Coca-Cola (KO) Stock Surges 2.7% as Q1 Results Exceed Expectations—Zero Sugar Powers Growth

Key Highlights First-quarter adjusted earnings per share reached 86 cents, surpassing the 81-cent consensus Revenue increased 12% year-over-year to $12.5 billion, exceeding the $12.2 billion projection Concentrate sales advanced 8%; global unit case volume expanded 3% Company maintains 2026 organic revenue growth outlook of 4% to 5% Coca-Cola Zero Sugar volume surged 13% during the quarter Coca-Cola delivered an impressive first quarter for 2026. The Atlanta-based beverage powerhouse announced adjusted earnings of 86 cents per share, surpassing Wall Street’s consensus estimate of 81 cents. Revenue reached $12.5 billion, marking a 12% increase from the prior year and beating analyst projections of $12.2 billion. $KO (Coca Cola) #earnings are out: pic.twitter.com/JnTgKZykDZ — The Earnings Correspondent (@earnings_guy) April 28, 2026 Shares climbed 2.7% during premarket trading on Tuesday after the earnings release. The Coca-Cola Company, KO The positive results brought relief to investors after the company disappointed with a revenue shortfall in the fourth quarter of 2025—its first miss in more than four years. That earlier misstep had created uncertainty, making this quarter’s outperformance particularly encouraging. Concentrate sales—the syrups and flavoring components supplied to bottling partners—showed impressive momentum, rising 8% during the period. Global unit case volume increased 3%, with notable strength in sparkling beverages, coffee offerings, and tea products. Henrique Braun, the new CEO who assumed leadership in March, described the results as a “strong start to the year” while emphasizing that “so much more we can do as we navigate a dynamic environment.” Zero Sugar Continues Strong Performance Coca-Cola Zero Sugar maintained its position as a cornerstone growth engine for the company. The product posted 13% volume growth in the first quarter, matching its fourth-quarter 2025 performance. The flagship Coca-Cola brand showed more measured expansion,...