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KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA

Quarterly Report Feb 27, 2018

254_10-q_2018-02-27_8cf42ed7-7c71-4ce7-ab5b-46f70df755ba.pdf

Quarterly Report

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Semiannual Report 2017|2018

July 1 to December 31, 2017

KWS Update – 1st Half of 2017/2018

Economic environment Earnings Guidance

  • ¢ Negative exchange rate developments, in particular in South America and Turkey
  • ¢ US tax reform viewed today as having a slightly positive impact

  • ¢ Consolidated net sales in the first six months down year on year

  • ¢ EBIT impacted by planned increase in R&D and project costs

  • ¢ Slight rise in net sales still anticipated

  • ¢ EBIT margin expected to be between 11.0% and 12.0%

KWS in Figures

KWS Group

1st half of 1st half of 1st half of 1st half of
in € millions 2017/2018 2016/2017 2015/20161 2014/2015
Net sales and income
Net sales 244.1 280.0 219.5 194.0
EBIT –89.6 –70.3 –106.3 –96.8
Net financial income/expenses –29.0 –25.8 –28.7 –21.3
Net income for the period –80.6 –64.3 –95.8 –80.1
Financial position and assets
Capital expenditure 27.9 33.6 54.2 78.7
Depreciation and amortization 23.8 23.4 24.2 19.3
Equity 705.1 702.6 617.2 566.7
Equity ratio in % 48.2 47.4 45.5 45.4
Net debt2 223.8 236.6 281.6 225.5
Total assets 1,463.5 1,481.0 1,356.7 1,249.0
Cash flow from operating activities –127.3 –85.1 –99.8 –101.4
Employees
Number of employees3 5,422 5,042 4,990 4,816
Key figures for the share
Earnings per share in € –12.23 –9.73 –14.42 –12.17

1 Balance sheet figures adjusted in accordance with IAS 8 and 12

2 = Short-term and long-term borrowings – cash and cash equivalents – securities 3 Number of employees on December 31, 2017

Reconcilation for the 1st half of 2017/2018

in € millions Segments Reconciliation KWS Group
Net sales 270.0 –25.9 244.1
EBIT –114.5 24.9 –89.6

Contents

Interim Group Management Report

  • Importance of the First Half for the Fiscal Year
  • Employees
  • Economic Report
  • Performance of the KWS Group in the First Half of the Fiscal Year
  • Earnings, Financial Position and Assets
  • Segment Reports
  • Opportunity and Risk Report
  • Forecast Report

Abridged Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

  • Statement of Comprehensive Income
  • Balance Sheet
  • Statement of Changes in Equity
  • Cash Flow Statement
  • Abridged Notes to the Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

Additional Disclosures

Interim Group Management Report

Importance of the First Half for the Fiscal Year

Our main markets are in the northern hemisphere, where our sales drivers corn seed and sugarbeet seed are sown in the spring. Only our winter cereal seed and rapeseed business is over by the end of the period under review. In addition, net sales of corn, soybean and sugarbeet seed from our activities in the southern hemisphere are included in the semiannual financial statements. The first half of the year (July to December) most recently contributed around 25% of the Group's annual net sales due to this strongly seasonal nature of our business.

Employees

Number of employees by region

December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Germany 1,867 1,829
Europe (excluding Germany) 1,317 1,292
North and South America 2,008 1,710
Rest of world 230 211
Total 5,422 5,042

At December 31, 2017, we had 5,422 employees1 worldwide.

Economic Report

Performance of the KWS Group in the first half of the fiscal year

The KWS Group's net sales declined in the first half of fiscal 2017/2018. That was mainly influenced by our corn seed business in South America and sugarbeet seed business in Turkey. Negative exchange rate developments, in particular in Brazil, Argentina, the UK and Turkey, also impacted net sales. Winter rye and rapeseed business was expanded in Europe, resulting all in all in a sharp improvement in cereals business. Early sales of sugarbeet seed in the EU, which are usually low at this stage of the year, increased slightly. Net sales were also grown in Eastern and Northern Europe and in Asia in the period under review.

