Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported revenue of €20.7 billion, an increase of 3.5% year-over-year, aligning with guidance [32] - Comparable volumes were flat, while underlying volumes increased by 0.7%, accounting for strategic delistings [33] - Operating profit grew by 8% to €2.7 billion, with an operating margin of 12.9%, reflecting a 50 basis point expansion [36][100] - Diluted earnings per share increased by 6.5% to €3.95 on a comparable and FX-neutral basis [37][100] - Comparable free cash flow generation was €1.8 billion, with a return on invested capital rising by 50 basis points to 10.8% [38][101] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The non-alcoholic ready-to-drink (NARTD) category experienced volume and value growth in both Europe and the Asia-Pacific (APS) regions [14][78] - Value share in the home channel increased by 40 basis points, with gains also in away-from-home and online channels [15][79] - The Philippines market delivered double-digit volume growth, achieving a record high of 75% in sparkling and 50% in NARTD share [26][89] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Volumes in Europe decreased by 2.4%, while APS volumes increased by 4.9%, driven by strong performance in the Philippines and other Pacific markets [34][97] - The company faced adverse weather impacts in Europe, particularly affecting the away-from-home channel [33][34] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to focus on geographic diversification, with strong performance in higher growth APS markets offsetting softer volumes in Europe [11][75] - There is a commitment to invest in the Philippines to support long-term growth expectations, with accelerated CapEx plans [27][91] - The company aims to deliver approximately 4% revenue growth in 2025, balancing underlying volume and revenue per unit case growth [56][119] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in delivering mid-term growth objectives, supported by strong investment and commercial plans [12][76] - The company acknowledged inflationary pressures, particularly in labor, but remains optimistic about driving efficiencies [40][116] - Management highlighted the importance of customer relationships and in-market execution to drive brand visibility and distribution [61][124] Other Important Information - The company announced a new €1 billion share buyback program to be executed over the next 12 months [48][117] - Sustainability efforts continue to be recognized, with the company maintaining high ESG ratings and investing in technology for decarbonization [24][87] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for revenue growth in 2025? - The company expects approximately 4% revenue growth in 2025, driven by balanced volume and revenue per case growth [52][56] Question: How is the company addressing inflationary pressures? - The company anticipates inflationary pressures in labor but is confident in continuing to drive efficiencies in line with plans [40][116] Question: What are the key markets contributing to growth? - The Philippines and other high-growth markets like Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands are seen as significant contributors to organic top-line growth [65][66]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported total revenue growth of 2.4% in Q3, driven by solid progression in revenue per unit case, despite flat total volumes year-on-year [11] - Underlying volumes, excluding strategic exits, grew by around 1% year-to-date, while volumes in Europe decreased by 1.4%, offset by a 3.3% increase in the Asia Pacific and Southeast Asia (APS) region [11][12] - The company reaffirmed full year operating profit growth guidance of around 7% and free cash flow generation of approximately €1.7 billion [17][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Europe, revenue per unit case grew by 3.2%, reflecting price increases across all markets, while volumes were impacted by adverse weather conditions [14] - The APS region saw strong volume growth driven by the Philippines, which continued to perform well despite cycling over 20% volume growth in Q3 last year [11][12] - The company is increasing investment in the Philippines to support growth, with a focus on modern trade and key account capabilities [56][58] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The away-from-home channel in Europe has been under pressure, particularly in outdoor dining sectors in Southern Europe, while convenience and QSR channels have held up well [30][31] - The company noted that consumer spending in retail has remained stable, with a positive response during normalized weather conditions [25][26] - In Indonesia, the company is adapting its route to market and launching refillable glass bottles to enhance affordability and address local consumption behaviors [58][60] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on long-term growth strategies, including digital transformation and enhancing customer engagement through improved B2B portals [21] - The company plans to showcase its business in the Philippines at a Capital Markets event in May, highlighting its growth potential [12][21] - The company is committed to maintaining a balance between revenue per case and volume growth, with a target of achieving a point of volume growth annually in Europe [66] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of their categories and the potential for a return to quality underlying volume growth in Europe [20][66] - The company acknowledged macro challenges, including geopolitical tensions, but remains optimistic about the growth outlook in key markets [50][60] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining price relevance and optimizing promotional strategies to support consumer engagement [26][29] Other Important Information - The company declared a second half dividend of €1.23 per share, maintaining an annualized payout ratio of approximately 50% [19] - The company is actively working towards meeting liquidity thresholds for potential entry into the FTSE, with no expected impact on capital allocation strategies [72] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on European consumer health and expectations for Q4 - Management noted that consumer spending has not dramatically changed, with retail holding up well despite challenges in the away-from-home channel [25][26] Question: Drivers of revenue per case growth in Europe - Management attributed revenue per case growth to pricing strategies and strong customer relationships, expecting to sustain this into Q4 [28][29] Question: Performance of the away-from-home channel in Europe - Management identified outdoor dining in Southern Europe as the most impacted sub-channel, while convenience and QSR channels have performed better [30][31] Question: Factors contributing to maintaining EBIT guidance - Management highlighted lower cost of sales and ongoing efficiency initiatives as key factors supporting EBIT guidance [36][37] Question: Expectations for next year regarding headwinds and tailwinds - Management expressed optimism about potential tailwinds, including strong consumer activation plans for 2025, while acknowledging ongoing geopolitical challenges [49][50] Question: Insights on Southeast Asia division performance - Management praised the Filipino team's performance and discussed the launch of refillable glass bottles in Indonesia as part of their long-term strategy [56][58]

