARCA: SPY)</a>. The cash build is due to massive sales in top names like <a href="https://www.marketbeat.com/stocks/NYSE/BAC/">Bank of America (NYSE: </a><a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/bac#NYSE">BAC</a>), <a href="https://www.marketbeat.com/stocks/NASDAQ/AAPL/">Apple (NASDAQ: </a><a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/aapl#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), <a href="https://www.marketbeat.com/stocks/NYSE/AXP/">American Express (NYSE: </a><a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/axp#NYSE">AXP</a>), and <a href="https://www.marketbeat.com/stocks/NYSE/KO/">The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: </a><a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ko#NYSE">KO</a>), suggesting they are overvalued and at risk of a significant correction.&nbsp;
Holdings in BAC and AAPL were cut the hardest, trimmed by 25% and roughly 65%, respectively, but large portions of all positions were liquidated. Conversely, Mr. Buffet&#39;s buying was not significant, falling short of $6 billion, suggesting there wasn&#39;t much interesting other than&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marketbeat.com/stocks/NYSE/OXY/">Occidental Petroleum (NYSE: </a><a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/oxy#NYSE">OXY</a>). Berkshire&#39;s holdings in that stock <a href="https://www.marketbeat.com/stock-ideas/3-reasons-occidental-petroleum-will-gush-higher-in-2025/">increased by double-digits</a> during 2024, and additional buys were made in 2025.&nbsp;
<h2>The Risk Is the FOMC, Inflation, and Donald Trump</h2>
The risk for the stock market is the impact of Donald Trump&#39;s policies on an already-strained economic situation. His policies are expected to sustain higher-than-wanted inflation due to tariffs and increased domestic demand, likely keeping the FOMC from lowering interest rates. The question is if inflation will hold steady at its current pace or accelerate as it did in the second half of 2024. If inflation continues to accelerate, the FOMC must raise interest rates to combat inflation, which could easily tip the economy into a recession.&nbsp;
Trump&#39;s policies also include mass layoffs. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is cutting government jobs by the thousands and will impact the labor market generally. That is bad news for employment data and the consumer outlook, but it may have a silver lining. Reducing government jobs may offset Trump&#39;s inflationary pressure enough to keep it from accelerating consumer-level inflation so that rate hikes come back onto the table. As it is, the CME FedWatch Tool indicates a 92% chance for one 25-basis point rate hike by year&#39;s end and about 70% chance for two.&nbsp;
<h2>Broadening Economic Activity and Earnings Growth Are the Opportunity</h2>
The opportunity for investors is that the United States will avoid recession, and Trump&#39;s policies will not significantly accelerate inflation. The U.S. economy will remain strong, and corporate earnings will grow in this scenario, a bullish environment for stocks compounded by the expectation of broadening activity. Easing regulatory and tax hurdles are expected to bolster economic activity across <a href="https://www.marketbeat.com/stocks/sectors/">sectors</a>, leading to a broader rally in stocks, another good reason for Mr. Buffett to raise cash. In that light, Berkshire&#39;s sales in 2024 were precautionary but also preparatory, raising capital for deployment into new investments.&nbsp;
So, the S&amp;P 500 is set up to fall but is not likely to fall far because the outlook for economic and earnings growth is <a href="https://www.marketbeat.com/stock-ideas/2-s-and-p-500-etfs-for-growth-and-leverage-in-a-hot-market/">dimming but still positive</a>. A price correction in early 2025 may only fall as much as 5.5% from the all-time high, finding support at the January low, but there is a risk of a deeper correction because the forecasts could continue to decline. The critical support zone is 5,725 to 5,780; if broken, this market could retreat to 5,400 or deeper before hitting solid support.&nbsp;
Catalysts for the market include tariff relief, easing inflation, and lower interest rates, but they are not likely to emerge until later in 2025. The S&amp;P 500 could remain in a holding pattern until then, trending sideways within the established range.&nbsp;
<img alt="SPX stock chart" class="aligncenter" src="https://www.marketbeat.com/logos/articles/med_20250225064256_chart-spy-2252025.png" style="height:427px; width:916px" />
<h2><a href="https://www.marketbeat.com/newsletter/PDFoffer.aspx?offer=top5&amp;RegistrationCode=SyndicatedArticleLink" style="text-decoration:none;color:var(--dark-blue); font-weight:500;">Where Should You Invest $1,000 Right Now?</a></h2>
Before you make your next trade, you&#39;ll want to hear this.
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Our team has identified the <a href="https://www.marketbeat.com/newsletter/PDFoffer.aspx?offer=top5&amp;RegistrationCode=SyndicatedArticleLink">five stocks</a> that top analysts are quietly whispering to their clients to buy now before the broader market catches on... and none of the big name stocks were on the list.
They believe these five stocks are the five best companies for investors to buy now...
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The article &quot;<a href="https://www.marketbeat.com/originals/buffetts-on-the-sidelines-should-you-follow/">Buffett&#39;s on the Sidelines &ndash; Should You Follow?</a>&quot; first appeared on MarketBeat.

