dsm-firmenich reports 5% growth in H1 2026, proposes Richard Ridinger as new Chairman
With H1 performance supporting its unchanged 2026 guidance, the company enters the second half with continued momentum across nutrition, health and beauty markets.
NETHERLANDS/SWITZERLAND – dsm-firmenich has announced its first-half 2026 financial results alongside a significant leadership transition, marking a strategic shift from post-merger integration to operational execution.
For H1 2026, the company recorded €4.66 billion (US$5.45B) in net sales, reflecting a solid 5% like-for-like sales growth over the prior year period.
Momentum accelerated into the second quarter, which delivered a 6% like-for-like top-line expansion driven entirely by higher volumes.
Adjusted EBITDA for the half reached €900 million (US$1.05B), while the adjusted EBITDA margin improved sequentially to 19.5% in Q2 despite foreign exchange headwinds.
According to the company, performance was driven by its Taste, Texture & Health division, which grew 6%, and Perfumery & Beauty, which expanded 7%, while Health, Nutrition & Care delivered steady 4% growth.
Management noted particularly strong June trading as customer sentiment improved after Middle East concerns eased.
Second-quarter adjusted EBITDA reached €466 million (US$534M), beating Bloomberg consensus of €452 million (US$492M) and Barclays’ estimate of €457 million (US$498M).
According to dsm-firmenich, the Taste, Texture & Health division grew 6%, while the Perfumery & Beauty business expanded 7%. The Health, Nutrition & Care segment reported growth of 4%.
Taste, Texture & Health was one of the strongest-performing divisions, with growth accelerating significantly from 2% in the first quarter.
The increase was supported by revenue collaboration, the timing of Bovaer sales and stronger demand for dairy, beverage and bakery ingredients.
Following the solid first-half delivery, management reiterated its full-year 2026 targets and expects like-for-like sales growth to land at the higher end of its 2-4% guidance range.
Alongside the operational update, the Board of Directors unanimously proposed independent director Richard Ridinger as the new Chairman of the Board.
Ridinger is set to succeed Thomas Leysen, who made the decision to retire after successfully guiding the organization through the historic combination of DSM and Firmenich and establishing its strategic direction.
Ridinger, formerly CEO of Lonza Group, brings broad international executive experience across health, nutrition, and personal care.
Leysen will step down following shareholder approval at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) scheduled for October 19, 2026.
Until that approval, Leysen will continue to serve as Director and Chair.
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