CCE Coca-Cola European Partners Plc Ordinary Shares (delisted)

• CCE achieved full-year earnings per diluted share of $2.63 on a reported basis, up 8 percent, or $2.85 on a comparable basis, up 13½ percent and up 11 percent on a comparable and currency-neutral basis.
• Full-year net sales totaled $8.3 billion, an increase of ½ percent on a reported basis, or down ½ percent on a currency-neutral basis; volume was flat and net pricing per case declined ½ percent.
• Full-year operating income was $1.0 billion on a reported basis, up 11½ percent, or $1.1 billion on a comparable basis, up 5 percent and up 3 percent on a comparable and currency-neutral basis.
• Fourth-quarter earnings per diluted share totaled 46 cents on a reported basis, or 58 cents on a comparable basis.
• CCE affirms its expectation for 2015 comparable and currency-neutral earnings per diluted share growth in a range of 6 percent to 8 percent; at recent rates, currency translation would reduce earnings per diluted share by approximately 16 percent.

Regulatory News:

Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: CCE)(Euronext Paris: CCE) today reported full-year 2014 earnings per diluted share of $2.63, or $2.85 on a comparable basis. Currency translation had a positive impact of approximately 6 cents on full-year comparable earnings per diluted share.

Reported operating income for the year totaled $1.0 billion; comparable operating income totaled $1.1 billion, up 5 percent and up 3 percent on a comparable and currency-neutral basis versus a year ago. Items affecting comparability are detailed on pages 11 through 14 of this release.

Reported earnings per diluted share for the fourth quarter were 46 cents, or 58 cents on a comparable basis. Currency translation had a negative impact of approximately 5 cents on fourth-quarter comparable earnings per diluted share.

“Throughout 2014, persistent macroeconomic and marketplace headwinds continued to affect our business and our top-line growth,” said John F. Brock, chairman and chief executive officer. “While this impacted our ability to achieve our full-year net sales and operating income objectives, we adjusted our plans, focused on generating strong free cash flow, and achieved our earnings per share growth objective.

“As we go forward into 2015, we will continue to adapt to these operating conditions, with a solid emphasis on innovation in every aspect of our business,” Mr. Brock said. “We will remain flexible in our approach and continue to manage each element of our business to deliver on our most important objective, creating value for our shareowners.”

OPERATING REVIEW

For the full year, total volume was flat. Sparkling drinks declined ½ percent, including flat volume for our total Coca-Cola trademark brands. Coca-Cola Zero contributed substantial growth of 11 percent for the year. Sparkling flavors declined 2 percent, with growth of 6½ percent for our energy portfolio. Still beverages grew 1½ percent, with juices down ½ percent and water up 5½ percent, led by Chaudfontaine and the introduction of smartwater in Great Britain. Total volume in Great Britain declined ½ percent and volume in continental Europe (including Norway and Sweden) increased ½ percent for the full year.

Full-year net sales totaled $8.3 billion, up ½ percent on a reported basis, or down ½ percent on a currency-neutral basis. Net pricing per case for the full year declined ½ percent, and cost of sales per case declined 1 percent. Operating expenses increased approximately 1 percent. These figures are presented on a comparable and currency-neutral basis. Free cash flow for 2014 totaled $677 million.

For the fourth quarter, volume grew 2 percent, driven primarily by growth in Coca-Cola trademark brands, including 9 percent growth for Coca-Cola Zero and introductory volume for Coca-Cola Life. Sparkling flavors grew 1 percent, with growth of 11 percent for our energy portfolio. Still beverages grew 7½ percent, with juices up 4 percent and water up 12½ percent in the quarter. Fourth-quarter volume in Great Britain grew 6 percent, and continental European volume declined 1 percent.

Fourth-quarter net sales totaled $1.9 billion, down 5½ percent on a reported basis, or up 1½ percent on a currency-neutral basis. Reported operating income totaled $195 million, a decline of 10 percent. On a comparable basis, operating income totaled $227 million, a decline of 2 percent, or an increase of 5 percent on a comparable and currency-neutral basis. Fourth-quarter net pricing per case declined 2 percent, and cost of sales per case declined 2½ percent, both on a comparable and currency-neutral basis.

