It was another incredibly busy outstation week, spending nights at four different locations in China and ended up now in Hong Kong airport waiting to board a plane back home. Despite the busy schedule, I bought into a stock listed in Australia this week.
Few months ago, I
received a tip off and spotted an excellent opportunity to own a part of a
wonderful company. The stock is Coca Cola Amatil (CCA) listed in Australian stock exchange (ASX). Over the past one year,
CCA shares plunged from A$15.43 to as low as A$9.06. This is more than 50% drop
in price. The main reasons causing the share plunged will be discussed, as you
read on. Before we take an in-depth look into CCA, let us first review its
US-based parent company Coca Cola Company who owned 30% of it.
received a tip off and spotted an excellent opportunity to own a part of a
wonderful company. The stock is Coca Cola Amatil (CCA) listed in Australian stock exchange (ASX). Over the past one year,
CCA shares plunged from A$15.43 to as low as A$9.06. This is more than 50% drop
in price. The main reasons causing the share plunged will be discussed, as you
read on. Before we take an in-depth look into CCA, let us first review its
US-based parent company Coca Cola Company who owned 30% of it.
Coca-Cola Company (USA: KO)
Coca-Cola Company is one of Warren Buffett’s favourite stocks.
In 1988, Buffett began buying
stock in Coca Cola, eventually purchasing up to 7% of the company for US$1.02 bil.
It would turn out to be one of Berkshire’s most lucrative investments, and one
which it still holds. Today Berkshire Hathaway owns 9.1% stake of Coca
Cola worth around US$16.5 bil, making it the biggest shareholder of the
company. Just why did Warren Buffett like Coca Cola so much? The answer is
simple. Coca Cola is an iconic beverage brand of more than hundred years, with
its products sold over 200 countries that let it enjoys economies of scale and
competitive edge against any new entrants. It is a low-end non-luxury product
consumed almost anytime that makes it near recession proof. The business is
almost a no-brainer and it takes seriously foolish mistakes to make it
unprofitable. Its earnings had been growing for decades over decades. If you
own just one $40 share (~$550 inflation
incl.) of Coca Cola in 1919, with dividend reinvested, it would be worth
~$9.8mil in 2012.
In 1988, Buffett began buying
stock in Coca Cola, eventually purchasing up to 7% of the company for US$1.02 bil.
It would turn out to be one of Berkshire’s most lucrative investments, and one
which it still holds. Today Berkshire Hathaway owns 9.1% stake of Coca
Cola worth around US$16.5 bil, making it the biggest shareholder of the
company. Just why did Warren Buffett like Coca Cola so much? The answer is
simple. Coca Cola is an iconic beverage brand of more than hundred years, with
its products sold over 200 countries that let it enjoys economies of scale and
competitive edge against any new entrants. It is a low-end non-luxury product
consumed almost anytime that makes it near recession proof. The business is
almost a no-brainer and it takes seriously foolish mistakes to make it
unprofitable. Its earnings had been growing for decades over decades. If you
own just one $40 share (~$550 inflation
incl.) of Coca Cola in 1919, with dividend reinvested, it would be worth
~$9.8mil in 2012.
Coca Cola-Amatil (ASX:CCL)
Coca-Cola Amatil (CCA) is the
exclusive bottler for US-based Coca-Cola and related brands operating in
Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Fiji and Samoa. With a market capitalisation of over A$9.3 billion, CCA is
one of Australia’s ‘Top-30’ listed companies. CCA’s businesses include both
non-alcoholic and alcoholic segments with subsidiaries SPC Ardmona and Goulburn Valley operating in the food
sector.
exclusive bottler for US-based Coca-Cola and related brands operating in
Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Fiji and Samoa. With a market capitalisation of over A$9.3 billion, CCA is
one of Australia’s ‘Top-30’ listed companies. CCA’s businesses include both
non-alcoholic and alcoholic segments with subsidiaries SPC Ardmona and Goulburn Valley operating in the food
sector.
Risks and Bad News
CCA
poor results last year led to recent change in CEO and the entire business is
undergoing restructuring now. Since then, CCA credit rating had been lowered by
both Moody’s
(outlook changed from stable to negative) and S&P (A- to BBB+). Why the poor performances?
poor results last year led to recent change in CEO and the entire business is
undergoing restructuring now. Since then, CCA credit rating had been lowered by
both Moody’s
(outlook changed from stable to negative) and S&P (A- to BBB+). Why the poor performances?
