The Coca-Cola Company Reports Full-Year and Fourth Quarter 2011 Results

Strong full-year global volume growth of 5%, driven by international volume growth of 5% and North America organic volume growth of 1%

Quarterly volume and revenue growth across all five geographic operating groups with broad-based global volume and value share gains

Full-year reported EPS of $3.69 and Q4 reported EPS of $0.72

Full-year comparable EPS of $3.84, up 10%, and Q4 comparable EPS of $0.79, up 10%, both ahead of our long-term growth target

Full-Year and Fourth Quarter 2011 Highlights

• Strong full-year global volume growth of 5% led by brand Coca-Cola, up 3% for both the full year and the quarter. Full-year and fourth quarter global volume grew across every geographic operating group. Global volume grew 3% in the quarter, in line with our long-term growth target, driven by solid international volume growth of 4% and North America volume growth of 1%.
• Full-year reported net revenues grew 33% and comparable currency neutral net revenues grew 29%, reflecting the acquisition of Coca-Cola Enterprises’ (CCE) former North America operations in the fourth quarter of 2010. Fourth quarter 2011 reported net revenues grew 5% and comparable currency neutral net revenues grew 6%, in line with our long-term growth target.
• Full-year reported operating income grew 20% and comparable currency neutral operating income grew 12%. Fourth quarter reported operating income grew 68% and comparable currency neutral operating income grew 14%, ahead of our long-term growth target.
• Four-year productivity program successfully completed, with annualized savings over $500 million, exceeding the original target range of $400 to $500 million.
• Launching new “Productivity and Reinvestment” program with incremental annualized savings of $550 to $650 million by the end of 2015 as a natural outgrowth of the Company’s 2020 Vision to design and implement the most effective and efficient business system.

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Coca-Cola Company today reports strong full-year and fourth quarter 2011 operating results, once again meeting or exceeding its long-term growth targets and gaining full-year volume and value share in total nonalcoholic ready-to-drink (NARTD) beverages as well as in both sparkling and still beverages. The Company’s strong 2011 performance, combined with its optimized and advantaged system, positions it well to deliver long-term, sustainable growth.

Muhtar Kent, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Coca-Cola Company, said, “Today, I am pleased to share that The Coca-Cola Company continues its momentum toward realizing our 2020 Vision, with stronger brands, clear strategies and well-focused execution to drive further growth. We once again achieved financial results for both the year and the quarter in line with, or ahead of, our long-term targets, with quarterly volume and revenue growth in every one of our five geographic operating groups. Importantly, we also continued to increase our global volume and value share in 2011.

“Even as we believe that global market volatility will continue in the near term, the breadth of our global footprint and the strength of our brands create a resilient business that was built for times like these. As we enter into the third year of our 2020 Vision, our Roadmap for Winning Together remains clear. The assumptions that shaped our 2020 Vision have not changed. Our expectations for long-term, sustainable and balanced growth across emerging and developed markets have not wavered. And we will continue to make significant investments in our future all around the world to support the tremendous opportunity we see in nonalcoholic ready-to-drink beverages, one of the fastest growing segments in consumer packaged goods.

“In a world looking for hope, optimism and renewal, Coca-Cola is privileged to be refreshing a thirsty world. Our solid performance reflects the continued investments we have made over time and in every economic condition to strengthen the health of our brands, starting with brand Coca-Cola, the very oxygen of our business. With our well-aligned global bottling system, world-class brands, strong financial discipline and a clear roadmap for growth, we are confident that we will achieve our long-term growth targets and continue to deliver increasing shareowner value. We truly believe we are just getting started and that our best and brightest days lie ahead. Thank you for your continued trust and confidence in The Coca-Cola Company."

PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS

The Coca-Cola Company reported worldwide volume growth of 5% for the full year and 3% during the quarter. Excluding new cross-licensed brands in North America, primarily Dr Pepper brands (which the Company began distributing Oct. 2, 2010), worldwide volume grew 4% for the full year, at the high end of our long-term growth target. Volume growth for the full year was well-balanced across the globe, with solid growth in key developed markets like North America, Japan and Germany and double-digit growth in key emerging markets like India and China. In addition, solid growth continued in countries with per capita consumption of Company brands less than 150 eight-ounce servings per year, with volume up 6% for the full year and 4% in the quarter. For both the full year and the quarter, we grew global volume and value share in NARTD beverages, with volume and value share gains across most beverage categories. Further, our immediate consumption beverages were up 4% globally in 2011, driven by focused in-store activation efforts and cold drink equipment expansion.

We continued to see growth in sparkling beverages, with gains in global volume and value share for the full year and in the quarter. This growth was driven by our continued focus on and investment in our brands, starting with brand Coca-Cola. Brand Coca-Cola volume grew 3% in both the full year and the quarter, with strong growth in the fourth quarter in a number of markets around the world, including 33% in Thailand, 15% in India, 13% in China, 12% in Argentina, 9% in Germany, 8% in Russia, 4% in both Mexico and France, and 3% in Japan. Worldwide sparkling beverage volume grew 2% in the quarter, with international sparkling beverage volume up 3% as we continue to focus on innovative, globally scaled marketing campaigns. For the full year, worldwide sparkling beverage volume grew 4%, with new cross-licensed brands in North America, primarily Dr Pepper brands, contributing one percentage point of this growth.

Worldwide still beverage volume grew 8% for the full year and 6% in the quarter, led by growth across the portfolio, including ready-to-drink teas, juices and juice drinks, energy drinks and water brands. International still beverage volume grew 10% for the full year and 7% in the quarter, and North America still beverage volume grew 4% for the full year and 3% in the quarter. We grew global still beverage volume and value share for the full year. In the quarter, we grew global still beverage volume share and successfully held value share as consumers continue to experience macroeconomic volatility. Minute Maid Pulpy continues to expand globally, with 20% volume growth in 2011. Energy drinks volume grew 19% in the quarter with broad distribution of our Burn energy brand, which is now available in nearly 80 countries. Water volume grew 7% in the quarter as we continue to focus on innovative and sustainable immediate consumption packaging like our PlantBottle™ in North America, which is driving new customer listings, and our I LOHAS/Ecoflex lightweight crushable bottle for water brands in Asia and Latin America. Packaging innovations like these underscore our commitment to ensure the long-term sustainability of our packaged water business and our focus on reducing our carbon footprint.

Eurasia & Africa

• Our Eurasia and Africa Group’s volume grew 4% in the quarter, cycling 14% growth in the prior year quarter, led by strong results in India, up 20%, and the Middle East and North Africa, up 7%. Full-year volume grew 6%, cycling 12% growth in the prior year. Reported net revenue for the quarter increased 7%, reflecting a 7% increase in concentrate sales and positive price/mix of 8%, partially offset by a currency impact of 8%. Concentrate sales in the quarter were slightly ahead of unit case volume as we cycled lower shipments in the prior year quarter. For the full year, concentrate sales slightly lagged unit case sales. Reported operating income increased 16% in the quarter. Comparable currency neutral operating income increased 24% in the quarter driven by the increase in revenue and favorable operating expense leverage, partially offset by higher cost of goods sold and increased investments in the business. Full-year reported net revenue increased 11%, reflecting a 5% increase in concentrate sales and 7% positive price/mix, partially offset by a currency impact of 1%. Full-year reported operating income increased 11%, while comparable currency neutral operating income increased 13% driven by increased revenue and partially offset by continued investments in the business.
• In Eurasia and Africa, sparkling beverages grew 4% in the quarter, led by brand Coca-Cola which grew 5%. Still beverages grew 7%. Eurasia and Africa grew share in total NARTD beverages and sparkling beverages as well as volume and value share in sports drinks and juices and juice drinks. India volume grew 20% in the quarter, our 22^nd consecutive quarter of growth, with strong 22% growth in sparkling beverages driven by Diwali festival activation and continued success with integrated marketing programs like our Coke Studio music programming. Despite geopolitical challenges in the region, volume in our Middle East and North Africa business unit grew 7% in the quarter. Although volume in Russia was down 3% in the quarter as we cycled very strong 31% growth from the prior year quarter, we gained significant volume and value share in total NARTD beverages as well as in both sparkling and still beverages. Russia sparkling beverages grew 3% in the quarter, led by strong 8% growth of brand Coca-Cola. Volume in Turkey grew double digits for the full year, with volume and value share gains in total NARTD beverages and still beverages.

