Agricultural Solutions

Q2 2021

Sales in the Agricultural Solutions segment were considerably above the level of the second quarter of 2020. This was due primarily to the considerably higher volumes in all regions and to higher prices. Negative currency effects, especially in South and North America, had a dampening impact on sales.

Factors influencing sales in Q2 2021 – Agricultural Solutions

Volumes

15%

Prices

3%

Portfolio

0%

Currencies

–7%

Sales

11%

The considerable sales increase in Europe was attributable mainly to increased volumes, especially of fungicides and herbicides resulting from more favorable weather conditions. Slightly higher prices supported sales performance, while negative currency effects had an offsetting impact.

Sales in North America rose considerably compared with the prior-year quarter. This increase was driven primarily by higher volumes, mainly of fungicides and herbicides. Negative currency effects had a dampening impact on sales. Prices were at the same level as in the prior-year quarter.

Sales in Asia improved considerably, primarily due to increased volumes of fungicides and herbicides. Slightly higher prices also had a positive impact on sales, while currency effects had a negative impact.

Sales in the region South America, Africa, Middle East rose considerably. This was primarily the result of considerably higher volumes, mainly of crop protection products in Brazil. Significantly higher price levels also contributed to the positive sales development. This more than offset significantly negative currency effects, especially in Argentina and Brazil.

Despite higher sales, income from operations (EBIT) before special items was considerably below the level of the prior-year quarter. This was mainly attributable to currency effects as well as to higher fixed costs.

EBIT included a special charge for measures in connection with the streamlining of the global glufosinate-ammonium production network.

Segment data – Agricultural Solutions (Million €)

 

Q2

H1

 

2021

2020

+/–

2021

2020

+/–

Sales to third parties

1,963

1,766

11%

4,809

4,585

5%

Income from operations before depreciation, amortization and special items

239

299

–20%

1,210

1,288

–6%

Income from operations before depreciation and amortization (EBITDA)

200

275

–27%

1,168

1,242

–6%

Depreciation and amortizationa

165

180

–8%

329

360

–9%

Income from operations (EBIT)

35

95

–63%

839

882

–5%

Special items

–40

–25

–60%

–43

–47

9%

EBIT before special items

75

120

–38%

882

929

–5%

Assets (June 30)

15,922

16,736

–5%

15,922

16,736

–5%

Investments including acquisitionsb

85

71

20%

133

136

–2%

Research and development expenses

228

200

14%

444

407

9%

a

Depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (including impairments and reversals of impairments)

b

Additions to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

H1 2021 sales by indication and sector
H1 2021 sales by indication and sector (pie chart)