S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats List: Sorted By Hedge Fund Sentiment

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

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 81

Warren Buffett’s favorite, The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) is an American multinational beverage company. In Q4 2024, the company reported revenue of $11.5 billion, reflecting a 6.5% increase from the prior year. Organic revenue grew by 14%, driven by a 9% rise in price/mix and a 5% increase in concentrate sales. Throughout the year, the company expanded its market share across its beverage portfolio, with Coca-Cola Zero Sugar standing out, posting a 13% increase in unit volume during the fourth quarter. The company’s innovative marketing strategies have driven strong performance, contributing to approximately $40 billion in retail sales growth for its flagship brand over the past three years.

The Coca-Cola Company’s (NYSE:KO) strong organic revenue growth, margin expansion, and steady EPS gains in a difficult market underscore its operational strength. Despite industry challenges such as concerns over GLP-1 weight loss drugs, tariffs, foreign exchange pressures, and inflation, Coca-Cola has effectively managed these obstacles, further solidifying its position as a top-tier performer in the sector. The stock is up by over 15% since the start of 2025.

In the latest quarter, The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) demonstrated strong cash flow, producing $2.9 billion from operations and $1.6 billion in free cash flow. It also sustained a healthy adjusted operating margin of 30.7%, reflecting solid profitability. With a remarkable history of increasing dividends for more than 62 consecutive years, the company continues to be a top choice for income-focused investors. The company’s quarterly dividend comes in at $0.485 per share for a dividend yield of 2.86%, as of February 23.