1 Number of employees on December 31, 2017, not including our equity-accounted companies. Please refer to the reconciliation table on page 8.

Earnings, Financial Position and Assets

Earnings

Abridged income statement

in € millions 1st half of 2017/2018 1st half of 2016/2017 +/–
Net sales 244.1 280.0 –12.8%
Operating income –89.6 –70.3 –27.5%
Net financial income/expenses –29.0 –25.8 –12.4%
Result of ordinary activities –118.6 –96.1 –23.4%
Income taxes –38.0 –31.8 –19.5%
Net income for the period –80.6 –64.3 –25.3%
Earnings per share (in €) –12.23 –9.73 –25.7%

Good net sales of the previous year not quite equaled

The KWS Group's net sales in the first half of fiscal 2017/2018 fell by 12.8% to a total of €244.1 (280.0)1 million. That was mainly attributable to corn seed business in South America and sugarbeet seed business in Turkey. The KWS Group was able to expand its net sales in Europe, in particular on the strength of its winter cereals and winter rapeseed business. Revenues from our North American joint ventures are still relatively low at this point of the year and are only included at the segment level (see the section "Segment reports" on pages 8 to 9). After adjustment for exchange rate effects, the KWS Group's net sales would have fallen by 8.9% to €255.1 million.

1 The figures in parentheses are those for the previous year.

Research & development activities expanded – Optimization of the organizational structure

In the period under review, we pressed ahead with optimizing our organizational structure and launched projects aimed at strengthening our IT infrastructure. We also continued to increase our research & development expenditure as planned. The balance of other operating income and other operating expenses fell, due to the fact that there were lower positive special effects than those that had an impact in the previous year. The KWS Group's EBIT fell by 27.5% to €–89.6 (–70.3) million in the first half of 2017/2018.

Net financial income/expenses at December 31, 2017, was €–29.0 (–25.8) million and thus slightly down from the previous year. Since the main revenue from our joint ventures does not materialize until the third quarter, net income from equity investments in the first half of the year is negative. It totaled €–25.5 million and was thus 15.9% below the previous year's figure of €–22.0 million. The interest result is made up of interest income and, predominantly, interest expenses. The balance improved slightly to €–3.5 (–3.8) million due to higher interest income.

Income taxes were €–38.0 (–31.8) million on earnings before taxes (EBT) of €–118.6 (–96.1) million. The result was a 25.3% fall in net income for the period to €–80.6 (–64.3) million or €–12.23 (–9.73) per share.

No reliable trend for earnings for the year as a whole can be deduced from these developments (see the section "Importance of the first half for the fiscal year").

Financial situation

Selected key figures for the financial situation

in € millions 1st half of 2017/2018 1st half of 2016/2017 +/–
Cash and cash equivalents 121.1 104.8 15.6%
Net cash from operating activities –127.3 –85.1 –49.6%
Net cash from investing activities –27.5 –42.1 34.7%
Net cash from financing activities 86.3 66.8 29.2%

The KWS Group's seasonal course of business impacts its cash flow statement, which changes significantly in the course of the year. Net cash from operating activities fell to €–127.3 (–85.1) million as a result of the funds tied up due to a buildup in inventories, a factor that mainly has an effect in the first half of the fiscal year. Cash earnings at December 31, 2017, were €–73.2 (–61.2) million. Net cash from investing activities fell by €14.6 million to €–27.5 (–42.1) million due to lower capital expenditure on property, plant and equipment. KWS issued short-term commercial papers in order to finance its general business operations during the year. The net cash from financing activities thus increased to €86.3 (66.8) million. Cash and cash equivalents totaled €121.1 (104.8) million.

The KWS Group invested a total of €27.9 (33.6) million in the first half of fiscal 2017/2018. The main focus of that is on erecting and expanding production and research & development capacities. We plan to increase our capital spending to more than €100 million for the year as a whole.

