Coca-Cola Q4 results: shares down 7% after earnings revenue meets estimates

Coca-Cola’s fourth-quarter (Q4) revenue met expectations, but Wall Street wasn’t pleased. Coca-Cola’s shares fell about 7% after a weak growth forecast.

Coca-Cola Q4 earnings: key figures

Coca-Cola earnings

Coca-Cola’s earnings per share (EPS) were $0.43. The EPS matched the $0.43 estimate of financial experts. Coca-Cola’s revenue was $7.06 billion, slightly more than the $7.04 billion expected by Wall Street. The corporation’s net sales were $7.06 billion, more than the projected $7.04 billion.

However, the beverage maker’s net sales fell by 6% because of currency volatility in addition to increasing transportation and import costs. Sales decreased in emerging markets like Central America, but jumped in India and Eastern Europe with purchases of the popular Coca-Cola Zero Sugar drinks. Chief executive officer, James Quincey, spoke about Coca-Cola’s Q4 results in a statement.

‘Our results demonstrate progress in our transformation as a consumer-centric, total beverage company and the power of a more strategically aligned system. Coca-Cola has established a strong foundation to capitalise on long-term growth opportunities and drive sustained shareowner value,’ said Quincey.

What do Coca-Cola’s Q4 results mean for their share price?

Coca-Cola’s Q4 results could have a negative impact on its current share price of $47.78. The company’s stock has fallen after a lackluster revenue report and weak guidance for Q1.

How do Coca-Cola’s Q4 results compare to other beverage stocks?

Coca-Cola’s Q4 results are the first of major soft drink companies to report in 2019. Pepsi and Monster Beverage will report their earnings later this month, but all of the beverage companies’ stocks are on a downward trend.

What is Coca-Cola’s dividend forecast?

Coca-Cola’s dividend forecast is disappointing to financial analysts. The corporation predicted adjusted Q1 EPS of $2.08, less than the expected $2.23 per share. The beverage company’s European division also had a dire prediction for the economy that could affect sales.

‘Economic growth in 2019 is forecast to slow down in a number of our markets, which is likely to negatively impact consumer spending in the established and developing segments’, said Coca-Cola HBC AG in a statement today.

While Coca-Cola had a worse-than-expected EPS forecast, the company is optimistic about its revenue. Coca-Cola’s revenue is projected to grow by 4% in Q1.