Carlsberg's beer volumes continue to be challenged by a mix of cyclical and structural factors, declining by around 1% in the first half of the year. In response, the company's pivot to non-alcoholic drinks is progressing well, while portfolio mix effects in the beer business are also helping to offset volume declines. With the stock still trading for a meaningful discount to its historical valuation, I remain bullish on balance.
Soft drinks and other beverages delivered 7.8% growth, driven by gains in multiple markets, while beer volumes declined slightly.
Danish brewer Carlsberg reported first-half operating profit of 7.45 billion Danish crowns ($1.15 billion) on Wednesday, behind analyst expectations for 7.55 billion crowns, and narrowed the range of its full-year profit guidance to the upper end.
Carlsberg will hold a 75% stake, retain full operational control and receive $643 million in cash from Sapporo, which will hold the remainder.
Carlsberg A/S (CABGY) demonstrates resilience amid industry headwinds, leveraging strong branding, geographic expansion, and stable demand to support volume and pricing. CABGY's Q1 2026 net revenue rose 3.0% YoY to DKK 20.72B, with organic revenue growth of 3.6% and 5.3% volume growth, despite forex impacts. Risks include inflation, changing consumer perceptions, and cost pressures, but CABGY benefits from beer's defensiveness, affordable positioning, and expansion into less saturated markets.
Carlsberg A/S (CABGY) Q1 2026 Sales/Trading Call Transcript
The company said it had seen no major changes in consumer behavior over the year's first three months, despite a “volatile and uncertain” geopolitical environment.
Carlsberg A/S (CABGY) is rated BUY, offering defensive exposure through premiumization and geographic expansion, notably with the Britvic acquisition. Trading at a forward P/E of 13.5, CABGY presents a margin of safety versus peers, with robust financial health and a low beta profile. Management targets deleveraging to a 2.5x NIBD/EBITDA ratio by 2027, supporting resilience amid macro volatility and rising input costs.
Carlsberg (CABGY) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), reflecting growing optimism about the company's earnings prospects. This might drive the stock higher in the near term.
Here is how Carlsberg AS (CABGY) and WD-40 (WDFC) have performed compared to their sector so far this year.
Carlsberg A/S (CABGY) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
Earnings fell as the Danish brewer increasingly relies on its soft drink offerings as consumer appetite for beer softened.