10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2007

COCA COLA CO Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 29, 2007

Filed July 26, 2007For Securities:KO

Summary

The Coca-Cola Company's second quarter 2007 filing demonstrates robust top-line growth, driven by a significant increase in net operating revenues, up 19% year-over-year. This growth was fueled by a combination of higher concentrate sales volume, strategic acquisitions, favorable price and product mix, and positive currency impacts. The company successfully integrated several acquisitions, notably glacéau (vitaminwater), and continued to expand its still beverage offerings, indicating a strategic shift to broaden its portfolio beyond traditional carbonated soft drinks. Despite the revenue surge, operating margins saw a slight contraction compared to the prior year, influenced by the integration of lower-margin bottling operations and increased marketing investments. Net income remained strong, with diluted EPS holding steady at $0.80 for the quarter. The company also provided positive operating volume growth across most geographic segments, with notable strength in Eurasia and Africa, while North America experienced a slight decline, partly due to industry headwinds and strategic shifts in its water portfolio. The balance sheet reflects the impact of significant acquisitions, leading to increased debt levels to fund these strategic expansions.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net operating revenues increased by 19% to $7.73 billion in Q2 2007 compared to Q2 2006, driven by volume growth (7%), structural changes (7%, largely due to acquisitions), and favorable price/mix (2%).
  • 2The company completed the significant acquisition of Energy Brands Inc. (glacéau) for approximately $4.1 billion, strengthening its position in the still beverage market, particularly with enhanced water brands.
  • 3Operating income grew by 11% to $2.27 billion, but the operating margin decreased to 29.4% from 31.5% year-over-year, attributed to the integration of lower-margin bottling operations and increased marketing spend.
  • 4Net income for the quarter was $1.85 billion, a slight increase from $1.84 billion in the prior year, with diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) remaining stable at $0.80.
  • 5Worldwide unit case volume grew by 6%, with strong performance in Eurasia (15%) and Africa (8%), while North America saw a 2% decrease.
  • 6The balance sheet shows a substantial increase in total assets and liabilities, largely due to acquisitions and associated debt financing, with loans and notes payable increasing significantly to fund these strategic initiatives.
  • 7Cash provided by operating activities increased by $533 million to $3.30 billion for the first six months of 2007, supporting the company's investment and financing activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary drivers for the 19% increase in net operating revenues were a 7% rise in concentrate sales volume, a 7% impact from structural changes (primarily acquisitions like glacéau and CCBPI), and a 2% improvement from favorable price and product/geographic mix. Positive currency fluctuations also contributed an estimated 3%.

The acquisition of glacéau (vitaminwater, smartwater, etc.) for approximately $4.1 billion significantly impacted the balance sheet, leading to increases in trademarks, goodwill, and other intangible assets. It also resulted in a substantial rise in debt (loans and notes payable) to finance the acquisition. While strengthening the still beverage portfolio, its integration, along with other bottling acquisitions, contributed to a lower overall gross profit margin compared to the prior year.

The operating margin for the second quarter and the first six months of 2007 decreased compared to the prior year. This was mainly due to the consolidation of lower-margin bottling operations acquired recently and increased spending on marketing and innovation. The company's effective tax rate is expected to be around 22.5% for the remainder of 2007 and 2008, before discrete items.

The company's debt levels increased significantly due to acquisitions, primarily financed through commercial paper and short-term debt. The company is reviewing its optimal debt mix and may consider replacing some short-term debt with longer-term debt in the future. Despite Moody's placing the company's rating on review for possible downgrade, Coca-Cola does not expect a material adverse effect on its cost of borrowing.