when did coca cola stock split: timeline
Coca‑Cola stock split
when did coca cola stock split — this article explains the question for both The Coca‑Cola Company (ticker KO) and Coca‑Cola Consolidated, Inc. (ticker COKE). You will learn what a stock split is, the most recent split actions for each issuer, how splits affect shareholders and trading, where to find official records, and practical steps investors should take to confirm split details. The article covers the KO 2‑for‑1 split that took effect in 2012 and the Coca‑Cola Consolidated 10‑for‑1 split implemented in 2025.
Companies covered
The Coca‑Cola Company (KO)
The Coca‑Cola Company (commonly called Coca‑Cola) is a global beverage company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Its common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol KO. When asking "when did coca cola stock split" most searches refer to KO because it is the large, widely held operating company that owns the Coca‑Cola brand and concentrates business.
Coca‑Cola Consolidated, Inc. (COKE)
Coca‑Cola Consolidated, Inc. is an independent bottler and distributor of Coca‑Cola branded beverages in the United States and trades on the NASDAQ under the ticker COKE. Its corporate actions, including stock splits, are separate from The Coca‑Cola Company. Searches for "when did coca cola stock split" may also refer to COKE when investors mean the bottler.
What is a stock split?
A stock split is a corporate action that increases the number of shares outstanding by issuing additional shares to existing shareholders, typically at a fixed ratio (forward split). A 2‑for‑1 split doubles the share count so each holder gets one additional share for every share held; a 10‑for‑1 split gives nine additional shares for each share held. Stock splits proportionally reduce the per‑share price so that the company’s market capitalization does not change solely because of the split. Common motives include improving liquidity, widening accessibility for retail investors, and aligning share price with market or board objectives.
Recent split events
The Coca‑Cola Company (KO) — most recent split
When did Coca‑Cola stock split for KO? The most recent split for The Coca‑Cola Company was a 2‑for‑1 stock split that took effect on August 13, 2012. As of August 13, 2012, The Coca‑Cola Company implemented a 2‑for‑1 forward split for its common stock, doubling the number of outstanding shares while halving the per‑share price on a split‑adjusted basis. Historical corporate records and the company's investor relations pages provide the full list of earlier splits stretching back through the 20th century.
Coca‑Cola Consolidated (COKE) — 10‑for‑1 split (2025)
When did Coca‑Cola stock split for the bottler COKE? As of May 27, 2025, according to Coca‑Cola Consolidated press release and the company's proxy materials, Coca‑Cola Consolidated's stockholders approved and the company implemented a 10‑for‑1 forward stock split. Under that action, shareholders received nine additional shares for each share held, and COKE shares began trading on a split‑adjusted basis on or about May 27, 2025. The company published the exact record and distribution dates in its press release and SEC filings surrounding the corporate action.
Note: The phrase "when did coca cola stock split" may refer to either KO or COKE; this section clarifies the most recent split for both issuers based on company announcements and investor relations records.
Historical split timelines
The Coca‑Cola Company (KO) — full history (summary)
The Coca‑Cola Company has a long history of stock splits through the 20th century into the 21st century. Major split events include multiple forward splits (commonly 2‑for‑1 or similar ratios) occurring periodically to keep shares at a desired trading range. The last KO split was the 2‑for‑1 split effective August 13, 2012. For a precise, authoritative list of all KO splits and effective dates, refer to The Coca‑Cola Company's investor relations split history and SEC filings. Investors asking "when did coca cola stock split" for KO should consult those official resources when they need exact historical dates for dividends, back‑testing, or accounting adjustments.
Coca‑Cola Consolidated (COKE) — full history (summary)
Coke Consolidated's publicly listed history is shorter; the bottler has completed prior splits including a 2‑for‑1 split in 1984 and sporadic corporate actions since. The most notable recent action was the forward 10‑for‑1 split approved in 2025 and implemented with split‑adjusted trading beginning on or about May 27, 2025. For a complete list of prior splits and effective dates for COKE, investors should review Coca‑Cola Consolidated's investor relations materials and relevant SEC filings.
Mechanics and record dates
How a forward split typically works:
- Announcement: The company announces the split ratio and the record and distribution dates.
- Record date: The date used to determine shareholders entitled to receive the additional shares.
- Distribution (issue) date: The date on which additional shares are issued to entitled holders and brokerages update holdings.
- First split‑adjusted trading day: The first day the stock trades with the new, lower per‑share price and increased share count reflected.
Impact on shareholders and markets
Key effects shareholders should expect when thinking about "when did coca cola stock split" and related outcomes:
- No change in proportional ownership: A split does not change a shareholder's percentage ownership of the company; each holder receives additional shares in proportion to existing holdings.
- Per‑share price adjustment: The per‑share price is reduced proportionally to the split ratio (e.g., 2‑for‑1 halves the price; 10‑for‑1 reduces it to one‑tenth).
- Market capitalization unchanged at the moment of split: The aggregate market value of outstanding shares remains the same immediately after a split, absent market reactions.
- Potential liquidity effects: Splits can increase share count and may improve trading liquidity and retail accessibility; some investors view lower per‑share prices as psychologically more attractive.
- Dividends: Companies that pay dividends may adjust dividend per share amounts proportionally (total dividend dollar amount typically remains the same until the board decides otherwise).