Assets

Abridged balance sheet

in € millions December 31, 2017 June 30, 2017 +/–
Assets
Noncurrent assets 681.3 680.1 0.2%
Current assets 782.2 815.1 –4.0%
Equity and liabilities
Equity 705.1 836.9 –15.7%
Noncurrent liabilities 322.6 358.8 –10.1%
Current liabilities 435.8 299.5 45.5%
Total assets 1,463.5 1,495.2 –2.1%

The KWS Group's balance sheet during the year is impacted sharply by the seasonal course of its business. There are thus usually significant changes in balance sheet items, in particular for working capital, in the course of the year. Inventories rose by €180.3 million to €375.2 (194.9)1 million. Cash and cash equivalents fell by €90.1 million due to financing of our general business operations. Trade receivables were €158.6 (302.6) million. Negative operating income resulted in the decline in equity customary at this time of the year, and the equity ratio fell to 48.2% (56.0%). Net debt was €223.8 (48.5) million. Finally, total assets at December 31, 2017, were €1,463.5 (1,495.2) million.

Segment reports

Reconciliation with the KWS Group

The KWS Group's interim consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The segments are presented in the economic report in line with our internal corporate controlling structure in accordance with GAS 20. The main difference is that we no longer carry the revenues and costs of our equity-accounted joint ventures and associated companies in the statement of comprehensive income. The KWS Group's reported net sales and EBIT will therefore be lower than the total for the segments. The earnings contributed by the equity- -accounted companies are instead included under net financial income/expenses. In addition, their assets are included separately in the KWS Group's balance sheet. Our equity-accounted companies are included proportionately in the segment reports in line with our internal corporate controlling structure.

The difference from the KWS Group's statement of comprehensive income is summarized for a number of key indicators in the reconciliation table:

Reconciliation table

in € millions Segments Reconciliation KWS Group
Net sales 270.0 –25.9 244.1
EBIT –114.5 24.9 –89.6
Number of employees as of December 31, 2017 5,958 –536 5,422
Capital expenditure 71.4 –43.5 27.9
Total assets 1,755.2 –291.7 1,463.5

1 The figures in parentheses in this section are those as at June 30, 2017.

Corn Segment

Net sales at the Corn Segment in the first half of fiscal 2017/2018 fell by 38.9% to €110.5 (180.8) million. One contributing factor was that rapeseed activities, which accounted for €25 million of the Corn Segment's net sales in the same period of the previous year, were transferred to the Cereals Segment. Net sales from corn seed in South America – particularly in Brazil – were below the strong level of the previous year. The decline was due not only to strong negative exchange rate effects, but also to a temporary inadequate supply of seed resulting from our planned portfolio switchover. In Europe and North America, there is usually only little revenue generated from early sales in the first half of the year. The segment's EBIT was €–76.2 (–59.1) million. The drop was largely attributable to transfer of the rapeseed activities.

Sugarbeet Segment

Net sales in the Sugarbeet Segment in the first six months were down year on year at €33.8 (45.2) million due to the fact that (as expected) seed sales in Turkey were lower. The devaluation of the Turkish lira also had a negative impact. Revenue from sugarbeet seed in the EU rose slightly, but – as is customary at this time of the year – remained low. No significant net sales are generated in the other regions at this stage, either. The segment's income in the first half of the year was €–27.3 (–19.2) million. A special effect as part of seed production had a positive influence on earnings in the previous year.

Cereals Segment

In the winter season just ended, KWS' winter cereal and winter rapeseed business performed positively and increased markedly. Net sales in the Cereals Segment in the first half of the year rose by 47.8% to €123.3 (83.4) million and so were well up over the same period of the previous year. The main reasons for that were the fact that all rapeseed activities were transferred to it at the beginning of fiscal 2017/2018 and an 11% rise in seed sales in Europe. Hybrid rye seed business in Germany and Poland went well, with net sales of rye growing there by double-digit rates. Our net sales from barley and wheat likewise rose slightly. The segment's income was €34.3 (21.4) million.

