Quick verdict: CCEP vs KR in 2026

When comparing CCEP (Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC) and KR (The Kroger Co.) in 2026, CCEP clearly holds the overall edge across several key financial metrics. CCEP demonstrates superior growth momentum, more attractive valuation multiples, and significantly higher profitability margins, making it a stronger contender for both growth and value-oriented investors. While Kroger presents a higher DCF upside and FCF yield, CCEP is the preferred stock based on its robust fundamentals and stronger analyst sentiment and higher price target upside. This is not investment advice.

CCEP vs KR: key metrics side by side

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

CCEP vs KR valuation comparison

Delving into the CCEP vs KR valuation figures reveals distinct differences, with CCEP appearing considerably more attractive based on conventional multiples. Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC (CCEP) trades at a P/E ratio of 18.46x and a P/B ratio of 4.57x. In contrast, The Kroger Co. (KR) has a significantly higher P/E of 40.8x and a P/B of 6.99x. These metrics suggest that CCEP is currently valued more favorably by the market relative to its earnings and book value, indicating a potentially cheaper entry point for investors considering a `ccep vs kr stock comparison 2026`.

Despite CCEP’s lower current multiples, The Kroger Co. shows a compelling higher discounted cash flow (DCF) upside, estimated at +72.7% compared to CCEP’s +49.5%. This implies that, while KR’s current market price appears higher relative to its historical performance or current earnings, its intrinsic value based on future cash flow projections suggests a much larger potential for appreciation. However, realizing this potential often depends on strong future execution and meeting growth expectations, which can be challenging for a mature grocery retailer. Investors must weigh the lower current valuation of CCEP against the higher implied future value of KR, keeping an eye on `ccep vs kr fundamentals and valuation`.

CCEP vs KR growth comparison

A look into the growth metrics for CCEP and KR highlights Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC (CCEP) as having superior momentum. CCEP reported a revenue growth of +2.3% year-over-year, demonstrating a steady expansion in its beverage sales across its diverse European and Australasian markets. This consistent growth, even in a mature industry, showcases the company’s ability to drive sales through product innovation, market penetration, and effective marketing strategies, which is a key factor in any `ccep vs kr stock comparison 2026`.

Conversely, The Kroger Co. (KR), a leading grocery retailer, reported a more modest revenue growth of +0.4% year-over-year. While still positive, this slower pace reflects the highly competitive and often low-margin nature of the retail grocery sector, where market share gains are hard-won and organic growth can be constrained. CCEP’s stronger revenue growth, coupled with its robust operational margins, suggests it possesses a more dynamic and efficient growth engine compared to Kroger, indicating greater forward momentum for investors seeking growth potential.

CCEP vs KR profitability

When assessing `ccep vs kr profitability`, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC (CCEP) stands out with significantly healthier margins. CCEP boasts a net margin of 9.29% and an EBITDA margin of 16.39%. These strong figures reflect the high-value nature of its branded beverage products and efficient operational management within its distribution network. The company’s ability to command such margins indicates a strong competitive advantage and pricing power in its markets, a critical point for understanding `ccep vs kr fundamentals and valuation`.

In contrast, The Kroger Co. (KR) operates with much thinner margins, typical of the hyper-competitive grocery retail industry. KR reported a net margin of just 0.69% and an EBITDA margin of 5.79%. While its scale allows for substantial revenue ($147.64B vs CCEP’s $20.90B), the profitability per dollar of sales is considerably lower. Despite lower net and EBITDA margins, Kroger does show a superior Free Cash Flow (FCF) yield of 8.46% compared to CCEP’s 6.02%. This indicates that while CCEP is more profitable on an accounting basis, KR generates more cash flow relative to its market capitalization, which can be attractive for investors focused on cash generation. Both companies have an ‘N/A%’ for Return on Equity (ROE), preventing a direct comparison on that specific metric.

Analyst ratings: CCEP vs KR

The analyst ratings and consensus for CCEP and KR show a clear preference for Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC. Of the 28 analysts covering CCEP, a substantial 53.6% have issued a ‘Buy’ rating, reflecting a strong positive sentiment towards the company’s outlook and potential. Their consensus price target for CCEP is $110.6, which implies a notable upside potential of +17.7% from its current price of $93.9643, suggesting confidence in its future performance and intrinsic value for a `ccep vs kr stock comparison 2026`.

For The Kroger Co., a larger pool of 44 analysts provides coverage, with 47.7% recommending a ‘Buy’ rating. While still a positive sentiment, it is slightly less bullish than for CCEP. The consensus target price for KR stands at $74.75, offering a more modest, yet still positive, upside of +13.4% from its current price of $65.91. This indicates that while analysts see growth potential in Kroger, their conviction and projected appreciation for CCEP are higher, aligning with CCEP’s stronger profitability and growth metrics seen in other comparisons.

Should I buy CCEP or KR stock in 2026?

Deciding `should i buy ccep or kr stock in 2026` depends heavily on an investor’s specific objectives and risk tolerance. For investors prioritizing growth, CCEP appears to be the more compelling option. With a revenue growth rate of +2.3% compared to KR’s +0.4%, CCEP demonstrates stronger top-line expansion. Moreover, its significantly higher net margin of 9.29% versus KR’s 0.69% suggests that CCEP’s growth is far more efficient and translates into greater actual profits, making it an attractive prospect for those seeking robust operational performance and expansion.

From a value investment perspective, the `ccep vs kr fundamentals and valuation` data presents a nuanced picture. CCEP generally looks cheaper with a P/E ratio of 18.46x and a P/B of 4.57x, considerably lower than KR’s 40.8x P/E and 6.99x P/B. This suggests CCEP might offer a more favorable entry point based on current earnings and assets. However, KR does offer a higher discounted cash flow (DCF) upside of +72.7% versus CCEP’s +49.5%, implying a deeper intrinsic value that could be unlocked if the company executes on its future growth and efficiency plans. Value investors need to weigh the current lower multiples of CCEP against the higher potential, but perhaps riskier, long-term upside of KR.

For income-focused investors, neither CCEP nor KR currently offers a significant dividend yield to make a definitive choice, as both companies show a modest 0.02% dividend yield. Therefore, income is unlikely to be a primary driver for choosing between these two consumer defensive stocks. Ultimately, CCEP presents a stronger overall financial profile in terms of growth, profitability, and conventional valuation, coupled with more positive analyst sentiment and a higher price target upside. This is not investment advice; always conduct your own thorough research before making any investment decisions.

More CCEP and KR comparisons

CCEP full stock analysis · KR full stock analysis · All stock comparisons

FAQ: CCEP vs KR