Coca-Cola European Partners plc CCE, or CCEP’s comparable earnings of 58 cents per share surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 55 cents by 5.5%. The quarterly figure jumped 26.1% year over year.
CCEP reported net sales of $3.14 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.06 billion by 2.4%. The figure also increased 12.7% year over year in dollar terms. Comparable revenues in the quarter grew 3.5%.
Inside the Headlines
The company’s operating expenses decreased 11.5% year over year. This has helped CCEP to report better operating profit that grew significantly by 50%.
From a brand and volume perspective, CCEP’s sparkling portfolio increased 1%, with a 0.5% dip in its Coca-Cola trademark brands. Notably, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar continued to perform well, growing more than 15%.
Energy drinks also performed well and were up 15% as the company continued to execute its multi-brand strategy. Water brands were down 2% owing to the discontinuation of select less profitable water brands partially offset by solid growth from Aquabona in the quarter.
The company’s still brands inched up 0.5%, driven by juices and isotonics. Capri-Sun saw growth of over 20% in the quarter. However, this was partially offset by decline in other fruit juices drinks partially driven by changes and promotional strategy to focus on enhancing mix and efficiency particularly in Great Britain.
Coca-Cola European Partners PLC Price and EPS Surprise
2017 Highlights
The company’s full-year revenues increased 21% and 3% on a comparable and fx-neutral basis led by led by a 200% surge in revenue per unit case. Volume was up 0.5% on a comparable basis.
Comparable earnings for the full year jumped 13% year over year.
2018 Guidance
CCEP expects revenue growth in a low single-digit range. Operating profit and earnings per share growth are anticipated between 6% and 7%.
CCEP expects free cash flow in the range of €850-€900 million in 2018.
Capital expenditures are expected to be approximately €525 million to €575 million, including approximately €75 million of capital expenditures related to synergies.
Zacks Rank & Peer Release
CCEP currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
PepsiCo PEP recently reported fourth-quarter 2017 earnings per share of $1.31, that beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.30 and increased 9% year over year.
Upcoming Peer Releases
Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated COKE is scheduled to report quarterly numbers on Feb 27.
Monster Beverage MNST is expected to report fourth-quarter results on Mar 7. Earnings for 2018 are projected to increase 24.7%.
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