Coca-Cola FEMSA (NYSE:KOF) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 24, 2026 10:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsAlvaro Garcia - Associate PartnerAntonio Hernández - Head Director of Equity ResearchBenjamin Theurer - Managing Director and Head of Latin America Equity ResearchFroylán Méndez - Equity Research Executive DirectorGabriela Martinez - Equity Research ManagerGerardo Cruz Celaya - CFOIan Craig - CEOJorge Collazo - Investor Relations DirectorRodrigo Alcantara - Director of Equity ResearchConference Call Participan ...

Second, we are accelerating our investment in new innovation models with additional resources focused on delivering more impactful science-based innovation across all price tiers with greater investment in key strategic growth markets. Next, we're harnessing the power of best-in-class omnichannel demand generation by adapting how the right products with content and messages are delivered to the right people at the moments that matter in order to drive purchase behavior. The goal is to deliver consistency of ...

Summary of Coca-Cola HBC Conference Call Company and Industry Overview - **Company**: Coca-Cola HBC - **Industry**: Beverage Industry, specifically Coca-Cola bottling and distribution - **Acquisition**: Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) Key Points and Arguments 1. **Acquisition Announcement**: Coca-Cola HBC announced the acquisition of CCBA, the largest Coca-Cola bottler in Africa, creating the second-largest Coca-Cola bottling partner globally by volume across 43 markets in Africa and Europe [3][8][28] 2. **Strategic Rationale**: The acquisition is primarily focused on growth, leveraging CCBA's presence in attractive markets with significant potential for long-term growth in Africa [3][8][10] 3. **Market Presence**: The combined entity will serve over 800 million consumers, representing over 50% of Africa's total population and two-thirds of Africa's Coca-Cola system volume [13][14] 4. **Financial Overview of CCBA**: CCBA reported net sales revenue of over €3.4 billion and EBIT of €246 million in 2024, with a three-year volume CAGR of 4.5% and currency-neutral revenue growth of over 12% [11][12] 5. **Revenue Growth**: Coca-Cola HBC achieved organic revenue growth of 8.1% in the first nine months of 2025, with Q3 revenues growing by 5% [5][6] 6. **Volume Growth**: Sparkling volumes increased by 0.7%, while energy drink volumes surged by 34.3% [6] 7. **Investment in Africa**: Coca-Cola HBC plans to pursue a secondary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange to reinforce its commitment to Africa [8][23] 8. **Demographics and Consumption Potential**: CCBA's markets have favorable demographics, with a young population and low per capita consumption, indicating significant growth potential [9][15] 9. **Operational Synergies**: The acquisition is expected to enhance operational efficiencies and drive margin expansion over the medium to long term [10][44] 10. **Sustainability Commitment**: Coca-Cola HBC emphasizes sustainability and community impact, aligning with CCBA's initiatives [22] Additional Important Insights 1. **Financial Structure of Acquisition**: Coca-Cola HBC is acquiring a 75% stake in CCBA for $2.6 billion, financed through a €1.4 billion bridge facility [7][24] 2. **Earnings Accretion**: The acquisition is expected to be low single-digit EPS accretive in the first full year post-completion, with a clear prospect for long-term shareholder value creation [10][25] 3. **Market Challenges**: The management acknowledges potential risks in emerging markets but emphasizes the opportunities outweighing these risks [49] 4. **Integration Strategy**: Coca-Cola HBC plans to leverage its experience in Nigeria and Egypt to integrate CCBA effectively, focusing on talent development and operational excellence [18][86] 5. **Future Growth Projections**: The company aims to maintain its mid-term guidance of 6-7% organic revenue growth, with expectations for CCBA to potentially exceed this due to its growth opportunities [80][95] This summary encapsulates the critical aspects of Coca-Cola HBC's conference call regarding the acquisition of CCBA, highlighting the strategic importance, financial implications, and growth potential within the African beverage market.

