Revenue and Volume Recovery
Sales improved by around 6% quarter-on-quarter and melting production grew 22% quarter-on-quarter, demonstrating a clear recovery in activity despite macro uncertainty.
Adjusted EBITDA and Margins
Adjusted EBITDA reached EUR 119 million (adjusted margin 9%), representing an 18% increase versus the fourth quarter. Stainless division adjusted EBITDA was EUR 97 million and returned to double-digit margin levels.
Positive Operating Cash Flow and Working Capital Control
Operating cash flow was positive at EUR 34 million in Q1. Working capital build was limited to EUR 47 million despite a 22% increase in volumes, reflecting strict working capital discipline and a multi-year program that released ~EUR 400 million last year.
Strong Order Books and Aerospace Momentum
Haynes (HPA/aerospace) saw its best order book entries ever in April and significant order-book increases in March, with lead times in industrial gas turbines lengthening from ~26 weeks to ~60 weeks — a positive indicator for future revenue and margins.
Strategic Investments and Capacity Expansion
Q1 CapEx was EUR 73 million. North American Stainless expansion program of EUR 249 million is underway to increase cold-rolled capacity by ~20% in North America. Group continues to invest in Haynes (aerospace) and VDM (HPA) to diversify and capture higher-margin markets.
Import Reduction and Market Protections Supporting Recovery
Imports into the U.S. fell ~33% and now represent ~21% of the U.S. market; European imports currently ~14% of the market (close to EU targets). CBAM and upcoming EU measures (quotas/duties rising to 50% from July) are cited as supportive for local pricing and volumes.
Diversification Benefits
Business diversification between regions (North America, Europe, South Africa) and product lines (stainless and high-performance alloys) helped mitigate supply-chain disruptions and contributed to resilience — no supply-chain breaks reported after Iran conflict onset.
Operational Recoveries and Efficiency Savings
Pickling line fire in Europe was repaired (restarted in April) and Beyond Excellence program savings were increased to EUR 120 million for the 2025-26 period, supporting margins and cash generation.