Annual Report • Jun 1, 2017
Annual Report
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Annual Financial Report 2016|17
of AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG for the year ended 28 February 2017
Business segments and sourcing models 4
Sustainability outlook for 2017|18 60
AGRANA is a globally operating processor of agricultural raw materials, with its Sugar, Starch and Fruit segments manufacturing high-quality foods and many intermediate products for the downstream food industry as well as for non-food applications. With about 8,600 employees (in FTE¹) at 54 production sites on six continents, the Group generated revenue of approximately € 2.6 billion in the 2016|17 financial year. AGRANA was established in 1988 and has been quoted on the Vienna Stock Exchange since 1991.
In the Sugar segment, AGRANA processes sugar beet from contract growers and also refines raw sugar purchased worldwide. The products are sold into downstream industries for use in, for example, sweets, non-alcoholic beverages and pharmaceutical applications. Under country-specific sugar consumer brands, AGRANA also markets a wide range of sugars and sugar specialty products to consumers through food retailers. In addition, in the interest of the most complete possible utilisation of its agricultural raw materials, AGRANA produces a large number of fertilisers and animal feedstuffs. These not only help the economic bottom line but also ecologically close the material cycle by returning minerals and other nutrients to the land and the food chain.
In the Starch segment, AGRANA processes and refines raw materials grown by contract farmers or purchased in the open market – mainly corn (maize), wheat and potatoes – into premium starch products. These products are sold into the food and beverage industry and the paper, textile, cosmetics and building materials sectors, among others. The starch operations as well produce fertilisers and high-quality animal feeds. The production of climate-friendly bioethanol for blending with petrol is also part of the Starch segment's activities.
The Fruit segment custom-designs and produces fruit preparations (fruit ingredients) and fruit juice concentrates. AGRANA is the world's leading manufacturer of fruit preparations for the dairy, bakery and ice-cream industries. The fruit used in the fruit preparations is sourced largely from primary processors, in frozen or aseptic form. In some countries, AGRANA operates its own primary processing plants where fresh fruit (in some cases from contract growers) is received and readied for processing into fruit preparations. In the fruit juice concentrate business, at production sites located mainly in Europe, AGRANA produces apple and berry juice concentrates, not-from-concentrate juices, fruit wines, beverage bases and aromas. In the Fruit segment too, AGRANA seeks to achieve the most sustainable and complete utilisation of raw materials possible. While fruit preparations production generates very little usable residue, the press cake from apple juice production, known as apple pomace, is utilised by the pectin industry and as a feedstuff.
In all three business segments, AGRANA also processes raw materials from certified organic farming. The Group is one of the largest organic manufacturers in Europe.
The thickness of lines marking the business relationships represents the relative volume of flows within the respective business segment.
Contract farming
Direct business relationship No direct business relationship for AGRANA
Further information about the AGRANA value chain is provided at www.agrana.com/en/sustainability/value-chain
Integrated sustainability reporting
The reporting of the sustainability aspects that are material to AGRANA's business activities is integrated in the annual report, with the relevant pages visually marked by a green fingerprint. This section provides an overview of AGRANA's materiality analysis, management approaches for the key aspects, and the organisational and content boundaries of the sustainability reporting.
In the 2016|17 financial year, AGRANA's Sugar, Starch and Fruit segments processed a worldwide total of approximately 10.6 million tonnes of agricultural raw materials and sold 5.9 million tonnes of high-quality products.
Based on its business activities, AGRANA in 2012|13 identified six issues of interest along the product value chain that have material effects on sustainability:
Through a materiality analysis, the AGRANA sustainability core team assessed the economic, environmental and social significance of individual sustainability aspects for AGRANA, for its stakeholders and in terms of impacts on society at large.
This assessment was done on the basis of day-to-day work experience in the respective area of the Group and of feedback from different stakeholders through the various formats of stakeholder engagement (see from page 38). The heads of the Sugar, Starch and Fruit segments and the Management Board of AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG are in agreement with the results of the materiality analysis.
1 Combined analysis of two factors: relevance for stakeholders (customers, regulators and others), and AGRANA's ability to influence these aspects.
The performance data that are material to AGRANA's business activities were generated in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) version G4, level "Core".
The organisational boundaries for the reporting of the non-financial information on sustainability integrated in this 2016|17 annual report encompass all AGRANA Group companies worldwide and match the set of companies included in the Group's financial consolidation, with the exception of the new AGRANA fruit preparations companies in Argentina and in India, both of which were only consolidated for the first time towards the end of the 2016|17 financial year.
For 2016|17 the data of INSTANTINA Nahrungsmittel Entwicklungs- und Produktionsgesellschaft m.b.H., Vienna, which forms part of the Sugar segment, are for the first time included in the reporting. For organisational boundary reasons, the sustainability data continue to exclude the equity-accounted joint ventures of the AGRANA Group – the AGRANA-STUDEN group (in the Sugar segment) and the HUNGRANA group (in the Starch segment).
AGRANA's business activities are divided into three business segments. AGRANA therefore reports all GRI G4 indicators by business segment, as the differences in business processes between these segments could reduce or distort the significance of data consolidated at Group level (for example, data on energy consumption and emissions). For ease of understanding of the reporting scope and the underlying management approaches, a more detailed demarcation in terms of content is necessary for the following aspects of particular relevance to AGRANA.
In view of its core business of processing agricultural raw materials and of the associated high procurement volumes and costs, AGRANA limits its reporting scope for the supply chain to suppliers of agricultural raw materials and intermediate goods (such as frozen fruit pieces). AGRANA has set out its requirements for agricultural suppliers in its principles for the procurement of agricultural raw materials and intermediate products, a document which,
for the social criteria, refers to and thus incorporates AGRANA's Code of Conduct. The principles for the procurement of agricultural raw materials and intermediate products are also incorporated in supply contracts and are thus binding for suppliers. Compliance with these principles is verified in different ways appropriate to the given raw material category, procurement model and business segment (also see the segment reporting, pages 21f., 28, 34ff. and 40).
AGRANA as a processor of agricultural raw materials is dependent on the availability of these inputs and thus on the functioning of local ecosystems. For this reason, biodiversity is important to AGRANA especially in its upstream value chain, i.e., in the farming landscape. In this annual report, to the extent possible, biodiversity aspects of raw material procurement from contract growers are published in the respective business segment's section of the report. Additionally, once a year AGRANA evaluates the biodiversity or conservation value of the local ecosystem at its own production sites. Although none of the production sites within the GRI reporting boundaries (see page 8) are located in a nature reserve or area with high biodiversity value, AGRANA also carries out some projects at its business locations to protect or increase species diversity (see pages 24, 31 and 37).
The basis for AGRANA's management of environmental and energy aspects is its environmental policy.
AGRANA processes organic inputs such as sugar beet, grain, potatoes and fruit whose crop volume, sugar or starch content and quality are subject to annual fluctuation as a result of changing influences during the growing season and harvest. Product quantities at each site, along with the associated energy consumption, thus vary from one reporting season to the next. Presenting absolute totals for energy consumption and emissions would therefore not be meaningful. AGRANA consequently only reports energy intensity and emission intensity per tonne of product manufactured (core and by-products), by business segment. In the Sugar segment, as part of a harmonisation with the Südzucker reporting boundaries, carbonation lime was added to the list of by-products in 2016|17, with retroactive effect from the 2014|15 financial year. Reductions achieved as a result of energy efficiency improvement and of emission-cutting measures are reported on an absolute basis and on a percentage basis per tonne of product.
AGRANA's reporting of energy use and emissions is confined to its own production operations and to Scope 1 (direct energy consumption and emissions) and Scope 2 (indirect energy consumption and emissions). The reasons are the very limited availability of data for Scope 3, and also that Scope 3 sources are in some cases (such as business travel) negligible compared to the large contributions which the Group's manufacturing operations necessarily make to the carbon footprints of AGRANA's products.
Since as long ago as 2008, AGRANA calculates carbon footprints for a representative selection of its products. However, as the EU to date does not have a binding norm for the methodology for calculating the CO2 footprint of foods and food ingredients such as sugar, starch, fruit preparations and fruit juice concentrates, AGRANA for credibility reasons elects not to publish results. For example, depending on the calculation method, the carbon footprint of sugar varies by plus or minus 50%. The European Association of Sugar Manufacturers (CEFS), based on its calculations, cites a footprint range of 242 to 771 grammes of CO2-equivalent per kilogramme of beet sugar.
An exception to this policy of non-publication is the carbon footprint of bioethanol, for which the application of the EU energy allocation method is mandatory in documenting the energy consumption reductions from biogenic fuels targeted under the EU Renewable Energy Directive (2009/28/EC), which supports the use of energy from renewable resources.
Water is one of many inputs in the production processes of the AGRANA Group. The use and discharge of water at all sites follows sustainable practices in accordance with the AGRANA environmental policy. In its processes, AGRANA frequently utilises the water contained in the agricultural raw materials.
AGRANA reports water and wastewater figures solely for its principal business, the processing of agricultural raw materials in its production plants, per tonne of product (core and by-products). Data on water use in the upstream value chain (i.e., in the production of agricultural raw materials) are not sufficiently complete or reliable for all raw materials used worldwide and are therefore not reported.
Agricultural raw materials are far too valuable for AGRANA not to utilise them to the fullest. The Group-wide principle of complete utilisation is entrenched in the environmental policy and is practiced by producing both a wide range of high-quality foods and intermediate products for downstream industries and – particularly in the Sugar and Starch segments – manufacturing a very broad portfolio of by-products, especially feedstuffs and fertilisers. These not only contribute significantly to the economic bottom line but also close nature's material cycle by returning minerals and other nutrients to the land and the food chain.
In some countries, the by-product feeds and fertilisers marketed (or in some cases given away free) by AGRANA must be declared as waste for regulatory reporting purposes, solely to comply with the local regulatory regimes. Beginning with the 2015|16 reporting period, AGRANA no longer reports these as waste in the annual report, as they are directly used as valuable feedstuffs or fertilisers in animal husbandry or crop cultivation.
The basis for AGRANA's relationship with its employees is set out in the AGRANA Code of Conduct, which, for instance, prohibits any discrimination or harassment, forbids child labour and forced labour, addresses issues of health and safety in the workplace, and affirms the rights of free association and collective bargaining.
The employment relationships of about 75% of AGRANA employees worldwide fall under collective agreements. The interests of approximately 69% of staff are represented by a local employee council or union representative. At those sites where neither of these forms of representation exists, AGRANA maintains complaint boxes as a formal channel available to all employees for reporting grievances regarding labour practices or human rights. A process is in place for the prompt and fair handling of the complaints received.
The consolidated financial statements for the 2016|17 financial year (the twelve months ended 28 February 2017) were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union.
In the 2016|17 financial year the Group saw the following changes in the scope of consolidation, among others: The purchase of the two Argentine companies Main Process S.A., Buenos Aires, and Sudinver S.A., Buenos Aires, closed on 1 December 2016. Directly and indirectly, 100% of the shares in both companies were acquired by AGRANA Fruit S.A.S., Mitry-Mory, France, and AGRANA Fruit Services S.A.S., Mitry-Mory, France. Both new subsidiaries were included in the consolidated financial statements of AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG for the first time, by full consolidation.
In total in the consolidated financial statements, 60 companies were fully consolidated (29 February 2016 year-end: 58 companies) and twelve companies were accounted for using the equity method (29 February 2016: twelve companies).
| Consolidated income statement | 2016 17 | 2015 16 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (condensed) | % / pp | |||
| Revenue | €000 | 2,561,296 | 2,477,647 | +3.4% |
| EBITDA1 | €000 | 235,212 | 191,957 | +22.5% |
| Operating profit before | ||||
| exceptional items and results of | ||||
| equity-accounted joint ventures | €000 | 150,815 | 107,486 | +40.3% |
| Share of results of | ||||
| equity-accounted joint ventures | €000 | 30,589 | 24,523 | +24.7% |
| Exceptional items | €000 | (9,037) | (3,054) | –195.9% |
| Operating profit [EBIT]² | €000 | 172,367 | 128,955 | +33.7% |
| EBIT margin | % | 6.7 | 5.2 | +1.5 pp |
| Net financial items | €000 | (17,879) | (24,519) | +27.1% |
| Income tax expense | €000 | (36,633) | (23,508) | –55.8% |
| Profit for the period | €000 | 117,855 | 80,928 | +45.6% |
| Earnings per share3 | € | 7.13 | 5.82 | +22.5% |
The AGRANA Group's revenue in the 2016|17 financial year was € 2,561.3 million, up slightly from the prior year. Revenue in the Fruit segment (at € 1,155.5 million, up 6.7%) rose more significantly than in the Starch segment (€ 733.9 million, up 1.7%), mainly for volume reasons, but also as a result of prices. Sugar segment revenue was closely in line with the prior year, on higher selling prices (€ 671.9 million, down 0.1%).
1 EBITDA represents operating profit before exceptional items, results of equity-accounted joint ventures, and operating depreciation and amortisation.
2 Operating profit (EBIT) is after exceptional items and results of equity-accounted joint ventures.
3 Based on the new number of shares outstanding at the balance sheet date of 28 February 2017.
Subsidiaries based in Austria generated 50.6% of Group revenue.
Operating profit (EBIT), at € 172.4 million, grew by a substantial 33.7% from the prior-year level. In the Sugar segment, higher spot sales prices outweighed negative one-time effects in Romania, leading to positive EBIT of € 24.4 million, a marked improvement of more than 100% from the year-earlier result. The largest EBIT contribution (of € 76.2 million) was achieved in the Starch segment, where this earnings measure once again improved significantly (by 15.6%), thanks also to a very good performance by HUNGRANA. In the Fruit segment, EBIT was pushed up by a significant 22.1% to € 71.8 million as a result mainly of a recovery in the fruit juice concentrate business. Details on the share of results of equity-accounted joint ventures and on exceptional items can be found in the segment reports and the consolidated financial statements.
Net financial items in the 2016|17 financial year amounted to a net expense of € 17.9 million (prior year: net expense of € 24.5 million); this improvement, coming despite an impairment charge of € 4.8 million on a current finance receivable in Ukraine (in the Fruit segment, within other financial items), was attributable to more favourable currency effects (an improvement of € 12.4 million). These positive currency translation effects resulted primarily from the appreciation of the Brazilian real (due to euro and US dollar financings in Brazil) and the weakening of the Egyptian pound (due to euro and US dollar credit balances in Egypt) in the 2016|17 financial year. As well, the prior, 2015|16 financial year had witnessed negative effects, such as the easing of the Argentine and Mexican peso and Russian ruble, that did not recur in 2016|17. Net interest expense increased in 2016|17 by € 1.8 million, as a slight interest expense improvement arising from optimised loan positions was outweighed by the absence of the interest income on the participation capital disposed of in February 2016.
| Net financial items | 2016 17 | 2015 16 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| % | ||||
| Net interest (expense) | €000 | (10,152) | (8,376) | –21.2% |
| Currency translation differences | €000 | (1,160) | (13,524) | +91.4% |
| Share of results of non-consolidated | ||||
| subsidiaries and outside companies | €000 | 565 | 29 | +1,848.3% |
| Other financial items | €000 | (7,132) | (2,648) | –169.3% |
| Total | €000 | (17,879) | (24,519) | +27.1% |
Profit before tax increased from the prior year's € 104.4 million to € 154.5 million. After an income tax expense of € 36.6 million based on a tax rate of 23.7% (prior year: 22.5%), the Group's profit for the period was € 117.9 million (prior year: € 80.9 million). Profit for the period attributable to shareholders of AGRANA was € 111.3 million (prior year: € 82.7 million); despite the higher number of shares as a result of the capital increase, earnings per share rose to € 7.13 (prior year: € 5.82).
In 2016|17, AGRANA invested a total of € 114.7 million, or almost as much as in the year before. Purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangibles were 35.9% higher than depreciation (prior year: 35.8% higher), with the following distribution by business segment:
| Investment1 | 2016 17 | 2015 16 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| % / pp | ||||
| Sugar segment | €000 | 23,259 | 46,102 | –49.5% |
| Starch segment | €000 | 57,577 | 28,151 | +104.5% |
| Fruit segment | €000 | 33,822 | 41,730 | –19.0% |
| Group | €000 | 114,658 | 115,983 | –1.1% |
| Depreciation, amortisation | ||||
| and impairment | €000 | 84,397 | 85,381 | –1.2% |
| Investment coverage | % | 135.9 | 135.8 | +0.1 pp |
The investment in the Sugar segment focused mainly on logistics, yield improvement and energy efficiency; in the Starch segment it centred on raising the degree of refining intensity. The completion of an additional production line in France was the largest project in the Fruit segment. The key projects in the individual segments are outlined in the segment reports.
| Consolidated cash flow statement | 2016 17 | 2015 16 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (condensed) | % | |||
| Operating cash flow before | ||||
| changes in working capital | €000 | 258,020 | 225,914 | +14.2% |
| Changes in working capital | €000 | 31,780 | (73,691) | +143.1% |
| Interest received and paid and | ||||
| income tax paid, net | €000 | (34,015) | (50,310) | +32.4% |
| Net cash from operating activities | €000 | 255,785 | 101,913 | +151.0% |
| Net cash (used in) investing activities | €000 | (171,530) | (19,924) | –760.9% |
| Net cash from (used in) financing activities | €000 | 9,330 | (163,613) | +105.7% |
| Net increase/(decrease) | ||||
| in cash and cash equivalents | €000 | 93,585 | (81,624) | +214.7% |
| Effects of movements in foreign exchange | ||||
| rates on cash and cash equivalents | €000 | 230 | (2,819) | +108.2% |
| Valuation-related other changes | ||||
| in cash and cash equivalents | €000 | (4,761) | 0 | – |
| Cash and cash equivalents | ||||
| at beginning of period | €000 | 109,375 | 193,818 | –43.6% |
| Cash and cash equivalents | ||||
| at end of period | €000 | 198,429 | 109,375 | +81.4% |
| Free cash flow1 | €000 | 84,255 | 81,989 | +2.8% |
Operating cash flow before changes in working capital was up € 32.1 million year-on-year, at a new total of € 258.0 million. After a decrease of € 31.8 million in working capital (prior year: increase of € 73.7 million) and a lower income tax expense, net cash from operating activities grew to € 255.8 million (prior year: € 101.9 million). Net cash used in investing activities was € 171.5 million, a significant increase from one year earlier as a result of outflows for the acquisition in Argentina and of the base effect of the prior year's inflows from the disposal of the participation capital (prior year: net cash use of € 19.9 million in investing activities). Net cash from financing activities of € 9.3 million (prior year: net cash use of € 163.6 million) reflected factors including lower repayments of borrowings and the capital increase of AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG. Free cash flow rose slightly by 2.8% year-on-year.
| Consolidated balance sheet | 28 Feb | 29 Feb | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (condensed) | 2017 | 2016 | % / pp | |
| Non-current assets | €000 | 1,135,297 | 1,027,647 | +10.5% |
| Current assets | €000 | 1,346,139 | 1,213,887 | +10.9% |
| Non-current assets held for sale | €000 | 0 | 1,631 | –100.0% |
| Total assets | €000 | 2,481,436 | 2,243,165 | +10.6% |
| Equity | €000 | 1,411,888 | 1,200,124 | +17.6% |
| Non-current liabilities | €000 | 296,635 | 378,678 | –21.7% |
| Current liabilities | €000 | 772,913 | 664,363 | +16.3% |
| Total equity and liabilities | €000 | 2,481,436 | 2,243,165 | +10.6% |
| Net debt | €000 | 239,878 | 405,806 | –40.9% |
| Gearing ratio2 | % | 17.0 | 33.8 | –16.8 pp |
| Equity ratio | % | 56.9 | 53.5 | +3.4 pp |
Total assets at 28 February 2017 were € 2,481.4 million, an increase of € 238.3 million from the year-earlier level.
1 Total of net cash from operating activities and net cash used in investing activities.
2 Ratio of net debt to total equity.
An expansion of € 107.7 million in non-current assets was driven especially by investment in excess of depreciation and by the acquisition in Argentina. Inventories rose significantly for volume and price reasons (by € 41.9 million) and cash and cash equivalents grew by a substantial € 89.1 million thanks in part to the capital increase of AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG; these factors led to a significant increase in current assets as well.
Balance sheet structure at 28 February 2017
considerably as a result mainly of a € 105.5 million reduction in non-current borrowings. Current liabilities went up markedly for reasons that included higher current borrowings (which rose by € 28.9 million) and an increase of € 55.0 million in trade payables. The significant increase in equity resulted both from the higher profit for the year and the increase in share capital.
Net debt as of 28 February 2017 stood at € 239.9 million, down sharply as expected (by € 165.9 million) from the 2015|16 year-end level. This was made possible primarily by the capital increase in February 2017. The gearing ratio of 17.0% at the balance sheet date was thus much lower than on 29 February 2016, when it stood at 33.8%.
In December 2016 a long-term loan of € 85 million was obtained from Südzucker AG. The proceeds were used for the acquisition in Argentina and to refinance maturing bank loans. Additionally, in December 2016 an amortised loan with a term of up to ten years and a principal amount of € 41.5 million was procured from the European Investment Bank to finance investments eligible for support; the disbursement occurred on 1 March 2017. As part of the optimisation of borrowings, the € 72 million floating-rate portion of the Schuldscheindarlehen (a type of loan with some bond-like characteristics, also referred to as a bonded loan) of AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG was cancelled early, on 6 March 2017, and redeemed on 24 April 2017.
In the 2016|17 financial year, revenue in the Sugar segment was € 671.9 million and thus almost at the prior-year level. While increased sugar selling prices exerted a positive effect, sugar sales quantities were lower (particularly with food retailers and in non-quota sugar sold into the chemical industry) as a result of the relatively low sugar production. Revenue from by-products remained steady and that from ancillary goods (INSTANTINA products, seed, services, etc.) was pushed up. The Sugar segment accounted for 26.2% of Group revenue (prior year: 27.2%).
EBIT, as projected and despite negative one-off effects such as in Romania, grew strongly by € 20.1 million to € 24.4 million. The key positive driver was the significant rise in sugar selling prices compared to the prior year, with the largest price rallies occurring with resellers (wholesalers and retailers) and in exports. Sugar prices rose in all countries where AGRANA operates.
Further details on the results in the Sugar business are given in the segment report from page 18.
Revenue in the Starch segment in 2016|17 was € 733.9 million, up slightly by 1.7% from the year before. Through productivity increases, higher quantities of starches (particularly from potatoes) and of ethanol were produced and sold than in the year-ago period. The average sales price of bioethanol eased from the prior year, while prices for saccharification products remained stable. By-products generated moderately higher revenue than one year earlier. The Starch segment accounted for 28.7% of the Group's revenue (prior year: 29.1%).
EBIT of € 76.2 million significantly surpassed the year-earlier result, by 15.6%. Savings on the cost of raw materials and energy and on administrative (non-staff ) expenses had a major positive impact on EBIT earnings. Profitability in terms of EBIT margin rose from 9.1% to 10.4%. A significant earnings increase at the equity-accounted HUNGRANA group reflected the steadied prices for saccharification products and lower procurement costs for corn.
Further details on the results of the Starch business are provided in the segment report from page 25.
Fruit segment revenue rose by 6.7% in the 2016|17 financial year to € 1,155.5 million. In the fruit preparations business, both sales quantities and prices showed a positive trend. However, this was counteracted by foreign exchange effects (notably in Egypt, Argentina, China, Mexico, Russia and Ukraine), leading to only slight revenue growth on balance in fruit preparations. In the fruit juice concentrate business, revenue increased significantly on a rise in sales prices both for apple juice concentrates and specialty products. The Fruit segment was responsible for 45.1% of Group revenue (prior year: 43.7%).
EBIT in the Fruit segment reached € 71.8 million, a significant increase of 22.1% from the prior year. The main contributor to the good earnings growth was the fruit juice concentrate business, thanks in particular to higher apple juice concentrate and specialty prices for product from the 2015 harvest. The fruit preparations activities showed a stable earnings situation, with significant regional variation.
Further details on the results in the Fruit business are given in the segment report from page 32.
No significant events occurred after the balance sheet date of 28 February 2017 that had a material effect on AGRANA's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Products
Sugars and sugar specialty products, by-products (feedstuffs and fertilisers)
Sugar beet, and raw sugar from sugar cane
Austria, Hungary, Romania, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bosnia and Herzegovina (Western Balkans region), Bulgaria
Downstream manufacturers (particularly confectionery, beverage and fermentation industries), food retailers (for consumer products)
High product quality standards; product offering tailored to customer needs
AGRANA Zucker GmbH, Vienna, as the parent company of the Group's Sugar activities, both has direct Austrian operations and acts as the holding company for the Sugar segment's businesses in Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Also assigned to the Sugar segment are INSTANTINA Nahrungsmittel Entwicklungs- und Produktionsgesellschaft m.b.H., Vienna, AGRANA Research & Innovation Center GmbH, Vienna, and the Group holding company, AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG, Vienna. Since the beginning of the 2014|15 financial year, the equity method is used to account for the joint ventures of the AGRANA-STUDEN group in the consolidated financial statements.
| Sugar segment | 2016 17 | 2015 16 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| % / pp | ||||
| Total revenue | €000 | 748,151 | 739,912 | +1.1% |
| Inter-segment revenue | €000 | (76,230) | (67,268) | –13.3% |
| Revenue | €000 | 671,921 | 672,644 | –0.1% |
| EBITDA1 | €000 | 55,188 | 25,397 | +117.3% |
| Operating profit before | ||||
| exceptional items and results of | ||||
| equity-accounted joint ventures | €000 | 30,983 | 2,764 | +1,020.9% |
| Share of results of | ||||
| equity-accounted joint ventures | €000 | 2,442 | 1,542 | +58.4% |
| Exceptional items | €000 | (9,037) | 0 | – |
| Operating profit [EBIT]² | €000 | 24,388 | 4,306 | +466.4% |
| EBIT margin | % | 3.6 | 0.6 | +3.0 pp |
| Investment3 | €000 | 23,259 | 46,102 | –49.5% |
| Number of employees (FTE)4 | 2,107 | 2,185 | –3.6% |
The sales volume of sugar products decreased significantly compared to the prior year, although with differences between markets. While the quantities of quota sugar sales to the reseller market declined, sales volumes with the beverage and food industry rose considerably. The amount of non-quota sugar sold to the chemical industry was well below the prior-year level, while sales volumes of the same commodity outside the EU eased only slightly.
Operating profit (EBIT) was driven primarily by rising sugar selling prices. The largest increase was seen in wholesaler and retailer prices (quota sugar) and export prices (non-quota sugar). Prices rose in all national markets served by AGRANA.
The result of the AGRANA-STUDEN group, which is included in the consolidated financial statements by the equity method of accounting, improved amid reasonable utilisation of the refinery in Bosnia and Herzegovina and a good purchasing strategy, and was also positive for the Sugar segment's EBIT.
4 Average number of full-time equivalents in the reporting period.
1 EBITDA represents operating profit before exceptional items, results of equity-accounted joint ventures, and operating depreciation and amortisation.
The 2016|17 net exceptional items expense of € 9.0 million represented tax liabilities of € 11.5 million in connection with a tax audit in Romania, the creation of a provision of € 1.5 million for a legal dispute in Romania, and the release of a € 4.0 million provision for a settled legal dispute in the Czech Republic.
For the end of the 2016|17 sugar marketing year (SMY, October 2016 to September 2017) the analytics firm F.O. Licht in an update of 9 March 2017 on its third estimate of the world sugar balance dated 15 December 2016 is forecasting a continuing significant deficit of 5.5 million tonnes in the global supply/demand balance (end of SMY 2015|16: deficit of 8.0 million tonnes). A key reason is that global consumption is expected to keep growing and significantly exceed production. Following a period of five consecutive years of growth in global sugar stocks, this is predicted to be the second sugar marketing year in a row with a declining year-end balance.
| World sugar balance1 | 2016 17 | 2015 16 | 2014 15 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Million tonnes, except % | |||
| Opening stocks | 71.9 | 80.0 | 79.0 |
| Production | 177.6 | 174.8 | 180.8 |
| Consumption | (180.6) | (179.6) | (178.7) |
| Corrections | (2.5) | (3.3) | (1.1) |
| Closing stocks | 66.4 | 71.9 | 80.0 |
| In % of consumption | 36.8 | 40.0 | 44.8 |
World market prices for sugar remained highly volatile in the 2016|17 financial year. Prices have recovered strongly since as long ago as September 2015, thanks largely to the deficit in the world market. Especially since April 2016 the market showed a vigorous upward price trend, reaching its peak for the year of US\$ 612.0 per tonne of white sugar in September and of US\$ 524.9 per tonne of raw sugar in October, followed by a downward correction in quotations. This retrenchment was attributable mostly to a very strong US dollar, particularly against the Brazilian real, and to a change in the behaviour of institutional investment funds. At the beginning of the 2017 calendar year, prices rallied, driven by import expectations for the Indian market. As of the end of February, however, these expectations were not borne out and, under pressure from a sustained strong US dollar, the market was correcting downward again. At the balance sheet date of 28 February 2017, raw sugar quoted at US\$ 425.7 per tonne and the white sugar quotation was US\$ 532.6 per tonne.
