10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2007

COCA COLA CO Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 30, 2007

Filed April 26, 2007For Securities:KO

Summary

The Coca-Cola Company reported a solid first quarter for 2007, demonstrating significant growth in net operating revenues, up 17% year-over-year to $6.1 billion. This increase was driven by a 6% growth in both unit case volume and concentrate sales, coupled with positive impacts from structural changes (primarily acquisitions) and favorable currency fluctuations. Net income also saw a healthy increase of approximately 14% to $1.26 billion, translating to diluted earnings per share of $0.54, up from $0.47 in the prior year's first quarter. The company made substantial investments during the quarter, notably acquiring the remaining stake in Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Inc. (CCBPI) and purchasing Fuze Beverage and Leao Junior, reflecting a strategy of expansion and consolidation within its bottling operations. Operationally, the company experienced strong volume growth across most international segments, including Africa, Eurasia, the European Union, and Latin America. However, North America saw a 3% decline in unit case volume due to challenges in the sparkling beverage industry and strategic shifts. The company also saw a slight decrease in gross profit margin due to the inclusion of acquired bottling operations, which typically have lower margins, and increased raw material costs. Despite these pressures, the company maintained its consolidated operating margin at 26.7%. Management appears optimistic about future growth, driven by continued international expansion and strategic acquisitions, while managing various market risks and currency exposures.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net operating revenues increased by 17% to $6.1 billion, driven by 6% volume growth and strategic acquisitions.
  • 2Net income rose by approximately 14% to $1.26 billion, with diluted EPS growing from $0.47 to $0.54.
  • 3The company completed the acquisition of the remaining 65% of Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Inc. (CCBPI), along with acquiring Fuze Beverage and Leao Junior, strengthening its bottling footprint.
  • 4Significant unit case volume growth was observed in key international markets like Africa (17%), Eurasia (16%), European Union (11%), and Latin America (7%).
  • 5North America experienced a 3% decrease in unit case volume, influenced by industry challenges and strategic inventory management.
  • 6Gross profit margin decreased slightly to 64.9% due to the impact of newly acquired lower-margin bottling operations and rising raw material costs.
  • 7Cash flow from operations increased by $242 million to $949 million, supported by higher net income and reduced tax payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Revenue growth was primarily driven by a combination of a 6% increase in unit case volume and concentrate sales, strategic acquisitions (such as CCBPI, Fuze, and Leao Junior), favorable price and product/geographic mix, and a positive impact from currency fluctuations, particularly a stronger Euro.

The acquisitions, notably the full ownership of CCBPI and the purchases of Fuze and Leao Junior, contributed significantly to the 5% increase in net operating revenues attributed to structural changes. However, these acquisitions also had a dilutive effect on the gross profit margin due to the typically lower margins of bottling operations compared to concentrate operations.

The North American market showed a decline of 3% in unit case volume, primarily due to a challenging sparkling beverage industry environment and strategic decisions regarding warehouse-delivered water. While Coca-Cola Zero and still beverages like Dasani and Powerade showed growth, the overall segment faced headwinds. The company is also monitoring a potential impact on aluminum can supply due to a strike at Rexam PLC.

Yes, the company recognized gains from the sale of its equity investment in Vonpar ($71 million) and real estate in Spain ($66 million), which are included in 'Other income (loss) — net'. Additionally, a write-down of assets at CCBPI reduced equity income. There were also minor 'Other operating charges' related to impairments and restructuring activities.