Coca-Cola Consolidated
COKE
#1932
Rank
$10.79 B
Marketcap
$162.00
Share price
-1.04%
Change (1 day)
16.00%
Change (1 year)

Coca-Cola Consolidated - 10-Q quarterly report FY


Text size:
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q


[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


For the quarterly period ended March 29, 1998
---------------------------------------------

Commission File Number 0-9286
------------------------------------------------------


COCA-COLA BOTTLING CO. CONSOLIDATED
-----------------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware 56-0950585
-------- ----------
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or (I.R.S. Employer
organization) Identification Number)

1900 Rexford Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28211
---------------------------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(704) 551-4400
----------------------------------------------------
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No
--- ---

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Class Outstanding at May 1, 1998
----- --------------------------
Common Stock, $1 Par Value 7,045,047
Class B Common Stock, $1 Par Value 1,319,800
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item l. Financial Statements

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
In Thousands (Except Share Data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



March 29, Dec. 28, March 30,
1998 1997 1997
----------- ---------- ----------
ASSETS
- ------

Current Assets:
- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash $ 5,177 $ 4,427 $ 3,557
Accounts receivable, trade, less allowance for
doubtful accounts of $512, $513 and $416 52,599 55,258 47,193
Accounts receivable from The Coca-Cola Company 11,594 4,690 6,333
Due from Piedmont Coca-Cola Bottling Partnership 1,931 2,009 4,613
Accounts receivable, other 5,983 8,776 7,009
Inventories 40,154 38,738 32,770
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 13,414 12,674 9,645
----------- ---------- ----------
Total current assets 130,852 126,572 111,120
----------- ---------- ----------

Property, plant and equipment, less accumulated
depreciation of $182,197, $175,766 and $166,615 251,663 250,904 251,980
Investment in Piedmont Coca-Cola Bottling Partnership 61,601 63,326 63,645
Other assets 45,525 43,138 35,464
Identifiable intangible assets, less accumulated
amortization of $107,937, $105,334 and $97,870 259,620 231,034 238,348
Excess of cost over fair value of net assets of
businesses acquired, less accumulated
amortization of $29,132, $28,560 and $26,842 62,486 63,059 64,777
----------- ---------- ----------


Total $811,747 $778,033 $765,334
=========== ========== ==========

</TABLE>




See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
In Thousands (Except Share Data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

March 29, Dec. 28, March 30,
1998 1997 1997
---------- --------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
- ------------------------------------

Current Liabilities:
- --------------------
Portion of long-term debt payable within one year $ 72,733 $ 12,000 $ 135
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 65,609 71,583 59,017
Accounts payable to The Coca-Cola Company 7,639 4,108 2,215
Accrued compensation 3,297 5,075 3,060
Accrued interest payable 9,515 14,038 7,521
---------- --------- -----------
Total current liabilities 158,793 106,804 71,948
Deferred income taxes 110,142 111,594 107,512
Deferred credits 6,545 7,139 9,381
Other liabilities 56,275 49,434 46,464
Long-term debt 475,272 493,789 529,749
---------- --------- -----------
Total liabilities 807,027 768,760 765,054
---------- --------- -----------

Shareholders' Equity:
Convertible Preferred Stock, $100 par value:
Authorized-50,000 shares; Issued-None
Nonconvertible Preferred Stock, $100 par value:
Authorized-50,000 shares; Issued-None
Preferred Stock, $.01 par value:
Authorized-20,000,000 shares; Issued-None
Common Stock, $1 par value:
Authorized-30,000,000 shares;
Issued-10,107,421, 10,107,421 and 10,107,359 shares 10,107 10,107 10,107
Class B Common Stock, $1 par value:
Authorized-10,000,000 shares;
Issued-1,947,914, 1,947,914 and 1,947,976 shares 1,948 1,948 1,948
Class C Common Stock, $1 par value:
Authorized-20,000,000 shares; Issued-None
Capital in excess of par value 100,983 103,074 109,347
Accumulated deficit (47,064) (44,602) (59,764)
Minimum pension liability adjustment (104)
---------- --------- -----------
65,974 70,527 61,534
Less-Treasury stock, at cost:
Common - 3,062,374 shares 60,845 60,845 60,845
Class B Common - 628,114 shares 409 409 409
---------- --------- -----------
Total shareholders' equity 4,720 9,273 280
---------- --------- -----------

