GREECE: CCHBC tipped to post 64% nine-month profit growth

Analysts are forecasting that the Greek soft drinks producer, Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (CCHBC), will post a 64.4% rise in net profit for the first three quarters of the current fiscal year.

However, there are concerns that the third-quarter performance may have been adversely affected by floods in central and Eastern Europe during August.

A Reuters poll of nine analysts forecast an average net profit of €63.3m for the nine months, against €38.5m in the corresponding period last year. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) are estimated to rise by 14% to €485.2m on turnover up 15% at €3.09 billion.

In the first half of the year, EBITDA at CCHBC was up by 17% at €291.1m on sales 17% higher at €1.979 billion. The company is scheduled to publish its nine-month figures on November 14.

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