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EQS-News: Springer Nature AG & Co. KGaA
/ Key word(s): Quarterly / Interim Statement/Quarterly / Interim Statement
Springer Nature reports strong start to 2025
13.05.2025 / 07:00 CET/CEST
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
PRESS RELEASE
Springer Nature reports strong start to 2025
- Revenue grew by 6% and adjusted operating profit (AOP) increased by 11% in the first three months of 2025; both on an underlying[1] basis
- Research was the key growth driver, led by strong performance in Full Open Access (FOA)
- Strategic priorities on track: Solid progress in Open Access (OA) and AI initiatives
- Full-year 2025 guidance now includes an AOP range; results expected in the upper half of the revenue and AOP ranges
Berlin, 13 May 2025
Springer Nature, a leading global publisher of research, today released strong results for the first three months of its financial year 2025. Revenue grew to €450 million, representing a 6% increase on an underlying1 basis compared to the same period last year. Adjusted operating profit reached €108 million, equating to underlying1 growth of 11%, which was mainly the result of positive revenue development during the quarter.
Frank Vrancken Peeters, CEO of Springer Nature, said: “These strong first-quarter results reflect the fact that we continue to successfully deliver on our strategy to grow sustainably and to add value to our communities. I am particularly pleased with the growth in the amount of content we are making immediately open for all to use, while continuing to invest in people and technology, and to safeguard research integrity.”
In the reported period, Research was a key contributor to Springer Nature's performance seeing an underlying1 revenue growth of 7%. This was led by a strong performance in open access (OA) including an increase of about 25%[2] on prior year in published articles in its full open access (FOA) journals. Fourteen new transformative agreements were also agreed, taking the total to 80, further driving the global OA transition. In addition, around 90% of contract renewals for 2025 have already been completed.
Two new Nature review journals (Nature Reviews Clean Technology and Nature Reviews Biodiversity) were launched, supporting researchers in new emerging fields.
Springer Nature continued to invest in technology to transform the publishing process. Snapp, the company’s proprietary article processing platform, saw submission growth of 80% in the first quarter, which includes newly migrated journals. Springer Nature also launched new AI tools to help ensure research integrity.
Health generated revenue of €41 million, with 4% underlying[3] revenue growth in the first three months of 2025. Growth was driven by strong demand in the international pharma business and BSL in the Netherlands. Education revenue was broadly flat on an underlying3 basis at €54 million in the first three months, with negative revenue phasing in Southern Africa balancing strong performance in the Southern hemisphere.
Springer Nature retained its focus on growing responsibly – reducing its impact on the planet, maintaining strong customer satisfaction and investing in creating a great place to work. In January, the company was once again recognised as a leading employer in Germany, the UK and the US by the LEADING EMPLOYERS study.
Free cash flow increased to €158 million from €142.5 in the same period last year. This was mainly the results of operational improvement as well as lower interest payments. Consequently, Springer Nature further reduced its financial leverage ratio to 2.0x net debt/EBITDA from 2.3x at the end of 2024.
Alexandra Dambeck, the company’s CFO, said: “We have succeeded in further improving both our operating performance and financial leverage, continuing our strong trajectory from last year. Therefore, we are confident in refining our 2025 guidance and expect to be in the upper half of the ranges.”
Springer Nature's guidance is based on the underlying3 performance and constant foreign exchange rates. The company has refined its full-year 2025 guidance and now expects results to be in the upper half of the previously communicated revenue range of €1,885 million to €1,935 million. Springer Nature has also introduced an adjusted operating profit range of €523 million to €546 million, with expectations likewise toward the upper half of this range. The company’s mid-term outlook remains unchanged.
Springer Nature financial KPI Q1 2025
Key performance indicators
| in € million |
3M 2025 |
3M 2024 |
Change |
Underlying
change |
| Revenue |
450.3 |
429.2 |
4.9% |
5.6% |
| Adjusted operating profit |
107.9 |
98.8 |
9.2% |
10.5% |
| Adjusted operating profit margin |
24.0% |
23.0% |
93bps |
107bps |
| Free cash flow |
158.0 |
142.5 |
15.5 |
|
Revenue
| in € million |
3M 2025 |
3M 2024 |
Change |
Underlying
change |
| Group |
450.3 |
429.2 |
4.9% |
5.6% |
Segments
Researcha,b |
354.9 |
331.7 |
7.0% |
6.7% |
| Health |
41.1 |
39.2 |
4.9% |
4.3% |
| Educationc |
54.4 |
58.8 |
(7.4%) |
(0.7%) |
| Consolidation |
(0.3) |
(0.6) |
|
|
a American Journal Experts (AJE), the language-editing business, sold in February 2024, contributed revenue of €3.1 million.
b The Professional segment was integrated in the Research segment as at 1 January 2025. The presentation of the previous year has been adjusted accordingly.
c Education reported revenue and AOP in Q1 2024 have been amended for a hyperinflation related accounting adjustment in Zimbabwe. The adjustment did not have an effect on H1 2024, or the FY 2024 reported figures of the segment or the Group.
Adjusted operating profit
| in € million |
3M 2025 |
3M 2024 |
Change |
Underlying
Change |
| Group |
107.9 |
98.8 |
9.2% |
10.5% |
Segments
Researcha |
99.5 |
90.2 |
10.3% |
7.7% |
| Health |
4.5 |
3.7 |
22.8% |
21.9% |
| Educationb |
3.7 |
4.9 |
(23.5%) |
>200.0% |
| Consolidation |
0.1 |
0.0 |
|
|
a The Professional segment was integrated in the Research segment as at 1 January 2025. The presentation of the previous year has been adjusted accordingly.
b Education reported revenue and AOP in Q1 2024 have been amended for a hyperinflation related accounting adjustment in Zimbabwe. The adjustment did not have an effect on H1 2024, or the FY 2024 reported figures of the segment or the Group.
Notes relating to forward-looking statements
This document contains statements about the future business development and strategic direction of the company. The forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and assumptions. They are subject to certain risks and fluctuations as described in other publications, in particular in the risk and opportunities management section of the combined management report. If these expectations and assumptions do not apply or if unforeseen risks arise, the actual course of business may differ significantly from the expected developments. We therefore assume no liability for the accuracy of these forecasts.
About Springer Nature
Springer Nature is one of the leading publishers of research in the world. We publish the largest number of journals and books and are a pioneer in open research. Through our leading brands, trusted for more than 180 years, we provide technology-enabled products, platforms and services that help researchers to uncover new ideas and share their discoveries, health professionals to stay at the forefront of medical science, and educators to advance learning. We are proud to be part of progress, working together with the communities we serve to share knowledge and bring greater understanding to the world. For more information, please visit about.springernature.com and @SpringerNature. |
Contact
Cornelius Rahn | Springer Nature | Communications and Corporate Affairs
tel +49 151 1563 7515 | cornelius.rahn@springernature.com
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[1] Underlying changes excludes effects from year-on-year changes in foreign currencies and portfolio.
[2] Excluding Cureus.
[3] Underlying changes excludes effects from year-on-year changes in foreign currencies and portfolio.
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