BRK-A

Buffett's On The Sidelines – Should You Follow?

Piper Sandler analyst Mike Lavery maintains Coca-Cola (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>) with a Overweight and raises the price target from $73 to $80.

Price Target

Analyst Ratings

Piper Sandler Maintains Overweight on Coca-Cola, Raises Price Target to $80

Insider Trades

Coca-Cola Co CEO James Quincey Reports Open Market Sale Of 145,435 Shares Of Co's Common Stock At Average Price Of $71.01/Share On Feb 25

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bullish 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 17 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 47% leaning bullish and 41% bearish. Among these notable options, 8 are puts, totaling $399,736, and 9 are calls, amounting to $417,556.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $67.5 to $80.0 for Coca-Cola over the recent three months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</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 $67.5 to $80.0, over the past month.
<h3>Coca-Cola Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1740600979_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Noteworthy Options Activity:</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>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$0.42</td>
<td>$0.4</td>
<td>$0.41</td>
<td>$75.00</td>
<td>$90.2K</td>
<td>7.2K</td>
<td>2.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KO</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/07/25</td>
<td>$1.55</td>
<td>$1.4</td>
<td>$1.5</td>
<td>$72.00</td>
<td>$75.7K</td>
<td>1.6K</td>
<td>505</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KO</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/07/25</td>
<td>$1.45</td>
<td>$1.42</td>
<td>$1.43</td>
<td>$72.00</td>
<td>$71.5K</td>
<td>1.6K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$3.6</td>
<td>$3.55</td>
<td>$3.6</td>
<td>$67.50</td>
<td>$70.5K</td>
<td>14.1K</td>
<td>219</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KO</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>03/07/25</td>
<td>$1.4</td>
<td>$1.32</td>
<td>$1.36</td>
<td>$72.00</td>
<td>$68.0K</td>
<td>1.6K</td>
<td>1.5K</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 8,567,058, the price of KO is down -0.67% at $71.01. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 62 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About Coca-Cola</h3>
5 market experts have recently issued ratings for this stock, with a consensus target price of $75.0.
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&#x2A; An analyst from UBS persists with their Buy rating on Coca-Cola, maintaining a target price of $78. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Jefferies upgraded its action to Buy with a price target of $75. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Evercore ISI Group keeps a Outperform rating on Coca-Cola with a target price of $75. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Morgan Stanley has decided to maintain their Overweight rating on Coca-Cola, which currently sits at a price target of $78. 
&#x2A; Reflecting concerns, an analyst from RBC Capital lowers its rating to Outperform with a new price target of $69.
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

A Closer Look at Coca-Cola's Options Market Dynamics

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43900955/berkshire-hathaways-q4-profits-soar-71-warren-buffett-says-his-firm-has-paid-more-taxes-than-tech-titans-in-trillions">Warren Buffett</a>, the legendary investor behind Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>, BRK.B)) is famous for sharing insights that reach far beyond stock picks. At Berkshire's annual shareholder meeting last year, Buffett didn't just discuss Apple (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) shares or Coca-Cola (NSYE: KO) dividends—he went deeper, talking candidly about America's massive deficit and how it could impact everyone's wallet.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Buffett's Warning: Higher Taxes Are Likely</h2>
Buffett made it clear that the government's current financial strategy can't last forever. He pointed to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43904075/warren-buffett-said-he-could-end-u-s-deficit-in-5-minutes-if-you-guys-cant-get-it-done-well-get-some-other-guys-to-get-it-done">the growing fiscal deficit</a>, which means the government spends much more money than it collects. With characteristic simplicity, he laid out the tough choices ahead.
"With the present fiscal policies, I think something has to give," Buffett said. "And I think that higher taxes are quite likely."
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He reasoned that although reducing spending might seem logical, it's politically tough. Lawmakers are hesitant to cut programs or services people rely on, making tax hikes the more probable solution.
Buffett also shared just how much Berkshire Hathaway contributes to the federal government, revealing an astonishing figure: "We sent in over $5 billion to the US federal government last year. If 800 other companies had done the same thing, no other person in the United States would have had to pay a dime of federal taxes—no income taxes, no Social Security taxes, no estate taxes."
Despite acknowledging that paying billions in taxes isn't enjoyable, Buffett emphasized he doesn't mind writing the check, seeing it as a responsibility to a nation that helped Berkshire flourish.
"It doesn't bother me in the least to write that check," he said. "We always hope, at Berkshire, to pay substantial federal income taxes."
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Elon Musk Takes a Different Route in 2025</h2>
But not everyone sees higher taxes as the solution. Less than a year after Buffett's remarks, Elon Musk teamed up with President Donald Trump to launch the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/02/43805137/elon-musk-defends-doge-initiatives-says-his-role-is-to-provide-trump-with-tech-support-if-the-bureaucracy-is-fighting-the-will-of-the-people">Department of Government Efficiency.</a>
Instead of pushing for increased taxes, Musk's DOGE task force is aggressively cutting government spending, aiming to slash between $1 trillion and $2 trillion from the federal budget by July 2026. Musk's approach has involved substantial layoffs of federal employees, drastic reductions in agency budgets, and closures of some federal agencies.
These aggressive moves <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43768756/privacy-concerns-emerge-as-elon-musks-doge-team-seeks-access-to-taxpayer-data">sparked immediate backlash</a> and controversy. Critics argue that Musk's radical cost-cutting could weaken public services and compromise government functions. However, Musk insists that eliminating inefficiencies and wasteful spending will ultimately benefit taxpayers far more than raising taxes ever could.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Buffett's Predictions vs. Musk's Actions</h2>
Buffett's predictions from 2024 painted a clear picture: he believed raising taxes was inevitable because serious spending cuts would be too politically unpopular. Now, Musk's DOGE is testing that theory, shaking up Washington and forcing America to confront a fundamental choice: Is it possible to solve the deficit by cutting spending alone, or will Buffett's prediction of higher taxes ultimately prove correct?
As Buffett put it plainly last year, "If the government wants to take a greater share of your income, or mine or Berkshire's, they can do it." Musk's DOGE team is betting America won't have to—not if their unprecedented cost-cutting gamble pays off.
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Personal Finance

