The Coca-Cola Company (KO)vsStarbucks Corporation (SBUX)
KO
The Coca-Cola Company
$78.42
-0.01%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $337.40B
SBUX
Starbucks Corporation
$104.93
+0.64%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $118.83B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
The Coca-Cola Company generates 28% more annual revenue ($49.28B vs $38.47B). KO leads profitability with a 27.8% profit margin vs 3.9%. SBUX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.79. KO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (B-).
KO
Strong Buy65
out of 100
Grade: B-
SBUX
Hold49
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-22.2%
Fair Value
$64.19
Current Price
$78.42
$14.23 premium
Margin of Safety
+26.6%
Fair Value
$135.09
Current Price
$104.93
$30.16 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 43 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 35.1%
Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Generating 1.8B in free cash flow
Large-cap with strong market position
Earnings expanding 32.6% YoY
Areas to Watch
Trading at 10.0x book value
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
3.9% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
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 : SBUX
The strongest argument for SBUX centers on Market Cap, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : KO
The primary concerns for KO are Price/Book, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : SBUX
The primary concerns for SBUX are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 79.6x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
KO profiles as a mature stock while SBUX is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
SBUX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.01 — expect wider price swings.
KO is growing revenue faster at 12.1% — 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. SBUX offers better value entry with a 26.6% margin of safety. 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 →Starbucks Corporation
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA
Starbucks Corporation is an American multinational chain of coffeehouses and roastery reserves headquartered in Seattle, Washington. As the world's largest coffeehouse chain, Starbucks is seen to be the main representation of the United States' second wave of coffee culture.
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