Viva Wine Group AB

Viva Wine Group AB

38.60
SEK
+0.50
(+1.31%)
2.49EPS
16.42P/E
3.41BMarket Cap
Nov 12Next Earn

Q4 FY2025 · Earnings Call TranscriptFebruary 19, 2026

Operator

Welcome to Viva Wine Group's Year-end Report presentation for 2025. For the first part of the conference call, the participants will be in listen-only mode.

During the questions-and-answers session, participants are able to ask questions by dialing pound key five on their telephone keypad. Now I will hand the conference over to CEO Emil Sallnäs and CFO and Deputy CEO Linn Gäfvert.

Please go ahead.

Emil Sallnäs

Good morning, everyone, and welcome to our Q4 2025 presentation. My name is Emil Sallnäs, and I will, together with our CFO and newly appointed deputy CEO, Linn Gäfvert, present today.

This is the agenda for today. Before we go into the quarterly update and financials, I want to start by giving you a short introduction to Viva Wine Group.

2025 was a year of growth and expansion. Today, almost 90% of our business is in our B2B segment, which includes the Nordic monopoly markets as well as retailers and restaurants in both the Nordics and Europe.

With the acquisition of Delta Wines, our B2B business is now present in seven markets. As you might have seen, we kick-started the new year with the acquisition of Alpha Brands in Norway, which I will come back to later in the presentation.

In the Nordic monopoly market, we are the market leader in wine. With the acquisition of Delta Wines, we also entered the open market in Europe, and we are the leading wine distributor in the Netherlands.

Just over 10% of our sales is in the B2C segment, which consists of our e-commerce business based in Germany. We operate three platforms: Vicampo, Weinfürst, and Wine in Black, selling to 11 markets.

With that, we are one of the leading online wine retailers. Now let's move on to the Q4 update and our performance summary.

Looking at Q4, I'm pleased to report that we delivered both strong growth and strong margins. Net sales increased significantly by 49%, mainly driven by the acquisition of Delta Wines.

Adjusted EBITA increased year-on-year as an effect of the consolidation of Delta Wines, and adjusted EBITA margin of 9% was also higher than last year. We also had a very strong operative cash flow in the quarter thanks to a solid operative performance.

Finally, the board of directors proposes an increased dividend of 1.60 krona per share. We have had a good EPS growth driven by strong underlying business, where Delta Wines has contributed positively.

Now, over to our latest acquisition, Alpha Brands. Alpha Brands is a fairly young company, but founded and run by seasoned professionals.

The management of Alpha sees the transaction as an important step to accelerate its growth rate together with Viva. The acquisition strengthens Viva's presence in Norway, when it also opens up the grocery retail market in Norway for us.

Worth noting is that alcoholic beverages up to 4.7% are sold outside the monopoly. It is also a significant step for Viva into the no-low segment, which is the fastest-growing segment in most of the markets where Viva operates.

The company, Alpha, has an innovative portfolio of both owned and partner brands in the Norwegian market, for example, Storm, Krush, VitHit, and Snapple. With Alpha's experienced team and clear focus on innovation and market leadership, we see a strong cultural fit.

Finally, it was also an important factor for us that the whole management stays on as significant shareholders. Now, let's look in more detail on the financial performance.

I will hand over the word to Linn.

Linn Gäfvert

Thank you, Emil. We have a strong net sales growth of 49% driven by the acquisition of Delta Wines.

Organic growth was negative at 1.6% due to slow markets and high comparable numbers in our B2B segments. Our estimates is, however, that we have performed above the markets.

In our B2B segment, we continue to be the clear number one in the Nordics, and Delta Wines' performance and integration is going according to plan. B2C reported positive organic growth for the fourth quarter in a row and also continued to grow its customer base.

Looking at adjusted EBITA, it has increased versus previous year mainly as an effect of the consolidation of Delta Wines, but also excluding Delta Wines, adjusted EBITA increased versus previous year. The higher adjusted EBITA margin is a result of the strong gross margin percentage in our B2B business driven by the Nordics.

