GEA Group reported significant financial and operational achievements for fiscal year 2025, demonstrating profitable growth while advancing its sustainability agenda ahead of schedule. The technology company, which specializes in systems for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries, increased order intake by 6.7 percent to EUR 5.9 billion, with organic growth reaching 9.1 percent. Revenue grew to EUR 5.5 billion, with organic revenue growth of 3.7 percent at the upper end of the company's guidance range.
The company's financial position strengthened considerably, with EBITDA before restructuring expenses rising to EUR 907 million, representing a margin of 16.5 percent that exceeded upgraded guidance. Return on capital employed improved to 36.2 percent, while net working capital decreased to 3.2 percent of revenue. Free cash flow reached EUR 511.8 million, and net cash increased by 10 percent to EUR 378.9 million. These financial improvements support the company's proposal to increase its dividend to EUR 1.30 per share, up from EUR 1.15 in 2024.
GEA made substantial progress across all six strategic growth drivers outlined in its Mission 30 strategy. Sustainable technologies now account for over 45 percent of revenue, moving toward a 2030 target of 60 percent. The company's New Food business with alternative proteins generated approximately EUR 70 million in revenue, while digital solutions contributed around EUR 80 million. The service business expanded to represent 40 percent of total revenue at EUR 2.2 billion, and the vitality index measuring revenue from solutions less than five years old increased to nearly 20 percent.
The company achieved a major sustainability milestone by reducing Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 62 percent compared to 2019, exceeding its target one year ahead of schedule. Scope 3 emissions decreased by 38 percent, keeping GEA on track for its net-zero emissions target by 2040. Through the GEA Foundation, the company donated over EUR 4 million to charitable causes focused on STEM education, clean water access, sustainable energy, combating child poverty, and emergency disaster relief. More information about GEA's sustainability initiatives can be found at https://www.gea.com.
Several corporate milestones marked 2025, including GEA's entry into Germany's premier DAX index in September, reflecting the company's successful transformation and strong share performance. The company secured one of the largest contracts in its history for constructing the world's biggest integrated milk powder production plant in Algeria, valued between EUR 140 and 170 million. GEA also opened a technology center for alternative proteins in the United States and streamlined its organizational structure to four divisions to enhance flexibility and decision-making speed.
For fiscal year 2026, GEA anticipates accelerated organic revenue growth between 5.0 and 7.0 percent, with the EBITDA margin before restructuring expenses expected to range from 16.6 to 17.2 percent. Return on capital employed is forecast between 34.0 and 38.0 percent. CEO Stefan Klebert, whose contract was extended through 2028, emphasized that the company's strong order backlog, agile organization, and global demand for sustainable systems position GEA for continued growth. The company's performance in economically challenging conditions demonstrates its resilience and strategic positioning in markets prioritizing sustainability and efficiency.
