Veolia Environnement: Very Good Q1 Performance with Solid Growth and Significant EBITDA Progression, in Line with Annual Guidance
- Solid growth continues, driven by the demand for essential services and environmental security
- Sustained EBITDA progression of +5.1%(1), in line with annual guidance, and current EBIT(2) up +7.2%(1)
-
Unique positioning as a worldwide innovative and multilocal player, and a business model combining resilience and growth, leading to limited
Middle-East war impact -
Continued Group profile transformation towards international and innovative services, fueling growth and efficiency beyond GreenUp - 2026 guidance and GreenUp plan trajectory fully confirmed
Key figures:
|
In €M |
Q1 2025 |
Q1 2026 |
Variation at constant scope and forex |
|
Revenue |
11,507 |
11,427 |
+1.0% +2.1% excluding energy prices |
|
EBITDA |
1,695 |
1,766 |
+5.1% |
|
EBITDA margin |
14.7% |
15.5% |
+73bps (current) |
|
Current EBIT (2) |
915 |
971 |
+7.2% |
|
Net Financial Debt (2) |
18,855 |
20,797 |
|
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“Veolia's first quarter performance demonstrates the solidity of the Group's growth profile and confirms its excellent development outlook. We have built a model whose resilience is structurally anchored in our fundamentals. Focused on environmental security,
With organic revenue growth of +2.1%(1) excluding energy prices and a remarkable increase in our EBITDA of +5.1%(1), we are showing our ability to perform and to maintain our operational discipline with €96 million in efficiency gains in the first quarter.
We are determinedly continuing to transform the Group profile towards international markets and technologies. Thus, in the first quarter, we continued to develop innovative offerings with the acquisition in PFAS decontamination in
Innovation is at the heart of our strategy. We have announced an ambitious plan to accelerate our presence in the data center and microelectronics industries, aiming for more than
We confidently confirm our 2026 targets and the trajectory of our GreenUp plan. Together, we are building the environmental security of tomorrow.”
KEY Q1 2026 FACTS
Sustained Revenue growth of +2.1% (1) to €11,427M:
- Growth in Water (+2.0%(2)) and in Energy (+4.1%(1)). Stable Waste (-0.1%(2))
-
Good International growth (+3.1%(2) inAmericas ,Asia Pacific ,Africa Middle-East ) - Including the impact of lower energy prices, total Group Revenue is up by +1.0%(2)
Operational Performance in line with annual guidance: EBITDA of €1,766M, an organic growth of +5.1% (2) , in the target range of +5% to +6% (2) , and margin increase of +73bps, with:
- Growth and Performance (+5.1%) fueled by net pricing, productivity and efficiency gains with €96M gross efficiency gains in Q1, in line with annual target of above €350M
Current EBIT(3 ) up +7.2% (2) , to €971M.
Net financial debt( 3) under control at €20,797M, with significant net free cash-flow improvement fueled by strict management of Capex and Working capital requirements.
-
Imminent closing of Clean Earth acquisition in Hazardous Waste in the US, expected by
June 2026 , following antitrust clearance and Enviri’s shareholders approval - Disposal process ready for the €2bn+ plan to be delivered over 2 years post closing of Clean Earth transaction: several scenarios prepared
- Full integration of Water Technology following buyout of minority interests in 2025 well on-track, with €30M synergies already delivered out of €90M expected by 2027, demonstrating strong track-record
Innovation to fuel growth and efficiency ambitions beyond GreenUp:
-
Veolia announces an ambitious plan to accelerate its footprint in the data centers industry and microelectronics, targeting over €1 billion in annual revenue from these two markets by 2030. The company aims to leverage its proprietary technologies and global expertise to address the growing demand for integrated solutions in water management, local energy and hazardous waste treatment -
Veolia intends to fully leverage the potential of digital and AI-driven solutions to sustain its recurring efficiency plan of above €350M per year. The Group notably targets to double the share of digital and AI efficiency gains to 50% of operational efficiency by 2030, compared with 23% in 2025
NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTS
Global -
In addition, in the context of this new offer,
Global -
GUIDANCE FULLY CONFIRMED
Our 2026 targets are fully confirmed:
- Solid organic(4) revenue growth excl. energy prices
- Organic(4) EBITDA growth of +5% to +6%
- Current net income Group share(5) growth of minimum +8% at constant forex and excl. Clean Earth
-
Current
EPS Group share(5) to grow in line with current net income Group share(5) (thanks to share buyback plan to compensate the impact of the employee shareholding program) -
Dividend growth in line with current
EPS Group share growth(5) - Leverage ratio equal or below 3x excluding Clean Earth (equal or slightly above 3x with Clean Earth)
In addition,
- Assuming Clean Earth acquisition closing mid 2026, the transaction will be accretive to current net income from 2027 (before PPA) and synergies will start in 2027
- The €2bn+ disposal program will be delivered in the two-years post closing of Clean Earth acquisition
GreenUp trajectory is fully confirmed.
