Coca-Cola HBC Beats Forecast with Strong World Cup Sales

Bottler Coca-Cola HBC has updated its annual profit forecast upwards, citing strong sales related to the soccer World Cup. The Switzerland-based company, a partner for Coca-Cola in Central and Eastern Europe and Africa, expects an organic operating profit growth of 8% to 10% for fiscal 2026.

This is higher than its previous forecast range of 7% to 10%, with analysts expecting 9.1% growth. The company also expects annual organic revenue growth around the top end of its guidance range of 6% to 7%, compared to analyst expectations of 6.2%.

Coca-Cola HBC has benefited from partnerships such as the one for the World Cup, which offered special-edition Coca-Cola and Powerade packs. CEO Zoran Bogdanovic said these partnerships tend to have a lasting impact beyond the event, enhancing brand equity.

The company has seen resilience in consumer sentiment overall, despite rising inflation, commodity, and energy costs stemming from the Iran war. It is 85% hedged on key commodities such as sugar, aluminium, aluminium premium, gas oil, corn, and plastics.