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Introduction & Market Context
Sesa (BIT:SES), a leading digital partner for enterprises and organizations, presented its fiscal year 2025 results and Industrial Plan for 2026-2027 on July 17, 2025. The company reported modest revenue growth against a challenging market backdrop, with its stock price dropping 14.78% to €69.75 following the presentation.
The Italian digital market reached €81.6 billion in 2024, growing at 3.7% and outperforming the country’s GDP growth of 0.7%. Within this environment, Sesa continues its transformation from a traditional IT distributor to a comprehensive digital services provider, focusing on high-growth areas like AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
As shown in the following overview of the company’s business model and organization:
Quarterly Performance Highlights
Sesa reported consolidated revenues of €3.357 billion for FY 2025, representing a 4.6% year-over-year increase. However, while revenue growth was positive, EBITDA grew by just 0.5% to €240.7 million, and the Group’s adjusted net profit declined by 9.9% to €95.8 million.
The fourth quarter showed some improvement with revenues increasing by 3.1% and EBITDA rising by 8.2% compared to Q4 2024. However, this wasn’t enough to offset the full-year profit decline that concerned investors.
Performance varied significantly across business segments. The Business Services sector showed strong growth with revenues increasing by 35% year-over-year to €154 million, while the Digital Green Value Added Solutions sector grew by an impressive 43% to €344 million. Meanwhile, the traditional ICT Value Added Solutions segment faced challenges, contributing to the overall pressure on margins.
The following chart illustrates the company’s quarterly results by sector:
Detailed Financial Analysis
Despite the revenue growth, Sesa’s profitability metrics showed signs of pressure. The Group’s EBITDA margin slightly decreased to 7.2% in FY 2025 from 7.5% in the previous year. The company’s net cash position also declined to €158 million from €211 million a year earlier, reflecting continued investments in acquisitions and growth initiatives.
Sesa has maintained its aggressive M&A strategy, completing 10 new acquisitions in FY 2025, adding €188 million in revenues and 495 new employees. Since 2015, the company has completed 82 acquisitions, significantly expanding its capabilities and market reach.
The following slide details the company’s long-term financial performance, showing the historical growth trajectory:
The company’s headcount increased by 14.8% year-over-year to 6,532 employees, reflecting Sesa’s continued investment in human capital despite margin pressures. According to the presentation, 98% of employees have permanent contracts, and the average seniority is 8.1 years, indicating strong employee retention.
Strategic Initiatives
Sesa’s strategic focus remains on digital transformation and sustainable growth, with particular emphasis on emerging technologies. CEO Alessandro Fabbroni emphasized during the earnings call that the company is "entering a new phase of evolution, more focused, supported by a rationalized structure," adding that they will "put AI and automation everywhere."
The company continues to expand its international presence, with operations in Spain, Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, and Romania. Currently, about 550 of the company’s 6,500 employees are based outside Italy, indicating room for further international expansion.
As illustrated in the comprehensive M&A strategy slide, acquisitions remain a key growth driver:
Sustainability has also become a core part of Sesa’s corporate vision, with specific ESG targets integrated into the company’s strategic planning. The company aims to achieve 100% renewable energy supply and decrease greenhouse gas emissions while increasing the percentage of women in its workforce to over 30%.
Forward-Looking Statements
Looking ahead, Sesa presented an ambitious Industrial Plan for FY 2026-2027, targeting revenue growth of 5-7.5% and EBITDA growth of 5-10%. The company projects revenues between €3.7 billion and €3.9 billion, with EBITDA between €265 million and €291 million by the end of FY 2027.
Annual investments are expected to be approximately €80 million, primarily targeting high-growth areas such as Cybersecurity, AI & Automation, Vertical Applications, and Digital Platforms. The company also expects operating cash flow of around €150 million.
The following slide outlines the key financial targets in the Industrial Plan:
Despite the optimistic outlook presented by management, investors appeared skeptical, as evidenced by the sharp 14.78% drop in Sesa’s stock price following the presentation. The stock closed at €69.75, well below its 52-week high of €120.10, suggesting concerns about the company’s ability to achieve its ambitious targets amid current profitability challenges.
The market reaction highlights the disconnect between the company’s positive messaging about future growth and investors’ concerns about declining profits and margins. While Sesa continues to invest in promising growth areas, the immediate financial impact of this transformation appears to be weighing on investor sentiment.
As the company continues its strategic pivot toward higher-value digital services, the coming quarters will be crucial in determining whether Sesa can successfully balance growth investments with improved profitability to regain investor confidence.
Full presentation:
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