Q2 Preview: Coca-Cola (KO) Investors to Focus on China, Europe Given Recent Macro Trends

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Shares of Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO) are looking a little weak Monday heading into second-quarter results, expected out before markets open tomorrow, July 17th. The company will be holding a webcast Tuesday morning at 9:30am EDT. Click here to access the webcast.

Analysts are currently looking for Coca-Cola to report EPS of $1.19 on revs of $12.99 billion. Earnings compare with $1.17 per share reported in the same period last year and Estimize views expecting of $1.20.

Coca-Cola moved 6.4 percent higher in the quarter to $78.19 at the end of June. The stock is down 2 percent since then, but up over 11 percent in 2012.

Analyst Views
Data from Bloomberg has 18 analysts at Buy on Coca-Cola stock, eight with a Neutral rating, and none at Sell.

The Street's price target average is $81, ranging from $76 to $85. Over the last year, shares of Coca-Cola have traded within the range of $63.34 to $79.36. Of note, the stock is approaching its 50-day SMA, currently at $75.96.

Analyst Comments

• Goldman Sachs sees EPS of $1.17, citing slowdown in volume growth and currency risk. According to the firm, volume will rise 2.9 percent in the quarter, down from 4.7 percent in the first quarter. Factors behind the outlook include tougher comps, unfavorable weather in Europe, and overall softer sales in China. North America should see a 1.2 percent increase in volume.
  
  Productivity and the flat pricing environment should aid Coca-Cola in keeping margins in place. Goldman sees a bit of potential in Q2 from easier commodity cost headwinds.
  
  Goldman will be looking for commentary on China and Europe with the call, given recent outlooks from other consumer staples.
  
  
• Wells Fargo is looking for EPS of $1.20 and sales of $12.93 billion. The firm thinks Coca-Cola doesn't have to do anything special to move the stock higher, just keep on its current trajectory. Wells is modeling global volume growth of 3.4 percent, gross margins up 13 basis points to 61.1 percent, and operating margins up about 17 basis points to 26.5 percent.
  
  Wells will be keeping an eye on global trends, particularly Asia with the region still expected to be a big contributor in 2012. Commentary on Coca-Cola's recent foray into dairy-based products as well as Core Power distribution will be expected.
  
  The upcoming Olympics could provide a nice boost given lagging sales growth in Europe.

Stay tuned to StreetInsider.com's EPS Insider section to see our analysis of the highly-anticipated quarterly results within seconds of their release. You can also check out Coca-Cola's past performance at Streetinsider's Coca-Cola's Income Statement.

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