For the European Union as a whole, given the good weather conditions during the latter part of the sugar beet growing season, sugar production is predicted to rise by 1.7 million tonnes relative to SMY 2015|16, to a new total of 16.6 million tonnes.²
The first tranche, or 675,000 tonnes, of the export allowance of European non-quota sugar was released by the European Commission at the beginning of October 2016. The release of the second tranche occurred in March 2017. As in the years before, the total export allowance of 1.35 million tonnes of European non-quota sugar available under the WTO limit was thus released for SMY 2016|17.
US\$ per tonne
1 F.O. Licht, Update of the Third Estimate of the World Sugar Balance 2016|17, dated 9 March 2017.
2 F.O. Licht report (Vol.149 No.7) dated 9 March 2017; EU sugar balance at 22 December 2016.
As in the previous sugar marketing year, sugar imports are low, as a consequence of the high world market prices and relatively low EU prices. This is also reflected in the Commission's current forecast of declining closing stocks for the end of SMY 2016|17. In its forecast from December 2016, the Commission expects closing stocks of about 509,000 tonnes, which would be very low compared to the prior years. As a result, the Commission has already cleared the September 2017 production of beet sugar for marketing in the EU. It remains unclear whether the Commission will take further exceptional measures (regarding imports) in the coming months for SMY 2016|17.
According to the official sugar price reporting of the EU, sugar prices were trending upward in the past months; while in September 2016 the EU average price was still around € 450 per tonne, in January 2017 it was € 495 per tonne.
Outside the Austrian market, until the start of the 2016|17 beet processing campaign the business with resellers (wholesalers and retailers) consisted mainly of spot sales. AGRANA continued to strengthen local brands and expand its product portfolio, particularly in Eastern Europe, where volume growth and rising demand for specialties are expected in the years ahead.
AGRANA successfully marketed quantities for export to buyers outside the EU. The deliveries of non-quota sugar to destinations within the EU were in line with those of the prior years, thanks to existing contracts.
Sales volumes with industrial customers were steady across all countries as a result of medium- and longerterm agreements.
As purchasing prices both for white sugar and for raw sugar for refining are very high for market reasons, AGRANA is currently delivering mainly under existing contracts.
AGRANA responded to growing customer demand for certified organic sugar by expanding its organic production.
After the quota expiration on 30 September 2017 there will continue to be a sugar price reporting system, a master agreement between the sugar industry and beet producers (contracts between them will remain mandatory), private storage, and scope for measures against market disruptions. With the end of the quota system, the minimum beet prices and the WTO export restrictions will be abolished. The tariff protection of the EU sugar market will remain unchanged.
In the past months, work continued on the last working documents for the legal framework after the quota expiration. A focus of discussion since December 2016 has been the sugar price reporting system. That it will remain in place is beyond question, but its particular form is still under negotiation.
AGRANA believes the main consequence of the market liberalisation through the quota expiration will be that volume and price volatilities of the world market will impact the EU sugar market more strongly than before, as the utilisation of the export "safety valve" for EU surpluses will depend on world market prices. On the other hand, the Group also foresees new market opportunities, as sugar exports will no longer be limited by regulation.
The European Commission is planning further negotiations with the MERCOSUR countries and Mexico, Australia and New Zealand, Indonesia and the Philippines in the coming months towards the conclusion of free trade agreements. On 15 February 2017 the European Parliament approved CETA, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with Canada. Before the free trade agreement can enter into force, it must inter alia be ratified by the national parliaments of the member states. The talks on TTIP, the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership with the USA, have been suspended for the time being as a result of the changed political priorities in the USA.
The area of sugar beet fields harvested by AGRANA's approximately 7,700 contract beet farmers in SMY 2016|17 was about 93,200 hectares (prior SMY: about 95,000 hectares); almost 1,300 hectares of this (prior SMY: 850 hectares) was used for organic production. From the organic acreage the Group produced approximately 8,500 tonnes (prior SMY: about 4,600 tonnes) of organic beet sugar, which for the first time was also manufactured in the sugar factory in Roman, Romania.
2016|17: Use of SAI FSA for contract beet production in 5 countries
Direct energy consumption of 2.49¹ GJ per tonne of product
Water consumption of 1.92¹ m³ per tonne of product
www.agrana.com/en/ sustainability/ value-chain/sugar
In AGRANA's beet-growing countries, the beet stocks developed well thanks to the comparatively plentiful rain in the months of May to August 2016 and the warm temperatures during the growing season. Harvesting was done under relatively difficult conditions as a result of intense precipitation in October. In total, despite a small decrease in acreage, the AGRANA Group processed about 6.7 million tonnes of beet, or approximately 1.3 million tonnes more than in the prior year. Owing to the weather during the growing season and in autumn, the mean sugar content of the 2016 crop was average, at 16.7% (prior year: 16.8%).
AGRANA's seven beet sugar factories processed a combined daily average of about 49,400 tonnes of beet during the campaign (prior year: 49,800 tonnes). Over an average campaign length of 136 days (prior year: 115 days), the beet was used to produce approximately 1.0 million tonnes of sugar (prior year: 812,000 tonnes). Production thus significantly exceeded AGRANA's EU beet sugar quota of 618,000 tonnes. The volumes in excess of the quota are marketed as non-quota sugar to the chemical industry or sold outside Europe. In the 2016|17 financial year AGRANA also refined approximately 263,200 tonnes of white sugar equivalent from raw sugar (prior year: 368,300 tonnes). To also assure a sustainable upstream supply chain for raw sugar as an input product, AGRANA since 2014 holds a Chain of Custody certification under the internationally recognised Bonsucro standard for all its refining facilities. The Chain of Custody certificate entitles AGRANA's customers to display the Bonsucro logo on their products. Bonsucro is accorded gold status, the highest rating, by the benchmarking tool of the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI).
The Sugar segment, in accordance with the AGRANA principles for the procurement of agricultural raw materials and intermediate products, which stipulate the use of good agricultural practice (GAP) and fair working conditions, continued to implement the Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA) of the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI) for the documentation of sustainable management for its sugar beet contract growers. (For details on the SAI and FSA, see the section "Sustainability", page 40).
In the 2016|17 financial year, numerous contract growers again participated on a voluntary basis in the farm self-assessment regarding sustainable production practices; for sugar beet in Austria, about two-thirds achieved gold status and about one-third reached silver standing. In Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, about half of the participating farms attained gold status and the rest achieved silver. In Romania, all participants reached gold status. A total of 776 farms across all beet-growing countries performed this self-assessment, representing a participation rate of 11%. In the 2017|18 financial year, the previously voluntary completion of the FSA questionnaire will become mandatory for some contract suppliers. As called for by the SAI FSA Implementation Framework published in June 2016, external verification of the self-assessments is planned in the future.
Besides the annual BETAEXPO, which in 2016 had soil fertilising as its theme (see the section "Sustainability", page 40), in the 2016|17 financial year AGRANA again carried out many awareness-building events in the course of its "Mont Blanc" efficiency improvement programme, which aims to increase sugar yield per hectare by up to 20% by 2017. This offering included seminars on subjects such as fertilising and plant nutrition, soil cultivation and soil protection, and crop protection, which are credited for the purpose of the Austrian Agri-Environmental Programme's initiatives "Environmentally sound and biodiversity-enhancing farm management" and "Preventive protection of groundwater on cultivated land".
1 The target level has been revised as a result of a change in the measurement basis (see content boundaries of reporting, page 8).
On fields of contract farmers In Austria and Slovakia, AGRANA took about 250 soil samples for EUF analysis1, with the sample locations mapped by GPS, for needsappropriate, precision fertiliser planning. At the 85 demonstration farms in the entire beet-growing region of the AGRANA Group, 145 field tours and six field days with more than 6,000 participants were held during the growing season. Strong audience interest was also shown in a one-day organic agriculture conference for all organic crops processed by AGRANA, which was organised by the Sugar and Starch segments in collaboration with BIO Austria.
In 2016, about 5,000 hectares were greened in Austria with the catch-crop mix from Österreichische Rübensamenzucht GmbH, a not-for-profit subsidiary of AGRANA Zucker GmbH that makes GMO-free seed (largely produced in-house) available to the contract farmers. The catch-crop loosens the soil structure, mobilises nutrients, activates the soil fauna and improves field biodiversity. In addition, flowered areas of annuals and perennials were established; together, the flowering fields provide ideal forage for wild animals, offer honey plants for bees, and add to the beauty of the landscape.
Although the transport of raw materials and sugar products only represents a comparatively low 5% to 10% of the Sugar segment's carbon footprint (depending on calculation method and country), AGRANA strives to make transport as sustainable as infrastructure and economics will allow. In total across all production countries in the 2016|17 processing season, about 38% of the beet was delivered to the sugar factories by rail, with the proportion highest in Austria at about 45%.
The average specific direct energy consumption per tonne of product (both core and by-products) in the Sugar segment eased by about 4.8% in the 2016|17 financial year compared to one year earlier. With a sugar content almost identical to the prior year's, the higher beet quality (i.e., internal purity of the beet) made processing easier. As well, energy efficiency was raised through various facility improvements, such as at the evaporator station in Leopoldsdorf, Austria, and in the drying of spent beet cossettes (the pressed sliced beet).
The Kaposvár sugar plant in Hungary generated about 30 million cubic metres of biogas from beet pulp in the 2016|17 financial year. This would have been sufficient for the site to cover approximately 80% of its primary
In gigajoules (GJ) per tonne of core and by-products
Specific consumption of non-renewable energy per tonne of core and by-products Specific consumption of renewable energy per tonne of core and by-products
1 EUF analysis of soil samples: Electro ultrafiltration is a laboratory method for the analysis of soil substrates
for their plant-available nutrients. The EUF method is employed for a practice-oriented fertiliser advisory system. 2 See GRI reporting boundaries, page 8.
3 Percentage change based on average specific direct energy consumption per tonne of core and by-products.
4 The levels of average specific direct energy consumption reported in 2014|15 and 2015|16 have been revised as a result of a change in the measurement basis (see content boundaries of reporting, page 8).
energy requirement for the 2016|17 beet campaign, or about 60% of its total primary energy needs for beet processing and the refining of raw sugar into white sugar for the 2016|17 financial year. About 8.3 million cubic metres of the biogas produced at the facility (containing about 58.7% methane) were refined by the biogas upgrading plant installed in autumn 2015 into approximately 4.9 million cubic metres (prior year: 750,000 cubic metres) of biomethane (100% methane) for feeding into the local natural gas grid. The biomethane injected into the grid was equivalent to the annual heating requirement of about 1,950 single-family homes (prior year: 300 homes).
The average specific indirect energy consumption per tonne of product increased by about 4.4% year-on-year as a result of the lower steam requirement thanks to the efficiency measures taken and the associated lower generation of electric power in the Group's cogeneration plants.
In total, the average specific emissions from direct and indirect energy consumption per tonne of product decreased by about 4.5% from the prior year because of the energy efficiency measures implemented.
In 2016|17 the ISO 50001 certification of the energy management systems of all production sites of the Sugar segment within the GRI reporting boundaries (see page 8) was successfully completed.
The water required by a sugar factory is partly obtained from the beet itself. Sugar beet has a water content of about 75%, which must be separated from the sugar during the manufacturing process. This water is used both to leach the sugar out of the beet cossettes and to transport and clean the beet. The water is continually cleaned and returned to the process cycle. In-house or municipal wastewater treatment plants at all sites ensure the environmentally responsible treatment of the effluent in compliance with local government requirements. When the cleaned wastewater is discharged into the receiving water, it thus meets the applicable environmental standards.
within the GRI reporting boundaries (see page 8)
| Sugar segment | 2016 17 | 2015 161 | 2014 151 |
|---|---|---|---|
| In m³ per tonne | |||
| of core and by-products | |||
| Water consumption | 1.61 | 1.78 | 1.83 |
| Water discharge | 2.78 | 2.81 | 2.73 |
In kg of CO2 equivalent per tonne of core and by-products
Kg of CO2 equivalent per tonne of core and by-products
1 The levels of specific water consumption and discharge per tonne of product output reported in 2014|15 and 2015|16 have been revised as a result of a change in the measurement basis (see content boundaries of reporting, page 8).
2 See GRI reporting boundaries, page 8.
3 Percentage change based on average specific emissions (from direct and indirect energy consumption) per tonne of core and by-products.
4 The levels of average specific emissions per tonne of product output reported in 2014|15 and 2015|16 have been revised as a result of a change in the measurement basis (see content boundaries of reporting, page 8).
The reduction in average specific water consumption per tonne of product (core and by-products) of about 9.2% was attributable primarily to the lower amount of soil clinging to the beet at delivery, which also allowed the specific water discharge to be reduced by 1.1%.
The reduction in the amount of waste reported resulted primarily from the new definition of waste (see content reporting boundaries, page 9), which was not fully applied until the 2016|17 financial year.
within the GRI reporting boundaries (see page 8)
| Sugar segment | 2016 17 | 2015 161 | 2014 151 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tonnes, except percent | |||
| Waste disposed | 75,049 | 163,068 | 166,014 |
| Of which hazardous waste | 153 | 170 | 258 |
| Waste | |||
| per tonne of product | 2.8% | 6.7% | 5.6% |
| Hazardous waste | |||
| per tonne of product | 0.006% | 0.007% | 0.009% |
| Waste disposed | |||
| by disposal method | |||
| Composting | 1,529 | 962 | 506 |
| Energy recovery | 486 | 442 | 746 |
| Reuse | 14,699 | 91,460 | 89,485 |
| Recycling | 6,126 | 19,781 | 2,973 |
| Landfill | 39,279 | 50,418 | 72,303 |
| Other | 12,930 | 5 | 1 |
The settling ponds on the grounds of AGRANA's former sugar plant (closed in 2006) in Hohenau an der March, Austria, were repurposed, working together with the AURING conservationist club. Located in an area of high diversity value identified under the RAMSAR Convention on Wetlands², the ponds now serve as a staging area for water birds, most notably waders.
In the Sugar segment, AGRANA invested € 23.3 million (prior year: € 46.1 million) in new assets and asset replacement during the 2016|17 financial year. The most significant projects included the following:
1 The amounts of waste reported in 2014|15 and 2015|16 have been partly revised according to the new definition of waste introduced for 2015|16. Complete application of the new definition only became possible for the 2016|17 financial year (see content boundaries of GRI reporting on page 9). The percentage amounts of waste per tonne of product output reported in 2014|15 and 2015|16 have been revised as a result of a change in the measurement basis (see content boundaries of reporting, page 9). 2 See glossary.
General division into food, non-food and feed sectors; native and modified starches, saccharification products, alcohols/bioethanol, by-products (feedstuffs and fertilisers)
processed Corn (maize), wheat, potato
Central and Eastern Europe, principally Austria and Germany; also specialty markets, e.g., in USA and UAE
Food sector: food industry; Non-food sector: paper, textile, construction chemicals, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and petroleum industries; Feed sector: feed industry
GMO-free and strong organic focus
The Starch segment includes the two fully consolidated companies AGRANA Stärke GmbH, Vienna – with the three Austrian plants in Aschach (corn starch), Gmünd (potato starch) and Pischelsdorf (integrated wheat starch and bioethanol plants) – and AGRANA TANDAREI S.r.l. with a plant in Romania (corn processing). AGRANA Stärke GmbH, together with the joint venture partner Archer Daniels Midland Company, Chicago, Illinois, USA, also manages and coordinates the joint ventures of the HUNGRANA group (one plant in Hungary, manufacturing starch and saccharification products and bioethanol), which are included in the consolidated financial statements using the equity method of accounting.
| Starch segment | 2016 17 | 2015 16 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| % / pp | ||||
| Total revenue | €000 | 744,194 | 728,730 | +2.1% |
| Inter-segment revenue | €000 | (10,272) | (7,164) | –43.4% |
| Revenue | €000 | 733,922 | 721,566 | +1.7% |
| EBITDA1 | €000 | 70,072 | 64,884 | +8.0% |
| Operating profit before | ||||
| exceptional items and results of | ||||
| equity-accounted joint ventures | €000 | 48,075 | 42,846 | +12.2% |
| Share of results of | ||||
| equity-accounted joint ventures | €000 | 28,147 | 22,981 | +22.5% |
| Operating profit [EBIT]² | €000 | 76,222 | 65,827 | +15.8% |
| EBIT margin | % | 10.4 | 9.1 | +1.3 pp |
| Investment3 | €000 | 57,577 | 28,151 | +104.5% |
| Number of employees (FTE)4 | 893 | 870 | +2.6% |
In the Starch segment, revenue grew by 1.7% in the 2016|17 financial year. Within this overall figure, revenue with core products was up 3.0% and by-product revenue was in line with one year earlier. The sales volume of products from the Group's own manufacturing rose by 6.9% on significantly increased productivity in all four plants. The considerable additional quantities of native starches in particular were successfully sold at stable prices. Ethanol quotations in the financial year were highly volatile and the average prices for bioethanol were thus about 9% lower than in the year before. However, revenue was held almost constant by selling greater volumes. The product group of modified starches was stable in volume and price terms. The specialty strategy in the year also brought volume- and price-driven significant revenue growth in high-margin organic products. Sugar prices in Europe have passed the bottom of the trough and firmed at a higher level than a year ago. This had a positive effect on sales prices of starch saccharification products, and revenue with these thus increased, thanks also to higher volumes. Feed revenue was down from one year earlier as a result of low grain and soy prices. Overall, by-product revenue was approximately in line with the prior year.
Revenue by product
Native and modified starches Saccharification products Alcohol and ethanol
1 EBITDA represents operating profit before exceptional items, results of equity-accounted joint ventures, and operating depreciation and amortisation.
Raw material prices reflected a good 2016 wheat harvest in Central and Southeastern Europe. This market situation pushed down the price of wheat almost to that of corn, so that the long-standing spread between corn and wheat prices was greatly reduced. The autumn crops, such as corn and potatoes, were also marked by good yields and quality. The savings achieved on raw material prices and energy costs were beneficial for earnings. The sweeping optimisation of internal processes which was initiated in the prior year made itself felt in higher productivity of the plants, a customer-focused and more efficient organisation and an improved cost situation.
In 2016|17, revenue of the HUNGRANA group, the joint venture in Hungary, grew by 3.6%. Moderately higher revenue from saccharification products was the result of price and volume gains. A revenue decrease for bioethanol explained by a year-on-year drop in sales prices was almost fully offset by higher volumes sold. Especially positive for earnings were the lower prices of corn from the 2016 crop, and savings also came from energy cost reductions. The earnings of the equity-accounted joint venture were thus well above the year-earlier result.
The starch market was characterised by very stable demand overall. For potato starch, the completed processing campaign led to a very favourable supply situation, and as result the aim of the sales strategy, in addition to market share expansion in the domestic and nearby national markets, is to export to the growing markets of Latin America and Asia.
Next to the food sector, it is above all the booming paper and corrugated board industry that is driving high demand for native corn and wheat starch.
The wheat starch from Pischelsdorf, Austria, has been complementing the product portfolio of AGRANA Stärke GmbH since 2014 and, with its high purity, has won a secure place in industrial applications.
Sales volume growth in the international markets for construction starches and for adhesives is contributing to the strategic further development of the customer and market portfolio of AGRANA Stärke GmbH towards greater specialisation, and so are higher valueadded starch products for food applications, including the organic sector.
The environment for starch-based saccharification products was determined mainly by the sugar market and sugar price trend. Especially in the isoglucose business, this had positive effects on demand and prices.
The isoglucose quota in the final year of the volume limits under the EU sugar regime was unchanged at about 720,000 tonnes, of which HUNGRANA held the largest share at 250,000 tonnes (the amount for this equityaccounted joint venture is stated at 100% of the total). This quota will be abolished with effect from 1 October 2017 as part of the liberalisation of the EU sugar market.
The volatility of the European market for bioethanol was pronounced, with the quotations ranging from € 440 to € 660 per cubic metre FOB Rotterdam.
Swings in the supply-and-demand relationship for EU bioethanol as well as declining attractiveness for imports led to unexpected price spikes at the end of the marketing year.
In late 2016 the European Commission published a proposal for the future form of the biofuels directive (the new Renewable Energy Directive, or RED II). Under this proposal, first-generation biofuel would be threatened from 2021 onwards by a continual reduction of its share in fuel blends. The Commission proposes that the gap which this creates must be filled by so-called advanced biofuels (such as second-generation fuels). If the European Council and Parliament remain in favour of this proposal, it would mean a dramatic change for the European ethanol industry after 2020.
World grain production in the 2016|17 grain marketing year (1 July to 30 June) is estimated by the International Grains Council (IGC)¹ at 2.1 billion tonnes, which is an increase from the prior year's level and exceeds the expected consumption. Global wheat production is forecast at 752 million tonnes (prior year: 737 million tonnes), compared to expected consumption of 738 million tonnes. The world's corn production is projected at 1,049 million tonnes (prior year: 973 million tonnes), versus expected consumption of 1,035 million tonnes. In view of the good harvest, global total grain stocks are forecast to increase by about 33 million tonnes from the prior year to 508 million tonnes.
Despite the good worldwide supply situation for grains, futures prices rose over the financial year. On 28 February 2017 on the NYSE Euronext Liffe commodity derivatives exchange in Paris, wheat quoted at € 172.3 per tonne and corn at € 171.3 per tonne (prior year: € 147.3 per tonne for wheat and € 146.8 for corn). The reason, besides currency effects, lay in the relatively smaller wheat and corn harvest in France in 2016.
In the 2016|17 campaign the potato starch plant in Gmünd, Austria, in a campaign lasting 149 days (prior year: 104 days), processed about 238,900 tonnes of starch potatoes (prior year: about 164,400 tonnes) with an average starch content of 19.6% (prior year: 17.3%). Approximately 24,800 tonnes of food potatoes (prior year: 24,600 tonnes) were converted into about 4,400 tonnes of long-life potato products (prior year: 4,200 tonnes).
The corn processing volume of AGRANA Stärke GmbH in Austria for starch products (excluding ethanol) increased in the 2016|17 financial year to about 416,000 tonnes (prior year: about 406,000 tonnes) due to a larger volume of specialty corn types. Of this total, about 121,000² tonnes was wet corn (prior year: about 93,000 tonnes). The share of specialty corn processed (waxy corn, organic corn and certified non-GMO corn) increased to approximately 131,000 tonnes (prior year: about 122,000 tonnes).
At the wheat starch factory in Pischelsdorf, Austria, in 2016|17, a net raw material volume of about 198,000 tonnes of wheat was used in the production of wheat starch (prior year: 182,200 tonnes). In the attached bioethanol plant, about 637,000 tonnes (prior year: 592,000 tonnes) of grain were processed, with a ratio of about 60% wheat (including triticale) to 40% corn. Of the 2016 crop, about 70,000 tonnes of ethanol wheat and triticale were secured in advance through delivery contracts with growers. As in the prior years, cultivation contracts for ethanol grains were offered for the 2017 crop.
In Hungary, at the equity-accounted HUNGRANA facility, total corn processing in 2016|17 increased moderately to more than 1.1 million tonnes (stated at 100% of the total). The wet-corn processing here was completed at the end of December 2016, with a volume significantly higher than in the previous year. The plant in Romania processed about 67,000 tonnes more corn than in the year before.
€ per tonne (NYSE Euronext Liffe commodity derivatives exchange in Paris)
2 Based on wet weight.
supply chain 2016|17: Use of SAI's FSA for contract potato growers
targets by 2020|21 Cumulative savings of 50 GWh through efficiency measures in plants
www.agrana.com/en/ sustainability/ value-chain/starch
In 2016|17 the Starch segment too, in accordance with the AGRANA principles for the procurement of agricultural raw materials and intermediate products, which stipulate the use of good agricultural practice (GAP) and fair working conditions, continued to employ the Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA) of the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI) for the documentation of sustainable management for its contract potato farmers. (For details on the SAI and FSA, see the section "Sustainability", page 40).
Almost two-thirds of the contract growers of potatoes in Austria who in 2016|17 participated on a voluntary basis in the farm self-assessment regarding sustainable cultivation practices achieved gold status and about one-third reached silver standing. Sixteen percent of Austrian potato suppliers, or 201 operators, took part.
In the 2017|18 financial year, the previously voluntary completion of the FSA questionnaire will become mandatory for some contract suppliers. As called for by the SAI FSA Implementation Framework published in June 2016, external verification of the self-assessments is planned in the future. In addition, contract-based potato growers in the Czech Republic and corn growers in Austria are to be added to the revised documentation system.
In the sourcing of raw materials for the production of wheat starch and bioethanol, AGRANA has been relying for years on inputs carrying the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) and REDcert EU certification. ISCC is accorded silver status in the SAI system.
In June 2016, BETAEXPO, with Austria's largest field of demonstration plantings of AGRANA farm crops, was held under the motto "Clear goals for a secure future", again serving to promote good agricultural practices, including in the cultivation of AGRANA potatoes and grains on a contract basis (for details, see page 40).
In the Starch segment as well, AGRANA maintains an intensive dialogue with contract growers, especially of starch potatoes. As in the previous years, in 2016|17 AGRANA held an event for new growers to provide information on the production of starch potatoes for industrial use, and arranged several field tours with potato and ethanol grain suppliers. AGRANA also supported a knowledge transfer conference of the Austrian Starch Potato Growers Association (VÖSK) financially and in terms of content, with presentations on crop cultivation and economic efficiency of potato production; the well-attended event drew about 300 visitors. In autumn 2016, three "farm forums" were held. These discussion forums at contract farms – one for organic farmers and two for growers of conventional crops – featured discussions directly with the management of the Starch segment on agricultural and business topics. A partners day for suppliers of industrial starch potatoes and an organic agriculture conference (see page 39) rounded out the programme for awareness-building and the communication of good agricultural practices.
As of just three years after its launch in summer 2013, the bat conservation project in Austria's Waldviertel district (see annual report 2014|15, page 64) can be termed highly successful. Population counts in the spring and autumn of 2016 showed dense colonisation by four species of bat. Seventy percent of the individuals tallied were barbastelle bats, a species identified in the Austrian Red List of endangered mammals.
The average specific direct energy consumption per tonne of product (both core and by-products) in the Starch segment eased by about 0.8% in the 2016|17 reporting period compared to one year earlier. This was attributable to the long potato campaign and high starch production volume in Gmünd, Austria. The production of native starch requires less direct energy than that of modified products. As the proportion of native starches in the product mix increased in the year, this resulted in a lower specific energy consumption.
The average specific indirect energy consumption per tonne of product in the Starch segment even fell by about 5.5% from the previous year, as production growth in Pischelsdorf, Austria, led to a shift in energy use from indirect to direct consumption. Total energy consumption per tonne of product showed a reduction of 2.8%, attributable to the process optimisation of the gluten dryer and of the bioethanol plant in Pischelsdorf, Austria.
Nonetheless, the average specific emissions from direct and indirect energy consumption per tonne of product increased by about 2.5% from the prior year (see chart on page 30). The reason was that, as a result of weather conditions, the purchased electricity was associated with significantly higher emissions in the financial year.
At the three Austrian starch manufacturing sites of Aschach, Gmünd and Pischelsdorf, an energy management system was introduced in autumn 2014 and certified under ISO 50001. Aiming for continual improvement, the Starch segment is targeting site-specific efficiency gains amounting to a cumulative reduction of 50 GWh of energy use by 2020|21 through efficiency-boosting projects in individual sections of the plants. By the end of 2016|17 about 16 GWh of this reduction target was achieved, through several projects, such as the optimisation of the gluten dryer in Pischelsdorf and the insulation of the main steam pipe in Aschach.
