10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2005

COCA COLA CO Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Jul 1, 2005

Filed August 1, 2005For Securities:KO

Summary

The Coca-Cola Company reported solid financial results for the second quarter and first half of 2005, demonstrating revenue growth driven by increased gallon sales and favorable currency movements. Net operating revenues increased by 7% in the second quarter and 5% for the first half of the year, with notable volume growth in Latin America, North Asia, Eurasia, and the Middle East, and Africa. The company also saw a positive impact from a $42 million settlement related to high fructose corn syrup purchases, which was recognized as a reduction in cost of goods sold. Despite some regional challenges, such as declining volumes in North America and East, South Asia, and Pacific Rim, the overall financial health appears robust. The company's effective tax rate saw a favorable adjustment due to guidance on the American Jobs Creation Act, and management remains optimistic about future performance, expecting continued growth and executing a significant share repurchase program.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net operating revenues increased by 7% to $6.31 billion for the second quarter of 2005 and by 5% to $11.52 billion for the first six months, driven by a 2% increase in gallon sales and favorable currency fluctuations.
  • 2Operating income grew 9% to $1.97 billion in Q2 2005 and 2% to $3.33 billion for the first six months, with operating margin improving to 31.3% in Q2.
  • 3The company received a $42 million benefit from a high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) class-action lawsuit settlement, recorded as a reduction in cost of goods sold.
  • 4Diluted earnings per share (EPS) rose to $0.72 in Q2 2005 from $0.65 in the prior year, and $1.13 for the six-month period, up from $1.11.
  • 5Significant share repurchases continued, with approximately 23.6 million shares bought back in the first six months of 2005 for $1.03 billion.
  • 6The company repatriated approximately $2.5 billion in previously unremitted foreign earnings under the American Jobs Creation Act, impacting the effective tax rate.
  • 7Strategic acquisitions and investments are ongoing, including a joint acquisition of Multon, a Russian juice company.

Frequently Asked Questions

Currency fluctuations had a positive impact on Coca-Cola's financial results in the reported periods. For the second quarter of 2005, a weaker U.S. dollar increased reported operating income by approximately 4% compared to the prior year, primarily due to a stronger euro and Japanese yen. This trend was also observed in the six-month period.

In accordance with the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, Coca-Cola repatriated approximately $2.5 billion of previously unremitted foreign earnings in the first quarter of 2005, incurring a tax provision of approximately $152 million. The company continues to evaluate further repatriation opportunities, potentially repatriating an additional $0 to $3.6 billion by the end of 2005, with a related tax liability of $0 to $188 million.

Revenue growth was driven by a combination of factors, including a 2% increase in gallon sales across the company, with notable growth in regions like Latin America, North Asia, Eurasia, and the Middle East, and Africa. Additionally, favorable price and product/geographic mix, along with a positive impact from currency fluctuations (approximately 3% for the quarter), contributed to the 7% increase in net operating revenues.

The company is involved in various legal proceedings, including a previously announced settlement with the SEC and the termination of a criminal investigation. A significant development was the European Commission's adoption of a legally binding Undertaking regarding commercial practices in Europe, which settled an ongoing investigation. The company is also defending against several shareholder derivative suits and class action lawsuits, which it believes have meritorious defenses.