Coca-Cola Reports Q4 Results, Solid Performance Continues to Outperform the Industry

10 Feb 2017 --- The Coca-Cola Company have reported fourth quarter and full year 2016 operating results. Strong price/mix and solid performance in developed markets flagship North America market continues to outperform the industry.

Net revenues declined 6% for the quarter and 5% for the full year, which included a combined unfavorable impact from foreign currency and structural changes of 12% and 9%, respectively. Organic revenues grew 6% for the quarter and 3% for the full year.

Muhtar Kent, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Coca-Cola Company, said, "We are pleased to report that we ended 2016 with fourth quarter top- and bottom-line growth within our expectations. Strong price/mix stemming from our continued focus on driving revenue and solid performance in our developed markets helped offset persistent macroeconomic pressures in our emerging and developing markets. Our flagship market of North America grew net revenues 8% for the quarter and 4% for the year, outperforming total retail value growth for both the North America nonalcoholic ready-to-drink beverage industry and US consumer packaged goods companies."

"In addition to delivering our profit target for the full year, I am encouraged by the strategic actions taken during 2016 to strengthen our global bottling system. In the fourth quarter, we reached a definitive agreement to refranchise all Company-owned bottling operations in China, and we took important steps to further the evolution of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa. During the year, we successfully completed the creation of Coca-Cola European Partners, and we supported the ongoing transformation of the franchise bottling system in Japan. And last, we remain on track to complete the refranchising of Company-owned bottling operations in the United States by the end of 2017. In total, half of our global system revenue has been in motion through our recent actions to strengthen the system. The progress demonstrated by these actions is foundational in positioning our system for prosperity long into the future."

"We also recently made an important decision about the future leadership of The Coca-Cola Company with the announcement that James Quincey will become our next CEO, effective May 1. Having worked closely with James for many years, I know that his knowledge and experience make him the ideal candidate to lead our Company and bottling system into the future. I am partnering with James to ensure a smooth CEO transition and look forward to providing continued support as Chairman of the Board of Directors."