DETAILED RESULTS AT
Sustained Revenue growth to €11,427M, up +1.0% on a like-for-like basis, and by +2.1% excluding the impact of energy prices.
EBITDA growth to €1,766M, i.e. +5.1% organic growth. Margin increase of +73bps.
▁▁▁
The organic growth of revenue by operating segments was as follows:
|
In €M |
Q1 2025 |
Q1 2026 |
Variation at constant scope and forex |
|
Water Technologies |
1,156 |
1,061 |
-2.2%/+4.3% excluding projects |
|
|
2,845 |
2,799 |
+3.1% |
|
|
5,351 |
5,407 |
+0.8%/+3.0% excluding energy prices |
|
|
2,153 |
2,160 |
+0.6% |
|
TOTAL (6) |
11,507 |
11,427 |
+1.0%/+2.1% excluding energy prices |
The Water Technologies activity reported revenue of
In the
-
In
North America , revenue reached707 million euros , up +4.7% on a like-for-like basis, thanks to price increases in Regulated Water, Municipal Water and Hazardous Waste. The Hazardous Waste activity also benefited from strong commercial momentum despite the intensity of the adverse weather conditions during the period. -
Latin America revenue stood at525 million euros in, up +7.6% on a like-for-like basis. This growth was driven by tariff indexations in Regulated Water inChile and by a good progression of Waste activity inBrazil ,Argentina andColombia . -
In
Asia , revenue amounted to618 million euros , down -1.6% on a like-for-like basis. This decrease was mainly due to the slowdown in Waste activity inHong-Kong . However this is partly compensated by several positive performances.Japan posted positive momentum in Municipal Water, with a good contract renewal rate.South-East Asia andIndia benefited from sustained volumes in plastic recycling and hazardous waste treatment. Finally,China revenue remained stable (+0.3% on a like-for-like basis), the strong growth in Waste activity offsetting volume decrease in Industrial Water. -
In the Pacific region, revenue amounted to
542 million euros , up +1.4% on a like-for-like basis, and up by +8.1% at constant forex with acquisitions such as Enviropacific inAustralia . The activity was driven by the very strong performance of Waste treatment and recovery operations (with significant volume growth in landfills and transfer stations) and the Water business (volumes and contract renewals). -
In
Africa Middle-East , revenue totaled407 million euros , up +4.4% on a like-for-like basis, in a complex geopolitical context. This increase is supported in particular by the strong performance inMorocco of +7.4% on a like-for-like basis, while in theMiddle-East , growth was +3.0% on a like-for-like basis.
Revenue in
-
In Central and
Eastern Europe , revenue stood at 3357 million euros , up +0.4% and up +3.1% excluding the effect of energy prices (on a like-for-like basis). This performance was mainly driven by a very favorable climate effect in Energy, particularly inPoland , which enabled to offset the decrease in energy prices. Growth was also supported by the strong momentum in the Water business, which benefited from significant tariff indexations (notably inRomania , theCzech Republic , andBulgaria ), allowing to offset a downturn in activity inGermany , particularly in Solid Waste. -
In Northern
Europe , revenue of1,052 million euros rose by +2.5% on a like-for-like basis. In theUnited Kingdom , revenue increased by +3.8% at constant scope and forex, thanks to the price increase and commercial gains, particularly in Waste treatment activities. -
In Iberia, revenue stood at
711 million euros , up +3.2% on a like-for-like basis. Growth was driven by the strong performance of the Water, which benefited from a favorable revision of tariffs inSpain . The increase in volumes and works in the Energy business offset the decline in energy prices. -
Italy generated revenue of286 million euros , down -5.5% on a like-for-like basis, notably following a decrease in energy prices.
