BloggingStocks

Coca-Cola: Pull-back is an opportunity to take a position

Joseph Lazzaro — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coca-Cola (KO), Stocks to Buy

Coca-Cola's Q3 earnings of 83 cents per share beat the First Call Q3 EPS consensus estimate of 82 cents per share, and, of course, Wall Street drove the shares lower on the morning of the announcement.

Most likely, the above selling stems merely from short-term institutional investors (IIs) exiting the stock, which is why I'm reiterating my Buy rating for The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO), first recommended on February 15, 2009 at a price of $42.68.

Continue reading Coca-Cola: Pull-back is an opportunity to take a position

Coca-Cola: Pull-back is an opportunity to take a position originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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China rejects Coke's bid for Huiyuan Juice

Zac Bissonnette — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Deals, Coca-Cola (KO), China

Back in September, I wrote about the Coca Cola Co.'s (NYSE: KO) offer to acquire Beijing-based China Huiyuan Juice Group Ltd, China's number one 100% juice and nectar company for $2.4 billion.

But almost immediately, there were questions about whether the deal would ever be consummated. Steve Mallas wrote that the acquisition would "be the first case presented under a new antitrust law put into effect by China a little over a month ago. Traders have sent shares of China Huiyuan Juice Group lower under speculation that the transaction is not a sure bet."

Continue reading China rejects Coke's bid for Huiyuan Juice

China rejects Coke's bid for Huiyuan Juice originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The NCAA bans some Vitaminwater flavors, will it hurt Coke's earnings?

Mark Fightmaster — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:45:00 EST

Filed under: Coca-Cola (KO)

I found a very interesting article while surfing one of the greatest sports blogs on the Web, Deadspin. According to The Brown Daily Herald, the NCAA has sent out an email to coaches and student-athletes informing them that some flavors of Vitaminwater are banned under the body's rules. According to an organization that conducts drug testing for some NCAA schools, six of the 15 flavors of Vitaminwater "contain common stimulates or other psychoactive chemicals that could be problematic for both the University and the student-athletes."

The article made me think back to some baseball players (not A-Roid or Baroid) who have blamed their positive tests on supplements and unknown ingredients (and for fairness, I think some football players used this "dog ate my homework" style defense as well). I just wonder if any of them sampled Vitaminwater ahead of their tests. However, back to the problem.

Continue reading The NCAA bans some Vitaminwater flavors, will it hurt Coke's earnings?

The NCAA bans some Vitaminwater flavors, will it hurt Coke's earnings? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Coca-Cola (KO): Your soft drink is the road to happiness

Douglas McIntyre — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 04:03:00 EST

Filed under: Consumer Experience, Coca-Cola (KO), Marketing and Advertising

Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) has come up with a novel marketing message. Drinking Coke can make you happy in hard times.

According to The Wall Street Journal, "Coca-Cola is launching a new global ad campaign for its iconic cola, hoping to appeal to consumers' longing for comfort and optimism at a time when the weakening economy is sapping soft-drink sales."

How subtle. And, to think it might work. Most people are not boobs and the obvious nature of the message is not likely to be lost on anyone, but who would not like a little ray of sunshine on a cloudy day? To some extent the new message is just an extension of the decades-long philosophy behind advertising Coke. It has always been about feeling good, sharing a soda with friends, and enjoying life

The fact that the drink is pure sugar and stimulates the brain has nothing to do with it. Neither does the experience of an energy "crash" when the sugar wears off.

Go ahead and hug yourself, have a Coke, and don't worry that you are out of work.

Douglas A. McIntyre is an editor at 247wallst.com.

Coca-Cola (KO): Your soft drink is the road to happiness originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 04:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Coca-Cola's outlook slashed at Standard & Poor's

Elizabeth Harrow — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:45:00 EST

Filed under: Analyst Reports, Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades, Bad News, Coca-Cola (KO), Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE)

Blue-chip soda titan Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) slipped into the red this morning after Standard & Poor's last night revised the company's outlook to "negative." The ratings change also affects the Dow component's two main bottling units, Coca-Cola Enterprises (NYSE: CCE) and Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling (NYSE: CCH). Analyst Jean Stout noted, "Weak economic conditions in select markets and volatile commodity costs have pressured the Coke system's operating performance."

