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May 6, 2026

dsm-firmenich Q1 2026 trading update

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Kaiseraugst (Switzerland), Maastricht (Netherlands), May 6, 2026

Solid start to the year driven by good LFL sales growth

Highlights

  • 4% LFL sales growth, with strong performance in Perfumery & Beauty
  • 2026-2028 action plan aimed at accelerating financial performance introduced at March 2026 Capital Markets Day
  • Dual listing of shares on SIX Swiss Exchange as of May 21, 2026
  • €500 million share buyback for capital reduction, launched March 12, 2026
  • FY 2026 outlook maintained

“We made a solid start to the year, with good LFL sales growth across all businesses while navigating a highly dynamic geopolitical and macroeconomic environment. Our resilient performance in the first quarter highlights our strong global market position, and the essential role our innovative solutions play in everyday consumer products. We are fully focused on the execution of our action plan to accelerate financial performance, as announced at our Capital Markets Day in March 2026.”


Dimitri de Vreeze, CEO

 

Group Performance – Continuing Operations

In the first quarter of 2026 dsm-firmenich delivered good, volume-led LFL sales growth of 4%. This solid performance was supported by some advancing of orders at the end of the quarter. Reported sales were down 3% due to a 6% negative foreign exchange impact, and a 1% negative M&A impact from the sale of the Agro Ingredients business.

Adjusted EBITDA increased by 4%, when adjusting for a 9% negative foreign exchange effect. The Adjusted EBITDA margin was 19.1%, reflecting a 40 bps negative foreign exchange impact, as well as some higher freight and energy costs resulting from the Middle East conflict.

in € millionsQ1 2026Q1 2025% LFL% Volume% Price% FX% M&A% Change
Sales2,276 2,340 (6)(1)(3)
Adj. EBITDA434 460   (9)(1)(6)
Adj. EBITDA margin (%)19.1 19.7       

Outlook 2026

The company expects Continuing Operations for the full year 2026 to deliver:

  • Like-for-Like (LFL) sales growth: 2-4%
  • Adjusted EBITDA margin: around 20%
  • Cash conversion: Adjusted Gross Operating Free Cash Flow to Sales of 11-12%

This outlook assumes only a limited impact from the conflict in the Middle East in the second half. The company will address cost inflation through a range of timely initiatives including procurement optimization, operational agility, and pricing actions.

Notes to this trading update

The reported financial data in this trading update have not been audited.

A PDF version of this press release can be found here.

 

Financial calendar

May 7, 2026 – AGM, Kaiseraugst (CH)

May 11, 2026 – Ex-dividend date

May 12, 2026 – Dividend record date

May 19, 2026 – Dividend payment date

July 30, 2026 – Publication of dsm-firmenich H1 2026 results

November 4, 2026 - Publication of dsm-firmenich Q3 2026 trading update

 

Additional information

Today dsm-firmenich will hold a webcast for investors and analysts at 9:00 am CEST. Details on how to access this call can be found on www.dsm-firmenich.com

 

For more information

Media relations

Robin Roothans

tel. +41 (0)79 280 03 96

e-mail media@dsm-firmenich.com

 

Investor relations

Dave Huizing

tel. +31 (0)88 425 7306

e-mail investors@dsm-firmenich.com

 

About dsm-firmenich

As innovators in nutrition, health, and beauty, dsm-firmenich reinvents, manufactures, and combines vital nutrients, flavors, and fragrances for the world’s growing population to thrive. With our comprehensive range of solutions, with natural and renewable ingredients and renowned science and technology capabilities, we work to create what is essential for life, desirable for consumers, and more sustainable for people and the planet. dsm-firmenich is a Swiss company, listed on the Euronext Amsterdam, with operations in almost 60 countries and revenues of more than €9 billion for its Continuing Operations following the divestment of Animal Nutrition & Health. With a diverse, worldwide team of nearly 21,000 employees, we bring progress to life every day, everywhere, for billions of people.

www.dsm-firmenich.com

 

About Continuing Operations

Continuing Operations reflects the results of dsm-firmenich, following the announced divestment of Animal Nutrition & Health (ANH) activities to CVC Capital Partners. The assets and liabilities of the divested businesses have been classified as Assets Held for Sale in accordance with IFRS 5, and the results of the divested businesses have been reclassified to Discontinued Operations.

 

Forward-looking statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements with respect to dsm-firmenich’s future (financial) performance and position. Such statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections of dsm-firmenich and information currently available to the company. dsm-firmenich cautions readers that such statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and therefore it should be understood that many factors can cause actual performance, transaction progress and positions to differ materially from these statements. dsm-firmenich has no obligation to update the statements contained in this press release, unless required by law. This communication contains information that qualifies as inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The English language version of this press release prevails over other language versions.