Corporate Segment

Net sales in the Corporate Segment totaled €2.4 (3.2) million. They are mainly generated from our farms. Since all cross-segment costs for the KWS Group's central functions and basic research expenditure are charged to the Corporate Segment, its income is usually negative. In addition to the increase in selling expenses as a result of the planned launch of marketing measures in Europe, general administrative expenses also rose – among other things, due to costs for optimizing our organizational structure and strengthening our IT infrastructure. The segment's income was €–45.5 (–35.2) million.

in € millions 2nd quarter of
2017/2018
2nd quarter of
2016/2017
1st half of
2017/2018
1st half of
2016/2017
Net sales
Corn 71.2 109.4 110.5 180.8
Sugarbeet 23.5 32.4 33.8 45.2
Cereals 35.3 33.4 123.3 83.4
Corporate 1.5 1.8 2.4 3.2
Total 131.5 177.0 270.0 312.6
EBIT
Corn –35.9 –34.6 –76.2 –59.1
Sugarbeet –9.9 –6.0 –27.3 –19.2
Cereals 6.4 9.5 34.3 21.4
Corporate –20.2 –15.0 –45.3 –35.2
Total –59.6 –46.1 –114.5 –92.1

Overview of the segments

Opportunity and Risk Report

There has been no significant change in the situation as to opportunities and risks compared with at June 30, 2017. Risks that jeopardize the company's existence are not currently discernible. You can find detailed information on the risk management system and the risk situation at the KWS Group in the Combined Management Report starting on page 53 of the 2016/2017 Annual Report.

Forecast Report

Changes to the forecast for the KWS Group's statement of comprehensive income

Even allowing for the sharp depreciation in the U.S. dollar and lower net sales in South America, we still assume in our guidance that the KWS Group's net sales for the fiscal year as a whole (ending June 30, 2018) will increase slightly. The KWS Group's EBIT margin is also expected to be within the forecast range of 10.0% to 12.2%. After the first six months of the fiscal year and taking into account new planned exchange rates, our research & development projects, and the rise in expenditure on optimizing our organizational structure and IT infrastructure, we are providing more precise guidance and now expect an EBIT margin of between 11.0% and 12.0%. The R&D intensity is expected to be above 18.0%. Capital spending will exceed €100 million in accordance with our corporate planning.

Changes in the forecast for segment reporting1

The guidance for our segments has changed from the 1st Quarterly Report for 2017/2018 in view of our business performance to date and adjusted expectations for it (see the section "Segment reports") and is summarized in the table below:

Sugarbeet
Tendency
1st to 2nd quarter
Forecast as at
02/27/2018
(2nd quarter)
Forecast as at
11/23/2017
(1st quarter)
2016/2017
Net sales below previous year below previous year €455 million
EBIT margin at the previous
year´s level
slightly below
previous year
33.2%
Corn
Tendency
1st to 2nd quarter
Forecast as at
02/27/2018
(2nd quarter)
Forecast as at
11/23/2017
(1st quarter)
2016/2017
Net sales below previous year above previous year 2 €825 million
EBIT margin slightly above
previous year
slightly above
previous year
7.1%
Cereals
Tendency
1st to 2nd quarter
Forecast as at
02/27/2018
(2nd quarter)
Forecast as at
11/23/2017
(1st quarter)
2016/2017
Net sales approx. +30% ≥ +20%2 €109 million
EBIT margin slightly above
previous year
at the previous
year´s level
9.4%
Corporate
Tendency
1st to 2nd quarter
Forecast as at
02/27/2018
(2nd quarter)
Forecast as at
11/23/2017
(1st quarter)
2016/2017
Net sales at the previous
year´s level
at the previous
year´s level
€4.8 million
EBIT > €–70 million €–65 to –75 million €–60.6 million

1 The segment reporting proportionately includes the net sales and contributions to earnings from our equity-accounted companies in accordance with our internal corporate controlling structure. 2 Taking into account the transfer of rapeseed business into the cereals segment, see Annual Report 2016/2017, page 60.