In gigajoules (GJ) per tonne of core and by-products
2 Percentage change based on average specific direct energy consumption per tonne of core and by-products.
At the AGRANA starch plants, in keeping with the Group's environmental policy, water use and effluent are managed sustainably. Process water in the starch operations is repeatedly recycled and cleaned. An example is the integrated bioethanol and wheat starch production complex in Pischelsdorf, Austria.
within the GRI reporting boundaries (see page 8)
| Starch segment | 2016 17 | 2015 16 | 2014 15 |
|---|---|---|---|
| In m³ per tonne | |||
| of core and by-products | |||
| Water consumption | 3.93 | 4,181 | 4.34 |
| Water discharge | 4.65 | 4.35 | 4.92 |
The average specific water consumption in the Starch segment per tonne of product (core and by-products) in the 2016|17 financial year was approximately 6.0% less than one year earlier, as specific reductions were achieved through optimisation work in the Austrian starch plants in Gmünd and Pischelsdorf. The increase of about 6.8% in water discharge from the prior year was the result of high precipitation and the long potato campaign in Gmünd.
The specific amount of waste from processing per tonne of product (core and by-products) was 15.6% higher in 2016|17 than the year before. This change is explained largely by an increase in the amount of composted material (sewage sludge). The increase in hazardous waste resulted from a one-time disposal of product residue from the drum drying operation at the potato starch factory in Gmünd, Austria.
within the GRI reporting boundaries (see page 8)
| Starch segment | 2016 17 | 2015 16 | 2014 15 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tonnes. except percent | |||
| Waste disposed | 22,056 | 17,665 | 14,351 |
| Of which hazardous waste | 96 | 21 | 28 |
| Waste | |||
| per tonne of product | 1.8% | 1.6% | 1.3% |
| Hazardous waste | |||
| per tonne of product | 0.008% | 0.002% | 0.003% |
| Waste disposed | |||
| by disposal method | |||
| Composting | 16,684 | 13,030 | 10,337 |
| Energy recovery | 2,316 | 1,490 | 1,120 |
| Reuse | 24 | 700 | 0 |
| Recycling | 507 | 377 | 638 |
| Landfill | 23 | 4 | 0 |
| Other | 2,502 | 2,064 | 2,256 |
In kg of CO2 equivalent per tonne of core and by-products
Kg of CO2 equivalent per tonne of core and by-products
1 Value has been revised to correct a data collection error in the prior year.
2 See GRI reporting boundaries, page 8.
3 Percentage change based on average specific emissions (from direct and indirect energy consumption) per tonne of core and by-products.
At the site of the combined wheat starch and bioethanol plant in Pischelsdorf, Austria, a project was launched in the year to return the grounds of the facility to a more natural state. Besides the planting of flowering hedges, this includes reducing the mowing of meadows to one cutting per year.
In autumn 2015 AGRANA Stärke GmbH updated its sustainability data for the purposes of EcoVadis, the international supplier evaluation platform. AGRANA Stärke GmbH moved up from silver status in 2014 to a rating of gold, putting it in the top 5% of performers scored by EcoVadis.
€ 57.6 million (prior year: € 28.2 million) was invested in the Starch segment during the 2016|17 financial year: The most significant projects included the following:
Additionally, € 10.8 million (prior year: € 16.8 million) was invested in 2016|17 in the HUNGRANA companies (amounts for these equity-accounted entities are stated at 100% of the total).
Fruit preparations, fruit juice concentrates, not-fromconcentrate juices, fruit wines, natural flavours and beverage bases
Fruits (leading raw material for fruit preparations: strawberry; raw materials for fruit juice concentrates: apples and berries)
Marketed worldwide
Dairy, ice-cream, bakery, food service and beverage industries
Custom-designed, innovative products
AGRANA Internationale Verwaltungs- und Asset-Management GmbH, Vienna, is the holding company for the Fruit segment. The coordination and operational management for the fruit preparations business are provided by the holding company AGRANA Fruit S.A.S., based in Mitry-Mory, France. In the fruit juice concentrate business, the operating holding company is AUSTRIA JUICE GmbH, based in Kröllendorf/Allhartsberg, Austria. At the balance sheet date the Fruit segment as a whole operated 25 production sites in 19 countries for fruit preparations, and 14 plants in seven countries for the
production of apple and berry juice concentrates.
Revenue in the fruit preparations business rose by almost 5%, as a result partly of higher sales volume. Working slightly against the revenue growth were foreign currency effects in individual countries where AGRANA Fruit operates, particularly in Egypt, Argentina, China, Mexico, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine.
Sales volumes grew in all AGRANA regions except North America. In Eastern Europe as well, the volume trend remained positive despite the challenging political environment. In the EU, the most important region in revenue terms, AGRANA also succeeded in selling higher volumes, despite the market contraction.
Analysing by customer segment, the dairy industry was just one of several sectors responsible for revenue and volume growth. The diversification in fruit preparations towards an increased focus on the customer segments of food service, bakery and ice-cream also continued and volumes and revenue in these areas rose.
Revenue by product group in 2016|17
Other (fruit reselling, frozen fruits, etc.)
71% 17% 3% 1% 8%
Through gains in market share paralleling the growth of its global key accounts, AGRANA further improved its market position, with long-term customer contracts enabling it to outperform its competitors in this regard. As well, opportunities for sustained future growth lie in the already cited positive developments in the non-dairy product areas (for example, fruit preparations for global convenience food chains, ice-cream components for global brands, and the recent acquisition in Argentina).
In total across all regions, operating profit (EBIT) in the fruit preparations business was steady. While earnings growth was recorded in the Europe and Middle East/Africa regions, EBIT decreased especially in North America and to a lesser extent in Australia/Asia.
In the fourth financial quarter of 2016|17, the Argentine company Main Process S.A., Buenos Aires, acquired in December 2016 was consolidated for the first time.
The net exceptional items expense of € 3.1 million in the prior year was related primarily to the restructuring project of Dirafrost FFI N.V., Herk-de-Stad, Belgium.
In the 2016|17 financial year, AGRANA founded AGRANA Fruit India Private Limited, New Delhi, India. After a capital increase in February 2017, the new subsidiary acquired production facilities, land and buildings. Operational production and sales are to begin in the course of the new 2017|18 financial year.
Revenue in the fruit juice concentrate business was up significantly in 2016|17 compared to the year before. This was driven mostly by higher prices for apple juice concentrates made from the 2015 crop. AUSTRIA JUICE operates globally, with the EU as its core market. Other major geographic markets are North America, Russia, the Middle East and Far East. The apple juice concentrate made at the Chinese plant is marketed largely in Japan, the USA, Russia and Australia, as well as Europe.
In the 2016 campaign AUSTRIA JUICE saw a reduction both in raw material prices and the prices of its products. This was also true for berry juice concentrates.
The significant EBIT improvement in the fruit juice concentrate activities was attributable to better margins for apple juice concentrate produced from the 2015 crop, an improved earnings situation for the Chinese subsidiary and a stabilisation in the fruit wine business in Germany.
The markets of the fruit preparations business outside Europe are growing significantly – especially Asia, but also North Africa and the Middle East. In saturated markets such as the EU and the USA, there is a trend towards increasing consumption of plain yoghurt (natural yoghurts). In Latin America the rate of market growth has eased somewhat, due particularly to the economic problems in Brazil. The growth in the consumer goods markets of ice-cream, food services and bakery can be expected to continue.
Health and wellness, naturalness and pleasure remained the megatrends in 2016|17, much as in the previous years. These trends are addressed in new product development, sometimes in combination: Products that promise above all a high degree of eating pleasure may be positioned to also offer the additional attraction of naturalness.
Besides clean-label products distinguished by high naturalness, there is also a boom in demand for layered fruit yoghurts. This product solution promises an intense taste experience, offers a natural look and feel (thanks to distinct individual fruit pieces), and also has wellness appeal. New flavours achieved by combining different fruit species or by using exotic fruits are another current trend, as are products with nuanced and sophisticated flavour profiles.
Dairy-free alternatives to classic fruit yoghurt remain in vogue, with the positive health image being central. Whereas in the past years it was especially soy that was popular as the new alternative to dairy yoghurts, the trend since recently has been shifting in the direction of coconut milk, almond and rice.
In the concentrate business, the trends both towards lower fruit content in beverages and towards not-fromconcentrate 100% juices remain unbroken. Globally, the sales volumes of 100% juices from concentrate remain on a mild easing trend, even if relevant European markets such as Germany are showing a slight recovery or are stable. The demand in this area is significantly affected by media coverage of health topics related to obesity and sugar reduction in beverages. Particularly the North American market is under heavy pressure, which makes itself felt in the demand for concentrates.
2016|17: Determine the sustainability of fruit suppliers based on specified international certifications
Use of the SAI FSA questionnaire for contract farmers
Fruit preparations: Direct and indirect energy consumption of 1.72 GJ per tonne of product
Direct and indirect energy consumption of 3.43 GJ per tonne of product
Water consumption of 4.21 m³ per tonne of product
www.agrana.com/en/ sustainability/ value-chain/fruit
The Middle East and Africa markets remain stable to gently growing, with Africa exhibiting a strong increase in demand for products labelled as natural.
Sales volumes in Ukraine and Russia continue to decline amid the political situation.
Prices of fruit juice concentrates trended significantly lower again in Europe compared to the prior year, as a result of the expectations for harvest volumes in the main crop production regions.
In the fruit preparations activities the 2016|17 financial year was marked by good purchasing conditions. The harvests were in some cases better than average, and raw material prices fell in the course of the year and were below the prior-year level. In countries like Russia, Turkey and Egypt, the weaker local currency was an advantage in procurement, and also in countries with primary processing, such as Ukraine and Mexico.
Since 2016|17, even subsidiaries with lower procurement volume are increasingly tied into the global purchasing activities on a mandatory basis in order to realise additional savings through the pooling of purchasing volumes, substitution of materials and enhanced coverage of purchasing needs.
In the fruit juice concentrates business, available supplies of apples in the foremost European processing regions (Poland and Hungary) were larger than in the year before. Local frosts, such as in southern and eastern Austria, western Hungary and the Balkan countries, had only an insignificant effect. The good supply situation led to in some cases significantly lower raw material prices than in the year before. The capacity utilisation of the European fruit juice concentrate plants in the 2016 campaign was good. In China the production season even surpassed the prior year.
The berry processing season was on the whole marked by good available volumes of the principal fruits. The prices for the most important raw materials (strawberry, sour cherry and black currant, though not raspberry) were below those of the prior year.
Supplier environmental and social assessment
In the 2016|17 financial year the Fruit segment continued to advance the implementation of the AGRANA principles for the procurement of agricultural raw materials and intermediate products.
AGRANA Fruit Services GmbH (AFS), Vienna, the purchasing organisation responsible for the procurement of raw materials and intermediate products in the fruit preparations business, for the 2016|17 financial year again documented the certification status of primary processors and resellers of fruits and intermediate products under defined sustainability standards (see procurement models on page 5). In the year under review, 13% of the raw materials procured by AFS had a sustainability certification; most of these were certified organic, and the remainder were certified under another customer standard of industry-wide relevance or under the Rainforest Alliance (RA) standard. The RA standard and the customer-specific standard are accorded silver status in the benchmarking to the requirements of the Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA) of the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI). As organic standards focus exclusively on agricultural practices and do not touch upon social
areas such as worker safety, human rights, etc., organic certification alone is not enough to achieve a sufficiently high score in the SAI benchmarking. The situation is similar for GlobalGAP certification; however, the GRASP add-on module to GlobalGAP also covers social sustainability aspects. In the future, this add-on will also be available for the organic sector (for details on the FSA assessment, see page 40). To also evaluate its suppliers for their adherence to social aspects, AFS invited them in 2016|17 to participate in the Supplier Ethical Exchange Database, or SEDEX (for details on SEDEX, see page 42). Suppliers representing 78% of the procurement volume of AFS are already SEDEX members and have made their data available to AFS. For 57% of its procurement volume, AFS can view the self-assessments of its suppliers and existing audit documents.
For the procurement of fresh fruit from contract farmers for AGRANA-owned primary processing sites, in a pilot project during the year under review, the FSA questionnaire was used for the first time in Poland, Ukraine, Morocco and Mexico. While the participating contract growers in Poland (except for one farmer) and in Ukraine achieved silver status in the (not externally verified) self-assessment, 30% of the participating operations in Mexico gained silver standing, 20% attained bronze and the rest reached not-yet-bronze status. The participating farms in Morocco attained not-yet-bronze status, largely as a result of social aspects.
In the two projects (supported by the Austrian Development Agency) for the improvement of social and environmental standards with contract farmers in Mexico and Fiji, the fruit preparations business gained valuable experience that can also be used in future to improve the FSA results.
July 2016 saw the completion of a project running since August 2013 to promote the certification of strawberry and blackberry suppliers in Jacona, Mexico, to the Rainforest Alliance (RA) standard. With the support of the local AGRANA agricultural extension team, the participating supplier farms were able to improve cultivation practices, introduce water and waste management, implement safety and health measures for their more than 2,000 employees and be certified to the RA standard. The suppliers benefited not only through the higher competitiveness resulting from the certification but also by their added popularity as employers. AGRANA was pleased to be recognised for its engagement with an award as one of the best three companies in Mexico – and the best in berry processing – in the areas of agricultural practices and food safety; the distinction was awarded by Primus GFS, a global initiative for food safety.
In the South Pacific island nation of Fiji, AGRANA is supporting small farmers since 2014 by acting as the holder of a group certification for bananas, guavas and mangoes under the internationally recognised Australian Certified Organic standard (ACO). At the local AGRANA plant the fruit is processed into purees; in 2016 the fruit portfolio was expanded by the addition of passion fruit. Over the first two years of the project, the number of certified farmers was more than doubled from 130 to about 300. In February 2016 the project suffered a sharp setback under the impact of Cyclone Winston. Most of the organically managed acreage of banana plantations was destroyed and the AGRANA contract farmers were thus not able to harvest bananas for more than half a year. To be able to meet the requirement for high-quality, ideally virus-free banana seedlings for replanting, a small biological laboratory for banana propagation was set up next to the new production hall. The facility started operation in September 2016, and the planting stock is initially to be provided to the farmers free of charge.
As all procurement for custom recipes in the fruit preparations business is done to customer specifications, the future trend in the volume of certified raw materials will depend on these customer requirements.
The fruit juice concentrate business, as a result of its procurement structures, is confronted with an especially significant challenge in supply chain management, as most of the raw materials it processes are sourced from dealers. This is a consequence of legacy structures evolved nationally over time which are focused primarily on the fresh market and retail trade and on fruit exports. Fundamentally, the Group would like to purchase more raw materials directly from farmers in the future.
AUSTRIA JUICE currently maintains two projects for direct procurement from growers. In Hungary, since the year 2000, AUSTRIA JUICE has supported local farmers in growing pest-resistant apple varieties that require about 60% to 80% less pesticide than conventional cultivars. Besides financial assistance for the new planting of the trees and ongoing advice over the growing season, the fruit growers also receive purchasing guarantees and a price premium from AUSTRIA JUICE. A further project with contract growers was begun in Poland in 2007. In 2016|17 about 7% of all apples processed by AUSTRIA JUICE into apple juice concentrate worldwide came from these two projects.
In the year under review, 50% of the contract-based apple growers in Hungary completed a self-assessment in terms of environmental and social production conditions in their operations, using the FSA questionnaire; 40% of the participants reached gold standing and the others achieved silver status. The results were not externally verified to date. In the 2017|18 financial year the FSA questionnaire is also to be employed with the contract apple farmers in Poland.
Energy use and emissions in processing The average specific direct energy consumption per
tonne of product (core and by-products) in the Fruit segment increased in 2016|17 by about 25.2%, as the fruit juice concentrate production site in Xianyang, China, was included in the data for the first time (see organisational boundaries of reporting boundaries on page 8).
The average specific indirect energy consumption in the Fruit segment eased by about 2.3% from the prior year, likewise due to the fruit juice concentrate business.
The average specific emissions from direct and indirect energy use per tonne of product in the Fruit segment increased by 24.1% year-on-year, owing to the use of coal as a primary energy source in Xianyang, as the site was
not yet included in the reporting scope in the prior year (see chart on page 37). Excluding the Chinese fruit juice concentrate site, the average specific emissions from direct and indirect energy use in the Fruit segment would have remained constant.
The fruit juice concentrate business, with a reduction in average specific water consumption and discharge per tonne of product (core and by-products), compensated for the increase on the fruit preparations side, leaving the average specific water consumption in the Fruit segment as a whole nearly constant at the year-earlier level. Average specific water discharge rose slightly, by about 2.3%.
within the GRI reporting boundaries (see page 8)
| Fruit segment | 2016 17 | 2015 161 | 2014 15 |
|---|---|---|---|
| In m³ per tonne | |||
| of core and by-products | |||
| Water consumption | 4.28 | 4.27 | 4.16 |
| Water discharge | 4.08 | 3.99 | 3.99 |
In gigajoules (GJ) per tonne of core and by-products
Specific consumption of non-renewable energy per tonne of core and by-products
Specific consumption of renewable energy per tonne of core and by-products
1 Specific water consumption and discharge per tonne of product output have been revised
to correct a 2015|16 data collection error. 2 See GRI reporting boundaries, page 8.
3 Percentage change based on average specific direct energy consumption per tonne of core and by-products.
The reduction of the specific waste amount in the Fruit segment from 55.9 kilogrammes per tonne of product (core and by-products) in the prior year to 26.5 kilogrammes in 2016|17 resulted primarily from the application of the new definition of waste in the fruit juice concentrate activities (see content boundaries of reporting, page 9).
within the GRI reporting boundaries (see page 8)
| Fruit segment | 2016 17 | 2015 161 | 2014 151 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tonnes, except percent | |||
| Waste disposed | 23,038 | 45,955 | 45,699 |
| Of which hazardous waste | 43 | 37 | 15 |
| Waste | |||
| per tonne of product | 2.7% | 5.6% | 5.6% |
| Hazardous waste | |||
| per tonne of product | 0.005% | 0.005% | 0.002% |
| Waste disposed | |||
| by disposal method | |||
| Composting | 0 | 4,064 | 3,359 |
| Energy recovery | 899 | 392 | 341 |
| Reuse | 1,985 | 16,902 | 19,986 |
| Recycling | 9,170 | 14,895 | 14,082 |
| Landfill | 10,950 | 9,675 | 7,817 |
Other 33 27 114
As part of its biodiversity activities, the fruit juice concentrate business at its headquarters in Krollendorf/ Allhartsberg, Austria, supported a project of the "Forum for Nature and Species Conservation" aimed at the reintroduction of the little owl. This species, one of the smallest of the owls, is considered endangered as a breeding population in Austria. To survive, it needs a fine-structured landscape (ideally including orchard meadows) with cavity trees in a rural setting – conditions typically found near this AGRANA site.
The capital expenditure of € 33.8 million in the Fruit segment in 2016|17 (prior year: € 41.7 million) represented both capacity expansion projects and maintenance investment. The most significant projects included the following:
In kg of CO2 equivalent per tonne of core and by-products
1 The amounts of waste reported in 2014|15 and 2015|16 have been partly revised according to the new definition of waste introduced for 2015|16. Complete application of the new definition only became possible for the 2016|17 financial year (see content boundaries of reporting on page 9).
2 See GRI reporting boundaries, page 8.
3 Percentage change based on average specific emissions (from direct and indirect energy consumption) per tonne of core and by-products.
Targets in the supply chain Further use of SAI's FSA to assess suppliers
Reductions of direct and indirect energy consumption per tonne of product
Reductions of water consumption per tonne of product
www.agrana.com/en/ sustainability/
AGRANA as an industrial processor of agricultural raw materials defines sustainability in its business activities as a harmonious balance of economic, environmental and social responsibility. This understanding of sustainability is summed up by three sustainability principles, which serve management and all employees as a practical and intuitive guide to daily sustainable action:
AGRANA has developed its understanding of sustainability through daily interactions with its stakeholders:
In the 2016|17 financial year as in the previous years, AGRANA worked intensively on the further integration of sustainability aspects into the operational business processes. Below, the sustainability activities along the value chain are grouped according to which of AGRANA's identified six issues they fall under:
In 2016|17 AGRANA continued to work on the further implementation of its principles for the procurement of agricultural raw materials and intermediate products. The focus in the prior years had been especially on developing suitable documentation structures for proving the use of good agricultural practices and on early efforts of the Sugar and Starch segments devoted to introducing the Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA) of the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI). In the year under review, AGRANA was able to make further strides in documentation in the Fruit segment. It goes without saying that in 2016|17 the Group continued to offer numerous events and training programmes for contract growers (for details, see the segment reports).
Sustainability activities around the procurement of raw materials directly from agricultural producers have long been integral to AGRANA's business operations. In order to work on and document sustainability aspects in the agricultural supply chain regardless of the procurement model in an even more structured way, AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG has since July 2014 been an active member of the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI) Platform (a food industry initiative founded in 2002) and, with its Sugar, Starch and Fruit segments, participates in all working groups and committees relevant to its raw materials.
The SAI gives processors of agricultural raw materials like AGRANA several helpful tools particularly for the evaluation and documentation of conformity with good environmental and social practices in the agricultural supply chain and for comparing the value of different documentation types and international certifications.
The underlying tool is always the Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA) created by the SAI. This assessment is carried out using a 112-point questionnaire covering all features relevant to sustainability, such as farm management, working conditions (including questions on child labour and forced labour), soil and nutrient management and crop protection. Depending on the fulfilment of the various criteria, each farm receives a sustainability rating designated by a status of "gold", "silver", "bronze", or "not yet bronze".
For procurement sectors without direct access to the agricultural producers of the raw materials, the SAI makes available a very comprehensive benchmarking of the FSA requirements against the national legislation of many countries, against relevant international certification standards (such as Global GAP, Rainforest Alliance, Bonsucro, etc.), and even against some company-specific sustainability programmes. The verified compliance with national legal requirements, or certification to certain international or company standards, enables agricultural producers and the processing industry to capitalise on their SAI sustainability status in their marketing.
Details on the activities for the implementation of AGRANA's principles for the procurement of agricultural raw materials and intermediate products and concerning the documentation under SAI in the Sugar, Starch and Fruit segments can be found in the respective segment report (see pages 21f., 28 and 34ff.).
About 3,000 visitors flocked to the BETAEXPO field symposium for AGRANA contract growers in June on the grounds of the AGRANA sugar factory in Tulln, Austria. The programme for the event, under the motto "Clear goals for a secure future", reflected the challenging agricultural markets.
Besides high-powered panel discussions on the future of agricultural markets, experts gave talks for AGRANA suppliers about the keynote subject of sustainable fertilising practices. Many BETAEXPO guests also visited the diverse machinery demonstrations on site and the presentations of AGRANA's plantings of sugar beet, grains and starch potatoes on the demonstration plots. In addition, visitors were able to get to know the products and sales activities of AGRANA's Sugar, Starch and Fruit segments, as well as the animal feed business, and learn about the research and development work of the AGRANA Research & Innovation Center.
In the lead-up to BETAEXPO in 2016, AGRANA again presented the AGRANA Sustainability Award to two contract growers, for good results in the farm FSA sustainability assessment and for achievements in erosion control, respectively. Additionally, for the first time the award was also given to two institutional suppliers/partners for their sustainability activities.
While biodiversity is relevant primarily in AGRANA's upstream supply chain, the Group nonetheless also strives where possible to contribute to protecting or increasing species diversity at its own sites.
In 2016|17, given the importance of honeybees for the pollination of many crop plants – about 80% of crop species depend on bees for this – AGRANA launched a project for bee conservation. As a result, beehives were placed at all of the Group's Austrian locations, workshops about the subject were offered for employees, and young Austrian beekeepers were presented with bee colonies at BETAEXPO.
In its Sugar and Starch segments, AGRANA's goal for the 2017|18 financial year is to continue the implementation of the SAI farm self-assessment (FSA) for environmental and social sustainability criteria together with its contract suppliers of sugar beet and potatoes in all countries of cultivation covered by the Group's tracking system, and to obtain external assurance of the self-assessment results in accordance with SAI requirements.
Enlarging the scope of participation, Austrian contract corn growers will also take part in the FSA for the first time in 2017|18. In the Fruit segment, both the fruit preparations and the fruit juice concentrate businesses used the FSA self-assessment questionnaire in their direct sourcing of raw materials from growers and will continue this engagement in the next financial year.
AGRANA's management approach concerning energy consumption, emissions, water use, wastewater, and waste is formalised in its environmental policy.
In the 2016|17 financial year the energy management systems of all EU sites of the Sugar segment, all Austrian locations of the Starch segment and all EU sites of the fruit juice concentrate activities were certified to ISO 50001. The other EU sites conducted energy audits.
energy aspects of AGRANA's production operations Two years ago, in the 2014|15 financial year, AGRANA's Sugar, Starch and Fruit segments formulated relevant energy and environmental objectives for their business activities up to the 2020|21 financial year. The progress towards goals to date is presented in the respective segment report.
The areas of focus in 2016|17 regarding working conditions and human rights in relation to AGRANA employees are discussed in the section "AGRANA's people" (see from page 48).
The foremost aim of the AGRANA quality policy is to produce foods and feedstuffs that meet customer requirements and are safe for consumption. Adhering to the many applicable national and international regulations for product safety at all production sites worldwide is not just a legal obligation for AGRANA but also a cornerstone of the Group's social responsibility and essential to sustainable development.
Foods manufactured at facilities within the European Union meet the requirements of the EU's General Food Law Regulation (EC) No 178/2002, as amended. This regulation lays down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishes the European Food Safety Authority and sets out procedures concerning food safety. In addition, AGRANA is guided by the international minimum standards for food safety, such as the Codex Alimentarius (the food code of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the World Health Organisation). In the Codex Alimentarius, the General Principles of Food Hygiene introduce the so-called Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point system. The HACCP system permits the analysis of potential hazards to human health, whether chemical, physical or microbial in nature. The principle of an HACCP system is also found, for example, as a legal requirement in the EU hygiene regulation (Reg. (EC) No 852/2005). AGRANA has already been using HACCP systems in its plants for many years, adapted to the particular production processes. The introduction and especially the regular auditing of an HACCP system ensures that only safe products leave the facility.
Animal feeds produced at facilities in the EU meet the requirements of the EU's General Food Law Regulation No 178/2002, its Regulation No 767/2009 on bringing to market and using feeds, and Regulation No 183/2005 on feed hygiene. Here too, HACCP systems are integral to ensuring product safety.
In its assurance of food and feed safety, AGRANA goes beyond the legal requirements and has implemented internationally recognised standards of product safety, under which it is externally certified.
The AGRANA quality management system seeks to identify and optimally fulfil the expectations and requirements of customers and other interested parties. It is based on the principles of ISO 9001, the international norm for quality management systems. AGRANA's quality management system is supplemented by numerous certifications for food safety and food defense. The most important standards in this respect globally for AGRANA are FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification), ISO 22000 and IFS (International Food Standard). Depending on the country or region and customer demand, additional certifications are also offered, such as Organic, GMO-Free,
Kosher (following Jewish dietary laws) and Halal (adhering to Islamic dietary laws). The key standards for feed safety are GMP Feed and the EFISC Feed Standard. Overall in the 2016|17 financial year, 100% of AGRANA's feed production sites held certifications to at least one of these standards, or the locally relevant international ones.
The hygiene and quality standards of the foods and feeds produced by AGRANA are continually raised further through external certifications, customer and supplier audits and an internal audit system. No product recalls were required in 2016|17.
AGRANA holds the necessary certifications in its plants and supply chain to be able to fill customer needs for organically made foods, feeds and other products.
In 2016|17, AGRANA expanded its extensive organic portfolio by the fertiliser BioAgenasol®. Its special mixture of ingredients not only directly improves the nutrient supply and stimulates soil microorganisms but also mobilises nutrients like phosphorus and potassium already present in the soil that are frequently not otherwise available to plants.
As significant volume of demand for organics is limited mostly to Austria, Germany and the USA, the organic portion of AGRANA's total sales quantities is a percentage in the single digits.
Since 2009, AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG is a member of the Supplier Ethical Exchange Database (SEDEX). All AGRANA production sites perform an annual SEDEX selfassessment, which focuses primarily on working conditions, workplace safety and human rights (including questions on child labour and forced labour). Underlining AGRANA's commitment to ethical trading, about 66% of the Group's production sites within the GRI reporting boundaries have already had so-called "4-Pillar SEDEX Members Ethical Trade Audits" (SMETA) or comparable social audits conducted by independent third parties to verify the self-assessments. The SMETA audit reports on the AGRANA plants are available to SEDEX members on the organisation's online platform.
