Schouw & Co. delivers solid performance as expected, despite a world in change, and increases cash flow from operations by 29%

The Schouw & Co. newsletter: the latest financial updates, sustainability matters and insights.

INTERIM REPORT
Schouw & Co. delivers solid performance as expected, despite a world in change, and increases cash flow from operations by 29%

Schouw & Co. reports solid Q1 performance in line with expectations, with limited direct impact from a turbulent environment, thus proving the value of Schouw & Co.’s diversification strategy. The first quarter saw an increase in revenue, as well as a significant increase in cash flow from operations.

The start of 2025 represents an unusual and volatile environment, with uncertainties increasing week by week. In spite of this, Schouw & Co. has performed as expected, and the direct impact on the Group’s operations have been limited, although many customers are cautious.

– Overall, the portfolio businesses had a solid first quarter of 2025, in particular when taking the global uncertainty and economic development into consideration. The current business environment is challenged in an unprecedented way and uncertainty, risks and unease of trade increases constantly. With this backdrop, I am highly satisfied with the performance of Schouw & Co. says Jens Bjerg Sørensen, CEO of Schouw & Co.

Schouw & Co.’s position in the current conditions is highly attributable to the diversification strategy that provides stability thus enabling the portfolio businesses to act appropriately and with a long-term perspective, despite uncertainty in several international markets of importance to Group sales.

The consolidated revenue amounted to DKK 7.9 billion, a slight increase of 1% compared to Q1 2024. The increase was predominantly driven by increased revenue in BioMar and HydraSpecma, which in turn has offset a revenue decrease in GPV and Fibertex Personal Care.

Cash flow from operations amounted to DKK 220 million, which is an increase of 29% compared to the first quarter of 2024. In line with expectations, EBITDA was down by 13% year on year to DKK 565 million, mainly due to BioMar, and to a lesser extent, GPV, Fibertex Nonwovens and Borg Automotive, while HydraSpecma reported a healthy earnings improvement.

Despite high uncertainty and changes to the global economy, Schouw & Co. is in a strong position to cope with these challenges, and thus, earnings guidance is maintained. Full-year revenue is expected to be in the range of DKK 33.3-35.8 billion against the previous range of DKK 33.4-35.9 billion and full-year EBITDA for 2025 is maintained in the range of DKK 2,820-3,120 million.

Read more about the Q1 interim report here.

Dansk version af nyheden om delårsrapporten for 1. kvartal af 2025 findes her.

SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability Reports from portfolio businesses

In continuation of the sustainability statement that was published in the Annual Report of Schouw & Co., the individual portfolio businesses have published their Sustainability Reports, highlighting their efforts within environment, social and governance matters throughout 2024.

Highlights from the Sustainability Reports include:

• BioMar, that has made significant progress towards their 2030 ambitions, achievements reflecting the commitment of passionate people, farmers, partners and stakeholders

• GPV, that has publised their first stand-alone ESG report, highlighting their commitment to workplace safety, emissions reductions and responsible sourcing

• Borg Automotive, that offers a comprehensive overview of their work within ESG, as well as the progress made and areas where they continue to improve

• Fibertex Personal Care, that continues to work toward their net zero goal through enhanced logistic solutions, operational efficiencies, material innovation, renewable energy and sustainable polymers

NEWS
Other news from Schouw & Co.  

• The Annual General Meeting was held on the 10th of April with more than 600 attendees

• Schouw & Co. shareholders received more than DKKm 400 in dividends at DKK 16 per share, in line with Schouw & Co.’s policy to pay stable or increasing dividends

• Schouw & Co. hosted an ESG network with participants from all six portfolio businesses. The network plays a crucial role in ensuring that we stay aligned on our sustainability efforts and continue making progress towards of 2030 ESG ambitions

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