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Investing.com -- Shares of Sweco AB (ST:SWECa) fell more than 5% Tuesday after the Swedish engineering consultancy reported first-quarter results that missed analyst expectations on key metrics.
The company posted net sales of 8.07 billion Swedish kronor in the first quarter of fiscal 2025, up 4% from a year earlier.
On an organic basis, adjusted for calendar effects, sales also rose 4%. Still, revenue came in 1% below the consensus estimate compiled by Modular Finance.
EBITA rose 14% year over year to 900 million kronor, corresponding to a margin of 11.2%, up from 10.3% in the same period last year.
Despite the improvement in profitability, the result was 5% below consensus, leading to pressure on the stock.
Performance was uneven across Sweco’s operating regions. Norway led with a 69% year-on-year increase in EBITA and a margin of 12.4%, supported by 7% sales growth.
Denmark followed with EBITA up nearly 22% and a margin of 16%. The Netherlands saw EBITA grow 35% with a 10.7% margin. In the U.K., EBITA jumped more than 270%, though margins remained modest at 6.6%.
By contrast, Sweden reported an 8% decline in EBITA and a narrower margin of 11.3%. Finland’s EBITA fell nearly 10% to a margin of 9%. Germany and Central Europe also saw a slight EBITA decline, with margin slipping to 7.3%.
The company cited continued strength in segments such as energy, water, infrastructure, security and defense, though this was partially offset by softer demand in certain parts of its buildings and industry business.
The billing ratio, a key measure of workforce utilization, rose to 73.6% from 72.7% in the year-earlier quarter, suggesting improved efficiency.
Jefferies analysts said the results were weaker than expected and reiterated a “hold” rating, noting that while operational improvements are evident, the stock’s valuation remains a concern.