FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
Global workplace experience and facilities management firm, ISS, has reported robust financial performance in 2025, in line with expectations.
In its 2025 financial results, organic growth was 4.3% in 2025 (2024: 6.3%), and 4.4% in H2 2025 (H2 2024: 6.6%), which ISS says was mainly driven by price increases implemented across the Group, and positive volume growth partly offset by net negative contract wins.
Operating margin before other items (excl. IAS 29) in 2025 was 5.0% (2024: 5.0%), and 5.8% in H2 2025 (H2 2024: 6.0%) as a result of stable operational improvements across the Group offset by commercial investments in the US.
Business
In 2025, ISS’ strategy execution developed according to plan with the embedment of key strategic initiatives in several significant local markets.
ISS secured 10 new contracts with large key account customers. Furthermore, ISS extended and expanded several large key accounts across the Group, especially with high concentration of activity in Asia & Pacific. Two contracts were reduced in scope, and one was lost. The retention rate improved from 93 per cent in 2024 to 94 per cent in 2025.
The final oral hearing in the arbitration proceedings between ISS and Deutsche Telekom took place in mid July 2025. The parties await a ruling by the Tribunal, and have, in parallel, engaged in discussions on a potential settlement, which aims at settling disputed claims, creating clarity on contractual positions going forward and further strengthening the collaboration and partnership between ISS and Deutsche Telekom. ISS expects a final outcome in first half 2026.
Also in 2025, ISS completed two bolt-on acquisitions – Garbialdi in Spain and Franye Group in Austria.
Capital distribution and outlook
On 13 February 2026, ISS concluded the share buyback programme of DKK 3.0 billion announced in February and August 2025. It is now announcing the initiation of a new share buyback programme of DKK 2.5 billion.
Looking ahead, ISS says organic growth is expected to be above 5% and operating margin is expected to be above 5% in 2026.
Commenting on the results, Kasper Fangel Group CEO, ISS A/S, said: “I am pleased with our robust progress in 2025 and the delivery of our financial targets. This reflects disciplined execution of our strategic priorities and continued operational improvements. Despite currency headwinds, we increased revenue by almost DKK 1 billion to a total revenue of DKK 85 billion. In addition, we secured 10 significant new contracts and 10 expansions of existing partnerships – each contributing more than DKK 100 million in new annual revenue – which positions us well for a strong 2026. Our robust financial performance also enables us, for the third consecutive year, to launch a new share buyback programme. As we enter ISS’s 125th anniversary year, we continue at full speed – driving profitable growth while creating lasting social value for our people, customers and communities worldwide.”
