what is coca cola consolidated stock
Coca‑Cola Consolidated stock (Ticker: COKE)
what is coca cola consolidated stock — this article explains what COKE represents for investors, how the company operates, where the shares trade, and the practical facts equity investors need to monitor and evaluate the security.
In the first 100 words: what is coca cola consolidated stock refers to the common stock of Coca‑Cola Consolidated, Inc., listed on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol COKE. For investors asking "what is coca cola consolidated stock," COKE represents ownership in the largest independent bottler of Coca‑Cola branded beverages in the United States and is a play on beverage distribution, refrigeration and logistics rather than concentrate manufacturing.
This guide is organized to help beginners and experienced investors alike: start with a company overview, then move through listing and share structure, key financial metrics, trading and price history, dividends and buybacks, corporate events, ownership, growth drivers, risks, historical returns, practical buying steps, analyst coverage, and references. Throughout, you'll find dated source notes and pointers to company investor pages and reputable market coverage for verification.
Company overview
Coca‑Cola Consolidated, Inc. is the largest independent bottler of Coca‑Cola Company brands in the United States. The company's core business model involves purchasing concentrate and syrups from The Coca‑Cola Company, bottling those concentrates into finished beverages, distributing products to retailers, operating fountain and vending services, and providing cold‑drink equipment and merchandising. Its revenue mix includes packaged beverages (bottles and cans), fountain sales, equipment rentals and ancillary distribution services.
The company traces its roots to regional bottlers that merged and expanded over decades to form a national independent bottling network. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Coca‑Cola Consolidated grew through strategic acquisitions of smaller bottlers and geographic consolidation, allowing it to serve a broad footprint across the southeastern and midwestern United States as well as other territories. The company serves supermarkets, convenience stores, mass merchandisers, restaurants, vending operators, and foodservice customers.
When investors ask "what is coca cola consolidated stock" they are asking about exposure to this distribution and logistics segment of the beverage value chain — distinct from The Coca‑Cola Company (ticker KO), which manufactures concentrate and owns the brand globally.
Listing and share structure
COKE is listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange using the ticker symbol COKE. The publicly traded security is common stock — there are no widely used multiple public share classes such as distinct Class A or Class B shares for Coca‑Cola Consolidated (investors should confirm any changes on the company's investor relations pages).
Key share structure items investors typically track:
- Exchange and ticker: NASDAQ — COKE.
- Share class: Common stock (single public class historically).
- CUSIP: Investors should confirm the current CUSIP through official company filings or the transfer agent; this number is published in investor relations materials and SEC filings.
- Shares outstanding and public float: The number of shares outstanding and float change over time due to buybacks and issuances; check the latest quarterly report or the company’s trading statistics page for up‑to‑date figures.
- Transfer agent and shareholder services: Coca‑Cola Consolidated publishes transfer agent contact details and shareholder FAQs through its investor relations and shareholder services pages; these resources cover dividend reinvestment, address changes, and direct stock purchase or sale logistics.
As with any equity, confirm share counts and transfer agent details in the latest corporate filings and on the company’s investor relations site.
Key financial metrics and valuation
When evaluating "what is coca cola consolidated stock" from a financial perspective, investors focus on core company metrics rather than brand value (which belongs to The Coca‑Cola Company). The usual metrics include market capitalization, revenue and revenue growth, operating income and net income trends, margins, earnings per share (EPS), price‑to‑earnings (P/E) ratio, price‑to‑sales (P/S), price‑to‑book (P/B), free cash flow, and leverage ratios such as net debt/EBITDA.
Important notes on sourcing figures:
- Use the company’s investor relations pages (financial information and fundamentals/ratios pages) for official revenue, EPS and ratio data. As of recent company filings, revenue and profitability trends, capital expenditures and leverage are summarized in quarterly and annual reports.
- Market data providers and company trading statistics pages publish up‑to‑date market capitalization, current P/E and other valuation metrics. For example, refer to the company’s "Trading Statistics" and "Ratios" sections for the latest computed values.
Because market prices fluctuate, provide a dated snapshot when citing valuation metrics. Example phrasing investors should expect to see in a dated citation: "As of [date], according to the company's trading statistics page, the market capitalization was reported as [value] and the trailing P/E was [value]." Replace placeholders with the live values from the company's IR or market data provider when checking.