Warren Buffett Paid $5 Billion In Taxes — And Says If 800 Other Companies Paid Their Share, No One Else Would Have To 'Pay A Dime'

Legendary investor Warren Buffett released the latest 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>) shareholder letter over the weekend.
The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/02/43893285/warren-buffetts-annual-shareholder-letter-arrives-saturday-could-investors-get-updates-on-apple-succession-new-investments">highly anticipated release </a>included many updates and comments on the state of the market and the company's businesses, but one missing item could become a big topic of discussion.
What Happened: Berkshire Hathaway's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43900955/berkshire-hathaways-q4-profits-soar-71-warren-buffett-says-his-firm-has-paid-more-taxes-than-tech-titans-in-trillions">newest shareholder letter </a>highlighted the company's different business segments, including the strength of the insurance sector.
Across Berkshire Hathaway there are 189 operating businesses, which collectively employ nearly 400,000 people.
As part of Berkshire Hathaway&#8217;s annual report, the letter omitted a line on the company's diversity that had been in past shareholder letters, as <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/02/23/business/buffetts-berkshire-hathaway-removes-diversity-and-inclusion-from-annual-report/">reported </a>by the New York Post.
The previous report said Berkshire Hathaway's hiring practices "intended to identify qualified candidates and promote diversity and inclusion in the workforce."
This year's letter stopped that line after the word candidates, omitting the diversity and inclusion line.
Berkshire Hathaway did not respond to a request for comment by Benzinga at the time of writing.
In May 2024, Berkshire Hathaway shareholders voted down a proposal for the company to disclose more about its efforts to promote DEI. The company's board of directors opposed the proposal.
You may not be a billionaire like Warren Buffett, but you can uncover hidden gems in the stock market using our proprietary data and pattern recognition — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/02/43900861/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-54">check out five stocks flying under the radar that deserve your attention.</a>
 Why It's Important: The removal of the diversity and inclusion line could be Berkshire Hathaway following many other companies that have changed their hiring policies and wording to omit terms like diversity and inclusion in the current Donald Trump White House administration era.
Trump has fought to eliminate DEI, a common acronym for diversity, equity and inclusion, across businesses and federal government agencies. DEI is often used by companies to promote fair hiring policies to also include people who are underrepresented in the workforce and are more likely to be discriminated against in the hiring process.
Another explanation could be Berkshire Hathaway giving the power to their operating units to decide what is best for their own hiring processes. This could be a way to not be targeted by Trump and also let its businesses hire based on their own terms.
One of Berkshire Hathaway's largest portfolio companies has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43737860/coca-cola-pepsico-adjust-dei-policies-following-trump-executive-order-report">changed its DEI programs</a> and hiring practices. Beverage giant Coca-Cola Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>) was expected to revise its DEI policy to adhere to a new White House mandate that affects beverage services on military bases and other government properties.
The beverage company recently said that its cooperation with DEI mandates for federal contractors<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43881721/coca-cola-warns-shortage-of-diverse-talent-could-harm-future-success"> could hurt </a>the company's business.
"If we are unable to attract or retain specialized talent or top talent with diverse perspectives, experiences and backgrounds that reflect the broad range of consumers and markets we serve around the world, our business could be negatively affected," Coca-Cola said in its recent risk factors of a financial filing.
Berkshire Hathaway owns 400 million Coca-Cola shares, representing around 9.3% of the beverage company.
Changing DEI policies and wording on websites and in materials is becoming more common for companies in the Trump era.
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Photo: Buffett, Courtesy of the White House/Public Domain; Berkshire Hathaway, Shutterstock

Warren Buffett Backtracks On DEI? Berkshire Hathaway Shareholder Letter Removes Diversity Mention

