Coca-Cola Sees FY14 Comparable Currency Neutral EPS Growth Of 4%-5%

(RTTNews) - Coca-Cola Co. (KO) said Monday that it expects full year 2014 comparable currency neutral earnings per share growth of 4% to 5%, and a currency headwind of 7%. In October, the company said it expected to be below its long-term earnings per share growth target for 2014.

The company also said it expects fourth quarter comparable currency neutral EPS growth to be even to slightly positive. The impact of currency in the fourth quarter is expected to be a 6 to 7 point headwind on operating income and a 9 point headwind on EPS.

As previously indicated, the company said, it does not expect comparable currency neutral EPS growth in 2015 to be significantly different from 2014. Longer term, the company plans to return to delivering against its stated growth targets.

Based on current spot rates, existing hedge positions, and the cycling of 2014 rates, the company now expects a 5 to 6 point currency headwind on profit before tax in 2015.