Total $811,747 $778,033 $765,334
========== ========= ===========
</TABLE>


See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
In Thousands

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>





Capital Minimum
Class B in Pension
Common Common Excess of Accumulated Liability Treasury
Stock Stock Par Value Deficit Adjustment Stock
---------- --------- --------- ----------- ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance on
December 29, 1996 $ 10,107 $ 1,948 $111,439 $ (59,868) $ (104) $ 41,253
Net income 104
Cash dividends
paid: Common (2,092)
Purchase of
Common Stock 20,001
---------- --------- --------- ----------- ---------- ---------
Balance on
March 30, 1997 $ 10,107 $ 1,948 $109,347 $ (59,764) $ (104) $ 61,254
========== ========= ========= =========== ========== =========



Balance on
December 28, 1997 $ 10,107 $ 1,948 $103,074 $ (44,602) $ - $ 61,254
Net loss (2,462)
Cash dividends
paid: Common (2,091)
---------- --------- --------- ----------- ---------- ---------
Balance on
March 29, 1998 $ 10,107 $ 1,948 $100,983 $ (47,064) $ - $ 61,254
========== ========= ========= =========== ========== =========



</TABLE>



See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
In Thousands (Except Per Share Data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>




First Quarter
---------------------------------
1998 1997
--------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Net sales (includes sales to Piedmont of $12,203 and
$10,591) $ 203,331 $ 178,395
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation shown below
(includes $10,835 and $8,603 related to sales to Piedmont) 118,397 99,450
--------- ---------
Gross margin 84,934 78,945
--------- ---------
Selling expenses, excluding depreciation shown below 50,698 44,064
General and administrative expenses 15,781 13,988
Depreciation expense 8,734 8,133
Amortization of goodwill and intangibles 3,221 3,064
--------- ---------
Income from operations 6,500 9,696

Interest expense 9,258 9,124
Other income (expense), net (1,157) (407)
--------- ---------
Income (loss) before income taxes (3,915) 165
Income taxes (benefit) (1,453) 61
--------- ---------
Net income (loss) $ (2,462) $ 104
========= =========

Basic net income (loss) per share $ (.29) $ .01

Diluted net income (loss) per share $ (.29) $ .01

Weighted average number of common
shares outstanding 8,365 8,535

Weighted average number of common
shares outstanding - assuming dilution 8,493 8,624



</TABLE>



See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
In Thousands

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



First Quarter
1998 1997
---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
- ------------------------------------
Net income (loss) $ (2,462) $ 104
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided
by operating activities:
Depreciation expense 8,734 8,133
Amortization of goodwill and intangibles 3,221 3,064
Deferred income taxes (benefit) (1,453) 61
Losses on sale of property, plant and equipment 729 298
Amortization of debt costs 149 141
Undistributed losses of Piedmont Coca-Cola Bottling
Partnership 1,725 817
Increase in current assets less current liabilities (11,402) (7,829)
Increase in other noncurrent assets (2,556) (1,017)
Increase in other noncurrent liabilities 6,248 2,461
Other 3
---------- -----------
Total adjustments 5,398 6,129
---------- -----------
Net cash provided by operating activities 2,936 6,233
---------- -----------

Cash Flows from Financing Activities
- ------------------------------------
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt 90,521
Increase in current portion of long-term debt 60,733 30
Payments on long-term debt (18,517) (226)
Purchase of Common Stock (20,001)
Cash dividends paid (2,091) (2,092)
Other (11)
---------- -----------
Net cash provided by financing activities 40,114 68,232
---------- -----------

Cash Flows from Investing Activities
- ------------------------------------
Additions to property, plant and equipment (8,906) (70,339)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment 10 1
Acquisition of companies, net of cash acquired (33,404) (3,511)
---------- -----------
Net cash used in investing activities (42,300) (73,849)
---------- -----------
Net increase in cash 750 616
Cash at beginning of period 4,427 2,941
---------- -----------

Cash at end of period $ 5,177 $ 3,557
========== ===========

</TABLE>


See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)




1. Accounting Policies

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Coca-Cola Bottling
Co. Consolidated and its majority owned subsidiaries (the "Company"). All
significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

The information contained in the financial statements is unaudited. The
statements reflect all adjustments which, in the opinion of management, are
necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented.
All such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature.