SPC
Ardmona Poor Performance
Ardmona Poor Performance
CCA
subsidiary SPC Ardmona, in food industry faces intense competitions from influx
of cheap imported products due to rising AUD. Following the completion of the
Company’s asset impairment testing process, a decision has been taken to write
down the carrying value of SPCA by $404.0 million (non-cash). This includes the
write off of the remaining goodwill of $277.0 million, a $39.7 million write
down in the value of brand names and an $87.3 million charge covering write
downs in inventory and property, plant & equipment and recognition of the
diminution in value of some onerous contracts. As a result, net profits of CCA reduced
from A$457.8MM in FY2012 to A$79.9MM in FY13.
subsidiary SPC Ardmona, in food industry faces intense competitions from influx
of cheap imported products due to rising AUD. Following the completion of the
Company’s asset impairment testing process, a decision has been taken to write
down the carrying value of SPCA by $404.0 million (non-cash). This includes the
write off of the remaining goodwill of $277.0 million, a $39.7 million write
down in the value of brand names and an $87.3 million charge covering write
downs in inventory and property, plant & equipment and recognition of the
diminution in value of some onerous contracts. As a result, net profits of CCA reduced
from A$457.8MM in FY2012 to A$79.9MM in FY13.
Competitor
Pricing Pressures
Pricing Pressures
Another
reason for falling earnings comes from pricing pressures of key competitors
such as Schweppes as well as supermarket giants Woolworths Limited (ASX: WOW)
and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), who had been slashing their prices to gain
market share.
reason for falling earnings comes from pricing pressures of key competitors
such as Schweppes as well as supermarket giants Woolworths Limited (ASX: WOW)
and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), who had been slashing their prices to gain
market share.
Weakness
in Consumer Confidence
in Consumer Confidence
Spending
environment continues to be soft in Australia where CCA derives most of its
revenues from. Lower economic activity caused by falling commodity prices,
reduced mining and increase in unemployment levels in Papua New Guinea also led
to low consumer spending.
environment continues to be soft in Australia where CCA derives most of its
revenues from. Lower economic activity caused by falling commodity prices,
reduced mining and increase in unemployment levels in Papua New Guinea also led
to low consumer spending.
Indonesia
Economic Instability
Economic Instability
Indonesia
is CCA growing revenue driver, growing by 10% volume and 5% in EBIT in local
currency in 2013. But in the past year, the country had been undermined by 20-25%
currency depreciation and inflation due to rising costs of fuel, wage etc
is CCA growing revenue driver, growing by 10% volume and 5% in EBIT in local
currency in 2013. But in the past year, the country had been undermined by 20-25%
currency depreciation and inflation due to rising costs of fuel, wage etc
Strong Financials
Despite all the setbacks,
the company financial fundamental is strong.
the company financial fundamental is strong.
Growing EPS &
Dividend Yield
Dividend Yield
Excluding write off
from SPC, Net PAT actually increases from A$502.8mil in 2013 compare to
A$457.8mil a year ago. CCA also display
strong EPS growth in the last 10 years maintaining gross margin at 44 to 47%.
from SPC, Net PAT actually increases from A$502.8mil in 2013 compare to
A$457.8mil a year ago. CCA also display
strong EPS growth in the last 10 years maintaining gross margin at 44 to 47%.
Just like many other great companies, CCA manage to
increase/maintain the dividend per share yoy from A$0.28
(FY04) to A$0.59 (FY13). The dividend paid out last year also
translates to an attractive yield of ~6% based on current share price.
increase/maintain the dividend per share yoy from A$0.28
(FY04) to A$0.59 (FY13). The dividend paid out last year also
translates to an attractive yield of ~6% based on current share price.
SPC Ardmona Write Off is non-Cash
The SPCA write downs are largely non-cash in nature and
have minimal impact on operations, cashflow or the ability of CCA to pay
dividends.
have minimal impact on operations, cashflow or the ability of CCA to pay
dividends.
Strong Cash & Debt status
The liquidity of the company is very strong, with
operating cashflow of A$733.1mil and free cashflow of A$341.6mil. Cash and
equivalent is also healthy at A$1.4bil. In terms of debts, out of A$3.1bil, A$2.3bil
is fixed rate. Overall borrowing rate is 4% with no refinancing required
till 2016. EBIT/Interest cover is also very strong at 6.7x.
operating cashflow of A$733.1mil and free cashflow of A$341.6mil. Cash and
equivalent is also healthy at A$1.4bil. In terms of debts, out of A$3.1bil, A$2.3bil
is fixed rate. Overall borrowing rate is 4% with no refinancing required
till 2016. EBIT/Interest cover is also very strong at 6.7x.
Reasonable Price to
Earnings Ratio
Earnings Ratio
Trailing P/E excluding write-off is approx.14, which
pales in comparison to other Coca-Cola bottlers such as Arca Continental (22),
Coca Cola HBC (30), Coca Cola Icecek (26) whose average PE is 26 and all with
dividend yield of less than 2%. P/E range for the past 10 years is 12-24, so at
current price CCA is at the low-end of their range.
pales in comparison to other Coca-Cola bottlers such as Arca Continental (22),
Coca Cola HBC (30), Coca Cola Icecek (26) whose average PE is 26 and all with
dividend yield of less than 2%. P/E range for the past 10 years is 12-24, so at
current price CCA is at the low-end of their range.
