UPDATE 1-Autogrill Q1 net loss widens, confirms outlook
* Q1 net loss widens due to impact of acquisitions
* Q1 revs up 11.5 percent
* 2009 EBITDA seen between 575-625 million euros
(Adds quote, details, shares)
MILAN, May 13 (Reuters) - Italian caterer Autogrill's (AGL.MI) net loss widened sharply in the first quarter due to the impact of acquisitions and it confirmed its outlook for the year.
The manager of highway and airport restaurants from Canada to New Zealand said in a statement it still sees 2009 core profit or earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) between 575 million and 625 million euros.
It has forecast two scenarios for this year -- "hurricane" assumes a sustained contraction in traffic levels throughout the year while "storm" includes a gradual recovery in the second half. Revenues are seen between 5.72 billion-5.9 billion euros.
Autogrill said revenues in the first 18 weeks of the year were up 11.4 percent, in line with expectations.
"Despite the economic crisis, the trend in traffic seems to be stabilising and I see the Group reacting well, also in terms of operating margins," Chief Executive Gianmario Tondato Da Ruos said in the statement.
Autogrill said it had a first-quarter net loss of 16.8 million euros -- versus a net loss of 4.1 million euros last year -- after net financial charges of 26.9 million euros relating to acquisitions.
Autogrill is the world's top airport-based retailer after buying World Duty Free and full control of Spanish-based Aldeasa last year.
Consolidated EBITDA rose 24.6 percent to 92.9 million euros. Consolidated revenues rose 11.5 percent to 1.216 billion euros.
Net debt was 2.309 billion euros from 2.167 billion euros at the end of December. Shares extended losses on the results to be down 4.34 percent at 5.95 euros at 1158 GMT while Milan's S&P Mib index .SPMIB was down 2.67 percent.
