Investing.com -- Volvo (OTC:VLVLY) Group's (ST:VOLVb) stock climbed more than 5% after the company reported a 24% jump in net truck orders, which reached 61,200 vehicles, reversing the slowdown seen earlier in the year in the fourth quarter of 2024, signaling a sharp turnaround in demand.
This growth, fueled by strong demand in Eastern Europe and the U.S. vocational truck market, is a key indicator of future revenue recovery, boosting confidence in the company's outlook.
Despite the sales decline, Volvo maintained financial strength, generating record operating cash flow of SEK 24.3 billion in Industrial Operations.
The company ended the year with a strong net cash position of SEK 85.9 billion, supporting continued investment and shareholder returns.
Earnings per share declined to SEK 5.28 from SEK 5.93, reflecting lower adjusted operating income of SEK 14.0 billion, down from SEK 18.5 billion in Q4 2023.
However, the market overlooked this short-term dip in profitability, focusing instead on the stronger-than-expected demand for trucks.
To further enhance investor confidence, Volvo announced a dividend increase, proposing a total payout of SEK 18.50 per share. This highlights the company's strong cash generation and positive outlook.
“Trucks margins were weaker than we were expecting as through-cycle profitability in the sector quickly reverts to more normalised levels,” said analysts at RBC Capital Markets in a note.
“However, ASPs are holding up, order intake appears healthy and demand commentary from the company, as well as from peer PACCAR (NASDAQ:PCAR) yesterday, is moderately encouraging,” RBC added.
Going forward, Volvo expects continued demand recovery in its truck segment, particularly in North America and Eastern Europe, as fleet replacements and infrastructure investments drive purchases.
The company is also preparing for an anticipated increase in electric truck adoption, which remains a key pillar of its long-term strategy.
The joint venture with Daimler (OTC:MBGAF) Truck, aimed at developing a software-defined vehicle platform, is expected to strengthen Volvo’s position in digital vehicle solutions and create new revenue streams in the coming years.
Additionally, supply chain improvements in North America—a major pain point in 2024—should lead to smoother production and higher delivery volumes.
However, the company remains cautious about macroeconomic uncertainty, noting that higher interest rates and inflationary pressures could weigh on customer purchasing power in certain regions.