Symrise reports strong sales and earnings growth in 2016

Normalized earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDAN) grew by 9% to € 625.2 m (2015: € 572.2 m). Despite investments to capacity expansions and portfolio diversification Symrise operated highly profitable, with an EBITDAN margin of 21.5% (2015: 22.0%).

"In the fiscal year 2016, Symrise continued with its highly dynamic and profitable growth course while making targeted investments to expand its portfolio, competencies and capacity. Furthermore, we expanded our business segments to give them more flexibility. With our advanced and unique structure, we are able to best possibly address future customer needs and identify market opportunities early on. This foresight has been a defining feature of our approach for more than a decade and gives us a clear competitive edge. We want our shareholders to participate in this success. At the Annual General Meeting, the Executive Board and Supervisory Board will propose a dividend of € 0.85 per share for the fiscal year 2016," said Dr. Heinz-Jürgen Bertram, CEO of Symrise AG.

In 2016, Symrise expanded its organizational structure to grant the individual segments greater flexibility in developing their business activities. Along with this, a three-segment structure was established and two new members were appointed to the Executive Board. The activities of the former Flavor & Nutrition segment are now carried out by two separate segments. The Flavor segment includes applications for beverages, savory products, and sweets.

Sales in the Flavor segment increased by 4% to € 1.016 bn. In local currency, sales grew by 10%. At € 233.8 m, EBITDA for the reporting period was significantly higher than in the previous year (2015: € 218.9 m). The EBITDA margin improved significantly to a very good level of 23.0% (2015: 22.3%). All regions achieved substantial growth. The segment benefited in particular from strong gains in the application areas of sweets and beverages.