BIC Revises Annual Forecasts After Disappointing Third Quarter
Stationery, lighter, and razor manufacturer BIC has announced a revision of its outlook for 2025 following modest performance in the third quarter.
Q3 2025 Financial Performance
In the third quarter of 2025, BIC reported a revenue of 519 million euros, marking a slight increase of 0.3% at constant exchange rates compared to the previous year. However, excluding the positive impact of Tangle Teezer, revenue declined by 3.3%. The Human Expression division recorded revenues of 192 million euros, down by 0.5%. The Flame for Life division experienced a 4.3% decrease in revenue, amounting to 175 million euros. Conversely, Blade Excellence saw its sales increase by 7.4% to 146 million euros, thanks to the contribution from Tangle Teezer.
Revised Outlook for 2025
In response to financial performances falling short of expectations, BIC has revised its forecasts for 2025. Revenue growth at constant exchange rates is now expected to be between -1% and -1.5%. The adjusted operating margin is projected to be around 13.7%, while the generation of net free cash flow is estimated at 210 million euros. Additionally, BIC announced the sale of its Cello stationery business in India to a consortium led by Authum Investment & Infrastructure Limited.
Market Challenges Impacting Performance
A challenging market environment has impacted BIC's performance, particularly in North America and Latin America. In the United States, the lighter and razor market remained under pressure, affecting the results of the Flame for Life division. In Europe and the Middle East, growth has been more favorable, notably due to distribution gains and value-added products. In response to these challenges, CEO Rob Versloot expressed his intention to strengthen the group's foundations and adapt operations to better seize future opportunities.
