Coca-Cola HBC forecasts slower profit growth in challenging economic environment

Feb 13 (Reuters) - Bottler Coca-Cola HBC CCH.L forecast a 7% to 11% rise in 2025 organic operating profit on Thursday, slower than last year, as a challenging macroeconomic environment clouded growth prospects.

Analysts, on average, had expected a 10.7% growth in 2025 organic earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT), according to a company-compiled poll.

The company expects its organic revenue to grow 6% to 8% in the year, compared with average market expectations of 7.3%.

The Switzerland-based company reported an organic EBIT growth of 12.2% for the year ended December 31, 2024, above expectations of 11.9%.

U.S. beverage giant Coca-Cola KO.N, which owns more than 20% in the bottler, on Tuesday forecast a downbeat organic revenue growth for the year amid uncertainty fuelled by President Donald Trump's tariffs.