Coca-Cola Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>) has warned that revising its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43737860/coca-cola-pepsico-adjust-dei-policies-following-trump-executive-order-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies</a> could negatively affect the beverage giant&#8217;s business.
The warning comes in light of President Donald Trump&#8217;s executive order mandating federal contractors to comply with the ban on DEI programs, making it a crucial factor for companies <a target="_blank" href="https://in.benzinga.com/news/25/01/43214683/target-ends-dei-program-following-trumps-call-to-eliminate-illegal-preferences-expert-calls-it-brand-suicide-for-retail-giant-with-diverse-customer-base" rel="noreferrer noopener">operating in government-funded settings</a>.
Coca-cola emphasized the importance of hiring a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0000021344/000002134425000011/ko-20241231.htm" rel="noreferrer noopener">diverse </a>and skilled workforce that mirrors the broad consumer base it serves globally.
As competition for employees increases, the soft-drink maker acknowledged that not being able to recruit essential talent, particularly individuals with expertise in artificial intelligence, digital marketing, and analytics, could impact its business.
&#8220;If we are unable to attract or retain specialized talent or top talent with diverse perspectives, experiences and backgrounds that reflect the broad range of consumers and markets we serve around the world, our business could be negatively affected,&#8221; the company&#8217;s filing has this statement under its risk factors.
The company noted that its success relies on its capacity to sustain a workforce that embodies a range of diverse perspectives and experiences.
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Also, increasing competition, elevated compensation demands, and a constrained labor market create substantial challenges.
Additionally, shifts in laws and policies may further complicate the recruitment of specialized talent. Coca-Cola cautioned that losing seasoned employees could diminish its competitive advantage and deplete valuable institutional knowledge.
President Trump imposed a <a target="_blank" href="https://in.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43757529/if-they-charge-us-we-charge-them-trumps-reciprocal-tariff-plan-for-steel-and-aluminum" rel="noreferrer noopener">25% tariff on all imported steel and aluminum</a>, applying universally without exceptions.
In response, Coca-Cola CEO<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"> James Quincey told investors </a>during last week&#8217;s earnings call, &#8220;If aluminum cans become more expensive, we can put more emphasis on PET bottles.&#8221;
While he recognized that packaging costs are only a fraction of the company&#8217;s total expenses, he emphasized that the increase in aluminum prices remains a significant concern.
Recently, Coca-Cola reported fourth-quarter sales growth of 6% year-on-year to $11.5 billion and an adjusted EPS of $0.55, both <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/02/43623639/coca-cola-pops-in-q4-revenue-soars-6-ceo-hails-all-weather-strategy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">above the consensus estimate</a>.
The revenue increase included a 5% climb in concentrate sales and a 9% growth in price/mix.
Price Action: KO shares are trading higher by 0.51% at $70.40 at the last check Friday.
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Image via Shutterstock.

Coca-Cola Warns Shortage Of Diverse Talent Could Harm Business

The Board of Directors of The Coca-Cola Company today approved the company's 63rd consecutive annual dividend increase, raising the quarterly dividend approximately 5.2% from 48.5 cents to 51 cents per common share.
The quarterly dividend is equivalent to an annual dividend of $2.04 per share, up from $1.94 per share in 2024. The first quarter dividend is payable April 1 to shareowners of record as of March 14.
The company returned $8.4 billion in dividends to shareowners in 2024, bringing the total amount of dividends paid to shareowners since Jan. 1, 2010, to $93.1 billion.

Dividends

The Coca-Cola Company Increases Quarterly Dividend From $0.485 To $0.51 Per Share

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell <a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/testimony/powell20250211a.htm">spoke before the Senate Banking Committee </a>on Feb. 11,&nbsp; making it clear that while free trade still makes economic sense, it's not the Fed's job to weigh in on trade policy.&nbsp;
When questioned about free trade, Powell said, &#8220;The standard case for free trade&#8230; logically still makes sense. It's not the Fed's job to make or comment on tariff policy&#8230; Ours is to try to react to it in a thoughtful, sensible way.&#8221;&nbsp;
His remarks came as the Trump administration rolled out new tariffs, including <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/25/02/43463099/donald-trumps-25-tariff-plan-only-tough-measures-will-level-the-playing-field-kevin-oleary-explains-the-strategy">a 25% duty</a> on steel and aluminum imports. These moves add another layer of uncertainty for the Fed, which is still working to bring inflation back to its 2% target.&nbsp;
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Powell acknowledged the challenge, saying, &#8220;We do not need to be in a hurry to adjust our policy stance. We know that reducing policy restraint too fast or too much could hinder progress on inflation."
The impact of these tariffs is already being felt in multiple industries. Companies like Ford (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>) and Coca-Cola (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>), which rely on imported metals, are seeing costs rise. The energy sector, particularly renewable energy projects, also faces higher prices for necessary materials.&nbsp;
Analysts expect these rising import costs to trickle down, potentially fueling inflation and cutting into corporate profits.
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Looking back, tariffs haven't always had the intended effect. The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, for example, led to a sharp drop in trade. U.S. imports fell 66% from $4.4 billion in 1929 to $1.5 billion in 1933, while exports shrank by 61% from $5.4 billion to $2.1 billion, as claimed by the U.S. Department of State&#8217;s Office of the Historian.&nbsp;
In a more recent example, President George W. Bush's 2002 steel tariffs caused about 200,000 job losses in steel-consuming industries, even though U.S. steel production saw a modest increase, as per a 2003 study commissioned by the Consuming Industries Trade Action Coalition.
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The latest <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/10/41561517/trump-pushes-forward-with-controversial-tariff-plan-despite-growing-backlash-from-voters-who-strongl">round of tariffs </a>is expected to have similar ripple effects. "LiveNOW From Fox" <a href="https://www.livenowfox.com/news/trump-tariffs-price-hikes">showed prices</a> for items like Mexican beer, Canadian whiskey, and Chinese-manufactured smartphones could see price hikes.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Despite these economic headwinds, the Fed isn't rushing to change course. Powell pointed to a strong labor market—averaging 189,000 new jobs per month—as a reason to hold steady for now. &#8220;Policy is well positioned to deal with the risks and uncertainties that we face,&#8221; he said.
Powell's testimony kicked off two days of hearings on Capitol Hill, which concluded on Feb. 12 after further discussions before the House Financial Services Committee.
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Fed Chair Powell Stands Firm: 'Standard Case for Free Trade… Logically Still Makes Sense' Amid Trump's Import Taxes

