Südzucker: outlook for the current 2021/22 fiscal year confirmed

Südzucker AG’s consolidated revenues in the first quarter of fiscal 2021/22 (1 March to 31 May 2021) increased moderately to EUR 1,753 (previous year: 1,669) million. While the special products segment's revenues declined, they were up in the sugar and fruit segments and rose significantly in the CropEnergies and starch segments. Group EBITDA was EUR 13 million lower than last year at EUR 121 million.

Consolidated group operating result declines

The consolidated group operating result fell substantially to EUR 49 (previous year: 61) million during the reporting period. The uneven quarterly business development caused by the pandemic since the first quarter of 2020/21 distorted results within the quarters and affected the entire 2020/21 fiscal year. The distortions may now lead to some contrary effects during the current 2021/22 fiscal year. Südzucker will report on five segments for the first time at the beginning of fiscal 2021/22. In addition to the existing sugar, special products, CropEnergies and fruit segments, the newly created starch segment will be reported separately for the first time.

Higher production costs weigh on the sugar segment

Sugar segment’s revenues climbed moderately to EUR 595 (previous year: 565) million. The improvement was driven mainly by higher sugar sales revenues since the beginning of the new 2020/21 sugar marketing year (1 October 2020 to 30 September 2021), with sales volumes at the previous year's level. The first quarter of the 2020/21 financial year initially benefited from the positive effects of panic buying at the start of the coronavirus pandemic. The operating loss for the first quarter of fiscal 2021/22 was sharply higher than last year at EUR -25 (previous year: -16) million. Higher sugar sales revenues were offset by increased production costs from the 2020 campaign and lower retail sales volumes. Because sales volumes were still high in last year’s first quarter, it was not yet possible to achieve higher sales volumes in the first quarter of the current fiscal year.

Sugar beet cultivation expanded

Südzucker Group expanded its total beet acreage for the 2021 campaign to 353,600 (previous year: 343,000) ha, up about 3.1 percent compared last year. The main planting campaign kicked off at the end of March, with initially good seeding conditions. Although late frosts and generally cool temperatures in April and May delayed beet development, adequate water supplies ultimately led to uniform beet stands.

Lower results for special products segment

The special products segment's revenues amounted to EUR 421 (previous year: 444) million, moderately below the previous year's level. Overall lower sales volumes impacted negatively, whereby the previous year was characterized at the beginning of the first quarter by the partly sharp increase in demand, for example for frozen pizzas. The operating result decreased significantly to EUR 34 (previous year: 40) million, reflecting the development of revenues. Lower sales volumes and, in some cases, higher raw material costs weighed on the result.

Results in the CropEnergies segment improved significantly

In the CropEnergies segment, revenues increased significantly to EUR 195 (previous year: 162) million. Following pandemic-related distortions in fuel demand in the same quarter of the previous year, higher volumes and sales revenues contributed to revenue growth. In line with revenue growth, operating result also improved significantly to EUR 15 (previous year: 8) million. Higher sales revenues and volume growth had a positive effect, more than off-setting the increase in raw material costs.

Starch segment reported separately for the first time

The starch segment's revenues increased to EUR 221 (previous year: 194) million, significantly above the previous year's level. The revenue growth was driven in particular by the encouraging volume trend and higher ethanol prices. The operating result, however, remained well below the previous year's level at EUR 9 (previous year: 13) million. Higher raw material costs in particular, but also lower sales revenues overall, resulted in a declining margin.

Fruit segment's results en par with last year's level

The fruit segment's revenues of EUR 321 (previous year: 304) million were moderately higher than a year earlier. Revenues from fruit preparations rose primarily due to higher volumes, while revenues from fruit juice concentrates were slightly lower despite stable volumes as a result of marginally lower sales revenues. The operating result remained at the previous year's level totaling EUR 16 (previous year: 16) million.

Outlook for the current 2021/22 fiscal year confirmed

Consolidated group revenues of EUR 7.0 to 7.2 (previous year: 6.7) billion are expected in fiscal 2021/22. A significant increase in revenues is anticipated in the sugar segment. Consolidated group operating result is expected to range between EUR 300 and 400 (previous year: 236) million. The sugar segment’s operating result is forecast to range between EUR 0 and 100 million. Vaccination rates against COVID-19 are expected to further increase steadily worldwide with wide regional disparities. The economic impact of the virus is thus expected to wane over time. Nevertheless, there will continue to be coronavirus pandemic-related risks in the further course of fiscal 2021/22. The economic and financial impact and duration of the disease are difficult to assess.

Südzucker Press Release 8 July 2021
Photo © Wilhelm Dürr / Südzucker