Oatly Group AB (publ) - Q1 2026 Financial Summary
Business Context and Reporting Period
This Form 6-K filing presents the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements for Oatly Group AB (publ) for the three months ended March 31, 2026. Oatly is a global manufacturer and distributor of oat-based products, operating primarily through three segments: Europe & International, North America, and Greater China. The company continues to execute a strategy focused on profitable growth, organizational simplification, and an asset-light supply chain model.
Key Financial Metrics
| Metric (in thousands USD) | Q1 2026 | Q1 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 228,325 | 197,530 |
| Gross Profit | 76,340 | 62,330 |
| Gross Margin | 33.4% | 31.6% |
| Operating Loss | (11,349) | (18,591) |
| Net Loss (Parent) | (12,006) | (12,430) |
| Adjusted EBITDA | 4,963 | (3,731) |
| EBITDA | 1,505 | (7,410) |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents | 49,414 | 74,428 (End of Period) |
| Free Cash Flow | (11,693) | (20,509) |
Material Changes vs. Prior Period
- Revenue Growth: Revenue increased 15.6% year-over-year to $228.3 million. On a constant currency basis, revenue grew 8.1%, driven by volume growth in Europe & International and North America retail, partially offset by a decline in Greater China foodservice.
- Margin Expansion: Gross margin improved by 188 basis points to 33.4%, attributed to positive price/mix impacts and supply chain efficiencies in Europe & International.
- Operating Performance: Operating loss narrowed significantly to $11.3 million from $18.6 million in the prior year, reflecting improved gross margins and cost-saving initiatives.
- Segment Performance:
- Europe & International: Revenue grew 27.1% (reported) to $136.8 million; Adjusted EBITDA was $31.6 million.
- North America: Revenue grew 3.8% to $62.2 million; Adjusted EBITDA was $0.7 million.
- Greater China: Revenue declined 2.1% to $29.3 million; Adjusted EBITDA was negative $0.8 million due to foodservice competition and strategic review costs.
- Finance Items: Net finance expenses were $0.9 million, a shift from $9.4 million income in Q1 2025. This change was driven by a reduction in fair value gains on Convertible Notes ($12.3 million gain in Q1 2026 vs. $22.1 million in Q1 2025).
Guidance, Outlook, and Risks
- Strategic Review: The company is conducting a strategic review of its Greater China business, considering options including a potential carve-out. Completion is expected within 2026, though no definitive timetable or outcome is guaranteed.
- Capital Expenditures: Management expects 2026 capital expenditures to range between $20 million and $30 million, primarily for production facility investments.
- Liquidity: As of March 31, 2026, the company held $49.4 million in cash and had $75.2 million in undrawn commitments under its Super Senior Revolving Credit Facility (SSRCF). Management believes liquidity is sufficient for the next 12 months.
- Debt Structure: The company carries significant debt, including $329.6 million in Convertible Notes (fair value) and $179.2 million in Nordic Bonds. The Nordic Bonds include covenants requiring a total net leverage ratio of 2.75:1 for distributions.
- Risks: Key risks include the outcome of the Greater China strategic review, exposure to foreign exchange fluctuations (USD/SEK), rising input costs (oats, packaging), and the ability to achieve sustained profitability.
Investor Verification Checklist
- Greater China Strategy: Verify the timeline and potential outcomes of the strategic review for the Greater China segment, as this impacts future revenue mix and profitability.
- Convertible Note Valuation: Review the fair value adjustments on Convertible Notes, which significantly impact reported net income and diluted loss per share calculations.
- Debt Covenants: Monitor compliance with Nordic Bond and SSRCF covenants, specifically the total net leverage ratio and minimum EBITDA requirements.
- Constant Currency Trends: Analyze constant currency revenue growth (8.1%) versus reported growth (15.6%) to understand the underlying organic performance versus foreign exchange tailwinds.
- Free Cash Flow: Track the improvement in Free Cash Flow (outflow reduced to $11.7 million) to assess the effectiveness of working capital management and cost reduction initiatives.