Husqvarna Ab - HSQVY STOCK NEWS

Husqvarna Group reports challenging market conditions in Q4 2024, particularly in North America, with intensified promotional activities and unfavorable product mix impacting performance. The company expects organic sales to decline by 5% compared to the previous year, with an estimated operating loss between SEK 700-800 million (excluding items affecting comparability). Retail partners and servicing dealers are reducing inventory levels, leading to reduced production volumes and lower capacity utilization. CEO Pavel Hajman expressed disappointment in the continued negative development while noting ongoing cost-saving initiatives and preparation for the 2025 gardening season.

The Nomination Committee of Husqvarna AB has announced its intention to propose Torbjörn Lööf as the new Chair of the Board at the 2025 Annual General Meeting. This follows current Chair Tom Johnstone's decision to decline re-election after serving since 2015. Lööf, who has been a Board member since 2023 and currently serves as Deputy Chair, brings extensive industry experience, including his role as former CEO of Inter IKEA Holding. He currently chairs Electrolux Group's Board and serves on several other corporate boards. The transition is planned for the next Annual General Meeting on April 29, 2025.

Husqvarna Group has been named a Diversity Leader by Financial Times and Statista for the fourth consecutive year. In the 2025 ranking, the company placed 141st among 850 European companies and ranked seventh among Swedish companies. The assessment combines employee surveys (70% of final score) with objective indicators including women in management positions, diversity communications, and diversity performance scores (30%).

The ranking is based on feedback from over 100,000 European employees and objective metrics. Executive VP Leigh Dagberg emphasized the company's commitment to fostering an inclusive environment and driving innovation through diversity initiatives.

Husqvarna Group's Urban Green Space Report 2024 reveals a concerning decline in urban green spaces worldwide. Analysis of 344 cities across 62 countries shows that 75% of cities experienced reduced green spaces, with a total loss of 158 million m² primarily due to construction and urban expansion. While 95 million m² of new green space was added, the net loss stands at 63 million m². Europe remains the greenest region with 47% coverage, while South & West Asia averages 25%. Despite the overall decline, 87 cities managed to increase their green spaces, with Santiago adding 9.8 million m² of green areas.

Husqvarna Group reported mixed Q3 2024 results with net sales decreasing 7% to SEK 9,739m. Operating income fell to SEK 52m from SEK 398m, with margin dropping to 0.5%. While showing growth in strategic areas like robotics and battery-powered products, organic sales declined 4% amid challenging market conditions. The company announced additional cost reduction measures targeting SEK 500m in savings and 400 position reductions. Cash flow performance was strong, with direct operating cash flow reaching SEK 4,020m. The company plans to launch 13 new robotic mower models for the 2025 gardening season.

Husqvarna Group has unveiled four new robotic lawnmowers for professional green space management, expanding its boundary wire-free offering. The new models - 580L EPOS, 580 EPOS, 560 EPOS, and an updated 535 AWD EPOS - feature precision GPS navigation, boundary wire-free mowing, and selectable cutting patterns. These models are designed for sports fields, golf courses, and facility maintenance, offering capacities ranging from 6,000 m² to 16,000 m².

The 560 and 580 models will gain additional functionalities like solar panel compatibility and AI-driven features by 2026. Available globally from March 2025, these new models aim to revolutionize professional turf care, saving time, reducing emissions, and cutting costs. Husqvarna Group plans to launch a total of ten new boundary wire-free robotic lawnmowers for professional and residential customers in 2025.

Husqvarna Group has been recognized by TIME and Statista as one of the world's most sustainable companies in 2024, ranking 183rd among the top 500. This accolade follows an evaluation of 5,000 leading companies, focusing on emissions, energy consumption, and renewable energy usage. Husqvarna Group has achieved significant milestones, reducing emissions by 51% since 2015 while growing its business by 47%. The company has shifted from petrol to battery-powered products, with 43% electrified as of 2023, aiming for two-thirds by 2026. This recognition underscores Husqvarna's dedication to sustainability and innovation in combating climate change.

Husqvarna, a leading name in robotic lawnmowing, has entered a multi-year global partnership with Liverpool Football Club, making it the official groundskeeping partner. This collaboration, a first for both entities, aims to integrate Husqvarna’s innovative equipment into Liverpool FC's groundskeeping routine, ensuring optimal pitch conditions. Liverpool FC will leverage its vast global following and digital presence to enhance Husqvarna’s brand visibility. The partnership underscores shared values of innovation and sustainability, promising to bring unique experiences to fans and customers worldwide. This is expected to enhance Husqvarna's market visibility significantly.

Husqvarna Group's first quarter 2024 saw a 14% decrease in net sales, impacted by planned exits of low-margin petrol-powered business and a 11% decline in organic sales. The Gardena Division achieved 2% organic growth, while operating income decreased to SEK 1,930m. The acquisition of ETwater expanded the commercial irrigation offering in North America. Despite challenges, the Group remains focused on strategic growth in segments like robotic mowers and battery-powered products, emphasizing sustainability and innovation.