Scandi Standard (SCST) Q2 2026 earnings summary

Executive summary

• Achieved 4% growth in net sales and a 30% increase in EBIT for Q2 2026, with margins improving to 4.9% and strong demand across home markets driven by affordability and consumer trends favoring chicken.

• Ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat segments both contributed to margin improvement, supported by investments and operational efficiencies.

• Strategic acquisitions and capacity expansions in Lithuania, the Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, and Sweden are enhancing market position and value creation.

• Improvement program, significant investments, and new five-year financing at improved terms supported operational efficiency and financial flexibility.

• Continued investments in capacity, efficiency, and integration across the value chain support long-term growth and resilience.

Financial highlights

• Q2 2026 net sales: SEK 3,691 million (up 4% year-over-year); EBIT: SEK 179 million (up 30%); EBIT margin: 4.9% (up from 3.9%).

• Earnings per share increased 39% to SEK 1.80.

• Return on capital employed improved to 13.1%; return on equity rose to 15.9%.

• Net finance expenses decreased by 18% due to a one-off reversal of accrued leasing costs.

• Operating cash flow remained negative due to investments, acquisitions, and seasonal inventory build-up, but improved year-over-year.

Outlook and guidance

• Strong outlook for the remainder of 2026 and beyond, supported by robust demand, ongoing investments, and continued margin improvement.

• 2027 targets: 5%-7% net sales growth, EBIT margin above 6%, and SEK 3 EBIT per kilo.

• CapEx for 2026 expected at SEK 680 million, including major projects in Lithuania and the Netherlands.

• Dividend of SEK 3.30 per share planned in two installments.

• Finance cost projected at 7% of net interest-bearing debt; expecting some working capital release in 2H 2026.