Coca-Cola Europacific Partners(CCEP) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, volumes increased by 0.4% and revenue grew by 3.2%, outperforming the first half of the year [11] - The company reaffirmed its full-year guidance, indicating strong business resilience [6][19] - The NARTD category grew by approximately 6% in value and volume, highlighting the company's competitive position [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Coke Zero saw a volume growth of 6.3%, driven by promotional activities and partnerships [11] - Energy drinks, particularly Monster, experienced a significant volume growth of 24% in Q3 and 18% year-to-date [12] - Fanta and Sprite also performed well, with Fanta benefiting from a Halloween campaign and Sprite growing by 4.2% [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 0.9% volume growth in Europe, supported by strong performance in the Away From Home segment [14] - The Philippines faced challenges due to flooding, impacting Q3 volumes, but recovery signs were noted in September [17] - Australia Pacific's volumes were down 0.6%, but revenue remained broadly flat excluding one-off impacts [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on balancing premiumization with affordability, aiming for profitable growth while enhancing consumer value [8] - Investments in technology and infrastructure, including a new canning line and a new plant in the Philippines, are set to support long-term growth [18] - The company is committed to maintaining a balanced growth strategy, emphasizing revenue and margin management [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while consumer sentiment remains challenging, they expect to see volume growth in 2026, supported by effective pricing strategies [24][25] - The company is optimistic about its ability to navigate a potentially softer environment due to its investments in digital tools and revenue management capabilities [29] - The fundamentals of the business are strong, with confidence in achieving mid-term growth objectives despite macroeconomic volatility [20][21] Other Important Information - The company declared a second-half dividend of EUR 1.25 per share, maintaining an annualized payout ratio of approximately 50% [19] - A EUR 1 billion share buyback program is set to conclude in December [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Consumer affordability and its impact on strategy - Management indicated that consumer sentiment has been consistent, with a focus on value pricing and continued volume growth expected in 2026 [24] Question: Navigating a softer environment - Management expressed confidence in their capabilities to grow volume and revenue, citing investments in revenue and margin growth management as key factors [29] Question: Improvement in Indonesia's performance - Management acknowledged challenges in Indonesia but noted improvements in the sparkling portfolio and ongoing efforts to enhance the tea segment [40] Question: Trends in the Away From Home segment - Management highlighted strong growth in the Away From Home channel, driven by favorable weather and effective customer strategies [48] Question: Energy drinks growth and innovation - Management confirmed that both innovation and core products contributed to the 24% volume growth in energy drinks, with a strong pipeline for future innovations [66] Question: Top line growth outlook for next year - Management refrained from providing specific guidance for 2026 but expressed confidence in achieving mid-term growth objectives despite technical headwinds [72] Question: Key initiatives for 2026 - Management discussed plans for the World Cup activation, continued innovation in energy drinks, and a focus on flavor innovation for key brands [80]