STOCKHOLM, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sweco (NASDAQ: SWEC-B) reports a solid first quarter, with stable growth and continued margin improvement. Net sales grew 4 per cent and EBITA increased 10 per cent, adjusted for calendar effects. The EBITA margin increased to 11.2 per cent. Overall demand remained consistent with previous quarters, with good demand within energy, water, infrastructure, security and defence. Europe’s green transition continues to drive demand for Sweco’s services.

January–March 2025

Net sales increased to SEK 8,066 million (7,720)EBITA increased to SEK 900 million (793), margin 11.2 per cent (10.3)EBITA increased 10 per cent year-on-year after adjustment for the positive calendar effect in the quarterEBIT increased to SEK 891 million (778), margin 11.0 per cent (10.1)Net debt/EBITDA decreased to 0.5x (1.1)Net debt decreased to SEK 1,607 million (3,118)Profit for the period increased to SEK 644 million (558) Earnings per share increased to SEK 1.79 (1.55) and diluted earnings per share increased to SEK 1.78 (1.55)

Comments from President and CEO Åsa Bergman:

“A solid start to the year”
Sweco reports a solid first quarter, with stable growth and continued margin improvement. Net sales grew 4 per cent and EBITA increased 10 per cent, adjusted for calendar effects. The EBITA margin increased to 11.2 per cent.

We have sustained our positive operational trend with continued price increases, a higher billing ratio and cost control measures. 

With some variation between geographies, the overall demand remained consistent with previous quarters, with good demand within energy, water, infrastructure, security and defence. However, demand remained weaker in parts of the buildings and industry segments. We noted a healthy order inflow and an order backlog growing in line with sales.

Financial performance
Net sales increased to SEK 8,066 million (7,720) and EBITA increased to SEK 900 million (793), corresponding to an EBITA margin of 11.2 per cent. Adjusted for the positive calendar effect of SEK 27 million in the quarter, EBITA increased 10 per cent. The organic growth rate was 4 per cent. The EBITA improvement was mainly driven by higher average fees and a higher billing ratio, while a negative effect arose from higher personnel expenses. 

Six out of eight business areas reported an improved EBITA adjusted for calendar effects. Sweco Denmark and Belgium continued to perform well with solid growth and strong margins. The Netherlands delivered the greatest improvement, driven by higher average fees. Sweden, Finland and Norway reported stable quarters in a mixed market and are introducing additional efficiency improvement measures. Sweco UK continues to improve its performance, while Germany & Central Europe performed in line with last year.

New projects and acquisitions 
The green transition of European industries and energy systems continues to drive demand for Sweco’s services. In the quarter, Sweco won a SEK 580 million five-year contract to support the expansion of the electricity grid in Eastern Denmark as part of the country’s climate agenda. We were also commissioned by Swedish metals and mining company Boliden, to undertake a project to replace one of its oil-fired boilers with two electric steam boilers, thereby supporting the company’s efforts to transition to fossil-free copper production.

We are experiencing continued good demand in transportation services, driven by investments in infrastructure and sustainable transport. In the Baltics, Sweco will be part of a project alliance to design and construct the first phase of a high-speed rail link connecting the Baltic States with the rest of Europe. 

We are also proud to have been chosen as the project manager for the new Oslo Spektrum Arena in Norway. This project aims to establish Oslo as the leading event capital in the Nordics. The expansion of the existing arena will include a new convention centre, cultural stage, city hall, and over 1,000 office spaces. 

Acquisitions are a key growth driver for Sweco, and we aim to increase the pace of acquisitions throughout the year. As previously communicated, we made one acquisition in the first quarter, Finnish Sipti Consulting with some 50 experts. This will strengthen Sweco’s position in geotechnical and environmental services. 

Priorities going forward
We continue to execute on the priorities communicated over the past quarters, delivering solid growth and improved profitability. The stable performance and the results from the first quarter prove the strength of Sweco’s well-diversified business and operating model. In light of the recent global political turbulence, these strengths enables us to maintain close relationships with our clients and be ready to act on opportunities and mitigate challenges. The underlying trends supporting Sweco’s business remain strong, and we are well-positioned in emerging growth areas as European countries are investing in a safer, greener and more competitive future.”

Information meeting
A web cast and telephone conference will be held following the release of the results, starting at 09:00 CET.  Åsa Bergman, President and CEO, and Olof Stålnacke, CFO will comment on the report.

