DGAP-News: KWS SAAT AG / Key word(s): Quarter Results
KWS SAAT AG: Report on the first nine months of 2012/2013 - KWS grows
in all product segments
28.05.2013 / 07:30
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Einbeck, May 28, 2013
No. 21| gf
Report on the first nine months of 2012/2013
KWS grows in all product segments
Guidance confirmed for full fiscal year 2012/2013 - Net sales grow in the
first nine months by 11.0% to EUR880.9 million and EBIT by 8.5% to EUR185.6
million - R&D budget increased again by 10%
KWS SAAT AG (ISIN: DE0007074007) posted growth in net sales in all product
segments in the first nine months of fiscal 2012/2013 (ending June 30).
Corn and cereals business recorded double-digit growth rates. KWS'
third-quarter performance is crucial to its success in the year as a whole,
since the main contributors to its net sales - corn and sugarbeet - are
sown in this period. On the strength of this gratifying trend, the company
confirms its guidance for 2012/2013, which it had raised in February,
despite a higher R&D budget.
Corn grows strongly - Net sales for cereals over the EUR100 million mark
for the first time
In the first nine months of fiscal 2012/2013, KWS profited substantially
from strong corn business in North and South America and from sugarbeet
seed business in the U.S. Cereals business also developed very well,
surpassing the EUR100 million net sales mark for the first time. Overall,
net sales of the KWS Group rose by 11.0% to EUR880.9 million, while
operating income (EBIT) increased by 8.5% to EUR185.6 million.
Of the individual segments, the Corn Segment still makes the strongest
contribution to the Group's net sales. The segment was bolstered by the
positive performance of its new business operations in South America,
further growth of the North American joint venture AgReliant and gains in
market share in France. Net sales of corn seed rose by 13.0% to EUR524.2
million, while EBIT increased by 15.7% to EUR105.1 million. The segment's
income will fall in the fourth quarter for seasonal reasons.
In the Sugarbeet Segment, which also includes seed potato activities,
reductions in cultivation areas resulting from the sugar price led to lower
net sales in the EU 27 as well as in Russia and Ukraine. However, this
effect was compensated for by gains in market share in North America. Net
sales for the segment climbed by 5.3% to EUR247.5 million. EBIT was EUR76.8
million, on a par with the previous year.
Net sales in the Cereals Segment increased sharply by 19.8% to EUR104.8
million. This was boosted by the strong development of business in Germany,
Poland and the UK. KWS' cereals business is significantly influenced by
sales of winter cereal varieties. Hybrid rye is the mainstay here,
contributing more than 50% of net sales. The segment's income rose in line
with net sales to EUR31.9 million. However, income will fall by the end of
the fiscal year, since only slight net sales from summer cereal varieties
are generated, while the planned structural costs will still be incurred.
KWS confirms guidance - Gratifying performance in all segments
The KWS Group expects net sales to grow by just over 15% to EUR1,140
million for fiscal 2012/2013 as a whole. Operating income is expected to be
EUR145 million, corresponding to an EBIT margin of 12.7%.
'In fiscal 2012/2013, we have again been able to successfully position our
innovative product portfolio in Germany and abroad. In doing so we have
expanded our market share in our key markets. Our new business operations
in China and Brazil are also developing much better than planned,
emphasizing our competitive strength,' said Chief Executive Officer Philip
von dem Bussche.
Contact:
Georg Folttmann
Head of Investor Relations
Phone: +49 (0)5561 311 640
Fax: +49 (0)5561 311 510
Mobile: +49 (0)173 29 10 520
georg.folttmann@kws.com
KWS SAAT AG
GrimsehlstraÃe 31
37555 Einbeck, Germany
www.kws.com
End of Corporate News
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Language: English
Company: KWS SAAT AG
GrimsehlstraÃe 31
37555 Einbeck
Germany
Phone: +49 (0)5561 311-0
Fax: +49 (0)5561 311-322
E-mail: info@kws.com
Internet: www.kws.de
ISIN: DE0007074007
WKN: 707400
Indices: S-DAX
Listed: Regulierter Markt in Frankfurt (Prime Standard), Hannover;
Freiverkehr in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, München,
Stuttgart
End of News DGAP News-Service
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213341 28.05.2013
DGAP-News: KWS SAAT AG: Report on the first nine months of 2012/2013 - KWS grows in all product segments
| Source: EQS Group AG