United States
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 6-K
Report of Foreign Private Issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the period ending 28 September 2018


COCA-COLA EUROPEAN PARTNERS PLC

Bakers Road
Uxbridge, UB8 1EZ, United Kingdom
(Address of principal executive office)

(Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.)
(Check One) Form 20-F ý Form 40-F D Â
(Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1))
(Check One) Yes  No ý
(Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7))
(Check One) Yes  No ý




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COCA-COLA EUROPEAN PARTNERS REPORTS
INTERIM RESULTS FOR THE THIRD-QUARTER ENDED 28 SEPTEMBER 2018

STRONG PERFORMANCE YEAR-TO-DATE, MAINTAINING FULL-YEAR 2018 OUTLOOK

LONDON, 25 October 2018 - Coca-Cola European Partners plc (CCEP) (ticker symbol: CCE) today announces its interim results for the third-quarter ended 28 September 2018 and maintains full-year 2018 outlook.
Highlights
Nine months diluted earnings per share were €1.58 on a reported basis or €1.76 on a comparable basis, including a negligible impact from currency translation.
Nine months revenue totalled €8.7 billion, up 4.0 percent, or up 4.5 percent on a comparable and fx-neutral basis. Volume decreased 0.5 percent on a comparable basis, partly reflecting the impact of recent strategic portfolio and pricing decisions.
Nine months reported operating profit was €1.1 billion, up 4.0 percent; comparable operating profit was €1.2 billion, up 7.5 percent on a comparable basis, or up 8.0 percent on a comparable and fx-neutral basis.
Third-quarter diluted earnings per share were €0.73 on a reported basis or €0.76 on a comparable basis, including a negligible impact from currency translation.
CCEP affirms full-year guidance for 2018 including comparable diluted earnings per share in a range of €2.27 to €2.29 including currency translation at recent rates and the impact of share buybacks.
CCEP declares fourth-quarter interim dividend of €0.28 per share implying an annualised dividend payout ratio of approximately 50 percent.

Damian Gammell, Chief Executive Officer, said:

“Our year-to-date results reflect our ongoing focus on driving profitable revenue growth through continued strong price and mix realisation and solid in-market execution. I am particularly pleased with how our teams across Great Britain, Germany and Northern Europe have embraced the positive challenges brought by great summer weather, although partially offset by softer trading in Spain and France.

“It is a fantastic time to be leading Coca-Cola European Partners, soon with a new CCEP ticker, and the world’s largest independent Coca-Cola bottler by net revenue. As we laid out at our recent Capital Markets Day, we have an exciting but realistic long-term view of the growth opportunity across our portfolio of markets. We continue to make the right strategic decisions for the long-term alongside investing now in core capabilities that will support our growth and set us apart to win.

“Given our solid performance year-to-date, we are reaffirming our 2018 profit outlook. We are on track to return up to €500 million to shareholders in 2018 as part of the recently announced €1.5 billion share buyback programme, which alongside moving to an annualised payout ratio of approximately 50 percent in Q4 2018, collectively demonstrate our ultimate goal of delivering sustainable value for our shareholders.”





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Key Financial Measures
Unaudited, fx impact calculated by recasting current year results at prior year rates
Third-Quarter ended 28 September 2018
€ million
 
% change
As Reported
 
Comparable
 
Fx-Impact
 
As Reported
 
Comparable
 
Fx-Impact
 
Comparable Fx-Neutral
Revenue
3,289

 
3,289

 
(9
)
 
11.0
%
 
11.0
%
 
(0.5
)%
 
11.5
%
Cost of sales
1,985

 
1,989

 
(5
)
 
12.0
%
 
12.5
%
 
 %
 
12.5
%
Operating expenses
803

 
779

 
(1
)
 
5.0
%
 
7.5
%
 
 %
 
7.5
%
Operating profit
501

 
521

 
(3
)
 
17.5
%
 
11.0
%
 
(0.5
)%
 
11.5
%
Profit after taxes
358

 
371

 
(2
)
 
18.0
%
 
11.5
%
 
(1.0
)%
 
12.5
%
Diluted earnings per share (€)
0.73

 
0.76

 

 
18.0
%
 
11.5
%
 
 %
 
11.5
%
Key Financial Measures
Unaudited, fx impact calculated by recasting current year results at prior year rates
Nine months ended 28 September 2018
€ million
 
% change
As Reported
 
Comparable
 
Fx-Impact
 
As Reported
 
Comparable
 
Fx-Impact
 
Comparable Fx-Neutral
Revenue
8,724

 
8,724

 
(53
)
 
4.0
%
 
4.0
%
 
(0.5
)%
 
4.5
%
Cost of sales
5,326

 
5,302

 
(33
)
 
4.5
%
 
3.5
%
 
(0.5
)%
 
4.0
%
Operating expenses
2,292

 
2,202

 
(14
)
 
2.0
%
 
3.0
%
 
(1.0
)%
 
4.0
%
Operating profit
1,106

 
1,220

 
(6
)
 
4.0
%
 
7.5
%
 
(0.5
)%
 
8.0
%
Profit after taxes
775

 
860

 
(4
)
 
3.5
%
 
8.0
%
 
(0.5
)%
 
8.5
%
Diluted earnings per share (€)
1.58

 
1.76

 