Currently, Coca-Cola's S&P rating is "A+," the fifth-highest investment-grade notch. The downwardly revised outlook indicates that the rating is in danger of being cut over the next one to two years. In response to S&P's "negative" label, CCE postponed pricing a previously announced, $1 billion bond issue.

Stout added that "reduced share repurchases at Coke could restore some financial flexibility to the Coke system," but warned, "weakening macroeconomic conditions, as well as further acquisitions at Coke, CCE, or CCHB will likely further weaken Coke system credit measures."

Continue reading Coca-Cola's outlook slashed at Standard & Poor's

Coca-Cola's outlook slashed at Standard & Poor's originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Investing in a bipolar market: Take another peek at staples

Bruce Watson — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Campbell Soup (CPB), Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE), Procter and Gamble (PG), Kraft Foods'A' (KFT)

Almost a year ago, when Steve Halpern suggested that investors take a second look at Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG), he offered a very sound argument: the manufacturer had a strong domestic and international presence, was trading well and -- perhaps most importantly -- was heavily involved in staples. Over the ensuing year, Halpern's advice has proven to be pretty strong. In fact, on September 29, when the bottom was falling out of the market, P&G was one of the three stocks in the S&P 500 that fell the least.

P&G, as well as the other two stocks that fell the least, Kraft Foods (NYSE: KFT) and Coca-Cola Enterprises (NYSE: CCE), and the one S&P stock that actually rose, Campbell Soup Company (NYSE: CPB) have a few things in common. First off, they all are connected to products that make people feel safe. These sorts of brands (which Kevin Roberts calls Lovemarks) are almost recession-proof. When things get bad and people lose faith in the market, they experience an ever-greater desire to reach for a Coke and a smile, grab a bowl of "Mmm! Mmm! Good!" Campbell's soup and eat a plate of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. Given their ability to evoke memories of a comforting childhood, these mid-level brands will often experience an uptick in troubling times.

The other thing that all these companies have in common is that they are staples. In boom times, people tend to eat out more, subcontract cleaning and laundry services, and try pricier, upscale brands. In tougher times, however, the tendency to eat in and do one's own laundry means that companies like Kraft, Coca-Cola and P&G may actually find themselves in a better financial position. This isn't to say that staples don't have ups and downs, but rather that their fluctuations tend to be less severe -- and they sometimes even buck the prevailing market trends!

Investing in a bipolar market: Take another peek at staples originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Coca-Cola (KO) embarks on massive acquisition in China

Zac Bissonnette — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:55:00 EST

Filed under: Deals, Coca-Cola (KO)

Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO) has offered [subscription required] to acquire Beijing-based China Huiyuan Juice Group Ltd, China's number one 100% juice and nectar company. The deal, which would be the second largest in Coke's history (behind Vitamin Water), would require the approval of Chinese regulators.

Coke says the deal would be accretive to earnings in third year -- but of course there are lies, damn lies, and forward-looking statements. The deal represents a continuation of Coke's efforts to diversify away from the declining soft drink industry and into higher-priced, more natural beverages.

The question is whether Coke will be able to add meaningfully to the value of these brands with its own marketing and distribution power. If Coke is just pumping up its sales by adding brands at high prices, that's probably not a good strategy for long-term shareholder value. Very few companies have been able to create such value through acquisitions, and Coke's shopping spree should be seen as a sign of increasing weakness in the company's current businesses.

Coca-Cola (KO) embarks on massive acquisition in China originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Red Bull enters the cola wars

Zac Bissonnette — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 12:46:00 EST

Filed under: Coca-Cola (KO), PepsiCo (PEP), Marketing and Advertising

Coca Cola (NYSE: KO) and PepsiCo (NYSE: PEP) better look out. Red Bull GmbH, the Austrian company behind bestselling energy drink and household name Red Bull, wants to try its hand at selling cola. The new drink, shown at right, will launch in seven countries over the next several months, with the US launch slated for June, according [subscription required] to the Wall Street Journal.

According to BrandWeek, "Unlike Coca-Cola and Pepsi, Red Bull Cola will be 100% natural and command a premium price. Its formula will consist of kola nut and coca leaf."

The all-natural formula could be a big advantage for Red Bull,wcreating the perception of a more healthy beverage in the same way that vitaminwater became a big hit among people looking to drink healthier, in spite of being pretty high in calories.