Abridged Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

Statement of Comprehensive Income

in € millions 2nd quarter of
2017/2018
2nd quarter of
2016/2017
1st half of
2017/2018
1st half of
2016/2017
I. Income statement
Net sales 108.1 146.7 244.1 280.0
Operating income –50.8 –41.5 –89.6 –70.3
Net financial income/expenses –10.7 –6.3 –29.0 –25.8
Result of ordinary activities –61.5 –47.8 –118.6 –96.1
Income taxes –19.4 –18.3 –38.0 –31.8
Net income for the period –42.1 –29.5 –80.6 –64.3
II. Other comprehensive income
Items that may have to be subsequently
reclassified as profit or loss
–13.0 22.6 –30.1 18.8
thereof revaluation of available-for-sale
financial assets
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
thereof currency translation difference for
economically independent foreign units
–11.4 15.9 –23.9 12.6
thereof currency translation difference from
equity-accounted financial assets
–1.5 6.7 –6.0 6.2
Items not reclassified as profit or loss 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
thereof revaluation of net liabilities/assets
from defined benefit plans
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Other comprehensive income after tax –13.0 22.6 –30.1 18.8
III. Comprehensive income (total of I. and II.)
Net income for the period after shares of
minority interests
–46.2 –29.7 –80.7 –64.2
Share of minority interests 0.4 0.2 0.1 –0.1
Net income for the period –45.8 –29.5 –80.6 –64.3
Comprehensive income after shares of minority
interests
–72.6 –7.1 –110.9 –45.4
Share of minority interests 0.4 0.2 0.1 –0.1
Comprehensive income –72.2 –6.9 –110.8 –45.5
Earnings per share (in €) –6.45 –4.51 –12.23 –9.73

Balance Sheet

in € millions December 31, 2017 June 30, 2017 December 31, 20161
Intangible assets 81.9 87.4 90.9
Property, plant and equipment 388.9 389.3 395.6
Equity-accounted financial assets 119.2 151.8 131.1
Financial assets 4.7 3.1 3.6
Noncurrent tax assets 1.9 2.0 3.2
Other noncurrent financial assets 0.0 0.0 0.1
Deferred tax assets 84.7 46.5 80.9
Noncurrent assets 681.3 680.1 705.4
Inventories 375.2 194.9 343.0
Biological assets 3.0 13.6 6.1
Trade receivables 158.6 302.6 195.5
Marketable securities 29.4 9.5 9.1
Cash and cash equivalents 91.8 181.9 95.7
Current tax assets 79.1 60.0 73.0
Other current financial assets 29.7 40.6 38.4
Other current assets 15.1 12.0 14.8
Current assets 782.2 815.1 775.6
Total assets 1,463.5 1,495.2 1,481.0

Equity and liabilities

in € millions December 31, 2017 June 30, 2017 December 31, 20161
Subscribed capital 19.8 19.8 19.8
Capital reserve 5.5 5.5 5.5
Retained earnings 677.2 809.1 675.0
Minority interests 2.6 2.5 2.3
Equity 705.1 836.9 702.6
Long-term provisions 123.4 125.4 133.4
Long-term borrowings 167.3 200.8 207.4
Trade payables 0.9 1.2 1.3
Deferred tax liabilities 11.7 12.7 11.3
Other noncurrent financial liabilities 0.3 1.3 0.4
Other long-term liabilities 19.0 17.4 19.3
Noncurrent liabilities 322.6 358.8 373.1
Short-term provisions 50.8 72.8 35.0
Short-term borrowings 177.7 39.1 134.0
Trade payables 95.3 75.4 103.0
Current tax liabilities 33.1 25.6 29.1
Other current financial liabilities 5.3 16.3 1.9
Other liabilities 73.6 70.3 102.3
Current liabilities 435.8 299.5 405.3
Liabilities 758.4 658.3 778.4
Total assets 1,463.5 1,495.2 1,481.0

1 Balance sheet figures adjusted in accordance with IAS 8 and 12.

Statement of Changes in Equity

Changes in equity
in € millions Group interests Minority interests Group equity
07/01/2016 765.5 2.4 768.0
Dividends paid –19.8 0.0 –19.8
Net income for the year –64.2 –0.1 –64.3
Other income after taxes 18.8 –0.1 18.8
Total comprehensive income –45.4 –0.1 –45.5
Changes in minority interests 0.0 0.0 0.0
Other changes 0.0 0.0 0.0
12/31/2016 700.3 2.3 702.8
07/01/2017 834.5 2.5 836.9
Dividends paid –21.1 0.0 –21.1
Net income for the year –80.7 0.1 –80.6
Other comprehensive income after taxes –30.1 0.0 –30.1
Total comprehensive income –110.8 0.1 –110.7
Changes in minority interests 0.0 0.0 0.0
Other changes 0.0 0.0 0.0
12/31/2017 702.6 2.6 705.1

