Strauss Group Ltd (XTAE:STRS) Q1 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Navigating Growth Amidst Challenges

In This Article:

  • Revenue Growth: 15.5% increase year-over-year; 23% growth excluding divested units Sabra & Obela and Serbia.

  • EBIT: ILS181 million, an 11.2% decline year-over-year; would have been ILS230 million excluding a nonrecurring loss.

  • Net Profit: Impacted by a one-time derivatives loss and tax differences, resulting in a significant gap compared to the previous year.

  • Cash Flow: ILS0.5 billion loss, mainly due to operations in Brazil and raw material costs.

  • Strauss Israel Growth: 6% growth in revenues; EBIT impacted by derivatives loss.

  • Strauss Coffee International: 45% sales increase, primarily due to price increases in Brazil.

  • Strauss Water: 7% revenue growth and almost 10% EBIT growth with double-digit margins.

  • Dividends: ILS200 million paid from Sabra divestment; ILS160 million paid due to 2024 results.

  • Net Debt: Increase due to working capital and dividend payments; net debt-to-EBITDA ratio increased.

Release Date: May 28, 2025

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • Strauss Group Ltd (XTAE:STRS) reported a strong top-line growth of 15.5% year-over-year, with a pro forma growth of 23% when excluding divested entities.

  • The company maintained its market leadership in Brazil despite significant price increases, even slightly increasing its market share.

  • Strauss Water showed a 7% growth in sales and a nearly 10% increase in EBIT, with double-digit margins driven by operations in China and Israel.

  • The company's strategic initiatives, including productivity improvements and innovation, contributed to improved EBIT in several segments despite raw material cost pressures.

  • Strauss Group Ltd (XTAE:STRS) received a stable AA rating from Ma'alot, reflecting confidence in its financial stability and strategic direction.

Negative Points

  • EBIT margins were under pressure due to increased raw material costs, particularly in green coffee and cocoa, leading to an 11% decline in EBIT.

  • The company faced a significant one-time loss of ILS49 million on cocoa derivatives, impacting overall profitability.

  • Net profit was adversely affected by higher taxes and the realization of nonrecurring losses, leading to a decline in net income.

  • Cash flow was negatively impacted by operations in Brazil, primarily due to high raw material costs, resulting in a ILS0.5 billion loss.

  • The snacks and confectionery segment in Israel reported a loss, exacerbated by high cocoa prices and the derivatives impact.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Can you give us any indication regarding the market and demand for plant-based milk alternatives? A: Yes, in Israel, this market is growing rapidly. Although there was a slight slowdown last year, it remains a significant segment. We believe that by introducing plant-based yogurts and desserts, which are currently not available, we can expand this segment and see substantial growth in Israel. - Shai Babad, President, Chief Executive Officer