Coca-Cola (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>)&nbsp; is weighing a shift toward more plastic bottles in the U.S. as new aluminum <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/25/02/43572782/gm-ceo-on-trumps-trade-threats-we-can-adjust-to-anything-automaker-braces-for-25-tariffs-on-popular-cars-made-in-mexico-and-canada">tariffs</a> threaten to drive up production costs.&nbsp;
The 25% tariff, announced by President Donald Trump, <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/12b16867-4e0e-4534-8a00-922665e680aa">takes effect on March 12</a> and applies to foreign steel and aluminum. Since Coca-Cola imports aluminum for its cans from Canada, the company is looking at ways to keep prices stable.
"If aluminum cans become more expensive, we can put more emphasis on PET bottles," Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey told investors in an <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/article/4757080-the-coca-cola-company-ko-q4-2024-earnings-call-transcript">earnings call</a> this week. He acknowledged that packaging costs are just one part of the company's overall expenses but said rising aluminum prices still matter.&nbsp;
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"I think we're in danger of exaggerating the impact of the 25% increase in the aluminum price relative to the total system," Quincey said. "It's not insignificant, but it's not going to radically change a multibillion-dollar U.S. business."
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's most recent <a href="https://www.coca-colacompany.com/content/dam/company/us/en/reports/2023-environmental-update/2023-environmental-update.pdf#page=9">environmental report</a>.&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.
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The tariffs aren't just a concern for beverage companies. Automakers like Ford (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>) also rely heavily on aluminum, and CEO Jim Farley warned the new policy could create "blow a hole," in the US auto industry, according to media reports. The tariffs come as part of Trump's broader trade strategy, which this time he says will be enforced "without exceptions or exemptions."
If Coca-Cola does increase its use of plastic, it's likely to draw criticism. The company has repeatedly been named the <a href="https://www.breakfreefromplastic.org/2024/02/07/bffp-movement-unveils-2023-global-brand-audit-results/">world's top plastic polluter</a>. According to Break Free From Plastic's 2023 audit, Coca-Cola produces more than 3 million tons of plastic packaging each year.&nbsp;
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Environmental advocates argue that shifting away from aluminum—despite its higher costs—could make it harder to meet global recycling goals, particularly in areas with limited waste management infrastructure.
Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/25/02/43463099/donald-trumps-25-tariff-plan-only-tough-measures-will-level-the-playing-field-kevin-oleary-explains-the-strategy">Trump</a> has also moved to bring back plastic drinking straws, <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/02/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-ends-the-procurement-and-forced-use-of-paper-straws/">rolling back federal rules</a> that encouraged paper alternatives. The decision follows complaints from businesses about the cost and durability of paper straws, which many consumers say don't hold up as well as plastic.
Coca-Cola says it remains committed to sustainability despite the challenges. "We aim to collect and recycle a bottle or can for each one sold by 2030," the company said in its sustainability update. In 2023, it reported that 62% of its packaging was collected for recycling or refilled, and 90% was technically recyclable.
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Coca-Cola Warns Trump's Tariffs Could Force It to Use More Plastic – 'If Aluminium Cans Become More Expensive, We Can Shift to PET'

