Coca-Cola 2009 4 Q and Full Year results

The Coca-Cola Company reports solid fourth quarter 2009 operating results, with unit case volume increasing five percent, successfully cycling four percent growth in the prior year quarter.

For the full year, unit case volume increased three percent, in line with the company's long-term volume target. Internationally, the company achieved broad-based unit case volume growth of six percent in the fourth quarter, cycling six percent growth in the prior year quarter.

In the quarter, unit case volume increased strongly in key emerging markets (China +29 percent, India +20 percent), developing markets (Brazil +8 percent, Mexico +4 percent) and developed markets (France +12 percent, Germany +3 percent).

Further, in the 118 countries with per capita consumption of company products less than 150 eight-ounce servings per year, Coca-Cola achieved 12 percent unit case volume growth in the quarter.

The company gained volume and value share globally in nonalcoholic ready-to-drink (NARTD) beverages for the tenth consecutive quarter with share gains across most key categories. For the year, the company gained volume and value share in total NARTD beverages as well as in both the sparkling and still beverage categories.

The combined power of the global "Open Happiness" campaign and the strength of holiday programs drove growth in brand Coca-Cola.