“Despite the continued challenges in our markets, we believe our commitment to customer service and innovation, as well as continued focus on improving efficiency and effectiveness, will allow us to realize available growth opportunities,” said Hubert Patricot, executive vice president and president, European Group.

“Our business plan for 2015 includes solid brand, package, and marketplace initiatives, including expanding the distribution of new products such as Coca-Cola Life and Finley. We also will continue to increase our penetration in the convenience channel, grow our digital sales presence, and optimize the high levels of service we provide our customers,” Mr. Patricot said.

SHARE REPURCHASE

CCE repurchased approximately $925 million of its shares in 2014, reflecting our commitment to generate cash from operations, optimize our capital structure, and to return excess cash to shareowners. In 2015, the company expects to repurchase approximately $600 million of its shares. These plans may be adjusted depending on economic, operating, or other factors, including acquisition opportunities.

FULL-YEAR 2015 OUTLOOK

CCE expects 2015 earnings per diluted share to grow in a range of 6 percent to 8 percent on a comparable and currency-neutral basis. Although it is too early to predict the impact, based on recent exchange rates, currency translation would negatively impact full-year earnings per diluted share by approximately 16 percent.

Net sales and operating income are expected to be slightly positive on a comparable and currency-neutral basis. The company also expects 2015 free cash flow in a range of $600 million to $650 million, including the expected negative impact of currency translation based on recent rates. Capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $325 million. Weighted-average cost of debt is expected to be approximately 3 percent. The comparable effective tax rate for 2015 is expected to be in a range of 27 percent to 28 percent.

CONFERENCE CALL

CCE will host a conference call with investors and analysts today at 10 a.m. ET. The call can be accessed through the company’s website at www.cokecce.com.

ABOUT CCE

Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc. (CCE) is the leading Western European marketer, producer, and distributor of non-alcoholic ready-to-drink beverages and one of the world’s largest independent Coca-Cola bottlers. CCE is the sole licensed bottler for products of The Coca-Cola Company in Belgium, continental France, Great Britain, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden. We operate with a local focus and have 17 manufacturing sites across Europe, where we manufacture nearly 90 percent of our products in the markets in which they are consumed. Corporate responsibility and sustainability is core to our business, and we have been recognized by leading organizations in North America and Europe for our progress in water use reduction, carbon footprint reduction, and recycling initiatives. For more information about our company, please visit our website at www.cokecce.com and follow us on Twitter at @cokecce.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Included in this news release are forward-looking management comments and other statements that reflect management’s current outlook for future periods. As always, these expectations are based on currently available competitive, financial, and economic data along with our current operating plans and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results contemplated by the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this news release should be read in conjunction with the risks and uncertainties discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including our most recent Form 10-K and other SEC filings.

COCA-COLA ENTERPRISES, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (In millions, except per share data)   Fourth Quarter (a) Full Year 2014         2013       2014         2013   Net sales $ 1,925 $ 2,032 $ 8,264 $ 8,212 Cost of sales 1,256   1,344   5,291   5,350   Gross profit 669 688 2,973 2,862 Selling, delivery, and administrative expenses 474   471   1,954   1,948   Operating income 195 217 1,019 914 Interest expense, net 30 28 119 103 Other nonoperating expense (7 ) (3 ) (7 ) (6 ) Income before income taxes 158 186 893 805 Income tax expense 46   51   230   138   Net income $ 112   $ 135   $ 663   $ 667   Basic earnings per share $ 0.46   $ 0.52   $ 2.68   $ 2.49   Diluted earnings per share $ 0.46   $ 0.51   $ 2.63   $ 2.44   Dividends declared per share $ 0.25   $ 0.20   $ 1.00   $ 0.80   Basic weighted average shares outstanding 242   258   247   268   Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 246   264   252   273  

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(a) Amounts presented for the fourth quarters of 2014 and 2013 have not been audited.