 
3.5
%
 
8.0
%
 
 %
 
8.0
%

Operational Review
Nine months 2018 diluted earnings per share were €1.58 on a reported basis, or €1.76 on a comparable basis. Currency translation had a negligible impact on nine months 2018 comparable diluted earnings per share. Nine months 2018 reported operating profit totalled €1.1 billion, up 4.0 percent versus prior year. Comparable operating profit was €1.2 billion, up 7.5 percent on a comparable basis, or up 8.0 percent on a comparable and fx-neutral basis.
Third-quarter 2018 diluted earnings per share were €0.73 on a reported basis, or €0.76 on a comparable basis. Currency translation had a negligible impact on third-quarter 2018 comparable diluted earnings per share. Third-quarter 2018 reported operating profit totalled €501 million, up 17.5 percent versus prior year. Comparable operating profit was €521 million, up 11.0 percent on a comparable basis, or up 11.5 percent on a comparable and fx-neutral basis.
Key operating profit factors during the nine months 2018 include solid revenue growth on a comparable and fx-neutral basis driven by strong revenue per unit case growth. This was partially offset by a 0.5 percent decline in volume as favourable weather in Great Britain, Germany and Northern Europe over the summer months was not enough to compensate for softer trading in Spain and France; the previously announced strategic portfolio and pricing initiatives; as well as the impact of new soft drinks taxes, notably in Great Britain. Operating margins improved as we maintained our gross margin and continued to realise post-merger synergy benefits.
Revenue
Nine months 2018 revenue totalled €8.7 billion, up 4.0 percent versus prior year, or up 4.5 percent on a comparable and fx-neutral basis. Nine months 2018 revenue per unit case grew 5.0 percent on a comparable and fx-neutral basis benefiting approximately 2.0 percent from the impact of incremental soft drinks industry taxes. Volume decreased 0.5 percent on a comparable basis.
Third-quarter 2018 revenue totalled €3.3 billion, up 11.0 percent versus prior year. Comparable revenue was up 11.0 percent, or up 11.5 percent on a comparable and fx-neutral basis. Revenue per unit case was up 6.0 percent on a comparable and fx-neutral basis benefiting from favourable underlying price, promotion, and package mix, as well as approximately 3.0 percent from the accounting impact of incremental soft drinks industry taxes. Third-quarter volume increased 5.0 percent on a comparable basis, reflecting favourable weather in Great Britain, Germany and Northern Europe as well as easy comparables, partially offset by softer trading in France and Spain.


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On a territory basis for the third-quarter, Iberia revenues were up 3.5 percent, led by strong volume growth in Portugal while volumes in Spain were negatively impacted by weaker tourism trends over the peak summer months. Revenue per unit case grew moderately in Iberia as a result of channel and package mix. Revenue in Germany was up 11.5 percent, driven by strong volume given favourable weather trends, as well as solid revenue per unit case growth reflecting positive price and product mix effects. Revenue in Great Britain grew 21.0 percent, supported by underlying gains in revenue per unit case reflecting improved promotional effectiveness as well as the impact of the new soft drinks industry tax. Robust volume growth in Great Britain was supported by favourable weather and strong execution. Revenue in France was up 10.5 percent, mainly driven by solid growth in revenue per unit case as a result of positive package and brand mix, as well as the impact of recent soft drinks tax changes. Revenue in the Northern European territories (Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Iceland) was up 12.0 percent mainly driven by strong volume gains given favourable weather trends over the summer months. Revenue growth was mainly led by Belgium/Luxembourg and the Netherlands due to highly favourable weather trends.
On a brand basis for the third-quarter, sparkling brands increased 5.5 percent. Coca-Cola trademark brands grew by 3.5 percent, with over 18.0 percent growth in Coca-Cola Zero Sugar. Coca-Cola Classic volume declined by approximately 1.0 percent mainly due to the impact of new soft drinks industry taxes. Sparkling flavours and energy grew 9.5 percent supported by solid performances from Fanta, Schweppes, Sprite and energy brands. Still brands increased 4.0 percent underpinned by 9.0 percent growth in water as a result of favourable weather in most markets, and a decline of 1.0 percent in juices, isotonics and other. This reflects portfolio decisions in the ready-to-drink tea category, as well as a decline in juices. Fuze Tea, Vio, Chaudfontaine and Smartwater all saw solid volume growth in the third quarter.
Cost of Sales
Nine months 2018 reported cost of sales were €5.3 billion, up 4.5 percent. Comparable cost of sales were €5.3 billion, up 3.5 percent, or up 4.0 percent on a comparable and fx-neutral basis. Nine months cost of sales per unit case increased 5.0 percent on a comparable and fx-neutral basis, including approximately 3.5 percent from the impact of incremental soft drinks industry taxes.
Third-quarter 2018 reported cost of sales were €2.0 billion, up 12.0 percent versus prior year. Cost of sales were €2.0 billion, up 12.5 percent on both a comparable basis and comparable and fx-neutral basis. Third-quarter cost of sales per unit case increased 7.0 percent on a comparable and fx-neutral basis, including approximately 5.0 percent from the impact of incremental soft drinks industry taxes.
Operating Expenses
Nine months 2018 reported operating expenses were €2.3 billion, up 2.0 percent. Comparable operating expenses were €2.2 billion, up 3.0 percent on a comparable basis, or up 4.0 percent on a comparable and fx-neutral basis. 
Third-quarter 2018 reported operating expenses were €803 million, up 5.0 percent. Comparable operating expenses were €779 million, up 7.5 percent on both a comparable basis and comparable and fx-neutral basis. This reflects volume growth, expense timing and select investments partially offset by synergy benefits and a continued focus on managing expenses.
Restructuring Charges
During the nine months, we recognised restructuring charges totalling €118 million. These charges relate to restructuring activities under the CCEP Integration and Synergy programme, supply chain site consolidation in Great Britain and other restructuring programmes.
Outlook
For 2018, CCEP continues to expect revenue growth of approximately 2 percent to 2.5 percent and operating profit growth at the top end of the 6 percent to 7 percent range. Each of these growth figures is on a comparable and fx-neutral basis when compared to 2017 comparable results. This excludes the impact of incremental soft drinks industry taxes, which are expected to add approximately 2 percent to 2.5 percent to revenue growth and approximately 3.5 percent to 4 percent to cost of goods growth.

