Metso’s expectations

Finnish industrial machinery company Metso has predicted a drop in profitability for its minerals segment, according to the preliminary information published about its fourth quarter of 2017 results.

This has been attributed to a higher than estimated share of equipment sales compared to services sales, along with a weak margin in the services business.

However, overall sales in the fourth quarter of 2017 are expected to come in at €710 million, representing an increase of 5% compared to the fourth quarter of 2016.

Adjusted EBITA (earnings before interest, taxes and amortization) has been estimated at €64 million, corresponding to a margin of 9.1%. EBITA was the same in the equivalent quarter of the previous year, while the margin was 9.4%.

It has been estimated that orders received in the fourth quarter of 2017 will come in at €684 million – up on €672 million in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Metso will publish its fourth quarter and full-year 2017 results on 2 February.