Why Coca-Cola Shares Are Shooting Higher Today

Coca-Cola Company KO reported third-quarter FY23 sales growth of 8% year-on-year to $11.95 billion, beating the analyst consensus estimate of $11.44 billion.

Revenue performance included a 2% growth in concentrate sales and a 9% growth in price/mix.

Unit case volume grew 2% in the quarter. Organic revenues increased 11%.

Gross profit rose 12% to $7.296 billion with a profit margin of 61%.

The operating margin contracted 50 basis points to 27.4%, while the comparable operating margin gained 20 basis points to 29.7%. 

Operating income for the quarter increased 6% to $3.27 billion.

Adjusted EPS of $0.74 beat the analyst consensus estimate of $0.69.

Operating cash flow generated year-to-date was $8.9 billion, an increase of $861 million from the prior year.

KO held $15.4 billion in cash and equivalents as of Sept. 29, 2023.

Coca-Cola's regular quarterly dividend of $0.46 per common share is payable Dec. 15 to shareowners of record of the company as of the close of business Dec. 1.

Outlook: Coca-Cola raises FY23 organic revenue growth outlook from 8% - 9% to 10% - 11%,

KO sees comparable currency neutral EPS growth of 13%-14% (prior 9%-11%) and comparable EPS growth of 7%-8% (prior 5%-6%) versus $2.48 in 2022.

Coca-Cola continues to expect to repurchase shares to offset dilution resulting from employee stock-based compensation plans.

Price Action: KO shares are trading higher by 2.81% at $55.60 in premarket on the last check Tuesday.