Coca-Cola Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>) and PepsiCo Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>), two major government contractors, are revising their diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies in light of President <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/donald-trump">Donald Trump's executive order</a>.
This order requires federal contractors to adhere to the prohibition of DEI programs, becoming a key consideration for businesses working within government-funded environments.
Coca-Cola is expected to adhere to the administration&#8217;s mandate, which will affect its beverage services on military bases and other government properties, reported <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-13/coca-cola-pepsico-planning-to-comply-with-trump-s-dei-policy?srnd=phx-industries-consumer&amp;sref=TBDibEcD">Bloomberg</a>.
The move comes after Trump ordered federal agencies to dismantle DEI programs and urged private companies to end what he labeled as <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/news/25/01/43214683/target-ends-dei-program-following-trumps-call-to-eliminate-illegal-preferences-expert-calls-it-brand-suicide-for-retail-giant-with-diverse-customer-base">"illegal DEI discrimination and preferences."</a>
Related Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/02/43673476/coca-colas-strong-pricing-power-and-expansion-strategies-make-it-attractive-say-analysts">Coca-Cola&#8217;s Strong Q4 Performance Reinforces Pricing Power, But Analysts Flag Interest Cost Risks</a>
Some of the other prominent corporations that have taken similar decision regarding DEI include, Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), Walmart Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>), and Target Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>).
Going a step further, Google parent Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) has taken down a statement from its SEC filings <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/media/25/02/43517468/google-joins-meta-amazon-in-winding-up-dei-hiring-memo-reveals-details">regarding its obligation to DEI</a>.
Meanwhile, retail giant Costco Wholesale Corp.(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COST#NASDAQ">COST</a>) bucked the trend as the company&#8217;s shareholders reaffirmed their backing for its current DEI initiatives with unanimous support.
Coca-Cola reported fourth-quarter sales growth of 6% year-on-year to $11.5 billion and an adjusted EPS of $0.55, both <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/02/43623639/coca-cola-pops-in-q4-revenue-soars-6-ceo-hails-all-weather-strategy">above the consensus estimates</a>.
The revenue increase included a 5% climb in concentrate sales and a 9% growth in price/mix.
PepsiCo on the other hand, reported worse-than-expected fourth-quarter revenue of $27.78 billion. Adjusted EPS of &nbsp;$1.96, beat the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43460249/pepsicos-q4-sales-miss-estimates-on-downcast-performance-in-north-america-stock-dives">consensus estimate of $1.94</a>.
Price Action: KO and PEP shares traded higher by 0.45% and 0.46% at $69.83 and $145.27 respectively at last check Friday.
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Image: Shutterstock

Politics

General

COST

Coca-Cola, PepsiCo Adjust DEI Policies Following Trump Executive Order: Report

A wave of full-shopping boycotts has taken hold in parts of Europe, with consumers in the Balkans leading the charge against skyrocketing grocery prices. Now, a movement in the U.S. is adopting a similar strategy—but for an entirely different reason.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">European Consumers Push Back Against Rising Costs</h2>
Shoppers across the Balkans recently organized supermarket boycotts to protest soaring food prices and a worsening cost of living crisis. Under the leadership of the consumer rights organization Hello, Inspector, the campaign began in Croatia and swiftly expanded to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Supermarket aisles were quiet across Croatia on Friday as consumers protested high food prices by joining a boycott on shopping.<a href="https://t.co/GdEHFdOW1R">https://t.co/GdEHFdOW1R</a> <a href="https://t.co/4lNLN132LS">pic.twitter.com/4lNLN132LS</a>
&mdash; AFP News Agency (@AFP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AFP/status/1882851895741743418?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
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The boycott had an immediate impact. In Croatia alone, supermarket transactions dropped by 44%, and total sales plunged by 53%, according to tax authorities. In response, the Croatian government increased the number of price-capped essentials from 30 to 70. In an attempt to regain customers, grocery chains such as Kaufland and Konzum announced price reductions and frozen prices on a few products.
Even Montenegro's prime minister expressed support for the movement, stating that &#8220;as a citizen, I support such action.&#8221;
Trending: They call it the &#8216;Biggest Disruption To IP Since Disney&#8217; and their funding window is closing . <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/elf-labs-1">Less than 24 hours left&nbsp; for investors to claim shares at just $2/share with $980 minimum.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Different Kind of Boycott Emerges in the U.S.</h2>
While Europeans are protesting high prices, Latinos in the U.S. are using a similar tactic to push back against the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/01/43216758/well-go-as-far-as-im-allowed-trumps-plan-with-immigrants-starts-with-1-million-deportations">Trump administration&#8217;s immigration policies</a> and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/01/43214683/target-ends-dei-program-following-trumps-call-to-eliminate-illegal-preferences-expert-calls-it-brand-suicide-for-retail-giant-with-diverse-customer-base">rollback of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs</a>. Calling for a stop to non-essential spending, the Latino Freeze Movement has urged Latinos to &#8220;hold the line&#8221; and refrain from patronizing American companies that they perceive to be failing immigrant communities.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Campaña de los latinos contra Cocacola por apoyar las deportaciones Uuuuuuupa NO TOMEN MAS ESA BASURA. <a href="https://t.co/O6tP3DHmpK">pic.twitter.com/O6tP3DHmpK</a>
&mdash; Le petit prince (@don_juan13) <a href="https://twitter.com/don_juan13/status/1886082220227522666?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Videos circulating on social media show Latinos rejecting American products, with one clip depicting a family pouring Coca-Cola (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>) and Starbucks (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SBUX#NASDAQ">SBUX</a>) down the drain in protest. The movement encourages consumers to swap U.S. products for Latin American alternatives while boycotting companies like Walmart (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>), McDonald's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MCD#NYSE">MCD</a>), Tesla (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>), and Home Depot (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HD#NYSE">HD</a>).
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Economic and Political Impact</h2>
Latinos contribute $3.7 trillion to the U.S. economy, making their collective GDP the fifth largest in the world. The movement argues that a spending freeze could send a strong message to corporations and policymakers alike.
&#8220;Latinos and Latinas, stop spending money. Hold the line. We can all collectively make a big impact by simply holding and not spending our money,&#8221; the Latino Freeze Movement <a href="https://www.latinofreeze.com/">urges on its website</a>.
The boycott extends beyond consumer goods. Participants are encouraged to avoid big purchases, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43543459/i-love-canada-more-than-i-love-spotify-canadians-are-canceling-netflix-amazon-disney-and-spotify-en-masse-despite-the-tariff-pause">cancel subscriptions</a>, and focus spending on <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/01/36819134/mark-cuban-says-he-will-short-companies-who-think-diversity-is-negative-im-telling-you-what-i-think">businesses that support DEI</a> and immigrant rights. Companies like Costco (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COST#NASDAQ">COST</a>), Trader Joe&#8217;s, Apple (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), and Netflix (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>) are highlighted as supportive, while major brands like Coca-Cola face scrutiny over unverified claims of cooperation with immigration enforcement agencies.
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NFLX

