Non-Technology Stocks Deliver Strong Gains, Coca-Cola Outshines Meta

The past decade has shown that technology stocks have been incredibly successful, but many investors overlook simple businesses in other sectors. One such sector is Consumer Staples, whose companies face steady demand across various economic conditions.

In fact, some non-technology companies have seen strong performances this year, with their lower-beta nature providing a shield against volatility. For instance, Coca-Cola has gained 26% in 2026, outperforming Meta Platforms' 3% gain. The company's growth outlook remains steady, with estimated earnings growth of 9.7% in 2026 and another 7% in FY27.

Coca-Cola's latest results reflected strength, with Q2 sales climbing 7% YoY to $13.4 billion and EPS jumping 11% to $0.97. The company has also capitalized on consumers' shift toward less-sugary options, with 16% YoY volume growth in Coca-Cola Zero Sugar.

While Consumer Staples stocks are often labeled as 'boring', their stability is undeniable. In fact, investors don't have to buy tech stocks to see great returns, as companies like Coca-Cola have built consistent and dependable growth by doing the simple things exceptionally well.