Oatly Cuts Its Profit Outlook, Plans U.S. Price Increases and Bets on Fiber for North America
Oatly's third-quarter revenue rose 9.1%, but fuel and freight costs cut its full-year profit outlook. It plans a U.S. fiber launch in January and U.S. price increases next year.
Oatly grew revenue 9.1% in the third quarter, then cut its full-year profit outlook on fuel and freight costs. The company plans U.S. price increases next year, along with a fiber drink line it hopes will change its North American business.
TLDR
- Third-quarter revenue rose 9.1% to $243.1 million. Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) rose to $9.4 million from $3.1 million.
- Oatly cut its full-year adjusted EBITDA outlook to $16 million to $20 million, from $25 million to $35 million. It kept its revenue growth outlook of 8% to 10% in constant currency.
- Oatly Fiber launches in the U.S. in January in a new 48-ounce pack, FoodNavigator reported.
- Price increases are coming in the U.S., and Oatly is considering them in Europe.
The Quarter
Oatly reported results on Oct. 28. Net loss attributable to shareholders narrowed to $27.5 million from $65.3 million a year earlier.
Growth came mainly from Europe and International. Europe and International revenue rose 19.5% to $147.2 million. North America rose 2.8% to $63.8 million, and Greater China fell 14.6% to $32.0 million.
The Cost Squeeze
Oatly’s filing said that, like food and beverage peers, it was hit by fuel and freight inflation in North America that was stronger and faster than expected. Chief Executive Jean-Christophe Flatin told investors that U.S. diesel prices are up about 70% since February and about 40% since early July, FoodNavigator reported.
FoodNavigator reported that the stock fell 27% to $8.56 on the day of the outlook change, and ended the week at $7.75.
The Fiber Bet
Food Dive reported that the fiber line includes a low-calorie, no-sugar option for protein shakes and a low-sugar barista version. A serving of about 250 milliliters, or one oat latte, has around 5 to 6 grams of fiber.
The line is rolling out in Europe and is expected to be in 11 markets there by the end of 2026, according to FoodNavigator. Chief Operating Officer Daniel Ordoñez told investors the company expects a small loss in volume from the price increases. He said half of the products in the 48-ounce format will be new.
Why It Matters
Oatly is positioning itself as a functional drink, not only a milk alternative, Food Dive reported. Ordoñez linked the plan to GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) use, which he said is leading consumers to look more closely at the quality and quantity of nutrients.
The category gives the move some urgency. Plant-based milk dollar sales fell 2% in 2025 while traditional milk rose 2%, Food Dive reported, citing the Good Food Institute. North America grew 2.8% in the quarter, against 19.5% in Europe and International. January will test whether fiber can narrow that gap.
Sources: Oatly third-quarter results, SEC filing; FoodNavigator; Food Dive.