SBUX

Full-Shopping Boycotts Sweep Europe Over High Prices—Now, One US Community Is Following Suit But For A Different Cause

Barclays analyst Lauren Lieberman maintains Coca-Cola (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>) with a Overweight and raises the price target from $66 to $73.

Barclays Maintains Overweight on Coca-Cola, Raises Price Target to $73

The reason U.S. soft drinks primarily use high fructose corn syrup instead of sugar dates back to a trade barrier imposed by former President Ronald Reagan in the 1980s. This policy echoes in today&#8217;s trade landscape, where President Donald Trump&#8216;s tariffs continue to shape global policy.
What Happened: Reagan served as the 40th U.S. president between 1981 to 1989. During his tenure, he <a href="https://www.reaganlibrary.gov/archives/speech/proclamation-5294-import-quotas-certain-sugar-containing-articles">imposed</a> import quotas on sugar and sugar-containing articles to protect sugarcane farmers in the U.S.
This proclamation aimed to make imported sugar more expensive, or at least limit its availability, to artificially prop up the price of domestically produced sugar. This was a form of protectionism, designed to help American sugar farmers, even if it meant higher prices for consumers on products containing sugar.
It was after this announcement that Coca-Cola Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>) and PepsiCo Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>) shifted to high fructose corn syrup, according <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1984/11/07/business/coke-pepsi-to-use-more-corn-syrup.html">to</a> the New York Times.
The report acknowledged the comments by the spokesperson of both beverage companies and said that using corn syrup would be less expensive than the traditional cane- or beet-based sweetener given the shrinking market of the sugar industry.
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Why It Matters: While an import quota aims to limit the quantity of a good that can be imported into a country over a specific period, tariffs are another kind of trade barrier used by a country to tax imported goods. Both could lead to higher prices of goods domestically and create market distortions.
According to an old <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/1982/05/09/reagans-quotas-on-sugar-grew-out-of-a-raw-deal/420f3f40-9144-45fd-93d2-c429ca1e6aab/">article </a>by the Washington Post dated May 8, 1982, Reagan&#8217;s decision to support domestic sugar prices, which led to the need for quotas, was a result of political dealmaking. He needed votes in Congress for his budget reconciliation bill and traded his opposition to sugar price support for those votes. 
David Stockman, Reagan&#8217;s budget director, was instrumental in this deal. Stockman reportedly acknowledged the policy&#8217;s flaws but prioritized securing votes.
In 2025, after Trump&#8217;s reelection, he threatened top U.S. trading partners Canada and Mexico with tariffs, which were delayed after some negotiations. However, he imposed a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports and a blanket 10% levy on imports from China.
In essence, while trade barriers like import quotas or tariffs could be used as a negotiating tool, they could be driven by political opportunism, undermine free trade principles, fuel prices, and damage international relations.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/25/02/43683299/cisco-systems-lands-700m-ai-gold-rush-amid-increased-appetite-from-tech-giants-build-more-and-we-will-buy-more-customers-tell-ceo">Cisco Systems Lands $700M AI Gold Rush Amid Increased Appetite From Tech Giants: &#8216;Build More And We Will Buy More,&#8217; Customers Tell CEO</a>
What Do Experts Say: Higher import taxes can lead to increased costs for U.S. importers, potentially fueling domestic inflation, explained Subho Moulik, the founder and CEO of Appreciate. &#8220;A study by the Tax Foundation estimates that these tariffs could cost the average American household an extra $800 in 2025, pushing up inflation and squeezing consumer spending,&#8221; he added.
On the other hand, Craig Shapiro, a macro strategist at the Bear Traps Report, argues that tariffs are the "only way" to fund tax cuts without expanding the federal deficit.
Beyond rebalancing global trade and boosting American manufacturing, Shapiro posits that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43587245/tariffs-are-the-only-way-to-fund-tax-cuts-without-deficit-expansion-argues-expert-as-it-takes-center-stage-in-donald-trumps-economic-plan">tariffs could provide</a> a substantial revenue source for the U.S. government. He argues this income could be used to offset the cost of Trump&#8217;s proposed tax cuts and prevent further deficit growth.
Price Action: The SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) and Invesco QQQ Trust ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), which track the S&amp;P 500 and Nasdaq 100 indices, were mixed in premarket trading on Thursday. SPY fell 0.001% to $603.35, and QQQ was up 0.10% to $528.85, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a> data.
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</ul>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Government

