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Coca-Cola Wins the Quarter With the Help of Smartwater and Fairlife Brands
Yahoo Financeยท 2025-11-01 13:21
Core Insights - Coca-Cola's stock experienced a significant rebound following its third-quarter earnings report on October 21, showcasing a solid increase in adjusted revenue and earnings per share, despite some areas of weakness [1][9] - The company has seen a year-to-date stock increase of 12.5%, although it has lagged behind the broader market in 2025 [1] Financial Performance - The third quarter highlighted the strength of Coca-Cola's diverse portfolio, which includes 30 billion-dollar brands, with premium offerings like Smartwater and Fairlife driving higher margins [2] - Unit case volume increased by 1% year over year, reversing a 1% decline from the previous quarter, while adjusted operating income rose by 15% year over year due to higher prices and a shift towards premium brands [4][6] - Overall sales performance was mixed, with Trademark Coca-Cola seeing only a 1% sales increase, while water, sports, coffee, and tea grew by 3%, and juice, dairy, and plant-based beverages declined by 3% [5] Pricing Strategy and Market Adaptation - Coca-Cola's growth was primarily driven by a 6% increase in selling prices and a shift in demand towards premium brands, which accounted for a third of the price/mix increase [6] - The company's marketing prowess and ability to adjust selling prices have enabled it to achieve optimal growth in both revenue and earnings [6] Long-term Outlook - Management is optimistic about delivering adjusted revenue growth of 5% to 6% annually, consistent with third-quarter results, while aiming for adjusted earnings growth of around 8% annually [8]