The accounting policies followed in the presentation of interim financial
results are the same as those followed on an annual basis. These policies are
presented in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 1997 filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year
classifications.
Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


2. Summarized Income Statement Data of Piedmont Coca-Cola Bottling Partnership

On July 2, 1993, the Company and The Coca-Cola Company formed Piedmont Coca-Cola
Bottling Partnership ("Piedmont") to distribute and market soft drink products
primarily in portions of North Carolina and South Carolina. The Company and The
Coca-Cola Company, through their respective subsidiaries, each beneficially own
a 50% interest in Piedmont. The Company provides a portion of the soft drink
products to Piedmont at cost and receives a fee for managing the business of
Piedmont pursuant to a management agreement. Summarized income statement data
for Piedmont is as follows:

First Quarter
---------------------------
In Thousands 1998 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net sales $ 57,358 $ 52,831
Gross margin 24,725 23,728
Income (loss) from operations (219) 1,384
Net loss (3,450) (1,634)



3. Inventories

Inventories are summarized as follows:

Mar. 29, Dec. 28, Mar. 30,
In Thousands 1998 1997 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Finished products $24,066 $21,542 $18,068
Manufacturing materials 12,684 14,171 8,824
Plastic pallets and other 3,404 3,025 5,878

Total inventories $40,154 $38,738 $32,770


Substantially all merchandise inventories are valued by the LIFO method. The
amounts included above for inventories valued by the LIFO method were greater
than replacement or current cost by approximately $2.7 million, $2.8 million and
$2.1 million on March 29, 1998, December 28, 1997 and March 30, 1997,
respectively, as a result of inventory premiums associated with certain
acquisitions.
Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

4. Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt is summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Fixed(F) or
Interest Variable Interest Mar. 29, Dec. 28, Mar. 30,
In Thousands Maturity Rate (V) Rate Paid 1998 1997 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Lines of Credit 2002 5.63% V Varies $ 20,400 $10,300 $134,250

Term Loan Agreement 2004 6.33% V Varies 85,000 85,000 170,000

Term Loan Agreement 2005 6.33% V Varies 85,000 85,000

Medium-Term Notes 1998 6.28% V Quarterly 10,000 10,000 10,000

Medium-Term Notes 1998 10.05% F Semi- 2,000 2,000 2,000
annually

Medium-Term Notes 1999 7.99% F Semi- 28,585 28,585 28,585
annually

Medium-Term Notes 2000 10.00% F Semi- 25,500 25,500 25,500
annually

Medium-Term Notes 2002 8.56% F Semi- 47,000 47,000 47,000
annually

Debentures 2007 6.85% F Semi- 100,000 100,000 100,000
annually

Debentures 2009 7.20% F Semi- 100,000 100,000
annually

Other notes payable 1998 - 6.50% - F Varies 44,520 12,404 12,549
2001 10.00% -------- -------- -------
548,005 505,789 529,884
Less: Portion of long-
term debt payable
within one year 72,733 12,000 135
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Long-term debt $475,272 $493,789 $529,749
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)



4. Long-Term Debt (cont.)

It is the Company's intent to renew its lines of credit and borrowings under
the revolving credit facility as they mature. To the extent that these
borrowings do not exceed the amount available under the Company's $170
million revolving credit facility, they are classified as noncurrent
liabilities.

On October 12, 1994, a $400 million shelf registration for debt and equity
securities filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission became
effective and the securities thereunder became available for issuance. On
November 1, 1995, the Company issued $100 million of 6.85% debentures due
2007 pursuant to such registration. In July 1997, the Company issued $100
million of 7.20% debentures due 2009. The net proceeds from these issuances
were used for refinancing a portion of existing public debt with the
remainder used to repay other debt.