Will Red Bull have success? That's hard to say without knowing what it tastes like, but with a strong brand and rapid growth, Red Bull could present the most serious challenge to the cola leadership of Coke and Pepsi in a long time -- possibly ever.

With Coke and Pepsi both experiencing significant declines in sales last year, this could be the perfect time to kick them while they're down.

Red Bull enters the cola wars originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 07 Apr 2008 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Option update 1-31-08: Hansen Natural volatility elevated on maturity and macro uncertainty

Paul Foster — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coca-Cola (KO), Hansen Natural (HANS), Options

Hansen Natural (NASDAQ: HANS) was trading up $1.29 to $38.50 in pre-open trading.

UBS Warburg believes Coke (NYSE: KO) has been looking into a potential acquisition of HANS.

Stifel says: "We reiterate our Buy rating on HANS after shares declined yesterday following a note from an independent research firm."

HANS February option implied volatility of 74 is above its 26-week average of 60 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price movement.

Option Update is provided by Stock Specialist Paul Foster of theflyonthewall.com

Option update 1-31-08: Hansen Natural volatility elevated on maturity and macro uncertainty originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 31 Jan 2008 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Coca Cola close to a deal for Honest Tea

Zac Bissonnette — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 15:15:00 EST

Filed under: Deals, Coca-Cola (KO)

Coca Cola's (NYSE: KO) strategy of acquiring premium non-carbonated beverage brands like Glacéau Vitamin Water appears poised to continue, with the company reportedly in advanced talks to acquire Honest Tea.

The eight year-old Bethesda, Maryland company has about $13.5 million in annual sales, and Coke is hoping that that number can grow as more healthful beverages take market share away from soda.

CNN Money quotes Beverage Digest editor John Sicher as saying that, "Honest is a very small brand, but has attracted attention due to its organic positioning. Linking up would be a positive for Coke."

Coke's strategy of using acquisitions to fight the decline in soft drink sales appears to be working, with sales expected to increase in the high single digits due to changes in the company's product mix. Look for Coke to continue making acquisitions like this one as it seeks to build stronger competitors for PepsiCo's (NYSE: PEP) Propel Fitness Water and Sobe brands.

Coca Cola close to a deal for Honest Tea originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 27 Dec 2007 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cramer on BloggingStocks: Boneheaded Fed means more pain ahead

Jim Cramer — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 08:55:00 EST

Filed under: Coca-Cola (KO), PepsiCo (PEP), CVS Corp (CVS), Federal Reserve, Cramer on BloggingStocks

TheStreet.com's Jim Cramer says that now, teetering financials and homebuilders will topple and safety plays will rule. Ouch.

Couple of tough days ahead. We were overbought going into this Fed decision; now we will have to pay for it, and pay for it big. We have to lose a lot that we gained, expecting that the Fed would work hand-in-hand with the Treasury Department to get us out of this jam.

But that's not going to happen now. You can see what will happen. They will kill the banks again. The fundraising that was going on will be halted. We will get some failures. The homebuilder credit lines? Some will not be extended.

Continue reading Cramer on BloggingStocks: Boneheaded Fed means more pain ahead

Cramer on BloggingStocks: Boneheaded Fed means more pain ahead originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 12 Dec 2007 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Southwest Airlines: Where is the LUV?

Aaron Katsman — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:44:00 EST

Filed under: Consumer Experience, Coca-Cola (KO), Southwest Airlines (LUV)

Today's news that Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) will slow its planned growth in 2008 marks the second time this year that the low-cost carrier has reined in expansion as it struggles with high fuel costs. "We are concerned about growing evidence of slowing economic growth that would inevitably affect passenger demand, coupled with a surge in energy prices," Chief Executive Gary C. Kelly said in a statement.

Clearly the airline industry is challenged by high fuel costs and the prospect for slower domestic growth that would make it harder for no-frills carriers to fill their planes. As Douglas McIntyre pointed out, the saving grace for Southwest is that it has a long-term hedge on fuel prices and is buying fuel at a crude oil cost of about $51 a barrel.

What can airlines do to get profitable during this expensive fuel, slower-growth period? Well, charging customers a bit more so they can have a soda on the plane is probably not the right answer -- all it really does is make the airlines look incredibly cheap. The price airlines charge makes a drink at Yankee Stadium look cheap. How many of us have been on a plane and everyone is snickering and making comments to the person seated next to them about how they can't believe they need to pay for a Coke (NYSE: KO).

