Avolta AG reports first‑quarter 2026 results

Avolta AG (AVOL.S) disclosed its financial performance for the first quarter of 2026 on 7 May 2026. The company, a specialist in travel retail operating duty‑free, duty‑paid, and convenience stores across airports, cruise lines, seaports, railway stations, and tourist centres, confirmed a moderate decline in revenue while highlighting resilience in its core operations.

Turnover

  • Total turnover: CHF 2.962 billion, down 4.6 % YoY from CHF 3.105 billion in the same period last year.
  • Core turnover (excluding Middle East markets): CHF 2.905 billion, up 4.7 % YoY.
  • Core turnover excluding Middle East drag: 5.9 % growth.

The decline in total sales is attributed mainly to negative currency effects and headwinds in the Middle East, particularly the impact of the ongoing Iran conflict on passenger traffic.

Profitability

  • Operating profit: CHF 88 million, an increase of 8.4 % YoY.
  • Operating margin (core): 2.8 %.
  • EBITDA1 (core): CHF 190 million, up 8.4 % YoY.

Operating profit growth was driven by cost‑control measures and a higher contribution from core markets.

Guidance and Outlook

Avolta reiterated its medium‑term outlook, maintaining that the company will adjust costs to protect profitability and cash flow in light of the ongoing Middle East uncertainties. The management highlighted the need to monitor the geopolitical situation and its potential impact on travel volumes.

Dividend

At its shareholders’ meeting on 6 May 2026, Avolta announced a dividend for the year 2025. The dividend declaration reflects the company’s confidence in sustaining cash generation despite the current market pressures.

Market Reaction

The share price closed at CHF 45.06 on 5 May 2026, within the 52‑week range of CHF 39.6 to CHF 52.9. The market cap stood at CHF 6.07 billion and the price‑earnings ratio was 32.15. Following the earnings announcement, Swiss equity indices experienced a modest decline after a previous day’s rally.

The information above is derived from Avolta AG’s ad‑hoc announcement and accompanying news reports from Reuters, investing.com, finanznachrichten.de, finanzen.net, and other reputable sources.