FIRST QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS
- Volume of 402 million unit cases, 18% above 2006,
- Steady progress in operating profit (EBIT) to euro 60 million, 11% above prior year, on a comparable basis,
- Net profit of euro 25 million, 25% above prior year, on a comparable basis,
- EPS of euro 0.10, 25% above prior year, on a comparable basis.
Note: Comparable financial indicators (previously referred to as "underlying") relate only to 2006 (Operating profit, EPS, etc.) and exclude the recognition of pre-acquisition tax losses and restructuring costs.
Doros Constantinou, Managing Director of Coca-Cola HBC, commented: "I am pleased to report positive momentum across all our territories and product portfolio during the first quarter of 2007. Our continued effort to strengthen our commercial capabilities and route-to-market effectiveness, together with favourable weather conditions, had a positive impact on our volumes. We are also encouraged by the early consumer response to the recent launch of Coca-Cola Zero in certain of our markets. Solid organic growth, realisation of planned pricing and improved operating efficiency helped offset persisting raw material cost increases and the planned first-quarter investment in our sales capabilities. Given this strong start to the year, albeit in a quarter that is traditionally the least significant for our business, we remain comfortable with our full year guidance."
10 May 2007
Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company S.A. ("CCHBC" or the "Company") is one of the world''s largest bottlers of products of The Coca-Cola Company ("TCCC") and has operations in 28 countries serving a population of over 540 million people. CCHBC shares are listed on the Athens Stock Exchange (ATHEX:EEEK), with secondary listings on the London (LSE:CCB) and Australian (ASX:CHB) Stock Exchanges. CCHBC''s American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:CCH).
Financial information in this announcement is presented on the basis of International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). CCHBC also prepares financial information under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("US GAAP"), which are available on our website: www.coca-colahbc.com.
Conference Call
CCHBC will host a conference call with financial analysts to discuss the first quarter of 2007 financial results on 10 May 2007 at 4:00 pm, Athens time (2:00 pm, London time and 9:00 am, New York time). Interested parties can access the live, audio webcast of the call through CCHBC''''s website (www.coca-colahbc.com).