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C&C Group Plc (GB:CCR)
LSE:CCR

C&C Group Plc (CCR) AI Stock Analysis

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GB:CCR

C&C Group Plc

(LSE:CCR)

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Neutral 65 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:65Neutral
Price Target:
116.00p
▲(7.01% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:12/07/25
C&C Group Plc's overall stock score reflects a cautiously optimistic outlook. The company's financial performance shows stability and recovery, with improved margins and cash flow. However, technical indicators suggest bearish momentum, and the stock may be overvalued. Positive earnings call sentiment and corporate events provide additional support, but challenges remain in revenue growth and market conditions.
Positive Factors
Margin and operating profit improvement
A 4% operating profit increase and a 40bp group margin uplift reflect durable improvements in cost control and pricing. Sustained margin expansion increases operating leverage, strengthens recurring profitability and supports reinvestment and shareholder returns over the medium term.
Strong cash generation and FCF target
Robust operating cash conversion (OCF to net income ~4.48x) and a medium-term FCF target of EUR75m indicate persistent cash generation. Reliable cash flow underpins dividends, buybacks and low incremental financing needs, enhancing financial flexibility and capital allocation durability.
Branded portfolio strength and premium growth
Outperformance from core brands and premium lines shows structural brand equity and successful product innovation. Diversified branded growth reduces reliance on single categories, supports higher margins over time and provides a platform for market expansion and pricing power.
Negative Factors
Revenue decline and lost distribution contract
A 4% revenue shortfall driven by losing a major distribution contract is a structural hit to scale in Ireland. Replacing that volume and margin can take multiple periods, reducing distribution leverage and making near-term topline recovery reliant on new contract wins or organic volume growth.
Cider underperformance and hospitality exposure
Weak cider volumes and heavy on-trade exposure make revenues sensitive to consumer confidence and hospitality headwinds. Structural shifts to value purchasing and lower footfall pressure volumes and mix, constraining margin recovery unless product mix or channel exposure is materially rebalanced.
Complex business structure from past acquisitions
Complex organizational and operational structures increase overhead, impede integration of systems and delay synergies. Without timely simplification and execution, this structural complexity can limit sustainable margin improvement and distract management from strategic growth priorities.

C&C Group Plc (CCR) vs. iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWC)

C&C Group Plc Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionC&C Group plc manufactures, markets, and distributes cider, beer, wine, spirits, ales, and soft drinks in the Republic of Ireland, Great Britain, and internationally. The company offers its products primarily under the Tennent's, Bulmers, and Magners brand name. It also distributes third party branded beers, wines, spirits, cider, and soft drinks. C&C Group plc was founded in 1935 and is headquartered in Dublin, the Republic of Ireland.
How the Company Makes MoneyC&C Group generates revenue primarily through the sale of its branded beverages. The company's revenue model is centered around both wholesale and retail distribution, with key revenue streams coming from direct sales to retailers as well as through partnerships with distributors and wholesalers. The company also benefits from seasonal demand for its products, particularly during summer months and holiday seasons. Strategic partnerships with major retailers and participation in promotional campaigns further enhance sales. Additionally, C&C Group may engage in export activities, selling its products in international markets, which adds another layer to its revenue generation. Overall, the company's diverse portfolio and strong brand recognition play a crucial role in driving its earnings.

C&C Group Plc Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Oct 23, 2025
(Q2-2026)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:May 27, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call highlighted a robust performance in terms of operating profit and cash flow, with specific brand successes like Tennent's and Bulmers. However, it also addressed challenges such as revenue decline, cider sales underperformance, and complex business operations. While there are positive growth indicators, the company faces significant market and structural challenges.
Q2-2026 Updates
Positive Updates
Operating Profit Increase
The company reported a 4% increase in operating profit, driven by improved margins in both the Branded and Distribution segments.
Strong Cash Flow
The company continues to generate strong free cash flow, supporting capital allocation choices with dividends and share buybacks.
Tennent's Growth
Tennent's brand has maintained market share in Scotland and continues to outperform competitors with innovative product launches and strong sales.
Bulmers Revenue Growth
Bulmers reported over 6% revenue growth, driven by strong brand investment and a revitalized communication strategy.
Premium Portfolio Expansion
Menebrea saw an 8% increase in on-trade volume sales, and Outsider expanded into new markets, indicating successful premium portfolio growth.
Negative Updates
Revenue Decline
Revenues were 4% behind last year, primarily due to the loss of the Budweiser Brewing Group distribution in Ireland.
Underperformance in Cider Sales
Cider brands like Magners and Orchard Pig saw lower sales, particularly in the on-trade segment.
Challenges in Consumer Behavior
Consumer confidence remains fragile due to economic factors, impacting hospitality volumes and leading to value-focused consumption.
Complex Business Structure
The company operates in a complex structure due to past acquisitions, with a need for simplification and integration to realize scale benefits.
Company Guidance
During the call, C&C Group provided guidance for the first half of fiscal year 2026, highlighting a 4% increase in operating profit despite a 4% decline in revenue compared to the previous year. The company achieved a 40 basis point improvement in group margins, driven by efficiency efforts and a disciplined trading approach. C&C reported strong cash generation, maintaining leverage at 1.1x, with plans to return EUR 150 million to shareholders by FY '27 through dividends and share buybacks. Capital expenditures are expected to be between EUR 18 million and EUR 20 million for the year. The company emphasized a focus on simplifying operations, growing branded segments, and improving margins in distribution, with a target of EUR 75 million in free cash flow in the medium term. C&C also plans to finalize its strategic growth initiatives by May 2026, aiming to leverage its scale and brand strength to drive long-term value creation.

