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Stock Analysis: Coca-Cola Company (KO)

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Coca-Cola Company (KO). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: The Coca-Cola Company is the world's largest soft drink company. It engages in the manufacture, distribution, and marketing of nonalcoholic beverage concentrates, fruit juices and syrups worldwide.

Fair Value: I consider four calculations of fair value, see page 2 of the linked PDF for a detailed description:

1. Avg. High Yield Price
2. 20-Year DCF Price
3. Avg. P/E Price
4. Graham Number

KO is trading at a discount to only 3.) above. The stock is trading at a slight discount to its calculated fair value of $57.92. KO earned a Star in this section since it is trading at a fair value.

Dividend Analytical Data: In this section there are three possible Stars and three key metrics, see page 2 of the linked PDF for a detailed description:

1. Free Cash Flow Payout
2. Debt To Total Capital
3. Key Metrics
4. Dividend Growth Rate
5. Years of Div. Growth
6. Rolling 4-yr Div. > 15%

KO earned three Stars in this section for 1.), 2.) and 3.) above. A Star was earned since the Free Cash Flow payout ratio was less than 60% and there were no negative Free Cash Flows over the last 10 years. The stock earned a Star as a result of its most recent Debt to Total Capital being less than 45%. KO earned a Star for having an acceptable score in at least two of the four Key Metrics measured. The company has paid a cash dividend to shareholders every year since 1893 and has increased its dividend payments for 48 consecutive years.

Dividend Income vs. MMA: Why would you assume the equity risk and invest in a dividend stock if you could earn a better return in a much less risky money market account (MMA)? This section compares the earning ability of this stock with a high yield MMA. Two items are considered in this section, see page 2 of the linked PDF for a detailed description:

1. NPV MMA Diff.
2. Years to > MMA

KO earned a Star in this section for its NPV MMA Diff. of the $840. This amount is in excess of the $500 target I look for in a stock that has increased dividends as long as KO has. If KO grows its dividend at 7.3% per year, it will take 3 years to equal a MMA yielding an estimated 20-year average rate of 3.71%. KO earned a check for the Key Metric 'Years to >MMA' since its 3 years is less than the 5 year target.

Memberships and Competitors: KO is a member of the S&P 500, a Dividend Aristocrat and a member of the Broad Dividend Achievers™ Index. KO's peer group includes: Dr. Pepper Snapple Group (DPS) with a 2.7% yield, Fomento Economico ADR (FMX) with a 1.3% yield and Pepsico, Inc (PEP) with a 3.0% yield.

Conclusion: KO earned one Star in the Fair Value section, earned three Stars in the Dividend Analytical Data section and earned one Star in the Dividend Income vs. MMA section for a total of five Stars. This quantitatively ranks KO as a 5 Star-Strong Buy.

Using my D4L-PreScreen.xls model, I determined the share price would need to increase to $65.57 before KO's NPV MMA Differential increased to the $500 minimum that I look for in a stock with 48 years of consecutive dividend increases. At that price the stock would yield 2.68%.

Resetting the D4L-PreScreen.xls model and solving for the dividend growth rate needed to generate the target $500 NPV MMA Differential, the calculated rate is 5.8%. This dividend growth rate is well below the 7.3% used in this analysis, thus providing a margin of safety. KO has a risk rating of 1.00 which classifies it as a low risk stock.

Coca-Cola is one of the most recognizable names in the world. KO is able to deliver products to nearly all points on the globe through an extensive direct distribution network that has few peers. Its world presence will be relied on to compensated for declining consumption of carbonated beverages in the North American market. The company's pristine balance sheet and strong free cash flow will keep me buying when the stock trades below my fair value price of $57.92, and as my allocation allows. For additional information, including the stock's dividend history, please refer to its data page.

Disclaimer: Material presented here is for informational purposes only. The above quantitative stock analysis, including the Star rating, is mechanically calculated and is based on historical information. The analysis assumes the stock will perform in the future as it has in the past. This is generally never true. Before buying or selling any stock you should do your own research and reach your own conclusion. See my Disclaimer for more information.

Full Disclosure: At the time of this writing, I was long in KO (3.6% of my Income Portfolio). See a list of all my income holdings here.


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