This also intensifies the legal battle with energy drinks giant Monster Beverage (MNST), of which Coca-Cola is a top shareholder. According to Monster, such a launch would violate the deal between them.
Later on Wednesday, Monster Energy did post upbeat third-quarter earnings, but the news of arbitration further hit the stock and shares plummeted at least 10% in Thursday morning trade.
Do check out our Monster Energy Earnings coverage.
Monster Beverage stock falls on strained Coca-Cola deal, despite Q3 beat
Last month, Coca-Cola posted a 26% jump in earnings for the third quarter as costs and expenses skipped, delivering upbeat results and pushing the stock up in premarket trade.
Net income soared 26% to $1.81 billion, while earnings jumped 31% to $0.44 per share. Refranchising of company-owned bottling operations slapped a 13 points headwind on the top line.