Tuesday, July 29th, 2025

Civmec Ltd (CVL SP) Secures Over AUD600m in New Contracts, Upgraded to BUY on Strong Orderbook and Growth Outlook

Broker: Maybank Research Pte Ltd
Date of Report: July 24, 2025

Civmec Ltd Secures Massive Contract Wins and Eyes Recovery: A Comprehensive Financial and ESG Analysis

Introduction: Civmec’s Strategic Leap Forward

Civmec Ltd, a leading Australian construction and engineering services provider, has recently secured new contracts and extensions worth over AUD600 million, significantly bolstering its order book. The company’s latest achievements, including the acquisition of Luerssen Australia and critical roles in major projects for Rio Tinto and Fortescue, have positioned Civmec for robust medium-term growth. Maybank Research Pte Ltd has upgraded Civmec to a BUY with a raised target price of SGD1.05, reflecting a positive outlook for FY26 and beyond.

Major Contract Wins and Strategic Project Engagements

  • Major Contract Value: Civmec announced successful procurement of new contracts and extensions exceeding AUD600 million, enhancing visibility and reinforcing its market presence across key sectors.
  • SEA1180 Program & Luerssen Australia Acquisition: The integration of Luerssen Australia, finalized in July 2025, cements Civmec’s status as a sovereign Australian shipbuilder, enabling direct program delivery and operational control in the maritime defence sector.
  • Key Industrial Projects:
    • Rio Tinto: Civmec secured a significant package at Cape Lambert Port A facility.
    • Fortescue: The company is responsible for civil works and SMPE&I installation at the Christmas Creek Green Iron Project.
  • Infrastructure Initiative: Civmec, as part of a consortium with Seymour Whyte and Aurecon, is the preferred bidder for the planning and design phase of the Perth Sporting and Entertainment Precinct Project. Only the planning and design contract value has been recognized so far, with full delivery potential commencing in early 2026.

Luerssen Australia Acquisition: A Game Changer

  • Strategic Significance: Full ownership of Luerssen Australia grants Civmec direct control over the SEA1180 Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) program, enhancing end-to-end naval shipbuilding capabilities and operational efficiencies.
  • Future Opportunities: The acquisition is expected to unlock accelerated delivery schedules, production efficiencies, and opportunities for future shipbuilding contracts.

Financial Performance: A Snapshot and Outlook

  • Q4 FY25 Earnings: Civmec is forecast to report a net profit of AUD8 million for Q4FY25 (down 48% YoY, flat QoQ) due to project award timing delays. However, the outlook is positive, with the order book expected to rebound above AUD1 billion, setting the stage for revenue and earnings recovery.

Share Price and Market Statistics

  • Share Price (as of report): SGD0.94
  • 12-month Price Target: SGD1.05 (+12%)
  • Previous Target: SGD0.89
  • Market Capitalisation: SGD469.4 million (USD367 million)
  • Issued Shares: 502 million
  • 52-week High/Low: SGD1.16 / SGD0.70
  • Major Shareholders:
    • Fitzgerald Family Trust: 19.5%
    • Patrick John Tallon: 19.5%
    • Michael Lorrain Vaz: 3.0%

Key Financial Highlights (FY23A–FY27E)

Metric FY23A FY24A FY25E FY26E FY27E
Revenue (AUD m) 831 1,033 828 854 893
EBITDA (AUD m) 106 117 87 92 98
Core Net Profit (AUD m) 58 64 43 45 49
Core FDEPS (AUD) 0.11 0.13 0.08 0.09 0.10
Net DPS (AUD) 0.05 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06
Core FD P/E (x) 7.2 7.1 13.1 12.3 11.4
P/BV (x) 1.0 0.9 1.1 1.0 1.0
Net Dividend Yield (%) 6.0 6.6 5.4 5.4 5.4
ROAE (%) 14.6 14.2 8.4 8.6 9.0
ROAA (%) 7.7 7.6 4.7 5.0 5.2
EV/EBITDA (x) 3.9 3.7 6.3 5.6 5.0
Net Gearing (%) net cash net cash net cash net cash net cash

Peer Benchmarking: Civmec’s Competitive Position

Company Market Cap (USDm) P/E FY24 P/E FY25 P/E FY26 EV/EBITDA FY24 P/B (x) ROE (%)
Civmec Limited 380 8.4 13.2 12.4 11.5 0.9 13.9
Austal 1,698 150.2 42.6 35.3 29.6 0.9 1.5
Imdex 982 31.8 30.2 24.5 21.4 2.0 5.7
NRW 955 11.7 11.7 10.8 10.3 2.2 16.6
GR Engineering Services 399 19.8 18.3 18.6 17.4 1.8 49.5
Monadelphous Group 1,214 29.1 23.5 21.8 20.7 2.7 13.8
Downer EDI 3,029 23.4 17.5 15.2 14.0 1.5 3.2
Southern Cross Electrical 322 22.7 14.8 11.3 11.7
SRG Global 664 21.8 17.3 15.7 14.3 1.0 11.6

Peer Group Averages: P/E 38.8 (FY24), 22.0 (FY25), 19.1 (FY26); EV/EBITDA 18.2 (FY26); P/B 1.7; ROE 14.2%

