FROM THE CEO
6
Caverion Annual Review 2020
Strong development in Services, Smart technology and digital
solutions
Caverion is transforming in a fast-changing market environment. Cities are responsible for over 70%
of global CO2 emissions. Industrial sites, transport, and buildings are amongst the largest
contributors. Our customers who own, run or use these urban facilities and sites feel the pressure –
they are facing immense challenges. They need a partner who can support them on their way to a
sustainable future, which means that their properties reduce emissions, fulfil governmental
regulations, are safe, user-friendly and attractive. All of this is based on how well they can utilise
modern smart technology and apply data analytics. They need to stay competitive. Their building
partner needs to be on top of developments, learning and adapting in order to be able to guide
them; there is no time for wrong attempts – they want a commitment, a partner who promises
outcomes and delivers them in high quality.
Caverion is ideally equipped to be that partner. We deliver this kind of sustainable building
performance no matter at what stage they are at in the lifecycle of their building or industry. We
commit to outcomes. We advise them on their journey. For our unique Caverion way of delivering
these promises, digitalisation is at the core: we install and connect technology that becomes the
digital backbone of any property, utilise the data gathered in the operational phase of a building to
maintain and to continuously improve its performance for it to remain a high-value asset.
Defence victory
Despite all the difficulties that came with coronavirus, we managed to close the year with what I call
a “defence victory”. The economic environment had an impact on our order backlog, revenue and
profitability. The order backlog at the end of December decreased by 3.7 percent compared to the
previous year. In the second half of the year, the impacts of corona were more visible in the Projects
order backlog. The Services business order backlog was less affected by corona during the year.
Adjusted EBITA for January–December amounted to EUR 60.6 (67.2) million, or 2.8 (3.2) percent of
revenue. In Services, although the demand environment remained rather stable towards the end of
the year, our ad hoc works were impacted by corona. In the Industry division, the last quarter saw a
positive impact from earlier postponed shutdown services. In Projects, the pandemic continued to
impact our productivity to a certain extent. Productivity was also lowered by restructuring costs
related to FIT actions we carried out in both Services and Projects. Our cash flow was again strong
as a result of our performance management program.
Resetting our setup for growth
The impacts of the pandemic have required us to continue to improve productivity in order to stay
competitive. Rather than purely cutting costs, we redesigned our operations in such a way that we
built a solid foundation for growth and we are more resilient to any upcoming economic impacts of
corona and other market fluctuations in general.
We made our organisation leaner, and we brought
everyone closer to customers. This also makes communication faster and easier. When growth
picks up, we are fit and well positioned to meet new customer demand.
During the year, we integrated the activities of the Maintpartner acquisition into our reshaped
Industry division. We also finalised the integration of the Huurre acquisition. I am pleased with
customer retention in both cases – within the boundaries set by competition authorities.
Committed people in a safe work environment
We continued our long-term work to ensure a safe work environment. The accident frequency rate
was 4.2 (5.3). This is a very encouraging development. Even though we are among the highest
performers in our field in terms of work safety, we are not satisfied yet with where we are today.
We continue to challenge all Caverion people to proactively carry responsibility for safety and we put
more and more emphasis on preventive and proactive measures.
I am grateful for the engagement of our people. It showed on a daily basis throughout the safety
and economic challenges of the year. Our people focused on customers and on moving forward with
them. I am grateful for that and I take it as a sign of trust from our employees in our purpose, and in
the sustainable growth opportunities we have with our customers.
Ari Lehtoranta
Ari Lehtoranta was the President and CEO of Caverion Corporation until 28 February 2021.