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an organic net sales decline of 11% year over year for Q4 2025, driven by lower sales in both North America and international segments [25][28] - Adjusted gross margin decreased to 20.5%, a decline of approximately 290 basis points year over year, attributed to lower volume mix, cost inflation, and higher trade spend [25][27] - Adjusted net loss was $2 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, compared to adjusted net income of $11 million, or $0.13 per diluted share in the prior year [27] - Adjusted EBITDA was $20 million, down from $40 million a year ago, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 5.5% [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In North America, organic net sales declined 14% year over year, primarily due to lower sales in snacks and meal preparation products [28] - Adjusted gross margin in North America was 19.2%, a decrease of 340 basis points, with adjusted EBITDA of $10 million compared to $21 million in the prior year [28] - International organic net sales declined 6%, with adjusted gross margin at 22.1%, approximately 270 basis points below the prior year [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The snacks category saw organic net sales growth down 19% year over year, driven by velocity challenges and distribution losses [29] - The beverages category experienced a 3% decline in organic net sales, primarily due to softness in tea in North America [30] - The meal prep category's organic net sales growth was down 8%, mainly due to softness in oils and nut butters in North America [30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a turnaround strategy that includes streamlining the portfolio, accelerating brand renovation and innovation, and enhancing digital capabilities [11][22] - A new regional operating model is being implemented to reduce complexity and improve decision-making speed [9][10] - The company plans to exit unprofitable or low-margin SKUs and is committed to reducing the number of tea blends from 91 to less than 55 over the next two years [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed disappointment with Q4 performance, citing challenges in both North America and international segments [5][6] - The company is taking decisive actions to optimize cash, deleverage the balance sheet, and stabilize sales while improving profitability [22][24] - Management anticipates stronger top and bottom line performance in the second half of fiscal 2026 compared to the first half [34] Other Important Information - The company has taken $88 million in charges associated with the transformation program, with restructuring charges expected to reach $100 million to $110 million by fiscal 2027 [26] - Free cash flow in Q4 was an outflow of $9 million, compared to an inflow of $31 million in the prior year [31] - The company closed the quarter with cash on hand of $54 million and net debt of $650 million, having reduced net debt by $14 million in the quarter [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the company manage reinvestment in the context of a strained balance sheet? - Management emphasized the need for financial flexibility and tough decisions to focus investments on high-return areas [38] Question: What are the differences between the current strategy and the previous Hain Reimagined program? - Management noted a shift towards decisive actions and a focus on innovation and local empowerment to drive growth [46][49] Question: What is the expected timeline for restructuring and CEO replacement? - The restructuring process is ongoing, with most changes effective between October 1 and November 1, while the CEO search is progressing in parallel with the strategic review [76][77]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2 2025, net revenues were $938 million, an increase from $930 million in the same period last year [17] - Retail revenue was flat at $887 million compared to 2024, with modest retail volume growth excluding foam products [17] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 was $100 million, compared to $172 million in the prior year [18] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) was $0.39, down from $0.41 in the previous year [18] - The company expects net revenues to decline low single digits compared to 2024, with adjusted EBITDA projected between $650 million and $670 million for the year [19][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company gained market share in categories such as Hefty waste bags and private label food bags [6][17] - Product innovation contributed significantly to volume and share gains, with new products like Hefty Fabuloso scented waste bags and Reynolds Kitchens air fryer cups driving growth [7][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. consumer confidence has decreased by 15 points in 2025, impacting consumer behavior [8] - Approximately 15% of U.S. households utilize SNAP benefits, which are being reduced, influencing purchasing decisions [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on long-term growth and structural margin expansion, emphasizing product innovation and affordability [7][16] - Strategic initiatives include enhancing revenue growth management and onshoring production for smaller product categories [14][15] - The company is investing in automation and high-return projects to support growth and margin expansion beyond 2025 [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in executing pricing strategies to offset higher input costs, despite a challenging operating environment [16][19] - The outlook for 2025 remains positive, with expectations for continued retail volume performance and disciplined cost management [20][22] Other Important Information - The company is adapting to shifts in shopping behavior, with strong performance in online sales [11] - New leadership appointments are expected to enhance commercial and operational performance [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Investment areas and capital deployment - The company is prioritizing automation capital investments and onshoring manufacturing for smaller product categories [25] Question: Innovation and branding - Continued investment in Hefty scented waste bags and sustainable product offerings like Hefty EcoSafe cutlery is a focus [27] Question: Gross margin and pricing strategy - The company anticipates 2 to 4 points of cost