C&C Group Plc Financial Statement Overview

Summary
C&C Group Plc shows signs of recovery and stability with improved margins and profitability metrics. While revenue growth is slow, operational efficiency and cash generation capacity have strengthened. The balance sheet remains stable with manageable debt levels, but profitability ratios suggest room for improvement.
Income Statement
65
Positive
The company experienced a modest revenue growth of 0.79% over the last year. Gross profit margin stands at 23%, indicating healthy production efficiency, but net profit margin is low at 0.82%, reflecting high operational costs. The EBIT margin improved to 2.75%, a recovery from negative figures previously, demonstrating better cost management.
Balance Sheet
72
Positive
The debt-to-equity ratio is 0.64, indicating moderate leverage which poses manageable risk. Equity ratio of 41.6% shows a solid equity base. Return on equity improved to 2.43% from a negative position, reflecting better profitability, although still relatively low.
Cash Flow
70
Positive
Free cash flow declined by 33% from the previous year, but operating cash flow to net income ratio is robust at 4.48, suggesting efficient cash generation relative to profits. The free cash flow to net income ratio stands at 3.12, indicating that the company is generating significant cash relative to its net income.
BreakdownTTMFeb 2024Feb 2023Feb 2022Feb 2021Feb 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue1.62B1.67B1.65B1.69B1.44B736.90M
Gross Profit78.06M383.40M381.10M400.80M329.20M174.80M
EBITDA107.10M73.80M-59.40M104.30M74.60M-66.00M
Net Income20.50M13.60M-113.50M40.30M37.10M-104.50M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets1.35B1.35B1.37B1.42B1.47B1.34B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments131.69M144.00M160.10M115.30M64.70M107.70M
Total Debt365.96M357.00M328.80M268.00M336.00M549.60M
Total Liabilities812.48M787.20M780.60M683.70M769.70M889.50M
Stockholders Equity537.09M560.70M587.00M739.20M699.00M446.10M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow66.27M42.40M63.30M70.80M15.90M-104.60M
Operating Cash Flow78.10M60.90M83.30M86.00M33.00M-94.60M
Investing Cash Flow-11.23M-15.10M-19.50M49.10M-2.20M-9.20M
Financing Cash Flow-75.80M-66.90M-20.90M-83.20M-76.30M86.40M

C&C Group Plc Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price108.40
Price Trends
50DMA
121.30
Negative
100DMA
126.74
Negative
200DMA
144.41
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-2.05
Positive
RSI
33.80
Neutral
STOCH
21.96
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For GB:CCR, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 108.4 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 114.89, below the 50-day MA of 121.30, and below the 200-day MA of 144.41, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -2.05 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 33.80 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 21.96 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for GB:CCR.

C&C Group Plc Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (62)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
75
Outperform
£16.60B17.3328.56%1.96%6.00%42.42%
74
Outperform
£1.04B34.169.97%2.11%-6.03%13.11%
70
Outperform
£756.49M7.1715.73%2.74%3.97%34.09%
66
Neutral
£33.80B5.9822.29%5.00%-2.83%-40.42%
65
Neutral
£405.90M9.363.72%4.05%-2.22%
62
Neutral
$20.33B14.63-3.31%3.23%1.93%-12.26%
54
Neutral
£50.43M-4.50-2.30%-15.87%90.20%
* Consumer Defensive Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
GB:CCR
C&C Group Plc
108.40
-32.71
-23.18%
GB:DGE
Diageo
1,520.00
-622.89
-29.07%
GB:FEVR
Fevertree Drinks
902.00
168.21
22.92%
GB:BAG
AG Barr
682.00
87.00
14.62%
GB:CCH
Coca Cola HBC
4,566.00
1,256.55
37.97%
GB:WINE
Naked Wines plc
73.40
11.40
18.39%

C&C Group Plc Corporate Events

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
C&C Group Updates Market on Total Voting Rights and Share Capital
Neutral
Mar 2, 2026

C&C Group plc has reported that, as of 28 February 2026, it has issued 379,590,028 ordinary shares of €0.01 each, of which 9,025,000 are held in treasury without voting rights. This leaves a total of 370,565,028 voting rights, a figure shareholders must use when assessing whether they need to disclose holdings or changes in their interest under UK transparency rules.

