Why Coca-Cola Consolidated Stock Plummeted Today

Core Viewpoint - Coca-Cola Consolidated's stock experienced a significant decline following disappointing Q1 earnings, with a 12% drop in share price despite a positive market backdrop [1][2]. Financial Performance - The company reported earnings per share of $11.87 on revenue of$1.58 billion for the quarter, with revenue down 0.7% year over year [3]. - The decline in revenue was attributed to two fewer sales days compared to the previous year, affecting overall sales performance [3]. - Gross profit margin decreased from 40.2% to 39.7%, and gross profit fell by 2% year over year [3]. - Operating income for the quarter was $190 million, reflecting a 12% year-over-year decline [3]. Volume and Pricing Dynamics - Unit volume fell by 6.6% year over year, necessitating pricing increases to maintain revenue levels [4]. - Adjusting for the two fewer sales days, the volume decline would have been 4.5% year over year [4]. - While pricing increases stabilized revenue, they were insufficient to prevent a decline in gross margin [5]. Future Outlook - Continued declines in unit volume could negatively impact future earnings, despite the potential for moderate pricing increases [5].