Europe

• Our Europe Group’s volume grew 1% in the quarter, cycling 2% growth in the prior year quarter. Full-year volume growth was 2%, underscoring our system’s ability to manage through varying macroeconomic conditions across the region with tailored price and package offerings to meet the needs of consumers in each market. Reported net revenue for the quarter grew 4%, reflecting 3% growth in concentrate sales and positive 1% price/mix. Currency had minimal impact on reported net revenue in the quarter. While concentrate sales in the quarter were ahead of unit case volume due to timing of shipments, full-year concentrate sales and unit case volume were in line. Reported operating income was up 1% in the quarter. Comparable currency neutral operating income grew 4% in the quarter, reflecting favorable timing of operating expenses as well as favorable pricing in Northwest Europe and Nordics. Reported net revenue for the full year grew 4%, with 1% concentrate sales growth and a 3% currency benefit. Price/mix for the full year was even, and includes a 1% unfavorable impact due to a change in the system value split with our wholly owned bottler in Germany, implemented late in third quarter 2010. Reported operating income for the full year increased 4%. Comparable currency neutral operating income increased 1% due to positive revenue growth and continued tight management of operating expenses, partially offset by the change in the system value split and higher commodity costs, primarily juices.
• Volume growth in the quarter was driven by strong 9% growth in Germany and low single-digit growth in both Spain and Northwest Europe and Nordics, leading to full-year Europe share gains in total NARTD beverages and sparkling beverages. Central and Southern Europe volume declined 4% in the quarter and was even for the full year as that region experiences ongoing volatile economic conditions. Sparkling beverage volume for the group grew 1% in the quarter, driven by brand Coca-Cola, up 2%, and Coca-Cola Zero, up 12%, as we leveraged integrated marketing campaigns centered on Christmas and the 2012 Olympic Torch Relay. In addition, we continued our focus on segmenting occasion-based package and price points to drive revenue growth. Our portfolio of energy brands grew strong double digits, supported by line extensions and expanded distribution, with continued volume and value share gains in the quarter.

Latin America

• Our Latin America Group’s volume grew 4% in the quarter, cycling 5% growth in the prior year quarter. Full-year volume grew 6%, supported by strong growth in Mexico and the South Latin Region as a result of clear occasion-based, brand, package, price and channel strategies across beverage categories. Reported net revenue for the quarter increased 8%, reflecting concentrate sales growth of 6% and positive price/mix of 8%, partially offset by a currency impact of 6%. Concentrate sales in the quarter were ahead of unit case sales due to timing of shipments, and they were in line for the full year. Reported operating income was up 7% in the quarter, with comparable currency neutral operating income up 12%, primarily reflecting volume growth and favorable pricing across the group, partially offset by continued investments in the business. Reported net revenue for the full year increased 14%, reflecting concentrate sales growth of 5%, positive price/mix of 7% and a currency benefit of 4%, partially offset by the effect of structural changes as a result of the sale of our 50% ownership in Leão Junior, resulting in its deconsolidation effective September 2010. Full-year reported operating income was up 17% and comparable currency neutral operating income grew 13%, primarily reflecting volume growth and favorable pricing across the group, partially offset by continued investments in the business.
• Volume growth in the quarter was broad-based, with 8% growth in the South Latin Region, 6% growth in the Latin Center Region and 4% growth in Mexico, all driven by a dual focus on affordability with refillable packages, and recruitment through growth in immediate consumption and continued placement of new cold drink equipment. Brazil volume was even in the quarter, cycling 7% growth in the prior year quarter, and was up 1% for the full year, reflecting an environment of moderating economic growth coupled with rising food inflation. Latin America sparkling beverages grew 2% in the quarter and 4% for the full year, driven by continued growth of brand Coca-Cola, up 2% in the quarter and led by 4% growth in Mexico and 12% growth in Argentina. Trademark Sprite was up 6% in the quarter and 7% for the full year. Still beverages grew 12% in the quarter and 15% for the full year. Excluding acquired brands, still beverages grew 10% in the quarter and 13% for the full year.
• During the quarter, the Latin America Group gained volume and value share in total NARTD beverages, driven by volume and value share gains in both sparkling and still beverages and across most beverage categories. Mexico posted both volume and value share growth in the quarter in total NARTD, sparkling and still beverages. Argentina also gained volume and value share in total NARTD beverages and across all beverage categories as the business benefited from strong integrated marketing campaigns across beverage categories as well as the Christmas campaign “Open the Magic in You”. Brazil’s continued focus on single-serve and returnable packaging resulted in volume and value share gains in total NARTD beverages as well as sparkling and still beverages.

