Strong Top-Line Growth
Group organic sales grew 7% in Q1 2026 (reported EUR sales +4%), driven by volume growth; sales synergies and pricing each contributed ~1 percentage point and M&A added +3%. The outlook for 2026 organic sales growth is maintained at 5%–7% (includes ~1 ppt effect from exiting certain countries).
Robust Divisional Performance — Food & Beverages
Food & Beverages delivered 11% organic growth in Q1, with pricing contributing ~1 ppt and broad geographic/industry penetration; dairy and fresh dairy were key drivers.
Food & Health and Planetary Health Momentum
Food & Health grew 9% organically; Planetary Health grew 5% organically (including ~2 ppt from inventory buildup at a key Animal customer). Business launched 5 new biosolutions in Q1 (3 in Food & Health, 2 in Planetary Health) including a yogurt culture, Bovacillus probiotic (up to +1 kg milk/cow/day) and ActiPhy enzyme (≈+3% corn yield).
Strong Profitability Metrics
Adjusted gross margin improved by 120 bps to 60.1% and adjusted EBITDA margin remained high at 37.8% (Q1 2025: 38.3%). Management maintains full-year adjusted EBITDA margin guidance of 37%–38% and expects margin expansion versus 2025.
Earnings, Cash Flow and Balance Sheet Progress
Adjusted EPS (ex PPA amortization) was EUR 0.57, +8% YoY. Operating cash flow was EUR 167.1m (+EUR 60.7m YoY). Free cash flow before acquisitions increased 9% to EUR 74m. Successfully issued EUR 1.7bn senior unsecured notes and received an S&P A- with stable outlook.
Acquisition Integration and Capacity Expansion
Feed Enzyme Alliance (acquired ~10 months ago) is performing in line with expectations and contributed ~50 bps to EBITDA via synergies. Novonesis acquired a production facility in Thailand (operational targeted 2027) to add optionality (incl. HMO scale-up) and CapEx plans through 2030 already include further investments.
Clear Growth Drivers and Market Positioning
Management highlights secular demand for biosolutions (higher yields, healthy nutrition, bioenergy) and cites strong customer dialogues—particularly in Southeast Asia and India—supporting long-term growth targets (2030 organic CAGR target reiterated at 6%–9%).