Can Coca-Cola Keep the Growth Story Going?
Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO) has made a turn in 2019 after five fiscal years of declining revenues. The stock lagged the S&P 500, offering only its dividend as an incentive for ownership. It speaks strongly to the loyalty that Coca-Cola has garnered over time that shares were not down more. This year, Coca-Cola is righting itself in terms of the growth story.
A shift in focus from old-school soda to things like water, flavored water, and more flavored cola options, as well as acquisitions into segments like coffee, has helped the company regain momentum heading into its third-quarter earnings report release on Friday. Through the first six months of the year, Coca-Cola's revenues are up 5% year over year to $18.69 billion. Gross profits are up 3% to $11.4 billion, while net income attributable to shareholders is up 16% to $4.29 billion. Diluted earnings per share are up a comparable 16% to $1.00 in the first half of the year.
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Source Fool.com
