10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2002

COCA COLA CO Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2002

Filed November 13, 2002For Securities:KO

Summary

The Coca-Cola Company reported solid top-line growth in the third quarter of 2002, with net operating revenues increasing by 13% year-over-year to $5.32 billion. This growth was driven by a combination of volume increases, strategic acquisitions, and price adjustments. Diluted earnings per share for the quarter stood at $0.47, demonstrating profitable growth despite some economic headwinds in international markets. The company's strategic focus on expanding its non-carbonated beverage offerings and integrating recent acquisitions like CCEAG in Germany appear to be contributing to revenue expansion, though gross margins saw a slight compression due to the inclusion of lower-margin bottling operations. Financially, the company demonstrated strong operating cash flow generation, providing ample resources for investing activities and shareholder returns. While the balance sheet reflects increased debt and liabilities associated with acquisitions, the company maintains a solid financial position. Management also highlighted progress in operational efficiencies and tax rate optimization, expecting a stable future effective tax rate. Investors should note the ongoing impact of currency fluctuations, particularly the strengthening US dollar against certain emerging market currencies, which continues to present both challenges and opportunities.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net operating revenues increased by 13% to $5.32 billion in Q3 2002, driven by a 7% increase in gallon shipments and strategic acquisitions.
  • 2Diluted earnings per share (EPS) for Q3 2002 were $0.47, a slight increase from $0.43 in the prior year's quarter.
  • 3Worldwide unit case volume grew 5% in Q3 2002, with North America showing a strong 9% increase and international operations up 4%.
  • 4The company completed significant acquisitions and integration efforts, notably assuming control of Coca-Cola Erfrischungsgetraenke AG (CCEAG) in Germany.
  • 5Adoption of SFAS No. 142 resulted in a significant non-cash charge for goodwill and intangible asset impairment in early 2002, impacting net income but not operating cash flow.
  • 6Net cash provided by operating activities was robust at $3.4 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2002, up from $3.05 billion in the prior year.
  • 7The company is actively expanding its non-carbonated beverage portfolio, which saw 27% volume growth in the first nine months of 2002.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary drivers of the revenue increase were a 7% rise in gallon shipments, the consolidation of newly acquired operations like CCEAG in Germany, and price increases in certain regions. Strategic acquisitions and license agreements also contributed significantly to this growth.

The adoption of SFAS No. 142, which eliminated goodwill amortization, resulted in a significant non-cash charge for impairment of goodwill and intangible assets. For the nine months ended September 30, 2002, this led to an after-tax decrease of $367 million for company operations and $559 million for equity method investees. This adoption is expected to reduce annual amortization expense and increase equity income going forward.

The company is focused on continuing to broaden its brand portfolio, with a particular emphasis on expanding its non-carbonated offerings. Strategic acquisitions and license agreements, like those involving water brands and mixers, are key components of this strategy. Expanding into developing and emerging markets also remains a priority.

The company faces challenges from currency fluctuations, particularly the strengthening US dollar against certain emerging market currencies, which negatively impacted operating income by approximately 3% in the first nine months of 2002. Additionally, unstable economic and political conditions, including civil unrest in regions like the Middle East, Northern Africa, and parts of Latin America, as well as adverse weather conditions, can impact business results.