Metso reports higher orders, expects stable outlook

Espoo, Finland — Metso Corp. has reported a 6% year-on-year increase in first-quarter orders with market activity set to “remain at the current level” over the next six months.

Orders received rose to €1.56 billion in the three months to end of March, with “customer activity… strongest in the ‘aggregates equipment’ and ‘minerals’ aftermarket businesses,” the company said 22 April.

Sales increased 3% year-on-year to €1.25 billion, while adjusted earnings (EBITA) reached €203 million, corresponding to a 16.2% margin.

“Operating profit” decline 2% year-over-year to €165 million, the Finnish machinery and service supplier to the mining, aggregates and metal refining industries.

“The year has started broadly in line with our expectations,” said president and CEO Sami Takaluoma, adding that the group has taken “targeted measures to manage supply chains and operational risks” amid geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East.

Within its ‘minerals’ segment, Metso highlighted stable customer demand and a “major equipment order for a greenfield copper mine in Peru,” while ‘aggregates’ saw “seasonally strong demand for new equipment” in North America and Europe.

The company also confirmed it will “invest in a new rubber products plant in China to expand our local supply of high-quality, reliable rubber and Poly-Met wear parts.” (ERJ report)

Looking ahead, Metso said it expects market conditions in both minerals and aggregates to remain unchanged.