Quick verdict: CCEP vs KO in 2026

In this CCEP vs KO stock comparison for 2026, the overall edge is a tie in our key metric scorecard, though CCEP holds a slight advantage in valuation and growth potential. CCEP demonstrates stronger growth momentum and offers better value metrics, while KO clearly leads in profitability and has a slightly higher analyst buy consensus percentage. For investors seeking significant upside potential, CCEP appears more attractive based on DCF and price target, whereas KO provides slightly more income. Not investment advice.

CCEP vs KO: key metrics side by side

Full side-by-side comparison of CCEP and KO across valuation, profitability, growth and analyst sentiment. Data updated 2026-05-07.

CCEP vs KO valuation comparison

When assessing CCEP vs KO valuation, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) presents itself as the more attractively valued option based on several key metrics. CCEP trades at a P/E ratio of 18.67x, significantly lower than The Coca-Cola Company’s (KO) P/E of 24.88x. This suggests that investors are paying less for each dollar of CCEP’s earnings compared to KO. Similarly, CCEP’s P/B ratio of 4.63x is substantially lower than KO’s 10.13x, further reinforcing CCEP’s more favorable valuation from a book value perspective.

Beyond traditional multiples, the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) analysis also points to CCEP offering greater potential upside. CCEP’s DCF suggests a potential upside of +47.8% to a fair value of $140.52, while KO’s DCF indicates a +36.3% upside to $108.0. Both companies show significant theoretical undervaluation according to their DCF models, but CCEP’s indicated upside is considerably higher. This comprehensive CCEP vs KO valuation comparison clearly indicates that CCEP is currently cheaper relative to its earnings, book value, and intrinsic value estimates.

CCEP vs KO growth comparison

In terms of growth, CCEP exhibits slightly stronger top-line momentum compared to its parent company, KO. CCEP reported a year-over-year revenue growth of +2.3%, outpacing KO’s +1.9% revenue growth. While the difference appears modest, it highlights CCEP’s ability to drive sales in its specific operating regions, which include Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia. This growth might be attributed to effective market penetration strategies or regional economic factors benefiting CCEP more directly.

Despite KO’s larger revenue base of $47.94B compared to CCEP’s $20.90B, CCEP’s slightly higher growth rate indicates a stronger recent trajectory. KO’s strength, however, lies in its global brand power and extensive franchise system, which provides a solid foundation, even if its growth is slightly slower. While CCEP shows better current revenue growth, KO’s vast scale and established operational efficiency, particularly evident in its superior margins (discussed below), mean it can sustain a large business effectively. For investors prioritizing immediate top-line expansion, CCEP demonstrates stronger momentum in this CCEP vs KO growth comparison.

CCEP vs KO profitability

When analyzing CCEP vs KO profitability, The Coca-Cola Company (KO) stands out with significantly higher margins across the board, demonstrating its superior operational efficiency and brand leverage. KO boasts an impressive net margin of 27.8%, which dwarfs CCEP’s net margin of 9.29%. This substantial difference underscores KO’s asset-light business model, which primarily focuses on concentrate production and brand management, allowing it to capture a larger portion of revenue as profit. Similarly, KO’s EBITDA margin of 37.77% is more than double CCEP’s 16.39%, indicating better operational leverage before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization.

While both companies have an “N/A%” reported for Return on Equity (ROE), which limits a direct comparison on this specific metric, the Free Cash Flow (FCF) yield provides another angle on profitability and cash generation. Here, CCEP takes the lead with an FCF yield of 5.95%, indicating it generates more free cash flow relative to its market capitalization than KO, which has an FCF yield of 3.68%. This suggests that despite KO’s higher margins, CCEP is more efficient at converting its earnings into free cash available to shareholders, which is a crucial factor for investors. While KO maintains higher overall margins, CCEP generates more cash flow relative to its market value, indicating different strengths in how they generate and manage capital.

Analyst ratings: CCEP vs KO

Examining analyst ratings reveals that both CCEP and KO are favorably viewed by the analyst community, with both stocks holding a consensus “Buy” rating. The Coca-Cola Company (KO) garners a higher percentage of “Buy” ratings from analysts, with 60.4% of the 48 analysts covering the stock recommending a buy. This indicates a strong confidence among a broader group of experts in KO’s stable business model and global brand strength. The average price target for KO is $85.71, suggesting a more conservative +8.2% upside from its current price of $79.23.

Conversely, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP), while having a slightly lower percentage of “Buy” ratings at 53.6% from 28 analysts, presents a significantly higher average price target upside. Analysts forecast CCEP to reach $110.6, representing a substantial +16.3% upside from its current price of $95.1. This suggests that while fewer analysts might cover CCEP, those who do see a greater potential for price appreciation. Therefore, while KO is preferred by a larger proportion of analysts, CCEP offers a more compelling target price upside, making it potentially more attractive for investors seeking capital gains.

Should I buy CCEP or KO stock in 2026?

Deciding whether to buy CCEP or KO stock in 2026 depends heavily on an investor’s specific objectives, considering the distinct profiles of these two beverage giants. For growth-oriented investors, CCEP appears to have a slight edge. Its revenue growth of +2.3% is marginally higher than KO’s +1.9%, indicating stronger recent momentum in its operating territories. More compellingly, CCEP’s DCF analysis suggests a significant upside potential of +47.8%, outperforming KO’s +36.3%. This implies that CCEP might offer greater capital appreciation in the long run for investors focused on growth and intrinsic value realization.

For value investors, CCEP also presents a more attractive proposition. Its P/E ratio of 18.67x is notably lower than KO’s 24.88x, and its P/B ratio of 4.63x is substantially below KO’s 10.13x. These metrics suggest that CCEP is currently trading at a more reasonable valuation relative to its earnings and book assets. The higher FCF yield of 5.95% for CCEP compared to KO’s 3.68% further solidifies its position as a strong value play, as it generates more free cash per dollar of market capitalization.

However, for income-focused investors primarily interested in dividends, KO holds a slight advantage. While both companies offer relatively low dividend yields, KO’s 0.03% is marginally higher than CCEP’s 0.02%. KO also boasts superior profitability margins, with a net margin of 27.8% versus CCEP’s 9.29%, suggesting a more robust underlying business model for sustaining dividends over the long term, despite CCEP’s better FCF yield. Ultimately, the choice between CCEP and KO in 2026 hinges on whether you prioritize growth and value (leaning towards CCEP) or stability and slightly higher income (leaning towards KO). This is not investment advice.

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FAQ: CCEP vs KO