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Introduction & Executive Summary
Valmet Oyj (HEL:VALMT) reported a strong start to 2025 in its Services and Automation segments, according to the company’s Q1 2025 interim review presentation delivered on April 23, 2025. The Finnish industrial equipment and services provider saw orders received increase by 27% year-over-year to EUR 1.3 billion, while maintaining stable net sales and comparable EBITA compared to the same period last year.
The company also announced plans to renew its operating model to better serve customers with a lifecycle approach, which includes an expected reduction of up to 1,150 roles and anticipated annual cost savings of approximately EUR 80 million, with full run-rate to be achieved by the beginning of 2026.
As shown in the following comprehensive summary of key metrics, Valmet’s performance showed resilience despite challenges in the Process Technologies segment:
Quarterly Performance Highlights
Valmet’s order backlog reached EUR 4.6 billion, representing a 21% increase compared to Q1 2024. Net sales remained relatively stable at EUR 1.2 billion, showing a slight decrease of 2% year-over-year. Comparable EBITA was EUR 121 million with a margin of 10.2%, representing a 0.3 percentage point improvement from the previous year.
One of the most notable achievements was the 57% increase in cash flow from operating activities, which amounted to EUR 217 million. This strong cash generation helped reduce the company’s net debt and gearing ratios compared to Q4 2024.
The orders received trend shows a significant recovery from previous quarters, as illustrated in the following chart:
Valmet’s stable business, comprising Services and Automation segments, continues to provide resilience to the company’s overall performance. Stable business orders received totaled close to EUR 3.5 billion during the last twelve months, representing 57% of Valmet’s total orders, up from 47% in 2015. This demonstrates the company’s successful transition toward more recurring revenue streams.
As shown in the following chart, stable business has achieved an organic growth CAGR of approximately 6%:
Segment Analysis
The Services segment demonstrated exceptional performance in Q1 2025, with orders received increasing by 8% to EUR 568 million. Net sales grew by 7% to EUR 433 million, while comparable EBITA surged by 28% to EUR 76 million, resulting in a strong margin of 17.6% (a 2.9 percentage point improvement).
The following table details the Services segment’s impressive results:
Similarly, the Automation segment showed robust growth with orders received increasing by 24% to EUR 406 million. Net sales grew by 10% to EUR 339 million, and comparable EBITA increased by 7% to EUR 55 million. Organic growth in this segment was particularly strong at 12%.
As illustrated in the following breakdown, the Automation segment maintained a solid margin of 16.2%:
In contrast, the Process Technologies segment faced significant challenges. Despite an 84% increase in orders received to EUR 358 million, net sales declined by 17% to EUR 413 million. More concerning was the 71% drop in comparable EBITA to just EUR 6 million, resulting in a margin of only 1.5% compared to 4.2% in Q1 2024.
The following data highlights the stark contrast in performance between segments:
A comprehensive view of Valmet’s Q1 2025 performance by segment shows how the strong results in Services and Automation helped offset the weakness in Process Technologies:
Strategic Initiatives
As part of its strategy renewal process, Valmet announced plans to revamp its operating model to better serve customers with a lifecycle approach. This initiative aims to simplify the organizational structure and improve efficiency.
The plan includes a significant workforce reduction of up to 1,150 roles, with expected annual cost savings of approximately EUR 80 million. The company anticipates achieving the full run-rate of these savings by the beginning of 2026.
As detailed in the following slide, this represents the first action in Valmet’s broader strategy renewal:
Valmet also highlighted a notable win for its DNAe automation system, which was selected for power plant automation modernization in Finland. This project involves a full automation system upgrade at ESE-Energia’s plant, replacing an obsolete third-party system with Valmet’s comprehensive solution.
The following case study demonstrates Valmet’s ability to create long-term value through lifecycle engagement:
President and CEO Thomas Hinnerskov emphasized that the renewed strategy, which will be presented at the Capital Markets Day on June 5, 2025, aims to identify future growth areas, boost expansion of current business, simplify ways of working, and increase operational efficiency.
Forward-Looking Statements
Valmet reiterated its guidance for 2025, expecting net sales and comparable EBITA to remain at the previous year’s levels (EUR 5,359 million and EUR 609 million, respectively). The short-term market outlook indicates stable customer activity across all segments, though the company noted that capacity utilization rates and profitability levels of customers cause some uncertainty in the Services segment.
The following slide summarizes Valmet’s guidance and short-term market outlook:
The company’s order backlog analysis provides additional insight into expected revenue recognition, with approximately EUR 2.9 billion of the current backlog expected to be realized as net sales in 2025. About EUR 1.8 billion of the order backlog relates to stable business.
As shown in the following breakdown, the order backlog was EUR 122 million higher than at the end of 2024:
Financial Position
Valmet’s financial position remains solid, with the net debt to EBITDA ratio decreasing to 1.30 and gearing at 36%. The company’s comparable return on capital employed (ROCE) for the last twelve months was 13.0%, which is below the company’s target of at least 15%.
The detailed financial figures for Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024 show the company’s overall stable performance despite mixed segment results:
In conclusion, Valmet’s Q1 2025 results demonstrate the company’s resilience through its diversified business model, with strong performance in Services and Automation offsetting challenges in Process Technologies. The announced operating model renewal and upcoming strategy presentation at the Capital Markets Day on June 5 indicate that management is taking proactive steps to address efficiency concerns and position the company for future growth.
Full presentation:
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