North America

• Our North America Group’s volume grew 1% in the quarter and 4% for the full year. Excluding new cross-licensed brands, primarily Dr Pepper brands, North America’s organic volume grew 1% for the full year, with volume and value share gains in total NARTD beverages as well as in both sparkling and still beverages. Reported net revenue for the quarter increased 4%, reflecting “as reported” volume growth of 2%, which includes the benefit from one additional selling day in the quarter, as well as positive 2% price/mix. Price/mix for the quarter reflects retail pricing of 4% in sparkling beverages through the ongoing effective execution of our occasion-based brand, package, price and channel strategies, partially offset by product mix. Fourth quarter reported operating income grew 487%, primarily reflecting the cycling of the elimination of intercompany sales upon consolidation of CCE’s former North America operations in fourth quarter 2010. Comparable currency neutral operating income grew 25% in the quarter due to timing of marketing expenses as we cycled higher marketing expenses from fourth quarter 2010 after the acquisition of CCE’s former North America operations. Reported net revenue for the full year increased 84%, primarily reflecting the acquisition of CCE’s former North America operations. We achieved 1% positive pricing to retailers for the full year, driven by 2% positive pricing on sparkling beverages. Full-year reported operating income grew 52%. Comparable currency neutral operating income increased 44% for the full year, primarily reflecting the acquisition of CCE’s former North America operations and growth in the underlying business, partially offset by higher commodity costs.
• Sparkling beverage volume was even in the quarter, cycling 1% growth in the prior year quarter, and reflecting brand Coca-Cola growth of 1%. For the full year, sparkling beverage volume grew 3%. Excluding new cross-licensed brands, principally Dr Pepper brands, organic sparkling beverage volume declined 1% for the full year, as pricing to retailers on sparkling beverages increased 2% in 2011. Importantly, we gained sparkling beverage volume and value share in the quarter, driven by a fully integrated Open Happiness holiday campaign, including our ongoing Arctic Home program, and a strong focus on occasion-based brand, package, price and channel strategies. Coca-Cola Zero grew high single digits in the quarter and 11% for the full year, its fifth consecutive year delivering double-digit volume growth, driven by strong marketing and continuing growth in the foodservice channel. Both Mello Yello and Seagrams continued their double-digit growth in both the quarter and the full year.
• North America still beverage volume grew 3% in the quarter and 4% for the full year, led by Powerade growth of 11% in the quarter. Still beverage volume in the quarter also benefited from double-digit growth in Gold Peak tea, vitaminwater zero and smartwater. During the quarter and full year, we gained volume and value share in still beverages, with volume and value share gains across multiple still beverage categories, including sports drinks, energy drinks, ready-to-drink teas and packaged water. We also gained share in juices and juice drinks in both the quarter and the full year. Still beverage volume share has now grown for seven consecutive quarters.

