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On Tuesday, Bernstein analysts adjusted their outlook on Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) Europacific Partners (NASDAQ:CCEP) stock, raising the price target to $84.50 from the previous $82.00. The firm maintained a Market Perform rating on the company's shares. The company has demonstrated consistent shareholder returns, having raised its dividend for four consecutive years. According to InvestingPro data, CCEP has delivered strong returns over the past five years, showcasing its long-term value creation potential.
The change in price target comes amid Bernstein's recognition of Coca-Cola Europacific Partners' solid fundamentals, which are well understood by the market. While the analysts project approximately 4.4% normalized net sales growth, InvestingPro analysis indicates that analysts generally anticipate a sales decline in the current year. The anticipated growth in the Asia-Pacific region is expected to be somewhat balanced by slower growth in Europe. For deeper insights into CCEP's growth prospects and detailed financial analysis, investors can access the comprehensive Pro Research Report, available exclusively on InvestingPro.
Bernstein anticipates profit margin expansion for Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, driven by cost savings, positive operating leverage, and favorable product mix. These factors, combined with the expected return of cash to shareholders, are likely to contribute to an estimated 10% normalized earnings per share (EPS) compound annual growth rate (CAGR). The company has maintained profitability over the last twelve months, and analysts predict continued profitability this year, though InvestingPro data indicates that short-term obligations currently exceed liquid assets.
Despite the positive outlook on the company's fundamentals, Bernstein's stance aligns closely with the consensus estimates, which is reflected in their Market Perform rating. The analysts noted that Coca-Cola Europacific Partners is currently trading at approximately 16.1 times their next twelve months plus one (NTM+1) estimates. This valuation is above the historical average, yet slightly below the 16.5 times multiple that Bernstein believes the stock merits. Discover more exclusive valuation insights and additional ProTips by subscribing to InvestingPro.
In their commentary, the analysts stated, "In short, CCEP has strong fundamentals. However, we are broadly in-line with consensus estimates." They also pointed out the current valuation in comparison to historical averages and their own estimations, highlighting the company's trading position relative to its perceived value.
In other recent news, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) reported a full-year revenue of €20.7 billion for 2024, marking a 3.5% increase from the previous year, with operating profit rising by 8% to €2.7 billion. Despite a slight revenue shortfall in Q4, the company announced a €1 billion share buyback program, which is expected to be well-received by investors. Analyst Richard Withagen from Kepler Cheuvreux downgraded CCEP's stock rating from Hold to Reduce, citing concerns about the sustainability of the stock's valuation multiples, although he raised the price target to EUR 73. Meanwhile, Bernstein analysts maintained a Market Perform rating for CCEP, adjusting the price target to EUR 78.3 due to minor updates in earnings forecasts and foreign exchange fluctuations. CCEP's acquisition in the Philippines has significantly boosted its exposure to volume growth, with the company gaining market share in several key regions. The company achieved a full-year comparable diluted earnings per share of €3.95, closely aligning with analyst estimates. Despite challenges in European markets, CCEP's strategic initiatives and strong market position have bolstered investor confidence.
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