In the 2016|17 financial year AGRANA carried out its second worldwide customer satisfaction survey, covering all three business segments. Building on the 2014|15 survey, and working together with an international market research firm, a questionnaire was created and interviews were conducted in the 2016|17 financial year.
The questions addressed overall satisfaction, product needs and how well they are met by AGRANA, delivery service, customer care and complaint management. Open-ended questions enabled customers to provide individualised feedback and suggestions for improvement.
About 3,000 customers around the world were contacted. The response rate across all AGRANA companies was 25%, which is excellent for a B2B survey.
The most relevant indicator of customer satisfaction is the Net Promoter Score (NPS), which is based on the question "How likely are you to recommend AGRANA to a business partner?" Attaining an average NPS of 61.7, AGRANA scored superbly on this measure, with a large number of customers identifying as promoters.
Although the NPS from the 2016|17 survey is not directly comparable with that of 2014|15 (owing to differences in scaling), the majority of customers indicated they were more satisfied with AGRANA overall than in the prior period. This may be a result of the measures already implemented by the individual AGRANA companies based on the findings of the previous survey.
Using the feedback from customers, improvement measures were once again developed together with the various sales organisations, such as expanding the offering of organic products in certain regions with high demand and making more documents available for downloading on the AGRANA website. These initiatives will be implemented in 2017|18 and the subsequent financial years in order to fully realise the potential for improvement.
AGRANA intends to perform customer satisfaction surveys regularly, at least every three years.
| Initiative | Member companies from AGRANA Group |
Since | Initiative aim and other members |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI) |
AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG1 | July 2014 | Aim: Develop guidelines for and implement sustainable agriculture practices; Members: Food and beverage industry |
| SEDEX | AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG1 | 2009 | Aim: Promote sustainable social and environmental practices along the value chain; Members: About 36,000 companies worldwide |
| EcoVadis | AGRANA Zucker GmbH AGRANA Stärke GmbH Fruit segment: some companies |
2013 | Aim: Supplier assessment on environmental and social criteria along their entire value chain; Members: about 120 large global companies in a wide range of industries |
| Bonsucro | AGRANA Zucker GmbH | July 2014 | Aim: Improve the sustainability of sugar cane production and of sugar manufacturing from cane; Members: Producers, resellers, processors |
| ARGE Gentechnik-frei (Platform GMO-Free) |
AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG1 | 2010 | Aim: Promote and safeguard Austrian GMO-free agriculture and food production; Members: Businesses along the whole food value chain, including many retailers |
| Initiative Donau Soja (Danube Soya Initiative) |
AGRANA Stärke GmbH | April 2013 | Aim: Sustainable GMO-free soya production in the Danube region (focus on animal feed); Members: entire value chain, NGOs, etc. |
| Industry association or advocacy group | Member company | Geographic scope |
|---|---|---|
| Industriellenvereinigung (Federation of Austrian Industries) | AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG | Austria |
| Fachverband der Nahrungs- und Genussmittelindustrie (Austrian Food Industry Association) |
AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG | Austria |
| AÖL – Assoziation ökologischer Lebensmittelhersteller (Association of Sustainable Food Producers) |
AGRANA Stärke GmbH | Germany |
| CEFS – Comité Européen des Fabricants de Sucre (European Association of Sugar Producers) |
AGRANA Zucker GmbH | European Union |
| Starch Europe | AGRANA Stärke GmbH | European Union |
| SGF International E.V. | AUSTRIA JUICE GmbH | Worldwide |
The activities in 2016|17 surrounding compliance and business conduct are presented in the compliance section (see in the AGRANA annual report 2016|17 from page 25) of the corporate governance report.
Beyond striving to maximise the environmental and social sustainability of its core business activities, AGRANA is also engaged as a responsible corporate citizen in its host communities.
In the completed 2016|17 financial year, sugar encountered an increasingly negative perception in the public debate and in media reporting about nutrition and health.
The impression is created that sugar is responsible for most of the ills of our modern society, and above all for obesity. Thus, some countries have introduced a sugar tax to counteract the growing trend towards an overweight population. However, as it turned out, a sugar tax does not make people slim. Weight gain in healthy individuals is simple to explain: More calories are taken in than are expended. Whether these calories come from fat, protein, sugar or other carbohydrates makes no difference to the body's energy balance. This is also why the reformulation efforts intended to reduce the sugar content in products in favour of other ingredients will not lead to a breakthrough in the fight against obesity. The reason is that most such reformulated products – contrary to the assumption of consumers – are not significantly lower in calories.
AGRANA has therefore set itself the task of raising the level of public knowledge about nutrition in general, the importance of lifestyle to health, and the properties of sugar in particular.
In spring 2016|17 AGRANA supported initiatives that communicate knowledge on nutrition and health, such as the "Forum Ernährung heute" ("Forum for Health Today"), the symposium on "Prevention Models of Obesity and Cardiovascular Diseases" and the platform "Land schafft Leben" ("Land Grows Life").
As well, through its sponsorship of SK Rapid, a Vienna football club with a long tradition, AGRANA wants to motivate the public to adopt a healthy, active lifestyle that includes more exercise in daily life. Further activities are planned for 2017|18, like the Charity Walk of the Austrian umbrella organisation for environmental protection, which links physical exercise in nature to a donation that will benefit local biodiversity.
In parallel to this, AGRANA also helps foster its own employees' knowledge and awareness of balanced nutrition and a healthy lifestyle through many activities (see the section "AGRANA's people", from page 50).
As in the previous years, in 2016|17 the AGRANA Group continued to support a large number of social projects in the communities where its companies operate, and many cultural events in Austria.
In a highly competitive marketplace, it is crucially important for AGRANA to identify market trends, satisfy the markets' needs through product innovations and develop customised solutions for its clientele. In close partnership with customers, AGRANA's research and development (R&D) teams are always working on new technologies, specialty products and innovative applications for existing products, true to the Group's strategic focus on lasting, sustainable success.
The AGRANA Research & Innovation Center (ARIC) in Tulln, Austria, is the Group's central research and development hub for the Sugar, Starch and Fruit businesses. A key goal of ARIC, which is structured as a separate company in the AGRANA Group and is a wholly owned subsidiary of AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG, is to develop innovative products from sugar beets, potatoes, corn (maize), waxy corn, wheat and fruits. ARIC is active nationally and internationally as an in-house R&D service provider for sugar technology, food technology, starch technology, microbiology, biotechnology and fruit preparations development. The research center also offers its specialist R&D know-how to third parties and acts as a government-accredited laboratory for sugar beet quality control.
The collaboration of R&D specialists from the different segments (Sugar, Starch and Fruit) under one roof not only drives administrative synergies but also promotes a creative exchange between different groups of researchers, particularly on subjects that cut across segment boundaries. The complementarity between the groups' experience is particularly valuable in cross-segment areas of research, such as technologies, thickeners and aromas, microbiology, product quality and safety, and organic products.
| Research & development | 2016 17 | 2015 16 | 2014 15 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R&D expenditure (internal and external) | €m | 15.9 | 14.9 | 14.5 |
| R&D-to-sales ratio1 | % | 0.62 | 0.60 | 0.58 |
| Number of employees in R&D (headcount) | 221 | 214 | 216 |
In light of the expiration of the quota under the EU sugar regime at the end of September 2017, one research priority in the 2016|17 financial year centred on optimising yield in sugar extraction. In the extraction area of the individual sugar factories, according to whether they have a beet pulp drying facility or not, R&D staff worked to adjust the – desirable – controlled microbial activity so as to achieve an optimal balance between minimising sugar losses to bacteria and allowing enough microbial action to maximise the pressability of the spent beet pulp. Thanks to the use of automated analysers for the detection and measurement of lactic acid, the microbiological activity can be monitored efficiently and disinfection measures continually adjusted in all plants.
In collaboration with Vienna's University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, a project was launched with support from Austria's Research Promotion Agency (Österreichische Forschungsförderungsgesellschaft, or FFG). The purpose of the work is to expand existing models for sugar loss evaluation by adding cutting-edge methods drawing on molecular biology, microbiology and sophisticated analytics in order to be better able to take into account factory-specific circumstances, adjust disinfection strategies more rapidly and further optimise sugar yield.
To solve problems with microbiological infections in thin-juice softening, a UV pilot plant was tested in bypass mode. The aim was to determine the extent to which the overall microbial activity in extraction and juice purification can be minimised and problematic microorganisms inactivated. After further tests with an improved pilot plant, the positive results led to the construction of a commercialscale ultraviolet light-based disinfection plant, which was successfully commissioned in the 2016|17 beet campaign.
The potential of this technology is now also being evaluated for its use in the production of apple juice concentrate. Early tests showed that, with the use of a thin-film UV system, microorganisms can be controlled entirely without chemicals.
In the molasses desugaring plant, molasses is chromatographically (without the use of chemicals) separated into a sugar-rich fraction, a betaine-rich one and a fraction high in ash and colour compounds, referred to as molasses residue. A cooperative project with the Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology (ACIB), supported by the COMET programme of the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG), is studying the fermentative utilisation of the remaining sugar in this molasses residue. The pilot plant in Tulln, Austria, where this two-stage process is to be tested began operation and long-term trials were started. If the concept can be scaled up successfully, approximately 30% of the primary energy requirements of the molasses desugaring plant could be met from the energy contained in the residue.
The anaerobic storage of wet corn is a possible way of extending the wet corn campaign, both for bioethanol production and starch manufacturing. This method of preservation has high potential for resource conservation and cost efficiencies, as it does away with the usual need for the expensive and energy-intensive drying of the corn. In comprehensive studies, it was demonstrated that this preservation method does not have any negative effects either in bioethanol refining or in starch production, despite a storage duration of several months. Both native and modified starch, from waxy corn and yellow corn, was subjected to an extensive range of analyses and application tests, which found that anaerobic storage of several months had no detectable negative impact on starch quality, modifiability and usability.
Drum-drying is a common technology for the manufacture of cold-water-swelling starches, also known as instant starches. AGRANA now successfully completed both the development of a new technology for the production of such cold-water soluble starches, and the pilot-scale establishment of a new process. It plans to develop a broad range of very diverse cold-swelling
starches. The starches manufactured by the new process boast better solution behaviour and stronger thickening performance than drum-dried products and are used mainly in food applications. What is more, with the new process, much more stringent hygiene standards can be met than with the conventional technologies.
The growing environmental consciousness and the market's demand for sustainable solutions were not only reflected in the development of new starch products for non-food uses but also led to a series of technological and process optimisations that allow the more frugal use of raw materials and energy resources.
The increasingly demanding European rules for more conscious approaches to packaging and waste management through recycling or composting are driving a growing interest in sustainable and biodegradable plastics. In this area, thermoplastic starch plays a key role in the development of biodegradable packaging with an especially high content of sustainable materials. R&D in this field is enabling numerous solutions tailored to customers' exact needs.
Working with a partner in the geothermal and oil drilling sector, new starch ethers were developed as thickeners for the drilling muds used in geotechnical engineering. By manufacturing these highly derivatized starch products, AGRANA has the opportunity to claim new ground in this market.
The development and optimisation of the production of organic wheat starch hydrolysate was an R&D focus in the year. Through the use of the right enzymes, the production process was optimised, thus making possible the economically viable manufacturing of this organic product.
In the adhesives space, it is becoming increasingly evident that the ecological advantage from using renewable starch products can only be realised on a commercial scale when it is also economically efficient. By devising a special foam application methodology for use in packaging, AGRANA succeeded in bringing an innovative new technology to market that combines functionality and cost-effectiveness in one sustainable solution. Its faster bonding and smaller quantity of application enable customers to save on logistics costs and deliver their packaging product to the market more quickly.
The development of highly specialised starch products for dry mortars, notably for use in the processing of tile adhesives and putties, forms the basis for new product creations in the building materials sector.
In bioethanol production, the further improvement of yeast cultivation was one of the year's priorities. Using a number of measures, researchers were able to positively influence yeast growth and significantly improve the number of yeast cells growing. This also reduced the energy consumption required for yeast cultivation and thus contributed to a cost decrease.
A wide portfolio of by-products from AGRANA's manufacturing operations is already used as fertiliser. Distiller's dried grains with solubles, produced in the manufacturing of bioethanol by fermentation, is employed not only as animal feed but as a purely plant-based, organic and complete fertiliser marketed under the name BioAgenasol®. The properties of BioAgenasol® were further optimised and fertiliser experiments were conducted to scientifically document the improved attributes.
In step with the clean label market trend, R&D efforts were devoted to isolating the outer layers of chia seeds, whose mucopolysaccharides have remarkable thickening qualities. This material was successfully used for the stabilisation of a number of foods (mayonnaise, ketchup, fruit preparations, baked goods, whipped creams). The stabiliser extracted from chia seeds, while resembling the hydrocolloid xanthan, has a much stronger thickening effect.
By optimising the pasteurisation parameters for fruits and enhancing process control, a significant improvement was achieved in the organoleptic (sensory) properties of the fruit, thus enhancing customers' reception of the fruit preparations while also satisfying the microbial quality standards. Through the use of CFD (computerised fluid dynamics) designs in a collaborative project with Vienna University of Technology, new insights were gained for the optimisation of coolers so as to reduce damage to fruit during processing.
New fruit process technologies designed to raise the fruit content in preparations to more than 80% were tested on an industrial scale for the first time.
In the financial year, AUSTRIA JUICE further expanded the beverage bases business by enlarging its development capacity. The development of the in-house production of composite aromas continued successfully.
The tapping of new market areas such as shandies (beerbased mixed drinks) and fruit-wine-based beverages also made strides. Other projects were initiated to improve the utilisation and marketing of process by-products and expand the product range, as well as to enhance and optimise process and product safety of fruit juice concentrates in microbial terms.
In aroma analytics and quality control, various new analytical instruments went into use. Responding to rising customer requirements for services, a climate-controlled cabinet for the standardised determination of products' minimum shelf life was commissioned.
Another development focus last year was on the vegan production of juice concentrates and beverage bases. In this project, a variety of products were converted to exclusively vegan production.
Targets for workplace safety 2016|17 in Sugar segment 10% reduction in number of workplace accidents
Starch segment Fewer than 12 workplace accidents in the financial year
fruit preparations business Injury rate1 of 2.0
Lost day rate1 of 21
Absentee rate1 of 3,106
Standardised training of identified staff in safe handling of chemicals
In the 2016|17 financial year the AGRANA Group as a whole employed an average of 8,569 people (prior year: 8,611). Of this total, 2,152 worked in Austria (prior year: 2,120) and 6,417 were employed in other countries (prior year: 6,491).
The number of employees in each business segment was as follows:
| Average number of employees (headcount) in |
Average number of FTE² in |
Number of employees (headcount) at balance sheet date |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| financial year | financial year | 28 Feb | 29 Feb | |||
| Segment | 2016 17 | 2015 16 | 2016 17 | 2015 16 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Sugar | 2,130 | 2,203 | 2,107 | 2,185 | 1,966 | 1,984 |
| Starch | 912 | 887 | 893 | 870 | 925 | 881 |
| Fruit | 5,527 | 5,521 | 5,638 | 5,455 | 5,010 | 4,940 |
| Group | 8,569 | 8,611 | 8,638 | 8,510 | 7,901 | 7,805 |
The decrease in the employee count in the Sugar segment was attributable to shorter campaigns and further efficiency gains. Employee numbers in the Starch segment increased as a result mainly of the facility expansion in Aschach, Austria. The staff count in the Fruit segment remained steady.
The average age of permanent employees³ on 28 February 2017 was 42 years (prior year: 42 years). Of the permanent employees, 29.4% (prior year: 28.8%) were women, and 57.1% of salaried staff had an academic degree (prior year: 58.0%). The turnover rate for permanent staff in 2016|17 was 11.5% (prior year: 12.0%).
AGRANA's personnel strategy follows sustainable principles and places a high value on entrepreneurial thinking and action. AGRANA strives for an interpersonal work environment marked by mutual esteem and cooperation. Mutual respect, including also for different cultures and religions, is an essential part of the corporate culture for AGRANA, especially as a global company. Dedication, integrity and social awareness are actively promoted, and employees are supported in their professional growth.
Developing the potential of its employees is highly important to AGRANA. As well, smooth cooperation and the sharing of information across geographic and segment boundaries are critical to ensuring the Group's growth in value. The personnel departments offer various programmes and
at the balance sheet date of 28 February 2017
| Non-permanent staff5 |
Permanent staff | Managers6 | Of whom executive |
|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue- | White- | leadership7 | ||||||||||
| Segment | Total | Female | collar | Female | collar | Female | Total | Female | Total | Female | Total | Female |
| Sugar8 | 172 | 26.7% | 1,061 | 17.0% | 733 | 40.5% | 1,794 | 26.6% | 143 | 26.6% | 18 | 16.7% |
| Starch | 54 | 20.4% | 585 | 12.3% | 286 | 45.1% | 871 | 23.1% | 50 | 16.0% | 3 | 33.3% |
| Fruit | 1,124 | 66.2% | 2,492 | 23.4% | 1,394 | 47.7% | 3,886 | 32.1% | 252 | 26.2% | 12 | 8.3% |
| Group | 1,350 | 59.3% | 4,138 | 20.2% | 2,413 | 45.2% | 6,551 | 29.4% | 445 | 25.2% | 33 | 15.2% |
1 See definition on page 50.
2 Full-time equivalents.
3 Permanent employees of AGRANA Group companies.
4 See GRI reporting boundaries, page 8.
6 Management positions at reporting levels 2 and 3.
7 Reporting level 1 (the reporting level immediately below the Management Board of AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG; level 1 also includes the regional managing directors of the three segments).
8 The staff of AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG is counted under the Sugar segment.
5 Almost all non-permanent positions represent seasonal local workers in the processing campaigns.
initiatives to support this process. This is done both on a local and regional level, as well as internationally through the so-called AGRANA Academy, an initiative which trains managers in strategy and leadership.
The incentivising and recognition of performance is a major element of the personnel strategy and a significant factor for the Group's success. To help achieve the company's strategic and operational objectives, a Group-wide performance management system is in place for managerial staff. Next to targets related to the corporate financial position and profit, the variable compensation plan also involves personal targets to encourage and honour outstanding individual performance. In the year under review, the variable compensation system was adjusted to give additional prominence to the personal share in corporate results.
In the 2016|17 financial year, 8.5% of all employees (prior year: 7.9%) were covered by this performance-related compensation system. AGRANA will continue to employ a Group-wide performance management system in the future that will place a growing focus on personal results and the individual's contribution to corporate performance.
The human resources team of AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG placed third (prior year: second) in 2016|17 in the BEST RECRUITERS¹ sector ranking for the Austrian food industry, ahead of other well-known companies, and thus again numbered among the top 100 recruiters in the overall ranking.
AGRANA aims for the steady improvement of its employees' knowledge and skills. Besides numerous job skills trainings as well as personal development offerings, intensive programmes for all business segments are also available. These training courses not only heighten the Group's performance but also raise employee motivation and self-esteem.
A core training priority in the 2016|17 financial year remained the apprenticeship programme. On average over the year, AGRANA provided training to 68 apprentices in Austria and Germany in preparation for careers as, among others, mechanical engineering technicians, electrical engineering technicians, plant electricians and process control technicians, metalworking technicians, chemical lab technicians, food technicians, mechatronics technicians, industrial sales representatives and computer technicians.
As well, two trainee programmes were begun in 2016|17, in the areas of purchasing and production. The trainee programmes are conducted for the whole Group and are international in scope. The trainees are employed at various locations in Austria, Romania, Slovakia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary and the Czech Republic, spending 15 months in a series of positions in purchasing or production. The cross-functional and international experience which they gain in the process is expected to be valuable later in identifying and raising synergy potential in the Group and strengthening international cooperation.
in the 2016|17 financial year
| Average training hours per employee |
Proportion of employees who |
Training and development costs³ |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Segment | Total | Male | Female | received training | |
| Sugar4 | 27.7 | 27.4 | 28.5 | 88.1% | 1.7% |
| Starch | 20.3 | 18.3 | 26.9 | 76.5% | 0.7% |
| Fruit | 26.7 | 25.6 | 28.9 | 87.3% | 1.0% |
| Group | 26.1 | 25.1 | 28.6 | 86.1% | 1.2% |
1 BEST RECRUITERS is the largest recruiting study in the German-speaking countries. It annually reviews the quality of recruiting practices of the respective top 500 employers in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. The study considers 86 criteria in examining the treatment of applicants, the recruiting presence and job advertisements.
4 The staff of AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG is counted under the Sugar segment.
In ongoing employee training and development, about 25 members of staff and managers from across the Group were selected for what is the fifth iteration of the AGRANA Competencies Training (ACT) programme for prospective new managers. ACT is designed for employees seen as having high potential and exceptional motivation. The fifth cycle of the programme will again consist of three modules and will begin in the second quarter of the 2017|18 financial year.
To give new staff a comprehensive view of the Group as a whole and of their own area within it, AGRANA held events under a Group-wide onboarding programme (INCA – International Communication at AGRANA), in addition to welcome days. Employees benefit by gaining perspective and understanding and are able to participate in wide-ranging communication across the Group. AGRANA places great value on harmonious working relationships and thus regularly carries out teambuilding activities in all divisions with the aim of steadily improving communication and effectiveness in working together.
The Group's expenditure for external training and development in the 2016|17 financial year was about € 2.6 million (prior year: € 1.8 million), equivalent to 1.2% (prior year: 0.8%) of total wages and salaries.
For AGRANA as a manufacturing company, nothing is more important than workplace safety. To facilitate the comparability and analysis of workplace accidents and enable informed corrective action, AGRANA collects fully standardised worldwide health and safety data.
AGRANA was saddened by the death of an employee in a work accident in 2016|17 at the fruit juice concentrate site in Lipník, Poland. As well, at the fruit preparations plant in Dachang, China, an accident occurred in which two employees were seriously injured. In both cases, investigations were carried out and the resulting packages of measures were implemented to prevent such accidents in the future. Thus, additional and more intensive trainings were conducted, warning signs posted, and technical precautions taken to avoid a recurrence. These measures were also extended to other, non-affected plants.
As a result of these two and some other accidents, none of the AGRANA segments met their workplace safety targets for the 2016|17 financial year.
in the 2016|17 and 2015|16 financial years
| Injury rate2 | Lost day rate3 | Absentee rate4 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Segment | Total | Male | Female | Total | Male | Female | Total | Male | Female |
| 2016 17 | |||||||||
| Sugar | 2.9 | 3.3 | 1.7 | 41.4 | 41.1 | 42.4 | 6,514.1 | 6,036.2 | 7,798.1 |
| Starch | 2.2 | 2.5 | 1.0 | 24.3 | 28.9 | 7.1 | 7,260.7 | 7,526.8 | 6,281.5 |
| Fruit | 2.4 | 2.7 | 1.9 | 30.1 | 36.0 | 19.9 | 3,721.8 | 3,563.9 | 3,996.7 |
| Group | 2.5 | 2.9 | 1.8 | 32.5 | 36.5 | 23.9 | 4,921.1 | 4,866.1 | 5,039.3 |
| 2015 16 | |||||||||
| Sugar | 1.9 | 2.3 | 0.8 | 26.8 | 29.5 | 18.8 | 5,705.0 | 5,573.1 | 6,095.4 |
| Starch | 1.6 | 1.8 | 0.5 | 23.1 | 28.5 | 2.2 | 7,400.9 | 7,369.3 | 7,522.5 |
| Fruit | 2.2 | 2.5 | 1.7 | 25.8 | 30.6 | 18.3 | 3,526.0 | 3,553.2 | 3,484.4 |
| Group | 2.0 | 2.3 | 1.4 | 25.7 | 30.0 | 17.2 | 4,578.3 | 4,709.8 | 4,315.9 |
In the 2016|17 financial year, one fatal accident occurred in the AGRANA Group; there were no fatalities in 2015|16¹.
In the 2016|17 financial year there were eight accidents of AGRANA contractors. For organisational reasons, these are not included in the AGRANA workplace safety data such as the injury rate, lost day rate and absentee rate.
1 Non-permanent (i.e., fixed-term or temporary) and permanent employees within the GRI reporting boundaries (see page 8).
3 Lost day rate = (total number of lost days8 ÷ total paid hours worked6) × 200,000
4 Absentee rate = (total number of missed hours due to accident⁵ and sickness ÷ total paid hours worked6) × 200,000 5 In AGRANA's workplace safety data, injuries are counted as accidents. Days are counted as lost from the first scheduled
work day missed after the accident (excluding accidents on the way to or from work).
6 Total paid hours worked are defined by AGRANA as contractual work hours plus paid overtime.
7 Explanation of the multiplier 200,000: The multiplier is intended to make the Group's internal workplace safety data comparable with other companies. It is based on the assumption of 40 work hours per week and 50 work weeks per year, for 100 employees (40 × 50 × 100). The effect of the multiplier is thus to convert from a company's average number of accidents, lost days or absentee hours (hours missed as a result of accident or illness) per hour of work done in the company, to an annual number per 100 employees.
8 An eight-hour work day is assumed.
50
2 Injury rate = (total number of accidents5 ÷ total paid hours worked6) × 200,0007
█ Reduction of 10% in the number of workplace accidents¹ (base: financial year 2015|16) through site-specific packages of measures
█ Reduction of workplace accidents¹ to fewer than twelve in the financial year (2016|17 financial year: 20 accidents¹) through site-specific packages of measures
Fruit preparation business
Under the "AGRANA Fit" programme, with the goal of maintaining and improving employees' health and wellness, AGRANA provides a company doctor at all sites, and in very many locations offers awareness building and concrete activities in the areas of nutrition and sports.
In many places, the ongoing occupational health care provided by the local company doctors is supplemented with services such as preventive health checks and vaccination programmes (for influenza, tick-borne encephalitis, etc.). At the fruit preparations site in Johannesburg, South Africa, in recognition of low medical standards, tuberculosis scans were also provided in 2016|17.
As a leading company in the food industry, AGRANA also strives to strengthen its employees' awareness regarding balanced, healthy nutrition, as the right food and drink are an important building block for wellness and good health. In many locations AGRANA therefore offered workshops on this subject, including, in the fruit preparations business, specifically for employees who work night shifts.
The message is also backed by local initiatives such as making free self-serve fresh fruit and free mineral water available at work.
Yet, it is not just the right intake of nutrients and calories that is essential to physical wellbeing, but the appropriate level of energy expenditure. Besides a multitude of sports activities on offer, like ski days, in-house football tournaments, American football, bowling, walking groups
and ice skating opportunities, a great number of runners on AGRANA's staff again took part in the annual "Wien Energie Business Run" in September 2016. The total turnout, coming from all AGRANA business areas, was an impressive 56 teams of three persons each.
As well, some Group sites have individual arrangements with local fitness facilities and health care organisations.
Alongside the sports offering, the Group locations provide numerous other opportunities for employee information, sensitisation and continuing development in the areas of work-life balance, stress and burnout, and ergonomics.
AGRANA's array of health and fitness measures was recognised in 2016|17 in the fruit preparations business as a Gold-Level Fit-Friendly Worksite by the American Heart Association.
Having joined the "Business for Family" network of the Federal Ministry for Family and Youth in spring 2016, further measures were taken in the 2016|17 financial year to enhance the compatibility of work and family.
Thus, a Group-wide framework agreement for teleworking was created. Financial assistance was agreed for the care of small children, although limited for tax reasons to employees in Austria and at the fruit preparations site in Germany. Besides the existing arrangements such as flexible working hours, the provision and majority funding of summer holiday child care at a site in Austria, and making available a company day-care centre at the headquarters in Vienna, a parent-child office was set up at the head office where parents can, for example, supervise their children's homework in the afternoon. This amenity was officially opened as part of a family day that gave AGRANA employees the opportunity to get to know AGRANA as an employer.
A similar family day with sports activities was also organised at the Sugar segment's site in Hungary. The fruit preparations plant in Altιnova (near Yalova) in Turkey offered employees and family members a communal Ramadan dinner. AGRANA Fruit Polska organised a company kayak tour for staff members and their families.
The Management Board of the AGRANA Group recognises the importance of active risk management. The basic aim of risk management at AGRANA is to identify risks and opportunities as early as possible and take appropriate measures to safeguard the profitability and continued existence of the Group.