Looking at the cash flow, we have a strong operative cash flow, and that is a result of a solid underlying operating performance and also a seasonally strong working capital development. The cash flow from our financing activities includes repayments of term loans according to plan and a reduction of overdrafts.

Proceeds from the distribution issue also had a positive impact during the quarter. Our net working capital had a strong development, and the net working capital to net sales ratio is down from 12.9% in previous quarter to 9.6%.

A high-level simulation including net sales for 12 months shows that the ratio is slightly below last year's number, supported by good numbers by Delta Wines. Our net debt to EBITDA is developing according to plan and is down from 3.6 in Q3 to 2.6.

We expect to continue to deleverage as the EBITDA of Delta Wines is consolidated month per month. A high-level simulation of rolling 12 months of EBITDA reduced the number from 2.6 to approximately 2.5, which is in line with our financial targets.

Emil Sallnäs

Thank you, Linn. Now over to the performance by segment.

First out is our B2B segment. Viva Wine Group is now a significant player in the European retail business of wine.

In the Nordic monopolies, we remain the clear market leader, and we increase our market share. We are number one in Sweden and Finland, and we have now moved up to number five in Norway.

For the Nordic markets combined, Viva Wine Group reported a market share of 22.6% for the full year, which is a slight increase from last year. Our B2B business in Europe has performed in line with expectations and above the market according to our estimates.

With the acquisition of Alpha Brands, Viva Wine Group is now a significant player also in the Nordic grocery retail business.

Linn Gäfvert

Total net sales in segment B2B increased significantly by 59% in the quarter, and the increase versus last year is driven by Delta Wines. Organic growth was negative at 2.5% due to slow markets and high comparable numbers.

Adjusted EBITA increased versus last year, and adjusted EBITA margin in the quarter was in line with last year and ended up at 10%. Strong margins in the Nordics offset the lower margin structure of Delta Wines.

Emil Sallnäs

Segment B2C, which consists of our e-com business, had a strong quarter and delivered organic growth for the fourth consecutive quarter, a result of our long-term strategic work and successful marketing investments. In Q4, the organic growth was 4.5%.

Despite a slow overall market, we have seen a continued growth in active customers due to a strong customer acquisition. Thanks to this strong performance, our estimate is now that we outperform the market both in profitability and growth.

Linn Gäfvert

In the B2C segment, our net sales was in line with last year, and we have continued our positive organic growth reaching, as Emil said, 4.5% in the quarter. The gross margin was slightly lower mainly due to the market mix.

Adjusted EBITA margin in Q4 was lower than prior year, driven by our successful marketing investments.

Emil Sallnäs

Before my final remarks, I would like to take a look at the year in relation to our newly updated financial targets, which are set for the medium term. Looking at the goal for growth for the full year, we delivered organic growth under demanding market conditions, which means that we have outperformed the market.

The profitability goal of 8% to 10% was almost reached with a 7.9% EBITA margin for the full year. Our capital structure has been deleveraged according to plan, and we are at the end of the year with a net debt-EBITDA ratio of 2.6% 2.6 times, which is just about our target of 2.5.

Finally, the proposed and increased dividend to 1.60 per share is within our dividend policy of 50% to 70% of annual net profits. To summarize, with Delta fully integrated in the quarter, we are a significantly larger company with a stronger footprint in Europe.

We show record numbers for the group as a whole. Sales increased with 1.3 billion in 2025 thanks to Delta Wines.

Adjusted EBITA was also significantly higher and at a record level for the full year. When looking back at the year, it's especially pleasing to see that our B2C business is back on a growth track with a positive organic growth for each quarter of the year.

In the fourth quarter, we changed listing venue from First North to Nasdaq main market, which is an accomplishment we are very proud of in the company. M&A has been in focus during the last 12 months with important strategic acquisitions.

