SIKA REPORTS FULL-YEAR 2025 RESULTS – EXECUTING PLAN TO ACCELERATE GROWTH

Core Insights - Sika reported a decline in sales for 2025, with total revenues of CHF 11,201.3 million, down 4.8% year-on-year, but achieved a 0.6% growth in local currencies, indicating market share gains across all regions despite challenging conditions in the construction industry [3][5][19] - The company is implementing its Fast Forward program to enhance efficiency and innovation, expecting to generate annual savings of CHF 150 to 200 million by 2028, with a significant portion of these savings anticipated to take effect in 2026 [4][11][10] - Sika's EBITDA margin for 2025 was reported at 18.4%, with an adjusted margin of 19.2% after accounting for one-off costs related to the Fast Forward program, demonstrating strong core business profitability [4][5][17] Financial Performance - Sika's net profit for 2025 was CHF 1,045 million, a decrease of 16.2% from CHF 1,248 million in 2024, with diluted earnings per share falling to CHF 6.50 from CHF 7.76 [5][6][17] - Operating free cash flow was CHF 1,356 million, slightly down from CHF 1,403 million in 2024, but cash conversion improved to 12.1% of sales from 11.9% [5][6][17] - The company proposed an increase in the dividend to CHF 3.70 per share, reflecting a 2.8% year-on-year increase [5][13] Market Dynamics - In the EMEA region, Sika achieved a sales growth of 2.2% in local currencies, with particularly strong performance in the Middle East and Africa [7] - The Americas region also saw a 2.2% increase in sales in local currencies, although the second half of the year faced challenges due to a government shutdown affecting commercial construction [8] - The Asia/Pacific region experienced a decline of 5.3% in local currencies, primarily due to a significant drop in the Chinese construction business, although excluding this segment, the region recorded positive organic growth of 2.5% [9] Strategic Initiatives - The Fast Forward program aims to streamline operations and enhance digital transformation, with targeted structural adjustments in China and efficiency measures in other markets [10][11] - Sika is focused on sustainable performance, achieving a 6.1% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions and improvements in water discharge and waste management [12] - The company remains committed to its medium-term strategic targets for sustainable and profitable growth, with expectations of sales growth of 1% to 4% in local currencies for 2026 [15][16]