Pacific

• Our Pacific Group’s volume grew 5% in the quarter, with full-year volume also up 5%. Fourth quarter volume growth was broad-based, with 10% growth in China, 5% growth in Japan, 11% growth in Thailand and 25% growth in South Korea. For the full year, volume growth in China was 13% and Japan volume was slightly positive, rounding to even. Concentrate sales grew ahead of unit case volume in the quarter due to timing of shipments in advance of the year-end holiday season and earlier Chinese New Year. Full-year concentrate sales were in line with unit case sales. Reported net revenue for the quarter grew 12%, reflecting 8% concentrate sales growth and a 4% currency benefit. Price/mix was even in the quarter, reflecting positive pricing and package mix offset by geographic mix and product mix in Japan. Reported operating income declined 2% in the quarter, reflecting increased investments in our brands and business across the group. Comparable currency neutral operating income declined 3% in the quarter. For the full year, reported net revenue grew 11%, reflecting 6% concentrate sales growth and a 7% currency benefit. Price/mix for the full year had a negative 2% impact on reported net revenue as geographic mix offset positive pricing. Reported operating income increased 5%, reflecting a 7% currency benefit partially offset by continued investments in our brands. Comparable currency neutral operating income increased 1% for the full year after adjusting for the impact of the disasters in Japan earlier in the year.
• China volume grew 10% in the fourth quarter and 13% for the full year, making this nine of the last 10 years that our business there has delivered double-digit growth. We saw strong growth across our entire sparkling portfolio, with Coca-Cola, Sprite and Fanta all delivering double-digit growth in both the fourth quarter and the full year, driven by a renewed focus on core brands, continued distribution gains and the expansion of cooler facings. Importantly, we realized sparkling beverage volume and value share gains in both the quarter and the full year. Still beverages grew 8% in the quarter and 16% for the full year, driving share gains for the year in still beverages as Minute Maid Pulpy, Minute Maid Pulpy Super Milky value-added dairy and Ice Dew packaged water continued to perform well. As our business and the industry in China continue to evolve, we are introducing a wider variety of packages to promote affordability and enhance the consumer experience with our brands, all with a focus to drive increased transactions and profitable growth and to continue building brand equity with consumers. Our results this year confirm that we are executing the right strategies and have the right capabilities in place in China to deliver sustainable, double-digit growth over the long term.
• Japan volume grew a strong 5% in the quarter and was slightly positive, rounding to even, for the full year, reflecting the strength and resilience of our people and brands across the entire Japanese system as our business recovered quickly from the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear plant crisis in 2011. In the quarter, we realized greater momentum across several key channels in Japan, including convenience stores and vending machines, as we further increased our focus on single-serve beverages. Sparkling beverage volume growth was 6% in the quarter, driven by integrated marketing campaigns centered on Christmas and meal occasions, the Coke Zero Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol promotion and the launch of new Fanta flavors. Single-serve I LOHAS water continued to perform well in the convenience store and vending channels, driving volume and value share gains in packaged water. Ayataka green tea volume grew strong double digits in the quarter, performing well in the supermarket and vending channels and benefiting from increasing consumer preference and expanded availability in the convenience store channel.