CCEP remains on track to achieve pre-tax run rate merger synergies of €315 million to €340 million by mid-2019. Further, CCEP expects to have realised at least 80 percent of the target by year-end 2018 and a run rate of approximately 100 percent of the target.

The comparable effective tax rate for 2018 is expected to be approximately 25 percent. Weighted average cost of debt is expected to be approximately 2 percent.


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CCEP also expects diluted earnings per share in the range of €2.27 to €2.29 including currency translation and the impact of up to €500 million in share buybacks. At recent rates, currency translation has a slight negative impact on 2018 full-year diluted earnings per share.

CCEP expects 2018 free cash flow of approximately €1 billion, including the expected benefit from improved working capital of approximately €200 million, offset by the impact of restructuring and integration costs. Capital expenditures are expected to be at the top end of the €525 million to €575 million range, including approximately €75 million of capital expenditures related to synergies.

Restructuring cash costs to achieve the aforementioned merger synergies are expected to be approximately 2.25 times expected savings and include cash costs associated with pre-transaction close accruals. Given these factors, currency exchange rates, our outlook for 2018 and the share buyback of up to €500 million in 2018, CCEP expects year-end net debt to adjusted EBITDA* for 2018 to be towards the low-end of our target range of 2.5 to 3 times. Further, CCEP expects return on invested capital (ROIC) to improve by approximately 80 basis points.

* Refer to ‘Note Regarding the Presentation of Alternative Performance Measures’ for further details about these measures.
Dividends
The CCEP Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly interim dividend of €0.28 per share. The interim dividend is payable on 20 November 2018 to those shareholders of record on 9 November 2018. The Company is pursuing arrangements to pay the interim dividend in euros to shares held within Euroclear Netherlands. Other publicly held shares will be converted into an equivalent US dollar amount using exchange rates issued by WM/Reuters taken at 16:00 BST on 25 October 2018. This translated amount will be posted on our website, www.ccep.com, under the Investor/Shareowner Information section.
Conference Call
CCEP will host a conference call with investors and analysts today at 13:00 BST, 14:00 CEST and 8:00 a.m. EDT. The call can be accessed through the Company’s website at www.ccep.com. A replay and transcript of the conference call will be available at www.ccep.com as soon as possible.
Change Of Ticker Symbol From “CCE” to “CCEP”
CCEP today announces its intention to change the Company’s ticker symbol from “CCE” to “CCEP” to better reflect its identity. All other details remain the same.
Trading of the Company’s shares under the new ticker symbol CCEP will commence simultaneously in Amsterdam, New York, Spain and London from 7 November 2018.
Appointment Of Joint House Brokers
CCEP is pleased to announce the appointment of Deutsche Bank and Credit Suisse as joint equity advisers with immediate effect.
Financial Details and Upcoming Announcements
Financial details can be found in our third-quarter 2018 filing, available within the next 24 hours at www.morningstar.co.uk/uk/NSM (located under effective date 28 September 2018) and available immediately on our website, www.ccep.com, under the Investors tab.
Our next announcement will be our full-year 2018 results which will be released at 07:00 GMT, 08:00 CET, and 2:00 a.m. EST on 14 February 2019. A conference call will be hosted with investors and analysts on this day at 13:00 GMT, 14:00 CET, and 8:00 a.m. EST.


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Contacts
Investor Relations
Sarah Willett        Claire Huff        Joe Collins
+44 7970 145 218     +44 7528 251 033     +44 7583 903 560            

Media Relations
Shanna Wendt
+44 7976 595 168
    
About CCEP
Coca-Cola European Partners plc is a leading consumer goods company in Western Europe, selling, making and distributing an extensive range of nonalcoholic ready-to-drink beverages and is the world’s largest independent Coca-Cola bottler based on revenue. Coca-Cola European Partners serves a consumer population of over 300 million across Western Europe, including Andorra, Belgium, continental France, Germany, Great Britain, Iceland, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. The Company is listed on Euronext Amsterdam, the New York Stock Exchange, Euronext London and on the Spanish stock exchanges, currently trading under the symbol CCE, and will trade under the symbol CCEP effective 7 November 2018. For more information about CCEP, please visit our website at www.ccep.com and follow CCEP on Twitter at @CocaColaEP.