The update ensures investors have an accurate denominator for regulatory shareholding notifications, supporting compliance with the Financial Conduct Authority’s disclosure and transparency regime. By clarifying the split between issued share capital and treasury shares, C&C Group enhances market transparency around its capital structure for current and potential shareholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:CCR) stock is a Hold with a £125.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on C&C Group Plc stock, see the GB:CCR Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
C&C Group Non-Executive Director Vineet Bhalla to Step Down from Board
Neutral
Feb 24, 2026

C&C Group plc has announced that Vineet Bhalla, an Independent Non-Executive Director, will step down from the board with effect from 28 February 2026 to concentrate on his executive responsibilities at Cancer Research U.K. Chair Ralph Findlay thanked Bhalla for his nearly five years of service, underscoring the board’s appreciation of his contribution and signalling a forthcoming refresh in the company’s non-executive leadership.

The departure removes a long-serving independent voice from C&C’s board, which may prompt adjustments in governance structures and succession planning as the company continues to navigate a challenging beverages market. Stakeholders will be watching how the group fills the vacancy to maintain strong oversight and strategic guidance amid ongoing competitive and regulatory pressures in the drinks sector.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:CCR) stock is a Hold with a £121.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on C&C Group Plc stock, see the GB:CCR Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and Strategy
C&C Group Executives Increase Holdings Through Employee Share Plans
Positive
Feb 18, 2026

C&C Group plc disclosed that three senior executives acquired small amounts of company stock on 16 February 2026 under its U.K. Share Incentive Plan and Irish Approved Profit-Sharing Scheme. Chief Marketing Officer Cara Chambers, Chief People Officer Karen Bates and Chief Commercial Officer Barry Sheehan each bought partnership or contributory shares that were matched on a one-for-one basis by the company.

The transactions, carried out on the London Stock Exchange at prices of around £1.18 and €1.38 per share, form part of C&C’s ongoing employee equity participation programmes. While modest in size, the dealings underscore management’s continued engagement with the group’s share plans and provide additional alignment between key executives and shareholders through increased direct ownership.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:CCR) stock is a Hold with a £124.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on C&C Group Plc stock, see the GB:CCR Stock Forecast page.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
C&C Group Non-Executive Director Buys 6,000 Shares
Positive
Feb 6, 2026

C&C Group plc disclosed that non-executive director and person discharging managerial responsibilities, Vineet Bhalla, purchased 6,000 ordinary shares in the company on 6 February 2026 at a price of £1.14517 per share, in a transaction executed on the London Stock Exchange and totalling £6,871.02. The director’s share purchase signals internal confidence in the company and provides investors with additional transparency on insider dealings, as required under UK Market Abuse Regulation disclosure rules.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:CCR) stock is a Hold with a £120.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on C&C Group Plc stock, see the GB:CCR Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board Changes
C&C Group Names Adam Phillips as New Chief Financial Officer
Positive
Feb 5, 2026

C&C Group plc has appointed Adam Phillips as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director, with his arrival expected in April 2026 following an independent search process overseen by the board’s Nomination Committee. Phillips, currently CFO at Headlam plc and formerly Group Financial Controller at Mobico Group plc and a senior finance executive at Halfords Group and Molson Coors, brings broad listed-company, strategy, and investor relations experience that the company believes will strengthen its leadership team; he will replace outgoing CFO Andrew Andrea, who steps down from the board on 13 March 2026, marking a key transition in C&C’s financial stewardship and governance.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:CCR) stock is a Hold with a £118.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on C&C Group Plc stock, see the GB:CCR Stock Forecast page.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
C&C Group Confirms Total Voting Rights at 370.6 Million Shares
Neutral
Feb 2, 2026

C&C Group plc has reported that, as of 31 January 2026, its issued share capital stands at 379,590,028 ordinary shares, of which 9,025,000 are held in treasury and carry no voting rights. This leaves a total of 370,565,028 voting rights in the company, a figure shareholders are advised to use as the reference denominator when assessing whether they must disclose new or changed holdings under UK financial transparency rules.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:CCR) stock is a Hold with a £117.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on C&C Group Plc stock, see the GB:CCR Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyStock BuybackFinancial Disclosures
C&C Group Cuts Profit Guidance as Weak Hospitality Demand Hits Distribution Business
Negative
Jan 23, 2026

