REG - C&C Group Plc - FY2026 First-Half Trading Update

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RNS Number : 7789Z  C&C Group Plc  18 September 2025

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 

18 September 2025

C&C Group plc

('C&C' or 'the Group')

 

FY2026 First-Half Trading Update

 Earnings in line with expectations

 

C&C Group plc today announces that trading in the first half to 31 August
2025, has been in line with expectations. Net Revenues are 4%* below last
year, reflecting the impact of lower distribution revenues following the
previously disclosed transfer of control of AB InBev Off Trade Beer
distribution in the Republic of Ireland and the planned exit of some lower
margin business in the period.

Revenues in Matthew Clark Bibendum in the period were slightly below last
year, reflecting lower volumes in our national customers in line with market
trends, especially within the wines and spirits categories.

Underlying operating profit is expected to be in the range of
€41.5-€42.0m, in line with our expectations, reflecting our continued
strong focus across cost efficiencies and the continued investment in service,
range and value for customers as we continue to build our Distribution
business and support the development of our Branded business.

The Group's core brands, Tennent's and Bulmers, delivered solid performances
in the period, with both achieving revenue growth. Following the transfer of
control of Magners UK back to C&C Group in January 2025, we have commenced
our activities to re-invigorate the brand. This will be a multi-year programme
that has started with a new above-the-line marketing campaign and some initial
brand distribution gains in the off trade which have improved performance,
offset by continued challenges in the on trade where distribution gains will
take more time to be delivered. Our Premium portfolio continues to build
distribution in both the on and off trade.

Capital Returns

The Board remains committed to its previously disclosed distribution of
€150m to shareholders over the three years to Financial Year 2027 through a
combination of progressive dividends and share buybacks.  We have now
completed the latest €15m tranche of buyback which commenced on 1 May
2025.

To date we have distributed €84m to shareholders since the start of
Financial Year 2025.

Outlook

Despite the challenging macroeconomic backdrop, we will continue to invest in
the business to improve performance, support growth and ensure we deliver for
all our customers and consumers.

Our immediate priorities remain to focus on winning new customers by
delivering on our service, range and value proposition, growing market share
of core brands, and driving the "Simply Better Growth" simplification
programme to deliver efficiency across the organisation.

Whilst the macroeconomic environment remains challenging and we have the
all-important Christmas trading period ahead of us, we remain on track to
achieve operating profit in line with market expectations.

 

*Constant Currency Basis

 

Contacts:

C&C Group plc

Roger White, Chief Executive Officer

Andrew Andrea, Chief Financial and Transformation Officer

Email: investor.relations@candcgroup.ie
(mailto:investor.relations@candcgroup.ie)

Investors, Analysts & UK Media:

Instinctif Partners

Justine Warren / Tim Pearson

Tel:   020 7457 2020

Email: candccapmkts@instinctif.com (mailto:candccapmkts@instinctif.com)

 

Irish Media

FTI Consulting

Jonathan Neilan / Paddy Berkery / Niamh O'Brien

Tel:   +353 86 231 4135 / +353 86 602 5988 / +353 87 707 8379

Email: CandCGroup@fticonsulting.com (mailto:CandCGroup@fticonsulting.com)

 

 

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