Coca-Cola sales jump 42% in Q2 as pandemic restrictions ease

Atlanta-based Coca-Cola Co.'s sales improved faster than expected as the impact of the pandemic eased. The soft drink giant said its second-quarter revenue jumped 42% to $10.1 billion. That was ahead Wall Street's forecast of $9.3 billion, according to analysts. Sales in the April-June period was even slightly better than the same period in 2019.

“Our results in the second quarter show how our business is rebounding faster than the overall economic recovery, led by our accelerated transformation. As a result, we are encouraged and, despite the asynchronous nature of the recovery, we are raising our full year guidance,” said James Quincey, Chairman and chief executive of Coca-Cola Co.

“We are executing against our growth plans and our system is aligned. We are better equipped than ever to win in this growing, vibrant industry and to accelerate value creation for our stakeholders," Quincy added.

KEY POINTS

• Revenues: Net revenues grew 42% to $10.1 billion, and organic revenues (non-GAAP) grew 37%. Revenue performance included 26% growth in concentrate sales and 11% growth in price/mix. Revenue growth was driven by the ongoing recovery in markets where coronavirus-related uncertainty is abating, along with the benefit from cycling revenue declines from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic last year.

• Margin: Operating margin, which included items impacting comparability, was 29.8% versus 27.7% in the prior year, while comparable operating margin (non-GAAP) was 31.7% versus 30.0% in the prior year. Operating margin expansion was primarily driven by favorable channel and package mix where coronavirus-related uncertainty is abating, partially offset by a significant increase in marketing expenses versus the prior year.

• Earnings per share: EPS grew 48% to $0.61, and comparable EPS (non-GAAP) grew 61% to $0.68. Comparable EPS (non-GAAP) growth included the impact of a 5-point currency tailwind. 1

• Market share: The company gained value share in total nonalcoholic ready-to-drink (NARTD) beverages driven by a share gain in both at-home and away-from-home channels. The company’s value share in total NARTD beverages is now ahead of the 2019 level.

• Cash flow: Year-to-date cash flow from operations was $5.5 billion, up $2.7 billion versus the prior year, driven by strong business performance, five additional days in the first quarter and working capital initiatives. Year-to-date free cash flow (non-GAAP) was $5.1 billion, up $2.8 billion versus t

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