Bottling Investments

• Our Bottling Investments Group’s volume grew 3% in the quarter on an average daily sales basis, reflecting growth in Germany, India and China. Reported net revenue for the quarter grew 6%. This reflects “as reported” volume growth of 4% and positive price/mix of 3%, driven by positive pricing partially offset by geographic mix. Currency had a negative 1% impact on reported net revenue. Reported operating income in the quarter increased 495%, reflecting the cycling of prior year restructuring initiatives. Comparable currency neutral operating income increased 15% in the quarter, reflecting the increase in revenues and the benefits of disciplined capital investments and expense management, offset by higher commodity costs and continued investments in our in-market capabilities. For the full year, volume grew 4% on a comparable basis, after adjusting for the effect of structural changes, principally the sale of the Norway and Sweden bottlers. Reported volume was even for the full year. The growth in comparable volume was primarily driven by growth in China, India and Germany. Reported net revenue for the full year grew 3%. This reflects the 4% growth in comparable unit case volume, positive price/mix of 3% and a currency benefit of 4%, partially offset by the effect of structural changes. Reported operating income for the full year declined 1%. Comparable currency neutral operating income declined 11% for the full year. After adjusting for the effect of structural changes, principally the sale of the Norway and Sweden bottlers, comparable currency neutral operating income increased 7%. This reflects the increase in comparable volume and the change in the system value split in Germany as well as the benefits of disciplined capital investments and expense management, partially offset by higher commodity costs and continued investments in our in-market capabilities.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Fourth quarter reported net revenue was up 5%, with comparable net revenue also up 5%. This reflects a 5% increase in concentrate sales and 1% positive price/mix, driven by positive pricing partially offset by geographic mix. Currency had a negative 1% impact on net revenue in the quarter. Concentrate sales in the quarter were ahead of unit case sales. However, “as reported” unit case sales were broadly in line with concentrate sales in the quarter. For the full year, concentrate sales were in line with unit case sales. Fourth quarter comparable currency neutral net revenue growth was 6%, in line with our long-term target. For the full year, reported net revenue grew 33%, with comparable net revenue also up 33%. This reflects 5% growth in concentrate sales, a 3% currency benefit, positive price/mix and the acquisition of CCE’s former North America operations, partially offset by the effect of structural changes. The positive price/mix for the full year reflects international and Bottling Investments Group combined price/mix of 2% as well as positive pricing to retailers in North America, driven by 2% positive pricing on sparkling beverages. This reflects our fundamental ability to execute our pricing strategies within a disciplined commercial framework that considers rate increases in concert with occasion-based package mix levers, balancing overall category health with volume, value and pricing growth. As a result, we grew global NARTD value share for the 18^th consecutive quarter, with both volume and value share gains in 2011 across total NARTD beverages as well as in sparkling and still beverages.

Reported cost of goods sold increased 3% in the quarter. Comparable cost of goods sold increased 8% in the quarter, driven by a 5% increase in concentrate sales. Currency had minimal impact on cost of goods sold in the quarter. For the full year, reported cost of goods sold increased 44%. Comparable cost of goods sold increased 45% for the full year, driven by a 5% increase in concentrate sales, a 3% currency impact and the acquisition of CCE’s former North America operations, partially offset by the effect of structural changes, principally the sale of the Norway and Sweden bottlers. In the quarter and for the full year, higher commodity costs, particularly in our finished goods businesses in the Bottling Investments Group and Coca-Cola Refreshments (CCR), continued to impact cost of goods sold. Items affecting comparability in the quarter and for the full year primarily included gains and losses on commodities hedging.

Reported SG&A expenses decreased 2% in the quarter. Comparable SG&A expenses were even in the quarter. This reflects timing of marketing expenses in North America as we cycled higher marketing expenses from fourth quarter 2010 after the acquisition of CCE’s former North America operations. International SG&A expenses were up in the quarter, reflecting continued investments in our brands as well as timing of expenses. For the full year, reported SG&A expenses increased 33% and comparable SG&A expenses also increased 33%. This increase was primarily driven by the acquisition of CCE’s former North America operations and also reflects a 3% currency impact. Structural changes, principally the sale of the Norway and Sweden bottlers, reduced comparable currency neutral SG&A expenses for the full year by 2%. Throughout 2011, we carefully managed expenses in an effort to maximize investments in initiatives that are intended to build our brands and business, including marketing and sales capability. Importantly, for the full year, direct marketing expenses grew slightly ahead of unit case volume, as planned, and as we continue to invest in the health and strength of our brands. International operating expense leverage was even for the full year, as expected.

In the fourth quarter of 2010, the Company expanded certain commodity hedging programs as a result of our acquisition of CCE’s former North America business. Many of the derivatives included in these expanded programs do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment under the applicable accounting guidance. The Company uses these derivatives as economic hedges to mitigate the risks associated with commodities and currency exposure. As a result of the expansion of our hedging programs, in the fourth quarter of 2010 we began to exclude the net impact of these economic hedges from our comparable operating income until the period in which the underlying exposure being hedged impacts our consolidated statement of income. For the fourth quarter and full year of 2011, the impact excluded from our comparable operating income was a net loss of $8 million and $111 million, respectively.