C&C Group has warned that trading for its current financial year is running below board expectations, as weak consumer confidence around the UK November Budget, softer hospitality demand and an unfavourable shift away from wine and spirits towards beer weigh on its performance. The company now guides adjusted operating profit of €70m–€73m, driven by lower profits in its Distribution business, although its core Tennent’s and Bulmers brands performed strongly over the festive period and the Group remains cash generative with a robust balance sheet, ample liquidity and an ongoing €150m capital return programme, of which €92m has already been completed. Management expects macroeconomic and consumer headwinds to persist into next year and anticipates FY27 profits to be broadly in line with FY26 as it deliberately exits less profitable distribution volumes, temporarily diluting margins while it focuses on operational simplification, margin rebuild in distribution, brand strength and efficiency measures to support medium‑term profit recovery.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:CCR) stock is a Hold with a £160.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on C&C Group Plc stock, see the GB:CCR Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesRegulatory Filings and Compliance
C&C Group Executives Increase Holdings Through Employee Share Schemes
Positive
Jan 19, 2026

C&C Group plc has disclosed that three senior executives have acquired ordinary shares in the company through its UK Share Incentive Plan and Irish Revenue Approved Profit-Sharing Scheme, under which employees buy shares from gross pay that are then matched by the company. Chief Marketing Officer Cara Chambers, Chief People Officer Karen Bates and Chief Commercial Officer Barry Sheehan each purchased small tranches of partnership or contributory shares on 15 January 2026, with matching shares awarded by C&C, in transactions conducted on the London Stock Exchange and duly notified under market abuse regulations, underscoring ongoing management participation in equity-based remuneration and alignment with investors’ interests.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:CCR) stock is a Hold with a £160.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on C&C Group Plc stock, see the GB:CCR Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyShareholder Meetings
C&C Group Addresses Shareholder Dissent Over Pre-Emption Rights at 2025 AGM
Neutral
Jan 9, 2026

C&C Group plc has issued an update following a significant minority vote against Resolution 8 at its 2025 AGM, which sought additional disapplication of pre-emption rights and was passed with 79.50% support but faced 20.50% opposition. The board maintains that the enhanced flexibility to issue shares without offering them first to existing shareholders is in the best interests of the company and investors, and while it does not plan to change its current approach, it is directly engaging with dissenting shareholders and will continue to review the matter and report further in its 2026 Annual Report.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:CCR) stock is a Hold with a £160.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on C&C Group Plc stock, see the GB:CCR Stock Forecast page.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
C&C Group Updates Market on Total Voting Rights and Share Capital
Neutral
Jan 5, 2026

C&C Group plc has confirmed that, as at 31 December 2025, its issued share capital comprises 379,590,028 ordinary shares of €0.01 each, of which 9,025,000 are held in treasury and carry no voting rights, leaving a total of 370,565,028 voting rights in the company. The updated voting rights figure provides shareholders and market participants with the denominator needed for regulatory disclosure calculations under FCA transparency rules, ensuring accurate reporting of significant shareholdings and reinforcing the company’s compliance with ongoing listing and governance requirements.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:CCR) stock is a Hold with a £160.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on C&C Group Plc stock, see the GB:CCR Stock Forecast page.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
C&C Group Reports Routine Executive Share Purchases via Incentive Plan
Neutral
Dec 23, 2025

C&C Group plc has disclosed routine share dealings by senior executives under its Share Incentive Plan, after dividends paid on plan-held shares in June and November 2025 were automatically reinvested to purchase additional ordinary shares on behalf of participants. The retrospective notification confirms that Chief Marketing Officer Cara Chambers and Chief Operations Officer Andrea Pozzi acquired small numbers of dividend shares in July and December 2025 through the plan’s trustee at market prices on the London Stock Exchange, in line with plan rules and UK Market Abuse Regulation requirements, signalling standard remuneration-related activity rather than a strategic shift in the company’s operations or outlook.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:CCR) stock is a Hold with a £160.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on C&C Group Plc stock, see the GB:CCR Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyStock Buyback
C&C Group Announces Share Purchases by Managerial Staff
Neutral
Dec 17, 2025

C&C Group Plc has announced transactions by its managerial staff involving the purchase of company shares under employee investment programs in the UK and Ireland. The transactions, part of schemes designed to encourage employee share ownership, signify a commitment to aligning employee and managerial interests with company performance.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:CCR) stock is a Hold with a £160.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on C&C Group Plc stock, see the GB:CCR Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Dec 07, 2025