Coca-Cola HBC

At the Barclays conference, Coca-Cola HBC said revenue rose 9.6% in the first half and adjusted volume growth accelerated to 7.5% in the second quarter — the 13th consecutive quarter of volume gains. Profitability in the first half was above the guidance range, and management raised the full-year outlook due to the strong start but expects a challenging second half. Key drivers are Egypt, the planned acquisition of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (expected to close in Q4) and the energy-drinks category; risks include geopolitical tensions, currency volatility and pressure on consumer purchasing power in some markets. The company is expanding digital and AI capabilities, including a digital hub in Cairo, and is focusing on revenue growth management, productivity and hedging to contain costs. » More on de.investing.com

Coca-Cola HBC reported organic revenue growth of 9.6% in H1 2026 and a volume increase of 7.5%. Comparable EBIT rose organically by 15.2% to €760m and comparable EPS to €1.51. The company has raised its full-year guidance and now expects organic revenue growth at the upper end of the 6–7% range and organic EBIT growth of 8–10%. Drivers were broad-based volume gains, improved gross margins and operational efficiency; management cites higher energy-related costs, fewer selling days in Q4 and additional financing costs related to the CCBA acquisition as risk factors. The stock reacted positively in pre-market trading and was trading near its 52-week high. » More on de.investing.com

South Africa's Competition Commission has recommended approval of Coca-Cola HBC's $2.6bn purchase of 75% of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, finding the deal unlikely to substantially lessen competition. As part of public interest conditions, the parties agreed to a moratorium on job redundancies in South Africa, commitments to invest in downstream distribution and retail, and to pursue a secondary inward listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The transaction still requires final approval from the Competition Tribunal. » More on finance.yahoo.com