Where to find official information
For authoritative answers to "when did coca cola stock split" and precise legal details, consult the following sources (company names and documents only; no external URLs are provided here):
- The Coca‑Cola Company investor relations: split history pages and press releases that list effective dates and ratios.
- Coca‑Cola Consolidated press release and proxy materials (2025) detailing the 10‑for‑1 split with record and distribution dates.
- SEC filings: Form 8‑K, proxy statements, and other filings that record corporate actions.
- Exchange notices: NYSE and NASDAQ corporate action notices that confirm when shares will trade on a split‑adjusted basis.
Tax and brokerage considerations
Stock splits are generally non‑taxable events for U.S. federal income tax purposes; they change the number of shares held and the per‑share cost basis (the total cost basis is typically allocated across the increased number of shares). However, exact tax rules can vary by jurisdiction and individual circumstances. Brokerage statements will reflect the updated share counts and adjusted cost basis after the distribution date; if your brokerage does not show the correct adjustment promptly, contact your broker's support. For tax reporting, consult a qualified tax advisor and review the company's official filings for the distribution and record dates that determine taxable treatments where applicable.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q: When did Coca‑Cola stock split for KO and COKE?
A: For KO, the most recent split was a 2‑for‑1 that took effect August 13, 2012. For COKE, a 10‑for‑1 split was approved and implemented with shares trading on a split‑adjusted basis on or about May 27, 2025.
Q: Will my percentage ownership change after a split?
A: No. A forward split does not change your percentage ownership in the company; you simply hold more shares at a proportionally lower price per share.
Q: How will dividends be handled after a split?
A: If a company pays a cash dividend, the dividend per share is typically adjusted to account for the increased number of shares so that the total cash received by a shareholder remains consistent unless the board changes dividend policy.
Q: How can I find split‑adjusted historical prices?
A: Financial data providers and the company's investor relations pages typically provide split‑adjusted historical price series. When analyzing historical price performance around a split, confirm whether the data has been adjusted for all relevant corporate actions (splits, dividends, spin‑offs).
Historical examples and market context
Examples help illustrate the consequences investors see during and after splits. The KO 2‑for‑1 split in 2012 doubled share counts and adjusted the per‑share price; trading continued as normal with investor attention concentrated on company fundamentals. For the COKE 10‑for‑1 split in 2025, shareholders received nine extra shares per share held and trading began on a split‑adjusted basis around May 27, 2025. In many cases, split announcements lead to short‑term trading volume increases as retail and institutional investors rebalance positions, but long‑term returns depend on the issuer's performance.
As of May 27, 2025, according to Coca‑Cola Consolidated press release, the 10‑for‑1 split was completed and shares traded on a split‑adjusted basis. As of August 13, 2012, according to The Coca‑Cola Company investor communications, KO executed its 2‑for‑1 split. Investors seeking to verify share counts, trading volumes, or market capitalization figures at those times should consult the companies' SEC filings and exchange notices for precise, timestamped metrics.
Practical checklist for shareholders
If you're researching "when did coca cola stock split" for investment records, tax reporting, or portfolio reconciliation, follow this checklist:
- Locate the company press release or Form 8‑K announcing the split to find record, distribution, and effective trading dates.
- Check your broker statement on and after the distribution date to confirm updated share counts and cost basis adjustments.
- Download split‑adjusted historical prices from your data provider or the issuer's investor relations site for back‑testing or performance charts.
- Consult a tax advisor if you have questions about basis allocation or reporting requirements in your jurisdiction.
- For trading in crypto or web3 assets associated with company news, consider Bitget and Bitget Wallet for secure access and wallet management.
See also
- Stock split
- Reverse stock split
- Corporate actions
- The Coca‑Cola Company
- Coca‑Cola Consolidated
References
Primary sources used for this article (titles and dates):
- Coca‑Cola Consolidated press release and proxy materials regarding the 10‑for‑1 split (May 2025). As of May 27, 2025, the company reported trading on a split‑adjusted basis.
- Nasdaq and financial media coverage summarizing Coca‑Cola Consolidated's 10‑for‑1 split and timeline (May 2025 reporting).
- The Coca‑Cola Company investor relations split history and press releases; KO's most recent split was effective August 13, 2012.
- Company SEC filings (Form 8‑K and proxy statements) for the relevant corporate actions.
Notes on scope and usage
This article treats The Coca‑Cola Company (KO) and Coca‑Cola Consolidated (COKE) as separate issuers because they are distinct public companies. The dates and mechanics provided above are based on company announcements and authoritative investor relations records. For legal record dates, distribution mechanics, or tax treatment, always consult the issuer's official filings and a qualified advisor.
Further exploration: If you want, I can expand the KO split history into a complete chronological list of every split date and ratio, or provide the exact COKE 2025 split timetable with the record date, distribution date and first split‑adjusted trading day drawn directly from the company's proxy materials and press release. To research split‑adjusted historical prices or reconcile brokerage records, access the company's investor relations pages and SEC filings, or contact your broker.
Looking for practical next steps? Explore more company corporate actions on issuer investor relations sites and manage trading or wallet needs with Bitget and Bitget Wallet for secure access and portfolio tracking.
FAQ summary
In short: "when did coca cola stock split" — KO most recently on August 13, 2012 (2‑for‑1); COKE most recently around May 27, 2025 (10‑for‑1). Confirm these events and the precise record/distribution dates in the companies’ official press releases and SEC filings.
