Europe’s dairy and poultry producers are having a moment as the global trend toward high-protein diets intensifies https://t.co/o8nOxsIX65 ...

Financial Performance - AB Akola Group's consolidated revenue for the 2024/2025 financial year exceeded EUR 1,580 million, representing a 4.9% increase year-over-year [1][3] - The Group's net profit increased by 151.4% to EUR 62.6 million, with EBITDA rising by 51.5% to EUR 111 million [2][3] - The fourth quarter of the 2024/2025 financial year saw consolidated revenue of EUR 414 million, an 8.6% increase from EUR 381 million in the previous year [3] Business Segments - The 'Food Production' segment generated EUR 449.1 million in revenue, with operating profit increasing by 95.6% to EUR 40 million [5] - The poultry business was a major contributor, with gross profit soaring by 103% to EUR 68.9 million, supported by favorable market conditions [6][8] - The 'Partners for Farmers' segment generated EUR 1,151.3 million in revenue, with operating profit improving to EUR 29.4 million [11] Agricultural Performance - The 'Farming' segment reported EUR 47.6 million in revenue, a 9.3% increase, with gross profit at EUR 12.9 million [15] - Agricultural companies harvested 3% more compared to the previous year, driven by strong winter crop yields [16] Market Trends - Consumer preference for sustainable protein sources is rising, while alternative protein prices remain elevated [7] - EU broiler production costs have remained stable or slightly lower, improving producer margins [8] - There is a growing appreciation for higher quality poultry meat raised without antibiotics in Lithuania and Latvia [8][9] Challenges and Opportunities - The poultry market faced challenges from outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), particularly in Poland and Italy [7] - The 'Other Products and Services' segment generated EUR 20.8 million in revenue, with stable profitability despite rising input costs [17][18]

Financial Performance - The consolidated revenue of AB Akola Group for the 2024/2025 financial year exceeded EUR 1,580 million, representing a 4.9% increase year-over-year [1][3] - Consolidated EBITDA for the twelve months amounted to EUR 111 million, marking a 51.5% increase year-over-year, while net profit increased by 51.4% to EUR 62.6 million [2][3] - The fourth quarter revenue reached EUR 414 million, an 8.6% increase from EUR 381 million in the previous year, with net profit rising to EUR 31 million from EUR 10 million [3][4] Segment Performance - The 'Food Production' segment generated EUR 449.1 million in revenue, with operating profit increasing by 95.6% to EUR 40 million [5] - The poultry business significantly contributed to the Group's success, with gross profit soaring by 103% to EUR 68.9 million due to favorable market conditions [6][8] - The 'Partners for Farmers' segment generated EUR 1,151.3 million in revenue, with gross profit reaching EUR 92.6 million, showing improvement over the previous year [11] Agricultural Operations - The 'Farming' segment generated EUR 47.6 million in revenue, a 9.3% increase compared to the previous year, with gross profit at EUR 12.9 million [15] - The agricultural companies harvested 3% more than the previous year, driven by strong winter crop yields, despite weaker summer crops due to drought [16] Market Trends - Consumer preference for sustainable protein sources is rising, while alternative protein prices remain elevated [7] - The EU broiler production costs have remained stable or slightly lower, suggesting improved producer margins [8] - There is a growing appreciation for higher quality poultry meat raised without antibiotics in Lithuania and Latvia, although competition is intensifying [9] Other Business Activities - The 'Other Products and Services' segment generated EUR 20.8 million in revenue, with a gross profit of EUR 4.1 million, but recorded an operating loss of EUR 400 thousand [17] - Pet food sales volumes declined by 11%, while veterinary pharmaceutical revenue increased by 19% [18]

Core Insights - The consolidated revenue of AB Akola Group for the first nine months of the 2024/2025 financial year exceeded EUR 1,165 million, a 3.59% increase year-over-year [1] - EBITDA for the same period reached EUR 71 million, marking a significant 34.83% increase compared to the previous year [1] - Net profit more than doubled to EUR 31.8 million, reflecting strong operational performance [1] Revenue and Profitability - The Group sold 2,417 thousand tons of products, a 2.81% increase from the previous year [2] - Gross profit for the nine-month period increased by 17.18% to EUR 130.33 million [3] - Operating profit rose by 46.80% to EUR 47.1 million [3] - The third quarter revenue amounted to EUR 404.2 million, a 3.96% increase from EUR 388.8 million in the same period last year [3] Segment Performance - The "Partnership with Farmers" segment generated revenue of EUR 851.7 million, accounting for 68.1% of total revenue, with a gross profit of EUR 65.4 million [5] - The "Food Production" segment, which represents 28.2% of total revenue, saw a significant increase in performance, with operating profit growing to EUR 24.985 million and gross profit increasing by 42% to EUR 57.5 million [8][9] - The poultry segment's gross profit surged by 92.9% to EUR 44.46 million, driven by favorable market conditions [10] - The "Farming" segment generated EUR 38.8 million in revenue, a 5% increase, with dairy farming performance improving significantly by 163% [13][14] Market Conditions - The agricultural machinery market has faced stagnation due to high loan interest rates and delayed support payments, but expectations of a good harvest are leading to increased activity in sales [7] - The Group's factories produced significantly more porridge and noodle packages, with total product sales volumes increasing by 23% year-on-year [12]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net revenue increased by 0.9% year over year to $298.4 million from $295.7 million in the prior year quarter [12] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 12.3% year over year to $9.8 million from $8.7 million [15] - Gross profit increased by 1.1% to $51 million compared to $50.4 million in the same period in 2024 [12] - Operating income improved to $1.2 million from an operating loss of $0.1 million in the prior year quarter [14] - Net loss increased to $1.5 million from a net loss of $0.6 million in the prior year quarter, primarily due to unfavorable changes in interest rate swaps [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The increase in net revenue was primarily driven by volume increases and improved pricing in commodity, meat, poultry, and seafood categories [12] - Gross profit margin remained consistent at 17.1% compared to the same period in 2024 [13] - Distribution, selling, and administrative expenses decreased by $0.7 million to $49.7 million due to cost optimization efforts [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The industry continues to face macro headwinds, particularly due to new tariff policies and supply chain disruptions [6] - The company is actively diversifying its supplier base and exploring alternative sourcing strategies to mitigate these challenges [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing comprehensive transformation initiatives, with 2025 being a year of strategic investment [16] - Investments in digital transformation and infrastructure are aimed at driving organic growth and complementing expansion with targeted M&A initiatives [16] - The company aims to optimize its distribution network and enhance its operational capabilities through strategic facility enhancements [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's performance and long-term plans despite short-term uncertainties [5][16] - The successful implementation of a new ERP application is expected to improve efficiency and decision-making across operations [7] - The company remains optimistic about M&A opportunities in 2025 and beyond, focusing on expanding its geographic footprint and enhancing product capabilities [10] Other Important Information - The company launched a new e-commerce platform designed specifically for food service customers, enhancing its distribution capabilities [8] - The strategic facility enhancement initiatives are on track, with renovations at the Charlotte distribution center expected to be completed by the end of Q2 2025 [9] Q&A Session Summary - No specific questions or answers were provided in the content regarding the Q&A session.