On November 20, 1995, the Company entered into a $170 million term loan
agreement with $85 million maturing in July 2004 and $85 million maturing in
July 2005. This loan was used to repay two $60 million loans previously
entered into by the Company and other bank debt.

The Company has guaranteed a portion of the debt for two cooperatives in
which the Company is a member. The amounts guaranteed were $30.3 million,
$31.1 million and $31.8 million as of March 29, 1998, December 28, 1997 and
March 30, 1997, respectively.
Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)



5. Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company uses derivative financial instruments to modify risk from
interest rate fluctuations in its underlying debt. The Company has
historically altered its fixed/floating interest rate mix based upon
anticipated operating cash flows of the Company relative to its debt level
and the Company's ability to absorb increases in interest rates. These
derivative financial instruments are not used for trading purposes.

The Company had weighted average interest rates for its debt portfolio of
approximately 7.1%, 7.1% and 6.9% as of March 29, 1998, December 28, 1997
and March 30, 1997, respectively. The Company's overall weighted average
interest rate on its long-term debt increased from an average of 6.9% during
the first quarter of 1997 to an average of 7.1% during the first quarter of
1998. After taking into account the effect of all of the interest rate swap
activities, approximately 21%, 50% and 59% of the total debt portfolio was
subject to changes in short-term interest rates as of March 29, 1998,
December 28, 1997 and March 30, 1997, respectively.

A rate increase of 1% on the floating rate component of the Company's debt
would have increased interest expense for the first quarter of 1998 by
approximately $2.7 million and the net loss for the first quarter ended
March 29, 1998 would have been increased by approximately $1.7 million.

The Company currently has three interest rate swap agreements, including a
new fixed rate interest swap for $50 million added in the first quarter of
1998.

Derivative financial instruments were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


March 29, 1998 December 28, 1997 March 30, 1997
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Remaining Remaining Remaining
In Thousands Amount Term Amount Term Amount Term
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Interest rate swaps-floating $ 60,000 5.5 years $ 60,000 5.75 years $ 60,000 6.5 years
Interest rate swaps-floating 100,000 11.5 years

Interest rate swaps-fixed 60,000 5.5 years 60,000 5.75 years 60,000 6.5 years
Interest rate swaps-fixed 50,000 7.0 years
</TABLE>

In January 1998, the Company terminated two floating rate interest swaps
with a total notional amount of $100 million. The gain of $6.5 million
resulting from this termination will be amortized over 11.5 years, the
remaining term of the initial swap agreements.
Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)



5. Derivative Financial Instruments (cont.)


The carrying amounts and fair values of the Company's balance sheet and
off-balance-sheet instruments were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


March 29, 1998 December 28, 1997 March 30, 1997
---------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Carrying Fair
In Thousands Amount Value Amount Value Amount Value
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance Sheet Instruments
- -------------------------
Public debt $313,085 $326,544 $313,085 $327,486 $213,085 $213,908
Non-public variable rate long-term
term debt 190,400 190,400 180,300 180,300 304,250 304,250
Non-public fixed rate long-term
debt 44,520 45,456 12,404 13,297 12,549 13,141

Off-Balance-Sheet Instruments
- -----------------------------
Interest rate swaps (2,450) 1,854 (3,879)
Interest rate cap 41 80
</TABLE>

The fair values of the interest rate swaps at March 29, 1998 and March 30,
1997 represent the estimated amounts the Company would have had to pay to
terminate these agreements. The fair values of the interest rate cap and the
fair value of the interest rate swap at December 28, 1997 represents the
estimated amounts the Company would have received upon termination of these
agreements.
Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


6. Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information


Changes in current assets and current liabilities affecting cash, net of effect
of acquisition, were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

First Quarter
------------------------------
In Thousands 1998 1997
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Accounts receivable, trade, net $ 3,286 $ 3,725
Accounts receivable, The Coca-Cola Company (6,904) (3,173)
Due from Piedmont Coca-Cola Bottling Partnership 78 1,275
Accounts receivable, other 2,820 439
Inventories (1,228) (1,983)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (518) (192)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (6,146) (1,081)
Accounts payable, The Coca-Cola Company 3,531 (1,034)
Accrued compensation (1,798) (2,214)
Accrued interest payable (4,523) (3,591)
--------- ----------
Increase in current assets less current liabilities $(11,402) $ (7,829)
========= ==========
</TABLE>