COCA-COLA ENTERPRISES, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (In millions)     Year Ended December 31, 2014     2013   Net income $ 663 $ 667 Components of other comprehensive (loss) income: Currency translations Pretax activity, net (482 ) 82 Tax effect —   —   Currency translations, net of tax (482 ) 82 Net investment hedges Pretax activity, net 256 (61 ) Tax effect (90 ) 21   Net investment hedges, net of tax 166 (40 ) Cash flow hedges Pretax activity, net (15 ) 21 Tax effect 4   (6 ) Cash flow hedges, net of tax (11 ) 15 Pension plan adjustments Pretax activity, net (79 ) 57 Tax effect 23   (15 ) Pension plan adjustments, net of tax (56 ) 42   Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax (383 ) 99   Comprehensive income $ 280   $ 766     COCA-COLA ENTERPRISES, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In millions)   December 31, 2014         2013   ASSETS Current: Cash and cash equivalents $ 223 $ 343 Trade accounts receivable 1,514 1,515 Amounts receivable from The Coca-Cola Company 67 89 Inventories 388 452 Other current assets 268   169   Total current assets 2,460 2,568 Property, plant, and equipment, net 2,101 2,353 Franchise license intangible assets, net 3,641 4,004 Goodwill 101 124 Other noncurrent assets 240   476   Total assets $ 8,543   $ 9,525   LIABILITIES Current: Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 1,872 $ 1,939 Amounts payable to The Coca-Cola Company 104 145 Current portion of debt 632   111   Total current liabilities 2,608 2,195 Debt, less current portion 3,320 3,726 Other noncurrent liabilities 207 221 Noncurrent deferred income tax liabilities 977   1,103   Total liabilities 7,112 7,245 SHAREOWNERS’ EQUITY Common stock 3 3 Additional paid-in capital 3,958 3,899 Reinvested earnings 1,991 1,577 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (714 ) (331 ) Common stock in treasury, at cost (3,807 ) (2,868 ) Total shareowners’ equity 1,431   2,280   Total liabilities and shareowners’ equity $ 8,543   $ 9,525     COCA-COLA ENTERPRISES, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In millions)   Year Ended December 31, 2014     2013   Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net income $ 663 $ 667 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash derived from operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 309 308 Share-based compensation expense 28 33 Deferred income tax expense (benefit) 65 (77 ) Pension expense less than contributions (3 ) (19 ) Changes in assets and liabilities: Trade accounts receivables (151 ) (45 ) Inventories 15 (57 ) Prepaid expenses and other current assets (110 ) (21 ) Accounts payable and accrued expenses 94 100 Other changes, net 72   (56 ) Net cash derived from operating activities 982   833   Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Capital asset investments (332 ) (313 ) Capital asset disposals 27 4 Settlement of net investment hedges 21   (21 ) Net cash used in investing activities (284 ) (330 ) Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Net change in commercial paper 146 — Issuances of debt 347 931 Payments on debt (114 ) (623 ) Share repurchases under share repurchase programs (912 ) (1,006 ) Dividend payments on common stock (246 ) (213 ) Other financing activities, net (10 ) 15   Net cash used in financing activities (789 ) (896 ) Net effect of currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (29 ) 15   Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents (120 ) (378 ) Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year 343   721   Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year $ 223   $ 343     COCA-COLA ENTERPRISES, INC. RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP (a) (Unaudited; in millions, except per share data which is calculated prior to rounding)   Fourth-Quarter 2014

Cost ofSales

 

Selling,Delivery, andAdministrativeExpenses

 

OperatingIncome

 

OtherNonoperating(Expense)Income

 

Income TaxExpense

  Net Income  

DilutedEarnings PerShare

Reported (GAAP) $ 1,256   474   195   (7 )   46   $ 112   $ 0.46 Items Impacting Comparability: Mark-to-Market Effects (b) (1 ) (11 ) 12 — 3 9 0.04 Restructuring Charges (c) — (18 ) 18 — 5 13 0.05 Other Items (d) (2 )   —     2     8     2     8     0.03 Comparable (non-GAAP) $ 1,253     445     227     1     56     $ 142     $ 0.58 Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding 246     Fourth-Quarter 2013

Cost ofSales

 

Selling,Delivery, andAdministrativeExpenses

 

OperatingIncome

 

OtherNonoperating(Expense)Income

 

Income TaxExpense

  Net Income  

DilutedEarnings PerShare

Reported (GAAP) $ 1,344 471 217 (3 ) 51 $ 135 $ 0.51 Items Impacting Comparability: Mark-to-Market Effects (b) 1 — (1 ) — — (1 ) — Restructuring Charges (c) (1 ) (10 ) 11 — 6 5 0.02 Tax Indemnification Changes (e) —     (5 )   5     —     2     3     0.01 Comparable (non-GAAP) $ 1,344     456     232     (3 )   59     $ 142     $ 0.54 Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding 264

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(a) These non-GAAP measures are provided to allow investors to more clearly evaluate our operating performance and business trends. Management uses this information to review results excluding items that are not necessarily indicative of ongoing results. The adjusting items are based on established defined terms and thresholds and represent all material items management considered for year-over-year comparability.

