Coca-Cola Share Count Hits Record Highs Amidst Dividend Hopes

Coca-Cola has been paying dividends for decades and has increased its payout for 64 consecutive years. Its recent dividend yield is 2.4%. To generate $30,000 in yearly dividends from Coca-Cola stock (KO), you'd need to invest in approximately 14,151 shares, which would cost around $1.2 million at the current price of $87 per share.

The company's stability and consistent dividend increases make it an attractive choice for investors seeking regular income without the need to actively manage their portfolio. Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A) owns a 9% stake in Coca-Cola, valued at over $30 billion.

However, some analysts recommend caution when considering investing in Coca-Cola, as its recent forward-looking price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 26 is higher than its five-year average of 23. The Motley Fool's Stock Advisor analyst team has identified alternative stocks that could produce significant returns.