I think that airlines, like any business, need to show consumers that they are valued. Charging for a drink has the opposite effect. For an interesting take on airline improvements, read this post by Steve Towers.

Aaron Katsman is the lead Portfolio Manager and Managing Director of America Israel Investment Associates, LLC. and Senior Editor of IsraelNewsletter.com. Disclosure: Writer has no position in any stock mentioned as of 12/04/07.

Southwest Airlines: Where is the LUV? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MarketWatch experts: Bearish on stocks; bullish on beverages

Steven Halpern — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 08:50:00 EST

Filed under: Major Movement, Coca-Cola (KO), PepsiCo (PEP), Newsletters, Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE), Technical Analysis, Tech for the Rest of Us, S and P 500, DJIA, Stocks to Buy

"Stock prices continue to behave bearishly," caution David Nassar and Larry McMillan, options experts and editors of the industry-leading The MarketWatch Options Trader.

Here, they offer a bearish market overview along with a bullish look at beverage stocks -- along with an options play on PepsiCo (NYSE: PEP).

The advisors explain, "Rallies can't gain footholds, while declines are deeper and more long-lasting than seem possible. As a result, there is an oversold condition in this market -- one which can spur sharp, but short-lived rallies at any time -- but a true intermediate-term buy signal is not at hand, for none of our indicators have turned bullish.

"The Standard & Poor's 500 turned bearish when the index fell through what had been support at 1490. That was the last piece of the bearish puzzle. The market has been under extreme pressure ever since. Any rallies towards 1490 can be sold, as that level now represents resistance.

"Meanwhile, where is support? It was at 1430-1440, but that level gave way and it seems likely now that the averages will test 1410 (the August closing lows) and perhaps 1370 -- which is multiple support from both August and March.

"Should that give way, then a true bear market would be underway. Support levels are somewhat meaningless in a nasty decline like this anyway; it is more important to monitor oversold conditions.

Continue reading MarketWatch experts: Bearish on stocks; bullish on beverages

MarketWatch experts: Bearish on stocks; bullish on beverages originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 27 Nov 2007 08:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cramer on BloggingStocks: Take a defensive stance now

Jim Cramer — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Bad News, Apple Inc (AAPL), Coca-Cola (KO), Market Matters, Merck and Co (MRK), Freep't McMoRan Copper (FCX), Cramer on BloggingStocks

TheStreet.com's Jim Cramer says that this is among the worst markets he remembers, and explains how to live through it.

We've just crossed into no man's land with this dramatic selloff of what has been working: agriculture, oil, minerals and defense -- although the latter held up well.

We are now square into 1990, where only a few stocks hold up and things go very awry. It is a time to be defensive and be glad you caught as much as you did, but recognize that we will not go up without emergency Fed relief because there simply is too much stress in the system.

Are we in a bear market? I have long ago recognized the worthlessness of those labels. You say "bear market" and maybe you miss the next six points in Coke (NYSE: KO) (Cramer's Take) that could be had or the next five in Merck (NYSE: MRK) (Cramer's Take). We may have a nice leg up in dividend-oriented stocks. We can catch bounces in commodity stocks, and we might just want to start buying some beat-up stocks with solid rest-of-world exposure.

Continue reading Cramer on BloggingStocks: Take a defensive stance now

Cramer on BloggingStocks: Take a defensive stance now originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 13 Nov 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Coke pays Tom Brady $3 million to sell water

Zac Bissonnette — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 14:16:00 EST

Filed under: Coca-Cola (KO), Marketing and Advertising, Business of Sports

Coca Cola (NYSE: KO) will pay New England Patriots heartthrob Tom Brady $3 million to $5 million to endorse Smartwater, Vitamin Water's sister brand that was acquired as part of the deal for Glaceau (which made 50 Cent a very rich man indeed...).

The Glaceau acquisition was part of Coke's strategy to pursue revenue growth as sales of carbonated beverage decline. According to the USA Today:

Brady, who dates a supermodel and makes gossip-column headlines as well as sports news, joins Jennifer Aniston in pitching the distilled water with added electrolytes. Replacement of electrolytes depleted in workouts can ease muscle fatigue. Smartwater is the top enhanced water with yoga enthusiasts, and Aniston has lent the brand a sexy, healthy lifestyle image. Brady adds some muscle to the healthy image.

