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Orkla’s Consolidated Portfolio Companies (including headquarters) increased EBIT
(adj.) by 19%, to NOK 1.6 billion, in the first quarter of the year. The
improvement is attributable to price and volume growth, cost-cutting measures
and positive currency translation effects.
Orkla’s earnings per share (adj.) for the quarter was NOK 1.50, up 14% compared
to the same period last year.
“Orkla has made a strong start to the year. Most of the Portfolio Companies
achieved organic growth, higher operating profits and increased cash flow from
operations. I am particularly pleased about the companies’ volume growth, which
was achieved in a quarter with fewer sale days due to the timing of Easter. It
is also good to see high earnings growth combined with increased investments in
advertising,” says Orkla President and CEO Nils K. Selte.
The profit contribution from associated companies in the first quarter amounted
to NOK 415 million, down 2% compared to the same period last year. The decline
is linked to currency losses made by Jotun (42.7% ownership interest) following
devaluation of the Egyptian pound, which had a negative impact on both Jotun’s
operating profit and its financial costs. Nevertheless, Jotun’s operating profit
continued to develop positively, increasing by 12% in the first quarter on the
back of volume growth, increased gross margin and effective cost controls.
Hydro Power’s EBIT (adj.) ended at NOK 165 million for the first quarter,
compared to NOK 255 million in the first quarter of 2023. The decline was due to
lower power prices.
In October 2023, Orkla Food Ingredients (OFI) entered into a partnership
agreement with Rhône, a leading private equity firm which invests in companies
with a transatlantic presence. The transaction was completed on 17 April and
will have accounting effect as of the same date.
“This agreement is a milestone for Orkla and will enable OFI to maintain its
organic and structural growth. The transaction exemplifies the flexibility and
value-creation potential of Orkla’s new operating model,” says Nils K. Selte.
Orkla is a leading industrial investment company with focus on brands and
consumer-oriented companies. Its investment portfolio currently consists of 12
companies operating in sectors including paint, food products, food ingredients,
confectionery and snacks, dietary supplements, cleaning products and personal
care. As at 31 December 2024, Orkla had 19,671 employees and 114 factories in 24
countries.
Orkla ASA
Oslo, 3 May 2024
Ref.:
EVP Communication and Corporate Affairs
Håkon Mageli, mobile: +47 928 45 828
SVP Investor Relations
Kari Lindtvedt, mobile: +47 950 75 114
An Excel spreadsheet with key figures is available at
https://investors.orkla.com/.
This information is considered to be inside information pursuant to the EU
Market Abuse Regulation and is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant
to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
This stock exchange announcement was published by Ole Andreas Steensland Dahl,
Investor Relations Manager at Orkla ASA, on 3 May 2024 at 07:00 CEST.
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