The year 2025 was characterized by many economic and geopolitical challenges and uncertainties. This also determined the course of business in the year. In addition to a persistently weak market, unfavorable exchange rates, global trade policy developments and increasing competitive and price pressure, particularly from China, had a significant negative impact on the Sick Group's business performance.

Turnover in the 2025 financial year increased moderately and amounted to 1850 million euros. This corresponds to a change of +6.5% compared to the previous year. Currency effects had a negative impact: Assuming unchanged average exchange rates compared to the previous year, sales revenue would have increased by 9.3%. Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) fell slightly by 0.5% to EUR 54.7 million, while the EBIT margin amounted to 3.0%.

In Asia-Pacific, Sick was able to increase sales by a double-digit percentage, particularly in China. Growth in the EMEA and Americas regions was significantly lower at around 4% and less than 3% respectively. The strong growth in the home market of Germany was positively influenced by one-off special effects.

Dr. Mats Gökstorp, CEO, says: "In view of the continuing challenging macroeconomic conditions and uncertainties in many markets, we were able to increase sales growth in 2025 in line with expectations. Nevertheless, we are not completely satisfied with the overall result, as sales and incoming orders were below the level of previous years despite the recent sustained growth momentum. Our continued high investments and expenditure on research and development form a good basis for the further expansion of our business activities and the future growth of the Group. At the same time, internal structures must be adapted to the new market conditions. Our focus here is on the excessively high cost level in Germany."

Jan-H. Eberhardt, CFO, explains: "Sick has a solid balance sheet structure. We want to continue to finance our strategic innovations from our own resources in the future in order to take advantage of growth opportunities. In the 2025 financial year, we were able to stabilize our earnings by consistently optimizing internal structures and processes and maintaining cost discipline. Further improving our earning power is an important goal in order to be successful as an independent family business."

As at the balance sheet date of December 31, 2025, the Group employed 10,158 people, 0.2% fewer than in the previous year.

Cautiously optimistic outlook for 2026

"For 2026, we anticipate ongoing uncertainties such as geopolitical tensions and trade policy risks due to permanently high tariff levels, which we are countering with continued measures to improve earnings and a strong market presence. The economic consequences of the war in the Middle East are currently unforeseeable. Sharply rising energy prices and disrupted supply chains are dampening expectations," says CEO Dr. Mats Gökstorp. "With intelligent sensor solutions and a clear focus on automation, logistics and industrial AI, Sick is setting its sights on profitable growth in 2026."