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Forward-Looking Statements
This document may contain statements, estimates or projections that constitute “forward-looking statements” concerning the financial condition, performance, results, strategy and objectives of Coca-Cola European Partners plc and its subsidiaries (together “CCEP” or the “Group”). Generally, the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “project,” “plan,” “seek,” “may,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “might,” “will,” “forecast,” “outlook,” “guidance,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which generally are not historical in nature.

Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from CCEP’s historical experience and present expectations or projections. As a result, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. These risks include but are not limited to those set forth in the “Risk Factors” section of the 2017 Annual Report on Form 20-F, including the statements under the following headings: Risks Relating to Consumer Preferences and the Health Impact of Soft Drinks (such as sweeteners); Risks Relating to Legal and Regulatory Intervention (such as the development of regulations regarding packaging); Risks Relating to Business Integration and Synergy Savings; Risks Relating to Cyber and Social Engineering Attacks; Risks Relating to the Market (such as customer consolidation); Risks Relating to Economic and Political Conditions (such as continuing developments in relation to the UK’s exit from the EU); Risks Relating to the Relationship with TCCC and Other Franchisors; Risks Relating to Product Quality (such as shortages of raw materials); and Other Risks.

Due to these risks, CCEP’s actual future results, dividend payments, and capital and leverage ratios may differ materially from the plans, goals, expectations and guidance set out in CCEP’s forward-looking statements. Additional risks that may impact CCEP’s future financial condition and performance are identified in filings with the SEC which are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. CCEP does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required under applicable rules, laws and regulations. CCEP assumes no responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any forward-looking statements. Any or all of the forward-looking statements contained in this filing and in any other of CCEP’s respective public statements may prove to be incorrect.





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Note Regarding the Presentation of Alternative Performance Measures
We use certain alternative performance measures (non-GAAP performance measures) to make financial, operating and planning decisions and to evaluate and report performance. We believe these measures provide useful information to investors and as such, where clearly identified, we have included certain alternative performance measures in this document to allow investors to better analyse our business performance and allow for greater comparability. To do so, we have excluded items affecting the comparability of period-over-period financial performance as described below. The alternative performance measures included herein should be read in conjunction with and do not replace the directly reconcilable GAAP measure.
For purposes of this document, the following terms are defined:
‘Comparable’ represents results excluding items impacting comparability during the periods presented. Items impacting comparability include restructuring charges, merger and integration related costs, out of period mark-to-market impact of hedges, litigation provisions and net tax items relating to rate and law changes. Such items are excluded from our comparable results in order to provide a better understanding of business performance and allow for greater comparability. Additionally, for 2017 periods presented, comparable includes final acquisition accounting related adjustments. Comparable volume is also adjusted for selling days.
‘Fx-neutral’ represents the comparable results excluding the impact of foreign exchange rate changes during the periods presented. Foreign exchange impact is calculated by recasting current year results at prior year exchange rates.
‘Free cash flow’ is defined as net cash flows from operations, less capital expenditures and interest paid, plus proceeds from capital disposals. Management utilises free cash flow as a measure of the Group’s cash generation from operating activities, taking into account investments in property, plant and equipment and non-discretionary interest payments.
‘Adjusted EBITDA’ is defined as profit after tax plus taxes, net finance costs, non-operating items, depreciation, amortisation and adjusted for items impacting comparability.
‘ROIC’ is defined as comparable operating profit after tax divided by the average of opening and closing invested capital for the year. Invested capital is calculated as the addition of borrowings and equity less cash and cash equivalents. ROIC is commonly used measure of capital efficiency by investors and analysts and reflects how well the company generates comparable operating profit relative to the capital invested in the business.
Unless otherwise stated, percent amounts are rounded to the nearest 0.5%.


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Supplementary Financial Information - Income Statement
The following provides a summary reconciliation of CCEP’s reported and comparable results for the periods presented:
Third-quarter 2018
Unaudited, in millions of € except per share data which is calculated prior to rounding
As Reported
 
Items Impacting Comparability
 
Comparable
CCEP
 
Mark-to-market effects[1]
Restructuring Charges[2]
 
CCEP
Revenue
3,289

 


 
3,289

Cost of sales
1,985

 

4

 
1,989

Gross profit
1,304

 

(4
)
 
1,300

Operating expenses
803

 
2

(26
)
 
779

Operating profit
501

 
(2
)
22

 
521

Total finance costs, net
23

 


 
23

Non-operating items

 


 

Profit before taxes
478

 
(2
)
22

 
498

Taxes
120

 

7

 
127

Profit after taxes
358

 
(2
)
15

 
371

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per share (€)
0.73

 

0.03

 
0.76

 
 
 
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
490


Third-quarter 2017
Unaudited, in millions of € except per share data which is calculated prior to rounding
As Reported
 
Items Impacting Comparability
 
Comparable
CCEP
 
Merger
effects[4]
Mark-to-market effects[1]
Restructuring Charges[2]
Merger related costs[3]
Litigation provision[5]
 
CCEP
Revenue
2,964

 





 
2,964

Cost of sales
1,774

 
2

1

(7
)


 
1,770

Gross profit
1,190

 
(2
)
(1
)
7



 
1,194

Operating expenses
763

 
(1
)
3

(34
)
(1
)
(5
)
 
725

Operating profit
427

 
(1
)
(4
)
41

1

5

 
469

Total finance costs, net
28

 




(1
)
 
27

Non-operating items
2

 





 
2

Profit before taxes
397

 
(1
)
(4
)
41

1

6

 
440

Taxes
93

 


14


1

 
108

Profit after taxes
304

 
(1
)
(4
)
27

1

5

 
332

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per share (€)
0.62

 

(0.01
)
0.06


0.01

 
0.68

 
 
 
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
 
 
489

___________________________

[1] 
Amounts represent the net out-of-period mark-to-market impact of non-designated commodity hedges.
[2] 
Amounts represent restructuring charges related to business transformation activities.
[3] 
Amounts represent costs associated with the Merger to form CCEP.
[4] 
Adjustments to reflect final acquisition accounting related adjustments and associated impacts.
[5] 
Amount represents a provision recorded for ongoing litigation.



