HEINEKEN HOLDING NV S/ADR - HKHHY STOCK NEWS

Heineken® (HEINY) has released findings from a new anthropological study conducted with Oxford Professor Charles Spence, surveying 11,842 adults across five markets. The research reveals that despite growing acceptance of non-alcoholic beverages, social pressures around alcohol consumption persist, particularly among Gen Z.

Key findings show that 21% of Gen Z have been questioned about choosing non-alcoholic drinks, with over one-third feeling pressured to drink alcohol in social situations. The study also found that 51% of people have consumed alcohol despite planning not to, often due to social pressure. However, positive trends emerge with half of participants noting increased acceptance of low/no-alcohol options compared to five years ago.

In response, Heineken® launches its '0.0 Reasons Needed' campaign, aiming to normalize alcohol-free choices and combat social stigmas. The campaign, featuring new TV commercials, will air globally in January 2025.

Heineken Holding N.V. has announced significant changes to its Board of Directors, to be proposed at the April 2025 Annual General Meeting. Jean-Marc Huët is set to be appointed as the new Chair and non-executive member for a four-year term until 2029, succeeding Maarten Das who will retire after serving since 1994 and as Chair since 2002. Huët, currently Chairman of Lonza Group and Chair of Vermaat Groep's Supervisory Board, will step down from his position as Chair of Heineken N.V.'s Supervisory Board. Additionally, Alexander de Carvalho will be proposed for reappointment as non-executive member for another four-year term.

Heineken Holding NV reports Q3 2024 results with revenue of €9,072 million and net revenue organic growth of 3.3%. Beer volume grew organically by 0.7%, while premium beer volume increased by 4.5%. The Heineken® brand showed strong performance with 8.7% volume growth and double-digit growth in 30 markets.

The company maintains its full-year 2024 guidance of 4-8% operating profit organic growth. Currency translation impacts were negative, primarily due to devaluation of Nigerian Naira, Mexican Peso, Brazilian Real, and Ethiopian Birr. Digital B2B platforms captured €9.3 billion in gross merchandise value year-to-date, growing 26% organically.

Heineken has partnered with Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) to encourage less phone use on dance floors. During Barry Can't Swim's DJ set at the ADE opening event, Heineken used infrared technology to display a hidden message visible only on phone screens, urging fans to put their phones away. This initiative follows research showing that 41% of Gen Z and Millennials find it frustrating to see phones in the air at concerts.

To address this issue, Heineken has launched 'The Boring Mode' app, which turns smartphones 'boring' by silencing apps and reducing distractions. The app aims to help people enjoy social moments without digital interruptions. This follows the success of Heineken's -edition 'Boring Phone', a basic flip phone that garnered interest from over 70,000 people.

The campaign aligns with a growing trend of artists and consumers seeking more present, phone-free experiences at music events.

On International Beer Day, Heineken launches an emotive ad with an unexpected message: forget about the beer and focus on having a good time together. The campaign, titled 'Forgotten Beers', showcases how abandoned beers at social gatherings signify good times being had. This aligns with Heineken's core value of sociability and addresses growing concerns about loneliness and digital overload affecting social lives.

The ad, set to Debussy's Claire de Lune, emphasizes that the best part of having a beer isn't the beer itself but the social experience. This campaign follows Heineken's recent initiatives like 'The Boring Phone' and 'The Closer', aimed at combating digital distractions and promoting real-life interactions. Dolf van den Brink, CEO of HEINEKEN, reaffirms the brand's commitment to bringing people together, while Willem van Waesberghe, Master Brewer, acknowledges the importance of moments surrounding drinking experiences.

Heineken Holding N.V. (EURONEXT: HEIO; OTCQX: HKHHY) reported its 2024 half-year results. Key highlights include:

Revenue: €17,823 million, with a 2.2% growth. Net revenue (beia) increased by 6.0% organically to €14,824 million.

Beer volume: Organic growth of 2.1%, with Heineken® volume up 9.2%. Operating profit: €1,542 million, but a 4.3% decline. However, operating profit (beia) showed a 12.5% organic growth to €2,079 million.

Net profit: €-48 million due to €1,050 million non-cash impairments.

Outlook: Updated to expect 4%-8% organic growth in operating profit (beia) for the full year 2024.

Dividends: Interim dividend of €0.69 per share to be paid on 8 August 2024.

Tonight, Heineken® celebrated thousands of 'real hardcore fans' by integrating their faces into the UEFA Champions League Final Trophy Lift confetti. This event marked the climax of Heineken®'s 'Cheers To The Real Hardcore Fans' 2024 campaign. Fans' selfies were used on biodegradable confetti, symbolizing fan inclusion. One lucky fan won tickets to the Final. The campaign showcased diverse, dedicated fans through various global initiatives, including transforming laundromats in Seoul and installing giant screens in Peru. Heineken® plans to continue celebrating fan inclusion in upcoming seasons.

Heineken Silver has announced a new collaboration with Marvel Studios, celebrating the release of 'Deadpool & Wolverine' on July 26, 2024. The campaign features Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman and aims to emphasize the beer's less bitter taste. The promotion will include a television spot, in-store promotions, and extensive digital and social media support. Heineken Silver, a lighter beer with only 2.9 carbs and 95 calories, hopes to connect people by providing a less bitter experience. This partnership continues Heineken Silver's 'All The Taste, No Bitter Endings' campaign, following previous collaborations with Marvel Studios.