You almost have to wonder about whether these products are a rip-off. If the company can pay Jennifer Aniston and Tom Brady millions of dollars to sell water, the mark-up has got to be pretty high.

But Tom Brady is as big as it gets right now, and this a pretty big coup for Glaceau.

Coke pays Tom Brady $3 million to sell water originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pepsi (PEP): Still the choice of a new generation

Joseph Lazzaro — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 16:40:00 EST

Filed under: International Markets, PepsiCo (PEP), Stocks to Buy

Given today's choppy, consolidating markets, if your portfolio does not contain a consumer products defensive stock, consider adding PepsiCo (NYSE: PEP).

Pepsi has all the ingredients for a reasonably safe consumer play: a leading primary brand, product diversification, established market positions, a wide geographical footprint, marketing savvy, and cost discipline.

Pepsi has a large snack operation, but the major business model here is, of course, beverages, led by Pepsi Cola, which vies with Coke (NYSE: KO) for global cola supremacy. Operating in about 200 countries, look for PEP international market share to increase in 2007-2009. The company is also well-positioned in the juice and non-carbonated drink segments, which are also expected to perform well, moving forward. Rising commodity costs may pressure margins, but PEP does have modest pricing power as a response. Superior marketing adds to an impressive corporate operation: Pepsi frequently responds to rival Coke's new marketing efforts with something more trendy and cool, particularly as interpreted by teens and younger adults.

Technically, PEP's chart looks good. Aside from the August 2007 market sell-off, PEP's stock has danced with its 50-day moving average on three occasions in 2007, but the chart otherwise displays a healthy advance, minor correction pattern. PEP's chart has also cleared resistance at $70. Equally important, PEP has been above its 200-day moving average -- the toughest average to break -- for about three years. The P/E of 19 is not cheap, but it's reasonable given the company's growth prospects.

Stock Analysis: PEP is a low-risk stock. If you don't already own a consumer products stock as a defensive, consider adding PEP to your portfolio. Investors with an investment horizon longer than 1 year should be rewarded from PEP's shares. Sell / Stop Loss: $53.

Pepsi (PEP): Still the choice of a new generation originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 26 Oct 2007 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Coca-Cola (KO) posts strong third-quarter numbers

Michael Fowlkes — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 10:10:00 EST

Filed under: Major Movement, International Markets, Earnings Reports, Good news, Coca-Cola (KO)

Shares of soft drink giant Coca-Cola Co. (NYSE: KO) have set a new 52-week high in early morning trading after the company posted strong third-quarter earnings this morning.

As we noted in our earnings preview last week, analysts had been expecting to see the company report 68 cents a share for its recent quarter, but were surprised to see the company show actual earnings of 71 cents a share.

The quarter got a good boost from the company's overseas business. Overall, the company had a unit case volume increase of 6% during the quarter. Internationally, case volumes rose by a respectable 8%, with North American case volumes rising only 1%.

The stock hit a new 52-week high this morning, trading as high as $58.89 to start off the day. Shares are currently trading up 1.8% to $58.80, up $1.04.

Michael Fowlkes has worked as a stock trader for seven years and spent the last two years working as an analyst for the online investment advisory service Investor's Observer

Visit AOL Money & Finance for more earnings coverage.

Coca-Cola (KO) posts strong third-quarter numbers originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 17 Oct 2007 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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JPMorgan, Coca-Cola, United Technologies, Altria beat expectations

Jonathan Berr — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 08:55:00 EST

Filed under: Earnings Reports, Coca-Cola (KO), JPMorgan Chase (JPM), Altria Group (MO), United Technologies (UTX)

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM), Coca-Cola Co. (NYSE: KO), United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) and Altria Group Inc. (NYSE: MO) all reported better-than-expected earnings this morning underscoring the continued strength of the economy.

Net income at JPMorgan rose 2% to $3.37 billion, or 7 cents per share, compared with $3.30 billion, or 5 cents, a year earlier. Revenue rose 4% to $16.11 billion. The results included a $1.3 billion writedown and credit loss provisions of $18 billion. Analysts had expected profit of 90 cents on revenue of $16.6 billion. The results stunned Wall Street and highlighted Chief Executive Jamie Dimon's prowess as a cost-cutter.

