Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S Reports First Quarter 2025 Results and Adjusts Expectations for Full Year 2025.

Core Insights - Scandinavian Tobacco Group reported a 1.3% increase in net sales for Q1 2025, reaching DKK 2.0 billion, but experienced a negative organic net sales growth of 8.8% [1][7] - The company adjusted its full-year 2025 expectations due to increased tariffs and a weaker U.S. dollar, projecting reported net sales between DKK 9.1 billion and DKK 9.5 billion [5][10] Financial Performance - EBITDA before special items decreased by 5.3% to DKK 317 million, with an EBITDA margin of 16.1%, down from 17.2% in the previous year [1][7] - Free cash flow before acquisitions was DKK 156 million, a significant improvement from DKK -126 million in the same quarter last year [7] - Adjusted EPS for Q1 2025 was DKK 1.5, down from DKK 1.8 [7] Market Dynamics - The growth in reported net sales was primarily driven by the acquisition of the Mac Baren business and strong performance in the XQS nicotine pouch brand [2] - Organic net sales decline was attributed to reduced consumption of handmade cigars in the U.S. and the discontinuation of online ZYN distribution [2] - The U.S. market constitutes approximately 45% of the Group's net sales, and the depreciation of the U.S. dollar has negatively impacted reported figures [6] Adjusted Expectations - The full-year EBITDA margin expectation has been revised to a range of 18-22%, down from 20-23% [8][10] - Free cash flow for the full year is now projected at DKK 0.8-1.0 billion, narrowed from DKK 0.8-1.1 billion [9][10] - Adjusted EPS expectations have been revised downward to a range of DKK 10-13 per share [10] Strategic Focus - The company aims to protect market shares and cash flow amidst increased uncertainty in consumer sentiment and retailer inventory decisions [5][11] - Ongoing integration of Mac Baren and development of updated strategies are highlighted as key priorities [11]