The Coca-Cola Company today reported second-quarter 2020 results and provided an update on strategic actions that are positioning the system to emerge stronger from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The Coca-Cola system remained agile in the second quarter, with a focus on maintaining a safe environment for employees while also providing necessary products and services to consumers, customers and communities during this unprecedented time.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Global Unit Case Volume Declined 16%
Net Revenues Declined 28%;
Organic Revenues (Non-GAAP) Declined by 26%
Operating Income Declined 34%; Comparable Currency Neutral Operating Income (Non-GAAP) Declined 25%
Operating Margin Was 27.7% Versus 29.9% in the Prior Year; Comparable Operating Margin (Non-GAAP) Was 30.0% Versus 30.3% in the Prior Year
EPS Declined 32% to $0.41; Comparable EPS (Non-GAAP) Declined 33% to $0.42
“I’m proud of the people of the Coca-Cola system as we continue to adjust and accelerate our strategies in this fast-changing landscape,” said James Quincey, chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company.
Further Highlights
Quarterly Performance
Margin: Operating margin, which included items impacting comparability, was 27.7% versus 29.9% in the prior year, while comparable operating margin (non-GAAP) was 30.0% versus 30.3% in the prior year.
Operating margin contraction was primarily driven by top-line pressure and currency headwinds, partially offset by effective cost management.
Market share: The company lost value share in total nonalcoholic ready-to-drink (NARTD) beverages as an underlying share gain was more than offset by negative channel mix due to pressure in away-from-home channels, where the company has a strong share position.
Business Environment and Strategic Actions Update
The improvement in away-from-home trends during the quarter closely correlated with the easing of lockdowns, and the company expects this correlation to continue in the second half of 2020.
While the company believes the second quarter will be the most severely impacted quarter of the year, given the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic and levels of lockdown, the ultimate impact on full-year 2020 results is unknown.
The company’s balance sheet remains strong, and the company is confident in its liquidity position as it continues to navigate through the crisis.
The company is accelerating its strategy to accomplish these goals. This includes focusing investments against a defined growth portfolio by prioritizing brands best positioned for consumer reach and share advantage.
The company will also streamline the innovation pipeline against initiatives that are scalable regionally or globally as well as maintain a disciplined approach to local experimentation in order to further strengthen the company’s leader, challenger and explorer framework.
The portfolio will be supported by a refreshed marketing approach, with a step-change in marketing investment effectiveness and efficiency.
The company will also lead the Coca-Cola system in driving system-wide efficiencies to support these investments and will invest in new capabilities to capitalize on emerging, lasting shifts in consumer behaviours.
Company Updates
Refresh the world, make a difference:
Driving relevance with loved brands:
In the first original ad during the pandemic for brand Coca-Cola, the company celebrates the rediscovered joy in sharing a meal with loved ones.
The Great Meal” features 13 real households in eight countries preparing and sharing home-cooked meals over an ice-cold Coca-Cola, bringing to life the comfort and authenticity of the brand’s connection to food.
“The Great Meal” kicks off a global campaign for brand Coca-Cola, “Together Tastes Better,” which is rolling out this month. This modular, digital-first campaign was created for Coca-Cola teams around the world to tailor and localize for their markets and platforms. “Together Tastes Better” is the latest example of how the company is leveraging marketing investments for the highest impact and largest reach.
Innovating quickly to address consumer needs:
Addressing social justice concerns:
The company is taking a multi-faceted approach to social justice, focusing on listening, leading, investing and advocating. This includes meeting with stakeholders, employees and other business leaders.
The company has paused social media activity for July to review policies, including its own, and to hold partners to a higher level of accountability and transparency. The company has committed to spending an incremental $500 million with Black-owned suppliers over the next five years in the United States.
In support of social justice, The Coca-Cola Foundation has contributed $4 million to several initiatives and, to date, the company has contributed an additional $1.3 million through brands Coca-Cola and Sprite.