The AGRANA Group uses integrated monitoring and reporting systems that permit regular, Groupwide assessment of the risk situation. For the early identification and monitoring of risks relevant to the Group, two mutually complementary control tools are in place:
Risk management representatives have been designated for the business segments of the AGRANA Group who are responsible for initiating loss-minimising measures as required, subject to Management Board approval.
The design and implementation of risk management under rule 83 of the Austrian Code of Corporate Governance is evaluated annually by the independent audit firm, which submits the findings in a final report on the viability of the Group-wide risk management. The evaluation uses the recommendations of the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) as the reference model against which to compare AGRANA's risk management.
AGRANA sees the responsible treatment of business opportunities and risks as an essential basis for purposeful, value-driven and sustainable business management. The Group's risk policy seeks to ensure risk-aware behaviour, sets out clearly defined responsibilities and stipulates independent risk control as well as integrated internal controls.
Throughout the Group, risks may be assumed only if they arise from the core business of the AGRANA Group and if it does not make economic sense to avoid, insure or hedge them. The policy is to minimise risks to the extent reasonably possible while achieving an appropriate balance of risks and returns. The assumption of risks outside the operating business is prohibited without exception.
AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG is responsible for the Groupwide coordination and implementation of risk management arrangements determined by the Management Board. The use of hedging instruments is permitted only to hedge operating business transactions and financing activities, not for speculative purposes. The positions in hedge contracts and their current value are regularly reported to the Management Board.
The AGRANA Group is exposed to risks both from its business operations and from its national and international operating environment. As a globally operating processor of agricultural raw materials, climatic changes and their impacts on the availability of raw materials pose risks for AGRANA. Compliance with sustainable environmental and social criteria in the upstream supply chain is also increasingly gaining significance from a risk perspective. AGRANA seeks to assure this compliance by adhering to defined criteria for the procurement of agricultural raw materials and intermediate products. With its energyintensive production activities, particularly in the Sugar and Starch segments, AGRANA is also subject to risks from energy-related and environmental legislation in the various countries. In this context AGRANA has formulated an environmental policy; compliance with the policy is to avoid or minimise risks.
AGRANA is dependent on the availability of sufficient amounts of agricultural raw materials of the necessary quality. Beyond a possible supply shortfall of appropriate raw materials, a risk is also posed by fluctuation in the prices of these inputs (to the extent that the difference cannot be passed through to customers). Major drivers of availability, quality and price are weather conditions in the growing regions, the competitive situation, regulatory and legal requirements, and movements in the exchange rates of relevant currencies.
In the Sugar segment, sugar beet and raw sugar are used as raw materials. Besides weather factors, an important determinant of sugar beet availability is how profitable it is for farmers to grow beet rather than other field crops. For the refining facilities in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Romania, the basic driver of AGRANA's profitability is how much value can be added by processing the purchased raw sugar, taking into account the market prices achievable for white sugar. Next to the risk of high raw sugar purchasing prices, another procurement risk lies in the regulations on the import of white and raw sugar into the European Union. The prices for the required raw sugar are hedged with commodity derivatives where financially appropriate. Additionally, exports of non-quota sugar (white sugar) and quota sugar contracts with industrial customers are hedged using commodity derivatives. Hedging is performed in accordance with internal policies and must be reported to the Management Board.
In the Starch segment, sufficient supply contracts are concluded to secure the required quantities of raw materials. When economical, the hedging can also take the form of futures contracts and over-the-counter derivatives, both of which require management approval. The volume and results of these hedges are included in the monthly reporting and are reported to AGRANA's Management Board. Thanks to the utilisation of national and international procurement markets, the availability of raw materials can largely be regarded as assured.
In bioethanol production, when prices change for the grains used as input materials, the selling price of the co-product ActiProt® generally changes in the same direction. This acts as a natural hedge by partly offsetting the grain price movements. However, there remains a residual risk that rising raw material costs cannot be fully passed on to bioethanol customers.
In the Fruit segment, crop failures caused by unfavourable weather and by plant diseases can adversely affect the availability and purchasing prices of raw materials. In the fruit preparations business, with its worldwide presence and its knowledge of procurement markets, AGRANA is able to anticipate regional supply bottlenecks and price volatility and take appropriate action in response. Also, where possible, one-year contracts are used both with suppliers and customers.
In the fruit juice concentrate business, the risks related to raw materials, production and sales are managed supraregionally. Both foreign-currency purchases of raw materials and sales contracts in foreign currency are hedged using derivatives. In these derivatives contracts, no short or long positions are taken that exceed the amount necessary for the purpose of hedging the underlying transaction.
The production processes, especially in the Sugar and Starch segments, are energy-intensive. AGRANA therefore continually invests in improving the energy efficiency of its manufacturing facilities and designs them for the most cost-effective use of different sources of energy. The quantities and prices of the required energy are also to some extent secured, for the short and medium term.
AGRANA sees the manufacturing and marketing of high-quality, safe products as a fundamental prerequisite for long-term economic success. The Group applies rigorous quality management that is continually refined and meets the requirements of the relevant food and beverage legislation, standards and customer specifications. The quality management covers the entire process from raw material procurement, to manufacturing, to the delivery of the finished product. The compliance with legal and other quality standards is regularly verified by internal and external audits. In addition, product liability insurance is carried to cover any remaining risks.
In its worldwide operations, AGRANA is exposed to intense competition from regional and supraregional competitors. The market entry of new competitors or the addition of more production capacity by existing competitors may further intensify competition in the future.
The Group's own market position is continually monitored so that any required corrective action can be rapidly initiated. In response to demand and other factors, AGRANA frequently adjusts its capacity and cost structures in order to maintain its competitiveness in the core markets. The early detection of changes in demand patterns and consumer behaviour is based on the constant analysis of sales variances. In this context, AGRANA also monitors new technological developments and production processes in the market that, in the future, could lead to a partial backward integration on the part of customers into core businesses of individual segments of the AGRANA Group.
In the financial year, AGRANA completed a significant business acquisition in the fruit preparations activities by taking over the Argentinean firm Main Process S.A. Achieving the most rapid possible organisational integration of the acquired company represents an important challenge going forward.
An escalation of the political unrest in Eastern Europe could have a negative impact on the market environment in the Fruit segment. Currently, however, the region continues to show a stable earnings situation.
As part of the risk management process, potential scenarios and their impacts are examined and assessed from an early stage. Current developments and their implications are also reported from page 19 of this report, in the section on the Sugar segment.
Sugar regime: The expiration date of the minimum beet price and of the quotas for sugar and isoglucose is 30 September 2017. Both of these sweeteners can then be produced and sold in the EU in any quantity. The coming end of the quotas in autumn 2017 already affected the European sugar market in the prior year through greater competition. With the abolition of the quotas, a partial substitution of isoglucose for granulated sugar is also expected to occur.
The quota termination is expected to lead to higher beet sugar production, especially in prime growing regions, and to a closer correlation of European market prices with prices on the world market. The new sugar market rules also do not provide minimum prices for sugar beet. However, beet prices will continue to be negotiated between the beet producers and the beet-using industry. The reform of the sugar regime does not involve a change in the system of import duties for sugar imports from outside the EU and does not change the treatment of imports from LDC/ACP countries (Least Developed Countries and African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States) with preferential EU agreements.
Free trade agreements: The free trade agreements currently being negotiated by the European Union could have economic impacts on AGRANA. The company is following the ongoing trade talks and analysing and evaluating the individual results.
In September 2015 the EU's adoption of Directive 2015/1513 amended the EU renewable energy directive. In view of the EU target of a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 (compared to 1990 levels), the rules for the share of biofuels were modified.
In November 2016 the European Commission presented a new proposal that calls for a renewable energy share of at least 27% within the EU, but does not set a specific target for the transport sector. The proposal includes a reduction of biofuels from agricultural raw materials ("first-generation", i.e. conventional, biofuels). Beginning in 2021, it would lower their share from 7% to a maximum of 3.8% in 2030. Conversely, the use of ethanol produced from straw, wood and waste ("second-generation") is to be increased incrementally from 1.5% in 2021 to 3% by 2030. As the reason for this proposal, the Commission cites moderate climate effects of first-generation biofuels. In its strategy the Commission completely disregards the fact that the European bioethanol industry, thanks to steady optimisation, now saves 70% of greenhouse gas emissions relative to petrol. The Commission also does not take into consideration the biofuel advantages of a reduction in particle emissions, of the production of GMO-free protein feed and capture of fermentation-derived carbon dioxide as by-products, or of the utilisation of surplus grain as a raw material. Moreover, the technology
for producing second-generation ethanol is currently not competitive and will not be available on a commercial scale for the foreseeable future.
AGRANA is following current developments and advocating at the national and European level for a growing share of renewable fuels.
AGRANA continually monitors changes in the legal setting relevant to its businesses or to their employees that could lead to a risk situation, and takes risk management actions as necessary. Areas of law to which particular attention is paid are antitrust, food and environmental legislation, as well as data protection, anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism finance provisions. AGRANA maintains dedicated staff positions for matters of compliance, employment law and general areas of law.
There are currently no pending or threatened civil actions against companies of the AGRANA Group that could have a material impact on the Group's financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
As noted in previous annual reports, the Austrian Federal Competition Authority in 2010 sought a fine under an antitrust case for alleged competition-restricting arrangements with respect to Austria filed against AGRANA Zucker GmbH, Vienna, and Südzucker AG, Mannheim, Germany. To date the Cartel Court has not ruled on the case. AGRANA continues to regard the allegation as unfounded and the fine sought as unwarranted.
AGRANA is subject to risks from movements in exchange rates, interest rates and product prices. There are also risks related to obtaining the financing required by the Group from financial institutions and/or the capital market. The financing management of the Group is largely provided centrally by the Treasury department, which regularly reports to the Management Board on the movement in and structure of the Group's net debt, on financial risks and the amount and results of the hedging positions taken.
The AGRANA Group operates worldwide and must observe different tax regimes, levy requirements and currency regulations. Changes in provisions of various legislators and their interpretation by local authorities can have an effect on the financial results of individual Group companies.
Interest rate risks arise from fluctuation in the value of fixed interest financial instruments as a result of changes in market interest rates; this is referred to as interest rate price risk. By contrast, floating rate investments or borrowings are subject to minimal price risk, as their interest rate is adjusted to market rates very frequently. However, the fluctuation in market interest rates entails risk as to the amounts of future interest payments; this is referred to as interest rate cash flow risk. AGRANA strives to employ interest rate hedging instruments that match the amount and maturity of debt financing. In accordance with IFRS 7, the existing interest rate risks are determined by calculating Cash-Flow-at-Risk and the modified duration and are presented in detail in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Currency risks arise mainly from the purchase and sale of goods in foreign currencies and from financing in non-local currencies. For AGRANA, the principal relevant exchange rates are those between the euro and the US dollar, Hungarian forint, Polish zloty, Romanian leu, Ukrainian hryvnia, Russian ruble, Brazilian real, Mexican peso and Chinese yuan.
As part of its currency management, AGRANA, on a monthly basis for each Group company, determines the net foreign currency exposure arising from the purchasing, sales and cash and cash equivalent positions, including the hedging positions held. Open purchasing and sales contracts in foreign currencies that have not
yet been settled are also taken into account. For hedging currency risks, AGRANA primarily employs forward foreign exchange contracts (also known as currency forwards). Through these, the value of cash flows denominated in foreign currencies is protected against exchange rate movements. In countries with volatile currencies, these risks are further reduced through the shortening of credit periods, indexing of selling prices to the euro or US dollar, and similar methods of risk mitigation.
Currency risk is determined using the Value-at-Risk approach and presented in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Liquidity risks at single-company or country level are detected early through the standardised reporting, thus allowing timely mitigative action to be taken as appropriate. The liquidity of the AGRANA Group is sufficiently assured for the long term through bilateral and syndicated credit lines.
Risks of default on receivables are mitigated by trade credit insurance, strict credit limits, and the ongoing monitoring of customers' credit quality. The residual risk is covered by raising appropriate amounts of provisions.
The Group's aggregate risk exposure was marked by continuing high volatility in selling prices and raw material purchasing prices, and, on balance, remained the same as in the prior year. There are currently no discernible risks to the AGRANA Group's ability to continue in business.
The Management Board of AGRANA is responsible for the establishment and design of an internal control system and risk management system in respect of both the accounting process and of compliance with the relevant legal requirements.
The internal control system, standardised Group-wide accounting rules and the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) assure both the uniformity of accounting and the reliability of the financial reporting and externally published financial statements.
Most Group companies use SAP as the primary ERP² system. All AGRANA companies send the data from their separate financial statements to the central SAP consolidation module. This ensures that the reporting system operates on the basis of uniform data. The consolidated financial statements are prepared by the Group Accounting department. The department is responsible for ensuring the correct and complete transfer of financial data from Group companies, for carrying out the financial statement consolidation, performing analytical processing of the data and preparing financial reports. On a monthly basis, the Controlling and Group Accounting departments validate and assure the congruence of the internal and external reporting.
The primary control tool for AGRANA's management is the enterprise-wide, uniform planning and reporting system. The system comprises a medium-term plan with a planning horizon of five years, budget planning for the next financial year, monthly reporting including a separate monthly risk report, and, three times per year, a projection for the current financial year that incorporates the significant financial developments. In the event of material changes in the planning assumptions, this system is supplemented with ad-hoc forecasts.
The monthly financial reporting produced by Controlling portrays the performance of all Group companies. The contents of this report are standardised across the Group and include detailed sales data, the balance sheet, income statement and the financials derived from them, as well as an analysis of significant variances. This monthly report also includes a dedicated risk report both for each business segment and the whole AGRANA Group, calculating the risk potential for the current and next financial year for the key profitability factors, based on the assumption of current market prices for not yet contractually secured volumes versus budgeted prices.
A Group-wide risk management system (see "Risk management" section, from page 52) at both the operational and strategic level in which all sources and types of risk relevant to AGRANA – such as the regulatory and legal environment, raw material procurement, competitive and market risks, and financing – are analysed for risks and opportunities, enables the management to identify changes in the Group's environment at an early stage and to take timely corrective action as required.
Internal Audit monitors all operational and business processes in the Group for compliance with legal provisions and internal policies and procedures, and for the effectiveness of risk management and the systems of internal control. The unit's audit activities are guided by a Management-Board-approved annual audit plan that is based on a Group-wide risk assessment. When requested by the Management Board, Internal Audit also performs ad-hoc audits focusing on current and future risks. The audit findings are regularly reported to AGRANA's Management Board and the respective managers responsible as well as the Supervisory Board (represented by the Audit Committee). The implementation of the actions proposed by Internal Audit is assured by follow-up verifications.
As part of the audit of the financial statements, the external independent auditor annually evaluates the internal control system of the accounting process and of the information technology systems. The audit findings are reported to the Audit Committee of the Supervisory Board.
The share capital of AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG at the balance sheet date of 28 February 2017 was € 113.5 million (29 February 2016: € 103.2 million), divided into 15,622,244 voting ordinary no-par value bearer shares (29 February 2016: 14,202,040 such shares). There are no other classes of shares.
Z&S Zucker und Stärke Holding AG ("Z&S"), based in Vienna, is the majority shareholder, directly holding 78.34% of the share capital of AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG. Z&S is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AGRANA Zucker, Stärke und Frucht Holding AG, Vienna. In this latter company, Zucker-Beteiligungsgesellschaft m.b.H. ("ZBG"), Vienna, in turn holds 50% less one share (that share being held by AGRANA Zucker GmbH, a subsidiary of AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG) and Südzucker AG ("Südzucker"), Mannheim, Germany, holds the other 50%. The following five Vienna-based entities are shareholders of ZBG: "ALMARA" Holding GmbH (a subsidiary of RAIFFEISEN-HOLDING NIEDERÖSTERREICH-WIEN registrierte Genossenschaft mit beschränkter Haftung); Marchfelder Zuckerfabriken Gesellschaft m.b.H.; Estezet Beteiligungsgesellschaft m.b.H.; Rübenproduzenten Beteiligungs GesmbH; and Leipnik-Lundenburger Invest Beteiligungs AG. Under a syndicate agreement between Südzucker and ZBG, the voting rights of the syndicate partners are combined in Z&S, there are restrictions on the transfer of shares, and the partners in the syndicate have certain mutual rights to appoint members of each other's management board and supervisory board. Thus, Johann Marihart has been nominated by ZBG and appointed as a member of the management board of Südzucker AG, and Thomas Kölbl has been nominated by Südzucker and appointed as a member of the management board of AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG.
By a resolution of the Annual General Meeting on 3 July 2015, the Management Board was authorised pursuant to section 169 Austrian Stock Corporation Act, for a period of five years from the entry of the corresponding amendment to the Articles of Association in the commercial register (which entry was made on 4 September 2015), to increase the share capital, subject to the agreement of the Supervisory Board, by up to € 15,261,295.18 by issuing up to 2,100,000 new ordinary bearer shares of the Company against payment in cash or contributions in kind, in one or more tranches, and to determine, in agreement with the Supervisory Board, the issue amount (which shall not be less than the proportionate amount of the share capital), the terms of the issue and the other details of the implementation of the capital increase.
In the period from 31 January to 17 February 2017, by means of a cash increase in its share capital, AGRANA issued a total of 1,420,204 new shares in two tranches, including through a rights offering. The new AGRANA shares are entitled to dividends from the 2016|17 financial year. More details of the transaction are provided in the section "AGRANA in the capital market" (see in the AGRANA annual report 2016|17 on pages 32 and 34). Through the placement of 500,000 existing AGRANA shares from the direct shareholding of Südzucker and as a result of the waiving by Z&S and Südzucker of their subscription rights, AGRANA's free float was increased from 7.3% to 18.9%.
By a resolution of the Annual General Meeting on 3 July 2015, the Management Board was also authorised under section 65 (1) 8 and (1a) and (1b) Austrian Stock Corporation Act, for a period of 30 months from the date of the resolution, to buy back the Company's own shares to the extent of up to 10% of the share capital of the Company, to utilise this limit of 10% repeatedly, and to acquire the shares both on the stock exchange and over the counter, subject to the agreement of the Supervisory Board, and with or without the exclusion of the shareholders' proportional right to sell.
There are no shareholders with special rights of control. Employees who are also shareholders of AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG exercise their voting rights individually. The Management Board does not have powers to issue or repurchase shares except to the extent provided by law.
The agreements for the Schuldscheindarlehen (bonded loan) and credit lines (syndicated loans) contain change of control clauses that grant the lenders an extraordinary right to call the loans.
With this exception, there are no significant agreements that take effect, change materially, or end, in the case of a change of control resulting from a takeover offer. No compensation agreements in the event of a public tender offer exist between the Company and its Management Board, Supervisory Board or other staff.
With its diversified business model and sound balance sheet, AGRANA regards itself as well positioned and is optimistic for the 2017|18 financial year.
| AGRANA Group | 2016 17 | 2017 18 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual | Forecast | |||
| Revenue | €m | 2,561.3 | Moderate increase | i |
| Operating profit (EBIT)¹ | €m | 172.4 | Moderate increase | i |
| Investment2 | €m | 114.7 | 130 |
AGRANA currently expects both Group revenue and operating profit (EBIT) to increase moderately for the 2017|18 financial year.
Total investment across the three business segments in the financial year, at approximately € 130 million, will significantly exceed the budgeted depreciation of about € 96 million.
| Sugar segment | 2016 17 | 2017 18 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual | Forecast | |||
| Revenue | €m | 671.9 | Steady | p |
| Operating profit (EBIT)¹ | €m | 24.4 | Significant increase | ii |
| Investment2 | €m | 23.3 | 32 |
In the Sugar segment, in anticipation of stable sales volumes, AGRANA expects revenue to be in line with the previous year. Improved margins and the cost reduction programme initiated in summer 2015 augur a significant increase in EBIT in 2017|18 compared to the year before.
The capital expenditures planned for the Sugar segment amount to approximately € 32 million. Besides asset replacement and maintenance investment, the spending will target especially measures to improve product quality and energy efficiency.
| Starch segment | 2016 17 | 2017 18 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual | Forecast | |||
| Revenue | €m | 733.9 | Slight increase | o |
| Operating profit (EBIT)¹ | €m | 76.2 | Moderate reduction | s |
| Investment2 | €m | 57.6 | 49 |
In the Starch segment, AGRANA's projection for the 2017|18 financial year calls for slightly rising sales volumes and revenue. Start-up costs in connection with the commissioning of the plant expansion in Aschach, Austria, a conservative margin projection as a result of elevated price volatility for bioethanol, and the expectation of stable earnings in the rest of the product portfolio are predicted to lead to a moderate decrease in EBIT.
Investment of approximately € 49 million is budgeted for the Starch segment. The capital expenditures will be used to complete the capacity expansion in Aschach, and for continuing investment in product segments with a high refining intensity in order to exploit growth opportunities in high-margin areas.
| Fruit segment | 2016 17 | 2017 18 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual | Forecast | |||
| Revenue | €m | 1,155.5 | Moderate increase | i |
| Operating profit (EBIT)¹ | €m | 71.8 | Significant increase | ii |
| Investment2 | €m | 33.8 | 49 |
In the Fruit segment, AGRANA expects the 2017|18 financial year to bring moderate growth in revenue and a significant improvement in EBIT.
1 Operating profit (EBIT) is after exceptional items and results of equity-accounted joint ventures.
2 Investment represents purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, excluding goodwill.
For the fruit preparations business a positive revenue trend is predicted, driven by rising sales volumes. Helped by the expected earnings contribution of the company in Argentina acquired in the fourth quarter of 2016|17, and with expected stable raw material prices, EBIT in the fruit preparations activities is forecast to increase significantly compared to the 2016|17 financial year.
In the fruit juice concentrate business, revenue is predicted to rise moderately in the new financial year. Given stable raw material prices, EBIT is also expected to increase moderately year-on-year.
The capital investment budgeted in the Fruit segment is approximately € 49 million. In the fruit preparations business, high priorities for investment are capacity increases and plant modernisation (such as in Asia); the focus in the fruit juice concentrate operations is on asset replacement and maintenance investment, product optimisation and the continual improvement of product quality.
Ensuring and documenting sustainable business practices is increasingly a sourcing criterion for AGRANA's customers, particularly in the food and beverage industry. In 2017|18 and the years to come, AGRANA will therefore continue its intensive work on the further integration of sustainability into the core business activities. To guide this process, the Group as early as 2014|15 set goals and targets for further improving environmental and social performance in its own production facilities and for its employees, and added further objectives in 2015|16, particularly regarding sustainability in its supply chain. The performance against these objectives will continue to be progressively reported in the sustainability information integrated in each annual report.