During 2025, we strengthened our position in the European wine market with the acquisition of Delta, and this year, we started with the acquisition of Alpha Brands. We will continue to carefully evaluate strategic targets while we continue to deleverage according to plan and stay in line with our financial targets.

With that, it's now time for the Q&A session.

Operator

If you wish to ask a question, please dial pound key five on your telephone keypad to enter the queue. If you wish to withdraw your question, please dial pound key six on your telephone keypad.

The next question comes from Fredrik Ivarsson from ABG Sundal Collier. Please go ahead.

Fredrik Ivarsson

Thank you for the presentation and the questions. First, a few on the gross margin.

First, maybe if you could help us with the impact from the Delta acquisition, i.e., what would the gross margin have been if you sort of strip out Delta from the equation?

Linn Gäfvert

We have had a strong gross margin development in our underlying business. I would say that

Fredrik Ivarsson

looking at last year's total number of 20.5%, we've moved up approximately 1% this year in the underlying business leading to the total number of 19.9% for the total business this year. As then said, it's up around 1% since last year for the underlying business.

Good, strong performance. Thanks.

Very clearly. Thank you.

Then a forward-looking question on the gross margin. In the end of November, when you reported Q3, you guided for a stable gross margin, I believe, if I recall correctly, for this year in the respective business units.

Since then, I guess the both Swedish krona and the Norwegian krona have strengthened versus the euro by a few percentage points or percent. This is obviously positive for your underlying earnings and implies an FX tailwind when looking into 2026.

Then my question is, should we expect the gross margin to continue to strengthen, or will you sort of reinvest this tailwind into the offering instead and focus on growth?

Linn Gäfvert

Starting at the gross margin development, we expect underlying business to have a stable development as said in Q3 as you mentioned. It will perhaps strengthen a bit the underlying business, but still, we believe in stable development.

Towards the end of the year, we could see some tailwinds in H2 because we also have our hedging effects. I would still say stable on gross margin, a bit strengthening on the underlying business.

Looking to Q1 and Q2, we will have five more months where we consolidate Delta Wines, so that will, of course, affect the total gross margin percentage. If we get tailwinds and if we invest, that will be, of course, below gross margin.

Looking at gross margin, stable with positive effects in H2.

Fredrik Ivarsson

Yep, makes sense. Thanks.

Then a question on Delta, which has been part of the group for almost a year now. What's your key reflections from working with this company for almost a year?

Emil Sallnäs

That we work very well together, and that we also have been able to create a lot of talks and synergies in terms of product and producer discussions, maybe not seen yet in the sales, but that we will soon see that, so. Cooperation-wise, it's going very, very well.

Then in terms of the performance, we are happy. This is exactly according to the expectations we had when we acquired the company.

We are good. It's very well integrated into Viva Wine Group now.

As with any acquired company, they have to spend quite a bit of time on the integration the first few months, but now they can fully focus on the business.

Linn Gäfvert

Yes, and they have, as we said when we bought the company, they have contributed according to plan, we have an EPS growth of 10% to 11% this year already, which is very strong, and we also have deleveraged according to plan, so that is a very strong acquisition from the financial side.

Fredrik Ivarsson

It seems like it. To follow up on what you just said, Emil, on sales synergies or product, is that more related to Delta gaining from being able to source from your sort of legacy products, or the other way around, or both?

Emil Sallnäs

It goes both ways, definitely. That we try to create as many interesting business opportunities, let's call it, maybe more than synergies, as possible, and then the companies are delivering on some of those in the coming year or so.

Fredrik Ivarsson

Thanks. Last one from my side before I jump back into the queue.

A broader one, I guess, if you could share any observations in terms of consumer behavior during the last months. Is it sort of status quo, or have you seen any meaningful changes in the start of '26?

