C&C Group PLC (LON:CCR) fizzed higher on Thursday morning after the cider and lager maker told investors that its full-year earnings will be at the “upper end” of current forecasts.
The Magners cider and Tennents lager owner added that adjusted earnings per share for the 12 months ended 28 February will be 20% or so above what it posted last year.
Based on the 2018 adjusted EPS of €0.220, investors can expect something closer to €0.264.
READ: C&C makes bid for Conviviality’s distribution arm
The contribution of drinks suppliers Matthew Clark and Bibendum, which C&C bought from failed Conviviality last spring, have helped drive the outperformance.
“Matthew Clark and Bibendum have significant underlying momentum, across key financial and performance measures, with good progress made on the identification of synergy benefits,” read Thursday’s statement.
“In our Scottish and Irish and branded businesses, positive trading momentum continued. The sponsorship of next week’s Cheltenham Gold Cup by our Irish cider brands, Magners and Bulmers will build on this momentum and demonstrates the ambition we have for these brands.”
Shares zipped 4% higher to €3.3 in early deals on Thursday.