Oatly(OTLY) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
OatlyOatly(US:OTLY)2026-02-11 14:00

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved its first full year of profitable growth, with revenue growth of 4.7% and 2.2% on a constant currency basis for the full year [23] - Adjusted EBITDA was positive at $6.8 million for the full year, marking a significant improvement [23] - In Q4, revenue grew by 9.1% and 4.3% on a constant currency basis, with a gross margin of 34.5%, an increase of 580 basis points compared to last year's Q4 [23][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Volume growth in Europe and international segments was 13.9%, contributing to a $9.9 million increase in segment-adjusted EBITDA [25] - North America experienced an 8.8% revenue decline primarily due to a change in sourcing strategy at a large customer, but excluding this customer, the segment grew 10% in the quarter [25] - Greater China saw a slight decline in constant currency revenue, but the food service channel grew by 5% [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Europe and international segment saw solid growth of 7% in established markets and 54% in expansion markets [16] - North America also achieved 7% growth in both retail and food service when excluding the largest food service customer [16] - Household penetration is increasing, particularly among younger consumers, indicating a positive trend for the brand [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing a refreshed growth playbook that emphasizes increased relevance, attacking barriers to conversion, and increasing availability to consumers [12][19] - Plans for 2026 include completing a strategic review of the Greater China segment and potentially accelerating growth through various options [11] - The company aims to maintain a culture of efficiency while driving growth and impact in a disciplined manner [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving stronger profitable growth in 2026, expecting constant currency revenue growth of 3%-5% and adjusted EBITDA of $25 million-$35 million [11][27] - The management highlighted the importance of driving efficiencies and improving free cash flow, which is expected to improve from 2025 levels [26] - The company is optimistic about the potential for growth in the oat milk category, despite current market pressures [45] Other Important Information - The company has reduced its cost of goods sold per liter by 23% and total SG&A by nearly $100 million, reflecting significant restructuring efforts [8][9] - The company plans to increase CAPEX to support growth, particularly in the Europe and International segment [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for North America food service in 2026 - Management noted that they have diversified their customer base and expect continued growth outside the large customer that has been a drag on performance [32][34] Question: Enhancing protein content in response to competitor products - Management emphasized their focus on fiber rather than protein, aligning with consumer trends towards fiber-rich diets [39][41] Question: Drivers of oat milk category declines in U.S. retail - Management acknowledged category softness but highlighted their outperformance and increasing household penetration as positive indicators [45][49] Question: Free Cash Flow expectations and improvements - Management explained that improvements in free cash flow are expected in 2026, driven by higher adjusted EBITDA and better working capital management [52][70] Question: Increasing household penetration and its drivers - Management attributed the increase in household penetration to the new growth playbook and a focus on making products relevant to younger consumers [58][60]