Webcast registration: Click here Conference call registration: Click here

Slides used in the presentation and the report will be available at the Group’s web site. 

Press photo
Åsa Bergman, President and CEO of Sweco, free use. Please credit photographer: Tobias Regell.

This disclosure contains information that SWECO is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation (EU nr 596/2014). The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person, on 29-04-2025 07:20 CET.

For additional information, please contact:
Anna E Olsson, Head of Press, Sweco Group, +4670 557 33 26, anna.e.olsson@sweco.se 

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/sweco/r/interim-report-january—march-2025-sweco-ab–publ-,c4142114

The following files are available for download:

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/interim-report-january–march-2025-sweco-ab-publ-302440711.html

STOCKHOLM, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — 

January-March 2025:

Agreement signed to divest the FoodTech Equipment offering for MEUR 97.5, closing expected in second quarter 2025. The comments and figures in this report refer to continuing operations unless otherwise stated. For more information see pages 16-17.

Order intake increased +27% (+8% organic) with strong growth in DCT (Data Center Technologies) and FoodTech offset by a decline in AirTech.Net sales grew +18% (+5% organic), driven by robust growth in DCT and FoodTech, while AirTech declined.The adjusted EBITA margin declined, primarily due to lower volumes in AirTech in Americas and temporary dual-site costs. This was partly offset by a strong margin contribution from DCT.Cash flow from operating activities remained stable, supported by positive development of working capital. OWC/net sales improved to 10.2%, within our target range of 13-10%.Leverage increased to 3.1x, mainly due to increased lease liabilities and acquisition of the remaining shares in MTech Systems. Adjusted for the proceeds from the divestment of the Equipment offering, expected to be received in the second quarter this year, leverage was 2.6x.Earnings per share, before and after dilution, was SEK 1.05 (1.22) in the first quarter.The Board of Directors proposes a dividend of SEK 1.60 (1.30) per share to be paid in two equal installments. This represents 30 (30) per cent of the net income for 2024.

Events after the close of the period

Climate targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

CEO comments

Strong performance in a volatile environment
The year has started off with good overall performance in order intake, net sales and profitability, supported by solid execution across our business. This was largely driven by continued robust net sales and earnings development in our two business areas DCT and FoodTech. As expected, order intake declined in business area AirTech where we initiated measures last year to improve margins. We remain positive about the long-term structural trends driving growth for Munters, such as increased data traffic, the electrification of society, and the global need for more sustainable food production. We are closely monitoring the increasingly uncertain macro environment and global discussions around trade tariffs. Our conclusion about trade tariffs is that our well-established strategy of regional production can provide us with competitive advantages and resilience.

DCT and FoodTech – two robust pillars
DCT recorded one of its highest-ever first-quarter order intake, driven by small and mid-sized orders. The pipeline remains healthy, supported by steady demand across a broad range of customer segments in the data center market. The strong performance in DCT is driven by our broad and competitive product portfolio which enables us to meet a wide range of customer needs.

Within FoodTech, we announced the sale of the Equipment business during the quarter, which is expected to close in the second quarter. The divestment marks a strategic shift in our focus towards a digital offering centered around software and control systems. In line with our strategic focus, we also announced the acquisition of the remaining shares in MTech Systems, following the completion of the previously communicated transaction with minority shareholders. The continuing business in FoodTech experienced high demand and several new customer agreements were signed, further strengthening our market position.

AirTech progressing in line with expectations
As anticipated, AirTech had a softer start to the year, due to continued weakness in the battery market weighing on utilization and profitability. Margin improvement remains a priority, and our actions taken in late 2024 are expected to support a gradual improvement during the year. Short-term, profitability is also negatively impacted by the temporary situation with dual site operations in Amesbury in the US. We expect this situation to ease as the transition to our new, more efficient facility progresses in the second quarter. We expect the battery market to remain weak throughout 2025, although we see increased activity in some areas. Over the long term, we remain confident in the potential of this segment and we are now better positioned to scale efficiently as the market recovers.

We are intensifying efforts within AirTech to grow our services and component business. We are also strengthening our focus on key customer segments such as the food industry. We continue to invest selectively, including the recently announced expansion and optimization of our Tobo factory in Sweden. This includes regionalizing the production of the humidification medium GLASdek, a component previously only manufactured in Mexico.

