Media Relations Department P.O. Box 1734, Atlanta, GA 30301 Telephone (404) 676-2121 |
news
release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: | Media: | Ben Deutsch | |||
(404) 676-2683 | |||||
Investors: |
Ann Taylor |
||||
(404) 676-5383 |
THE COCA-COLA COMPANY REPORTS
THIRD QUARTER AND YEAR-TO-DATE 2004 RESULTS
ATLANTA, Oct. 21, 2004 The Coca-Cola Company today reported third quarter earnings per share of $0.39, compared with $0.50 for the prior year third quarter. Current quarter results include reductions of $0.10 per share due to the previously announced non-cash charges related primarily to the impairment of intangible assets in Germany and $0.01 per share due to the net impact of certain tax adjustments, primarily related to the impairments. Reported earnings per share for the first nine months were $1.50, compared with prior year period earnings of $1.39 per share.
Operating income declined 24 percent in the third quarter due to other operating charges and the impact of weak operating conditions in key business units, particularly North America, Germany and in Northern Europe. For the first nine months, operating income increased 5 percent, reflecting the impact of the other operating charges, stronger results in the first half of the year and a positive currency benefit.
Worldwide unit case volume increased 1 percent in the third quarter and 2 percent in the first nine months. Key contributors to unit case volume growth in the quarter included Japan, China, Brazil, Argentina, South Africa and Turkey. Partially offsetting these trends were unit case volume declines in North America, Germany, the Philippines, Nigeria and Northern Europe.
On September 15, 2004, the Company provided an update on key trends impacting the business. As follow up to that update, the Company is currently anticipating reported earnings per share for the full year 2004 to be in the range of $1.88 to $1.90. This estimate includes the impact of a net charge of $0.10 per share, previously recorded in the second and third quarters, related to the impairment of intangible assets, the provision against deferred tax assets, the write-downs of various manufacturing investments, favorable tax settlements and a gain on the issuance of stock by an equity investee.
Neville Isdell, chairman and chief executive officer, commented, "As we have said, our performance has fallen short of the goals we have set for ourselves. While we are seeing positive results in some regions, we are not yet fulfilling our potential. We are taking the necessary steps to return our Company to its proper growth course."
Financial Highlights
Operational Highlights
North America
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being implemented in order to improve the volume and value contribution of Coca-Cola C2 in North America.
Europe, Eurasia and Middle East
Asia
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Latin America
Africa
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Financial Review
Operating Results
Revenues for the third quarter were even with the prior year at $5.7 billion, reflecting a decrease in gallon sales of 1 percent and the impact of structural changes, offset by improved pricing of concentrate and positive currency trends. Structural changes related to the impact of creating a supply chain management company in Japan and the consolidation of certain bottling operations, which are considered variable interest entities. For the first nine months of the year, gallon sales increased more than 3 percent, which is similar to the 4 percent growth in year-to-date reported unit cases. During the fourth quarter of 2004, gallon sales are expected to trend below unit case growth on an average daily sales basis due to the timing of shipping days.
The following reflects net operating revenues from the Company's operations:
|
Third Quarter |
Nine Months Ended September 30 |
||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(in millions) |
2004 |
2003 |
2004 |
2003 |
||||||||
Company Operations, Excluding Bottling | $ | 4,831 | $ | 4,937 | $ | 14,292 | $ | 13,698 | ||||
Company-Owned Bottling Operations | 831 | 734 | 2,413 | 2,170 | ||||||||
Consolidated Net Operating Revenues | $ | 5,662 | $ | 5,671 | $ | 16,705 | $ | 15,868 | ||||
Cost of goods sold decreased by 5 percent in the quarter, primarily reflecting the benefit of creating a supply chain management company in Japan and supply chain efficiencies.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 6 percent during the quarter reflecting the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, structural changes, increased costs in the finished products business, and investments in marketing activities. The Company also had other operating charges in the third quarter amounting to $392 million pre-tax ($251 million after tax) related primarily to the impairment of intangible assets in Germany.
Reported operating income for the quarter decreased 24 percent, reflecting the impact of other operating charges, challenging conditions in certain key markets, and investments in marketing activities, offset by solid results in several key markets and positive foreign currency. During the fourth quarter of 2004 and into 2005, currency benefits are expected to be substantially less as compared to the third quarter of this year.
Equity income in the quarter improved in comparison to the prior year primarily due to charges in the third quarter of 2003 by Coca-Cola FEMSA, S.A. de C.V. (Coca-Cola FEMSA). The Company remains committed to maintaining a strong and healthy bottling system throughout the world.
