Coca-Cola Surges on Strong Q4 Results, Beating Estimates

Coca-Cola (KO) reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter results Tuesday, sending shares of the world's biggest soft drink maker higher in premarket trading. The beverage giant reported $11.54 billion in revenue, above the $10.85 billion posted a year ago and the $10.77 billion Visible Alpha consensus. Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.55 beat last year's $0.49 and the $0.52 expectation.

Last quarter, Coca-Cola shares lost ground as a surprise drop in unit case volumes offset better-than-expected results. Global unit case volumes grew 2% in Q4, led by a 6% gain in the Asia Pacific region. Coca-Cola's results come a week after rival PepsiCo (PEP) reported sales that fell short of estimates for a third consecutive quarter.



Coca-Cola's strong performance can be attributed to its strategic focus on returnable glass bottles, which have provided both cost advantages and pricing flexibility in different markets. The company has an expansive footprint for returnable glass bottles across more than 110 countries, with a growth rate that outpaced total company volume growth in 2024, adding 1.6 billion unit cases to total company volume performance. Returnable glass bottles serve as both an affordable and premium package that can be tailored to local market needs. In developed markets across Western Europe, the bottle is a key premium package in away-from-home channels, while in certain developing and emerging markets, returnable glass bottles are an affordable offering that enables the company to recruit consumers and develop the commercial beverage industry. In 2018, the company launched a universal returnable glass bottle in Latin America, aimed at further reducing input costs, increasing collectability, and expanding beverage offerings. The universal bottle has quickly expanded to markets around the world, including Germany, South Africa, and Vietnam, with more opportunities ahead.

Coca-Cola Zero Sugar has also experienced significant growth, with a 13% increase in Q4 2024 and a 9% rise for the full year. This strong performance can be attributed to several specific factors, including portfolio innovation, marketing and branding, consumer preferences, and market execution. Coca-Cola's ability to execute effectively in local markets has contributed to its success, with the company expanding its market presence by adding over 250,000 new outlets and nearly 600,000 new coolers in 2024, indicating strong market execution.

Coca-Cola's 'all-weather' strategy has enabled it to maintain pricing power and grow volume in key markets by focusing on revenue growth management (RGM), strategic pricing, and effective market execution. The company's strong performance in Q4 2024 demonstrates its ability to navigate regional performance variations and maintain its competitive position in the global beverage industry.

In conclusion, Coca-Cola's strong Q4 results, with mixed performance metrics, highlight the company's ability to maintain pricing power and grow volume in key markets. The company's strategic focus on returnable glass bottles, portfolio innovation, and effective market execution have contributed to its success. As Coca-Cola continues to adapt to evolving consumer preferences and market dynamics, investors can expect the company to maintain its competitive position in the global beverage industry.