Coca-Cola HBC FY reported revenue up 7.9pc

(Sharecast News) - Consumer packaged goods business CocaCola HBC reported solid fullyear growth on Tuesday, with revenue and organic volumes both advancing as it continued to execute on its strategic priorities.

Coca-Cola HBC said reported revenues had increased 7.9% to �11.60bn, with the group delivering an 80basispoint gain in nonalcoholic readytodrink value share, while organic revenue rose 8.1%, supported by 2.8% organic volume growth as a result of a 2.5% increase in sparkling drinks and a strong 28.3% rise in energy drinks.

Organic EBIT grew 11.5%, with comparable EBIT rising 13.8% to �1.36bn on a reported basis. Comparable EBIT margins improved 60 basis points to 11.7%, and gross profit margins expanded 70 basis points to 36.8%. Operating expenses edged up as a percentage of revenue, reflecting increased marketing investment, while ROIC rose 100 basis points to 19.4%.

The FTSE 100-listed firm said all segments had delivered organic revenue growth, with established markets seeing a 2.3% increase, driven by revenue per case, though EBIT slipped 2.8%. Developing markets posted 6.1% organic revenue growth and a 5.6% rise in EBIT. Emerging markets grew strongly, with organic revenue up 13.2% and EBIT up 23.2%, led by Africa.

Comparable earnings per share climbed 19.7% to �2.72, supported by strong profit delivery and lowerthanexpected finance costs. Free cash flow came in at �700m, while net debt to comparable adjusted EBITDA stood at 0.7x. Coca-Cola HBC also proposed a �1.20 dividend, up 17% year-on-year.

As of 0825 GMT, Coca-Cola HBC shares were up 1.92% at 4,360p.

Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com