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Coca‑Cola Tops Q3 Forecasts as Zero Sugar and Mini Cans Boost Margins

Executives emphasized soft demand despite reaffirming a modest full‑year outlook.

Overview

  • Coca‑Cola reported revenue of about $12.5 billion, up 5% year over year, with net income rising 30% to $3.7 billion and comparable operating margin near 31.9%.
  • Growth was led by a roughly 14% volume increase for Coca‑Cola Zero Sugar, stronger premium and non‑carbonated brands, and a small‑pack strategy that lifted global price/mix about 6%.
  • Unit case volume increased 1% as underlying demand stayed weak, with EMEA up around 3–4%, North America and Latin America roughly flat, and Asia Pacific slightly contracting.
  • The company reaffirmed guidance for 5%–6% organic revenue growth and about 3% comparable EPS growth for 2025, and the stock rose roughly 4% following the results.
  • CEO James Quincey said the company is winning against rivals facing activist pressure, and Coca‑Cola HBC agreed to buy 75% of Coca‑Cola Beverages Africa for $2.6 billion, advancing Coke’s bottler refranchising.