Agricultural Solutions

1st Quarter 2018

Sales in the Agricultural Solutions segment declined considerably compared with the first quarter of 2017. This was primarily attributable to negative currency effects in all regions. Sales were also reduced by slightly lower prices in North America in particular. By contrast, we increased sales volumes. Business development in the Northern Hemisphere was dampened by the long and cold winter.

Factors influencing sales, Agricultural Solutions
1st quarter 2018

In Europe, sales were down slightly on the prior-year quarter, mainly as a result of negative currency effects. These could not be completely offset by slightly higher sales volumes, particularly in eastern Europe.

Sales in North America decreased considerably, largely due to strongly negative currency effects. Slightly lower prices for herbicides in particular also contributed to the sales decline.

Sales rose considerably in Asia. Significantly higher sales volumes, especially in Japan and China, more than offset the negative currency effects.

The region South America, Africa, Middle East saw slight sales growth, driven in particular by higher volumes of soy fungicides and sugarcane insecticides in Brazil. Sales were weighed down by negative currency effects.

Income from operations before special items was considerably lower than in the first quarter of 2017. This was mainly attributable to negative currency effects and higher fixed costs in areas such as production and research.