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Nine Months 2018
Unaudited, in millions of € except per share data which is calculated prior to rounding
As Reported
 
Items Impacting Comparability
 
Comparable
CCEP
 
Mark-to-market effects[1]
Restructuring Charges[2]
 
CCEP
Revenue
8,724

 


 
8,724

Cost of sales
5,326

 
(3
)
(21
)
 
5,302

Gross profit
3,398

 
3

21

 
3,422

Operating expenses
2,292

 
7

(97
)
 
2,202

Operating profit
1,106

 
(4
)
118

 
1,220

Total finance costs, net
68

 


 
68

Non-operating items

 


 

Profit before taxes
1,038

 
(4
)
118

 
1,152

Taxes
263

 
(1
)
30

 
292

Profit after taxes
775

 
(3
)
88

 
860

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per share (€)
1.58

 

0.18

 
1.76

 
 
 
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
 
 
489

Nine Months 2017
Unaudited, in millions of € except per share data which is calculated prior to rounding
As Reported
 
Items Impacting Comparability
 
Comparable
CCEP
 
Merger
effects
[4]
Mark-to-market effects[1]
Restructuring Charges[2]
Merger related costs[3]
Litigation provision[5]
 
CCEP
Revenue
8,400

 
(7
)




 
8,393

Cost of sales
5,095

 
35

3

(12
)


 
5,121

Gross profit
3,305

 
(42
)
(3
)
12



 
3,272

Operating expenses
2,243

 
(15
)
(2
)
(82
)
(4
)
(5
)
 
2,135

Operating profit
1,062

 
(27
)
(1
)
94

4

5

 
1,137

Total finance costs, net
79

 




(1
)
 
78

Non-operating items
2

 





 
2

Profit before taxes
981

 
(27
)
(1
)
94

4

6

 
1,057

Taxes
232

 
(6
)

34

1

1

 
262

Profit after taxes
749

 
(21
)
(1
)
60

3

5

 
795

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per share (€)
1.53

 
(0.04
)

0.12

0.01

0.01

 
1.63

 
 
 
 
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
 
 
489

___________________________

[1] Amounts represent the net out-of-period mark-to-market impact of non-designated commodity hedges.
[2] Amounts represent restructuring charges related to business transformation activities.
[3] Amounts represent costs associated with the Merger to form CCEP.
[4] Adjustments to reflect final acquisition accounting related adjustments and associated impacts.
[5] Amount represents a provision recorded for ongoing litigation.




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Supplemental Financial Information - Revenue
Revenue
In millions of €, except per case data which is calculated prior to rounding
Third-quarter ended
 
Nine months ended
28 September 2018
29 September 2017
% Change
 
28 September 2018
29 September 2017
% Change
As reported
3,289

2,964

11.0
 %
 
8,724

8,400

4.0
 %
Adjust: Total items impacting comparability


 %
 

(7
)
 %
Comparable[1]
3,289

2,964

11.0
 %
 
8,724

8,393

4.0
 %
Adjust: Impact of fx changes
9

n/a

(0.5
)%
 
53

n/a

(0.5
)%
Comparable & fx-neutral
3,298

2,964

11.5
 %
 
8,777

8,393

4.5
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue per unit case[2]
4.69

4.43

6.0
 %
 
4.64

4.41

5.0
 %
___________________________
[1] 
The change in revenue includes the impact of 2018 incremental sugar and excise taxes in Belgium, France, Great Britain and Norway of 3.0% and 2.0% for the third-quarter and nine months ended 28 September 2018, respectively.
[2] 
The change in revenue per unit case includes the impact of 2018 incremental sugar and excise taxes in Belgium, France, Great Britain and Norway of 3.0% and 2.0% for the third-quarter and nine months ended 28 September 2018, respectively.

Revenue by Geography
Comparable
Third-quarter ended
 
Nine months ended
28 September 2018
29 September 2017
Revenue % Change
 
28 September 2018
29 September 2017
Revenue % Change
% of Total
% of Total
 
% of Total
% of Total
Spain/Portugal/Andorra[1]
26.0
%
28.0
%
3.5
%
 
24.0
%
25.0
%
(1.0
)%
Germany
19.5
%
19.5
%
11.5
%
 
20.0
%
20.0
%
6.0
 %
Great Britain
19.5
%
17.5
%
21.0
%
 
19.0
%
18.0
%
10.5
 %
France/Monaco
14.5
%
14.5
%
10.5
%
 
15.5
%
16.5
%
(2.0
)%
Belgium/Luxembourg/Netherlands
13.0
%
12.5
%
17.0
%
 
13.5
%
13.0
%
8.5
 %
Norway
3.5
%
3.5
%
8.5
%
 
4.0
%
3.5
%
6.5
 %
Sweden
3.0
%
3.5
%
%
 
3.0
%
3.0
%
3.0
 %
Iceland
1.0
%
1.0
%
%
 
1.0
%
1.0
%
(5.5
)%
Total
100.0
%
100.0
%
11.0
%
 
100.0
%
100.0
%
4.0
 %
___________________________
[1] 
Spain/Portugal/Andorra is also referred to as Iberia.
    
