Swiss chocolatier, Lindt & Sprüngli, beat expectations despite passing higher cocoa prices to customers.
The chocolate maker's organic sales for 2025 grew 12.4% to 5.92 billion Swiss francs (A$10.7 billion), which was helped along by a 19% price hike to pass off higher cocoa prices to customers.
This was driven by a 15.3% rise in sales in Europe of 2.6 billion francs. The company also reported double-digit growth in key markets like Japan, Brazil, South Africa, China and Chile.
Despite economic uncertainties, inflation, and weak consumer sentiment, sales still grew 8.9% in North America.
"We delivered strong growth by focusing on our premium strategy and driving innovation,” Lindt CEO Adalbert Lechner said.
“Consumers worldwide continue to seek quality and moments of indulgence, and we meet that demand with exceptional products."
Cocoa prices soared in 2024 and 2025. Prices have dipped to three-year lows this year, but London cocoa dealers said last week they saw early signs of market stabilisation.
The company’s EBIT grew 9.8% to 971 million francs, surpassing analyst expectations of 968.9 million francs, based on data compiled by LSEG.
However, due to geopolitical uncertainties driven by the war in the Middle East, the company dropped its 2026 sales outlook.
It originally expected sales growth of 6% to 8% in January, but now expects it to rise by 4% to 6%.
The company also announced a share buyback program of 1 billion francs, which will replace an existing buyback of up to 500 million francs, which it plans to terminate ahead of schedule in the coming months.
At the time of writing, Lindt & Sprüngli (SWX: LISP) stock fell 10.29% to 10,900 Swiss francs. Its market cap is 26.02 billion Swiss francs.
