Coca-Cola Co: Maintaining The Resistance Level

Key Points To Note

a. Coca-Cola Co (NYSE:KO) reported a growth of 8% in net revenues, reaching $12.0 billion in Q3 2023.
b. The company's operating income grew by 6%, while EPS grew by 9% to $0.71.
c. Coca-Cola Co (NYSE:KO) also raised its full-year guidance based on its year-to-date performance.
d. The company gained value share in total nonalcoholic ready-to-drink (NARTD) beverages.

showcasing continued momentum from the first half of the year, Coca-cola company reported an 8% growth in net revenues, reaching $12.0 billion, and a 6% growth in operating income. The EPS also grew by 9% to $0.71.

The company's revenue performance included a 9% growth in price/mix and a 2% growth in concentrate sales, which were in line with unit case volume. The operating margin was 27.4%, slightly lower than the 27.9% in the prior year. This decline was primarily driven by items impacting comparability and currency headwinds. However, the comparable operating margin (non-GAAP) was 29.7%, slightly higher than the 29.5% in the prior year.

Coca-Cola Co (NYSE:KO) also reported that cash flow from operations was $8.9 billion year-to-date, an increase of $861 million versus the prior year. This was driven by strong business performance and working capital initiatives, partially offset by the transition tax payment made during the second quarter.

The company continues to link consumption occasions with consumer passion points to build deeper brand connections. For instance, for the FIFA Womens World Cup 2023, the company activated a system-wide campaign in Australia and New Zealand. The company also continues to pursue its World Without Waste packaging goals by designing and increasing availability of packages that include a combination of recycled materials or reusable containers.

Additionally, Coca-Cola Co (NYSE:KO) continues to evaluate its fit-for-purpose balance sheet and the needs required to support its growth agenda. Recently, the company entered into a letter of intent to refranchise company-owned bottling operations in the Philippines to Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) and Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV).

What To Expect Towards The End Of 2023
The company expects to deliver organic revenue (non-GAAP) growth of 10% to 11% for the full year 2023. It also expects commodity price inflation to be a mid single-digit percentage headwind on comparable cost of goods sold (non-GAAP) based on the current rates and including the impact of hedged positions. The company expects to generate free cash flow (non-GAAP) of approximately $9.5 billion through cash flow from operations of approximately $11.4 billion, less capital expenditures of approximately $1.9 billion.
Overall, Coca-Cola Co (NYSE:KO) delivered a solid quarter and is raising its full-year topline and bottom-line guidance in light of its year-to-date performance. The company's leading portfolio of brands, coupled with an aligned and motivated system, positions it to win in the marketplace today while also laying the groundwork for the long term.