(Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR)
(Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR)
The EMS Group, active worldwide in the business areas High Performance Polymers and Specialty Chemicals, and with its companies combined in the EMS-CHEMIE HOLDING AG, achieved net sales of CHF 1'491 million (1'589) in the first nine months of 2025. In the third quarter, the strong Swiss Franc continued to dampen net sales development in Swiss Francs. Despite a geopolitically hampered environment, a weak industrial economy and a stronger Swiss Franc, EMS was able to generate pleasing new business and significantly increase profitability due to a consistent growth strategy with high-margin specialties and innovations. Expected net operating income for 2025 remains slightly above previous year.
As expected, the global economy continued to cool down further in the third quarter 2025. Higher tariffs, in combination with increasing trade tension, are interfering with global supply chains. Uncertainty dominates companies' and consumers' purchasing mood and hampers their willingness to invest. In the US, companies and consumers continue to hold back on spending in expectation of higher inflation rates. In Europe, industry is undergoing restructuring. Government relief measures are not yet effective. Protectionist measures are further inhibiting the willingness to invest. In China, the high-tech sector is growing. Government incentive programs stimulate consumer spending. Chinese export business to the US needs to be compensated. The unstable global economic situation is further strengthening the Swiss Franc in its role as a "safe haven".
Despite the expected weaker global economy, EMS was able to successfully grow result and margins with innovation, cost discipline and proactive planning. In the currently restrained and uncertain market environment, EMS is focusing even more consistently on growth with innovative specialties. Against the general trend, EMS decided to significantly expand its technical sales and development organization in the main regions of Asia, America and Europe. Meanwhile, the expansion programs are generating pleasing and highly profitable new business. Intensive local development partnerships, strong sales and global delivery capabilities form important pillars for EMS to realize further cost improvements as well as energy and weight savings together with customers. In addition, EMS pursued its own efficiency measures, which also contributed to strengthened operative profitability.
Already at an early stage, EMS prepared for possible international trade barriers and structured its own supply chains accordingly. At EMS, there are no direct trade relationships between China and the US. Products sold in the US are either produced locally or, as important specialties, are exempt from US customs duties.
For the business year 2025, EMS continues to expect net sales below previous year due to currency effects, and net operating income (EBIT) slightly above previous year.