Revenue in
-
Water revenue of
723 million euros was up +0.3% on a like-for-like basis, thanks to higher volumes (+1.1%). -
Waste revenue stood at
698 million euros . The decrease of -1.1% on a like-for-like basis is mainly due to lower landfill volumes, commercial selectivity, decrease in electricity revenue, partially offset by favorable price effect. -
Hazardous Waste Europe revenue reached
587 million euros , down -0.4% on a like-for-like basis. This decrease was mainly due to bad weather at the beginning of 2026 and exceptional technical shutdowns.
▁▁▁
The organic growth of revenue by business (7) was as follows:
|
In €M |
Q1 2025 |
Q1 2026 |
Variation at constant scope and forex |
|
Water |
4,155 |
4,070 |
+2.0% |
|
Municipal Water |
2,999 |
3,010 |
+3.6% |
|
Water Technologies |
1,156 |
1,061 |
-2.2%/+4.3% excl. projects |
|
Waste |
3,811 |
3,764 |
-0.1% |
|
Solid Waste |
2,791 |
2,729 |
-0.8% |
|
Hazardous Waste |
1,019 |
1,035 |
+1.7%/+6.0% incl. tuck-ins |
|
Energy |
3,541 |
3,592 |
+1.2%/+4.1% excluding energy prices |
|
District Heating and Cooling Networks |
2,617 |
2,657 |
+0.8%/+4.4% excluding energy prices |
|
Bioenergies, Flexibility and Energy Efficiency |
924 |
935 |
+2.2%/+3.4% excluding energy prices |
|
TOTAL |
11,507 |
11,427 |
+1.0%/+2.1% excluding energy prices |
Water activities recorded revenue growth of +2.0% on a like-for-like basis, driven by tariff increases of +1.8%, as well as improved volumes.
-
Revenue from stronghold Municipal Water rose by +3.6% on a like-for-like basis, with tariff increases in most geographies (particularly in
Spain , Central andEastern Europe ,North America andChile ). -
Revenue from the Water Technologies booster business was down -2.2% on a like-for-like basis. This activity was impacted by project slowdown, notably in the
Middle-East . Excluding Projects, the activity was thus up +4.3% on a like-for-like basis.
Revenue from Waste activityremained stable (-0.1 % on a like-for-like basis), thanks to favorable tariff revisions (+1.9%) offsetting decrease in paper and plastic prices (-0.6%), Commerce/Volume/Works effect (-0.8%) and negative impact from adverse weather.
- Revenue from the stronghold Solid Waste was slightly down -0.8% on a like-for-like basis. This resulted from a combination of an unfavorable external context (bad weather and decrease in the prices of recyclable materials and energy) and commercial selectivity.
-
Revenue from the Hazardous Waste booster rose by +1.7% on a like-for-like basis and by +6.0% including tuck-ins. This growth was mainly explained by the strong performance of chemical waste treatment and incineration activities, as well as positive tariff adjustments that offset the negative impact of adverse weather conditions in
the United States andEurope .
Energy revenue was up +1.2% on a like-for-like basis and +4.1% excluding the impact of energy prices. The favorable climate impact of +2.4% and the commerce/volume effect of +1.3% enabled to largely offset the unfavourable energy price effect of -2.9%.
-
Revenue from the stronghold District Heating and Cooling Networks, mainly located in Central and
Eastern Europe , rose by +4.4% on a like-for-like basis after neutralizing the impact of energy prices. This growth was driven by favorable weather conditions combined with good volumes, offsetting the negative impact of energy prices. -
Revenue of the Bioenergies, Flexibility and Energy Efficiency booster grew by +3.4% on a like-for-like basis, excluding the impact of energy prices. This development was mainly due to the strong performance in
Northern Europe , which offset the decline in volumes and prices inItaly .
