Investing.com -- Davide Campari (LON:0ROY) (BIT:CPRI) reported an unexpected decline in third-quarter sales due to macroeconomic challenges and weather-related disruptions, sending shares in the Aperol Spritz-owner down sharply in early European trading on Wednesday.
Group-wide organic sales dropped by 1.4% during the period, surprising expectations for growth of 9.3%.
In a call with analysts, Campari finance chief and interim co-CEO Paolo Marchesini flagged the business "probably [...] underestimated the level of disruption at the level of consumer confidence." Spending on alcoholic beverages has slowed since booming during the pandemic.
Campari specifically highlighted "muted top-line performance" due to inflationary pressures, poor weather, and reduced consumer confidence, particularly in key markets.
The company noted that the Americas struggled with "persisting challenges in selected categories," with US consumption trends remaining subdued and a hurricane impacting its operations in Jamaica.
In Europe, Campari's performance was impacted by tepid consumer demand, worsened by poor spring and summer weather. Meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific region faced ongoing economic challenges.
Profits also took a hit, with adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amorization falling by 14% due to "unfavorable sales mix" and higher fixed production costs.
Looking ahead, Campari expects ongoing macroeconomic headwinds but anticipates a return to stronger growth by 2025. The group said it aims to rely on its core brands, such as aperitifs and tequila, while streamlining its portfolio and focusing on cost efficiency.
"Campari expects to continue to achieve sector outperformance and market share gains leveraging its strong brands in growing categories with a gradual return in the medium-term to mid-to-high single-digit organic net sales growth trajectory in a normalized macro environment," Campari stated.
Additionally, the firm announced it will launch a 40 million euro share buyback program on Oct. 30 to support its stock option and incentive plans.
(Sam Boughedda contributed reporting.)