Cash Flow Statement

Cash proceeds and payments
in € millions 1st half of 2017/2018 1st half of 2016/2017
Net income for the period –80.6 –64.3
Cash earnings –73.2 –61.2
Funds tied up in net current assets –54.1 –23.9
Net cash from operating activities –127.3 –85.1
Net cash from investing activities –27.5 –42.1
Net cash from financing activities 86.3 66.8
Change in cash and cash equivalents –68.5 –60.4
Changes in cash and cash equivalents due to exchange rate,
consolidated group and measurement changes
–1.7 1.3
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period (July 1) 191.4 163.9
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 121.2 104.8

Abridged Notes to the Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

Basis of Accounting and Reporting

The KWS Group is a consolidated group as defined in the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) published by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), London, taking into account the interpretations of the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC). All disclosures on KWS are therefore disclosures on the Group within the meaning of these regulations. Income taxes were calculated on the basis of the individual country-specific income tax rates, taking account of the planning for the fiscal year as a whole. Exactly the same accounting methods applied in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2017, were used. The explanations in the Notes to the annual financial statements as of June 30, 2017, on pages 85 to 91 of the Annual Report therefore apply accordingly. The 2016/2017 Annual Report of the KWS Group can be read and downloaded at www.kws.com/ir.

Consolidated Group and Changes in the Consolidated Group

The abridged interim financial statements of the KWS Group for the first six months of fiscal 2017/2018 include the single-entity financial statements of KWS SAAT SE and its subsidiaries and joint ventures in Germany and other countries, the associated company and the joint operation, which are carried in accordance with IFRS 11 and IAS 28. Subsidiaries that are considered immaterial for the presentation and evaluation of the financial position and performance of the Group are not included.

There were no changes in the consolidated group in the first quarter. The number of companies consolidated in the KWS Group is thus still the same as that at June 30, 2017.

Segment Reporting

in € millions Segment sales
1st half
Internal sales
1st half
External sales
1st half
2017/2018 2016/2017 2017/2018 2016/2017 2017/2018 2016/2017
Corn 110.6 181.5 0.1 0.7 110.5 180.8
Sugarbeet 34.2 45.5 0.3 0.3 33.8 45.2
Cereals 123.5 84.1 0.1 0.7 123.3 83.4
Corporate 2.9 3.8 0.5 0.6 2.4 3.2
Segments acc. to
management approach
271.2 314.9 1.0 2.3 270.0 312.6
Eliminination of equity-accounted
financial assets
–25.9 –32.6
Segments acc. to consolidated
financial statements
244.1 280.0

Sales per segment

2nd quarter of
2017/2018
2nd quarter of
2016/2017
1st half of
2017/2018
1st half of
2016/2017
–35.9 –34.6 –76.3 –59.1
–9.9 –6.0 –27.3 –19.2
6.4 9.5 34.3 21.4
–20.2 –15.0 –45.3 –35.2
–59.6 –46.1 –114.6 –92.1
8.8 4.6 25.0 21.8
–50.8 –41.5 –89.6 –70.3
–10.7 –6.3 –29.0 –25.8
–61.5 –47.8 –118.6 –96.1

Operating assets and operating liabilities per segment

in € millions Operating assets Operating liabilities
2017/2018 2016/2017 2017/2018 2016/2017
Corn 720.7 765.8 129.4 134.6
Sugarbeet 284.3 257.1 83.6 61.2
Cereals 131.1 124.0 25.3 30.2
Corporate 116.4 111.7 86.3 83.7
Segments acc. to
management approach
1,252.5 1,258.6 324.6 309.7
Eliminination of equity-accounted
financial assets
–244.9 –227.5 –54.9 –37.9
Segments acc. to consolidated
financial statements
1,007.6 1,031.1 269.7 271.8
Others 455.9 449.9 488.7 506.6
KWS Group acc. to consolidated
financial statements
1,463.5 1,481.0 758.4 778.4