Reagan's Sugar Quotas, Trump's Tariffs, And The Price Of Protectionism: Here's Why Coke And Pepsi In US Have High Fructose Corn Syrup Instead Of Sugar

Soft drinks giant Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>) reported better-than-expected<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/02/43623639/coca-cola-pops-in-q4-revenue-soars-6-ceo-hails-all-weather-strategy" rel="noreferrer noopener"> fourth-quarter earnings</a> results, and the following are the analysts&#8217; comments on them.
Piper Sandler analyst Michael S. Lavery reiterated an Overweight rating on the shares with a price forecast of $73.00.
President Trump implemented a 25% tariff on all imported steel and aluminum, with no exceptions or exemptions. The tariff impact on KO seems manageable, as the company could switch to PET bottles if aluminum cans become too costly, whether due to the tariffs or rising general expenses, said the analyst.
While each bottler imports some materials for production, packaging makes up only a small portion of the overall cost structure, so it remains manageable.
SNAP benefits continue to be a concern for investors, but the analyst views the risk to Coca-Cola as manageable. Approximately 50% of its North American business comes from away-from-home sales, where SNAP benefits don&#8217;t apply.
Coca-Cola is also flexible with pricing and innovation, using its RGM capabilities to offer products at various affordable price points, noted the analyst.
Coca-Cola is concentrating on expanding its outlet presence and increasing the number of cold-drink units to stimulate new consumer engagement and revenue growth.
Expanding outlet coverage plays a key role in driving transactions and expanding its consumer reach, particularly in the traditional trade, where about 90% of NARTD beverages are served cold, opined the analyst.
Goldman Sachs analyst Bonnie Herzog reiterated a Neutral rating on the shares with a price forecast of $65.00.
Coca-Cola concluded FY24 with a solid fourth-quarter performance, exceeding both top and bottom line expectations, noted the analyst.
The fourth-quarter revenue beat was primarily driven by +9% year-over-year price/mix growth, demonstrating KO&#8217;s robust pricing power and excellent revenue management.
Coca-Cola&#8217;s FY25 guidance is solid compared to its consumer packaged goods (CPG) peers and should be viewed positively by investors, especially when compared to PepsiCo&#8216;s more <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43460249" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservative FY25 top-line outlook.</a>
The analyst said a potential concern is Coca-Cola&#8217;s anticipated higher interest expenses this year, primarily due to debt issued for the IRS tax litigation deposit and the upcoming fairlife contingent consideration payment.
Despite these challenges, management remains confident in their ability to meet guidance, bolstered by the company&#8217;s strong share momentum across global beverage categories, continued pricing power, and the numerous levers available to the company, asserted the analyst.
BofA Securities analyst Bryan D. Spillane reiterated a Buy rating with a price forecast of $77.00.
If the fourth quarter showcased strength, FY25 is poised to demonstrate resilience. The analyst said that consumer sentiment appears broadly optimistic in both developed and emerging markets, with favorable comparisons in China and the Middle East providing smoother conditions.
Commodity cost inflation seems well under control due to effective pricing strategies, alternative sourcing options, localized production, and a diverse range of packaging formats.
Additionally, efficiencies that were previously reinvested into the P&amp;L provide a cushion for EPS, helping offset the anticipated higher tax rate and net interest expenses for the year.
For FY25, the analyst maintains the forecast of +5% organic sales growth but have accounted for a higher tax rate and increased interest expense, which should peak by second quarter alongside the Fairlife earn-out payment.
Price Action: KO shares are trading higher by 1.03% at $68.30 at the last check Wednesday.
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Analyst Color

Reiteration

Trading Ideas

Coca-Cola's Strong Q4 Performance Reinforces Pricing Power, But Analysts Flag Interest Cost Risks

UBS analyst Peter Grom maintains Coca-Cola (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $72 to $78.

UBS Maintains Buy on Coca-Cola, Raises Price Target to $78

Wells Fargo analyst Chris Carey maintains Coca-Cola (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>) with a Overweight and raises the price target from $70 to $75.

Wells Fargo Maintains Overweight on Coca-Cola, Raises Price Target to $75

Top Wall Street analysts changed their outlook on these top names. For a complete view of all analyst rating changes, including upgrades and downgrades, please see our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">analyst ratings page</a>.
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<li>Morgan Stanley raised The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>) price target from $76 to $78. Morgan Stanley analyst Dara Mohsenian maintained an Overweight rating. Coca-Cola shares closed at $67.60 on Tuesday.  <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/KO/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
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