Coca-Cola Stock ($COKE) up 18.9% as it Reports Q1 2024 Results

Coca-Cola Consolidated ( COKE ) reported its first quarter 2024 results, which showed a 5% increase in income from operations to $215 million. The operating margin for the first quarter of 2024 was 13.5%, up 40 basis points from the first quarter of 2023. The company intends to purchase up to $3.1 billion of its Common Stock through both a modified "Dutch auction" tender offer for up to $2.0 billion of its Common Stock and a separate share purchase agreement with The Coca-Cola Company.

Net sales increased 1% to $1.6 billion in the first quarter of 2024, driven by an annual price increase that took effect during the quarter. Standard physical case volume was down 0.4%, while Sparkling category volume grew 2.0% with strong performance of multi-serve packages sold in larger retail stores. Still category volume declined 3.1% during the first quarter of 2024.

Gross profit in the first quarter of 2024 was $640.6 million, an increase of $16.5 million, or 3%. Gross margin improved 50 basis points to 40.2%. Pricing actions taken during the first quarter, stable commodity prices, and higher Sparkling sales contributed to the overall improvement in gross margin.

Dave Katz, President and Chief Operating Officer, expressed satisfaction with the balanced profit growth and overall margin performance in the first quarter. The comparable volume growth of almost 1% reflects the continued strength of Coca-Cola brands and the success of new product launches such as Coke Spiced and the addition of Bang to the Energy portfolio.

Selling, delivery, and administrative (SD&A) expenses in the first quarter of 2024 increased $7.1 million, or 2%. SD&A expenses as a percentage of net sales increased 10 basis points to 26.7% in the first quarter of 2024. The increase in SD&A expenses as compared to the first quarter of 2023 was primarily driven by an increase in labor costs related to annual wage adjustments.

Income from operations in the first quarter of 2024 was $215.4 million, compared to $206.1 million in the first quarter of 2023, an increase of 5%. Operating margin for the first quarter of 2024 was 13.5%, an increase of 40 basis points. Net income in the first quarter of 2024 was $165.7 million, an improvement of $47.6 million. On an adjusted basis, net income in the first quarter of 2024 was $162.5 million, compared to $151.8 million in the first quarter of 2023, an increase of $10.7 million.

Cash flows provided by operations for the first quarter of 2024 were $194.3 million, compared to $184.7 million for the first quarter of 2023. The company plans to invest $77 million in capital expenditures as it continues to enhance its supply chain and invest for future growth.

The company intends to fund the repurchase with a combination of new funded debt and cash on hand. J. Frank Harrison, III will not participate in the tender offer with respect to the Common Stock he beneficially owns.