▁▁▁
Revenue growth by effect breaks down as follows:
-
The currency effect was -
269 million euros (-2.3%), reflecting the international dimension of the Group (c. 60% of non-euro revenue) and mainly corresponding to depreciation of US,UK , Argentinian, Japanese and Chinese currencies, partially offset by improvement in Czech and Hungarian currencies(8). It should be noted that these are translation impacts and not transaction impacts, with no impact on margins. -
The perimeter effect of
+69 million euros (+0.6%), with notably recent acquisitions in hazardous waste treatment in the US, inJapan , inBrazil and inAustralia . -
The commodity price effect (corresponding to changes in energy and recyclate prices) amounted to
-126 million euros (-1.1%), due to lower energy prices (-116 million euros ), mainly in Central andEastern Europe , as well as the negative effect of recyclate prices, mainly paper and plastic (-10 million euros ). -
The climate effect amounted to
+66 million euros (+0.6%), mainly in Energy in Central andEastern Europe linked to a colder winter at the beginning of the year compared to 2025, partially impacted by a negative effect of adverse weather on Waste. -
The Pricing and Commerce effect amounted to
+180 million euros (+1.6%), with a sustained growth in Water and Energy, partially offset by lower Waste volumes ; as well as favorable tariff indexations and price increases in Water and Waste activities.
▁▁▁
EBITDA growth by effect breaks down as follows:
-
The currency impact on EBITDA amounted to
-33 million euros (-2.0%). This mainly reflects the international dimension of the Group and corresponds to the depreciation of US, British, Chinese, Japanese, Chilean and Argentinian currencies, partially offset by improvement in Czech and Hungarian currencies(9). It should be noted that these are translation impacts and not transaction impacts, with no impact on margins. -
The perimeter impact of
+17 million euros (+1.0 %), with notably recent acquisitions in hazardous waste treatment in the US, inJapan , inBrazil and inAustralia . -
Changes in commodity prices (energy and recycled materials) had a net unfavorable impact on EBITDA of -
16 million euros (-0.9%), mainly due to lower energy prices (-18 million euros ). -
The climate impact was
+16 million euros (+1.0%), mainly in Energy in Central andEastern Europe , due to cold weather conditions untilmid-March 2026 , while the adverse weather negatively impacted Waste. -
Growth and Performance of
+87 million euros (+5.1%) thanks to Pricing, Productivity and Efficiency (net of gains shared with customers, contract renegotiations and timing effects on the passing on of costs) of62 million euros (+3.6%). Water Technologies synergies amounted to10 million euros at the end of Q1 2026. The Commerce/Volumes/Workscontribution was limited due to decrease in Waste volumes in Q1.
▁▁▁
Current EBIT (10) growth of +7.2% at €971M, at constant scope and forex
The increase in current EBIT(10) compared with
-
a strong growth in EBITDA (
+87 million euros at constant scope and forex); -
a rise in amortization(10), including the repayment of operating financial assets (
-18 millions euros on a like-for-like basis); - quasi-stable “provisions net of capital gains on disposals, and others” and "share of current net income of joint ventures and associates".
The currency effect on current EBIT(10) was negative by -
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AGENDA
Agenda
-
30 July 2026 : H1 2026 Results -
6 November 2026 : 9M 2026 Key Figures -
February 2027 : FY 2026 Results
▁▁▁
This press release presents the key figures for the first quarter of 2026. The operating and financial review, as approved by the Board of Directors, in its meeting held on
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ABOUT
▁▁▁
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
This document contains "non‐GAAP financial measures". These "non‐GAAP financial measures" might be defined differently from similar financial measures made public by other groups and should not replace GAAP financial measures prepared pursuant to IFRS standards.
| 1At constant scope and forex and excluding energy prices |
| 2At constant scope and forex |
| 3Before Suez PPA |
| 4At constant scope and forex |
| 5 Before PPA |
| 6Including Others |
| 7Restated to reflect changes in the business and improve compatibility across periods |
| 8Main currency impacts: US dollar (-123 million euros), British pound (-30 million euros), Argentinian peso (-23 million euros), Japanese yen (-21 million euros), Chinese yuan (-15 million euros), Czech koruna (+20 million euros) and Hungarian forint (+21 million euros) . |
| 9Main currency impacts: US dollar (-12 million euros), British pound (-5 million euros), Chinese yuan (-4 million euros), Japanese yen (-3 million euros), Chilean peso (-3 million euros), Argentinian peso (-3 million euros), Czech koruna (+6 million euros) and Hungarian forint (+2 million euros) |
| 10Before Suez PPA |
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260505897268/en/
MEDIA RELATION
Aurélien Sarrosquy
presse.groupe@veolia.com
INVESTORS RELATIONS
investor-relations@veolia.com
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