Financial Instruments

The explanations and methods stated in the section "Financial instruments" in the 2016/2017 Annual Report (pages 112 to 118) apply. The carrying amounts and fair values of the financial assets (financial instruments), split into the measurement categories in accordance with IAS 39, are as follows:

in € millions Financial instruments
Fair Values Carrying amounts
Loans and
receivables
Financial
assets held
for trading
Available
for-sale
financial
assets
Total
carrying
amount
Financial liabilities
Financial assets 4.7 0.0 0.0 4.7 4.7
Other noncurrent financial assets 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
of which derivative financial instruments (0.0) (0.0) (0.0) (0.0) (0.0)
Trade receivables 158.6 158.6 0.0 0.0 158.6
Securities 29.4 0.0 0.0 29.4 29.4
Cash and cash equivalents 91.8 91.8 0.0 0.0 91.8
Other current financial assets 30.0 29.8 0.2 0.0 30.0
of which derivative financial instruments (0.2) (0.0) (0.2) (0.0) (0.2)
Total 314.5 280.2 0.2 34.1 314.5

Carrying amounts and fair values of the financial assets at December 31, 2017

Carrying amounts and fair values of the financial assets at June 30, 2017

in € millions Financial instruments
Fair Values Carrying amounts
Loans and
receivables
Financial
assets held
for trading
Available
for-sale
financial
assets
Total
carrying
amount
Financial liabilities
Financial assets 3.1 0.0 0.0 3.1 3.1
Other noncurrent financial assets 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
of which derivative financial instruments (0.0) (0.0) (0.0) (0.0) (0.0)
Trade receivables 302.6 302.6 0.0 0.0 302.6
Securities 9.5 0.0 0.0 9.5 9.5
Cash and cash equivalents 181.9 181.9 0.0 0.0 181.9
Other current financial assets 40.6 38.9 1.7 0.0 40.6
of which derivative financial instruments (1.7) (0.0) (1.7) (0.0) (1.7)
Total 537.7 523.4 1.7 12.6 537.7

The carrying amounts and fair values of the financial liabilities (financial instruments), split into the measurement categories in accordance with IAS 39, are as follows:

Carrying amounts and fair values of the financial liabilities at December 31, 2017

in € millions
Financial instruments
Fair Values Carrying amounts
Financial
liabilities
measured at
amortized cost
Financial
liabilities held
for trading
Total
carrying
amount
Financial liabilities
Long-term borrowings 168.2 167.3 0.0 167.3
Long-term trade payables 0.9 0.9 0.0 0.9
Other noncurrent financial liabilities 0.3 0.0 0.3 0.3
of which derivative financial instruments (0.3) (0.0) (0.3) (0.3)
Short-term borrowings 177.7 177.7 0.0 177.7
Short-term trade payables 95.3 95.3 0.0 95.3
Other current financial liabilities 5.3 2.1 3.2 5.3
of which derivative financial instruments (3.2) (0.0) (3.2) (3.2)
Total 447.7 443.3 3.5 446.8

Carrying amounts and fair values of the financial liabilities at June 30, 2017

in € millions Financial instruments
Fair Values Carrying amounts
Financial
liabilities
measured at
amortized cost
Financial
liabilities held
for trading
Total
carrying
amount
Financial liabilities
Long-term borrowings 204.6 200.8 0.0 200.8
Long-term trade payables 1.2 1.2 0.0 1.2
Other noncurrent financial liabilities 1.3 0.6 0.9 1.5
of which derivative financial instruments (0.9) (0.0) (0.9) (0.9)
Short-term borrowings 39.1 39.1 0.0 39.1
Short-term trade payables 75.4 75.4 0.0 75.4
Other current financial liabilities 16.3 13.3 3.0 16.3
of which derivative financial instruments (3.0) (0.0) (3.0) (3.0)
Total 337.9 330.4 3.9 334.3

The table below shows the financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value:

