Coca-Cola’s Q4 Sales Surge Amid Price Hikes, Yet Future Projections Weigh Down Stocks

Coca-Cola experienced a boost in U.S. demand during the fourth quarter, despite implementing price increases.

From October to December, the Atlanta-based beverage leader reported a 1% rise in global unit case volumes, driven by strong performance in the U.S., Japan, and Brazil. In North America, unit case volumes also ascended by 1%, marking a rebound following several stagnant or declining quarters.

The company revealed a 4% price hike in North America and a 1% increase globally during this period. Coca-Cola Zero Sugar emerged as a standout, with a 13% surge in sales. Additionally, there was increased demand for water, sports drinks, coffee, and tea, while sales of juices and dairy products weakened.

Last fall, Coca-Cola noted a growing divide among consumers in North America and Europe. Wealthier customers were gravitating towards premium brands such as Smartwater, Topo Chico, and Fairlife, whereas middle- and lower-income consumers faced more financial strain.

To address affordability, the company recently launched 7.5-ounce mini cans in North American convenience stores.

Despite a 2% revenue increase to $11.8 billion during the October-December period, Coca-Cola fell short of Wall Street’s expectations. Analysts, as surveyed by FactSet, had projected a revenue of $12.05 billion for the quarter.

Net income rose 3% to $2.3 billion. Adjusted for one-time items, the company earned 58 cents per share, or 2 cents better then Wall Street had expected.

Coke said it expects its organic revenue to rise 4% to 5% in 2026. The company’s organic revenue grew 5% last year, and analysts were expecting close to that this year.

Shares fell almost 4% before the opening bell.

Coca-Cola announced in December that Henrique Braun, the company’s current chief operating officer and a 30-year veteran of the company, will become its CEO on March 31. Coke’s current Chairman and CEO, James Quincey, will become executive chairman.