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Investing.com - UBS has reiterated its Buy rating and $82.00 price target on Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) following meetings with company executives at the UBS 2025 Global Technology and AI Conference. This target represents approximately 16% upside from the current price of $70.51, aligning with the broader analyst consensus that rates KO a "Buy" with targets ranging from $72 to $85.
The investment firm hosted a fireside chat with Coca-Cola’s Global Vice President & Head of Generative AI, Pratik Thakar, and Senior Director of IR, Joseph Lovas, earlier this week at the conference.
Discussions primarily focused on how Coca-Cola has been implementing and utilizing AI and Generative AI across various business functions, according to UBS analyst Peter Grom.
UBS noted that while AI implementation remains in the "very early innings" across the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, the firm gained "greater appreciation" for how this technology can impact the sector.
The investment bank highlighted that Coca-Cola has positioned itself as an "early adopter" of AI technology, which UBS believes should drive stronger engagement and improved execution for the beverage giant over the long term.
In other recent news, Coca-Cola’s third-quarter performance has drawn significant attention from analysts. The company reported a 6% year-over-year growth in organic revenue, surpassing Goldman Sachs’ estimate of 4.7% and the consensus expectation of 4.3%. Coca-Cola’s earnings per share reached $0.82, exceeding analyst estimates that ranged from $0.76 to $0.78. Following these results, several firms have adjusted their price targets for Coca-Cola. BofA Securities raised its target to $80 while maintaining a Buy rating, citing insights from its Bottler Checks report. Piper Sandler also increased its target to $81, highlighting potential margin improvements due to productivity savings. TD Cowen adjusted its target to $80, noting strong organic sales and earnings performance. Meanwhile, Goldman Sachs raised its target to $72, maintaining a Neutral rating. Additionally, Centurium Capital, which backs Luckin Coffee, is considering a bid for Costa Coffee, currently owned by Coca-Cola.
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