Consumers to Feel Inflation Pains Well Into 2027, Coca-Cola's CFO Says -- WSJ

By Laura Cooper

Coca-Cola sees little relief for cash-strapped American consumers come 2027.

"The read on inflation in the U.S. is, I think, there's potentially more pressure at the moment than there was 12 months ago," said John Murphy, the beverage giant's finance chief. "I do think the overall cost environment going into 2027 is going to be challenging."

Coke reported that unit case volume in North America was flat this quarter from the prior year, as growth in trademark Coca-Cola was offset by a decline in sales of water, sports, coffee and tea products.

Consumers across income levels want to know they're getting value from the products they buy, Murphy said. "The consumer at each level is asking 'Is this worth it to me?'"

Despite the pressure on consumers, the company raised its earnings outlook for next year. Shares of Coke were flat in premarket trading.

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(END) Dow Jones Newswires

October 27, 2026 08:31 ET (12:31 GMT)