12 Best Defensive Stocks To Buy Right Now

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9. The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 69

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) is a beverage company. In the third quarter of 2024, Coca-Cola reported a 9% increase in organic revenues, driven by a 10% growth in price/mix, despite a 1% decline in net revenues to $11.9 billion. The company’s comparable operating margin improved to 30.7% from 29.7% in the prior year, indicating effective cost management and operational efficiency. Coca-Cola achieved a 5% increase in comparable EPS, reaching $0.77 in Q3 2024, reflecting its ability to enhance shareholder value. The company also gained value share in the total nonalcoholic ready-to-drink beverages segment, underscoring its strong brand presence and consumer demand. The firm has an impressive dividend history with 62 years of consistent growth and uninterrupted payouts.

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