KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA Exceeds Forecasts for Fiscal Year 2023/2024

KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA ("KWS") achieved significant growth in sales and EBIT for the fiscal year 2023/2024. Based on preliminary, unaudited figures, revenue increased by around 12% to EUR 1,678 million, driven by robust business performance in the final quarter. This represents a comparable growth of approximately 16%, surpassing the forecast of 11-13%.

EBIT rose by over 50% to around EUR 300 million, with an EBIT margin of approximately 18%, exceeding the forecast of 15-17%. The research and development ratio was 19.4%, slightly below the expected 20%. The notable increase in sales and EBIT was primarily due to success in the Sugarbeet segment and a positive one-off gain from selling the Chinese corn business.

For the fiscal year 2024/2025, KWS forecasts 2-4% sales growth and an EBIT margin of 14-16%. The company also expects a positive impact from the sale of its South American corn business, which will improve key financial indicators and reduce debt.