Business performance of the segments
The Corn Segment grew its net sales by around 52% to €71.2 (46.9) million in the first quarter. Argentina and Brazil, KWS’ main markets in South America, made a major contribution to that and we expanded business strongly in them. Apart from an earlier start to the winter sowing season, greater cultivation area and higher sales prices in Brazil, coupled with the continuing success of KWS’ innovative varieties, had a significant positive impact on net sales. In the regions of Europe and North America, the segment does not generate any significant net sales in the first quarter due to seasonal reasons. The segment’s income was € –40.1(–41.0) million.
The Sugarbeet Segment posts only low net sales in the first quarter due to seasonal reasons. The figure for the quarter under review was €18.3 (16.1) million. The revenue mainly comes from the sale of sugarbeet seed in Chile and North Africa. The segment’s income was € –32.4 million, on a par with the previous year’s figure of € –32.2 million.
Net sales in the Cereals Segment rose by around 11% to €121.2 (109.1) million. The increase was mainly due to sharp expansion in rapeseed seed business (+56%). Apart from favorable market conditions, the improved performance of KWS’ variety portfolio was a further contributory factor. However, sales of rye seed fell by around 5%. The sharp increase in wheat prices has meant that growing rye has become economically disadvantageous in some regions by comparison. Wheat and barley seed business plays a minor role for KWS in the first quarter. The segment’s income rose sharply to €43.1 (36.0) million.
Net sales at the Vegetables Segment fell year over year to €10.2 (13.3) million. Continued high inventory levels at distributors mean there is still moderate demand for spinach and bean seed at present. Business is expected to pick up in the second half of the fiscal year. As a result of the course of business and further expansion of the Business Unit Vegetables, the segment’s income fell to € –4.5 (–3.3) million. Excluding effects from the purchase price allocation as part of company acquisitions, the segment’s income was €0.4 (3.1) million.
Net sales in the Corporate Segment totaled €2.3 (1.8) million. They are mainly generated from KWS farms. Since all cross-segment costs for the KWS Group’s central functions and basic research expenditure are charged to the Corporate Segment, its income is usually negative. At €–25.2 million, the segment’s income was slightly below the level of previous year (€–22.0 million).
The difference from the KWS Group’s statement of comprehensive income and segment reporting is due to the requirements of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) and is summarized for the key indicators of net sales and EBIT in the reconciliation table below:
