BofA warns Fed risks policy mistake with early rate cuts
Investing.com -- Bureau Veritas SA (EPA:BVI) reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 1.38 euros for 2024, an 8.7% increase from 1.27 euros in the prior year.
The company achieved an adjusted operating margin of 16%, reflecting an 11-basis-point improvement.
Full-year revenue reached 6,24 billion euros, up 6.4% from 2023, with organic growth of 10.2%, including a 9.6% rise in the fourth quarter. The 10.2% increase was broadly in line with consensus estimates of 10%.
The firm’s shares fell more than 4% in European trading Tuesday following the report.
Adjusted operating profit rose 7.1% to 996.2 million euros in 2024, compared to 930.2 million euros a year earlier, maintaining a 16% adjusted operating margin, matching the consensus estimate.
“2024 was an excellent year with the launch of our LEAP | 28 strategy in Q1-2024 and the delivery of record results on most fronts,” said Hinda Gharbi, CEO of Bureau Veritas.
“Looking ahead, our focus remains on executing our growth and margin accretion plans and further accelerating our M&A program. Building on this strong momentum, we start 2025 with confidence that Bureau Veritas is well positioned for continued progress and for superior value creation.”
The company’s Board of Directors plans to propose a 0.90 euros per share dividend at the June 19 AGM, representing an 8.4% increase and a payout ratio of 65% of adjusted net income. If approved, the dividend will be distributed in cash on July 3.
The testing, inspection and certification company announced no share buyback or additional cash return, which may be the driver of a negative share price reaction given some expectations from investors.
For 2025, Bureau Veritas expects "mid-to-high single-digit," organic sales growth, a stronger adjusted operating margin at constant exchange rates, and "strong cash flow, with a cash conversion above 90%."
“Overall, a solid print with ongoing good growth and margin momentum,” Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) analysts commented in a post-earnings note.
“With the shares having had a decent run into numbers, however, and no expected upgrades to consensus at this stage, we expect them to perform in line today.”