Vallourec: stable net income despite declining sales in Q3 2024

The French seamless steel tube specialist Vallourec released its financial results for Q3 2024, showing a net income of €73 million, a decline of 3.9% compared to the same period in 2023. The company reported revenue of €894 million, down 21.7%. This decrease is mainly due to lower delivery volumes and pricing in the U.S. market, as well as the closure of European sites.

The EBITDA margin remained strong at 19%, despite a 24.3% decline in absolute value, reaching €168 million. According to Philippe Guillemot, CEO of Vallourec, these figures highlight the company’s ability to sustain robust performance in a more challenging economic environment.

A strategic acquisition to strengthen positioning

As part of its premiumization strategy, Vallourec acquired the Brazilian company Thermotite do Brasil in September 2024 for $17.5 million. Specializing in thermal insulation for deepwater offshore projects, this acquisition is the company’s first external growth operation since 2016. This move underscores Vallourec’s intent to expand its technological expertise in high-value segments.

A pressured U.S. market

For the first nine months of the year, Vallourec recorded a cumulative net income of €289 million, a drop of 26.1% compared to 2023. The U.S. market, representing a significant share of the group’s activities, has been particularly affected by reduced volumes and pricing. This situation might evolve depending on a potential rise in tariffs during Donald Trump’s second presidency, a scenario Vallourec asserts it is well-positioned to handle strategically.

Outlook and return to dividends

Despite the challenging market environment, Vallourec plans to propose dividends at its May 2025 general meeting, marking a return awaited for ten years. This decision reflects the group’s overall financial recovery following an intensive restructuring phase from 2020 to 2023, including the closure of German plants and the elimination of 3,000 jobs.

The company continues its transformation efforts by focusing on diversification and premiumization to solidify its performance in a volatile economic environment.