headwinds and corresponding pricing recovery throughout the year [34][42] Question: Consumer purchase patterns and pricing execution - The company has successfully executed price increases and observed stable promotional levels compared to the previous year [48][50] Question: Retail inventory destocking impact - There was no significant impact from destocking in Q2, with a neutral effect on the company overall [60][66] Question: Promotional environment in trash category - The promotional environment remained stable, with share gains attributed to distribution investments and innovation [70] Question: Tariff headwinds - The company continues to face a 2 to 4 point headwind from tariffs, with aluminum costs being a significant factor [73]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 5% organic revenue growth and a 4% comparable earnings per share growth despite a 1% decline in volume during the quarter [9][27][28] - Comparable gross margin increased by approximately 80 basis points and comparable operating margin increased by approximately 190 basis points, driven by underlying expansion [28] - Free cash flow, excluding the Fairlife contingent consideration payment, was $3.9 billion, an increase of approximately $600 million compared to the prior year [29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In North America, volume improved sequentially but still declined due to socioeconomic pressures [9][10] - Latin America saw a decline in volume but growth in organic revenue and profit, with Coca Cola Zero Sugar showing strong volume growth in Brazil and Mexico [11] - EMEA reported growth in all three operating units, with significant contributions from Coca Cola Zero Sugar, Sprite, and Fuze Tea [12][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. and Europe showed sequential volume improvement, while emerging markets like Mexico and India faced challenges due to adverse weather and geopolitical issues [8][9][10] - In Asia Pacific, volume declined overall, but revenue and comparable currency-neutral operating income grew [14][15] - The ASEAN markets experienced unexpected weakness in Q2, contrasting with the overall resilient global consumer environment [84] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining agility and adapting its plans to navigate a dynamic external environment, leveraging its all-weather strategy [6][18] - Continued investment in brand marketing and innovation is emphasized to drive growth and maintain market share [10][73] - The company is exploring international opportunities for its Fairlife brand while addressing capacity constraints in North America [41][45][95] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating local market dynamics and achieving updated guidance for 2025, expecting organic revenue growth of 5% to 6% and comparable currency-neutral earnings per share growth of approximately 8% [30][31] - The external environment remains dynamic, with expectations for recovery in some markets taking time [32][85] - Management noted that while there are challenges, the overall consumer environment remains resilient, with targeted marketing strategies in place to address specific market needs [58][84] Other Important Information - The company is implementing a marketing transformation to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in advertising [65] - The introduction of Coca Cola sweetened with U.S. cane sugar is planned for the fall, reflecting consumer interest in differentiated experiences [22][88] - The company is leveraging digital investments and revenue growth management to drive transaction growth [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on pivoting plans and outlook for the second half - Management clarified that the pivoting refers to adapting strategies to maintain growth amidst rapid changes in the market, with a strong outlook for the second half [36][38] Question: Capacity constraints for Fairlife and international expansion plans - Management confirmed that capacity constraints are impacting growth but expects improvements with new facilities coming online in 2026, while exploring international opportunities [41][45][95] Question: Expected rebound in Mexico and India - Management is optimistic about recovery in both markets, with specific marketing and affordability strategies in place to drive growth [49][52] Question: Trends in North America and Hispanic consumer performance - Management noted improvements in North America and recovery in Hispanic consumer engagement, with targeted marketing efforts yielding positive results [58][60] Question: Insights on productivity improvements and margin evolution - Management attributed productivity improvements to marketing transformation and disciplined operating expenses, with expectations for continued margin growth [65][70] Question: Global consumer strength and market dynamics - Management acknowledged pockets of consumer weakness but emphasized overall resilience, with plans to invest in marketing and innovation to drive growth [81][84] Question: Innovation in sugarcane products and fiber - Management confirmed plans to introduce cane sugar products and is exploring innovations in fiber, reflecting evolving consumer preferences [88][90]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 5% decline in organic net sales and adjusted EBITDA of $34 million, which is over 20% below last year's performance [14][22] - Adjusted gross margin fell 50 basis points to 21.8% in the third quarter, and adjusted EBITDA margin decreased by 140 basis points to 8.6% of net sales [22][24] - Free cash flow in the third quarter was an outflow of $2 million compared to an inflow of $30 million in the prior year [31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In North America, organic net sales declined 10% year over year, primarily driven by lower sales in Snacks and Baby and Kids [25] - International organic net sales grew 0.5% in the quarter, led by growth in Meal Prep and Baby and Kids [26] - Snacks category saw a 13% decline in organic net sales year over year, while Baby and Kids experienced a 6% decline [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The North American segment accounted for 80% of the top line shortfall, with two-thirds attributed to Snacks [42] - The international segment is expected to improve sequentially in the fourth quarter due to pricing actions and new innovations [26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has