(b) Amounts represent the net out of period mark-to-market impact of non-designated commodity hedges.

(c) Amounts represent nonrecurring restructuring charges.

(d) Amounts represent charges related to the impairment of our investment in our recycling joint venture in Great Britain.

(e) Amounts represent post-Merger changes to certain underlying tax matters covered by our indemnification to TCCC for periods prior to the Merger.

COCA-COLA ENTERPRISES, INC. RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP (a) (Unaudited; in millions, except per share data which is calculated prior to rounding)     Full-Year 2014

Cost ofSales

 

Selling,Delivery, andAdministrativeExpenses

 

OperatingIncome

 

OtherNonoperating(Expense)Income

 

Income TaxExpense

  Net Income  

DilutedEarnings PerShare

Reported (GAAP) (b) $ 5,291   1,954   1,019   (7 )   230   $ 663   $ 2.63 Items Impacting Comparability: Mark-to-Market Effects (c) 13 (11 ) (2 ) — (1 ) (1 ) — Restructuring Charges (d) — (81 ) 81 — 26 55 0.22 Other Items (e) (2 ) — 2 8 2 8

0.03

Net Tax Items (g) —     —     —     —     6     (6 )  

(0.03

) Comparable (non-GAAP) $ 5,302     1,862     1,100     1     263     $ 719     $ 2.85   Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding 252     Full-Year 2013

Cost ofSales

 

Selling,Delivery, andAdministrativeExpenses

 

OperatingIncome

 

OtherNonoperating(Expense)Income

 

Income TaxExpense

  Net Income  

DilutedEarnings PerShare

Reported (GAAP) (b) $ 5,350 1,948 914 (6 ) 138 $ 667 $ 2.44 Items Impacting Comparability: Mark-to-Market Effects (c) (7 ) — 7 — 2 5 0.02 Restructuring Charges (d) (5 ) (115 ) 120 — 37 83

0.30

Tax Indemnification Changes (f) — (5 ) 5 — 2 3 0.01 Net Tax Items (g) —     —     —     —     71     (71 )   (0.26 ) Comparable (non-GAAP) $ 5,338     1,828     1,046     (6 )   250     $ 687     $ 2.51   Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding 273

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(a) These non-GAAP measures are provided to allow investors to more clearly evaluate our operating performance and business trends. Management uses this information to review results excluding items that are not necessarily indicative of ongoing results. The adjusting items are based on established defined terms and thresholds and represent all material items management considered for year-over-year comparability.

(b) As reflected in CCE's U.S. GAAP Consolidated Financial Statements.

(c) Amounts represent the net out of period mark-to-market impact of non-designated commodity hedges.

(d) Amounts represent nonrecurring restructuring charges.

(e) Amounts represent charges related to the impairment of our investment in our recycling joint venture in Great Britain.

(f) Amounts represent post-Merger changes to certain underlying tax matters covered by our indemnification to TCCC for periods prior to the Merger.

(g) Amounts represent the tax impact of both cumulative nonrecurring items and changes in income tax rates on the year.

COCA-COLA ENTERPRISES, INC. RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP SEGMENT INCOME (a) (Unaudited; in millions)     Full-Year 2014 Europe   Corporate   Operating Income Reported (GAAP) (b) $ 1,151 $ (132 ) $ 1,019 Items Impacting Comparability: Mark-to-Market Effects (c) — (2 ) (2 ) Restructuring Charges (d) 81 — 81 Other Items (e) 2 — 2 Comparable (non-GAAP) $ 1,234     $ (134 )   $ 1,100     Full-Year 2013 Europe Corporate Operating Income Reported (GAAP) (b) $ 1,063 $ (149 ) $ 914 Items Impacting Comparability: Mark-to-Market Effects (c) — 7 7 Restructuring Charges (d) 120 — 120 Tax Indemnification Changes (f) — 5 5 Comparable (non-GAAP) $ 1,183     $ (137 )   $ 1,046     Fourth-Quarter 2014 Europe Corporate Operating Income Reported (GAAP) $ 240 $ (45 ) $ 195 Items Impacting Comparability: Mark-to-Market Effects (c) — 12 12 Restructuring Charges (d) 18 — 18 Other Items (e) 2 — 2 Comparable (non-GAAP) $ 260     $ (33 )   $ 227     Fourth-Quarter 2013 Europe Corporate Operating Income Reported (GAAP) $ 259 $ (42 ) $ 217 Items Impacting Comparability: Mark-to-Market Effects (c) — (1 ) (1 ) Restructuring Charges (d) 11 — 11 Tax Indemnification Changes (f) — 5 5 Comparable (non-GAAP) $ 270     $ (38 )   $ 232  

