Thomas Lyons 
Coca-Cola Reports Rise in Profits and Revenue Despite Price Increases
Coca-Cola, the maker of Fanta and Sprite, has reported a rise in profits and revenue in the first three months of the year. Despite multiple price increases around the world to combat higher commodity and shipping costs, demand for its soft drinks has held up. The company said that average selling prices increased by 11%, while global unit case volumes rose 3%. Although the shares rose slightly in the session, they remain little changed from a year ago.
Consumer goods makers have raised prices to pass on the sharp increases in raw-material costs from supply-chain snags fuelled by the pandemic and aggravated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Coca-Cola had previously announced that it would raise its prices further in 2023 “across the world” to combat the stubbornly high costs, but at a moderating pace, while rival PepsiCo hit a pause on price hikes. Despite the price increases, Pepsi and Coca-Cola faced little or no pushback from consumers, thanks to their near-domination of the global carbonated drinks market.
Coca-Cola’s first-quarter operating margin was almost 31%, compared to 32.5% a year earlier, as price hikes did not fully offset an impact from higher operating costs, an increase in marketing spending, investments and a stronger dollar. The company, however, maintained its annual forecasts. Revenue rose 4.3% to over $10.9bn (€9.9bn), beating analysts’ forecasts.
“With pricing expected to moderate over the course of the year, this should come in tandem with moderating levels of commodity inflation, which should help to protect profitability,” said Wedbush analyst Gerald Pascarelli. Despite the rise in profits and revenue, the company is still facing challenges from the pandemic and supply chain disruptions. The company has had to adapt to changing consumer preferences, with many people opting for healthier beverages and alternatives to sugary drinks.
Coca-Cola has responded to this trend by expanding its portfolio of beverages to include more low-sugar and no-sugar options. In addition, the company has invested in new technology and marketing campaigns to attract younger consumers. It has also been working to reduce its environmental impact by using more sustainable packaging and reducing its carbon footprint.
Overall, Coca-Cola’s performance in the first quarter of 2022 has been positive, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and supply chain disruptions. The company’s ability to pass on price increases to consumers without facing significant pushback is a testament to its strong brand and market position. Looking ahead, the company will need to continue to adapt to changing consumer preferences and invest in new technology and marketing campaigns to stay ahead of the competition.
