Coca-Cola Enterprises is targeting a 10% earnings-per-share increase for its full-year

Coca-Cola Enterprises has reported a tough set of figures for its third quarter, but year-to-date performance remains in the black.

While net profits in the three months to the end of September fell markedly, off a 2% drop in sales, the company saw profits and sales in the first nine months of 2014 benefit from a very strong Q1 earlier this year. CCE reiterated its full-year earning-per-share growth forecast of 10%, although "net sales ... are now expected to be essentially flat".

In late-July, the company had forecast a low single-digit rise in full-year sales.

John Brock, chairman & CEO:

"We continue to face operating challenges, including sustained macroeconomic softness, a difficult retail environment, and poor weather early in the quarter.

"We expect most of these operating conditions will persist."

Earlier this week, The Coca-Cola Co, which owns the brands that CCE markets, produces and distributes in Western Europe, reported falls in both YTD sales and profits.

To read the company's official statement, click here.