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(a) Amounts represent post-Merger changes to certain underlying tax matters covered by our indemnification to The Coca-Cola Company for periods prior to the Merger.

(b) As reflected in CCE's U.S. GAAP Consolidated Financial Statements.

(c) Amounts represent the net out of period mark-to-market impact of non-designated commodity hedges.

(d) Amounts represent nonrecurring restructuring charges.

(e) Amounts represent charges related to the impairment of our investment in our recycling joint venture in Great Britain.

(f) Amounts represent post-Merger changes to certain underlying tax matters covered by our indemnification to The Coca-Cola Company for periods prior to the Merger.

COCA-COLA ENTERPRISES, INC. RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES (Unaudited; in millions, except percentages)        

Fourth-Quarter 2014Change VersusFourth-Quarter 2013

 

Full-Year 2014Change VersusFull-Year 2013

Net Sales Per Case

Change in Net Sales per Case (8.5)% 0.5% Impact of Excluding Post Mix, Non-Trade, and Other (0.5)   — Bottle and Can Net Pricing Per Case (9.0) 0.5 Impact of Currency Exchange Rate Changes 7.0   (1.0) Currency-Neutral Bottle and Can Net Pricing Per Case (a) (2.0)% (0.5)%  

Cost of Sales Per Case

Change in Cost of Sales per Case (9.5)% (1.0)% Impact of Excluding Post Mix, Non-Trade, and Other

—

  1.0 Bottle and Can Cost of Sales Per Case (9.5) — Impact of Currency Exchange Rate Changes 7.0   (1.0) Currency-Neutral Bottle and Can Cost of Sales Per Case (a) (2.5)% (1.0)%          

Physical Case Bottle and Can Volume

Change in Volume 3.5% —% Impact of Selling Day Shift (1.5)   N/A Comparable Bottle and Can Volume (b) 2.0%   —%     Full Year

Reconciliation of Free Cash Flow (c)

2014       2013   Net Cash Derived From Operating Activities $ 982 $ 833 Less: Capital Asset Investments (332 ) (313 ) Add: Capital Asset Disposals 27       4   Free Cash Flow $ 677       $ 524      

Reconciliation of Net Debt (d)

December 31, 2014     December 31, 2013 Current Portion of Debt $ 632 $ 111 Debt, Less Current Portion 3,320 3,726 Less: Cash and Cash Equivalents (223 )     (343 ) Net Debt $ 3,729       $ 3,494  

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(a) The non-GAAP financial measures "Currency-Neutral Bottle and Can Net Pricing Per Case" and "Currency-Neutral Bottle and Can Cost of Sales per Case" are used to more clearly evaluate bottle and can pricing and cost trends in the marketplace. These measures exclude items not directly related to bottle and can pricing or cost and currency exchange rate changes.

(b) The non-GAAP measure "Comparable Bottle and Can Volume" is used to analyze the performance of our business on a constant period basis. There was one additional selling day in the fourth-quarter of 2014 versus the fourth-quarter of 2013. There were the same number of selling days in the full year 2014 versus the full year 2013.

(c) The non-GAAP measure "Free Cash Flow" is provided to focus management and investors on the cash available for debt reduction, dividend distributions, share repurchase, and acquisition opportunities.

(d) The non-GAAP measure "Net Debt" is used to more clearly evaluate our capital structure and leverage.

Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc.Thor Erickson, +1 (678) 260-3110Investor RelationsorFred Roselli, +1 (678) 260-3421Media Relations