Comparable Volume - Selling Day Shift
In millions of unit cases, prior period volume recast using current year selling days[1]
Third-quarter ended
 
Nine months ended
28 September 2018
29 September 2017
% Change
 
28 September 2018
29 September 2017
% Change
Volume
702

669

5.0
%
 
1,890

1,902

(0.5
)%
Impact of selling day shift
n/a

n/a

%
 
n/a

n/a

 %
Comparable volume - Selling Day Shift adjusted
702

669

5.0
%
 
1,890

1,902

(0.5
)%
___________________________
[1] 
A unit case equals approximately 5.678 litres or 24 8-ounce servings, a typical volume measure used in our industry.


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P a g e | 11
 
 

Comparable Volume by Brand Category
Adjusted for selling day shift
Third-quarter ended
 
Nine months ended
28 September 2018
29 September 2017
Volume % Change
 
28 September 2018
29 September 2017
% Change
% of Total
% of Total
 
% of Total
% of Total
Sparkling
84.5
%
84.0
%
5.5
 %
 
85.0
%
84.5
%
 %
Coca-Cola Trademark
61.0
%
61.5
%
3.5
 %
 
62.5
%
63.0
%
(1.0
)%
Sparkling Flavours and Energy
23.5
%
22.5
%
9.5
 %
 
22.5
%
21.5
%
4.0
 %
Stills
15.5
%
16.0
%
4.0
 %
 
15.0
%
15.5
%
(4.5
)%
Juice, Isotonics and Other
8.0
%
8.5
%
(1.0
)%
 
7.5
%
8.0
%
(6.5
)%
Water
7.5
%
7.5
%
9.0
 %
 
7.5
%
7.5
%
(2.5
)%
Total
100.0
%
100.0
%
5.0
 %
 
100.0
%
100.0
%
(0.5
)%

Supplemental Financial Information - Cost of Sales and Operating Expenses
Cost of Sales
In millions of €, except per case data which is calculated prior to rounding
Third-quarter ended
 
Nine months ended
28 September 2018
29 September 2017
% Change
 
28 September 2018
29 September 2017
% Change
As reported
1,985

1,774

12.0
%
 
5,326

5,095

4.5
 %
Adjust: Total items impacting comparability
4

(4
)
0.5
%
 
(24
)
26

(1.0
)%
Comparable[1]
1,989

1,770

12.5
%
 
5,302

5,121

3.5
 %
Adjust: Impact of fx changes
5

n/a

%
 
33

n/a

(0.5
)%
Comparable & fx-neutral
1,994

1,770

12.5
%
 
5,335

5,121

4.0
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of sales per unit case[2]
2.84

2.65

7.0
%
 
2.82

2.69

5.0
 %
___________________________
[1] 
The change in cost of sales includes the impact of 2018 incremental sugar and excise taxes in Belgium, France, Great Britain and Norway of 5.0% and 3.5% for the third-quarter and nine months ended 28 September 2018, respectively.
[2] 
The change in cost of sales per unit case includes the impact of 2018 incremental sugar and excise taxes in Belgium, France, Great Britain and Norway of 5.0% and 3.5% for the third-quarter and nine months ended 28 September 2018, respectively.

Operating Expenses
In millions of €
Third-quarter ended
 
Nine months ended
28 September 2018
29 September 2017
% Change
 
28 September 2018
29 September 2017
% Change
As reported
803

763

5.0
%
 
2,292

2,243

2.0
 %
Adjust: Total items impacting comparability
(24
)
(38
)
2.5
%
 
(90
)
(108
)
1.0
 %
Comparable
779

725

7.5
%
 
2,202

2,135

3.0
 %
Adjust: Impact of fx changes
1

n/a

%
 
14

n/a

(1.0
)%
Comparable & fx-neutral
780

725

7.5
%
 
2,216

2,135

4.0
 %
___________________________

Supplemental Financial Information - Free Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow[1]
In millions of €
 
Nine months ended
 
28 September 2018
 
29 September 2017
Net cash flows from operating activities
 
1,420

 
1,133

Add: Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment
 
4

 
17

Less: Purchases of property, plant and equipment
 
(303
)
 
(288
)
Less: Purchases of capitalised software
 
(32
)
 
(17
)
Less: Interest paid, net
 
(68
)
 
(75
)
Free Cash Flow
 
1,021

 
770

___________________________
[1] 
Free cash flow is defined as net cash flows from operations, less capital expenditures and interest paid, plus proceeds from capital disposals.


