12 Best Performing Dow Stocks to Buy Now

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

Year-to-date return as of December 10: 13.53% 

Analysts’ Upside Potential as of December 10: 11.31%

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) is among the Best Performing Stocks.

According to a December 2 update from TheFly, The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) revealed more innovation and possibilities for bolt-on M&A.

Henrique Braun will succeed James Quincey as CEO of The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) on March 31, 2026, according to a December 10 CNBC report. Furthermore, Braun will be nominated to the board of directors. According to CNBC, Quincey, 60, who took over as CEO in 2017, will continue to serve as executive chairman. Braun began working for the company in 1996 and was appointed COO at the beginning of 2025. According to The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO), the change in leadership coincides with the company’s efforts to address the slowdown in customer demand for soft drinks.

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO)’s global unit case volume increased 1% in the third quarter after falling in the previous one, according to CNBC. Quincey has previously stated that lower-income consumers have lowered their purchases, prompting the firm to provide cheaper and smaller product offerings. Additionally, CNBC pointed out that more costly brands like Fairlife and Smartwater have recently outperformed the company’s beverage line.

According to CNBC, The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) has surpassed PepsiCo under Quincey’s leadership due to its more robust out-of-home operation. Its namesake brand remains the best-selling soda in the United States, and according to CNBC, Sprite beat out Pepsi to become the country’s third-best-selling beverage.

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) shares have climbed by 13.53% YTD, while Pepsi shares have decreased by more than 0.78%.