EQT's $1 Billion Reworld IPO: A Strategic Opportunity in the Green Energy Transition

The global energy transition is accelerating, and EQT's Reworld, a leader in sustainable waste management, is poised to capitalize on this shift. With plans for a U.S. initial public offering (IPO) targeting over $1 billion in fundraisingEQT Said to Weigh $1 Billion-Plus US IPO of Waste Firm Reworld, [https://financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/eqt-said-to-weigh-1-billion-plus-us-ipo-of-waste-firm-reworld]^[1], Reworld's strategic positioning in the circular economy and its recent partnership with Singapore's sovereign wealth fund, GIC, underscore its potential as a compelling investment in the green energy sector. This analysis evaluates Reworld's valuation potential, operational strengths, and alignment with industry trends to determine its market positioning.

Strategic Growth and Operational Momentum

Since EQT took Reworld private in 2021, the company has nearly doubled its operational facilities and expanded its workforce by 800 employees while serving over 4,600 customersEQT Broadens Reworld™ Investor Base, Welcoming GIC as Strategic Investor, [https://eqtgroup.com/news/eqt-broadens-reworld-investor-base-welcoming-gic-as-strategic-investor-2024-10-02]^[3]. The sale of a 25% minority stake to GIC in January 2025Reworld™ Releases 2025 Sustainability Report, Advancing its Mission to Waste Better, [https://investors.reworldwaste.com/2025-06-12-Reworld-TM-Releases-2025-Sustainability-Report,-Advancing-its-Mission-to-Waste-Better]^[6] not only provides capital but also validates Reworld's long-term vision. GIC's expertise in infrastructure and sustainability aligns with Reworld's focus on zero-waste solutions, including its five key offerings: ReDirect360™, ReKiln Fuels™, ReDrop™, ReMove™, and ReCreditReworld™ Releases 2025 Sustainability Report, Advancing its Mission to Waste Better, [https://investors.reworldwaste.com/2025-06-12-Reworld-TM-Releases-2025-Sustainability-Report,-Advancing-its-Mission-to-Waste-Better]^[6]. These solutions have enabled Reworld to avoid 41 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions and recycle 470,000 tons of metals in 2023Reworld™ Releases 2025 Sustainability Report, Advancing its Mission to Waste Better, [https://investors.reworldwaste.com/2025-06-12-Reworld-TM-Releases-2025-Sustainability-Report,-Advancing-its-Mission-to-Waste-Better]^[6], demonstrating tangible environmental impact.

Financial Performance and Valuation Benchmarks

Reworld's 2024 financials reveal resilience amid a challenging market. Despite a 2.7% revenue decline to €534.7 million, the company maintained an EBITDA margin of 10.1%, with EBITDA at €53.8 millionReworld Media: 2024 Results in a Slowing Market, [https://finanzwire.com/article/reworld-media-2024-results-in-a-slowing-market-7B7bNsz8ZfR]^[2]. While this margin lags behind the broader energy sector's 18.74% EBITDA margin in Q2 2025Energy Sector Profitability by quarter, Gross, Operating and Net …, [https://csimarket.com/Industry/industry_Profitability_Ratios.php?s=600]^[5], it outperforms the 5.1x EV/EBITDA multiple typical for the environmental sectorEBITDA Multiples by Industry & Company Size: 2025, [https://firstpagesage.com/seo-blog/ebitda-multiples-by-industry/]^[4]. For context, waste-to-energy subsectors command EBITDA multiples between 6.4x and 9.4x2024 Global Environmental, Waste & Recycling Industry Report, [https://www.benchmarkintl.com/insights/2024-global-environmental-waste-recycling-industry-report/]^[7], suggesting Reworld's valuation could benefit from its specialized focus on circular economy solutions.

The sustainable energy sector's median EV/Revenue multiple in Q4 2024 was 5.7xEQT Said to Weigh $1 Billion-Plus US IPO of Waste Firm Reworld, [https://financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/eqt-said-to-weigh-1-billion-plus-us-ipo-of-waste-firm-reworld]^[1], while EV/EBITDA stood at 11.1xReworld Media: 2024 Results in a Slowing Market, [https://finanzwire.com/article/reworld-media-2024-results-in-a-slowing-market-7B7bNsz8ZfR]^[2]. Applying these benchmarks to Reworld's 2024 EBITDA of €53.8 million implies a valuation range of approximately €600 million to €600 million (using 11x EBITDA). However, Reworld's unique position in waste management—where landfill diversion rates are rising due to regulatory pressures—could justify a premium. For instance, its Thermomechanical Treatment Facilities divert 19 million tons of waste annually, generating 41 million metric tons of lifecycle GHG savingsReworld™ Releases 2025 Sustainability Report, Advancing its Mission to Waste Better, [https://investors.reworldwaste.com/2025-06-12-Reworld-TM-Releases-2025-Sustainability-Report,-Advancing-its-Mission-to-Waste-Better]^[6], a metric that differentiates it from peers.

Market Positioning and Long-Term Prospects

Reworld's growth aligns with global trends. The waste recycling services market is projected to grow at a 6.3% CAGR through 20282024 Global Environmental, Waste & Recycling Industry Report, [https://www.benchmarkintl.com/insights/2024-global-environmental-waste-recycling-industry-report/]^[7], driven by landfill capacity constraints and circular economy adoption. Reworld's expansion of transportation fleets by 50% and strategic acquisitionsReworld™ Releases 2025 Sustainability Report, Advancing its Mission to Waste Better, [https://investors.reworldwaste.com/2025-06-12-Reworld-TM-Releases-2025-Sustainability-Report,-Advancing-its-Mission-to-Waste-Better]^[6] position it to capture this demand. Additionally, its 2025 Sustainability Report highlights renewable energy generation (9.1 million MWhe) and wastewater treatment achievementsReworld™ Releases 2025 Sustainability Report, Advancing its Mission to Waste Better, [https://investors.reworldwaste.com/2025-06-12-Reworld-TM-Releases-2025-Sustainability-Report,-Advancing-its-Mission-to-Waste-Better]^[6], further diversifying revenue streams.

The IPO, expected as soon as 2026EQT Said to Weigh $1 Billion-Plus US IPO of Waste Firm Reworld, [https://financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/eqt-said-to-weigh-1-billion-plus-us-ipo-of-waste-firm-reworld]^[1], could unlock liquidity for stakeholders while enabling Reworld to fund innovation. With EQT retaining majority ownership and GIC's strategic support, the company is well-positioned to scale its solutions. However, risks include macroeconomic headwinds and competition from traditional waste management firms. Reworld's emphasis on technology-driven solutions, such as AI-optimized logistics via ReMove™, mitigates these risks by enhancing operational efficiencyReworld™ Releases 2025 Sustainability Report, Advancing its Mission to Waste Better, [https://investors.reworldwaste.com/2025-06-12-Reworld-TM-Releases-2025-Sustainability-Report,-Advancing-its-Mission-to-Waste-Better]^[6].

Conclusion

EQT's Reworld IPO represents a strategic opportunity to invest in a company at the intersection of waste management and renewable energy. While its 2024 financials reflect a modest revenue decline, its EBITDA margins and sustainability achievements position it favorably against sector benchmarks. The GIC partnership, combined with its innovative solutions and alignment with global decarbonization goals, strengthens its case for long-term growth. As the energy transition gains momentum, Reworld's focus on circularity and zero-waste solutions could drive both environmental impact and shareholder value.