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P a g e | 12
 
 

Supplemental Financial Information - Borrowings
Net Debt
In millions of €
As at
 
Credit Ratings
As of 24 October 2018
 
 
 
 
28 September 2018
 
 
Moody’s
 
Standard & Poor’s
Total borrowings
5,339

 
Long-term rating
 
A3
 
BBB+
Add: fx impact of non-EUR borrowings
34

 
Outlook
 
Stable
 
Stable
Adjusted total borrowings
5,373

 
Note: Our credit ratings can be materially influenced by a number of factors including, but not limited to, acquisitions, investment decisions and working capital management activities of TCCC and/or changes in the credit rating of TCCC. A credit rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities and may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time.
Less: cash and cash equivalents
486

 
Net debt
4,887

 

Supplemental Financial Information - Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA
In millions of €
 
Nine months ended
 
28 September 2018
Reported profit after tax
 
775

Taxes
 
263

Finance costs, net
 
68

Reported operating profit
 
1,106

Depreciation and amortisation
 
379

Reported EBITDA
 
1,485

 
 
 
Items impacting comparability
 
 
Mark-to-market effects[1]
 
(4
)
Restructuring charges[2]
 
109

Adjusted EBITDA
 
1,590

______________________
[1] 
Amounts represent the net out-of-period mark-to-market impact of non-designated commodity hedges.
[2] 
Amounts represent restructuring charges related to business transformation activities, excluding accelerated depreciation included in the depreciation and amortisation line.

Supplemental Financial Information - Financial Position
Statement of Financial Position

In millions of €
 
As at
 
28 September 2018
 
31 December 2017
 
29 September 2017
Non-current assets
 
14,824

 
14,880

 
14,986

Current assets
 
3,735

 
3,314

 
3,748

Total assets
 
18,559

 
18,194

 
18,734

Non-current liabilities
 
8,033

 
8,222

 
8,023

Current liabilities
 
3,688

 
3,287

 
3,943

Total liabilities
 
11,721

 
11,509

 
11,966

Total equity
 
6,838

 
6,685

 
6,768

Total equity and liabilities
 
18,559

 
18,194

 
18,734


28 September 2018 vs 31 December 2017

Total non-current assets decreased €56 million, or 0.4 percent, from €14.9 billion at 31 December 2017 to €14.8 billion at 28 September 2018. These movements were primarily due to depreciation and amortisation charges of €379 million partially offset by capital additions of €324 million.



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P a g e | 13
 
 

Total current assets increased €421 million, or 12.7 percent, from €3.3 billion at 31 December 2017 to €3.7 billion at 28 September 2018, primarily resulting from seasonality effects.

Total non-current liabilities decreased by €189 million, or 2.3 percent, from €8.2 billion at 31 December 2017 to €8.0 billion at 28 September 2018, primarily driven by early repayment of €250 million of borrowings.

Total current liabilities increased €401 million, or 12.2 percent, from €3.3 billion from 31 December 2017 to €3.7 billion at 28 September 2018. This increase was primarily driven by trade and other payables increasing by €581 million driven in part from seasonality and working capital initiatives, increased tax liabilities arising from the incremental effect of sugar and excise tax changes in 2018 and liabilities relating to our share buyback programme offset partially by a reduction in restructuring provisions and commercial paper.

28 September 2018 vs 29 September 2017

Total non-current assets decreased €162 million, or 1.1 percent, from €15.0 billion at 29 September 2017 to €14.8 billion at 28 September 2018. This change was driven by a decrease of €201 million in deferred tax assets mainly related to US tax law changes enacted in December 2017. Property, plant and equipment increased by €40 million primarily due to capital additions of €561 million partially offset by depreciation charges of €502 million and disposals of €29 million.

Total current assets decreased €13 million, or 0.3 percent, from €3,748 million at 29 September 2017 to €3,735 million at 28 September 2018, driven by a decrease of €66 million in trade accounts receivables from working capital initiatives, offset by an increase of €53 million in other current assets, primarily related to VAT receivables.

Total non-current liabilities increased by €10 million, or 0.1 percent, from €8,023 million at 29 September 2017 to €8,033 million at 28 September 2018. This change was mainly driven by a reduction of €102 million in employee benefit liabilities due to the actual return on underlying assets exceeding actuarial estimates in 2017, offset by an increase of €107 million in borrowings from issuance of €350 million Eurobond in November 2017 offset by early repayment of €250 million of borrowings.

Total current liabilities decreased by €255 million, or 6.5 percent, from €3.9 billion at 29 September 2017 to €3.7 billion at 28 September 2018. This change was primarily driven by the repayment of €500 million floating rate notes in December 2017 and a decrease in commercial paper of €305 million, partially offset by increases in trade and other payables of €541 million relating to seasonality and working capital initiatives, increased tax liabilities arising from the incremental effect of sugar and excise tax changes in 2018 and liabilities relating to our share buyback programme.