Fourth quarter reported operating income increased 68%, with comparable currency neutral operating income up 14%. Full-year reported operating income increased 20%, with comparable currency neutral operating income up 12%. Items affecting comparability reduced fourth quarter operating income by $283 million in 2011 and by $856 million in 2010. Currency reduced comparable operating income by 3% in the quarter, and for the full year currency represented a 3% benefit, partially offsetting the impact of increased commodity costs. Including our hedge positions and the cycling of our prior year rates, we currently estimate currencies will have a low single-digit negative impact on first quarter 2012 operating income and a mid single-digit negative impact on operating income for full-year 2012.

On a full-year basis, our net share repurchases totaled $2.9 billion, at the high end of our previous guidance of $2.5 to $3.0 billion. In 2012, we are targeting net share repurchases of an additional $2.5 to $3.0 billion for the full year.

Fourth quarter reported EPS was $0.72 and comparable EPS was $0.79, both up 10% and ahead of our long-term growth target. Items affecting comparability decreased fourth quarter 2011 reported EPS by $0.07 per share and increased fourth quarter 2010 reported EPS by $1.74 per share. In 2011, these items included restructuring charges, costs related to global productivity initiatives, costs related to our acquisition of CCE’s former North America business and net losses related to our economic hedges, primarily commodities, partially offset by transaction gains. The net gain in 2010 included the non-cash gain related to the purchase of CCE’s former North America operations as well as net gains related to economic hedges, primarily commodities, partially offset by restructuring charges, costs related to global productivity initiatives, costs related to the CCE transaction, costs associated with the repurchase of debt, a donation to The Coca-Cola Foundation, as well as certain tax matters.

Cash from operations was $9.5 billion for both full-year 2011 and full-year 2010. Stronger operating results were offset by a shift in the use of working capital. This shift in working capital was primarily driven by $769 million in additional pension contributions made in first quarter 2011 as well as the impact of a temporary extension of credit terms in Japan following the disasters in 2011. After excluding the significant pension contributions made in the first quarter, cash from operations was up 7% for the full year.

In 2012 we are launching both a new global productivity initiative and an expanded CCR integration effort under one joint “Productivity and Reinvestment” program representing a combined incremental $550 to $650 million in annualized savings by the end of 2015. The first initiative, a new four-year global productivity program, will target $350 to $400 million in annualized savings by the end of 2015. Second, our CCR integration efforts are now expected to capture total annualized savings of $550 to $600 million, or an incremental $200 to $250 million above our original $350 million estimate. We expect to capture this incremental $200 to $250 million in annualized savings by the end of 2015. We estimate that total costs associated with the capture of all CCR-related synergies will increase from $425 million to about $800 million, as we implement new initiatives to capture our higher annualized savings target.

The savings generated from this “Productivity and Reinvestment” program are to be reinvested to enhance our ongoing systemwide brand building initiatives and will also help mitigate potential incremental near-term commodity costs on an as-needed basis. Productivity is a core pillar of our 2020 Vision, and a leading priority of our Company is to design and implement the most effective and efficient business system. This effort is part of the Company’s well-established and continuous approach to productivity, which includes creating a competitive cost advantage across our global supply chain; building a continuous improvement and operational excellence culture; redirecting resources to drive profitable growth through marketing and innovation effectiveness; and standardizing and simplifying our business processes, data and information technology systems.

Effective Tax Rate

The reported effective tax rates for the quarter and full year were 24.3% and 24.5%, respectively. The underlying effective annual tax rate on operations was 23.9%. The variance between the reported tax rate and the underlying tax rate was due to the tax effect of various items affecting comparability, separately presented in this document in the Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Financial Measures schedule.

Our underlying effective tax rate does not reflect the impact of significant or unusual items and discrete events, which, if and when they occur, are separately recognized in the appropriate period.

