Lindt & Sprüngli (LISN) H2 2024(Media) earnings summary

Executive summary

• Achieved 7.8% organic sales growth in 2024 to CHF 5.47 billion, led by strong performance in Europe and solid gains in North America and Rest of World.

• EBIT margin improved by 60 basis points to 16.2%, with EBIT up 8.7% to CHF 884.2 million and North America as a key driver.

• Net income reached CHF 672.3 million, up 11.8% year-over-year, and free cash flow hit a record CHF 635.3 million, up 33.2%.

• Double-digit price increases planned for 2025 due to ongoing cocoa price inflation.

• Gained global market share and continued expansion of retail footprint and innovation, including the successful launch of Dubai Chocolate.

Financial highlights

• Revenue grew to CHF 5.47 billion, with price increases contributing 6.1% and volume/mix 1.5%.

• EBITDA rose 8.0% to CHF 1,181.5 million, representing 21.6% of sales.

• Earnings per share increased by 12.7% to CHF 2,917, a record high.

• Free cash flow up 33% to CHF 635 million, representing 11.6% of sales.

• Dividend proposed at CHF 1,500 per share, marking the 30th consecutive annual increase and a 7.1% rise.

Outlook and guidance

• Guidance for 2025 raised to 7–9% organic sales growth, reflecting anticipated double-digit price increases.

• EBIT margin expected to improve by 20–40 basis points.

• Medium to long-term guidance remains at 6–8% sales growth and 20–40 basis points EBIT margin improvement.

• Ongoing focus on market share gains, premiumization, and retail expansion.