Currency translation Accounting policies 79 86
Notes to the consolidated income statement 93
| Note | ¤000 | 2016 17 | 2015 16 |
|---|---|---|---|
| (1) | Revenue | 2,561,296 | 2,477,647 |
| (2) | Changes in inventories of finished and unfinished goods | 51,035 | 25,183 |
| (2) | Own work capitalised | 1,320 | 1,523 |
| (3) | Other operating income | 36,835 | 44,087 |
| (4) | Cost of materials | (1,828,660) | (1,783,723) |
| (5) | Staff costs | (288,711) | (285,696) |
| (6) | Depreciation, amortisation and impairment losses | (84,397) | (85,381) |
| (7) | Other operating expenses | (306,940) | (289,208) |
| (8) | Share of results of equity-accounted joint ventures | 30,589 | 24,523 |
| (9) | Operating profit [EBIT] | 172,367 | 128,955 |
| (10) | Finance income | 31,081 | 43,789 |
| (11) | Finance expense | (48,960) | (68,308) |
| Net financial items | (17,879) | (24,519) | |
| Profit before tax | 154,488 | 104,436 | |
| (12) | Income tax expense | (36,633) | (23,508) |
| Profit for the period | 117,855 | 80,928 | |
| Attributable to shareholders of the parent | 111,315 | 82,723 | |
| Attributable to non-controlling interests | 6,540 | (1,795) | |
| (13) | Earnings per share under IFRS (basic and diluted) | € 7.78 | € 5.781 |
| (13) | Earnings per share based on the number of shares at the balance sheet date |
€ 7.13 | € 5.82 |
| ¤000 | 2016 17 | 2015 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Profit for the period | 117,855 | 80,928 |
| Other comprehensive income/(expense): | ||
| Currency translation differences | 11,483 | (14,655) |
| Available-for-sale financial assets (IAS 39) after deferred taxes | 106 | (1,163) |
| Cash flow hedges (IAS 39) after deferred taxes | 939 | (2,515) |
| Effects from equity-accounted joint ventures | 753 | (2,103) |
| Income/(expense) to be recognised | ||
| in the income statement in the future | 13,281 | (20,436) |
| Change in actuarial gains and losses on | ||
| defined benefit pension obligations and | ||
| similar liabilities (IAS 19) after deferred taxes | (3,072) | 2,820 |
| Effects from equity-accounted joint ventures | (3) | 3 |
| (Expense)/income that will not be recognised | ||
| in the income statement in the future | (3,075) | 2,823 |
| Other comprehensive income/(expense) | 10,206 | (17,613) |
| Total comprehensive income for the period | 128,061 | 63,315 |
| Attributable to shareholders of the parent | 122,807 | 66,868 |
| Attributable to non-controlling interests | 5,254 | (3,554) |
| Note | ¤000 | 2016 17 | 2015 16 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Profit for the period | 117,855 | 80,928 | |
| Depreciation, amortisation and impairment of non-current assets | 84,402 | 86,211 | |
| Reversal of impairment losses on non-current assets | (5) | (821) | |
| Losses on disposal of non-current assets | 887 | 1,075 | |
| Changes in non-current provisions | (1,951) | 3,106 | |
| Share of results of equity-accounted joint ventures | (30,589) | (24,523) | |
| Dividends received from equity-accounted joint ventures | 24,500 | 33,000 | |
| Dividends received from non-consolidated subsidiaries | 524 | 763 | |
| Other non-cash expenses and income | 62,397 | 46,175 | |
| Operating cash flow before changes in working capital | 258,020 | 225,914 | |
| Changes in inventories | (36,236) | (42,107) | |
| Changes in receivables and current assets | 11,561 | (712) | |
| Changes in current provisions | 6,131 | (14,583) | |
| Changes in payables (excluding borrowings) | 50,324 | (16,289) | |
| Changes in working capital | 31,780 | (73,691) | |
| Interest received | 4,525 | 7,684 | |
| Interest paid | (13,195) | (16,687) | |
| Tax paid | (25,345) | (41,307) | |
| (14) | Net cash from operating activities | 255,785 | 101,913 |
| Dividends received | 40 | 10 | |
| Proceeds from disposal of non-current assets | 1,155 | 3,103 | |
| Purchases of property, plant and equipment | |||
| and intangible assets, net of government grants | (123,418) | (107,720) | |
| Proceeds from disposal of securities | 1 | 1 | |
| Proceeds from disposal of participation capital | 0 | 85,000 | |
| Purchases of non-current financial assets | (3,841) | (318) | |
| Purchases of businesses | (45,467) | 0 | |
| (15) | Net cash (used in) investing activities | (171,530) | (19,924) |
| Proceeds from issue of shares (i.e., capital increase) | 139,719 | 0 | |
| Proceeds from/(repayment of ) current borrowings | |||
| from affiliated companies in the Südzucker group | 85,000 | (85,000) | |
| Outflows from bank overdrafts and cash advances | (158,111) | (21,098) | |
| Purchase of non-controlling interest | 0 | (2,558) | |
| Dividends paid | (57,278) | (54,957) | |
| (16) | Net cash from/(used in) financing activities | 9,330 | (163,613) |
| Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 93,585 | (81,624) | |
| Effect of movements in foreign exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents | 230 | (2,819) | |
| Valuation-related other changes in cash and cash equivalents | (4,761) | 0 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 109,375 | 193,818 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | 198,429 | 109,375 |
at 28 February 2017
| ¤000 | 28 Feb 2017 |
29 Feb 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| ASSETS | ||
| A. Non-current assets | ||
| Intangible assets | 282,319 | 241,961 |
| Property, plant and equipment | 738,907 | 679,592 |
| Equity-accounted joint ventures | 72,745 | 60,906 |
| Securities | 18,826 | 18,622 |
| Investments in non-consolidated subsidiaries and outside companies | 1,051 | 1,091 |
| Receivables and other assets | 7,115 | 10,602 |
| Deferred tax assets | 14,334 | 14,873 |
| 1,135,297 | 1,027,647 | |
| B. Current assets | ||
| Inventories | 696,032 | 654,172 |
| Trade receivables and other assets | 442,611 | 439,521 |
| Current tax assets | 9,024 | 10,774 |
| Securities | 43 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 198,429 | 109,375 |
| 1,346,139 | 1,213,887 | |
| C. Non-current assets held for sale | 0 | 1,631 |
| Total assets | 2,481,436 | 2,243,165 |
| EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | ||
| A. Equity | ||
| Share capital | 113,531 | 103,210 |
| Share premium and other capital reserves | 540,760 | |
| Retained earnings | 695,375 | |
| Equity attributable to shareholders of the parent | 1,349,666 | 411,362 629,709 1,144,281 |
| Non-controlling interests | 62,222 1,411,888 |
55,843 1,200,124 |
| B. Non-current liabilities | ||
| Retirement and termination benefit obligations | 68,929 | 67,146 |
| Other provisions | 19,898 | |
| Borrowings | 180,495 | 19,999 286,028 |
| Other payables | 14,211 | 1,024 |
| Deferred tax liabilities | 13,102 | |
| 296,635 | 4,481 378,678 |
|
| C. Current liabilities | ||
| Other provisions | 43,454 | 28,426 |
| Borrowings | 276,681 | 247,820 |
| Trade and other payables Tax liabilities |
430,009 22,769 |
375,058 13,059 |
| Total equity and liabilities | 2,481,436 | 2,243,165 |
|---|---|---|
| ------------------------------ | ----------- | ----------- |
for the year ended 28 February 2017
| Retained | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Share | Reserve | Effects from |
|||||
| premium | for | equity- | |||||
| and other | Available- | Cash flow | actuarial | accounted | |||
| Share | capital | for-sale | hedge | gains and | joint | ||
| ¤000 | capital | reserves | reserve | reserve | losses | ventures | |
| 2016 17 | |||||||
| At 1 March 2016 | 103,210 | 411,362 | 3,131 | (2,300) | (27,170) | (25,877) | |
| Fair value movements under IAS 39 | 0 | 0 | 131 | 1,252 | 0 | 0 | |
| Changes in actuarial gains | |||||||
| and losses on defined | |||||||
| benefit pension obligations | |||||||
| and similar liabilities | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | (3,562) | (3) | |
| Tax effects | 0 | 0 | (25) | (313) | 521 | 1 | |
| Currency translation gain | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 749 | |
| Other comprehensive | |||||||
| income/(expense) for the period | 0 | 0 | 106 | 939 | (3,041) | 747 | |
| Profit for the period | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Total comprehensive | |||||||
| income/(expense) for the period | 0 | 0 | 106 | 939 | (3,041) | 747 | |
| Capital increase | 10,321 | 129,398 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Dividends paid | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Transfer to reserves | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Additional contributions | |||||||
| by other shareholders | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Changes in equity interests | |||||||
| and in scope of consolidation | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Other changes | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| At 28 February 2017 | 113,531 | 540,760 | 3,237 | (1,361) | (30,211) | (25,130) | |
| 695,375 | |||||||
| 2015 16 | |||||||
| At 1 March 2015 | 103,210 | 411,362 | 4,294 | 215 | (29,945) | (23,775) | |
| Fair value movements under IAS 39 | 0 | 0 | (1,529) | (3,353) | 0 | 0 | |
| Changes in actuarial gains | |||||||
| and losses on defined | |||||||
| benefit pension obligations | |||||||
| and similar liabilities | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3,161 | 3 | |
| Tax effects | 0 | 0 | 366 | 838 | (386) | (1) | |
| Currency translation loss | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | (2,104) | |
| Other comprehensive (expense)/income for the period |
0 | 0 | (1,163) | (2,515) | 2,775 | (2,102) | |
| Profit for the period | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Total comprehensive | |||||||
| (expense)/income for the period | 0 | 0 | (1,163) | (2,515) | 2,775 | (2,102) | |
| Dividends paid | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Transfer to reserves | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Changes in equity interests | |||||||
| and in scope of consolidation | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Other changes | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| At 29 February 2016 | 103,210 | 411,362 | 3,131 | (2,300) | (27,170) | (25,877) | |
| 629,709 |
Attributable to the shareholders of AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG
Retained earnings
| Equity attributable |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | Non controlling interests |
to share- holders of the parent |
Profit for the period |
Currency translation reserve |
Other retained earnings |
| 1,200,124 | 55,843 | 1,144,281 | 82,723 | (80,830) | 680,032 |
| 1,383 | 0 | 1,383 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| (3,607) | (42) | (3,565) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 194 | 10 | 184 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 12,236 | (1,254) | 13,490 | 0 | 12,741 | 0 |
| 10,206 | (1,286) | 11,492 | 0 | 12,741 | 0 |
| 117,855 | 6,540 | 111,315 | 111,315 | 0 | 0 |
| 128,061 | 5,254 | 122,807 | 111,315 | 12,741 | 0 |
| 139,719 | 0 | 139,719 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| (57,278) | (470) | (56,808) | (56,808) | 0 | 0 |
| 0 | 0 | (25,915) | 0 | 25,915 | |
| 1,250 | 1,250 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 327 | (327) | 0 | 0 | (327) | |
| 18 | (6) | 0 | 0 | (6) | |
| 1,411,888 | 62,222 | 1,349,666 | 111,314 | (68,089) | 705,615 |
| 103,210 411,362 4,294 215 (29,945) (23,775) |
650,983 | (67,981) | 80,896 | 1,129,259 | 65,161 | 1,194,420 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 0 (1,529) (3,353) 0 0 |
0 | 0 | 0 | (4,882) | 0 | (4,882) |
| 3,225 | 61 | 3,164 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (15) | 817 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| (16,758) | (1,805) | (14,953) | 0 | (12,849) | 0 |
| (17,613) | (1,759) | (15,854) | 0 | (12,849) | 0 |
| 80,928 | (1,795) | 82,723 | 82,723 | 0 | 0 |
| 63,315 | (3,554) | 66,869 | 82,723 | (12,849) | 0 |
| (54,957) | (3,830) | (51,127) | (51,127) | 0 | 0 |
| 0 | 0 | (29,769) | 0 | 29,769 | |
| (2,658) | (1,934) | (724) | 0 | 0 | (724) |
| 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | |
| 1,200,124 | 55,843 | 1,144,281 | 82,723 | (80,830) | 680,032 |
AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG ("the Company") is the parent company of the AGRANA Group and has its registered office at Friedrich-Wilhelm-Raiffeisen-Platz 1, 1020 Vienna, Austria. The Company together with its subsidiaries constitutes an international group engaged mainly in the worldwide industrial processing of agricultural raw materials.
The consolidated financial statements of the AGRANA Group for 2016|17 were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in effect at the balance sheet date and with International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) interpretations, as adopted by the European Union, as well as with the additional requirements of section 245a of the Austrian Commercial Code (Unternehmensgesetzbuch, or UGB).
The segment reporting, which conforms with International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 8, distinguishes between three business segments – Sugar, Starch and Fruit – and thus follows the AGRANA Group's internal reporting structure.
The AGRANA Group has the three reportable segments Sugar, Starch and Fruit, which correspond to its strategic businesses. The segments differ in terms of their product portfolios, production technologies, raw material procurement, and sales strategies, and are managed separately. AGRANA Beteiligungs-Aktiengesellschaft ("AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG"), the Group's holding company, is considered part of the Sugar segment.
The internal reporting for each segment is provided monthly to the Group's chief operating decisionmaker (the CODM). The CODM is the Management Board of AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG. Information on the results of the reportable segments is found in the overviews below. Segment profitability is evaluated primarily on the basis of "operating profit before exceptional items and results of equity-accounted joint ventures", which is a key performance indicator in every internal management report.
| 1.1. Segmentation by business activity | Consoli- | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| €000 | Sugar | Starch | Fruit | dation | Group |
| 2016 17 | |||||
| Total revenue | 748,151 | 744,194 | 1,156,035 | (87,084) | 2,561,296 |
| Inter-segment revenue | (76,230) | (10,272) | (582) | 87,084 | 0 |
| Revenue | 671,921 | 733,922 | 1,155,453 | 0 | 2,561,296 |
| EBITDA | 55,188 | 70,072 | 109,952 | 0 | 235,212 |
| Depreciation, amortisation and | |||||
| impairment of property, plant and | |||||
| equipment and intangibles1 | (24,205) | (21,997) | (38,195) | 0 | (84,397) |
| Operating profit before exceptional items | |||||
| and results of equity-accounted joint ventures | 30,983 | 48,075 | 71,757 | 0 | 150,815 |
| Exceptional items | (9,037) | 0 | 0 | 0 | (9,037) |
| Share of results of | |||||
| equity-accounted joint ventures | 2,442 | 28,147 | 0 | 0 | 30,589 |
| Operating profit [EBIT] | 24,388 | 76,222 | 71,757 | 0 | 172,367 |
| Segment assets | 1,810,662 | 500,324 | 1,172,856 | (1,002,406) | 2,481,436 |
| Segment equity | 1,049,842 | 351,922 | 361,766 | (351,642) | 1,411,888 |
| Segment liabilities | 760,820 | 148,402 | 811,090 | (650,764) | 1,069,548 |
| Purchases of property, plant and | |||||
| equipment and intangibles1 | 23,259 | 57,577 | 33,822 | 0 | 114,658 |
| Purchases of non-current financial assets | 5,000 | 0 | 91 | 0 | 5,091 |
| Total capital expenditure | 28,259 | 57,577 | 33,913 | 0 | 119,749 |
| Carrying amount of | |||||
| equity-accounted joint ventures | 12,758 | 59,987 | 0 | 0 | 72,745 |
| Number of employees | |||||
| (average full-time equivalents) | 2,107 | 893 | 5,638 | 0 | 8,638 |
| Consoli- | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| €000 | Sugar | Starch | Fruit | dation | Group |
| 2015 16 | |||||
| Total revenue | 739,912 | 728,730 | 1,084,085 | (75,080) | 2,477,647 |
| Inter-segment revenue | (67,268) | (7,164) | (648) | 75,080 | 0 |
| Revenue | 672,644 | 721,566 | 1,083,437 | 0 | 2,477,647 |
| EBITDA | 25,397 | 64,884 | 101,676 | 0 | 191,957 |
| Depreciation, amortisation and | |||||
| impairment of property, plant and | |||||
| equipment and intangibles1 | (22,633) | (22,038) | (39,800) | 0 | (84,471) |
| Operating profit before exceptional items | |||||
| and results of equity-accounted joint ventures | 2,764 | 42,846 | 61,876 | 0 | 107,486 |
| Exceptional items | 0 | 0 | (3,054) | 0 | (3,054) |
| Share of results of | |||||
| equity-accounted joint ventures | 1,542 | 22,981 | 0 | 0 | 24,523 |
| Operating profit [EBIT] | 4,306 | 65,827 | 58,822 | 0 | 128,955 |
| Segment assets | 1,619,559 | 474,811 | 1,094,648 | (945,853) | 2,243,165 |
| Segment equity | 906,208 | 318,089 | 312,633 | (336,806) | 1,200,124 |
| Segment liabilities | 713,351 | 156,722 | 782,015 | (609,047) | 1,043,041 |
| Purchases of property, plant and | |||||
| equipment and intangibles1 | 46,102 | 28,151 | 41,730 | 0 | 115,983 |
| Purchases of non-current financial assets | 0 | 10 | 308 | 0 | 318 |
| Total capital expenditure | 46,102 | 28,161 | 42,038 | 0 | 116,301 |
| Carrying amount of | |||||
| equity-accounted joint ventures | 5,303 | 55,603 | 0 | 0 | 60,906 |
| Number of employees | |||||
| (average full-time equivalents) | 2,185 | 870 | 5,455 | 0 | 8,510 |
The revenue and asset data represent consolidated amounts. Intersegment charges for products and services are based on comparable market prices.
Exceptional items consisted of expenses for tax liabilities in connection with a tax audit in Romania, a provision for a legal dispute in Romania, and income arising from the settlement of a real estate lawsuit in the Czech Republic.
The items "segment assets" and "segment liabilities" match the allocation used in internal reporting. The intersegment consolidation consisted of liability and dividend consolidation of € 650,764 thousand (prior year: € 609,047 thousand) and capital consolidation of € 351,642 thousand (prior year: € 336,806 thousand).
Companies are assigned to geographic segments based on the location of their registered office.
| Revenue €000 | 2016 17 | 2015 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Austria | 1,294,680 | 1,248,869 |
| Hungary | 94,964 | 89,218 |
| Romania | 169,024 | 178,510 |
| Rest of EU | 425,858 | 412,566 |
| EU-28 | 1,984,526 | 1,929,163 |
| Rest of Europe (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Russia, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine) | 96,730 | 90,496 |
| Other foreign countries | 480,040 | 457,988 |
| Total | 2,561,296 | 2,477,647 |
The revenue generated by the Eastern European companies was € 543,833 thousand (prior year: € 539,571 thousand), or about 21.2% (prior year: 21.8%) of total revenue. The countries defined as Eastern Europe are Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Turkey and Ukraine.
| Purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangibles1 €000 | 2016 17 | 2015 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Austria | 74,917 | 65,630 |
| Hungary | 4,846 | 12,650 |
| Romania | 3,487 | 3,577 |
| Rest of EU | 15,027 | 15,987 |
| EU-28 | 98,277 | 97,844 |
| Rest of Europe (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Russia, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine) | 3,282 | 2,751 |
| Other foreign countries | 13,099 | 15,388 |
| Total | 114,658 | 115,983 |
| Carrying amount of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets1 €000 | 2016 17 | 2015 16 |
| Austria | 378,983 | 344,563 |
| Hungary | 67,824 | 68,806 |
| Romania | 38,254 | 39,009 |
| Rest of EU | 110,094 | 113,090 |
| EU-28 | 595,155 | 565,468 |
| Rest of Europe (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Russia, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine) | 22,597 | 17,831 |
Amounts in the consolidated financial statements are presented in thousands of euros (€000) unless otherwise indicated. As a result of automated calculation, rounding errors may occur in totals of rounded amounts and percentages.
Other foreign countries 142,500 112,052 Total 760,252 695,351
| Standard / Interpretation | Issued by the IASB |
Expected to be effective for AGRANA from financial year |
Adopted by the EU |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IAS 7 | Statement of Cash Flows (Amended) | 29 Jan 2016 | 2017 18 | Not to date |
| IAS 12 | Income Taxes (Amended) | 19 Jan 2016 | 2017 18 | Not to date |
| IAS 28 (2011) | Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures (Amended) |
11 Sep 2014 | Postponed indefinitely |
Not to date |
| IAS 40 | Investment Property (Amended) | 8 Dec 2016 | 2018 19 | Not to date |
| IFRS 2 | Share-based Payment (Amended) | 20 Jun 2016 | 2018 19 | Not to date |
In the presentation of the income statement, the nature of expense method was used. The separate financial statements of the fully consolidated companies represented in the consolidated financial statements are based on uniform accounting policies.
All IFRS issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) that were effective at the time of preparation of these consolidated financial statements and applied by AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG have been adopted by the European Commission for application in the EU.
In the 2016|17 financial year, the following standards became effective (i.e., their application became mandatory) for the first time. The changes had no material impacts on the presentation of AGRANA's financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
| Standard / Interpretation | Issued by the IASB |
Adopted by the EU |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| IAS 1 | Presentation of Financial Statements (Amended) | 18 Dec 2014 | 18 Dec 2015 |
| IAS 16 | Property, Plant and Equipment (Amended) | 12 May 2014 and | 23 Nov 2015 and |
| 30 Jun 2014 | 2 Dec 2015 | ||
| IAS 27 (2011) | Separate Financial Statements (Amended) | 12 Aug 2014 | 18 Dec 2015 |
| IAS 28 (2011) | Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures (Amended) | 18 Dec 2014 | 22 Sep 2016 |
| IAS 38 | Intangible Assets (Amended) | 12 May 2014 | 2 Dec 2015 |
| IAS 41 | Agriculture (Amended) | 30 Jun 2014 | 23 Nov 2015 |
| IFRS 10 | Consolidated Financial Statements (Amended) | 18 Dec 2014 | 22 Sep 2016 |
| IFRS 11 | Joint Arrangements (Amended) | 6 May 2014 | 24 Nov 2015 |
| IFRS 12 | Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities (Amended) | 18 Dec 2014 | 22 Sep 2016 |
| Various | Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2012–2014 Cycle | 25 Sep 2014 | 15 Dec 2015 |
The following standards and interpretations will become effective from the 2017|18 financial year or later. For those standards not yet adopted by the EU, the effective year for AGRANA given in the table represents the expected time of adoption. AGRANA has not early-adopted any of the new or changed standards and interpretations cited below. The information provided on the content of the standards depends on whether and to what extent they are relevant to AGRANA. Where accounting rules becoming effective in subsequent periods do not apply to AGRANA's situation, no information on their content is given.
IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows (Amended) 29 Jan 2016 2017|18 Not to date The intent of the amendment is to expand disclosures of the components of changes in liabilities arising from financing activities, as through a reconciliation.
IAS 12 Income Taxes (Amended) 19 Jan 2016 2017|18 Not to date The amendment is not relevant to AGRANA.
IAS 28 (2011) Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures 11 Sep 2014 Postponed Not to date No impacts on the presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows are expected.
IAS 40 Investment Property (Amended) 8 Dec 2016 2018|19 Not to date The amendment is not relevant to AGRANA.
IFRS 2 Share-based Payment (Amended) 20 Jun 2016 2018|19 Not to date The amendment is not relevant to AGRANA.
| Standard / Interpretation | Issued by the IASB |
Expected to be effective for AGRANA from financial year |
Adopted by the EU |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IFRS 4 | Insurance Contracts (Amended) | 12 Sep 2016 | 2018 19 | Not to date |
| IFRS 9 (2014) | Financial Instruments | 24 Jul 2014 | 2018 19 | 22 Nov 2016 |
| IFRS 10 | Consolidated Financial Statements (Amended) |
11 Sep 2014 | Postponed indefinitely |
Not to date |
| IFRS 14 | Regulatory Deferral Accounts | 30 Jan 2014 | Postponed indefinitely |
Not to date |
| IFRS 15 | Revenue from Contracts with Customers | 28 May 2014 | 2018 19 | 22 Sep 2016 |
| IFRS 16 | Leases | 13 Jan 2016 | 2019{20 | Not to date |
| Various | Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2014–2016 Cycle |
8 Dec 2016 | 2017 18 and 2018 19 |
Not to date |
| IFRIC 22 | Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration |
8 Dec 2016 | 2018 19 | Not to date |
Standard / Interpretation Issued Expected to be Adopted Content and expected impacts on AGRANA
IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts (Amended) 12 Sep 2016 2018|19 Not to date The amendment is not relevant to AGRANA.
IFRS 9 (2014) Financial Instruments 24 Jul 2014 2018|19 22 Nov 2016 Based on an analysis of IFRS 9, AGRANA believes that its first-time application will probably not have material impacts on the financial statements. The new rules for classifying financial assets according to the business model within which they are managed will in some cases lead to changes in measurement and presentation. As a result of the new rules on impairment, in the future, expected losses will in some cases be recognised as expenses sooner. In hedge accounting, in the future, more components can in some cases be included in the risk hedged, which will then slightly increase the level of hedge effectiveness.
IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements 11 Sep 2014 Postponed Not to date No impacts on the presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows are expected.
IFRS 14 Regulatory Deferral Accounts 30 Jan 2014 Postponed Not to date The standard is not relevant to AGRANA. The European Commission has decided not to launch the endorsement process of indefinitely this interim standard but to wait for the final standard.
IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers 28 May 2014 2018|19 22 Sep 2016 IFRS 15 establishes the principles that an entity shall apply in reporting about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from a contract with a customer. Specifically, it also establishes criteria for determining whether different performance obligations under a contract are distinct. AGRANA does not expect the application of the standard to have a material impact on the amount or timing of revenue recognition, but expects it to require expanded disclosures.
IFRS 16 Leases 13 Jan 2016 2019{20 Not to date IFRS 16 establishes new rules for the recognition, measurement and presentation of leases. The standard provides only a single accounting model for the lessee, requiring the right of use to be recognised as the asset, and the obligation to be recognised as a liability, in the balance sheet. For assets with a low value and for short-term leases, AGRANA will elect not to capitalise the lease. AGRANA has evaluated the extent to which IFRS 16 applies. Based on an analysis of the current contractual relationships, an increase of about 5% in property, plant and equipment is expected.
Various Annual Improvements 8 Dec 2016 2017|18 and Not to date No impacts on the presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows are expected.
IFRIC 22 Foreign Currency Transactions and 8 Dec 2016 2018|19 Not to date No impacts on the presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows are expected.
The consolidated financial statements include, by full consolidation, all domestic and foreign companies controlled by AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG (i.e., all subsidiaries), except where the subsidiary's effect on the Group's financial position, results of operations and cash flows is immaterial. Control exists when AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG has the power to participate in positive and negative variable returns of a company (an investee) and to affect these returns. This is usually given when AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG owns more than one-half of the voting rights of the investee.
Companies managed jointly with another entity, where control is exercised jointly and the investors have joint rights to the net assets of the investee, are joint ventures and are included in the consolidated financial statements using the equity method of accounting.
At the balance sheet date, 60 companies (prior year: 58) besides the parent were fully consolidated in the Group financial statements and 12 companies (prior year: 12) were included using the equity method.
An overview of the fully consolidated entities, equity-accounted joint ventures and other business interests is given beginning on page 127.
The number of companies that were fully consolidated or equity-accounted changed as follows in the 2016|17 financial year:
| Full | Equity | |
|---|---|---|
| consolidation | method | |
| At 1 March 2016 | 58 | 12 |
| Initial consolidation | 3 | 0 |
| Deconsolidation or derecognition | (1) | 0 |
| At 28 February 2017 | 60 | 12 |
The purchase of the two Argentine companies Main Process S.A., Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Sudinver S.A., Buenos Aires, Argentina, closed on 1 December 2016. Directly and indirectly, 100% of the shares in both companies were acquired by AGRANA Fruit S.A.S., Mitry-Mory, France, and AGRANA Fruit Services S.A.S., Mitry-Mory, France. Both new subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements of AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG by full consolidation.
Main Process S.A. is a manufacturer of fruit preparations and is located in the northeast of Argentina. With approximately 175 employees the company generated revenue of about € 19 million in its 2015 financial year. Besides fruit preparations for yoghurt and ice-cream, the company specialises in the production of syrups for beverages and of fillings for baked goods. In addition to its core business with industrial customers, there is also further sales potential in the area of quick-service restaurants (such as fast food chains) and the food service sector (for example, hotels and catering).
The acquisition is intended both to expand the market presence in South America and raise global synergies in the Fruit segment.
The net assets at initial full consolidation and the goodwill arising on acquisition were as shown below:
| €000 | Carrying amount at acquisition date |
|---|---|
| Non-current assets | 28,951 |
| Inventories | 4,833 |
| Receivables and other assets | 5,018 |
| Cash, cash equivalents and securities | 82 |
| Total assets | 38,884 |
| Less non-current liabilities | (9,688) |
| Less current liabilities | (7,437) |
| Net assets (i.e., equity) | 21,759 |
| Goodwill | 34,777 |
| Acquisition cost | 56,536 |
| Of which cash portion of purchase price | 45,549 |
The purchase price consists of a fixed base component of € 43,286 thousand and an earn-out component of € 13,250 thousand (as measured at fair value) that is tied to the performance of the business against targets over the 2018|19 and 2019|20 financial years. Based on estimates at the balance sheet date, the undiscounted earn-out component falls within a range from € 7.2 million to € 25.3 million. No maximum amount was set for the earn-out component.
The following factors led to the recognition of goodwill at the Fruit segment level: Through the acquisition, AGRANA achieves further diversification into new product categories with growth potential. Fruit preparations for the food service sector, non-fruit-based products and small-pack applications and associated production technologies can be rolled out globally, particularly to the Asian growth markets. As well, thanks to the acquisition, new globally operating customers are won and existing customer relationships are deepened. As a result, AGRANA achieves a better supplier position overall in other countries.
By the date of the release of the consolidated financial statements for publication, the purchase price allocation was final.
From 1 December 2016 to 28 February 2017 in the financial year under review, the fully consolidated companies contributed € 6,118 thousand to Group revenue and € 808 thousand to Group profit for the period. If the acquisition had occurred at the beginning of the financial year, the revenue contribution would have been € 20,071 thousand and the contribution to profit for the period would have been € 2,630 thousand.
With effect from 1 February 2017, AGRANA FRUIT INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED, New Delhi, India, was consolidated for the first time. AGRANA Fruit S.A.S., Mitry-Mory, France, and AGRANA Fruit Services GmbH, Vienna, Austria, hold 100% of the shares of the newly founded company. The establishment cost of € 2 thousand was paid in cash. The company's business activity will comprise the processing of fruits into fruit purees, fruit juices and fruit concentrates for the food industry.
The deconsolidation was that of AGRANA Juice Denmark A/S, Køge, Denmark. The company had been in liquidation for two years and its deconsolidation therefore had no material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
The information below represents the aggregated financial position and performance of the joint ventures. The joint ventures are listed on page 129.
| AGRANA | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| STUDEN | HUNGRANA | ||
| €000 | group | group | Total |
| 28 February 2017 | |||
| Non-current assets | 35,247 | 105,717 | 140,964 |
| Inventories | 36,172 | 44,310 | 80,482 |
| Receivables and other assets | 29,093 | 38,844 | 67,937 |
| Cash, cash equivalents and securities | 9,704 | 615 | 10,319 |
| Current assets | 74,969 | 83,769 | 158,738 |
| Total assets | 110,216 | 189,486 | 299,702 |
| Equity | 26,421 | 119,005 | 145,426 |
| Borrowings | 285 | 0 | 285 |
| Other liabilities | 489 | 2,319 | 2,808 |
| Non-current liabilities | 774 | 2,319 | 3,093 |
| Borrowings | 42,006 | 35,006 | 77,012 |
| Other liabilities | 41,015 | 33,156 | 74,171 |
| Current liabilities | 83,021 | 68,162 | 151,183 |
| Total equity and liabilities | 110,216 | 189,486 | 299,702 |
| AGRANA | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| STUDEN | HUNGRANA | ||
| €000 | group | group | Total |
| 28 February 2017 (continued) | |||
| Revenue | 198,162 | 329,680 | 527,842 |
| Depreciation, amortisation and impairment losses | (2,647) | (13,499) | (16,146) |
| Other (expense), net | (189,579) | (247,857) | (437,436) |
| Operating profit [EBIT] | 5,936 | 68,324 | 74,260 |
| Interest income | 1,133 | 7 | 1,140 |
| Interest expense | (1,612) | (660) | (2,272) |
| Other finance (expense), net | (203) | (63) | (266) |
| Profit before tax | 5,254 | 67,608 | 72,862 |
| Income tax (expense) | (369) | (11,316) | (11,685) |
| Profit for the period | 4,885 | 56,292 | 61,177 |
| Other comprehensive income | 25 | 1,475 | 1,500 |
| Total comprehensive income for the period | 4,910 | 57,767 | 62,677 |
| 29 February 2016 | |||
| Non-current assets | 37,213 | 107,445 | 144,658 |
| Inventories | 33,879 | 35,146 | 69,025 |
| Receivables and other assets | 28,155 | 40,427 | 68,582 |
| Cash, cash equivalents and securities | 4,292 | 2,215 | 6,507 |
| Current assets | 66,326 | 77,788 | 144,114 |
| Total assets | 103,539 | 185,233 | 288,772 |
| Equity | 11,510 | 110,237 | 121,747 |
| Borrowings | 166 | 7,488 | 7,654 |
| Other liabilities | 253 | 5,944 | 6,197 |
| Non-current liabilities | 419 | 13,432 | 13,851 |
| Borrowings | 45,085 | 34,383 | 79,468 |
| Other liabilities | 46,525 | 27,181 | 73,706 |
| Current liabilities | 91,610 | 61,564 | 153,174 |
| Total equity and liabilities | 103,539 | 185,233 | 288,772 |
| Revenue | 189,093 | 318,377 | 507,470 |
| Depreciation, amortisation and impairment losses | (2,854) | (12,607) | (15,461) |
| Other (expense), net | (183,197) | (248,141) | (431,338) |
| Operating profit [EBIT] | 3,042 | 57,629 | 60,671 |
| Interest income | 707 | 49 | 756 |
| Interest expense | (1,607) | (667) | (2,274) |
| Other finance income, net | 848 | 546 | 1,394 |
| Profit before tax | 2,990 | 57,557 | 60,547 |
| Income tax benefit/(expense) | 94 | (11,595) | (11,501) |
| Profit for the period | 3,084 | 45,962 | 49,046 |
| Other comprehensive income/(expense) | 15 | (4,216) | (4,201) |
| Total comprehensive income for the period | 3,099 | 41,746 | 44,845 |
The calculation of the carrying amounts of the investments in equity-accounted joint ventures is tabulated below:
| AGRANA | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| STUDEN | HUNGRANA | ||
| €000 | group | group | Total |
| 28 February 2017 | |||
| Equity | 26,421 | 119,005 | 145,426 |
| Of which attributable to AGRANA | 13,211 | 59,502 | 72,713 |
| Goodwill | 0 | 484 | 484 |
| Impairment loss on goodwill at time of transition | (452) | 0 | (452) |
| Investments in equity-accounted joint ventures | |||
| (carrying amount) | 12,759 | 59,986 | 72,745 |
| Dividend attributable to AGRANA | 0 | 24,500 | 24,500 |
| 29 February 2016 | |||
| Equity | 11,510 | 110,237 | 121,747 |
| Of which attributable to AGRANA | 5,755 | 55,119 | 60,874 |
| Goodwill | 0 | 484 | 484 |
| Impairment loss on goodwill at time of transition | (452) | 0 | (452) |
| Investments in equity-accounted joint ventures | |||
| (carrying amount) | 5,303 | 55,603 | 60,906 |
| Dividend attributable to AGRANA | 0 | 45,900 | 45,900 |
Of the non-controlling interests of € 62,222 thousand (prior year: € 55,843 thousand), most represented the co-owners of the AUSTRIA JUICE group, at € 43,377 thousand (prior year: € 39,952 thousand). AGRANA's total interests in the AUSTRIA JUICE group amounted to 50.01%. Therefore, 49.99% of the equity of the AUSTRIA JUICE group must be reported as a non-controlling interest in AGRANA's consolidated financial statements.
