Better Buy: Coca-Cola vs. Philip Morris

The key to global success for consumer companies is building a strong brand, and you won't find two better examples of how to go about doing that than Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO)and Philip Morris International (NYSE: PM). Their iconic Coke soft drinksand Marlboro cigaretteshave enjoyed continuous popularity around the world for a long time -- and in the case of Philip Morris International, since long before it split from its U.

S. parent.