Regional production – a continued strategic advantage
Today, with extensive global discussions about trade tariffs, regional production is becoming increasingly important. At Munters, this has long been a strategic cornerstone. Approximately 90 percent of sales in our largest regions are produced within the same region, thereby supporting customer proximity, reduced lead times and greater resilience.

We continue to focus on execution and operational efficiency across the Group while closely monitoring the development of the global business environment. With the strong momentum in DCT and FoodTech, along with margin enhancing actions underway in AirTech, we are well positioned for the year ahead.

I would like to thank all Munters employees for their continued commitment and contribution. Together, we are well prepared to capture future opportunities and deliver on our targets.

Klas Forsström, President & CEO

Information about the webcast and telephone conference

Welcome to join a webcast or telephone conference today, April 29, at 9:00 CEST, when CEO Klas Forsström together with CFO, Katharina Fischer, will present the report.

Webcast: https://munters.events.inderes.com/q1-report-2025

Telephone conference: If you wish to participate via teleconference please register on the link below. After registration you will be provided phone numbers and a conference ID to access the conference. You can ask questions verbally via the teleconference. https://conference.inderes.com/teleconference/?id=50052346

This interim report, presentation material and a link to the webcast will be available on https://www.munters.com/en-se/investors/

For more information:

Investors and analysts
Line Dovärn, Head of Investor Relations
E-mail: line.dovarn@munters.com, Phone: +46 (0)730 488 444

Media
Daniel Frykholm, VP External Relations & Internal Communications
E-mail: daniel.frykholm@munters.com, Phone: +46 (0)702 067 786

This information is information that Munters Group AB is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact persons set out above, at 07.30 AM CEST on April 29, 2025.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/munters-group-ab/r/strong-order-intake-and-top-line-growth,c4142129

The following files are available for download:

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/munters-group-ab-strong-order-intake-and-top-line-growth-302440733.html

SOURCE Munters Group AB

DUBAI, UAE , April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Venture Design is a relatively new practice that empowers agile development of new businesses, concepts, and innovations. It helps organisations envision new ventures, strategically position themselves, and conceptualise new products and differentiated brands. It helps founders design products & services around consumer insights and develop desirability to win markets. As operating partners, venture studios like NYUCT Design Labs help businesses be more entrepreneurial and agile.

One of the Co-Founder at NYUCT Design Labs, Manojeet Bhujabal puts it in perspective, “Businesses grow by innovation and with new ventures, products, and services. The desire to conceptualise and build the new, needs a coalition of skills, not to mention dedicated teams that are passionate and experienced in creating and designing new ventures. With a community of multidisciplinary designers, makers, and technology architects, clients can launch new ventures – better, cheaper, and faster. This helps organisations and founders, access open-source innovation.” 

As a unique Venture Design Studio and Innovation Platform, NYUCT Design Labs has been engaged in transforming exponential ideas into launch ready ventures for both corporate companies and visionary founders. From the world’s first 100% Himalayan Distillery (Himmaleh) to a forest-first, Safari Reserve bio-lodge in Kanha (Outpost 12, Sinali), and from a social micro-enterprise (Dongaon Local Ghee) to a social healthcare platform for a doctor in Germany (QUOMI), this venture design studio works across sectors. Its design platform and community of makers enable venture development and hands on incubation from concept to market.  

As per a 2024 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) report, entrepreneurial activity is on the rise globally. There were approximately 359 million companies worldwide in 2023, a significant increase over 2020. 58% of individuals were interested in starting their own business in 2024 (Amway Global Research). This needs entrepreneurial design partners. The global Design Market size is projected to reach USD 89.25 Billion by 2033. It is growing steadily as there is rising demand for creative and innovative solutions in all industries. This needs full stack design, development and maker communities. As India’s first business design collective and speculative design lab, NYUCT Design Labs is building out a model where nothing essential remains out of syllabus for new venture development and innovation for clients. Across scale and sector.

How Venture Design helps businesses & founders

Venture Design & Development Services including incubation servicesDesign and technology for growing market-fitSpeculative and Concept DesignProduct & Brand DevelopmentExperience & Service DesignInnovation Sprints & Hackathons

Need help with starting up a dream venture or creating a new market?, visit www.nyuct.com or write in to wakeup@nyuct.com

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40joEI5ZT1I
Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2674679/Venture_design.jpg
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2674677/NYUCT_Design_Labs_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/unique-venture-studios-and-maker-communities-shaping-innovation–entrepreneurship-development-302440603.html