Coca-Cola HBC Boosts Profit Outlook on Strong Demand from World Cup

Coca-Cola HBC has upgraded its profit forecast for 2026 due to robust demand and sales from the World Cup. The company, one of the world's largest bottlers of Coca-Cola products, now projects organic operating profit growth of 8% to 10%, up from an earlier estimate of 7% to 10%. This surpasses the previously provided consensus of 9.1%. Additionally, Coca-Cola HBC expects full-year organic revenue growth near the upper end of its 6% to 7% target range, exceeding the 6.2% consensus.

The company's comparable operating profit for the six months ended July 3 came in at €760.1 million, surpassing analysts' forecasts. First-half net sales revenue rose 9.6% on an organic basis to €6.23 billion, beating the expected €6.15 billion. Organic volume grew 7.5%, above the 6.2% consensus estimate.

Coca-Cola HBC attributes its success to strong engagement through FIFA World Cup activations across its markets. The company remains confident in its portfolio despite a challenging and unpredictable macroeconomic and geopolitical environment. It also expects to complete its acquisition of its African counterpart during the second half of the year.