7. Acquisition

On January 21, 1998, the Company purchased the franchise rights and operating
assets of a Coca-Cola bottler located in Florence, Alabama for $33.6 million.
The bottling territory covers portions of northwest Alabama and south central
Tennessee and is contiguous to the Company's Tennessee bottling territory. The
Company issued notes payable to the seller for approximately $32.1 million and
used the Company's existing lines of credit to fund the cash portion of the
acquisition. A portion of the notes payable issued is due on July 15, 1998 with
the remaining notes payable due on January 31, 1999. The interest rate for the
notes payable issued is 6.5%.

The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.
Accordingly, the Company's financial statements reflect the operating results
since the acquisition date.
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations



Introduction:
- -------------

The following discussion presents management's analysis of the results of
operations for the first three months of 1998 compared to the first three months
of 1997 and changes in financial condition from March 30, 1997 and December 28,
1997 to March 29, 1998.

The Company reported a net loss of $2.5 million or $.29 per share for the first
quarter of 1998 compared with net income of $.1 million or $.01 per share for
the same period in 1997. The decrease in earnings from the prior year was due to
several factors including an extremely competitive pricing environment,
increases in the cost of packaging and ingredients and increased selling
expenses, primarily related to employment costs. The Company has continued to
make significant investments in the form of both capital expenditures and
personnel to support its growth initiatives. Expenses related to these ongoing
investments are recognized ratably throughout the year, while the revenue
generated from the additional investments tends to be more seasonal, with
significantly more revenue generated in the second and third quarters of each
fiscal year. In January 1998, the Company purchased the franchise rights and
operating assets of a Coca-Cola bottler located in Florence, Alabama for $33.6
million. This bottling territory covers portions of northwest Alabama and south
central Tennessee and is contiguous to the Company's Tennessee bottling
territory.

The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to
be expected for the year due to seasonal factors.

Results of Operations:
- ----------------------

The quarter was highlighted by strong volume growth across both the Company's
core brands and newer brands. Net sales for the first quarter of 1998 increased
almost 14% from the first quarter of 1997. Franchise equivalent volume grew by
12% in the first quarter, driven by a special promotion with a key retailer,
focused marketing initiatives, lower pricing and the additional cold drink
equipment the Company has placed over the past 12 months. The increased volume
was offset by a 2% per unit decrease in net selling prices and an increase of
almost 2% per unit in cost of sales. The sales volume growth was broad-based
across all significant channels. In addition, the Company posted a 16% increase
in fountain volume.

Sprite continued its strong growth with another double-digit volume increase
over the first quarter of the prior year. Sales volume of Surge, a product
introduced throughout the Company's franchise territory in the fourth quarter of
1997 and the first quarter of 1998, continues to exceed initial expectations.
The Company's non-carbonated beverages experienced tremendous growth with a
volume increase in excess of 100% over the same period in the prior year.
Selling expenses for the first quarter of 1998 increased 15% over the first
quarter of 1997. Selling expenses increased due to increased employment costs
reflecting additional sales personnel added to support the Company's growth and
key customer initiatives, higher sales commission costs related to the sales
volume increase, increased marketing costs and increased expenses related to
sales development programs.

General and administrative expenses increased by 13% primarily due to higher
employment costs associated with additional administrative personnel and wage
increases necessary to compete in highly competitive labor markets.

Depreciation expense increased 7% between the first quarter of 1997 and the
first quarter of 1998. This increase was due primarily to depreciation expense
on new capital investments in 1997 that totaled approximately $100 million.
Depreciation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis throughout the year
while the revenue generated by these assets tends to be more seasonal, with the
majority of the revenue coming in the second and third quarters.

Interest expense of $9.3 million was relatively unchanged from the first quarter
of 1997. The Company's overall weighted average interest rate increased from an
average of 6.9% during the first quarter of 1997 to an average of 7.1% during
the first quarter of 1998.

Other income (expense), net for the first quarter 1998 was $750,000 higher than
the first quarter of 1997 primarily due to increased losses on disposals of cold
drink equipment. Over the past several years, the Company has increased
significantly its cold drink asset base.

