Altia lowers its guidance for 2018
Altia Plc Stock Exchange Release 14 December 2018 5:00 pm EET
Altia lowers its guidance for 2018
Altia lowers its earlier guidance for the comparable EBITDA in 2018. Altia estimates that its comparable EBITDA is expected to be below last year’s level.
Underlying sales is developing according to expectations. However, the earlier reported challenging operating environment has put some additional pressure on Altia’s fourth quarter and impacted profitability more than anticipated.
Additionally, based on a preliminary outcome of a tax audit in Finland Altia is making a provision of EUR 0.5 million on excise tax class revision of two products. Altia is considering measures to contest the outcome.
To improve profitability, Altia has decided to take steps with further price adjustments on top of ongoing revenue management at the beginning of the year in consumer products according to the pricing windows in the monopolies. Further, Altia has already initiated measures to improve cost efficiency.
Updated guidance for 2018:
The comparable EBITDA for 2018 is expected to be below last year’s level.
The comparable EBITDA for 2017 was EUR 42.4 million.
Earlier guidance from 23 February 2018:
The Group’s comparable EBITDA is expected to improve or be at the 2017 level.
Next financial report:
Altia publishes its financial statements bulletin for 2018 on 7 February 2019. The silent period preceding the publication of the financial statements bulletin begins on 9 January 2019.
ALTIA PLC
Pekka Tennilä
Further information:
Pekka Tennilä, CEO
Contacts:
Analysts and investors: Tua Stenius-Örnhjelm, Investor Relations, tel. +358 40 748 8864
Media: Petra Gräsbeck, Corporate Communications, tel. +358 40 767 0867
Distribution:
Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd
Principal media
Altia is a leading Nordic alcoholic beverage company operating in the wines and spirits markets in the Nordic countries, Estonia and Latvia. Altia produces, imports, markets, sells and distributes both own and partner brand beverages. The Company also has production in Cognac, France. Further, Altia exports alcoholic beverages to approximately 30 countries, most of which are in Europe, Asia and North America. Altia’s own core brands are Koskenkorva, Chill Out, Blossa, Larsen, O.P. Anderson, Renault, Xanté and Valhalla. Altia’s net sales in 2017 were EUR 359.0 million and the Company employs about 700 professionals. Altia wants to enhance a modern, responsible Nordic drinking culture. www.altiagroup.com.