The picture at Coke was also bright thanks to strong sales outside the U.S. Profit at the Atlanta-based company soared 13% to $1.65 billion, or 71 cents a share, from $1.46 billion, or 62 cents, a year earlier. Revenue rose 19% to $7.69 billion. Wall Street had expected profit of 68 cents.

Meanwhile, United Technologies continued to produce strong results. Net income at the parent of Pratt & Whitney aircraft engines and Otis elevators, surged 20% to $1.2 billion, or $1.21 per share, as revenue jumped 14% to $12.16 billion. The results surpassed the $1.16 average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson Financial.

Altria Group reported net income of $2.63 billion, or $1.24 per share, down from $2.88 billion, or $1.36 per share, because of the spinoff of Kraft Foods Inc. (NYSE: KFT), helped by higher prices and a weaker dollar, according to Reuters.

Visit AOL Money & Finance for more earnings coverage.

JPMorgan, Coca-Cola, United Technologies, Altria beat expectations originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 17 Oct 2007 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Coca Cola (KO) third quarter earnings preview

Michael Fowlkes — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 14:55:00 EST

Filed under: Earnings Reports, Forecasts, Competitive Strategy, Coca-Cola (KO), PepsiCo (PEP)

After seeing PepsiCo Inc. (NYSE: PEP) beat analyst estimates earlier this week for its third quarter, there are going to be some big expectations for its main rival, Coca Cola Co. (NYSE: KO) when it reports its third quarter numbers next Wednesday.

The stock has been impressing analysts at Citigroup lately. Just yesterday the broker lifted its price target on the stock to $67 a share (the stock is currently trading at $57.50), citing improved fundamentals in its Japanese businesses. The broker currently has a buy rating on the company.

Analysts are expecting the soft drink giant to come through with earnings of 68 cents per share for its most recent quarter, and based on the company's solid earnings history, I would not bet against it this time around. The company last reported earnings back on July 17, posting EPS of 85 cents and easily beating Q2 analysts' estimates by 3 cents. In fact, if you look back at the company's history you will find that it has beat estimates for each of its last seventeen quarters. That's a pretty nice run.

Continue reading Coca Cola (KO) third quarter earnings preview

Coca Cola (KO) third quarter earnings preview originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 12 Oct 2007 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cramer on BloggingStocks: A slumping dollar will make earnings pop

Jim Cramer — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 08:47:00 EST

Filed under: Coca-Cola (KO), Market Matters, Colgate-Palmolive (CL), Goldman Sachs Group (GS), Procter and Gamble (PG), Bear Stearns Cos (BSC), Stocks to Buy, Cramer on BloggingStocks

TheStreet.com's Jim Cramer explains why lousy results from a U.K.-based firm bode well for American companies this reporting season.

Tate & Lyle's loss is our gain. That's the only way to think about the big decline in that U.K.-based sugar producer's stock this morning on news that the currency translation from dollars to pounds will kill it.

The declining dollar is going to make some of these earnings in the next few weeks jump off the chart. They will be so much higher than people think they will be for the big exporters, particularly those to Europe (we don't have much to go to Japan) that you are going to be blown away.

The big litmus test this earnings reporting period will be the exposure to these foreign currencies. We fret every day about the dollar, but it is a little ridiculous at this point -- meaning the currency is way too low.

Nevertheless, a Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG) (Cramer's Take) will kill the numbers, so will a Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO) (Cramer's Take). I know these are at 52-week highs, but we are now going to have to start looking at stocks that haven't gone up that much this year. Take PG; it's only up 9%. That gives it some room. Same with Colgate (NYSE: CL) (Cramer's Take). Those still worth betting on; they can still run.

Oh, and don't forget, for the purposes of next quarter, Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS) (Cramer's Take) will have more than 50% in earnings overseas. The firm is not going to report for while, but that's still another reason to own it -- and another reason to expect that a foreign company will take a stake in Bear Stearns (NYSE: BSC) (Cramer's Take) before long despite the Buffett denial. If a stake is taken, I doubt it will be domestic.

RELATED LINKS:

Jim Cramer is a director and co-founder of TheStreet.com. He contributes daily market commentary for TheStreet.com's sites and serves as an adviser to the company's CEO. At the time of publication, Cramer was long Goldman Sachs.

Cramer on BloggingStocks: A slumping dollar will make earnings pop originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 28 Sep 2007 08:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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