Valmet’s stock soared to €28.42 on Friday, marking its highest intraday price since late February. The surge followed impressive second-quarter results that outpaced market expectations.
Between April and June, net sales grew 6% to €1.32 billion, beating the top analyst forecast of €1.27 billion. Comparable EBITA climbed 6% to €152 million, exceeding the consensus of €140 million and the highest individual estimate of €150 million.
The EBITA margin stayed firm at 11.5%, matching last year’s level and outperforming the average forecast of 11.3%. Valmet attributed the gains to increased sales and savings from operational changes.
Orders received dropped 10% year-on-year to €1.37 billion, mainly affected by lower capital projects in the Biomaterial Solutions and Services segment. Still, this was above the consensus estimate of €1.28 billion and showed improvement from the prior quarter.
Earnings per share were €0.40, slightly below the €0.42 consensus but within expected ranges. Adjusted EPS outperformed predictions at €0.47 versus a €0.45 consensus. Period profits hit €75 million, just below the €76.5 million forecast but within guidance.
The standout update involved Valmet’s decision to start a strategic review considering a split into two separate entities: Biomaterial Solutions and Services, and Process Performance Solutions, each potentially listing independently on Nasdaq Helsinki.
Chairman Pekka Vauramo emphasized that any separation will only proceed if it clearly benefits shareholders, with no deal guaranteed. An update is expected with full-year 2026 results.
Valmet kept its 2026 targets intact, aiming for stable net sales around €5.2 billion and Comparable EBITA at or above €620 million.