The following table presents the financial position and performance of the AUSTRIA JUICE group:
| 28 Feb | 29 Feb | |
|---|---|---|
| AUSTRIA JUICE group €000 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Non-current assets | 128,775 | 131,452 |
| Current assets | 208,795 | 228,422 |
| Total assets | 337,570 | 359,874 |
| Non-current liabilities | 6,304 | 6,668 |
| Current liabilities | 237,215 | 266,007 |
| Total liabilities | 243,519 | 272,675 |
| Net assets | 94,051 | 87,199 |
| Revenue | 243,634 | 212,082 |
| Operating profit [EBIT] | 12,830 | 443 |
| Profit/(loss) before tax | 7,069 | (4,234) |
| Income tax expense | (647) | (1,746) |
| Profit/(loss) for the period | 6,422 | (5,980) |
| Other comprehensive income/(expense) | 435 | (2,917) |
| Total comprehensive income/(expense) for the period | 6,857 | (8,897) |
| Net cash from operating activities | 46,467 | 57,729 |
| Net cash (used in) investing activities | (7,501) | (7,242) |
| Net cash (used in) financing activities | (64,975) | (51,810) |
| Net (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | (26,009) | (1,323) |
The table below shows the interests of the non-controlling shareholders in the AUSTRIA JUICE group:
| 28 Feb | 29 Feb | |
|---|---|---|
| AUSTRIA JUICE group €000 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Non-controlling interests in: | ||
| Profit/(loss) for the period | 3,210 | (2,990) |
| Dividends | 0 | 3,499 |
| Carrying amount of net assets | 47,016 | 43,591 |
| Goodwill | (3,639) | (3,639) |
| Non-controlling interest in net assets | 43,377 | 39,952 |
The balance sheet date (reporting date) of the consolidated financial statements is the last day of February. Group companies with other reporting dates prepare interim financial statements at the Group reporting date.
█ Acquisitions of companies that are fully consolidated are accounted for using the acquisition method in accordance with IFRS 3. Where a business combination entails the possible recognition of intangible assets not previously recognised in the separate financial statements of the acquired company, such as customer relationships, these are recognised only when the requirements under IAS 38 for capitalisation are met. For acquisitions of a majority interest rather than a 100% stake in a company, IFRS 3 provides an accounting policy choice as to how to measure the resulting non-controlling interests. The non-controlling interests may be measured either at their proportionate share of the fair value of the net assets of the acquiree (partial goodwill method) or at their proportionate share of goodwill (full goodwill method). This choice is available individually for each business combination. The full goodwill method has not been applied in the AGRANA Group to date.
█ The investments in joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method and are included in the consolidated financial statements from the time of acquisition, provided that the requirements for the application of IFRS 11 (Joint Arrangements) are met. Profits or losses resulting from transactions of the AGRANA Group with a joint venture are eliminated to the extent of the Group's interest in the joint venture.
█ Intragroup revenues, expenses and income and all receivables and payables or provisions between the consolidated companies are eliminated. In assets that arise from intragroup flows of products or services and are included in noncurrent assets or in inventories, intragroup balances are eliminated.
█ Financial statements of foreign Group companies are translated into euros in accordance with IAS 21. The functional currency of every Group company is its respective national currency. Assets and liabilities are translated at the ECB reference rates of exchange or other published reference rates at the balance sheet date (i.e., at period-end rates). Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rates prevailing at the transaction date. Expenses and income are translated at annual average rates of exchange (the mean of the daily rates of the ECB or national banks), with the exception of the currency translation gains and losses from the measurement of receivables and liabilities related to Group financing.
█ Differences compared to prior-year amounts arising from the translation of balance sheet items at current balance sheet date exchange rates or arising from the use of average rates in translating expenses and income compared to the use of current balance sheet date rates are recognised in other comprehensive income. Specifically, they are presented in the statement of other comprehensive income as currency translation differences related to consolidation.
█ Foreign currency-denominated gains and losses on the measurement of foreign currency financing liabilities are translated at exchange rates at the balance sheet date if the average rate is deemed unsuitable as a result of sustained exchange rate volatility.
█ In translating the financial statements of foreign Group companies, the following exchange rates were applied:
| Rate at reporting date | Average rate for year | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ¤ | Currency | 28 Feb | 29 Feb | ||
| 2017 | 2016 | 2016 17 | 2015 16 | ||
| Albania | ALL | 135.08 | 138.24 | 136.98 | 139.43 |
| Argentina | ARS | 16.36 | 17.18 | 16.52 | 11.22 |
| Australia | AUD | 1.38 | 1.53 | 1.46 | 1.49 |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | BAM | 1.96 | 1.96 | 1.96 | 1.96 |
| Brazil | BRL | 3.28 | 4.34 | 3.69 | 3.90 |
| Bulgaria | BGN | 1.96 | 1.96 | 1.96 | 1.96 |
| China | CNY | 7.28 | 7.14 | 7.37 | 6.98 |
| Croatia | HRK | 7.44 | 7.63 | 7.51 | 7.61 |
| Czech Republic | CZK | 27.02 | 27.06 | 27.03 | 27.17 |
| Denmark | DKK | 7.43 | 7.46 | 7.44 | 7.46 |
| Egypt | EGP | 16.64 | 8.54 | 12.73 | 8.54 |
| Fiji | FJD | 2.19 | 2.35 | 2.29 | 2.34 |
| Hungary | HUF | 308.25 | 311.26 | 310.83 | 310.04 |
| India | INR | 70.63 | – | 73.91 | – |
| Macedonia | MKD | 61.52 | 61.70 | 61.58 | 61.64 |
| Mexico | MXN | 21.08 | 19.80 | 21.00 | 18.11 |
| Morocco | MAD | 10.67 | 10.78 | 10.83 | 10.82 |
| Poland | PLN | 4.32 | 4.36 | 4.35 | 4.21 |
| Romania | RON | 4.52 | 4.48 | 4.49 | 4.45 |
| Russia | RUB | 61.76 | 82.64 | 70.57 | 69.79 |
| Serbia | CSD | 123.91 | 123.50 | 123.30 | 120.85 |
| South Africa | ZAR | 13.79 | 17.46 | 15.71 | 14.87 |
| South Korea | KRW | 1,194.24 | 1,347.54 | 1,268.98 | 1,267.46 |
| Turkey | TRY | 3.84 | 3.23 | 3.46 | 3.11 |
| Ukraine | UAH | 28.64 | 29.78 | 28.41 | 24.98 |
| USA | USD | 1.06 | 1.09 | 1.10 | 1.10 |
█ Purchased intangible assets (other than goodwill) are capitalised at cost and amortised on a straight-line basis over their expected useful lives of between 5 and 15 years. Almost all intangible assets have a determinable useful life. Those intangible assets having an indefinite useful life are not material for the Group.
█ Goodwill is not amortised but is reviewed at least annually for impairment. This review is performed regularly at 31 August, and additionally whenever there are indications of possible impairment (triggering events). Details on this impairment test are presented in the notes to the balance sheet.
█ Product development costs are capitalised at cost if they can be accurately allocated to a product and if both the technical feasibility and the marketing of the new product are assured. In addition, the development work must be sufficiently likely to generate future cash inflows. Items of property, plant and equipment are valued at cost of purchase and/or conversion, less straight-line or campaign-based depreciation and impairment losses. In the conversion costs of internally generated assets, besides materials and labour costs, prorated overheads are capitalised. Borrowing costs directly attributable to the production of an asset that are incurred during the production period are capitalised in accordance with IAS 23. All other borrowing costs are recognised as an expense in the period during which they are incurred. Maintenance costs are expensed as incurred, unless they result in an expansion or significant improvement of the asset concerned, in which case they are capitalised.
█ Where rental agreements or leases transfer all material risks and rewards of ownership to the AGRANA Group (finance leases), the assets rented or leased are recorded as an asset. The asset is initially measured at the lower of (i) its fair value at the inception of the rental period or lease and (ii) the present value of the future minimum rental or lease payments. This amount is simultaneously recorded as a liability under borrowings.
█ Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is generally based on the following useful lives:
| Buildings | 15 to 50 years |
|---|---|
| Plant and machinery | 10 to 15 years |
| Office furniture and equipment | 3 to 10 years |
█ Government assistance to reimburse the Group for costs is recognised as other operating income in the period in which the related costs are incurred, unless the assistance is contingent on conditions that are not yet sufficiently likely to be met.
█ Government assistance to support capital expenditure is recognised as deferred income from the time of the binding award and deducted from the cost of the intangible assets and property, plant and equipment on a straight-line basis over the useful life of the allocated asset through profit or loss. Details are provided on page 96.
█ The AGRANA Group distinguishes the following classes of financial instruments:
█ Investments in non-consolidated subsidiaries and outside companies, as well as securities, are classified to the available-for-sale category and are initially measured at fair value in the case of securities, and at cost in the case of investments in non-consolidated subsidiaries and outside companies, including any transaction costs. Subsequent measurement is at fair value. Changes in value are recognised outside profit or loss (after income tax) in a separate reserve item in equity. Only after the cumulative changes in fair value are realised by selling the asset are they recognised in the income statement. Available-for-sale non-material investments in non-consolidated subsidiaries and outside companies are measured at cost.
█ Financial assets are recognised at the settlement date.
█ Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and bank deposits having a remaining term to maturity of up to three months at the time of investment. Cash and cash equivalents in foreign currency are measured at the exchange rates at the balance sheet date.
█ Derivative financial instruments are used to hedge risks from changes in interest rates, exchange rates and commodity prices. Derivatives are carried as an asset or liability and, irrespective of their purpose, are measured at fair value. Changes in their fair value are recognised through profit or loss in other operating income/expenses (for commodity derivatives and currency derivatives related to purchase and sales transactions) or in net financial items (for interest rate derivatives and currency derivatives related to financings), unless the derivatives are used to hedge an underlying transaction (cash flow hedges). Where the conditions for cash flow hedge accounting under IAS 39 are met, the unrealised effective changes in fair value are recognised directly in equity. They are reclassified from equity to profit or loss in the period in which the underlying hedged transaction affects profit or loss. Ineffective portions of the valuation gains or losses on cash flow hedges are recognised in the income statement immediately. Derivatives are classified as held for trading, except for derivatives in a hedging relationship with a hedged item that qualify for cash flow hedge accounting. More information on derivative financial instruments is provided from page 109.
█ Receivables are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost. Non-interest-bearing receivables with a remaining maturity of more than one year are recognised at their present value using the effective interest method. For default risks or other risks contained in receivables, sufficient impairment provisions are individually allowed. Receivables that are individually immaterial, and receivables with similar default risk, are grouped together and impairment is recognised on the basis of historical experience. The face amounts of the receivables net of necessary impairment provisions represent the fair values. Irrecoverable receivables are derecognised on an individual case-by-case basis. If the reasons for an impairment provision cease to apply, the impairment loss is reversed, to no more than the asset's historical cost.
█ Foreign currency receivables are measured at the exchange rates at the balance sheet date.
█ Borrowings are initially measured at their actual proceeds. Premiums, discounts or other differences between the proceeds and the repayment amount are realised over the term of the instrument by the effective interest method and recognised in net financial items (at amortised cost).
█ Trade payables are initially measured (at inception of the liability) at the fair value of the goods or services received. Subsequently these payables are measured at amortised cost. Other payables not resulting from the receipt of goods or services are measured at their payable amount.
█ Payables denominated in foreign currencies are recognised at the exchange rates at the balance sheet date.
█ Inventories are measured at the lower of cost of purchase and/or conversion and net selling price. The weighted average cost formula is used. In accordance with IAS 2, the conversion costs of unfinished and finished products include – in addition to directly at-tributable unit costs – reasonable proportions of the necessary material costs and production overheads inclusive of depreciation of manufacturing plant (based on the assumption of normal capacity utilisation) as well as production-related administrative costs. Financing costs are not taken into account. To the extent that inventories are at risk as a result of prolonged storage or reduced saleability, a write-down is recognised.
█ Emission rights are accounted for in accordance with IAS 38 (Intangible Assets), IAS 20 (Accounting for Government Grants and Disclosure of Government Assistance) and IAS 37 (Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets). Emission allowances are issued for a given calendar year and are intangible assets for the purposes of IAS 38 that, except as noted below, are to be classified as current assets. They are assigned a cost of zero. From the point when emissions exceed allocated allowances (one allowance represents one tonne of carbon dioxide), a provision for CO2 emissions must be established for actual additional emissions and recognised in the income statement. The provision is calculated by taking into account the cost incurred for purchased emission allowances or any excess of their market value at the measurement date over their cost. CO2 emission allowances that have already been purchased for use in a subsequent trading period are recorded in non-current assets.
█ Assets (other than inventories and deferred tax assets) are tested at every balance sheet date for evidence of impairment. Goodwill and other intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are reviewed for impairment annually at 31 August regardless of whether there is indication of possible impairment.
█ The impairment test involves determining the asset's recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset's value in use and its net selling price. If the asset's recoverable amount is less than its carrying amount, the difference is expensed as an impairment loss in the income statement.
█ An asset's value in use is the present value of the estimated future cash flows from the asset's continuing use and from its disposal at the end of its useful life. The discount rate used in determining present value is a pretax market rate adjusted for the specific risks of the asset concerned. Where no largely independent cash inflows can be determined, value in use is determined for the next-larger unit (the cash-generating unit) to which the asset belongs and for which largely independent cash inflows can be determined.
█ Where an impairment loss later decreases or is eliminated, the amount of the reversal of the impairment loss (except in the case of goodwill and equity-like securities classified as available-for-sale) is recognised as income in the income statement up to the lower of amortised original cost and value in use. Impairment losses on goodwill are not reversed.
█ The AGRANA Group maintains both defined contribution and defined benefit plans for pensions and termination benefits. Under the defined contribution pension and termination benefit arrangements, AGRANA has no further obligation after paying the agreed premium. Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised as an expense when they fall due, and are reported in staff costs. Contributions paid to government plans are treated in the same manner as those paid to defined contribution plans. As the Group has no payment obligations beyond making the contributions, no provision is maintained.
█ The provisions for defined benefit pension, termination and long-service obligations are calculated using the projected unit credit method in accordance with IAS 19 (Employee Benefits), based on actuarial valuations. This involves determining the present value of the defined benefit obligation and comparing it to the fair value of plan assets at the balance sheet date. In the case of a deficit, a provision is recorded; in the case of a surplus, an asset (other receivable) is recorded. The
defined benefit obligation is measured by the projected unit credit method. Under this method, the future payments determined on the basis of realistic assumptions are accumulated over the period during which the respective beneficiaries acquire the entitlement to these benefits.
█ Service cost is recognised in staff costs. Besides the current service cost for the benefits newly earned by staff every year, it may also include past service cost arising from plan curtailments or changes, which is recognised immediately in profit or loss for the period. The net interest cost for the financial year is calculated by applying the discount rate determined at the beginning of the year to the net pension obligation determined at that time, taking into account the expected payment outflows. Net interest is recognised in finance expense.
█ Actuarial gains and losses arising from changes in actuarial assumptions or from differences between previous actuarial assumptions and observed outcomes are recognised directly in equity in the period in which they occur, along with their effect on deferred taxes (with the exception of obligations for long-service awards). Correspondingly, the full amount of the obligation is recognised in the balance sheet. The changes in actuarial gains and losses recognised in the respective period are presented separately on the face of the statement of comprehensive income. Actuarial gains and losses previously recognised directly in equity cannot be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods. The recognition in other comprehensive income also includes the differences between (i) the interest income on plan assets based on the discount rate and included in net interest and (ii) the actual return on plan assets determined at the end of the period.
█ The calculation is based on extrapolated future trends in salaries, retirement benefits and employee turnover, as well as a discount rate of predominantly 1.6% for the year under review (prior year: 1.8%).
█ A portion of pension obligations was transferred to pension funds. The retirement benefit contributions to be paid are calculated so as to fully fund the retirement benefit obligation at the time of retirement. If a plan deficit occurs, there is an obligation to fund the shortfall. The Group also holds benefit insurance policies to secure its ability to meet obligations under pension and termination benefit plans. The individual assets allocated to the pension plan are netted against the present value of the pension obligation to arrive at the net obligation. The individual assets allocated to the pension plan are netted against the present value of the pension obligation to arrive at the net obligation. Likewise, the qualifying insurance policies are treated as plan assets in reducing the present value of the respective pension and termination benefit obligation.
█ Other provisions are recognised where the following conditions are met: the AGRANA Group has a legal or constructive obligation to a third party as a result of a past event, the obligation is likely to lead to an outflow of resources, and whether the amount of the obligation can be reliably estimated.
█ Provisions are measured at the amount representing the best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the obligation. If the present value of the obligation determined on the basis of a market interest rate differs materially from its nominal amount, the present value of the obligation is used.
█ The risks arising from contingent liabilities are covered by sufficient provisions.
█ Provisions for reclamation comprise obligations for reclamation of properties, emptying and rehabilitation of landfills, remediation or restoration of building structures, legacy soil reclamation and removal of waste residues.
█ "Provisions for staff costs including long-service awards" also include provisions for phased retirement, provisions for redundancy benefit plans under restructuring projects, provisions for bonuses and awards, and other personnel-related provisions. Under IAS 19, long-service awards are classified as long-term employee benefits. These are determined by the projected unit credit method. Actuarial gains and losses are reported in the current period in staff costs. Long-service awards are one-time payments dependent on level of salary or wage and length of service and are stipulated under local company agreements or of collective agreements. Obligations for the payment of such service anniversary bonuses
exist especially in Austria and Germany. In Austria, provisions for phased retirement must be created as a result of labour laws regarding obligations to employees. The legislation concerning phased retirement makes it easier for companies to employ older staff members working reduced hours with substantial financial security until full retirement. Provisions for redundancy benefit plans under restructurings are created only if a formal, detailed restructuring plan has been prepared and communicated.
█ Provisions for uncertain liabilities include, among other items, provisions for litigation risks, onerous contracts, costs of beet receiving, loading and storage, and other uncertain liabilities. A provision for onerous (loss-making) contracts is recognised if the expected economic benefit from a contract is less than the unavoidable cost of fulfilling the contract.
█ Deferred taxes are recognised on temporary differences between the IFRS carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and the tax base; on consolidation entries; and on tax loss carryforwards expected to be utilised. Significant differences exist between the IFRS carrying amounts and the tax base for property, plant and equipment, inventories and provisions. Deferred tax assets are recognised for unused tax loss carryforwards insofar as these are expected to be utilised within five years.
█ Deferred taxes are calculated by the liability method (under IAS 12), based on the pertinent national income tax rates. Consequently, with the exception of goodwill arising on consolidation, deferred taxes are recognised for all temporary differences between the IFRS balance sheet and the tax base, to the extent that deferred tax assets are likely to be realised.
█ When income and expenses are recognised directly in equity, the respective deferred tax assets and liabilities are also taken directly to equity. The assessment of the recoverability of deferred tax assets arising from temporary differences and from tax loss carryforwards takes into account company-specific forecasts of, for instance, the future earnings situation in the respective Group company. Deferred tax assets are recognised only if the associated tax benefits are expected to be realisable over a five-year planning horizon. This is the case if sufficient profits can be earned or if there is sufficient taxable income from the reversal of temporary differences previously recognised as liabilities.
█ Deferred tax assets are classified as non-current assets; deferred tax liabilities are recorded as non-current liabilities. Deferred tax assets are off set against deferred tax liabilities if they relate to the same tax authority.
█ The income tax reported represents the tax levied in the individual countries on taxable income, and the movement in deferred taxes.
█ Revenue from goods sold is recognised when substantially all risks and rewards incident to ownership have passed to the purchaser. Revenue from services provided is recognised to the extent that the services have been rendered by the balance sheet date.
█ Operating expenses are recognised in the income statement upon use of the product or service or as incurred.
█ Finance expenses comprise the interest expense, similar expenses and transaction costs on borrowings including finance leases; financing-related currency translation gains and losses; and financing-related hedging gains and losses.
█ Income from financial investments represents interest, dividend and similar income realised from cash-equivalent investments and investments in other financial assets; gains and losses on the disposal of financial assets; and impairment losses and impairment loss reversals.
█ Interest income is recognised on an accrual basis using the effective interest method. Dividend income is recognised at the time of the decision to pay the dividend.
█ The preparation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires the Company's management to make judgements and to act on assumptions about future developments. These judgements and assumptions can have a material effect on the recognition and measurement of the assets and liabilities, the disclosure of other liabilities at the balance sheet date, and the amounts of income and expenses reported for the financial year.
█ The following assumptions involve a not insignificant risk that they may lead to a material change in the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the next financial year:
| Pension benefits | Termination benefits | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 Feb | 29 Feb | 28 Feb | 29 Feb | ||
| €000 | 2017 | 2016 | 2017 | 2016 | |
| Change in actuarial assumptions | |||||
| Discount rate | |||||
| +0.5 percentage points | (2,458) | (2,572) | (1,628) | (1,720) | |
| –0.5 percentage points | 2,704 | 2,829 | 1,743 | 1,865 | |
| Wage and salary increase | |||||
| +0.25 percentage points | 77 | 92 | 848 | 905 | |
| –0.25 percentage points | (76) | (91) | (819) | (872) | |
| Pension increase | |||||
| +0.25 percentage points | 1,184 | 1,205 | – | – | |
| –0.25 percentage points | (1,137) | (1,157) | – | – | |
| Life expectancy | |||||
| Increase by 1 year | 3,721 | 4,069 | – | – | |
| Decrease by 1 year | (3,833) | (4,202) | – | – |
█ The AGRANA Group holds 50.01% of the share capital of AUSTRIA JUICE GmbH and is subsidiaries. As a result of the underlying contracts and arrangements, AGRANA exercises control over these companies and fully consolidates them in the Group accounts.
| €000 | 2016 17 | 2015 16 |
|---|---|---|
| By nature of activity | ||
| Revenue from sale of finished goods | 2,373,968 | 2,220,995 |
| Revenue from sale of goods purchased for resale | 180,515 | 246,094 |
| Service revenue | 6,813 | 10,558 |
| Total | 2,561,296 | 2,477,647 |
The regional analysis of revenue is presented in the segment reporting section (beginning on page 69).
The Group's top ten customers accounted for 26% (prior year: 27%) of consolidated revenue. One AGRANA customer accounted for 12% (prior year: 12%) of consolidated revenue. No other customer represented more than 10% of revenue.
| €000 | 2016 17 | 2015 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Changes in inventories of finished and unfinished goods | 51,035 | 25,183 |
| Own work capitalised | 1,320 | 1,523 |
The change in inventories of finished and unfinished goods amounted to a net increase of € 51,035 thousand (prior year: increase of € 25,183 thousand). The change reflected mainly the Sugar segment with an increase of € 67,100 thousand (prior year: decrease of € 14,965 thousand), and the Fruit segment (particularly the juice activities), with a decrease of € 22,438 thousand (prior year: increase of € 39,520 thousand).
| €000 | 2016 17 | 2015 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Income from | ||
| Currency translation gains | 9,520 | 11,356 |
| Exceptional income | 3,998 | 65 |
| Insurance benefits and payments for damages | 3,870 | 4,596 |
| Derivatives | 1,512 | 3,882 |
| Services rendered to third parties | 1,388 | 1,773 |
| Beet and pulp cleaning, transport and handling | 1,207 | 1,068 |
| Rent and leases | 622 | 1,010 |
| Disposal of non-current assets other than financial assets | 502 | 438 |
| Non-recurring gain on initial consolidation | 0 | 3,590 |
| Other items | 14,216 | 16,309 |
| Total | 36,835 | 44,087 |
Within other operating income, "other items" represent, among others, revenue from the pass-through of costs for consumables, raw materials and services.
| €000 | 2016 17 | 2015 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Costs of | ||
| Raw materials | 1,177,583 | 1,120,260 |
| Consumables and goods purchased for resale | 578,972 | 603,728 |
| Purchased services | 72,105 | 59,735 |
| Total | 1,828,660 | 1,783,723 |
| €000 | 2016 17 | 2015 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Wages and salaries | 226,139 | 223,196 |
| Social security contributions, retirement benefit expenses | ||
| and other staff costs | 62,572 | 62,500 |
| Total | 288,711 | 285,696 |
The expense for the unwinding of discount on the pension and termination benefits newly accrued in prior years, less the return on plan assets, is included within net financial items. The interest component, at € 1,196 thousand (prior year: € 1,010 thousand) is included in net financial items. The current and past service costs are included in staff costs.
In the 2016|17 financial year an expense of € 17,409 thousand (prior year: € 16,937 thousand) was recognised for contributions to government pension plans.
€ 1,018 thousand of contributions to a defined contribution termination benefit fund were recognised in the income statement for the year (prior year: € 949 thousand).
