** Coca-Cola's KO.N third-quarter results exceeded Wall Street's expectations on resilient demand for its zero-sugar drinks and Fairlife in the U.S., and its sodas in some international markets despite cautious spending worldwide

FINE AND FIZZY

** Evercore ISI ("outperform," PT: $82) expects a positive set-up for KO in 2026 led by FX tailwinds, its investments in the FIFA World Cup and America 250 among others

** J.P.Morgan ("overweight," PT: $79) says co's diverse global footprint to help offset pockets of weakness in certain markets with strong performance in others

** Abating FX headwinds could add to earnings strength in 2026, J.P.Morgan said

** Piper Sandler ("overweight," PT: $81) expects the company to see upside in margins in 2026 despite challenges in consumer backdrop led by favorable currency as well as productivity and restructuring initiatives

** Jefferies ("buy," PT: $84) says, "bottler refranchising moves, an improved currency outlook, and the World Cup make 2026 earnings and FCF prospects triangulate for a good year"

(Reporting by Kanchana Chakravarty in Bengaluru)

((Kanchana.Chakravarty@thomsonreuters.com))