The reported tax rate for the third quarter was 24 percent. The underlying effective tax rate on operations was 25 percent, which was reduced by the tax benefit on the impairment charges recorded at a 36 percent tax rate and a $39 million benefit related to the reversal of previously accrued taxes resulting from favorable resolution of tax matters, but increased by a $75 million provision against deferred tax assets in Germany.
In determining the quarterly provision for income taxes, the Company uses an annual effective tax rate based on expected annual income, statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities available in the various jurisdictions in which the Company operates. The effective tax rate also reflects the best estimate of the ultimate outcome of tax audits. The impact of significant or unusual items is separately recognized in the quarter in which they occur.
New U.S. tax legislation has passed Congress and is awaiting Presidential approval. If approved, the legislation could have an impact on the Company in the fourth quarter. Excluding the impact of this legislation and significant or unusual items, which are separately recognized in the quarter in which
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they occur, the Company estimates its ongoing effective tax rate to be approximately 25 percent for the remainder of the year.
Prior Year Results
In 2003, the Company took steps to streamline and simplify its operations, particularly in North America and Europe. These initiatives resulted in a third quarter 2003 pre-tax charge of $43 million, or $0.01 per share after tax. For the first nine months of 2003, streamlining charges impacted pre-tax net income by $272 million, or $0.07 per share after tax.
During the third quarter of 2003, the Company recorded a non-cash charge of approximately $107 million, or $0.04 per share after tax, primarily reflected in equity income. This amount reflects the Company's portion of charges recorded by one of its equity method investees, Coca-Cola FEMSA, related to the streamlining and integration of their operations following a merger with Panamerican Beverages, Inc. and to their recording of intangible asset impairments in Venezuela.
During the first quarter of 2003, the Company reached a settlement with certain defendants in a vitamin antitrust litigation and received approximately $52 million on a pre-tax basis, or $0.01 per share on an after tax basis. The amount was recorded in the income statement as a reduction of cost of goods sold.
Creation of a Supply Chain Management Company in Japan
Effective October 1, 2003, the Company and all of its bottling partners in Japan created a nationally integrated supply chain management company to centralize procurement, production, and logistics operations for the entire Coca-Cola system in Japan. The resources generated from this effort are being invested in marketing activities and customer service programs to enhance the long-term growth of the Coca-Cola system in Japan.
As a result of this venture, a portion of The Coca-Cola Company's business has essentially been converted from a finished product business model to a concentrate business model. This shift of certain products to a concentrate business model resulted in a reduction of revenues and cost of goods sold, each in the same amount. This change in the business model did not impact gross profit. Had the change occurred as of January 1, 2003, both revenues and cost of goods sold for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 would have been reduced by approximately $310 million and $780 million, respectively. No future impact to the Company's results is anticipated from this change in the business model.
Conference Call
The Company will host a conference call with financial analysts to discuss the third quarter and year-to-date 2004 results on October 21, 2004, at 4:30 p.m. (EDT). The Company invites investors to listen to the live audiocast of the conference call at the Company's website, www.coca-cola.com in the "investors" section. Further, the "investors" section of the Company's website includes a disclosure and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures that may be used periodically by management when discussing the Company's financial results with investors and analysts.
In addition, the Company will be hosting an investor meeting on November 11, 2004 at 9:00 a.m. (EST). The Company invites investors to listen to the live audiocast of the conference call at the Company's website, www.coca-cola.com in the "investors" section.
