Avolta Reports 8.2% Q1 Turnover Growth Amid Global Travel Recovery

Avolta, the Swiss travel retail giant, reported strong first-quarter 2025 results with core turnover rising between 5.3% and 8.2% year-over-year, driven by robust growth in EMEA and Latin America despite softness in North America. The company achieved CHF 196 million in core EBITDA, marking a 16.3% increase and expanding its margin to 6.4%, supported by commercial performance and cost discipline. Regional performance showed EMEA delivering around 9% organic growth, Latin America about 8.5%, Asia-Pacific up to 59% from a smaller base, while North America remained subdued with slight growth or minor decline depending on the report. Management maintained its full-year guidance of 5–7% organic sales growth and emphasized continued focus on debt reduction, capital allocation to mergers and acquisitions, and shareholder returns, including a CHF 1 per share dividend and ongoing share buyback. The company highlighted successful new store openings and contract wins, including in Abu Dhabi, São Paulo, JFK, and Shanghai airports, reinforcing its diversified global footprint across 71 countries and over 5,000 outlets. Despite a negative free cash flow in Q1 due to seasonal factors, Avolta continues to build momentum entering the critical summer travel season.