Bühler reported stable order intake in local currencies for 2025 and an increase in profitability despite a decline in turnover, citing cost discipline and productivity measures in a challenging market environment.
The company increased its EBIT margin to 8.0%, up from 7.6% a year earlier. Net liquidity also rose following what the company described as improved operational efficiency, disciplined project management, and a reduction in net working capital.
Group order intake declined by 0.5% in local currencies. In Swiss francs, orders fell by 3.9% to CHF 2.7 billion. Turnover decreased by 4.4% in local currencies and by 7.8% in Swiss francs to CHF 2.8 billion, reflecting lower order intake in the previous year as well as timing effects from project execution and delayed material deliveries in some markets.
“We demonstrated resilience and strength to continuously innovate for our customers and invest in future growth,” says Stefan Scheiber, CEO up to the end of 2025 and Chairman of the Board.
“We largely offset negative business effects thanks to our global setup, strong supply chain network, and strong customer orientation. Our business has proven it can withstand challenging market conditions. We are grateful for our customers’ trust and confidence in our solutions and services. I am very proud and thankful for what our employees have achieved this year. Our company is built on remarkable talent, and we will continue to invest in our culture of lifelong learning to anticipate and shape the future of our industry,” Stefan Scheiber adds.
Chief Financial Officer Mark Macus said: “Our strong financial position gives us the flexibility to advance our customers’ businesses through innovation, serve them in more markets globally, and support them throughout the asset lifecycle with expanded services.”
Business segments
The Grains & Food segment recorded a 1.1% decrease in orders to CHF 2,147 million. Within the segment, Chocolate & Coffee increased order intake by 31.0% to CHF 325 million, and Value Nutrition reported order growth of 12.7%. Orders in Grain Quality & Supply and Consumer Foods declined by 7.4% and 8.8%, respectively. Milling Solutions saw a 14.3% decrease in order intake from a high level in 2024.
Advanced Materials reported a 15.2% decline in orders to CHF 551 million. The company cited weak investment activity in the automotive sector, uncertainty in Europe, and increased competitive pressure in China. Orders in Die Casting fell by 37.9%, while Grinding & Dispersing increased by 51.0%, supported by battery-related projects and activity in inks, coatings, and food applications. Leybold Optics recorded an 8.3% decline in orders.
Customer Service increased its share of total Group turnover to 38.3%, up from 35.4% in the prior year. The number of long-term service agreements rose from 2,500 to more than 3,000.
Order intake in the United States declined by 31%, which the company attributed to tariff-related uncertainty and deferred investments. Africa recorded the strongest growth in turnover and became the largest region for Bühler’s food and feed businesses for the first time. Growth in the Middle East, Africa & India region partly offset slower performance in the Americas and Asia.
Sustainability and innovation
In 2025, Bühler hosted its fourth Networking Days event, attended by around 1,000 leaders from business, science, and policy. The company said a scientific assessment of 15 industrial value chains found that in 11 cases, energy, waste, water, and CO₂e emissions could be reduced by at least 50% using technologies already available.
The company reported that its emissions were 30% below its 2019 baseline. Research and development expenditure totaled CHF 131 million, or 4.8% of turnover, compared with 4.6% the previous year. Approximately 60 new products were launched during the year.
Leadership changes and outlook
Bühler announced several leadership transitions recently. Stefan Scheiber was elected Chairman of the Board at the Annual General Meeting in February, succeeding Calvin Grieder, who retired after 25 years of service as CEO, Board Member, and Chairman. Samuel Schär succeeded Scheiber as CEO effective January 1, 2026.
Within the Grains & Food business, Johannes Wick stepped down as CEO at the end of 2025 and was succeeded by Mike Häfeli as of January 1, 2026.
The company expects market volatility to continue in 2026 and said it intends to focus on maintaining its strategic direction and financial stability while pursuing growth opportunities.