Emil Sallnäs

Looking at actual data, the data are exactly the same as you saw in Q4, that the markets and especially in the Nordics, where we have maybe the clearest market data, the markets are still not very strong, more in line with Q4. However, there are small indications that demand for more expensive wines is coming back, for example, the temporary assortment is going a little bit better in Sweden.

There are small signs that the consumer are, especially in Sweden, seeing the fact that they in theory should have a little bit more money to spend now that the taxes are lower, interest rates are lower, and soon also the VAT it will be lower on food, not on wine then obviously, but making more room in the budget for wine, hopefully.

Fredrik Ivarsson

Yep, thanks so much for answering the questions. That's all for me.

Operator

The next question comes from Johan Fred from SEB. Please go ahead.

Johan Fred

Yes, thank you, guys, for taking my questions. A first one on Delta Wine, contributing 50 million to adjusted EBITA in the quarter, which, if my math's correct, equates to roughly 8% margin here in Q4, a significant step up from roughly 4% in Q3, and I assume similar levels in Q2.

Should we expect similar seasonal patterns for Delta Wines going forward, or was there anything particular that you want to highlight that may have impacted Delta Wines' profitability in Q4?

Linn Gäfvert

As we have said before also, Q4 is strong for Delta Wines, the seasonal pattern will continue. Q4 is strong, but this is not a step up that we will also see in Q1.

It will have its seasonal pattern as it had this year. We're happy with their performance, and we have said before that the full year number we will be around six-ish.

Johan Fred

Got it. Then just to clarify, then Q1 we should expect similar margin patterns as say Q3, for example?

Linn Gäfvert

More in line with that.

Johan Fred

Yeah. Got it.

Linn Gäfvert

Perhaps

Johan Fred

a bit

Linn Gäfvert

lower. I would also say it must be taken into context that Q1 is the weakest quarter in general in all markets.

You can look at the seasonal pattern for the ongoing business.

Johan Fred

Of course. Thank you for clarifying that.

Also, do you mind sharing Delta's growth rate here in Q4?

Linn Gäfvert

We don't exactly have the growth rate specifically since we don't have the numbers in that way, but I would say that the market is down, but we have a positive sales development. I would say somewhere around one-ish, two-ish percentage.

Positive growth, which is very strong since we estimate that the underlying market did not have a positive development.

Johan Fred

Got it. Perfect.

Thank you. Finally, on the Nordic markets, you remain number one in Sweden and Finland, and advance your position to number five in Norway.

What are your strategic priorities for 2026 when it comes to the Nordic? A follow-up question on that is what would take to further improve your position in Norway, for example?

Emil Sallnäs

I think in Norway, we have already adjusted our business model a little bit. We are a little bit more focused on own labels in Norway, in terms of growth, we will see a lot of growth from that in Norway in the coming year.

If I'm going to tell you exactly what I've told the companies in the Nordics is that the focus in 2026 is really growth. Then when it comes to growing in Norway, of course, considering our position and how the Norwegian market works, I think to take a significant step up in that ranking to become, let's say, number one, which we like to be, we would have to acquire at least one company.

That's how it is. We expect to grow in Norway and continue growing and maybe reaching number four in not too distant future, but after that, we probably will need acquisitions.

Johan Fred

Got it. That's very clear.

Thank you so much for taking my questions and for your time, Emil and Linn.

Emil Sallnäs

Thank you.

Operator

The next question comes from Niklas Elmhammer from Carlsquare. Please go ahead.

Niklas Elmhammer

Hello. Thank you, and good morning.

Thank you for the presentation and good answers. Just a bit of a follow-up here on OpEx.

If I remember correctly, you have said before that you expected level relative to sales to go up in 2025 and normalize thereafter. If you perhaps could comment or update your views here?

Linn Gäfvert

Yes, of course. Looking at 2025 OpEx level, the total absolute number will move up a bit in 2026 due to the fact that we will consolidate five more months of Delta Wines into the numbers.