For 2012, we expect our underlying effective tax rate on operations to be in the range of 24.0% to 25.0%.

Items Impacting Prior Year Results

First quarter 2010 results included a net charge of $0.11 per share primarily related to restructuring charges and costs related to global productivity initiatives as well as the impact of the Venezuela currency devaluation.

Second quarter 2010 results included a net charge of $0.04 per share primarily related to restructuring charges and costs related to global productivity initiatives as well as costs related to our acquisition of CCE’s former North America business.

Third quarter 2010 results included a net charge of $0.04 per share primarily related to restructuring charges and costs related to global productivity initiatives as well as costs related to our acquisition of CCE’s former North America business.

Fourth quarter 2010 results included a net gain of $1.74 per share primarily related to the non-cash gain on the purchase of CCE’s former North America operations, as well as net gains related to economic hedges, primarily commodities, partially offset by restructuring charges, costs related to global productivity initiatives, costs related to the CCE transaction, costs associated with the repurchase of debt, a donation to The Coca-Cola Foundation, as well as certain tax matters.

NOTES

• All references to growth rate percentages, share and cycling of growth rates compare the results of the period to those of the prior year comparable period.
• “Concentrate sales” represents the amount of concentrates, syrups, beverage bases and powders sold by, or used in finished beverages sold by, the Company to its bottling partners or other customers.
• “Sparkling beverages” means NARTD beverages with carbonation, including energy drinks and carbonated waters and flavored waters.
• “Still beverages” means nonalcoholic beverages without carbonation, including noncarbonated waters, flavored waters and enhanced waters, juices and juice drinks, teas, coffees, sports drinks and noncarbonated energy drinks.
• “Organic” when used with reference to North America volume performance means volume excluding new cross-licensed brands, principally Dr Pepper brands.
• All references to volume and volume percentage changes indicate unit case volume, except for the reference to North America’s “as reported” volume. All volume percentage changes, unless otherwise noted, are computed based on average daily sales. “Unit case” means a unit of measurement equal to 24 eight-ounce servings of finished beverage. “Unit case volume” means the number of unit cases (or unit case equivalents) of Company beverages directly or indirectly sold by the Company and its bottling partners to customers.
• For both North America and Bottling Investments Group, net revenue growth attributable to volume reflects the increase in “as reported” volume, which is based on as reported sales rather than average daily sales. North America’s “as reported” volume represents CCR’s as reported unit case sales (which are equivalent to concentrate sales) plus non-Company-owned bottling operations’ concentrate sales.
• Fourth quarter 2011 financial results were impacted by one additional selling day, which offset the impact of one less selling day in first quarter 2011 results. Unit case volume results are not impacted by the variance in selling days due to the average daily sales computation referenced above. First quarter 2012 financial results will be impacted by one less selling day, and fourth quarter 2012 financial results will be impacted by two additional selling days.
• The Company reports its financial results in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). However, management believes that certain non-GAAP financial measures provide users with additional meaningful financial information that should be considered when assessing our ongoing performance. Management also uses these non-GAAP financial measures in making financial, operating and planning decisions and in evaluating the Company's performance. Non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative for, the Company’s reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP. Our non-GAAP financial information does not represent a comprehensive basis of accounting.
• Our long-term revenue and operating income growth targets are on a comparable currency neutral basis and exclude structural changes. Our long-term volume growth target is on a comparable basis, excluding the effect of structural changes. Our long-term EPS growth target is on a comparable basis.

CONFERENCE CALL

We are hosting a conference call with investors and analysts to discuss our full-year and fourth quarter 2011 results today, Feb. 7, 2012 at 9:30 a.m. EST. We invite investors to listen to a live audiocast of the conference call at our website, http://www.thecoca-colacompany.com in the “Investors” section. A replay in downloadable MP3 format will also be available within 24 hours after the audiocast on our website. Further, the “Investors” section of our website includes a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures that may be used periodically by management when discussing our financial results with investors and analysts to our results as reported under GAAP.