Core Insights - The article discusses the author's background in analytics and accounting, highlighting over 10 years of experience in the investment arena, starting as an analyst and progressing to a management role [1]. Company Insights - The author has a beneficial long position in UPS shares, indicating a personal investment interest in the company [2]. Industry Insights - The article does not provide specific insights into the broader industry context or trends. It focuses primarily on the author's qualifications and personal investment interests.

Core Insights - The SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) has shown consistent positive performance, achieving a year-to-date return increase of 2.10% in September, continuing a trend of strong gains since May of this year [1]. Group 1 - The SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) has been posting strong positive gains month after month since May [1]. - In September, the Fund added 2.10% to its year-to-date return [1].

Results for the Six Months Ended 28 June 2024* 7 th August 2024 *Unaudited Forward looking statements 2 This document contains statements, estimates or projections that constitute "forward-looking statements" concerning the financial condition, performance, results, guidance and outlook, dividends, consequences of mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and divestitures, including the joint venture with Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. (AEV) and acquisition of Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. (CCBPI), strat ...

Market Performance - The SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) achieved a 2.34% return in August, marking its fourth consecutive monthly gain [2] - Vanguard's High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF Shares (VYM) outperformed SPY with a return of 2.44% [2] - A watchlist of selected stocks yielded a return of 5.45% in August, surpassing both SPY and VYM, with a year-to-date return of 21.82% [2][10] Watchlist Strategy - The watchlist aims to identify high-quality stocks with attractive valuations and a good starting dividend yield, targeting a long-term compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12% [2][10] - The current CAGR of the watchlist stands at 18.64% after 46 months, exceeding the target [2][10] - The top 10 stocks on the watchlist for September 2024 collectively offer a dividend yield of 3.59%, more than double that of the S&P 500 [2] Stock Selection Criteria - The watchlist is created based on four main criteria: basic criteria, safety, quality, and stability [3][4] - Basic criteria include a dividend yield above 2.75% and a market capitalization of at least $10 billion [3] - Safety filters exclude companies with payout ratios above 100% and negative 5-year dividend growth rates [3] - Quality is assessed using Morningstar moat ratings and S&P quality ratings of B+ or higher [4] Recent Changes in Watchlist - The September 2024 watchlist includes three new stocks: Interpublic Group of Companies (IPG), PNC Financial Services (PNC), and Essential Utilities (WTRG) [7] - Previous stocks NextEra Energy (NEE), Starbucks (SBUX), and United Parcel Service (UPS) were removed from the watchlist [7] Expected Returns - The expected rate of return for the selected stocks is calculated by combining the current dividend yield with a return to fair value over the next five years [8] - The watchlist aims to provide better returns compared to 18 other high-yield stocks that passed initial filters but ranked lower in quality and valuation [9] Historical Performance - The watchlist has consistently outperformed benchmarks, with a total return of 92.55% since inception and an annualized return of 18.64% [10][12] - Individual stock performances in August 2024 varied, with