EMS Group Annual Report 2025
Overview
The EMS Group, a global leader in High Performance Polymers and Specialty Chemicals, consolidated under EMS-CHEMIE HOLDING AG, delivered a strong financial performance in 2025. The company achieved net sales of CHF 1,950 million, compared with CHF 2,071 million in the previous year, and net operating income (EBIT) of CHF 567 million (previous year: 539). A significantly stronger Swiss Franc negatively affected net sales when measured in Swiss Francs.
Despite geopolitical uncertainty, a weaker industrial economy, and the impact of currency fluctuations, EMS successfully expanded its business and improved profitability. This was made possible through a consistent growth strategy emphasizing high-margin specialties and innovations. The company’s globally implemented sales offensive for profitable new business delivered excellent results and demonstrated sustainable effects.
Business Environment
The global economy in 2025 remained tense, particularly in EMS’s key markets, with persistent uncertainty affecting both consumers and companies. Political instability and shifting regulations influenced decision-making, leading to delayed investments and protective measures that reduced willingness to spend.
In the United States, consumers continued to face high prices, constraining consumption. Europe’s industrial sector is undergoing a prolonged restructuring process, with promised government relief measures not yet materializing. Meanwhile, China’s high-tech sector showed growth, compensating for reduced exports to the U.S. However, the ongoing slump in China’s real estate market led to restrained customer demand. The fragile global economy further strengthened the Swiss Franc, creating additional challenges for international sales.
Strategic Performance
Despite these headwinds, EMS was able to increase sales volumes, net operating income (EBIT), and net income compared to the previous year. The company achieved this through:
- Innovation: Continuous development of high-performance specialties enabled EMS to capture new market segments, including robotics and automotive technologies.
- Cost Discipline: Efficient cost management and proactive planning maintained profitability even in adverse economic conditions.
- Global Sales Expansion: The worldwide sales offensive, coupled with a strengthened technical sales and development organization, supported sustainable revenue growth.
- Local Partnerships: Strategic development collaborations in growth markets such as China, India, and Brazil improved cost efficiency and created energy and weight savings for customers.
These initiatives allowed EMS to respond flexibly to customer requirements and rapidly commercialize new applications.
Innovations and Future Growth
EMS continued to access future growth segments by leveraging its expertise in high-performance polymers. In robotics, the company partnered with technology leaders to develop lightweight, robust, and dimensionally stable components. In automotive manufacturing, EMS introduced groundbreaking technology for painting processes, reducing curing temperatures and generating substantial energy and weight savings.
Additionally, EMS proactively prepared for potential international trade barriers. The company ensured no direct supply relationships existed between China and the U.S., producing U.S.-bound products locally or utilizing important specialties exempt from customs duties.
Financial Performance
Despite a weaker global economy and unfavorable currency effects, EMS achieved remarkable financial results in 2025:
- Net Operating Income (EBIT): CHF 567 million, up 5.2% from CHF 539 million in 2024.
- EBITDA: Increased 5.2% to CHF 622 million (2024: 592), with an EBITDA margin of 31.9% (previous year: 28.6%).
- EBIT Margin: Improved to 29.1% (2024: 26.0%).
- Net Income: CHF 467 million, compared with CHF 461 million in the previous year.
- Earnings per Share: CHF 19.95, up from CHF 19.70 in 2024.
The strong results reflect EMS’s focus on high-margin specialties, innovative products, and disciplined cost management, ensuring sustainable profitability even amid a restrained market environment.
Dividend and Shareholder Returns
The Board of Directors intends to propose a dividend distribution for the 2025 business year of CHF 14.65 per share (previous year: 13.95) and an additional extraordinary dividend of CHF 3.75 per share (previous year: 3.30). This would result in a total distribution of CHF 18.40 per share, reflecting the company’s solid financial position and commitment to returning value to shareholders.
Liquidity and Financial Position
EMS maintains a strong financial foundation, providing flexibility to seize market opportunities:
- Cash Flow: Increased to CHF 534 million (2024: 480).
- Liquidity: CHF 603 million (2024: 518).
- Equity Ratio: 83.3% (2024: 82.4%).
- Financial Debt: None.
This robust financial position ensures EMS can continue investing in innovation, growth, and strategic partnerships while maintaining operational resilience in volatile markets.
Outlook for 2026
EMS expects the global economic environment to remain challenging in 2026, influenced by trade conflicts, regulatory interventions, and currency fluctuations. Despite these uncertainties, the company remains confident in its business prospects.
The proven strategy of growth through high-margin specialties will continue. EMS aims to leverage its strong market position, reliable global supply chains, innovation capabilities, and solid financial base to:
- Capture emerging market opportunities.
- Respond quickly to changing customer needs.
- Maintain sustainable profitability even under difficult conditions.
For 2026, EMS anticipates net sales slightly below the previous year due to currency effects, while net operating income (EBIT) is expected to remain slightly above 2025 levels.
Conclusion
In 2025, EMS Group demonstrated resilience and strategic strength in a complex global market. Through disciplined cost management, targeted innovation, and global sales expansion, the company achieved excellent financial results, expanded profitable new business, and reinforced its position as a leading provider of high-performance specialties.
EMS’s strong financial position, innovative capabilities, and global development partnerships ensure continued growth, even in challenging geopolitical and economic conditions. The company remains committed to delivering sustainable profitability and long-term shareholder value while exploring future growth opportunities in high-potential segments such as robotics and advanced automotive applications.
Source Link : https://www.ems-group.com/
