Cloetta (CLA) investor relations material

Executive summary

• Q3 organic sales grew 2.3%, driven by volume growth in both segments; adjusted operating profit margin reached 12.7%, achieving the 12% midterm target more than a year early.

• First-nine-month organic growth was 3.3%, within the long-term 3%–4% target; strategy focuses on Superbrands, core markets, geographic expansion, marketing and innovation.

Financial highlights

• Q3 net sales rose 2.6% to SEK 2,233m, including a 0.3% positive FX effect; organic growth was 2.3%.

• Q3 adjusted operating profit increased 9.3% to SEK 283m from SEK 259m; the adjusted operating profit margin was 12.7%.

• 9M net sales were SEK 6,432m, up 2.2%; adjusted operating profit rose 19.6% to SEK 866m.

• Q3 profit was SEK 246m versus SEK 189m; basic EPS was SEK 0.87 versus SEK 0.66.

Outlook and guidance

• Long-term targets include 3%–4% organic sales growth, a 14% adjusted EBIT margin, net debt/EBITDA below 1.5x and dividends of 40%–60% of profit after tax.

• Q4 pricing reflects the full effect of Q3 price reductions, all else equal; future price actions respond to commodity movements with an implementation lag.

• Marketing and geographic-expansion spending remains elevated in Q4; the back-half increase is a temporary peak, with investment continuing beyond this period.

• Capex is expected to average 4%–5% of net sales over the five years ending 2030, with the full step-up planned from 2027.

• Beyond-core markets are expected to grow faster; updates on North American expansion were planned around year-end.