What investors typically look for in Coca‑Cola Consolidated's metrics:
- Revenue drivers: Packaged beverages vs. fountain sales mix; per‑case revenue and margin differentials.
- Profitability: Gross margin and operating margin trends indicate how well the company manages bottling, distribution and overhead.
- Cash flow strength: Free cash flow supports dividends and buybacks; capital intensity is driven by distribution assets and refrigeration/equipment investments.
- Leverage: Debt levels relative to EBITDA are crucial because bottlers carry operational assets and financing for equipment and working capital.
For up‑to‑date figures, visit the investor relations financial pages and trading statistics; always include the date of the snapshot when citing numbers.
Trading statistics and price history
Typical trading statistics investors use to answer "what is coca cola consolidated stock" in a market context include the latest or closing price, 52‑week high and low, average daily trading volume, beta (volatility relative to the market), intraday price ranges, and historical price lookup for multi‑period performance.
Practical pointers:
- Historical lookup and interactive charts are published on the company’s investor site for day‑to‑day tracking and long‑term charts. Use those tools to view intraday, daily, monthly, and multi‑year price history.
- Market data providers (financial news sites and company trading statistics) provide average volume and 52‑week high/low. When citing, use dated statements such as: "As of [date], the 52‑week range for COKE was [low] to [high], with average daily share volume of approximately [value]," and cite the data source.
- Beta provides a sense for how much COKE's stock price tends to move relative to the broader market — useful for risk budgeting.
Examples of why trading statistics matter:
- A significant intraday move may be tied to an earnings release or corporate action (see corporate actions below).
- Volume spikes can indicate institutional buying or selling or news‑driven flows; exchange of record and trading statistics pages usually log such changes.
Always check the timestamp on market data — post‑market or pre‑market quotes and delayed feeds differ from real‑time trading on Nasdaq.
Dividends, buybacks and capital return policy
Coca‑Cola Consolidated historically has returned capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, depending on profitability and cash flow. When investigating "what is coca cola consolidated stock" investors ask whether COKE pays a dividend, what the yield is, and whether the company has an active share repurchase program.
Key points:
- Dividend history and yield: The company provides dividend payment history through its investor relations pages and shareholder services. Dividend yield is calculated as annual dividend per share divided by the share price; yields change with market price and dividend changes.
- Dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP): Coca‑Cola Consolidated often provides shareholder services details about whether a DRIP is available and how to enroll. The transfer agent and the shareholder services FAQ page are the authoritative sources for DRIP enrollment and direct deposit of dividend proceeds.
- Share repurchases: The company may authorize buyback programs to repurchase common stock; significant buyback announcements and repurchases are disclosed in press releases and SEC filings. Historically, buybacks reduce shares outstanding and can increase EPS if executed accretively.
When citing specific dividend yields, payout dates, or buyback authorizations, include the effective date from the company announcement or trading statistics page, e.g., "As of [announcement date], the board authorized up to $X in repurchases." For example, recent press coverage and investor updates have highlighted repurchase activity and return‑of‑capital measures; check the investor relations news and SEC filings for exact figures.
Corporate actions and recent notable events
Coke Consolidated’s stock price can react to corporate actions such as quarterly earnings releases, material acquisitions, debt refinancing, major buybacks, changes in senior management or board composition, and large changes in ownership.
Dated reporting examples:
- As of 2025-10-30, financial media reported a notable intraday price move around the company’s earnings or news coverage. For instance, market commentary published on 2025-10-30 highlighted short‑term price reactions tied to earnings and guidance updates.
- As of 2025-11-16, further coverage indicated follow‑on market moves tied to updated guidance or large institutional activity; investors should consult the cited articles and the company investor relations news feed for the exact details and official filings.
Recent corporate events that matter to shareholders include:
- Earnings releases with revenue, margin and guidance updates.
- Announcements of share repurchase program increases or completions.
- Material acquisitions of regional bottlers or distribution assets.
- Changes to the board or executive leadership that could alter strategy.
