Jefferies Raises Coca-Cola (KO) Target as “Easy Protein” Trend Gains Momentum

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) is included among the 14 High Growth Dividend Paying Stocks to Invest in Now.

On March 16, Jefferies raised the firm’s price recommendation on The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) to $90 from $87. It reiterated a Buy rating on the shares. The analyst pointed to a broader shift in consumer habits, noting that protein is becoming more mainstream. Products that offer “easy protein,” such as yogurt, snacks, bars, and shakes, are expected to see strong demand as consumers look for convenient and cost-effective options with higher protein content. The firm also maintains Buy ratings on BellRing Brands (BRBR) and Simply Good Foods (SMPL), citing their exposure to this trend and attractive valuations.

On March 2, CNBC reported that Coca-Cola returned $8.8 billion in dividends to shareholders last year. That brings the total to roughly $102 billion paid out since January 1, 2010. The company remains part of a select group of American businesses that make up a large portion of Berkshire Hathaway’s portfolio. CEO Greg Abel, who succeeded Warren Buffett on January 1, said in his first annual letter to shareholders that Coca-Cola is one of the businesses “we understand well, have a high regard for their leaders, and expect will compound over decades.”

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) operates as a global beverage company. Its segments include Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Latin America, North America, Asia Pacific, and Bottling Investments. It sells a wide range of brands across multiple beverage categories worldwide.

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