New York, Feb 10, 2026, 10:39 (ET) — Regular session
- Coca-Cola shares dipped after the company announced a 2026 organic revenue growth target that missed Wall Street’s forecasts.
- The soda maker fell short on fourth-quarter revenue but surpassed expectations on adjusted profit.
- Traders are closely monitoring management’s breakdown of demand, pricing, and the upcoming CEO transition in March.
Coca-Cola shares fell Tuesday following a forecast of slower growth in 2026 and a quarterly sales miss, weighing on KO early in the session. The stock dropped roughly 1.5% to $76.80, hitting a session low of $74.74.
This guidance carries weight because Coca-Cola’s stock trades as a reliable growth play, with investors banking on its knack for raising prices without shedding too many customers. A weaker forecast now demands a closer look at volume trends, especially as consumers grow pickier.
This comes as the packaged-food aisle faces growing resistance. Investors are keen to see if the next growth phase will come from raising prices, selling more units, or moving toward newer “better-for-you” options.
Coca-Cola reported softer soda demand in North America and Asia, and forecasted organic revenue growth of 4% to 5% for 2026—falling short of analysts’ 5.3% expectations. Incoming CEO Henrique Braun, taking the helm on March 31, told analysts the company must accelerate its pace, saying, “We need to get closer to the consumer,” and added that “our innovation today is not where it needs to be.” Jefferies analyst Kaumil Gajrawala weighed in, noting the market “likely wanted more.” (Reuters)
The update came alongside an SEC filing detailing the company’s fourth-quarter and full-year results for 2025. (SEC)
Coca-Cola reported a 2% jump in fourth-quarter net revenues, reaching $11.82 billion, with adjusted earnings per share at 58 cents. Operating income took a 32% hit, dragged down by a $960 million non-cash impairment tied to the BODYARMOR trademark. Looking ahead, the company projects comparable EPS growth between 7% and 8% by 2026. “I’m encouraged by our performance in 2025,” CEO James Quincey said. (Business Wire)
The quarter had its awkward moments: Coca-Cola missed revenue expectations despite gains in volume and pricing. The report pointed to Coke Zero Sugar’s standout growth. Zero Sugar volumes jumped 13% worldwide, while traditional sparkling soda volumes stayed flat, MarketWatch noted. (MarketWatch)
In North America, Coca-Cola reported a 1% rise in unit case volumes this quarter, bouncing back after several periods of flat or shrinking sales. The company also introduced 7.5-ounce mini cans in convenience stores to offer more affordable options for budget-conscious customers, according to the Associated Press. (AP News)
Traders know the drill: pricing carries most of the weight, but the volume line reveals if the brand is actually gaining ground on a more competitive shelf. The incoming CEO is zeroing in on speed — quicker product launches and execution — which could mean ramping up spending before growth kicks in.
The downside is clear. If consumer pressure intensifies, rising prices might further curb demand, while competition in Asia ramps up. Currency fluctuations and portfolio shifts add complexity, and one-off hits like the BODYARMOR write-down fuel debate over what “true” earnings power really is.
Investors are gearing up to track Coca-Cola’s next moves after earnings, especially its Feb. 17 presentation at the CAGNY 2026 Conference. They’ll also be looking closely for updates on the CEO transition planned for March 31. (Coca Colacompany)
