Agricultural Solutions

Q3 2021

Compared with the third quarter of 2020, sales in the Agricultural Solutions segment rose considerably due to strong volume growth and higher prices.

Factors influencing sales in Q3 2021 – Agricultural Solutions

Volumes

7%

Prices

1%

Portfolio

0%

Currencies

0%

Sales

8%

In Europe, sales increased considerably over the prior-year quarter. Higher volumes, particularly in fungicides, more than offset slightly negative currency effects, especially in Turkey and eastern Europe. Price increases contributed to the positive sales performance.

Sales were considerably lower in North America. This was due primarily to lower volumes, mainly the result of premature demand caused by the early start to the season and the drought in Canada and the midwestern United States. Prices decreased slightly.

In Asia, sales increased slightly, primarily resulting from higher prices and positive currency effects. Overall, volumes were slightly below the level of the prior-year quarter.

Sales rose considerably in the South America, Africa, Middle East region. This was largely attributable to considerable volume growth particularly in seeds and traits. A rise in price levels also contributed to this development. This more than offset negative currency effects, especially in Argentina.

Income from operations (EBIT) before special items was considerably below the level of the prior-year quarter due to significantly higher fixed costs, increased raw materials prices and logistics costs, which could only be passed on partially, as well as an unfavorable product mix.

EBIT for the third quarter of 2021 included special income from the sale of non-capitalized know-how. Special charges for impairments and provisions had been recognized in the prior-year quarter.

Segment data – Agricultural Solutions (Million €)

 

Q3

January–September

 

2021

2020

+/–

2021

2020

+/–

Sales to third parties

1,593

1,474

8%

6,402

6,059

6%

Income from operations before depreciation, amortization and special items

74

201

–63%

1,284

1,489

–14%

Income from operations before depreciation and amortization (EBITDA)

120

151

–21%

1,288

1,393

–8%

Depreciation and amortizationa

164

455

–64%

493

815

–40%

Income from operations (EBIT)

–44

–304

86%

795

578

38%

Special items

46

–330

.

3

–377

.

EBIT before special items

–90

26

.

792

955

–17%

Assets (September 30)

15,368

15,495

–1%

15,368

15,495

–1%

Investments including acquisitionsb

91

108

–16%

224

244

–8%

Research and development expenses

223

207

8%

667

614

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