Breaking Down Forbo Holding AG Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors

Step into the world of Forbo Holding AG-founded in 1928 from the merger of three linoleum makers and today a global force with 25 production and distribution sites, 6 assembly centers, 47 sales organizations across 39 countries and roughly 5,100 employees-where a 1,122.0 million CHF turnover in 2024 underpins a mission to deliver safe, reliable and innovative flooring, adhesive and movement solutions while embedding sustainability into every product (Marmoleum, for example, is made from up to 98% natural and renewable materials); driven by a vision to be a global market leader in flooring, surface and power products with 300 service points, maximizing recyclability and bio-based content, and guided by the core values Inspiring, Daring and Caring that shape customer focus, fast response, R&D-led innovation and a circular-economy mindset across public buildings, hospitals, schools and commercial premises-inviting you to explore how these concrete numbers and principles translate into measurable impact and business resilience

Forbo Holding AG (0QKD.L) - Intro

• Headquarters: Baar, Switzerland
• Founded: 1928 (merger of three linoleum manufacturers)
• Employees: ~5,100 (2024)
• Production & distribution footprint: 25 production & distribution sites, 6 assembly centers, 47 sales organizations in 39 countries
• Reported turnover: CHF 1,122.0 million (2024)
• Core product portfolio: linoleum (Marmoleum), vinyl floor coverings, entrance matting systems, carpet tiles, needle felt coverings, Flotex, Siegling conveyor and processing belts

• Provide durable, high-performance building and flooring solutions that combine functional excellence with sustainability.
• Deliver value to customers through innovative product systems (flooring, adhesives, conveyor belts) and dependable global supply capabilities.
• Operate ethically and responsibly, minimizing environmental impact while ensuring safety and quality across the value chain.

• Be recognized as the global leader in sustainable floor coverings and conveyor systems, setting benchmarks for circularity and low-carbon products.
• Expand solutions-driven growth in key end-markets (healthcare, education, public and commercial buildings, industrial applications) while maintaining regional responsiveness through local production and sales networks.

• Sustainability - embed renewable materials, resource efficiency and recyclability into product design (e.g., Marmoleum's high natural content).
• Customer Centricity - tailor solutions and service to the needs of architects, specifiers, contractors and distributors worldwide.
• Quality & Innovation - continuous R&D for performance, safety and new material technologies across flooring and conveyor products.
• Responsibility & Compliance - uphold strong governance, ethical procurement and occupational safety across 25 production sites.
• Global Collaboration - leverage 47 sales organizations and 6 assembly centers for integrated, localized delivery.

• Product sustainability: increase share of renewable, recycled or recyclable materials across product lines - benchmark: Marmoleum up to 98% natural content.
• Profitability & growth: maintain topline above CHF 1 billion (2024 turnover CHF 1,122.0m) while improving margins via operational excellence across 25 sites.
• Geographic footprint: serve 39 countries with targeted expansion in high-growth regions supported by 47 sales organizations.
• Operational efficiency: optimize supply chain and assembly (6 centers) to balance global scale and local responsiveness.

• Diversified portfolio spanning floor coverings and industrial belts, reducing single-market exposure.
• Scale: ~5,100 employees and 25 production sites enable consistent supply for large institutional contracts.
• Sustainability leadership: Marmoleum positioned as a natural-material flagship product with up to 98% renewable content-used as a market differentiator in public and healthcare sectors.
• Solid financial base: 2024 turnover CHF 1,122.0 million supports ongoing R&D and capital investments.

Forbo Holding AG (0QKD.L) - Overview

• Mission focus: Deliver high-quality, reliable products with short response times and strong customer service.
• Sustainability: Minimise environmental impact across sourcing, production and product lifecycles.
• Innovation: Invest in R&D to drive product performance, circularity and manufacturing efficiency.
• Customer satisfaction: Exceed client expectations through product quality, technical support and lifecycle services.
• Balanced value creation: Combine financial performance with ecological and social responsibility to enable sustainable growth.

• Manufacturing innovation: Investments in process automation and energy efficiency reduce unit costs and CO2 intensity while supporting short lead times.
• Product innovation: R&D prioritises low-emission materials, recyclability and performance (e.g., slip resistance, durability), enabling premium positioning and lifecycle value for customers.
• Customer-centric operations: Regional production footprint and logistics flexibility enable rapid response to bespoke orders and shorter delivery windows.
• Sustainability integration: Environmental KPIs (energy, waste, recycled content) are embedded into product development and supplier selection to support regulatory compliance and customer sustainability targets.

• Revenue growth: FY 2023 revenue increased year-on-year, driven by higher sales volumes and premium product mix.
• Profitability: EBIT margin sustained at ~10% through efficiency measures and pricing discipline.
• Workforce and skills: ~5,500 employees with targeted upskilling programs in production, sustainability and customer service.
• R&D outcomes: Measurable product launches focused on lower-VOC formulations, recyclable backing systems and adhesive systems with reduced environmental footprint.

• Public sustainability targets and annual reporting against energy, emissions and waste KPIs.
• Capital allocation that balances CAPEX for manufacturing upgrades with dividend policy and selective M&A to expand product capabilities.
• Stakeholder engagement through customer programmes, supplier audits and community initiatives.

Forbo Holding AG (0QKD.L) - Mission Statement

• Global leadership: leverage ~300 service points worldwide to maintain market presence and customer proximity.
• Sustainability-first manufacturing: increase bio-based content, reduce lifecycle impacts, and offer fully recyclable solutions.
• Operational excellence: drive efficiency, profitability, and scalable innovation across production sites.
• Customer & society focus: develop technologies addressing industry demands, societal needs, and environmental challenges.

• Marmoleum: a flagship product comprised of more than 97% natural and renewable materials, exemplifying the bio-based ambition.
• Circular economy: product design prioritizes recyclability and closed-loop material use across major product lines.
• Global service infrastructure: ~300 service points enable after-sales, installation support, and local sustainability initiatives.

• R&D investment focus on bio-based materials and recyclability to expand products like Marmoleum across new use cases.
• Operational programs to improve energy efficiency, reduce CO2 intensity per unit produced, and increase use of renewable energy in plants.
• Commercial strategies to grow high-margin, sustainable product segments while optimizing global service coverage for market responsiveness.

Forbo Holding AG (0QKD.L) - Vision Statement

• Focus markets: commercial and residential flooring, linoleum, vinyl, textile and specialty adhesives.
• Growth ambition: profitable organic growth supported by targeted bolt-on acquisitions and digital go-to-market initiatives.
• Sustainability aim: net-zero pathways across Scopes 1-3, circular product design, and supply-chain decarbonization.

• Inspiring
  • Develop ideas and seize opportunities: product R&D and market pilots to convert concepts into scalable offerings.
  • Know what matters and focus: prioritized investments in high-margin segments and sustainability innovations.
  • Raise enthusiasm and convince others: leadership in customer co-creation and cross-functional collaboration.
• Daring
  • Take bold, decisive action: accelerated digitalization and operational restructurings to improve responsiveness.
  • Give all with power and passion: performance-driven targets coupled with empowerment of local teams.
  • Achieve goals with determination and stamina: disciplined execution of multi-year strategic plans.
• Caring
  • Challenge and encourage: continuous improvement culture and talent development programs.
  • Take responsibility and make a difference: adherence to safety, compliance, and environmental stewardship.
  • Lead by example to shared success: leadership accountability and stakeholder engagement.