Our OpEx to net sales guidance remains the same as we have said before. It was around 12.3 percentage points for 2025.

Now we expect it to go down to around 11% for 2026.

Niklas Elmhammer

Thanks very much. That was my question.

Thank you.

Operator

As a reminder, if you wish to ask a question, please dial pound key five on your telephone keypad. The next question comes from Rauli Juva from Inderes.

Please go ahead.

Rauli Juva

Hi. Rauli from Inderes here.

Thanks for the good comments. I have one one question still left.

I was just wondering how do you see the competitive situation or the changes in that recently, if there is any at least. One of your main competitors seem to be making an effort to regain some market share in Sweden, I was wondering if that is showing in any way, or if there's something else happening in the competition you want to mention?

Emil Sallnäs

Being careful about commenting on our dear colleagues, obviously, we have seen that they have put a lot of effort into especially the Swedish market. If you look at the timeline over a longer period of time, these are ebbs and flows in the market that we always see.

We are not concerned in any specific way with that.

Rauli Juva

Okay. No other kind of meaningful changes either?

Emil Sallnäs

Outside of that, there are other competitors that are doing well, and we are doing well as well. It is a tough market, and it all depends a little bit on which part of the year you put your efforts in terms of new

Rauli Juva

launches, and

Emil Sallnäs

we know, for example, that we will start 2026 with a very strong number of listings coming in through the newly launched products in March now, that we will have a lot of new products coming in, we are very confident for '26.

Rauli Juva

Yeah. If you're targeting for growth, I guess that basically means that you aim to also continue taking market share during this year?

Emil Sallnäs

The consensus seems to be that the market will be down somewhat, and we expect organic growth, yes, we expect

Rauli Juva

to, maybe not in any big steps, because obviously, it's easy, but that's our expectation, yes. Exactly.

All right, thank you very much. That's all

Operator

for me. There are no more questions at this time.

I hand the conference back to the speakers for any written questions and closing comments.

Emil Sallnäs

We have a couple of questions from Alexander. "What was the organic growth for Delta in 2025?"

Linn Gäfvert

We don't disclose the exact numbers as I said, but around one one-ish percent, two-ish percent.

Emil Sallnäs

"Do we have the adjusted EBITA pro forma for 2025 for Delta?"

Linn Gäfvert

Not the exact number, but I would say it's around six.

Emil Sallnäs

"Gross margins on current EUR/SEK levels, gross margins guidance for Q1, Q2 2026?"

Linn Gäfvert

Yes, and we have elaborated around that, but to repeat, the underlying business has moved up one percentage point from last year to this year, and then it will be expect to stay stable during this year, and there could be positive signs of improvement in the second half of the year if the FX tailwinds continue. Currently, we have our hedge effects, but it will be strong.

Then also to repeat that in Q1 and Q2, we will have a negative gross margin percentage mix because we include Delta Wines for five months. The underlying business will stay on strong levels.

Emil Sallnäs

Good. "Can you describe season effects on gross margins in Delta?"

Linn Gäfvert

The gross margin effects is pretty much the same as the whole segment B2B and historic seasonal patterns.

Emil Sallnäs

Great. "Any comment regarding OpEx guidance for 2026?"

I believe we did

Linn Gäfvert

answer that. We said that, and to repeat it, it's around 11% to net sales, it will move down percentage-wise from 2025, but in absolute numbers, it will go up since we have five more months of Delta Wines.

Then

Emil Sallnäs

one final question regarding buybacks: "With current valuation, what is the board's current view regarding using buybacks to drive EPS growth?" It's not for me to speak for the board, but of course, being now on the main market, this is a tool that the board continues to evaluate.

Then it's, of course, always a timing question. We have made acquisitions, we need to deleverage, buybacks is another factor.

It's something that the board is considering actively, yes. That concludes today's session.

Our next report on Q1 will be published on the 19th Oh, sorry, will be published in May. Thank you all for today, and hope to see you soon.