Symrise posts 2.8% organic sales growth in 2025, launches first share buyback

Symrise posts 2.8% organic sales growth in 2025 and higher margins

Symrise 2025 Financial Performance Overview

March 4 (Reuters) - Germany's Symrise reported on Wednesday organic sales growth of 2.8% in 2025, as efficiency measures and stronger demand in key units helped offset currency headwinds.

The flavour and fragrance maker group posted full-year revenue of 4.93 billion euros ($5.72 billion), in line with market expectations.

Profitability and Margin Improvements

Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) margin improved by 120 basis points on the year reaching 21.9%, driven by 50 million euros in savings and efficiency gains, exceeding its 40 million target, Symrise said.

Record Free Cash Flow Achieved

It also posted record adjusted business free cash flow (FCF) of 780 million euros, reflecting a 220 basis point improvement in margin terms, with lower capital expenditure and tighter working-capital management practices contributing to the increase.

Divisional Performance

Taste, Nutrition & Health Division

The group's taste, nutrition & health division, which produces ingredients used in food, beverages and pet food and made up around 60% of Symrise's revenue in 2025, delivered a 2.6% organic sales growth, driven by "industry-leading" gains in its food and beverage business. The scent & care unit's sales grew organically by 3.2%, supported by strong demand for fine and consumer fragrances. Both divisions reported higher adjusted EBITDA and margin expansion compared with 2024.

Scent & Care Unit

The scent & care unit's sales grew organically by 3.2%, supported by strong demand for fine and consumer fragrances. Both divisions reported higher adjusted EBITDA and margin expansion compared with 2024.

Dividend and Outlook

Symrise's board will propose raising the dividend for the 16th consecutive year, to 1.25 euros per share for 2025 from 1.20 euros per share for 2024.

2026 Guidance

For 2026, Symrise expects organic sales to grow 2-4%, with a slight decline in the first quarter due to strong prior-year comparables.

Margin Targets

It also aims for an adjusted EBITDA margin of 21.5-22.5% and an adjusted business FCF margin of above 14%.

($1 = 0.8625 euros)

(Reporting by Antonis Pothitos; Editing by Tom Hogue and Jacqueline Wong)