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THE COCA-COLA COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Income
(UNAUDITED)
(In millions, except per share data)
|
Three Months Ended September 30, |
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2004 |
2003 |
% Change |
||||||
Net Operating Revenues | $ | 5,662 | $ | 5,671 | | ||||
Cost of goods sold | 2,052 | 2,168 | (5 | ) | |||||
Gross Profit | 3,610 | 3,503 | 3 | ||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 2,121 | 1,997 | 6 | ||||||
Other operating charges | 392 | 55 | | ||||||
Operating Income | 1,097 | 1,451 | (24 | ) | |||||
Interest income | 39 | 37 | 5 | ||||||
Interest expense | 47 | 42 | 12 | ||||||
Equity income | 180 | 86 | 109 | ||||||
Other income (loss) net | (34 | ) | (42 | ) | | ||||
Gain on issuance of stock by equity investee | | 8 | | ||||||
Income Before Income Taxes | 1,235 | 1,498 | (18 | ) | |||||
Income taxes | 300 | 275 | 9 | ||||||
Net Income | $ | 935 | $ | 1,223 | (24 | ) | |||
Diluted Net Income Per Share* | $ | 0.39 | $ | 0.50 | (22 | ) | |||
Average Shares Outstanding Diluted* | 2,424 | 2,458 | (1 | ) | |||||
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THE COCA-COLA COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Income
(UNAUDITED)
(In millions, except per share data)
|
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2004 |
2003 |
% Change |
||||||
Net Operating Revenues | $ | 16,705 | $ | 15,868 | 5 | ||||
Cost of goods sold | 5,835 | 5,912 | (1 | ) | |||||
Gross Profit | 10,870 | 9,956 | 9 | ||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 6,039 | 5,543 | 9 | ||||||
Other operating charges | 480 | 284 | | ||||||
Operating Income | 4,351 | 4,129 | 5 | ||||||
Interest income | 106 | 138 | (23 | ) | |||||
Interest expense | 138 | 130 | 6 | ||||||
Equity income | 496 | 325 | 53 | ||||||
Other income (loss) net | (64 | ) | (99 | ) | | ||||
Gain on issuance of stock by equity investee | 49 | 8 | | ||||||
Income Before Income Taxes | 4,800 | 4,371 | 10 | ||||||
Income taxes | 1,154 | 951 | 21 | ||||||
Net Income | $ | 3,646 | $ | 3,420 | 7 | ||||
Diluted Net Income Per Share* | $ | 1.50 | $ | 1.39 | 8 | ||||
Average Shares Outstanding Diluted* | 2,434 | 2,465 | (1 | ) | |||||
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THE COCA-COLA COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(UNAUDITED)
(In millions)
Assets
|
September 30, 2004 |
December 31, 2003 |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Current Assets | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 5,365 | $ | 3,362 | |||||
Marketable securities | 155 | 120 | |||||||
5,520 | 3,482 | ||||||||
Trade accounts receivable, less allowances of $59 in 2004 and $61 in 2003 | 1,985 | 2,091 | |||||||
Inventories | 1,414 | 1,252 | |||||||
Prepaid expenses and other assets | 1,501 | 1,571 | |||||||
Total Current Assets | 10,420 | 8,396 | |||||||
Investments and Other Assets | |||||||||
Equity method investments | |||||||||
Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. | 1,541 | 1,260 | |||||||
Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company S.A. | 1,026 | 941 | |||||||
Coca-Cola FEMSA, S.A. de C.V. | 736 | 674 | |||||||
Coca-Cola Amatil Limited | 629 | 652 | |||||||
Other, principally bottling companies | 1,635 | 1,697 | |||||||
Cost method investments, principally bottling companies | 323 | 314 | |||||||
Other assets | 3,101 | 3,322 | |||||||
8,991 | 8,860 | ||||||||
Property, Plant and Equipment | |||||||||
Land | 456 | 419 | |||||||
Building and improvements | 2,738 | 2,615 | |||||||
Machinery and equipment | 6,621 | 6,159 | |||||||
Containers | 456 | 429 | |||||||
10,271 | 9,622 | ||||||||
Less allowances for depreciation | (4,100 | ) | (3,525 | ) | |||||
6,171 | 6,097 | ||||||||
Trademarks With Indefinite Lives | 2,004 | 1,979 | |||||||
Goodwill | 1,039 | 1,029 | |||||||
Other Intangible Assets | 675 | 981 | |||||||
$ | 29,300 | $ | 27,342 | ||||||
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THE COCA-COLA COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(UNAUDITED)
(In millions)
Liabilities and Share-Owners' Equity
|
September 30, 2004 |
December 31, 2003 |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Current Liabilities | ||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | 4,021 | $ | 4,058 | ||||
Loans and notes payable | 3,946 | 2,583 | ||||||