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value

in € millions December 31, 2017 June 30, 2017
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Derivative financial instruments not part
of a hedge under IAS 39
0.0 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.0 1.8 0.0 1.8
Available-for-sale financial assets 32.2 0.0 0.0 32.2 12.2 0.0 0.0 12.2
Financial assets 32.2 0.2 0.0 32.4 12.2 1.8 0.0 14.0
Derivative financial instruments not part
of a hedge under IAS 39
0.0 3.5 0.0 3.5 0.0 3.9 0.0 3.9
Financial liabilities 0.0 3.5 0.0 3.5 0.0 3.9 0.0 3.9

Related Parties

The related party disclosures in the 2016/2017 Annual Report and under "Other notes" in the section "Notes for the KWS Group" are essentially the same.

Report on Events after the Balance Sheet Date

There were no events after December 31, 2017, that can be expected to have a significant impact on the KWS Group's earnings, financial position and assets.

Declaration by Legal Representatives

We declare to the best of our knowledge that these interim consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view of the assets, financial position and earnings of the KWS Group in compliance with the accounting principles applicable to interim reporting, and that an accurate picture of the course of business, including business results, and the Group's situation is conveyed by the interim group management report, and that it describes the main opportunities and risks of the KWS Group's anticipated development.

Einbeck, February 2018 KWS SAAT SE The Executive Board

Hagen Duenbostel Léon Broers Peter Hofmann Eva Kienle

Additional Disclosures

Share

Share performance in the period under review July 1, 2016, to December 31, 2017, XETRA closing prices

(6,600,000 shares)

Tessner Beteiligungs GmbH 15.4% Free oat 30.1%

54.5% Families Büchting, Arend Oetker

Share data

KWS SAAT SE
Securities identification number 707400
ISIN DE0007074007
Stock exchange identifier KWS
Transparency level Prime Standard
Index SDAX
Share class Individual share certificates
Number of shares 6,600,000

Financial Calendar

Date
May 17, 2018 9M Quarterly Report 2017/2018
October 24, 2018 Publication of the 2017/2018 annual statements, Annual
Press Conference and Analysts' Conference in Frankfurt
November 27, 2018 Q1 Report 2018/2019
December 14, 2018 Annual Shareholders' Meeting in Einbeck

About this Report

This report can be downloaded on our websites at www.kws.de and www.kws.com. The KWS Group's fiscal year begins on July 1 and ends on June 30. Unless otherwise specified, figures in parentheses relate to the same period or date in the previous year. There may be rounding differences for percentages and numbers.

Contact

Investor Relations and Financial Press Wolf-Gebhard von der Wense [email protected] Phone: +49 5561 311 968

Press Mandy Schnell [email protected] Phone: +49 5561 311 334 Sustainability Andrea Lukas [email protected] Phone: +49 5561 311 1393 Editor KWS SAAT SE Grimsehlstrasse 31 P.O. Box 1463 37555 Einbeck Germany

Safe Harbor Statement

This document contains forward-looking statements about future developments based on the current assessments of management. These forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as "forecast," "assume," "believe," "assess," "expect," "intend," "can/may/might," "plan," "should" or similar expressions. These statements are subject to certain elements of uncertainty, risks and other factors that may result in significant deviations between expectations and actual circumstances. Examples of such risks and factors are market risks (such as changes in the competitive environment or risks of changes in interest or exchange rates), product-related risks (such as production losses as a result of bad weather, failure of production plants or quality-related risks), political risks (such as changes in the regulatory environment, including those with regard to the general regulatory framework for the cultivation of energy plants, or violations of existing laws and regulations, for example those regarding genetically modified organisms in corn seed) and general economic risks. Forward-looking statements must therefore not be regarded as a guarantee or pledge that the developments or events they describe will actually occur. We do not intend, nor do we assume any obligation, to update or revise these forward-looking statements, since they are based solely on circumstances on the day they were published.

Photo credits Eberhard Franke

Date of publication: February 27, 2018

This translation of the original German version of the Semiannual Report 2017/2018 has been prepared for the convenience of our English-speaking shareholders. The German version is legally binding.

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