Business Model, Value Proposition, and Financial Drivers

  • Integrated Services: Civmec provides multidisciplinary construction and engineering solutions across oil & gas, metals, minerals, infrastructure, marine, and defence.
  • Blue-Chip Clients: Major clients include Chevron, Rio Tinto, Alcoa Australia, BHP, Thyssenkrupp, and the Royal Australian Navy.
  • Order Book Strength: The company boasts a healthy order book of approximately AUD853 million, supporting revenue visibility for the next 12 months and beyond.
  • Recurring Revenue: Maintenance contracts contribute 15–20% of FY24 revenue, supporting ongoing cash flow.
  • Margin Expansion Potential: EBITDA margin (FY24: 11.7%) is expected to improve through enhanced utilization and economies of scale.
  • Strong Balance Sheet: Net cash position of AUD24.5 million in FY24, driven by robust operating cash flow.
  • Growth Catalysts: Key drivers include stronger-than-expected order wins, margin improvements, and potential for higher dividend payouts.
  • Risks: Slower contract wins, rising input costs, and project execution missteps represent core downside risks.

Comprehensive ESG Evaluation: Performance, Strategies, and Targets

  • ESG Score: Civmec has an overall ESG score of 52, slightly above average, reflecting clear frameworks and internal policies, but room for improvement in qualitative aspects.
  • Environmental Initiatives:
    • Transition to electric-powered forklifts at the Henderson facility.
    • Increased solar panel deployment and garnet recycling in paint/blast sheds to reduce waste and energy intensity.
    • Achieved 76% recycling participation rate in FY23, exceeding the 70% target.
    • Zero cases of environmental incidents or prosecutions.
  • Social Performance:
    • Nearly 50% female representation at head office, though less than 10% across the entire workforce and 11% in management roles.
    • Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate at 0.4 per 1 million hours worked in FY23.
    • Active apprenticeship, traineeship, and undergraduate programs for staff development.
    • No reported incidents of discrimination or anti-competitive behavior.
  • Governance:
    • Board consists of six directors, all male, with four independent non-executive directors and committees chaired by independents.
    • Executive Chairman and CEO collectively own approximately 39% of the company.
    • Board/management compensation remains modest relative to total employee compensation.
    • External auditor: Moore Stephens LLP.
  • Key ESG Targets Achieved:
    • Reduced energy intensity to 0.16 TJ/AUDm (target: 0.17)
    • Reduced emissions intensity to 21.9 tCO2e/AUDm (target: 25.0)
    • Zero environmental incidents and prosecutions

Detailed Financials: Income Statement, Balance Sheet, and Key Ratios (FY23A–FY27E)

Metric FY23A FY24A FY25E FY26E FY27E
Revenue (AUD m) 830.9 1,033.5 827.8 854.0 892.5
EBITDA (AUD m) 105.8 117.2 87.4 92.3 98.2
Reported Net Profit (AUD m) 57.7 64.4 42.6 45.4 48.8
Cash & Short Term Investments (AUD m) 70.4 88.5 74.9 103.3 136.0
Accounts Receivable (AUD m) 108.2 94.6 82.8 85.4 89.3
Property, Plant & Equipment (net, AUD m) 476.3 532.8 521.8 509.8 496.8
Net Gearing (%) net cash net cash net cash net cash net cash
ROAE (%) 14.6 14.2 8.4 8.6 9.0
Net Dividend Yield (%) 6.0 6.6 5.4 5.4 5.4
Free Cash Flow Yield (%) 17.3 9.4 1.0 10.8 11.7

Conclusion: A Resilient Growth Story with ESG Commitment

Civmec Ltd’s strong order book, major contract wins, and strategic acquisition of Luerssen Australia underpin its positive medium-term outlook. With a robust financial position, improving project pipeline, and clear ESG progress, Civmec stands out as a value pick in the construction and engineering sector. Maybank Research’s upgrade to BUY and raised target price reflect confidence in Civmec’s recovery and growth trajectory, making it a stock to watch for investors seeking robust exposure to Australia’s infrastructure, resources, marine, and defence markets.

China Property Market Shows Signs of Recovery: New Home Sales Rise in November 2024

Comprehensive Market Insights: An In-Depth Analysis of Key Players Comprehensive Market Insights: An In-Depth Analysis of Key Players Broker: UOB Kay Hian | Date: Tuesday, 26 November 2024 Olam Group: Riding the Uptrend Olam...

Wee Hur Holdings: Strong Bullish Trend Signals Potential 87.5% Upside

Comprehensive Analysis of Key Companies: November 21, 2024 Comprehensive Analysis of Key Companies Broker: CGS International Securities | Date: November 21, 2024 Wee Hur Holdings Ltd: Strong and Steady Bullish Trend Wee Hur Holdings...

Comfortdelgro’s Exciting Developments and Strong Financial Performance in FY2024

ComfortDelGro Expands Global Footprint, Delivers Strong Financial Results Lim & Tan Securities | March 26, 2025 ComfortDelGro, the leading multi-modal transport operator, has reported a stellar performance in its FY2024 annual report. The company’s...