Current maturities of long-term debt | 1,384 | 323 | ||||||
Accrued income taxes | 862 | 922 | ||||||
Total Current Liabilities | 10,213 | 7,886 | ||||||
Long-Term Debt | 1,188 | 2,517 | ||||||
Other Liabilities | 2,628 | 2,512 | ||||||
Deferred Income Taxes | 317 | 337 | ||||||
Share-Owners' Equity | ||||||||
Common Stock, $0.25 par value Authorized: 5,600,000,000 shares Issued: 3,499,404,085 shares in 2004; 3,494,799,258 shares in 2003 |
875 | 874 | ||||||
Capital surplus | 4,837 | 4,395 | ||||||
Reinvested earnings | 28,509 | 26,687 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | (1,963 | ) | (1,995 | ) | ||||
32,258 | 29,961 | |||||||
Less treasury stock, at cost (1,083,223,778 shares in 2004; 1,053,267,474 shares in 2003) |
(17,304 | ) | (15,871 | ) | ||||
14,954 | 14,090 | |||||||
$ | 29,300 | $ | 27,342 | |||||
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THE COCA-COLA COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(UNAUDITED)
(In millions)
|
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||
Operating Activities | |||||||||
Net income | $ | 3,646 | $ | 3,420 | |||||
Depreciation and amortization | 630 | 622 | |||||||
Stock-based compensation expense | 271 | 329 | |||||||
Deferred income taxes | (44 | ) | (69 | ) | |||||
Equity income or loss, net of dividends | (359 | ) | (246 | ) | |||||
Foreign currency adjustments | (35 | ) | (121 | ) | |||||
Gain on issuance of stock by equity investee | (49 | ) | (8 | ) | |||||
Gains on sales of assets | (17 | ) | (22 | ) | |||||
Other operating charges | 480 | 164 | |||||||
Other items | 245 | 281 | |||||||
Net change in operating assets and liabilities | (178 | ) | (229 | ) | |||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 4,590 | 4,121 | |||||||
Investing Activities | |||||||||
Purchases of property, plant and equipment | (520 | ) | (565 | ) | |||||
Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment | 56 | 54 | |||||||
Acquisitions and investments, principally trademarks and bottling companies | (243 | ) | (306 | ) | |||||
Purchases of investments and other assets | (53 | ) | (190 | ) | |||||
Proceeds from disposals of investments and other assets | 57 | 95 | |||||||
Other investing activities | 76 | 29 | |||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (627 | ) | (883 | ) | |||||
Financing Activities | |||||||||
Issuances of debt | 2,380 | 1,121 | |||||||
Payments of debt | (1,247 | ) | (1,007 | ) | |||||
Issuances of stock | 171 | 48 | |||||||
Purchases of stock for treasury | (1,472 | ) | (938 | ) | |||||
Dividends | (1,809 | ) | (1,086 | ) | |||||
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | (1,977 | ) | (1,862 | ) | |||||
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents | 17 | 91 | |||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents | |||||||||
Net increase during the period | 2,003 | 1,467 | |||||||
Balance at beginning of period | 3,362 | 2,260 | |||||||
Balance at end of period | $ | 5,365 | $ | 3,727 | |||||
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The Coca-Cola Company
Third Quarter and Year-To-Date 2004
Unit Case Volume Results
|
Unit Case Volume Growth (Based on Average Daily Sales) |
Reported Unit Case Volume Growth* |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2004 vs. 2003 % Change |
2004 vs. 2003 % Change |
|||||
|
Third Quarter |
Year-to-Date |
Year-to-Date |
||||
Worldwide | 1 | 2 | 4 | ||||
International Operations | 3 | 2 | 4 | ||||
Africa | 6 | 2 | 5 | ||||
Asia | 9 | 6 | 8 | ||||
Europe, Eurasia and Middle East | (3) | (1) | 1 | ||||
Latin America | 5 | 3 | 5 | ||||
North America Operations | (3) | Even | 2 | ||||
Unit case volume growth based on average daily sales is computed by comparing the average daily sales in each of the corresponding periods. Average daily sales for each quarter are the actual unit cases shipped during the quarter divided by the number of days in the quarter.
Reported unit case volume growth is computed by comparing the actual unit cases shipped in the first nine months of 2004 to the actual unit cases shipped in the first nine months of 2003. In the first nine months of 2004, these amounts are greater than the amounts computed on an average daily sales basis because of extra days in the first quarter of 2004 as compared to the first quarter of 2003. The difference in days will be largely offset in the fourth quarter of 2004.