Coca-Cola Europacific (CCEP) gaining 9.11% and Starbucks (SBUX) increasing by 22.05% [12]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of identifying sustainable trends in short-term investing, highlighting that while price momentum can be profitable, it requires solid fundamentals to maintain that momentum [1][2]. Group 1: Stock Performance - Coca-Cola European (CCEP) has shown a solid price increase of 4.6% over the past 12 weeks, indicating investor confidence in its potential upside [4]. - The stock has also increased by 3.8% over the last four weeks, suggesting that the upward trend is still intact [5]. - CCEP is currently trading at 97.2% of its 52-week high-low range, indicating a potential breakout [5]. Group 2: Fundamental Strength - CCEP holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), placing it in the top 20% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimate revisions and EPS surprises [6]. - The stock has an Average Broker Recommendation of 1 (Strong Buy), reflecting high optimism from the brokerage community regarding its near-term price performance [7]. - The Zacks Rank stock-rating system has a strong historical performance, with Zacks Rank 1 stocks averaging an annual return of +25% since 1988 [7]. Group 3: Investment Strategy - The "Recent Price Strength" screen is a useful tool for identifying stocks with sufficient fundamental strength to maintain their upward trends [3]. - In addition to CCEP, there are other stocks that meet the criteria of the "Recent Price Strength" screen, suggesting further investment opportunities [8]. - The article encourages investors to utilize various Zacks Premium Screens tailored to different investing styles to enhance stock-picking strategies [8].

Group 1: Company Performance - Coca-Cola European (CCEP) has returned 9.7% year-to-date, outperforming the Consumer Staples sector average return of 4.1% [4] - CCEP is part of the Beverages - Soft drinks industry, which has gained about 5.6% so far this year, indicating that CCEP is also performing better than its industry peers [6] - Chefs' Warehouse (CHEF) has significantly outperformed the sector with a year-to-date return of 25.5% [5] Group 2: Rankings and Estimates - The Consumer Staples group, including CCEP, is currently ranked 14 within the Zacks Sector Rank, which evaluates 16 different sector groups [2] - CCEP holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), reflecting a positive earnings outlook and improving analyst sentiment, as the consensus estimate for its full-year earnings has increased by 0.2% in the past quarter [3][4] - Chefs' Warehouse has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), with a 4.8% increase in its consensus EPS estimate over the past three months [5]

pcess609 Market Recap The SPDR S&P 500 Trust ETF (SPY) somehow managed to post a positive return in July, +1.21%, but things did look a bit murky for a while. Vanguard's High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF (VYM) posted a very strong gain of 4.83% last month, breaking its two-month underperformance relative to SPY. My watchlist fared better than both, posting a gain of 5.72%, and pushes itself very close to SPY on the year. Year-to-date through July, the watchlist is up 15.52%, beating VYM, 12.94%, but still ...

The trend often reverses before exiting the trade, leading to a short-term capital loss for investors. So, for a profitable trade, one should confirm factors such as sound fundamentals, positive earnings estimate revisions, etc. that could keep the momentum in the stock alive. However, it's not enough to look at the price change for around three months, as it doesn't reflect any trend reversal that might have happened in a shorter time frame. It's important for a potential winner to maintain the price trend ...