Coca-Cola (KO, Financial) climbed 3.7% higher in early trading Tuesday after its Q4 earnings report surpassed organic sales forecasts. The beverage giant posts 6.5% year-over-year revenue growth, reaching $11.5 billion for the quarter ending December 31. Earnings per share register at $0.55, outpacing the $0.52 consensus and reinforcing market confidence. CEO James Quincey highlights the company's global reach and local-market expertise as key drivers for seizing future opportunities.
Organic revenue jumps 14% against a 7.2% consensus, fueled by robust gains in Latin America, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and North America. This strong performance contrasts sharply with PepsiCo (PEP, Financial), which achieved a modest 2.1% growth over a similar period. Pricing strategies drive revenue as global unit case volume increases by only 2% while concentrating sales lead by three points due to advantageous shipment timing.
The surge in operating income on a currency-neutral basis increased by 22%; in Latin America and North America, gains were 46% and 26%, respectively. Operating margin is consolidated to 23.5% from 21.0%, non-GAAP also improving. For 2014, Coca-Cola saw adjusted organic revenue growth at the full year of roughly 5 to 6%, and EPS guidance went from $2.94 to $2.97. Keurig Dr Peppers (KDP, Financial) gains 0.33%.
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