We purchased Coca-Cola (KO, Financial) stock following weakness in its share price. The stock has underperformed the broader staples index over the last five years as earnings have modestly declined largely due to foreign exchange headwinds and slowing emerging markets (particularly Mexico, Brazil and China). While there has been a shift away from carbonated soft drinks (CSDs), particularly in developed markets, KO has been able to compensate with pricing as well ”as growth in its non-CSDs segment, which has driven 2 3% organic revenue growth on a foreign exchange neutral basis. Going forward, two core catalysts will be 1) top line acceleration from refranchising, abating foreign exchange headwinds and the potential for an acceleration in emerging markets, and 2) meaningful margin expansion from refranchising and a massive cost savings program. Additionally, we are optimistic regarding the company’s new management and its restructuring plan. We believe the incoming CEO, James Quincey, is more focused on transitioning the company over time away from CSDs and changing the culture to focus on how KO should evolve over the next decade.
From NWQ Large Cap Fund's 2nd quarter commentary.
