5 Key Takeaways From Coca-Cola's Earnings Call

After Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO) reported its third-quarter results, its leadership team shared some important information with investors during the subsequent conference call. Here are the highlights for long-term shareholders.

Now while we see various opportunities and challenges in each of our markets, one thing is consistent across all of our businesses: the consumer landscape is changing. We see an increasing number of small and fast competitors. Consumers' desires are revolving, whether they're seeking low- or no-sugar options, drinks with functional benefits or simply more variety. In order to thrive in this kind of environment, we need to be more entrepreneurial and agile to take intelligent risks and build a broader, consumer-centric portfolio. -- CEO James Quincey

Rather than simply a soda business, Coca-Cola sees itself as a "total beverage company." It's expanding into new categories, such as its recent acquisition of the U.S. rights to Topo Chico, a premium sparkling mineral water from Mexico that has earned a strong following in Texas. Coca-Cola is also using a more localized approach, in which it tailors its product lineup based on consumer tastes in each market. In turn, the company believes that these strategies will allow it to be more flexible and better able to adapt to changing consumer preferences.

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Source: Fool.com