Changes in Financial Condition:
- -------------------------------

Working capital decreased $47.7 million from December 28, 1997 and decreased
$67.1 million from March 30, 1997 to March 29, 1998. The decrease from December
28, 1997 is primarily attributable to an increase in the current portion of
long-term debt of $60.7 million, offset by decreases in accounts payable and
accruals of $6.0 million and a decrease in accrued interest of $4.5 million. The
increase in the current portion of long-term debt is attributable to the
maturing of $28.6 million of the Company's Medium-Term Notes in the first
quarter of 1999 and additional debt related to the acquisition of a Coca-Cola
bottler in northwest Alabama in January 1998. Working capital decreased by $67.1
million from March 30, 1997 due to an increase in the current portion of
long-term debt of $72.6 million. The $72.6 million increase in the current
portion of long-term debt reflects the increases discussed above as well as an
additional $12 million of Medium-Term Notes that mature in the second quarter of
1998. Some of the other significant changes in working capital from the first
quarter of 1997 to the first quarter of 1998 included an increase in trade
accounts receivable of $5.4 million, an increase in accounts receivable from The
Coca-Cola Company of $5.3 million and an increase of $7.4 million in
inventories. The increase in trade accounts receivable is due to the significant
increase in sales volume over the prior year. The increase in inventories is
also due to the significant increase in sales volume as well as an increase in
the number of stockkeeping units, such as Surge, 20 pack cans and 15 pack 20 oz
bottles. Other decreases in working capital were due to an increase of $6.6
million in accounts payable and accruals and a $5.4 million increase in amounts
payable to The Coca-Cola Company.
Capital expenditures in the first quarter of 1998 were $8.9 million compared to
$4.0 million in the first quarter of 1997. Capital expenditures for the first
quarter of 1997 of $4.0 million exclude the purchase of $66.3 million of
previously leased equipment completed during the quarter.

Long-term debt decreased by $54.5 million from March 30, 1997 and decreased
$18.5 million from December 28, 1997. The decrease from March 30, 1997 is due
primarily to the reclassification of $40.6 million of the Company's Medium-Term
Notes to current liabilities as of March 29, 1998. The decrease from December
28, 1997 to March 29, 1998 is primarily attributable to the reclassification of
$28.6 million of Medium-Term Notes to current liabilities offset partially by
additional borrowings to fund working capital requirements. The Company
currently intends to use its informal lines of credit to refinance the
Medium-Term Notes as they come due.

It is the Company's intent to renew any borrowings under its $170 million
revolving credit facility and the informal lines of credit as they mature and,
to the extent that any borrowings under the revolving credit facility and the
informal lines of credit do not exceed the amount available under the Company's
$170 million revolving credit facility, they are classified as noncurrent
liabilities. As of March 29, 1998, the Company had no outstanding balances under
the revolving credit facility and $20.4 million outstanding under the informal
lines of credit.

As of March 29, 1998 the debt portfolio had a weighted average interest rate of
7.1% and approximately 21% of the total portfolio of $548 million was subject to
changes in short-term interest rates.

Other liabilities increased from December 28, 1997 to March 29, 1998 by $6.8
million primarily due to a $6.5 gain which resulted from the termination of two
interest rate swaps in January 1998. The $6.5 million gain will be amortized
over 11.5 years, the remaining term of the initial swap agreements.

Management believes that the Company, through the generation of cash flow from
operations and the utilization of unused borrowing capacity, has sufficient
financial resources available to maintain its current operations and provide for
its current capital expenditure requirements. The Company considers the
acquisition of additional franchise territories on an ongoing basis.
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION





Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a) Exhibits


Exhibit
Number Description
------ -----------
10.1 Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated Director Deferral Plan.

27 Financial data schedule for period ended March 29, 1998.



(b) Reports on Form 8-K

None.
SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


COCA-COLA BOTTLING CO. CONSOLIDATED
(REGISTRANT)


Date: May 12, 1998 By: /s/ David V. Singer
----------------------------------

David V. Singer
Principal Financial Officer of the Registrant

and
Vice President - Chief Financial Officer