Strong market position in a turbulent environment
JANUARY - MARch 2025
- Net sales amounted to SEK 392.1 million (247.8), an increase of 58%.
- Operating profit amounted to SEK 28.8 million (35.8), a decrease by 20%.
- The operating margin decreased to 7.3% (14.4).
- Profit for the period amounted to SEK 20.6 million (27.3), a decrease of 25%.
- Earnings per share, before dilution, amounted to SEK 0.98 (1.30) and after dilution to SEK 0.98 (1.30).
- The net cash amounted to SEK 24.5 million (106.6) at the end of the period, equivalent to 0.1 times (0.6) EBITDA.
- Cash flow from operating activities amounted to SEK 16.5 million (27.3).
Considerably higher net sales driven by the acquisition of Nudec in Spain and a turbulent environment describes the first quarter of 2025.
Market
The first quarter of the year has been characterized by global turbulence and a slight decrease in demand across many sectors. During the quarter, we have also been affected negatively by vast currency fluctuations.
Overall, our sales volumes have been significantly higher, mainly due to the acquisition of Nudec S.A.U. carried out during the second quarter of 2024. Through the acquisition we have strengthened our product- and customer portfolio and we have established a stronger market position in Central and Southern Europe. Our perception is that our strengthened market position is stable.
Raw material prices, which affect both net sales and the gross margin, had a modest downward trend during the first quarter but were on a higher level than in the comparison quarter. As a result of slightly weaker market demand, the price competition towards customers increased.
Positive result despite significant currency impact
Our net sales increased 58% compared to the same quarter previous year, which is an effect of the acquisition of Nudec. We see a continued positive diversification in our product and customer portfolio through additional sales volume of PETG and PMMA from segment Spain.
During the first quarter of 2025, our operating profit amounted to SEK 28.8 million with an operating margin of 7.3%. The comparison quarter was one of the strongest in our history with an operating profit of SEK 35.8 million and an operating margin of 14.4%. Due to strengthened Swedish crown and Czech koruna our operating profit has been heavily impacted as the main part of our sales are in Euros and majority of our production costs are in local currency. The positive currency effects from last year have now been turned to negative. The changed group structure, now including Nudec, has negatively impacted our operating margin calculated in percentage.
During quarter one of 2025, non-recurring costs affected the result and cash flow with SEK -1.7 million.
The gross margin for the quarter reached 22.8%, which is higher than the full year 2024 corresponding to 21.4 %, but lower than the comparison quarter, which was historically strong at 25.9%.
Our cash flow from operating activities continues to be positive, and we increased our net cash to SEK 24.5 million during the quarter. Comparison quarter of 2024 was prior to the acquisition of Nudec and therefore the net cash was significantly higher at that time.
Outlook
We expect a continued turbulent environment where we must monitor developments to be able to act quickly if market conditions are changed. A relatively small portion of our sales go to the American market, we do not expect any direct impact from eventual tariffs to U.S. In an uncertain market environment, the strength of our diversified customer and product portfolio becomes particularly important.
We continue to develop our organization and align operations in segment Spain with other segments to increase the efficiency and gain synergies. In segment Czech Republic our work continues to optimize and modernize production equipment and processes. In segment Sweden preparation work of a new warehouse and production facility continues.
Our financial position remains strong. The goal is to have a high investment pace onwards to be in forefront of technical development and by that strengthen our market position in long-term.
Christian Krichau
President and CEO
For further information, please contact:
Christian Krichau, President and CEO, +46 141-20 38 58
Forward-looking information
Some statements in this report are forward-looking and the actual outcome may be significantly different. In addition to the factors specifically highlighted, other factors may have a material impact on the actual outcome. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the general economic situation, changes in exchange rates and interest rates, political developments, the impact of competing products and their prices, disruptions in the supply of raw materials.
This information is such information that Arla Plast AB is obliged to publish in accordance with the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was published by the abovementioned contact persons on April 29, 2025 at 8:00 am (CET).
About Arla Plast
Arla Plast is a producer and supplier of extruded sheets made of technical plastics. The plastic sheets are made of polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and have a large number of areas of application, such as safety products, machine guards, ice hockey rinks, greenhouses, pool covers, sound walls, suitcases, automotive components and various construction-related areas of application. The company is headquartered in Borensberg, Sweden, and has a total of four production facilities in Sweden, the Czech Republic and Spain and a distribution unit in Germany. Arla Plast has a turnover of more than SEK 1,400 million, has approximately 350 employees and delivers to more than 1000 customers in over 50 countries.
More information about Arla Plast is available at www.arlaplastgroup.com.
