PEP

Business Context and Reporting Period

Company: PepsiCo, Inc.
Filing Type: Form 10-Q (Quarterly Report)
Reporting Period: 24 weeks ended June 10, 2000 (Year-to-Date) and 12 weeks ended June 10, 2000 (Quarter).
Context: The report reflects the company's operations following the deconsolidation of certain bottling operations, which were previously consolidated but are now reported as equity investments. The company maintains a strong cash-generating capability with access to global capital markets.

Key Financial Metrics

Note: 1999 figures include a $1,000 million gain on bottling transactions and a $65 million impairment/restructuring charge.

Material Changes vs. Prior Period

• Revenue: Reported net sales declined 10% year-to-date ($977 million decrease) primarily due to the deconsolidation of bottling operations. However, "New PepsiCo" sales (excluding intercompany eliminations) increased 8% to 14% driven by volume gains and higher effective net pricing.
• Profitability: Operating profit increased 11% year-to-date ($148 million increase). Ongoing operating profit margin improved to 16.0% from 13.0% in the prior year, aided by reduced commodity costs and pricing power.
• Net Income: Reported net income decreased 9% year-to-date ($91 million decrease) largely due to the absence of the $1 billion gain on bottling transactions recorded in 1999. On an "ongoing" basis (excluding the gain and restructuring charges), net income increased 16%.
• Cash Flow: Operating cash flow increased to $1,096 million from $992 million. However, total cash and cash equivalents decreased by $436 million due to significant debt repayments and share repurchases.
• Capital Allocation: The company repurchased 23.8 million shares for $814 million during the 24-week period, compared to $506 million in the prior year.

Guidance, Outlook, and Risks

• Outlook: Management expects continued volume gains across Frito-Lay, Tropicana, and Pepsi-Cola International. Effective net pricing remains a key driver of growth.
• Segment Performance:
  • Frito-Lay: Strong growth in core brands (Cheetos, Ruffles, Tostitos) and new products (SnackKit, Oberto's). International growth led by Sabritas (Mexico) and Walkers (U.K.).
  • Pepsi-Cola: North America volume was flat; International volume grew 7% to 9% with strong recovery in Russia and growth in China and India.
  • Tropicana: Volume grew 5% driven by Pure Premium nutritionals and blends.
• Risks and Contingencies:
  • Foreign Currency: Unfavorable currency impacts, particularly from the Euro and weaker currencies in the U.K. and Australia, reduced sales and operating profit.
  • EURO Conversion: The company is adapting systems for the Euro conversion (effective 2002). While system conversion costs are not expected to be material, long-term pricing impacts are uncertain.
  • Accounting Standards: The company is assessing the impact of SFAS 133 (Derivatives and Hedging), effective for fiscal year 2001.

Investor Verification Checklist

• Deconsolidation Impact: Verify the specific impact of the bottling deconsolidation on reported sales versus "New PepsiCo" organic growth metrics.
• Ongoing vs. Reported Earnings: Confirm the reconciliation between reported net income and "ongoing" net income to understand the true operational performance excluding the one-time $1 billion gain from 1999.
• Currency Exposure: Assess the magnitude of foreign currency headwinds, specifically regarding the Euro and emerging markets, on future margins.
• Share Count Reduction: Monitor the continued reduction in average shares outstanding (2.4% reduction noted) as a driver for EPS growth.
• Debt Levels: Review the trend in long-term debt repayments versus new issuances to evaluate leverage ratios and liquidity coverage.