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Important information: The value of investments can go down as well as up so you may get back less than you invest. Investors should note that the views expressed may no longer be current and may have already been acted upon. This is a third-party news feed and may not reflect Fidelity’s views.

Citi expects upgrades at Coca-Cola HBC, but stays at 'neutral'

(Sharecast News) - Citi has reiterated a 'neutral' rating on Coca-Cola HBC, predicting that the stock will "pause for breath" ahead of its first-half results next month. The bank said it expects the soft drinks bottling firm to meet consensus forecasts with second-quarter volumes, with organic sales predicted to grow by 9.4% when it reports its interim results on 7 August.

Meanwhile, a "solid first-half profit delivery" should allow the company to upgrade its full-year organic growth metrics and guidance for organic EBIT growth to the 9-12% range, up from the 3-9% range guided to in April.

"However, given: 1) the recent solid share price performance; 2) greater opportunity for Q3 earnings upgrades at other European beverage stocks, e.g. CCEP, Heineken; 3) share buyback support now absent ahead of the print; and 4) the stock trading on a full but fair ex: Russia PE of 18.0x, we expect the shares to pause for breath," said analyst Simon Hales.

The shares were up 1% at 2,708p by 1108 BST, having risen 17% over the year to date.

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Important information: This information is not a personal recommendation for any particular investment. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment you should speak to one of Fidelity’s advisers or an authorised financial adviser of your choice. When you are thinking about investing in shares, it’s generally a good idea to consider holding them alongside other investments in a diversified portfolio of assets. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.

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