Voestalpine’s Strategic Divestment and Upcoming Financial Report

Voestalpine AT0000937503

The Austrian steel and technology group Voestalpine is advancing its portfolio restructuring with another divestment, while the market anticipates its upcoming quarterly earnings release. The company confirmed the sale of its subsidiary BÖHLER Profil to U.S. industrial conglomerate Kadant on January 29. Investors are now looking ahead to the publication of results for the third quarter of the 2025/26 fiscal year, scheduled for February 11.

All eyes are on February 11, when Voestalpine will disclose its performance for the quarter spanning October to December 2025. These figures will provide a critical update on the company's progress toward its full-year targets. This report follows a first half characterized by a mixed operational performance.

For the six-month period ending September 2025 (H1 2025/26), group revenue declined to €7.6 billion from €8.0 billion in the prior-year period. However, earnings showed resilience. EBITDA saw a modest improvement to €722 million (from €718 million), and EBIT increased to €345 million (from €338 million). A significant positive was the strengthening of the balance sheet, with net financial debt reduced substantially to €1.5 billion from €2.0 billion. Consequently, the gearing ratio improved to 19.5%, down from 27.5%.

Latest Asset Sale: BÖHLER Profil

The sale of BÖHLER Profil represents a continuation of Voestalpine's strategic reorganization. The subsidiary, a manufacturer of specialty profiles for industrial applications and industrial knives based in Bruckbach, Lower Austria, reported revenue of €51.5 million for the 2024/25 financial year. The transaction, which includes the transfer of its approximately 150 employees to the new owner, is expected to be finalized within the current 2025/26 fiscal year pending regulatory approval from Austrian authorities.

This move follows closely on the heels of another completed divestiture: the sale of Buderus Edelstahl at the end of January 2025. The company's restructuring efforts are particularly focused on its German automotive components sites and the High Performance Metals Division.

Segment Performance and Outlook

A review of divisional results reveals a divergent picture across Voestalpine's business units. Positive contributions came from the railway infrastructure, aerospace, and storage technology segments. In contrast, construction, mechanical engineering, and consumer goods sectors remained at subdued levels. The automotive industry presented a split dynamic: demand for steel products remained stable, while the components business experienced continued weakness.

Despite these challenges and the anticipated negative impact of U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, Voestalpine's management has reaffirmed its annual forecast. The company expects full-year EBITDA to land between €1.4 billion and €1.55 billion. In a parallel development, the group's headcount decreased by 4.1% year-over-year to approximately 49,600 full-time equivalents.

The upcoming quarterly report will be a key indicator of whether the company's strategic and operational measures are sufficient to keep it on track to meet this guidance.