- Any agreements or amendments with The Coca‑Cola Company that materially affect concentrate supply, pricing, or territories.
For each corporate action, confirm the date and read the related SEC filing or the company press release for exact language and quantifiable details.
Ownership and governance
Ownership structure matters for "what is coca cola consolidated stock" because major shareholders and governance affect control, strategic direction, and stability.
Typical ownership and governance facts to check:
- Major institutional owners: Institutional investors and mutual funds often hold significant blocks in publicly traded bottlers; company filings and market data providers list the largest institutional holders and their percentage ownership.
- The Coca‑Cola Company stake: Historically, The Coca‑Cola Company has maintained business relationships and occasionally held equity stakes in some bottlers. Confirm the current status via the company’s SEC filings and the investor relations site.
- Insider ownership: Executive and board ownership levels can align management incentives with shareholders; check recent proxy statements for details.
- Board composition and key executives: Identify the CEO, CFO, and other named executive officers as well as board members and committee chairs. Governance documents and the corporate governance section of investor relations summarize board independence, committee charters, and governance policies.
When citing ownership percentages, date the statistic (e.g., "As of the most recent proxy filed on [date], [Institution] owned X% of outstanding shares") and consult the company’s filings for confirmation.
Business drivers and growth strategy
Understanding "what is coca cola consolidated stock" requires clarity on the key drivers of Coca‑Cola Consolidated’s revenue and profit.
Primary business drivers:
- Distribution footprint and market share: The company’s revenue grows with geographic reach, retail penetration and distribution agreements.
- Product mix: Growth often depends on higher‑margin product categories (e.g., packaged single‑serve vs. fountain, premium beverages, non‑carbonates) and pricing actions negotiated with retail customers.
- Operational efficiency: Cost controls in bottling, route optimization, fleet efficiency and refrigeration equipment management influence margins.
- Partnerships with The Coca‑Cola Company: Supply agreements for concentrate and brand support and promotional programs impact sales volumes and pricing.
- Capital investments and acquisitions: Investments in packaging lines, cold drink equipment, and strategic acquisitions of regional bottlers can expand sales and improve unit economics.
Strategic initiatives often highlighted by management include improving route density, modernizing cold‑drink equipment, expanding direct store delivery, product innovation and customer promotions. These initiatives seek to increase per‑case profitability, reduce cost per unit distributed, and grow overall market share.
Risks and considerations for investors
Key risk factors that investors should weigh when asking "what is coca cola consolidated stock" include both company‑specific and industry risks:
- Dependence on The Coca‑Cola Company: Coca‑Cola Consolidated’s business depends on concentrate supply agreements and brand health. If concentrate pricing or promotional terms change materially, bottlers’ margins can be affected.
- Input costs and commodity exposure: Packaging (aluminum cans, PET bottles), sweeteners, energy, and transportation costs affect margins. Volatile commodity prices and freight costs can squeeze profitability.
- Distribution and logistics risk: Disruptions in transportation, labor shortages, or logistical bottlenecks can impair delivery and sales.
- Leverage and interest rate risk: Elevated debt levels combined with higher interest rates increase interest expense and may constrain capital return programs.
- Competitive retail environment: Retail pricing, slotting fees, promotions from competitors and private label beverage producers can pressure volume and pricing.
- Regulatory and tax risk: Packaging regulations, recycling mandates and tax policy changes can affect costs.
- Weather and seasonality: Beverage sales are seasonal in many markets, with warmer periods often generating higher volumes; adverse weather can impact distribution and sales.
Investors seeking to understand "what is coca cola consolidated stock" should review the company’s Form 10‑K and Form 10‑Q risk sections for a comprehensive, dated list of material risks and mitigants.
Historical performance and returns
Historical total return for COKE reflects share price appreciation plus dividends and buybacks. To evaluate long‑term performance, investors typically review:
- Multi‑year price charts with dividends reinvested to compute total return.
- Key inflection points such as major acquisitions, macroeconomic cycles, commodity cost spikes, and large buyback announcements.
- Volatility measures and periods of out/under‑performance relative to consumer staples or beverage sector indices.
Use the company’s historical price lookup tool and the interactive chart to generate date‑range returns. For example, to compute a 5‑year total return, pull the share price and dividend history for the relevant start and end dates and apply reinvestment assumptions.
