The Coca-Cola Company (KO)vsLincoln Educational Services (LINC)
KO
The Coca-Cola Company
$79.48
+0.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $338.86B
LINC
Lincoln Educational Services
$47.99
-5.16%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $1.47B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
The Coca-Cola Company generates 8948% more annual revenue ($49.28B vs $544.69M). KO leads profitability with a 27.8% profit margin vs 4.1%. KO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 4.02. KO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (B-).
KO
Strong Buy65
out of 100
Grade: B-
LINC
Hold49
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-29.0%
Fair Value
$61.61
Current Price
$79.48
$17.87 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for LINC.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 41 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 35.1%
Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Generating 1.8B in free cash flow
Earnings expanding 133.2% YoY
Revenue surging 22.5% year-over-year
Areas to Watch
Trading at 10.2x book value
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Grey zone — moderate risk
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
4.1% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.5%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : KO
The strongest argument for KO centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.8% and operating margin at 35.1%. Revenue growth of 12.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : LINC
The strongest argument for LINC centers on EPS Growth, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 22.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : KO
The primary concerns for KO are Price/Book, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : LINC
The primary concerns for LINC are Altman Z-Score, Market Cap, Profit Margin. A P/E of 66.4x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 4.1% 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 0.80 — expect wider price swings.
LINC is growing revenue faster at 22.5% — sustainability is the question.
KO generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
KO scores higher overall (65/100 vs 49/100), backed by strong 27.8% margins and 12.1% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" 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.
Visit Website →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.
Compare with Other BEVERAGES - NON-ALCOHOLIC Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?