Growth Potentials
Indonesia Market
Sales in Indonesia had increased by more than 60% since
2008. If not for Rupiah depreciation, Indonesia also recorded earnings growth
last year. CCA’s Australian beverage business accounts for around 70% of the
group’s overall earning, but note that Indonesia has a population of 250
million, which is 10x that of Australia. By statistics, the average Indonesian only
drink 14 Coke products per year compare to more than 250 Coke products for
Australians and more than 400 for Americans in a year. The growing middle-class
in this developing country is quite certain to bring about favourable results
in the long run for CCA earnings. Indonesia is expected to again deliver volume
growth of over 10% this year.
2008. If not for Rupiah depreciation, Indonesia also recorded earnings growth
last year. CCA’s Australian beverage business accounts for around 70% of the
group’s overall earning, but note that Indonesia has a population of 250
million, which is 10x that of Australia. By statistics, the average Indonesian only
drink 14 Coke products per year compare to more than 250 Coke products for
Australians and more than 400 for Americans in a year. The growing middle-class
in this developing country is quite certain to bring about favourable results
in the long run for CCA earnings. Indonesia is expected to again deliver volume
growth of over 10% this year.
Alcoholic Segment
CCA had re-entered into the beer market last year, with a
50% JV with Australian Beer Company. From
a market report, Australian beer market is worth up to US$11bil in potential
sales and up to US$1bil in profits annually. While
it will be distributing brands such as Carling, Coors Light and Cobra, it is
anticipated that CCA will grasp the third spot in Australia beer market share
which should boost earnings for years to come.
50% JV with Australian Beer Company. From
a market report, Australian beer market is worth up to US$11bil in potential
sales and up to US$1bil in profits annually. While
it will be distributing brands such as Carling, Coors Light and Cobra, it is
anticipated that CCA will grasp the third spot in Australia beer market share
which should boost earnings for years to come.
Rolf’s Views
The stock price is trading just above
its lowest level since after the GFC. This offers an excellent opportunity to
own a part of Warren’s Buffett favourite business. Needing no
explanation, Coca Cola brand is world renowned with non-cyclical business nature
that is almost recession proof. With high barriers of entry and a durable competitive advantages I am quite sure it can withstand the test of time.
its lowest level since after the GFC. This offers an excellent opportunity to
own a part of Warren’s Buffett favourite business. Needing no
explanation, Coca Cola brand is world renowned with non-cyclical business nature
that is almost recession proof. With high barriers of entry and a durable competitive advantages I am quite sure it can withstand the test of time.
Yet,
it must be noted that CCA will continue to see temporary weakness in its
business while undergoing restructuring process. The situation of competitive
pressures, wobbly post-election outlook in Indonesia and a struggle SPC Ardmona
division is unlikely to improve short term business outlook. In the long term, I
am quite certain the restructuring process will improve productivity and reduce
costs thereby increase earnings.
it must be noted that CCA will continue to see temporary weakness in its
business while undergoing restructuring process. The situation of competitive
pressures, wobbly post-election outlook in Indonesia and a struggle SPC Ardmona
division is unlikely to improve short term business outlook. In the long term, I
am quite certain the restructuring process will improve productivity and reduce
costs thereby increase earnings.
I had already gone
through the hassle to open my ASX trading account to own part of Coca Cola! How about you?
through the hassle to open my ASX trading account to own part of Coca Cola! How about you?
Related Posts:
Hi, there seems to be an ADR for it. You can use USD to buy instead.
Coca-Cola Amatil Limited ADR
https://www.google.com/finance?q=Coca-Cola+Amatil+Limited+ADR&ei=hwPAU7DhBIKxlQWxrYD4Aw
Hi,
Thanks for the comment. Another new thing I learn. ADR = American Deposit Receipt.
Cheers, Rolf.
Hi,
Normally I will do it for counters listed in UK. No point changing so many currencies. US dollar is a popular currency for investing different countries' stocks! Thanks for your blog.
However do take note as this is ADR, they could be 15% taxed on dividends.
I also added this stock in my dividend portfolio.
http://au.dividendinvestor.com/index.php?exg=XASX&symbol=CCL&chk=5d2b11405933235
Hi Abbas,
Good choice. Quite sure it is not gonna disappoint over long term. 20 years from now, I am quite sure I will still be drinking Coke!
Thanks Rolf
May I know if you opened a trading account with ASX in Australia or you are trading using Singapore brokers?
Hi Wei Ler,
I am trading using my local platform Lim and Tan. Please contact your broker, they should be able to advise and then provide you some forms to fill up.
Note that my broker do charges a per month fee for maintaining ASX platform. Few bucks per month I think.
Rolf
Great post! Really, less calories than half a regular grapefruit? Must have served pretty small glasses of the stuff, or they have sugared it up since then!
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