Group revenue and profit growth
Sales +2.1% in local currencies (like‑for‑like virtually stable). Operating income +3.8% in local currencies and EBITDA +3.4% in local currencies with EBITDA margin stable at 15.5%.
Strong recurring earnings and shareholder returns
Recurring net income EUR 3.3 billion. Dividend proposed at EUR 2.30 per share (+4.5%). EUR 1.5 billion returned to shareholders in 2025 through dividends and buybacks; plan to return ~EUR 8 billion (2026–2030) including ~EUR 2 billion buybacks and ~EUR 6 billion dividends.
Robust cash generation and balance sheet
Free cash flow EUR 3.8 billion with a cash conversion ratio of 58% (above 50% target). Net debt-to-EBITDA stable at 1.4x, demonstrating balance‑sheet strength while funding M&A and returns.
Regional outperformance in Asia, Latin America and recovery in Europe
Asia Pacific delivered strong growth (management cited +17% in local currencies; earlier commentary noted Asia & emerging markets +12.6% LC). Latin America +13.5% LC and +6.9% like‑for‑like. Europe returned to growth in H2 with improvements in France, UK and Southern Europe.
Construction chemicals integration and momentum
Strategic acquisitions (Cemix, FOSROC) drove substantial growth in Construction Chemicals (~16% sales growth cited). Management also highlighted ~11% organic sales growth for the combined Construction Chemicals platform with ~20% combined EBITDA margin, and a roadmap to grow the segment to >EUR 9 billion sales by 2030 (from ~EUR 6.5 billion).
Operational discipline and margin protection actions
Positive price/cost spread maintained (prices +0.8%). Examples of margin protection included plant shutdowns/optimizations, cost actions and restructuring where needed; EBITDA margin held broadly stable despite mixed market conditions.
Pipeline and solution-led growth opportunities
Large solutions pipeline highlighted (over 600 data center projects across 26 countries) and stated ambition to significantly grow data‑center related sales (management referenced a potential to triple sales in that area to 'hundreds of millions').
Active portfolio rotation
EUR 1.2 billion of sales rotated in 2025; target to rotate >20% of sales by 2030. Continued disciplined M&A and divestment program focused on value creation and high‑growth geographies.