23.07.2025

Encouraging start for Hiab

Loader crane and mobile material handling manufacturer Hiab, has reported signs of a positive pick up during the first half, in spite of lower sales.

First Half
Total revenues:
Revenues for the six months to the end of June slipped four percent to €814 million, following an eight percent fall for the same period last year, both coming on the back of a record first half in 2023. Machines Vs Services 71% of sales was made up of new equipment, while services – which includes used equipment and refurbishments- grew two percent to 29%.

Order intake
Order intake for the six months increased three percent to €755 million, leaving the order book/backlog at €556 million, down 14 percent on this time last year, following s 15 percent drop this time last year.

Pre-Tax profit was very very marginally higher at €123.1 million thanks, says the company to ongoing work on the supply chain.

Second quarter

Second quarter revenues declined seven percent to €402 million, divided the 71% new machines and 29% services – the same as the YTD ratio. Order intake jumped eight percent to €377 million. With a Pre-Tax profit of €59 million down 6 percent on the same quarter last year.

Chief executive Scott Phillips said: “The second quarter of 2025, the first one as standalone Hiab, demonstrated our resilience, with orders received holding steady for the eleventh consecutive quarter. Despite a decline in sales, we successfully maintained our excellent profitability, resulting in a strong performance in the first half of 2025, a testament to our effective commercial and supply chain actions. Supported by the good profitability and net working capital management, our financial position remained solid ahead of the expected closing of the sale of MacGregor at the end of July.”

“Looking ahead, we have specified our full ,year outlook on the back of our strong performance and increased visibility for the second half of the year. However, we still see continued elevated market uncertainty resulting from increased trade tensions for the second half of the year. Our performance is also on track to achieve our long term financial targets.“

Vertikal Comment

This looks like a good start for Hiab, in terms of order intake and profits which, one assumes, will translate into revenue growth as the year progresses. The push to increase the percentage of its non-machine sales, looks to be progressing well and should serve it well during economic downturns, while a greater focus on the support ought to have a positive impact on new equipment sales and create a ‘virtuous cycle’ going forward.

All in all, an encouraging and positive start.