initiated a strategic review of its portfolio to maximize shareholder value, retaining Goldman Sachs as a financial advisor [10][62] - The focus is on simplifying operations, enhancing brand innovation, and improving revenue growth management [19][37] - The company aims to reduce overhead spending and strengthen digital capabilities to drive operational productivity [19][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged disappointing third-quarter results and emphasized the need for clarity, focus, and action moving forward [12][36] - The company expects organic net sales growth for the full year to decline approximately 5% to 6% and adjusted EBITDA to be around $125 million [35] - Management remains optimistic about the future, citing strong brand potential and a growing market for better-for-you products [36][84] Other Important Information - The company has taken $83 million in charges associated with its transformation program, with total charges expected to be between $115 million and $125 million by fiscal 2027 [23] - Interest costs fell 16% year over year to $12 million, driven by lower outstanding borrowings and reduced interest rates [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on Snacks and Infant Nutrition Categories - Management noted that 80% of the top line shortfall came from North America, with two-thirds from Snacks, and emphasized the need for improved execution and marketing [42][44] Question: Visibility and Forecasting Improvements - Management acknowledged the need for better forecasting and visibility, highlighting investments in the commercial team and digital capabilities [52][53] Question: Strategic Review Details - The strategic review will evaluate a broad range of options to enhance shareholder value, but specifics are not yet available as the process is still early [62] Question: Pricing Strategy in Current Environment - Management confirmed that pricing is under review and emphasized the importance of revenue growth management to address pricing execution issues [93][94] Question: Brand Positioning and Value Creation - Management stated that the focus will be on creating value through innovation and marketing, aiming to charge appropriate prices for their brands [78][79]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 5% decline in organic net sales and adjusted EBITDA of $34 million, which is over 20% below last year's performance [13][20] - Adjusted gross margin fell 50 basis points to 21.8% in the third quarter, and adjusted EBITDA margin decreased by 140 basis points to 8.6% of net sales [20] - Interest costs decreased by 16% year over year to $12 million, driven by lower outstanding borrowings and a reduction in interest rates [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In North America, organic net sales declined 10% year over year, primarily driven by lower sales in Snacks and Baby and Kids [24] - International organic net sales grew by 0.5%, led by growth in Meal Prep and Baby and Kids, despite declines in beverages and snacks [25] - Snacks category saw a 13% year-over-year decline in organic net sales, while Baby and Kids experienced a 6% decline [27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The North American segment accounted for 80% of the top line shortfall, with two-thirds attributed to Snacks [40] - The international segment is expected to improve sequentially in the fourth quarter due to pricing actions and new innovations [25] - The overall snacks category has softened, with only a few brands driving growth during the quarter [40] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company launched a new strategy called "Hain Reimagined," aimed at streamlining operations and simplifying the product portfolio [6][9] - A formal process to review the company's portfolio has been initiated to maximize shareholder value, with Goldman Sachs retained as a financial advisor [9] - The focus is on five key drivers: simplifying the business, accelerating innovation, implementing strategic revenue growth management, driving operational productivity, and enhancing digital capabilities [16][35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged that the third quarter results were disappointing and emphasized the need for clarity, focus, and action moving forward [11][12] - The company expects organic net sales growth for the full year to decline approximately 5% to 6%, with adjusted EBITDA around $125 million [33] - Management remains optimistic about the future, citing strong brands in attractive categories and a commitment to continuous improvement [34][35] Other Important Information - The company took charges totaling $8 million associated with restructuring, with total transformation program charges expected to be between $115 million and $125 million by fiscal 2027 [21] - Free cash flow in the third quarter was an outflow of $2 million, compared to an inflow of $30 million in the prior year [29] - The company closed the quarter with cash on hand of $44 million and net debt of $665 million, with a net leverage ratio of 4.2 times [30][31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on Snacks and Infant Nutrition Categories - Management acknowledged underperformance in Snacks, attributing 80% of the top line shortfall to North America, with two-thirds from Snacks [40][41] - They noted execution challenges and category softness, but expressed confidence in brand health and upcoming marketing efforts [41][42] Question: Visibility and Forecasting Improvements - Management indicated that investments in the commercial team and digital capabilities would enhance forecasting and visibility [50][51] Question: Strategic Review Details - The strategic review aims to evaluate the strategy and portfolio to maximize shareholder value, with no specifics available yet as the process is early [58][59] Question: Pricing Strategy and Market Environment - Management confirmed that pricing is under review and emphasized the need for improved execution in revenue growth management [90][91] Question: Brand Positioning and Value Creation - Management stated the importance of creating value in brands through innovation and marketing, aiming to charge appropriate prices based on brand value [76][77] Question: Right to Win and Competitive Environment - Management expressed confidence in the company's right to win, emphasizing the need for brand renovation and innovation to support growth [78][80]