Lindt & Sprüngli taking COVID-19 measures

Lindt & Sprüngli has started the current year very strongly, gaining market share in all strategically important markets. However, since the beginning of March, the global health and economic crisis resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, together with the severe restrictions imposed to limit the spread of the virus in many major markets, are impacting Lindt & Sprüngli’s business.

According to the company, the impacts affect mainly travel retail, the own store network, food service as well as the grocery trade in certain markets. The e-commerce business, home delivery and pick-up services at some stores are yet gaining importance. While the extent and duration of the situation are still uncertain, the Group’s growth and financial outlook 2020 is no longer valid. Lindt & Sprüngli continues to monitor the development of the outbreak.

For the coming years, Lindt & Sprüngli maintains its existing mid- to long-term organic sales growth target of 5-7% p.a., combined with a steady improvement in the operating margin of 20-40 basis points p.a. In achieving these targets, Lindt & Sprüngli will continue to grow faster than the markets. Due to a strong financial year 2019, a solid balance sheet with high equity ratio and high liquidity, the Board of Directors confirms the proposal to the Annual Shareholders Meeting of a dividend including a special anniversary dividend on April 24, 2020 of CHF 1,750 per registered share and CHF 175 per participation certificate.