WallStSmart

The Coca-Cola Company (KO)vsLincoln Educational Services (LINC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

The Coca-Cola Company generates 8683% more annual revenue ($50.13B vs $570.78M). KO leads profitability with a 28.6% profit margin vs 4.0%. LINC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.72. KO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).

KO

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 9.5Value: 3.3Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 2.49

LINC

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 8.0Profit: 5.0Value: 4.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.90
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

KOSignificantly Overvalued (-40.1%)

Margin of Safety

-40.1%

Fair Value

$63.02

Current Price

$88.29

$25.27 premium

UndervaluedFair: $63.02Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for LINC.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

KO5 strengths · Avg: 9.4/10
Market CapQuality
$379.87B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
39.6%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 40 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
34.9%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 34.9%

Profit MarginProfitability
28.6%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$5.10B8/10

Generating 5.1B in free cash flow

LINC2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
22.4%8/10

Revenue surging 22.4% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
20.0%8/10

Earnings expanding 20.0% YoY

Areas to Watch

KO4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
26.5x4/10

Moderate valuation

Price/BookValuation
10.5x4/10

Trading at 10.5x book value

Debt/EquityHealth
1.203/10

Elevated debt levels

PEG RatioValuation
3.992/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

LINC4 concerns · Avg: 3.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.724/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
34.9x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.904/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Market CapQuality
$808.26M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : KO

The strongest argument for KO centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.6% and operating margin at 34.9%.

Bull Case : LINC

The strongest argument for LINC centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 22.4% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : KO

The primary concerns for KO are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Debt/Equity.

Bear Case : LINC

The primary concerns for LINC are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score. Thin 4.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

KO profiles as a mature stock while LINC is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

LINC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.85 — expect wider price swings.

LINC is growing revenue faster at 22.4% — sustainability is the question.

KO generates stronger free cash flow (5.1B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

KO scores higher overall (63/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 28.6% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

The Coca-Cola Company

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · BEVERAGES - NON-ALCOHOLIC · USA

The Coca-Cola Company is an American multinational beverage corporation incorporated under Delaware's General Corporation Law and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The Coca-Cola Company has interests in the manufacturing, retailing, and marketing of nonalcoholic beverage concentrates and syrups.

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Lincoln Educational Services

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES · USA

Lincoln Educational Services Corporation offers various career-oriented postsecondary education services to high school graduates and working adults in the United States. The company is headquartered in West Orange, New Jersey.

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