Coca-Cola European Partners - Trading Update for the Third-Quarter

Third-quarter revenue in line with expectations, full-year comparable and fx-neutral diluted EPS1 growth expected to be approximately 10%

DAMIAN GAMMELL, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, SAID:

“We are pleased with our top-line performance in the third-quarter reflecting continued price and mix realisation, solid in-market execution and innovation. We continue to invest today to win tomorrow as we scale up our exciting innovations underpinned by a strong sustainability agenda and an aligned relationship with The Coca-Cola Company. We continue to take action on packaging having recently announced both the move from shrink wrap to cardboard packaging for our can multipacks, and bringing forward our 50% recycled PET target to 2023, two years earlier than planned.

“Whilst we continue to gain market share across all geographies, we have had a slower than expected start to the fourth-quarter as we are seeing early signs of softening market conditions, particularly in France and Great Britain, and unfavourable weather in October across most markets. However, we still expect to deliver revenue growth and free cash flow at the top-end of guidance as well as solid full-year earnings growth, albeit at the low-end of our previously guided range. This, alongside delivering a healthy 17% increase in the annual dividend and the now near completion of our €1.5 billion share buyback programme, collectively demonstrate our focus of driving sustainable value for our shareholders.”

Click here to view full trading update.