AUSTRIA: Agrana operating profits expected to decline 12% on lower prices | Progresiv

Agrana expects a decline in operating profit after exceptional items (EBIT) in the 2015|16 financial year (1 March 2015 to 29 February 2016). According to provisional figures, the sugar, starch and fruit company achieved revenue of 2,493.5 million euros (prior year*: 2,841.7 million euros) in the 2014|15 financial year (1 March 2014 to 28 February 2015).

The decline of approx. 12 % was primarily attributable to lower prices for sugar, ethanol and fruit juice concentrate.

At 121.7 million euros, operating profit after exceptional items (EBIT) was approx. 27% below the prior-year level (166.9 million euros). The significant decline in revenue in the Sugar segment as a result of the generally difficult market environment was in contrast to the marginal year-on-year improvement in the EBIT of the Starch segment. In the Fruit segment, exceptional items relating to the restructuring of the fruit preparation business in Europe impacted on EBIT, while operating profit was on a par with the prior year’s level.

EBIT is again expected to decline substantially at the Group level in the 2015|16 financial year. Given the persistently difficult market environment, the Sugar segment is expected to record a negative operating profit after exceptional items in the upcoming financial year. By the same token, the unsatisfactory level of ethanol prices will weigh down operating profit in the Starch segment. In contrast, the Fruit segment will see a clear increase in EBIT. (www.foodingredientsfirst.com)