Südzucker (SZU) Investor presentation summary

Strategic vision and group overview

• Celebrating 100 years, the group has evolved from a regional sugar producer to a diversified multinational with ~18,200 employees and ~90 production sites in 31 countries.

• Non-sugar activities now generate ~70% of group revenues, reflecting a strong shift toward diversification.

• The 2030 strategy, "Get the Power of Plants," focuses on plant-based solutions in nutrition, energy, and beyond, aiming for sustainable and profitable growth.

• Five strategic directions guide development: profitable growth, plant-based solutions, markets & customers, people, and sustainability.

• Key initiatives include bio-based chemicals, digitalization, operational excellence, and internationalization.

Financial performance and outlook

• FY 2025/26 revenues were €8.35bn, down 13.8% YoY; operating EBITDA fell 26% to €535m, and operating result dropped 53.4% to €163m.

• Sugar segment saw a significant decline due to lower prices and volumes; CropEnergies outperformed prior year despite market challenges.

• Q1 2026/27 showed group revenues of €2.06bn and operating EBITDA of €135m, up from €96m in the prior year.

• FY 2026/27 outlook projects operating EBITDA of €480–680m and revenues of €8.1–8.5bn, with investments and net financial debt expected to remain stable.

• Commitment to investment grade rating is maintained, with S&P and Moody’s both assigning negative outlooks.

Segment highlights

• Sugar: Revenues €2.79bn, operating EBITDA -€17m; capacity aligned to market, focus on efficiency and sustainable products.

• Special products: Revenues €2.22bn, EBITDA €266m; growth driven by health and plant-based trends, expansion in Asia and new markets.

• CropEnergies: Revenues €793m, EBITDA €71m; expanding renewable ethanol and biobased chemicals, leveraging regulatory support.

• Starch: Revenues €911m, EBITDA €69m; focus on cost efficiency, specialty products, and process optimization.

• Fruit: Revenues €1.65bn, EBITDA €146m; growth via customer collaboration, M&A, and global market expansion.