Symrise (SY1) Q1 2026 TU earnings summary

Executive summary

• Q1 2026 organic sales declined 0.4% year-over-year, outperforming expectations despite a weak macroeconomic backdrop, challenging comparables, and FX headwinds, with solid results in Food & Beverage, Pet Food, and Fragrance.

• The ONE SYM Transformation Program accelerated structural cost savings and efficiency, supporting reinvestment in growth and innovation, including new facilities and equity investments in biotechnology.

• Innovation and customer-driven solutions remain central, with new product launches and external recognition in Care & Wellness.

• Full-year 2026 guidance and midterm targets reaffirmed, with confidence in sequential improvement and long-term growth.

• Positive organic sales growth was achieved in Asia Pacific, North America, and Latin America, while EMEA saw declines.

Financial highlights

• Group organic sales declined 0.4% year-over-year, with positive volume (+0.3%) and negative pricing (-0.7%), and continued FX headwinds, mainly from USD.

• Q1 2026 sales were €1,249 million, down from €1,317 million in Q1 2025.

• Taste, Nutrition & Health segment reported €749 million in sales and grew 1.7% organically, led by Naturals and Savory.

• Scent & Care segment saw a 3.4% organic sales decline, with Care & Wellness and Aroma Molecules facing declines, while specialty fragrance ingredients performed well.

• Regional organic sales: North America +1.9%, Latin America +2.8%, Asia Pacific +3.4%, EMEA -4.9%.

Outlook and guidance

• Full-year 2026 organic sales growth expected at 2%-4%, adjusted EBITDA margin 21.5%-22.5%, and business free cash flow margin above 14%.

• Sequential improvement in organic growth anticipated through the year, with softer comparables in H2 and supported by accelerated strategy execution.

• 2025-2028 targets reaffirmed: 5%-7% organic sales growth, 21%-23% EBITDA margin, free cash flow margin above 14%.