(Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR)
(Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR)
The EMS Group, active worldwide in the business areas of High Performance Polymers and Specialty Chemicals and with its companies combined in the EMS-CHEMIE HOLDING AG, achieved in 2025 net sales amounting to CHF 1'950 million (2'071) and a net operating income (EBIT) of CHF 567 million (539). The considerably stronger Swiss Franc hampered development of net sales in Swiss Francs. Despite a geopolitically troubled environment, a weaker industrial economy and the significantly higher Swiss Franc, EMS was able to generate pleasing new business and increase profitability due to a consistent growth strategy with high-margin specialties and innovations. The globally implemented sales offensive with profitable new business generated excellent results and showed sustainable effects.
Despite a continuingly unstable world economic environment, characterized by trade tension and significant unfavorable currency effects, EMS was able to increase sales volumes, net operating income (EBIT) and net income again compared to previous year.
The global economy, particularly in key markets, and the consumer mood remained tense in 2025. Consumers and companies, continually confronted with new political announcements, showed consistent uncertainty. Consumer and investment decisions were delayed, and protective measures inhibited the willingness to invest.
In the US, consumers continue to suffer from high prices. In Europe, industry is continuing to undergo a prolonged restructuring process. Although announced, government relief measures are not yet visible. In China, the high-tech sector is growing. Missing exports to the US are being compensated by growth in other markets. Due to the ongoing slump in the real estate market, Chinese customers continue to show restraint. The unstable global economic situation is further strengthening the Swiss Franc.
Despite the weaker global economy, EMS was still able to successfully grow result and margins through innovation, cost discipline and proactive planning. In a challenging global market environment, EMS is focusing even more consistently on growth with innovative specialties. The globally implemented sales offensive as well as expansion of the technical sales and development organization are showing a pleasing effect. Intensive local development partnerships, especially in growth markets such as China, India or Brazil, form important pillars for EMS to realize further cost improvements, energy and weight savings for its customers. Close, globally-based development partnerships and high innovation competency allow EMS to respond quickly and flexibly to customer requirements regarding new applications.
With new developments, EMS was also able to access numerous future growth segments such as robotics. Together with technology leaders, EMS experts are developing high-performance parts, which are particularly lightweight, robust and dimensionally stable. In automotive construction, EMS provided car manufacturers with groundbreaking technology for painting processes with lower curing temperatures, enabling them to achieve significant energy and weight savings.
Already at an early stage, EMS prepared for possible international trade barriers and structured its own supply chains accordingly. There are no direct supply relationships between China and the US. Products sold in the US are either produced locally or, as important specialties, are exempt from customs duties.
Thanks to the strong position with specialties and attractive innovations and despite weak foreign currencies and in a restrained global market environment, EMS was able to increase net operating income (EBIT) to CHF 567 million (539), which is 5.2% above previous year, and raise net operating income before depreciation (EBITDA) by 5.2% to reach CHF 622 million (592). The EBIT margin was 29.1% (26.0%), the EBITDA margin 31.9% (28.6%).
Net income in 2025 amounted to CHF 467 million (461). Earnings per share climbed to CHF 19.95 (19.70).
For the business year 2025, the Board of Directors intends to propose to the Annual General Meeting, distribution of an ordinary dividend of CHF 14.65 (13.95) per share and an additional extraordinary dividend of CHF 3.75 (3.30) per share. In this way, a total of CHF 18.40 (17.25) per share would be distributed.
With its innovative specialties, EMS consistently generates extraordinarily high result margins and a strong cash flow. The cash flow increased to CHF 534 million (480). EMS has a high level of liquidity of CHF 603 million (518), a pleasing equity ratio of 83.3% (82.4%) and no financial debt. Accordingly, EMS considers itself to be in a good position to quickly and flexibly take advantage of the numerous opportunities available in the market.
For the business year 2026, EMS continues to expect a challenging and geopolitically troubled environment. Trade conflicts, regulatory interventions and currency effects may continue to influence global economic development.
EMS is confident about its own global business prospects. The proven strategy of growth with specialties will be pursued consistently. A strong market position as development partner, global supply reliability, high innovative strength and a solid financial basis enable EMS to seize opportunities as they arise and to maintain sustainable earning power, even in a difficult environment.
For 2026, EMS expects net sales below previous year due to currency effects, and net operating income (EBIT) slightly above previous year.
