Icelandic Salmon's Q3 2024 Insights: Path to Future Growth

Overview of Icelandic Salmon's Q3 2024 Performance

Icelandic Salmon, the parent company of Arnarlax, is heavily engaged in salmon farming and processing in Iceland. As the firm navigated the third quarter of 2024, it worked diligently to stabilize operations following the biological challenges faced earlier in the year. Despite low harvest volumes, the Group's commitment to growth laid a robust foundation for recovery and future success.

Financial Highlights and Challenges

For the third quarter, Icelandic Salmon reported a revenue of EUR 14.3 million. This figure represents a significant decrease from EUR 41.9 million during the same period in 2023. Notably, the EBIT was negative EUR 3 million, a stark contrast to the positive EUR 3 million achieved in the prior year. The drop in performance this year stemmed primarily from lower harvest volumes and persistent biological challenges that incurred one-off costs overshadowing the revenue. In terms of EBIT/kg, the loss was recorded at negative EUR 1.71, but when adjusted for the extra costs, it stood at negative EUR 1.46.

Operational Developments

During the third quarter, the total harvested volume of Icelandic Salmon reached 1,750 tonnes, down from 4,040 tonnes in the corresponding quarter last year. The Group's efforts directed towards building biological assets meant that while harvest levels improved sequentially, they remained significantly lower than previous years. Björn Hembre, the CEO, emphasized that ongoing operational improvements from their dedicated team, focusing on biological asset growth, played a crucial role in recent recovery initiatives.

Strategic Events Affecting the Business

In a recent setback, the Group's license awarded in Ísafjarðardjúp was revoked by the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority due to incomplete evaluations regarding the risk of fish diseases and parasites. In light of this, Icelandic Salmon remains proactive, collaborating closely with the relevant authorities to resolve these issues.

Market Demand and Competitive Edge

The demand for Icelandic Salmon's products remains strong, particularly in North America, where the prices achieved were significantly above market averages. This growth trajectory can be attributed to the company's strategic advantage stemming from its ability to transport fish via sea, thus reducing transportation costs and minimizing its carbon footprint, which is a growing concern for many customers. For the recorded quarter, 25% of sales were directed towards the North American market.

Future Growth Projections

Looking ahead to 2024, Icelandic Salmon maintains a volume guidance of 13,000 tonnes for the entire year. Although biological challenges are likely to affect harvest volumes in subsequent quarters, the company anticipates gaining back most volumes in the second half of the year. In the longer term, there lies a growth potential that could reach as high as 26,000 tonnes on existing licenses, aligning closely with the company's vision for sustainable growth and stakeholder cooperation.

Upcoming Shareholder Engagements

As part of its commitment to transparency and shareholder engagement, Icelandic Salmon is set to present detailed Q3 2024 results, where CEO Bjørn Hembre and CFO Jónas Heiðar Birgisson will engage with stakeholders through a live webcast. A Q&A session will follow, providing attendees the chance to pose questions and partake in meaningful discussions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were Icelandic Salmon's total revenues for Q3 2024?

The total revenues for Icelandic Salmon in Q3 2024 were EUR 14.3 million, a decline from EUR 41.9 million in Q3 2023.

How did the company's harvest volume compare this quarter?

Icelandic Salmon harvested 1,750 tonnes in Q3 2024, down from 4,040 tonnes in the same quarter last year, indicating a need for further biological asset development.

What challenges did Icelandic Salmon face during this period?

The company faced significant biological challenges impacting volumes and incurred a one-off cost of EUR 0.4 million.

What is the outlook for Icelandic Salmon's future growth?

Icelandic Salmon is optimistic about a significant growth potential, projecting the possibility of reaching 26,000 tonnes with its existing licenses in the coming years.

How is Icelandic Salmon addressing the recent regulatory challenges?

The company is proactively collaborating with authorities following the revocation of a license and is working to remediate the situation.

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