Coca-Cola's 3Q to give glimpse at evolution push
Coca-Cola's 3Q to provide snapshot on portfolio evolution
NEW YORK (AP) -- Coca-Cola reports its third-quarter results Tuesday that should show whether the maker of Sprite, Minute Maid and Smartwater was able to boost sales amid choppy economic conditions around the world.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Sales volume is a key indicator of a drink company's health, and investors will be paying particularly close attention to see how Coca-Cola performs in its flagship North American market.
Although Americans have been cutting back on soda for years, Coca-Cola has managed to continue driving sales by diversifying its portfolio to keep up with changing tastes. In addition to its namesake soda, for example, the company makes Powerade sports drinks, Dasani water and Vitaminwater.
For its soda business, Coca-Cola has been introducing smaller bottles and cans, a strategy the company feels dovetails with people's desire to control portions. It also allows the company to keep growing profits, even while selling less soda.
WHY IT MATTERS: Coca-Cola is the world's biggest beverage company and its portfolio of products is a reflection people's changing drinking habits.
LAST YEAR'S QUARTER: The Atlanta-based company earned 51 cents per share on revenue of $12.34 billion.
WHAT'S EXPECTED: Analysts on average expect earnings of 53 cents per share on revenue of $12.06 billion.