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P a g e | 14
 
 


Coca-Cola European Partners plc
Condensed Consolidated Interim Income Statement (Unaudited)
 
 
Third-quarter ended
 
Nine months ended
 
 
28 September 2018
 
29 September 2017
 
28 September 2018
 
29 September 2017
 
 
€ million
 
€ million
 
€ million
 
€ million
Revenue
 
3,289

 
2,964

 
8,724

 
8,400

Cost of sales
 
(1,985
)
 
(1,774
)
 
(5,326
)
 
(5,095
)
Gross profit
 
1,304

 
1,190

 
3,398

 
3,305

Selling and distribution expenses
 
(588
)
 
(550
)
 
(1,658
)
 
(1,597
)
Administrative expenses
 
(215
)
 
(213
)
 
(634
)
 
(646
)
Operating profit
 
501

 
427

 
1,106

 
1,062

Finance income
 
12

 
12

 
35

 
37

Finance costs
 
(35
)
 
(40
)
 
(103
)
 
(116
)
Total finance costs, net
 
(23
)
 
(28
)
 
(68
)
 
(79
)
Non-operating items
 

 
(2
)
 

 
(2
)
Profit before taxes
 
478

 
397

 
1,038

 
981

Taxes
 
(120
)
 
(93
)
 
(263
)
 
(232
)
Profit after taxes
 
358

 
304

 
775

 
749

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share (€)
 
0.74

 
0.63

 
1.60

 
1.55

Diluted earnings per share (€)
 
0.73

 
0.62

 
1.58

 
1.53





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P a g e | 15
 
 

Coca-Cola European Partners plc
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statement of Financial Position (Unaudited)
 
 
28 September 2018
 
31 December 2017
 
29 September 2017
 
 
€ million
 
€ million
 
€ million
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-current:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Intangible assets
 
8,371

 
8,384

 
8,394

Goodwill
 
2,521

 
2,520

 
2,522

Property, plant and equipment
 
3,780

 
3,837

 
3,740

Non-current derivative assets
 
8

 
2

 
3

Deferred tax assets
 
68

 
56

 
269

Other non-current assets
 
76

 
81

 
58

Total non-current assets
 
14,824

 
14,880

 
14,986

Current:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current derivative assets
 
23

 
20

 
13

Current tax assets
 
15

 
25

 
35

Inventories
 
747

 
650

 
755

Amounts receivable from related parties
 
104

 
75

 
99

Trade accounts receivable
 
1,851

 
1,732

 
1,917

Other current assets
 
509

 
452

 
456

Cash and cash equivalents
 
486

 
360

 
473

Total current assets
 
3,735

 
3,314

 
3,748

Total assets
 
18,559

 
18,194

 
18,734

LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-current:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Borrowings, less current portion
 
5,247

 
5,474

 
5,140

Employee benefit liabilities
 
147

 
162

 
249

Non-current provisions
 
68

 
48

 
38

Non-current derivative liabilities
 
71

 
93

 
75

Deferred tax liabilities
 
2,265

 
2,237

 
2,308

Other non-current liabilities
 
235

 
208

 
213

Total non-current liabilities
 
8,033

 
8,222

 
8,023

Current:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current portion of borrowings
 
92

 
274

 
900

Current portion of employee benefit liabilities
 
20

 
21

 
22

Current provisions
 
108

 
194

 
118

Current derivative liabilities
 
4

 
1

 
5

Current tax liabilities
 
147

 
86

 
138

Amounts payable to related parties
 
203

 
178

 
187

Trade and other payables
 
3,114

 
2,533

 
2,573

Total current liabilities
 
3,688

 
3,287

 
3,943

Total liabilities
 
11,721

 
11,509

 
11,966

EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
Share capital
 
5

 
5

 
5

Share premium
 
140

 
127

 
126

Merger reserves
 
287

 
287

 
287

Other reserves
 
(518
)
 
(503
)
 
(504
)
Retained earnings
 
6,924

 
6,769

 
6,854

Total equity
 
6,838

 
6,685

 
6,768

Total equity and liabilities
 
18,559

 
18,194

 
18,734




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P a g e | 16
 
 

Coca-Cola European Partners plc 
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
 
 
Nine months ended
 
 
28 September 2018
 
29 September 2017
 
 
€ million
 
€ million
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Profit before taxes
 
1,038

 
981

Adjustments to reconcile profit before tax to net cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Depreciation
 
343

 
337

Amortisation of intangible assets
 
36

 
42

Share-based payment expense
 
11

 
10

Finance costs, net
 
68

 
79

Income taxes paid
 
(150
)
 
(134
)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
 

 
 
Decrease/(increase) in trade accounts receivable
 
(119
)
 
(72
)
Decrease/(increase) in inventories
 
(98
)
 
(87
)
Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables
 
436

 
218

Increase/(decrease) in provisions
 
(66
)
 
(153
)
Change in other operating assets and liabilities
 
(79
)
 
(88
)
Net cash flows from operating activities
 
1,420

 
1,133

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
 
(303
)
 
(288
)
Purchases of capitalised software
 
(32
)
 
(17
)
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment
 
4

 
17

Net cash flows used in investing activities
 
(331
)
 
(288
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
Changes in short-term borrowings
 
(180
)
 
375

Repayments on third party borrowings
 
(265
)
 
(675
)
Interest paid, net
 
(68
)
 
(75
)
Dividends paid
 
(379
)
 
(388
)
Purchase of own shares under share buyback programme
 
(81
)
 

Exercise of employee share options
 
13

 
13

Other financing activities, net
 
(2
)
 
(2
)
Net cash flows used in financing activities
 
(962
)
 
(752
)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
 
127

 
93

Net effect of currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
 
(1
)
 
(6
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
360

 
386

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
486

 
473






SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorised.
 


 
COCA-COLA EUROPEAN PARTNERS PLC
 
 
(Registrant)
Date: 25 October 2018
By:
/s/ Manik Jhangiani
 
Name:
Manik Jhangiani
 
Title:
Chief Financial Officer