Strong recurring EBIT growth and margin expansion
Recurring EBIT accelerated in Q4 (+12.2%) and achieved full-year recurring EBIT growth of 10.3% (12.2% organic growth), materially exceeding the 6%–10% target. Group recurring EBIT margin expanded by ~80 basis points to 18.3%.
Robust free cash flow and healthy balance sheet
Free cash flow reached CHF 2.2 billion with a cash conversion of 54%. Net debt leverage closed 2025 at 0.9x. Return on invested capital (ROIC) increased to 11.2%.
Shareholder returns and capital flexibility
Board proposed dividend CHF 1.7 (payout ratio 53%; post-tax dividend yield 2.4%). Foreign capital contribution reserves exceed CHF 7 billion (~17% of market cap) and NextGen Growth 2030 provides up to CHF 22 billion capital deployment capacity to 2030 with a committed CHF 7 billion return to shareholders.
Europe: margin-led performance and infrastructure wins
Europe delivered strong margin expansion (140 bps in the year and 430 bps 2020–2025) driven by high-value strategy and sustainable offerings; secured major infrastructure contracts (e.g., Gotthard Tunnel and Axenstrasse) and sees improving residential permits.
Latin America growth and retail expansion
Latin America achieved double-digit net sales growth for the year with a recurring EBIT margin above 30% (despite integration costs). Disensa retail franchise opened 460 stores in 2025, reaching 2,360 outlets.
Asia, Middle East & Africa strong momentum
AMEA reported double-digit recurring EBIT growth (14.1%) and margin expansion of 220 basis points, with particularly strong performance in North Africa and positive momentum in Australia.
Sustainability and circular construction traction
Premium low‑carbon products (ECOPact, ECOPlanet) and recycling solution ECOCycle scaling: circular construction net sales near CHF 500 million in 2025 with target CHF 800 million by 2030; 109 circular hubs established and examples of large projects using low-carbon solutions.
Active M&A and disciplined execution
2025 closed 21 transactions (18 acquisitions, 3 divestments); 66 acquisitions completed 2020–2025 at an average ~5.3x EV/EBITDA (including synergies). Signed Xella and Pacasmayo (expected closes in 2026) and expect CHF 120–150 million EBIT contribution scope from the larger deals.
Clear 2026 guidance aligned with mid‑term targets
Guidance set to organic net sales growth 3%–5%, organic recurring EBIT growth 8%–10%, continued margin enhancement and an estimated ~CHF 2 billion cash flow; circular construction volume growth target 20%+ in 2026.
Operational discipline and talent
CapEx discipline (≈CHF 400 million in 2025), continued cost and operational focus, recognized as a global Top Employer, and a workforce of ~45,000 supported by in‑house Holcim University.