Coca‑Cola Q3 Beats Estimates; HBC To Buy 75% CCBA

Coca‑Cola reported adjusted Q3 EPS of $0.82, beating estimates, and revenue of about $12.46–12.5 billion, with net income rising roughly 30% to $3.69 billion and notably stronger free cash flow. Global unit‑case volumes returned to growth (+1%), led by a 14% surge in Coca‑Cola Zero Sugar and gains in water, sports drinks, coffee and tea, though volumes were flat or down in some regions. Management said pricing, premium packaging and new smaller mini cans helped cushion margins and reiterated full‑year 2025 guidance of roughly 5–6% organic revenue growth and adjusted EPS growth, while flagging cautious optimism for 2026 as input costs ease. Shares jumped about 3–3.6% intraday, pushing the stock toward 2025 highs and making Coca‑Cola a top Dow performer. Separately, Coca‑Cola is moving to sell a majority stake in its African bottling operations, with Coca‑Cola HBC set to acquire 75% of Coca‑Cola Beverages Africa for about $2.6 billion, expanding HBC’s footprint across Africa.