* Note: | For the third quarter, "unit case volume growth based on average daily sales" is identical to "reported unit case volume growth" because there are no differences in the number of days. Therefore, a separate column is not included above for "reported unit case volume growth" in the third quarter. |
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THE COCA-COLA COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Operating Segments (In millions)
(UNAUDITED)
Third Quarter
|
Net Operating Revenues |
Operating Income |
Income Before Income Taxes |
||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Third Quarter 2004 |
Third Quarter 2003 |
% Fav./ (Unfav.) |
Third Quarter 2004 (1) |
Third Quarter 2003 (2) |
% Fav./ (Unfav.) |
Third Quarter 2004 (1) |
Third Quarter 2003 (2)(3) |
% Fav./ (Unfav.) |
||||||||||||||||
North America | $ | 1,683 | $ | 1,699 | (1 | ) | $ | 377 | $ | 361 | 4 | $ | 379 | $ | 370 | 2 | |||||||||
Africa | 279 | 197 | 42 | 83 | 65 | 28 | 79 | 67 | 18 | ||||||||||||||||
Asia | 1,265 | 1,382 | (8 | ) | 451 | 410 | 10 | 462 | 417 | 11 | |||||||||||||||
Europe, Eurasia & Middle East | 1,847 | 1,820 | 1 | 160 | 589 | (73 | ) | 193 | 617 | (69 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Latin America | 522 | 522 | | 266 | 250 | 6 | 310 | 168 | 85 | ||||||||||||||||
Corporate | 66 | 51 | 29 | (240 | ) | (224 | ) | (7 | ) | (188 | ) | (141 | ) | (33 | ) | ||||||||||
Consolidated | $ | 5,662 | $ | 5,671 | | $ | 1,097 | $ | 1,451 | (24 | ) | $ | 1,235 | $ | 1,498 | (18 | ) | ||||||||
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THE COCA-COLA COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Operating Segments (In millions)
(UNAUDITED)
Nine Months Ended September 30
|
Net Operating Revenues |
Operating Income |
Income Before Income Taxes |
||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
YTD 2004 |
YTD 2003 |
% Fav./ (Unfav.) |
YTD 2004 (1) |
YTD 2003 (2) |
% Fav./ (Unfav.) |
YTD 2004 (1)(3) |
YTD 2003 (2)(4) |
% Fav./ (Unfav.) |
||||||||||||||||
North America | $ | 5,081 | $ | 4,827 | 5 | $ | 1,248 | $ | 1,017 | 23 | $ | 1,256 | $ | 1,051 | 20 | ||||||||||
Africa | 736 | 553 | 33 | 239 | 183 | 31 | 232 | 179 | 30 | ||||||||||||||||
Asia | 3,642 | 3,912 | (7 | ) | 1,411 | 1,244 | 13 | 1,463 | 1,279 | 14 | |||||||||||||||
Europe, Eurasia & Middle East | 5,527 | 4,947 | 12 | 1,422 | 1,531 | (7 | ) | 1,469 | 1,562 | (6 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Latin America | 1,544 | 1,490 | 4 | 781 | 725 | 8 | 922 | 695 | 33 | ||||||||||||||||
Corporate | 175 | 139 | 26 | (750 | ) | (571 | ) | (31 | ) | (542 | ) | (395 | ) | (37 | ) | ||||||||||
Consolidated | $ | 16,705 | $ | 15,868 | 5 | $ | 4,351 | $ | 4,129 | 5 | $ | 4,800 | $ | 4,371 | 10 | ||||||||||
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The Coca-Cola Company
The Coca-Cola Company is the world's largest beverage company. Along with Coca-Cola, recognized as the world's best-known brand, The Coca-Cola Company markets four of the world's top five soft drink brands, including diet Coke, Fanta and Sprite, and a wide range of other beverages, including diet and light soft drinks, waters, juices and juice drinks, teas, coffees and sports drinks. Through the world's largest distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company's beverages at a rate exceeding 1 billion servings each day. For more information about The Coca-Cola Company, please visit our website at www.coca-cola.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain statements, estimates or projections that constitute "forward-looking statements" as defined under U.S. federal securities laws. Generally, the words "believe," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "project," "will" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which generally are not historical in nature. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from The Coca-Cola Company's historical experience and our present expectations or projections. These risks include, but are not limited to, changes in economic and political conditions; changes in the non-alcoholic beverages business environment, including actions of competitors and changes in consumer preferences; product boycotts; foreign currency and interest rate fluctuations; adverse weather conditions; the effectiveness of our advertising and marketing programs; fluctuations in the cost and availability of raw materials or necessary services; our ability to avoid production output disruptions; our ability to achieve earnings goals; our ability to effectively align ourselves with our bottling system; regulatory and legal changes; our ability to penetrate developing and emerging markets; litigation uncertainties; and other risks discussed in our Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, which filings are available from the SEC. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. The Coca-Cola Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.
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