10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2001

COCA COLA CO Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2001

Filed November 13, 2001For Securities:KO

Summary

Coca-Cola Company's (KO) third quarter and nine-month report for 2001 demonstrates resilience and strategic adjustments in a dynamic global environment. The company achieved comparable net operating revenues year-over-year for both periods, with worldwide unit case volume showing an increase of over 4% for the first nine months, driven by strong performance in key international markets such as Japan, China, and Russia, alongside solid domestic growth. This volume growth, coupled with strategic price increases and operational efficiencies, contributed to an improved gross profit margin for both the quarter and year-to-date periods. Financially, the company maintained a robust cash position, with net cash provided by operating activities showing a significant increase for the first nine months of 2001 compared to the prior year. This was driven by a combination of improved operating performance and the absence of significant one-time charges seen in the prior year, such as organizational realignment costs and asset impairments. The company also actively managed its debt, showing a net reduction in borrowings for the first nine months of 2001. Strategic initiatives, including investments in marketing and the potential consolidation of a German bottler, indicate a forward-looking approach to market expansion and control.

Key Highlights

  • 1Worldwide unit case volume increased by over 4% for the first nine months of 2001, indicating healthy global demand.
  • 2Gross profit margin improved to 68.6% for Q3 2001 and 69.6% for the nine months ended Sept 30, 2001, compared to prior year periods, reflecting operational efficiencies and strategic changes.
  • 3Operating income for the first nine months of 2001 significantly increased to $4,104 million from $2,852 million in 2000, largely due to the absence of substantial one-time charges incurred in the prior year.
  • 4Net cash provided by operating activities after reinvestment rose to $2,213 million for the nine months ended Sept 30, 2001, up from $1,643 million in the prior year.
  • 5The company is preparing to consolidate Coca-Cola Erfrischungsgetraenke AG (CCEAG), a German bottler, effective January 1, 2002, which is expected to result in increased assets but a neutral impact on operating income and EPS.
  • 6Selling, administrative, and general expenses saw a decrease for the nine-month period due to realignment savings, a stronger USD, and divestitures, partially offset by new marketing initiatives.
  • 7The company announced a one-time noncash pretax gain of approximately $91 million from Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc.'s acquisition of Herb Coca-Cola, though this diluted KO's ownership in CCE to 38%.

Frequently Asked Questions

The substantial increase in operating income for the first nine months of 2001 was primarily driven by the absence of significant one-time charges recorded in the prior year (2000). These included $965 million in other operating charges related to asset impairments (primarily in India) and organizational realignment costs.

The U.S. dollar was approximately 9% stronger on average against Coca-Cola's functional currencies in the third quarter of 2001 compared to the prior year. This strengthened dollar negatively impacted operating income by approximately 3% for the third quarter and 5% for the first nine months, particularly due to movements in the Euro and Brazilian Real. However, the company's foreign currency management program aims to mitigate these impacts over time.

The proposed CPL agreement with CCEAG, a German bottler, would grant Coca-Cola management control for up to five years starting January 1, 2002. This would require Coca-Cola to consolidate CCEAG into its financial statements. While expected to increase assets, the company anticipates no material impact on its 2002 operating income or earnings per share, although gross and operating margins might be affected.

Yes, Coca-Cola adopted SFAS No. 133, 'Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,' effective January 1, 2001. This requires derivative instruments to be recognized on the balance sheet at fair value. The adoption resulted in a one-time after-tax reduction to net income of approximately $10 million and an increase to Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) of about $50 million. Additionally, the company adopted EITF Issues 00-14 and 00-22, which reclassified certain sales incentives, reducing both net operating revenues and selling, administrative, and general expenses.