Eltel - Inflation hits profitability
Eltel’s Q1 top line was close to estimates, but the war and unforeseen inflation hit bottom line hard. Eltel may get compensation for the higher costs later during the year, but there is a risk the overall impact of inflation remains negative this year and hence Eltel also removes its guidance.
- Q1 revenue grew by 1% y/y and amounted to EUR 184.0m vs the EUR 185.4m/179.8m Evli/consensus estimates. Growth was strong in Sweden and Norway, while Finland declined and Denmark especially so partly because of slower than anticipated ramp up of new agreements. The demand for fibre and 5G overall remains high.
- EBIT landed at EUR -2.5m, compared to our EUR -0.3m estimate. Operative EBITA was EUR -2.4m vs our EUR -0.2m estimate. Inflation hit the results in all markets, especially in the form of higher fuel and asphalt prices. The Finnish and Polish power businesses also saw inflation in materials such as steel. Eltel is in dialogue with customers regarding compensation for the cost increases.
- Profitability in Finland remained sound, along with Norway, but the Q1 loss in Sweden deepened and Danish results also declined a lot.
- Eltel removes guidance as the war and increased inflation raise uncertainty. The previous guidance expected FY ’22 operative EBITA margin to increase.