Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc. today reported second-quarter 2015 operating income of $275 million or $289 million on a comparable basis. In the quarter, diluted earnings per share were 75 cents on a reported basis or 79 cents on a comparable basis. Currency translation had a negative impact of 18 cents on comparable diluted earnings per share.

In the second-quarter 2015, net sales totaled $1.9 billion, down 17½ percent from the same quarter a year ago. On a currency-neutral basis, net sales declined 2 percent.

“The consumer environment across our territories continues to limit retail value growth, including the nonalcoholic ready-to-drink category,” said John F. Brock, chairman and chief executive officer. “We are managing each element of our business to maximize the value of our brands, to sustain high levels of customer service, and to improve our growth outlook.

“We are now into the key summer selling season, and our people are working diligently and effectively to utilize the strengths of our summer marketing campaigns, such as the Rugby World Cup, and our brand and package innovation initiatives to drive value growth.

“These efforts support a business-wide focus on achieving our most important goal: continuing to build shareowner value.”

OPERATING REVIEW

Total second-quarter volume declined 1 percent, impacted by the challenging retail environment and strong prior year growth of 3½ percent. Sparkling brands declined 2½ percent. Coca-Cola trademark declined 3 percent, after cycling prior year growth of 4 percent, and as benefits from Coca-Cola Life and low single-digit growth in Coca-Cola Zero partially offset declines in other Coca-Cola brands. Energy brands grew more than 15 percent, driven primarily by Monster. Still brands grew 7 percent, with growth in Capri-Sun and the introduction of smartwater in Great Britain. Volume in both Great Britain and continental Europe declined 1 percent.

Second-quarter net pricing per case declined 1 percent, and cost of sales per case declined 3 percent, creating gross margin improvement. Operating expenses were up 1 percent. These figures are comparable and currency neutral.

“At every level of our company, we are focused on innovation, including building value from newer brands such as Coca-Cola Life, smartwater, and Finley, and expanding distribution of existing brands such as Capri-Sun and Monster,” said Hubert Patricot, executive vice president and president, European Group.

“In addition, we continue to roll out our One Brand strategy, which links each of our Coca-Cola trademark products by reinforcing the message of one unified Coca-Cola and highlighting each product’s unique consumer proposition. We believe this strategy helps consumers make more informed choices, which ultimately helps us to drive increasing value for our customers and our shareowners.”

FULL-YEAR 2015 OUTLOOK

For 2015, CCE continues to expect diluted earnings per share to grow at the upper end of the range of 6 percent to 8 percent on a comparable and currency-neutral basis. Based on recent rates, currency translation would negatively impact full-year 2015 diluted earnings per share by approximately 18 percent.

Net sales and operating income are each expected to achieve slightly positive growth on a comparable and currency-neutral basis.

The company 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, and the comparable effective tax rate for 2015 is expected to be in a range of 27 percent to 28 percent.

CCE expects to repurchase approximately $600 million of its shares in 2015. Through the end of the second quarter, the company repurchased approximately $500 million of its shares. These plans may be adjusted depending on economic, operating, or other factors, including acquisition opportunities.