Include specific dated references when citing major inflection events; for instance, note earnings shocks or acquisition dates with the corresponding press release dates. Historical price lookup on the investor site is the primary source for these calculations.
How to buy and hold (practical investor information)
If you want to buy COKE, here are the practical steps and considerations:
- Where to trade: COKE trades on the NASDAQ under the ticker COKE and can be purchased through licensed US brokerages or through supported trading platforms. For web3 users, consider secure custody and settlement options and, when available, Bitget’s trading services and Bitget Wallet for custody-related convenience.
- Order types and settlement: Use standard market or limit orders; equity trades settle under the standard T+2 settlement rule in the U.S. Confirm real‑time quotes and whether your platform shows delayed pricing.
- Dividend reinvestment: If you prefer to reinvest dividends, check whether your brokerage or the company’s transfer agent offers a DRIP. Enrollment instructions appear in shareholder services materials.
- Transfer agent and shareholder services: For direct shareholder questions (dividend checks, proxy materials, stock certificates), consult the transfer agent contact listed in the company’s shareholder services or investor FAQ pages. These resources are helpful if you hold shares directly in registered form.
- Taxes and reporting: Be aware of dividend taxation, capital gains tax on sales, and the need to report transactions on tax filings. Consult a tax advisor for personal tax treatment.
Note: This is factual and procedural information, not investment advice.
Analyst coverage and market perception
Analysts and financial media provide research notes, ratings and price targets that shape short‑term market perception of COKE. Coverage typically appears in:
- Major financial outlets and market data providers with stock quotes and ratings summaries.
- Independent publications and investment research describing catalysts for share moves.
Dated media references:
- As of 2025-10-30, market commentary discussed a price move tied to earnings or guidance revisions.
- As of 2025-11-16, financial coverage highlighted further interest in the stock tied to corporate actions, prompting notable headlines about COKE’s market activity.
When reading coverage, check the publication date and source; analyst ratings and price targets can change quickly based on quarterly results and large‑scale corporate events.
See also
- The Coca‑Cola Company (ticker KO) — manufacturer of concentrate and owner of the brand (distinct from bottling operations).
- Regional bottlers and beverage industry peers — for context on distribution models and competitive dynamics.
- Beverage sector indices and consumer staples ETFs — for macro exposure and relative performance comparisons.
References and data sources
Primary sources to verify the facts in this guide include:
- Coca‑Cola Consolidated investor relations pages (financial information, trading statistics, historical price lookup, ratios and shareholder services) — use these pages for authoritative filings, press releases and numerical snapshots.
- Market data providers and financial news coverage (MarketWatch, Reuters) for market quotes and coverage.
- Independent financial media articles for dated reporting and analyst commentary (examples of recent coverage were published on 2025-10-30 and 2025-11-16 focusing on price moves and investor interest).
As with any financial research, always confirm the date of the data you rely upon. Example dated phrasing: "As of 2025-11-16, according to a market analysis piece, COKE experienced notable trading activity that followed a corporate disclosure." For the latest numerical figures (market cap, price, P/E, dividend yield), check the company’s trading statistics and the most recent filings.
Further reading and verification:
- Company 10‑K and 10‑Q filings for audited financial statements and detailed risk factors.
- Company investor relations news and press releases for formal announcements about buybacks, dividends, acquisitions and leadership changes.
Important: This article is informational and neutral in tone. It does not provide investment advice, recommendations, or endorsements. Verify all figures and dates with the company’s investor relations materials and official filings before making financial decisions. To explore trading and custody options for publicly listed stocks like COKE, consider Bitget services and Bitget Wallet for custody convenience and platform features.
For live quotes, historical price lookups, transfer agent contacts, and official press releases, refer to Coca‑Cola Consolidated’s investor relations pages and filings (check the date on each item cited).
As of 2025-11-16, media coverage noted short‑term price activity for COKE tied to corporate disclosures and market flows. As of 2025-10-30, prior reporting discussed earnings‑related volume spikes. Investors should reference company IR and market data for real‑time figures.


