Wages and salaries included € 0 thousand of exceptional items (prior year: € 1,587 thousand).
| 2016 17 | 2015 16 | |
|---|---|---|
| By employee category | ||
| Wage-earning staff | 6,125 | 6,078 |
| Salaried staff | 2,431 | 2,345 |
| Apprentices | 82 | 87 |
| Total | 8,638 | 8,510 |
| 2016 17 | 2015 16 | |
|---|---|---|
| By region | ||
| Austria | 2,083 | 2,061 |
| Hungary | 430 | 432 |
| Romania | 601 | 645 |
| Rest of EU | 1,555 | 1,574 |
| EU-28 | 4,669 | 4,712 |
| Rest of Europe (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Russia, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine) | 1,359 | 1,313 |
| Other foreign countries | 2,610 | 2,485 |
| Total | 8,638 | 8,510 |
The average number of employees of joint ventures in full-time equivalents over the year was as follows (reported at company totals, not proportionately):
| 2016 17 | 2015 16 | |
|---|---|---|
| By employee category | ||
| Wage-earning staff | 318 | 289 |
| Salaried staff | 188 | 179 |
| Total | 506 | 468 |
| Amorti- | of | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| sation, | Impair- | impair | ||
| depre- | ment | ment | ||
| €000 | Total | ciation | losses | losses |
| 2016 17 | ||||
| Intangible assets | 5,414 | 5,414 | 0 | 0 |
| Property, plant and equipment | 78,983 | 78,657 | 331 | (5) |
| Recognised in operating profit before exceptional items | ||||
| and results of equity-accounted joint ventures | 84,397 | 84,071 | 331 | (5) |
| Recognised in operating profit [EBIT] | 84,397 | 84,071 | 331 | (5) |
| Recognised in net financial items | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 84,397 | 84,071 | 331 | (5) |
| 2015 16 | ||||
| Intangible assets | 7,282 | 7,282 | 0 | 0 |
| Property, plant and equipment | 77,189 | 77,501 | 509 | (821) |
| Recognised in operating profit before exceptional items | ||||
| and results of equity-accounted joint ventures | 84,471 | 84,783 | 509 | (821) |
| Exceptional items | 910 | 0 | 910 | 0 |
| Recognised in operating profit [EBIT] | 85,381 | 84,783 | 1,419 | (821) |
| Financial assets | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Recognised in net financial items | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 85,389 | 84,791 | 1,419 | (821) |
| Impairment losses and reversals of impairment losses, by segment, were as follows: | Reversal of |
|
|---|---|---|
| €000 | Impair- ment losses |
impair ment losses |
| 2016 17 | ||
| Sugar segment | 287 | 0 |
| Starch segment | 0 | (5) |
| Fruit segment | 44 | 0 |
| Group | 331 | (5) |
| 2015 16 |
| Group | 1,419 | (821) |
|---|---|---|
| Fruit segment | 910 | 0 |
| Starch segment | 0 | (804) |
| Sugar segment | 509 | (17) |
The impairment losses in the Sugar segment related principally to expenses for the derecognition of assets.
| €000 | 2016 17 | 2015 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Selling and freight costs | 141,350 | 136,159 |
| Operating and administrative expenses | 93,204 | 91,958 |
| Exceptional items | 13,035 | 622 |
| Rent and lease expenses | 10,551 | 9,965 |
| Advertising expenses | 8,220 | 8,338 |
| Currency translation losses | 7,640 | 10,860 |
| Other taxes | 6,688 | 6,657 |
| Production levy | 3,761 | 3,774 |
| Derivatives | 2,400 | 2,594 |
| Losses on disposal of non-current assets | 1,987 | 2,040 |
| Damage payments | 1,443 | 924 |
| Research and development expenses (external) | 739 | 917 |
| Other items | 15,922 | 14,400 |
| Total | 306,940 | 289,208 |
Internal and external R&D costs totalled € 15,852 thousand (prior year: € 14,911 thousand).
Within other operating expenses, "other items" included, for instance, provisions and other purchased services.
The costs incurred in the financial year for external auditor KPMG Austria GmbH Wirtschaftsprüfungs- und Steuerberatungsgesellschaft were € 741 thousand (prior year: € 468 thousand). Of this total, € 384 thousand (prior year: € 447 thousand) related to the audit of the consolidated financial statements (including the audit of the separate financial statements of individual subsidiaries), € 234 thousand (prior year: € 8 thousand) was for other assurance services, and € 123 thousand (prior year: € 13 thousand) represented other non-audit services.
The share of results of equity-accounted joint ventures of € 30,589 thousand (prior year: € 24,523 thousand) included the Group's share of the profits or losses of the joint ventures in the HUNGRANA group and the AGRANA-STUDEN group.
| €000 | 2016 17 | 2015 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating profit before exceptional items and | ||
| results of equity-accounted joint ventures | 150,815 | 107,486 |
| Exceptional items | (9,037) | (3,054) |
| Share of results of equity-accounted joint ventures | 30,589 | 24,523 |
| Total | 172,367 | 128,955 |
Exceptional items – separately presented only in the section "Segment information" – consisted of an expense for tax liabilities in connection with a tax audit in Romania, an expense for a provision for a legal dispute in Romania, and income from the settlement of real estate litigation in the Czech Republic in the Sugar segment. The related amounts recognised in the consolidated income statement were € 3,998 thousand (prior year: € 65 thousand) within other operating income, € 0 thousand (prior year: € 1,587 thousand) within staff costs, € 0 thousand (prior year: € 910 thousand) within depreciation, amortisation and impairment losses, and € 13,035 thousand (prior year: € 622 thousand) within other operating expenses.
| €000 | 2016 17 | 2015 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Interest income | 2,861 | 9,724 |
| Currency translation gains | 17,723 | 12,271 |
| Income from non-consolidated subsidiaries and outside companies | 565 | 37 |
| Gains on derivatives | 9,156 | 21,373 |
| Miscellaneous finance income | 776 | 384 |
| Total | 31,081 | 43,789 |
Interest income by segment was as follows:
| €000 | 2016 17 | 2015 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar segment | 1,561 | 8,099 |
| Starch segment | 42 | 111 |
| Fruit segment | 1,258 | 1,514 |
| Group | 2,861 | 9,724 |
| €000 | 2016 17 | 2015 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Interest expense | 13,509 | 17,668 |
| Net interest on provisions for pensions and termination benefits | 1,196 | 1,010 |
| Currency translation losses | 13,018 | 24,515 |
| Expenses from non-consolidated subsidiaries and outside companies | 0 | 9 |
| Losses on derivatives | 13,329 | 22,074 |
| Miscellaneous finance expense | 7,908 | 3,032 |
| Total | 48,960 | 68,308 |
Interest expense by segment was as follows:
| €000 | 2016 17 | 2015 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar segment | 11,358 | 15,818 |
| Starch segment | 40 | 23 |
| Fruit segment | 2,111 | 1,827 |
| Group | 13,509 | 17,668 |
Interest expense includes the interest component of € 124 thousand (prior year: € 98 thousand) from the discounting of the non-current obligation for long-service awards.
Net currency translation differences on financing activities amounted to a gain of € 4,705 thousand (prior year: loss of € 12,244 thousand). This was composed of a realised gain of € 743 thousand (prior year: realised loss of € 1,211 thousand) and an unrealised gain of € 3,962 thousand (prior year: unrealised loss of € 11,033 thousand). The net loss was attributable largely to movements in exchange rates for the currencies of Brazil and Egypt.
The item "miscellaneous finance expense" included a non-recurring expense of € 4,761 thousand (prior year: € 0 thousand) as a result of an impairment charge on cash and cash equivalents in Ukraine in the Fruit segment.
Current and deferred tax expenses and credits pertained to Austrian and foreign income taxes and had the following composition:
| €000 | 2016 17 | 2015 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Current tax expense | 36,755 | 22,698 |
| Of which Austrian | 11,575 | 4,422 |
| Of which foreign | 25,180 | 18,276 |
| Deferred tax (benefit)/expense | (122) | 810 |
| Of which Austrian | (135) | 2,991 |
| Of which foreign | 13 | (2,181) |
| Total tax expense | 36,633 | 23,508 |
| Of which Austrian | 11,440 | 7,413 |
| Of which foreign | 25,193 | 16,095 |
| €000 | 2016 17 | 2015 16 |
|---|---|---|
| (Decrease) in deferred tax assets in the consolidated balance sheet | (539) | (7,311) |
| (Increase)/decrease in deferred tax liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet | (8,621) | 5,943 |
| Total change in deferred taxes before changes in scope of consolidation | (9,160) | (1,368) |
| Of which changes in scope of consolidation, recognised directly in equity | (9,690) | 0 |
| Of which recognised in other comprehensive income (remeasurement, cash flow hedges and IAS 19) | 193 | 802 |
| Of which currency translation, and other | 215 | (1,360) |
| Of which recognised in the income statement | 122 | (810) |
| €000 | 2016 17 | 2015 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Profit before tax | 154,488 | 104,436 |
| Standard Austrian tax rate | 25% | 25% |
| Nominal tax expense at standard Austrian rate | 38,622 | 26,109 |
| Tax effect of: | ||
| Different tax rates applied on foreign income | (1,690) | (122) |
| Tax-exempt income and tax deductions, | ||
| including results of equity-accounted joint ventures | (9,441) | (6,756) |
| Non-tax-deductible expenses and additional tax debits | 4,405 | 2,180 |
| Effects of unrecognized tax loss carryforwards | ||
| in respect of the financial year | 102 | 2,197 |
| Effects of impairment of deferred taxes | 0 | 97 |
| Non-recurring tax expenses | 4,635 | (197) |
| Income tax expense | 36,633 | 23,508 |
| Effective tax rate | 23.7% | 22.5% |
2016|17 2015|16
The nominal tax charge or credit is based on application of the standard Austrian corporation tax rate of 25%.
The Tax Reform Act of 2005 introduced a new concept for the taxation of company groups. In accordance with the provisions of this Act, the AGRANA Group established a group consisting of AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG as the group parent and the following group members: AGRANA Zucker GmbH, AGRANA Stärke GmbH, AGRANA Marketing- und Vertriebsservice Gesellschaft mbH, AGRANA Internationale Verwaltungs- und Asset-Management GmbH, AGRANA Group-Services GmbH, INSTANTINA Nahrungsmittel Entwicklungs- und Produktionsgesellschaft mbH and AUSTRIA JUICE GmbH.
Deferred taxes are recognised on differences between carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements and the tax bases of the individual companies in their home countries. Deferred taxes take into account carryforwards of unused tax losses.
In the interest of conservative planning, deferred taxes reflect carryforwards of tax losses only to the extent that sufficient taxable profit is likely to be earned over the next five years to utilise the deferred tax assets. € 13,902 thousand (prior year: € 16,075 thousand) of potential tax assets were not recognised. These related to cumulative unused tax loss carryforwards of € 60,871 thousand (prior year: € 72,412 thousand). Of the unused tax loss carryforwards, € 31,175 thousand (prior year: € 25,568 thousand) can be carried forward indefinitely, € 26,786 thousand (prior year: € 20,851 thousand) expire in two to four years, € 2,910 thousand (prior year: € 17,020 thousand) expire in five to seven years and € 0 thousand (prior year: € 8,973 thousand) expire in the 2018 calendar year.
At the balance sheet date the deferred tax assets and liabilities recognised directly in equity amounted to a net asset of € 7,392 thousand (prior year: € 7,198 thousand).
For temporary differences on investments in subsidiaries, deferred tax liabilities of € 211,264 thousand (prior year: € 191,574 thousand) were not recognised, as these gains are intended to be reinvested for an indefinite period and these temporary differences are thus not likely to reverse in the foreseeable future.
| Note (13) | 7.13. Earnings per share |
|---|---|
| Profit for the period attributable to shareholders | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| of the parent (AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG) | €000 | 111,315 | 82,723 |
| Average number of shares outstanding | 14,301,709 | 14,301,7091 | |
| Earnings per share under IFRS (basic and diluted) | € | 7.78 | 5.781 |
| Dividend per share | € | 4.002 | 4.00 |
Based on the number of shares outstanding at the balance sheet date, earnings per share were as follows:
| 2016 17 | 2015 16 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of shares outstanding at the balance sheet date | 15,622,244 | 14,202,040 |
| Earnings per share € |
7.13 | 5.82 |
Following the increase in share capital, the number of shares issued and outstanding is 15,622,244 shares since 17 February 2017.
Subject to the Annual General Meeting's approval of the proposed allocation of profit for the 2016|17 financial year, AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG will pay a dividend of € 62,489 thousand (prior year: € 56,808 thousand).
The cash flow statement is prepared using the indirect method and in accordance with IAS 7. The statement traces the movements in the AGRANA Group's cash and cash equivalents arising from operating, investing and financing activities.
Cash and cash equivalents, for the purpose of the cash flow statement, represent cash on hand, cheques and bank deposits.
As a result of currency legislation, there are restrictions on access to cash and cash equivalents of subsidiaries in the amount of € 16,887 thousand (prior year: € 18,237 thousand) in China, Ukraine and Egypt.
Cash and cash equivalents do not include current bank borrowings or securities classified as current assets.
The currency translation effects, except those on cash and cash equivalents, are already eliminated in the respective balance sheet items.
Operating cash flow before changes in working capital was € 258,020 thousand (prior year: € 225,914 thousand), or 10.07% of revenue (prior year: 9.12%). The non-cash expenses/income consisted mainly of the unrealised currency translation gains of € 3,962 thousand (prior year: unrealised currency translation losses of € 11,033 thousand) reflected in net financial items, non-cash income taxes of € 36,633 thousand (prior year: € 23,508 thousand), non-cash interest of € 10,153 thousand (prior year: € 8,376 thousand), a non-cash change of € 284 thousand (prior year: € 1,146 thousand) in impairment on receivables, and non-cash inventory write-downs of € 4,640 thousand (prior year: € 5,471 thousand). After changes in working capital and after cash flows from interest and taxes, net cash from operating activities was € 255,785 thousand (prior year: € 101,913 thousand).
Net cash used in investing activities increased by € 151,606 thousand from € 19,924 thousand to € 171,530 thousand. This was driven primarily by higher outflows from purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets of € 123,418 thousand (prior year: € 107,720 thousand), payments of € 45,467 thousand for the acquisition of the two Argentine subsidiaries (which includes acquired cash and cash equivalents of € 82 thousand), AGRANA's share of € 3,750 thousand of the capital increase of the AGRANA-STUDEN group, and, as a base effect in the prior year, the redemption by RAIFFEISEN-HOLDING NIEDERÖSTERREICH-WIEN registrierte Genossenschaft mit beschränkter Haftung of its participation capital of € 85,000 thousand which AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG had subscribed.
Proceeds from the disposal of non-current assets amounted to € 1,155 thousand (prior year: € 3,103 thousand).
Borrowings (net of unrealised currency translation losses) fell by € 158,111 thousand in the 2016|17 financial year (prior year: reduction of € 21,098 thousand). The decrease was explained largely by the repayment of two syndicated loans of € 111,100 thousand, the repayment of cash advances and the repayment of maturing bank loans.
The cash capital increase had a positive impact of € 139,719 thousand on net cash from financing activities, as did the increase of € 85,000 thousand in borrowings from affiliated companies in the Südzucker group (conversely, in the prior year AGRANA repaid current borrowings of € 85,000 thousand to affiliated companies in the Südzucker group as a result of the redemption of the participation capital by RAIFFEISEN-HOLDING NIEDERÖSTERREICH-WIEN registrierte Genossenschaft).
Dividends paid consisted mainly of the cash dividend distributed to the shareholders of AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG.
| Concessions, licences and similar |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| €000 | Goodwill | rights | Total |
| 2016 17 | |||
| Cost | |||
| At 1 March 2016 | 226,202 | 95,308 | 321,510 |
| Currency translation differences | (5) | 823 | 818 |
| Changes in scope of consolidation/other changes | 34,777 | 8,924 | 43,701 |
| Additions | 0 | 1,215 | 1,215 |
| Reclassifications | 0 | 392 | 392 |
| Disposals | 0 | (406) | (406) |
| At 28 February 2017 | 260,974 | 106,256 | 367,230 |
| Accumulated amortisation and impairment | |||
| At 1 March 2016 | 0 | 79,549 | 79,549 |
| Currency translation differences | 0 | 335 | 335 |
| Amortisation for the period | 0 | 5,414 | 5,414 |
| Reclassifications | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Disposals | 0 | (389) | (389) |
| At 28 February 2017 | 0 | 84,911 | 84,911 |
| Carrying amount at 28 February 2017 | 260,974 | 21,345 | |
| 2015 16 | |||
| Cost | |||
| At 1 March 2015 | 226,176 | 90,449 | |
| Currency translation differences | 26 | (355) | |
| Changes in scope of consolidation/other changes | 0 | 41 | |
| Additions | 0 | 6,682 | |
| Reclassifications | 0 | 1,342 | |
| Disposals | 0 | (2,851) | |
| At 29 February 2016 | 226,202 | 95,308 | |
| Accumulated amortisation and impairment | |||
| At 1 March 2015 | 0 | 75,150 | |
| Currency translation differences | 0 | (245) | |
| Changes in scope of consolidation/other changes | 0 | 43 | |
| Amortisation for the period | 0 | 7,282 | |
| Reclassifications | 0 | 87 | |
| Disposals | 0 | (2,768) | |
| At 29 February 2016 | 0 | 79,549 | 282,319 316,625 (329) 41 6,682 1,342 (2,851) 321,510 75,150 (245) 43 7,282 87 (2,768) 79,549 |
█ Intangible assets consist largely of acquired customer relationships, software, patents and similar rights.
█ The additions of € 1,215 thousand (prior year: € 6,682 thousand) of non-goodwill intangible assets related primarily to software. In the item "changes in scope of consolidation/other changes", an amount of € 8,924 thousand represented customer relationships and trademarks under the purchase price allocation of the newly acquired companies in Argentina.
█ Of the total carrying amount of goodwill, the Fruit segment accounted for € 239,257 thousand (prior year:
€ 204,485 thousand), the Sugar segment for € 20,111 thousand (prior year: € 20,111 thousand) and the Starch segment for € 1,606 thousand (prior year: € 1,606 thousand). The change in the Fruit segment is attributable largely to the acquisition of the Argentine subsidiaries and the resulting goodwill.
█ To satisfy the provisions of IFRS 3 in conjunction with IAS 36 and to allow the calculation of any impairment of goodwill, AGRANA has defined its cash-generating units to match its internal reporting structure. The cash-generating units in the AGRANA Group are the Sugar segment, Starch segment and Fruit segment, consistent with the internal management accounting and reporting processes. All goodwill was allocated to cash-generating units.
█ To test for impairment, the carrying amount of each cash-generating unit is measured by allocating to it the corresponding assets and liabilities, inclusive of attributable goodwill and other intangible assets. Impairment is recognised in profit or loss when the recoverable amount (value in use) of a cash-generating unit is less than its carrying amount inclusive of goodwill.
█ In testing for impairment, AGRANA uses a discounted cash flow method to determine the value in use of the cashgenerating units. The determination of expected cash flows from each cash-generating unit is based on business plans that are validated and approved by Supervisory Board committees and have a planning horizon of five years. Projections beyond a five-year horizon are based on the assumption of a constant, inflation-induced growth rate of 1.5% per year (assumption in the prior year: 1.5%). The cost of capital (WACC) is calculated as the weighted average cost of equity and debt capital for each CGU.
█ The cost of equity is based on a risk-free rate, a return premium for the business risk, and a premium for country risk and inflation differential. The spot rate of a 30-year zero coupon bond, based on Deutsche Bundesbank data, was used as the risk-free rate of return. Business risk is represented by the product of a general market risk premium of 7.0% (prior year: 6.5%) and a beta factor derived from a peer group of nine companies. The country risk and the inflation differential are assigned a volatility factor of 1.4 (prior year: 1.5).
█ The cost of debt capital is calculated as the risk-free rate, the inflation differential, and the credit spread determined by reference to the capital market.
| Goodwill | WACC before tax | Excess of value in use over carrying amount |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 Feb | 29 Feb | 28 Feb | 29 Feb | ||||
| 2017 | 2016 | 2016 17 | 2015 16 | 2017 | 2016 | ||
| €m | €m | % | % | €m | €m | ||
| Fruit CGU | 239 | 204 | 8.55 | 10.48 | 454 | 67 | |
| Starch CGU | 2 | 2 | 4.94 | 6.11 | 1,059 | 576 | |
| Sugar CGU | 20 | 20 | 6.71 | 7.66 | 276 | 61 | |
| Group | 261 | 226 | – | – | 1,789 | 704 |
The following table presents the carrying amounts of the goodwill, the respective discount rate (WACC) and the excess of recoverable over carrying amount, by CGU:
█ As a result of the purchase of the subsidiaries in Argentina, the goodwill of the Fruit CGU was tested for impairment at 1 December 2016. No impairment was identified.
█ The quality of the forecast data is frequently tested against actual outcomes with the help of variance analysis. The insights gained are then taken into account during the preparation of the next annual plan. Projections of value in use are highly sensitive to assumptions regarding future local market developments and volume trends. Value in use is therefore ascertained both on the basis of experience and of assumptions that are reviewed with experts for the regional markets.
█ The amounts by which the recoverable amounts exceeded the carrying amounts were subjected to a sensitivity analysis. The results are presented on page 85. The goodwill is not tax-deductible.
█ At the balance sheet date, other intangible assets with an indefinite useful life that were not significant for the AGRANA Group were included.
| buildings | machinery | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| equipment | struction | Total | ||
| 554,921 | 1,154,278 | 192,260 | 23,587 | 1,925,046 |
| 7,111 | 6,054 | 3,333 | 432 | 16,930 |
| 21,193 | ||||
| 113,443 | ||||
| 4,602 | 4,421 | 7,663 | (17,078) | (392) |
| (3,010) | (26,544) | (8,542) | (110) | (38,206) |
| (336) | (828) | 0 | 0 | (1,164) |
| 583,766 | 1,177,328 | 206,368 | 69,388 | 2,036,850 |
| 294,944 | 799,714 | 149,812 | 984 | 1,245,454 |
| 2,552 | 4,296 | 2,600 | 0 | 9,448 |
| 16,568 | 50,384 | 11,705 | 0 | 78,657 |
| 176 | 41 | 4 | 110 | 331 |
| 31 | (2,912) | 2,879 | 0 | (2) |
| (2,330) | (25,788) | (7,822) | 0 | (35,940) |
| (2) | (3) | 0 | 0 | (5) |
| 311,939 | 825,732 | 159,178 | 1,094 | 1,297,943 |
| 738,907 | ||||
| 13,545 6,933 271,827 |
7,375 32,572 351,596 |
167 11,487 47,190 |
106 62,451 68,294 |
| Carrying amount at 29 February 2016 | 259,977 | 354,564 | 42,448 | 22,603 | 679,592 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At 29 February 2016 | 294,944 | 799,714 | 149,812 | 984 | 1,245,454 |
| Reversal of impairment losses | (326) | (495) | 0 | 0 | (821) |
| Disposals | (10,193) | (20,853) | (5,611) | 0 | (36,657) |
| Reclassifications | 1,128 | (2,220) | 1,006 | 0 | (86) |
| Impairment | 0 | 910 | 0 | 510 | 1,420 |
| Depreciation for the period | 15,866 | 50,118 | 11,517 | 0 | 77,501 |
| other changes | (54) | 1,387 | 1,608 | 0 | 2,941 |
| Changes in scope of consolidation/ | |||||
| Currency translation differences | (2,897) | (7,762) | (1,842) | 1 | (12,500) |
| At 1 March 2015 | 291,420 | 778,629 | 143,134 | 473 | 1,213,656 |
| Accumulated depreciation and impairment | |||||
| At 29 February 2016 | 554,921 | 1,154,278 | 192,260 | 23,587 | 1,925,046 |
| Government grants | (114) | (127) | 0 | 0 | (241) |
| Disposals | (12,371) | (22,148) | (5,944) | (193) | (40,656) |
| Reclassifications | 17,633 | 31,037 | 4,495 | (54,508) | (1,343) |
| Additions | 18,209 | 36,749 | 8,328 | 46,015 | 109,301 |
| other changes | 13 | 1,918 | 3,762 | 49 | 5,742 |
| Changes in scope of consolidation/ | |||||
| Currency translation differences | (7,630) | (11,547) | (2,425) | (1,348) | (22,950) |
| At 1 March 2015 | 539,181 | 1,118,396 | 184,044 | 33,572 | 1,875,193 |
| Cost |
█ Additions (i.e., purchases) of intangible assets (other than goodwill) and property, plant and equipment:
| €000 | 2016 17 | 2015 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar segment | 23,259 | 46,102 |
| Starch segment | 57,577 | 28,151 |
| Fruit segment | 33,822 | 41,730 |
| Group | 114,658 | 115,983 |
█ Currency translation differences are the differences between amounts arising from the translation of the opening balances of foreign Group companies at the exchange rates prevailing at the start and at the end of the reporting period.
█ The AGRANA Group, in addition to operating leases, also employs a small number of finance leases. The major finance lease relates to the renting of a building erected on AGRANA land at the site in Kröllendorf/Allhartsberg, Austria. An option to purchase this third-party building can be exercised in the 2018|19 financial year. The finance leases for other plant, fixtures and fittings are of minor significance and are primarily vehicle leases. The movement in property, plant and equipment under finance leases and the reconciliation of future minimum lease payments to their present value are shown below:
| 2016 17 | 2015 16 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| €000 | Land, lease- hold rights and buildings |
Technical plant and machinery |
Other plant, furniture and equipment |
Land, lease- hold rights and buildings |
Other plant, furniture and equipment |
|
| Cost | 3,003 | 870 | 132 | 3,003 | 59 | |
| Less accumulated depreciation and impairment |
(491) | (438) | (21) | (235) | (17) | |
| Carrying amount | 2,512 | 432 | 111 | 2,768 | 42 |
| 2016 17 | 2015 16 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Future minimum |
Future minimum |
|||||
| €000 | lease payments |
Interest | Present value |
lease payments |
Interest | Present value |
| In the subsequent year | 572 | (73) | 499 | 331 | (57) | 274 |
| In years 2 to 5 | 3,022 | (156) | 2,866 | 2,642 | (92) | 2,550 |
| In more than 5 years | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 3,594 | (229) | 3,365 | 2,973 | (149) | 2,824 |
█ The use of off-balance sheet property, plant and equipment (under operating leases) gives rise to the following obligations under lease, licence and rental agreements:
| €000 | 2016 17 | 2015 16 |
|---|---|---|
| In the subsequent year | 3,678 | 3,976 |
| In years 2 to 5 | 13,836 | 12,051 |
| In more than 5 years | 5,224 | 7,215 |
█ The AGRANA Group does not act as a lessor.
| €000 | Equity- accounted joint ventures |
Securities (non- current) |
Investments in non consolidated subsidiaries and outside companies |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 17 | ||||
| At 1 March 2016 | 60,906 | 18,622 | 1,091 | 80,619 |
| Currency translation differences | 753 | 40 | 0 | 793 |
| Additions, including capital increase | ||||
| at joint ventures | 5,000 | 91 | 0 | 5,091 |
| Share of results of equity-accounted joint ventures | 30,589 | 0 | 0 | 30,589 |
| Disposals, and dividends of | ||||
| equity-accounted joint ventures | (24,500) | (54) | (40) | (24,594) |
| Other comprehensive (expense)/income | (3) | 127 | 0 | 124 |
| At 28 February 2017 | 72,745 | 18,826 | 1,051 | 92,622 |
| 2015 16 | ||||
| At 1 March 2015 | 84,384 | 104,879 | 1,114 | 190,377 |
| Currency translation differences | (2,104) | 33 | 0 | (2,071) |
| Additions | 0 | 308 | 10 | 318 |
| Share of results of equity-accounted joint ventures | 24,523 | 0 | 0 | 24,523 |
| Impairment losses | 0 | 0 | (8) | (8) |
| Disposals, and dividends of | ||||
| equity-accounted joint ventures | (45,900) | (85,069) | (25) | (130,994) |
| Other comprehensive income/(expense) | 3 | (1,529) | 0 | (1,526) |
| At 29 February 2016 | 60,906 | 18,622 | 1,091 | 80,619 |
The securities were predominantly securities of Austrian issuers.
| 28 Feb | 29 Feb | |
|---|---|---|
| €000 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Trade receivables | 317,397 | 296,566 |
| Amounts due from affiliated companies and joint ventures | 19,340 | 28,059 |
| Amounts due from associates in the Südzucker group | 2,816 | 3,215 |
| Positive fair value of derivatives | 1,856 | 3,186 |
| Receivable for legacy soil reclamation | 208 | 208 |
| Receivable under government grants | 186 | 199 |
| Other financial assets | 18,985 | 25,504 |
| Financial instruments | 360,788 | 356,937 |
| VAT credits and other tax credits | 80,427 | 73,079 |
| Accrued income | 3,180 | 15,262 |
| Prepaid expenses | 5,331 | 4,845 |
| Total | 449,726 | 450,123 |
| Of which due after more than 1 year | 7,115 | 10,602 |
Amounts due from affiliated companies represent open accounts with non-consolidated subsidiaries, with the Group's parent company Südzucker AG and Südzucker's subsidiaries, and with joint ventures.
Deferred tax assets were attributable to balance sheet items as follows:
| 28 Feb | 29 Feb | |
|---|---|---|
| €000 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Deferred tax assets | ||
| Intangible assets and property, plant and equipment | 2,099 | 2,820 |
| Non-current financial assets (primarily "one-seventh" write-downs | ||
| on non-consolidated subsidiaries and on outside companies) | 4,969 | 4,310 |
| Inventories | 4,398 | 3,720 |
| Receivables and other assets | 1,426 | 1,690 |
| Carryforwards of unused tax losses | 1,072 | 3,022 |
| Retirement, termination and long-service benefit obligations | 7,354 | 7,153 |
| Other provisions and liabilities | 12,103 | 11,295 |
| Total deferred tax assets | 33,421 | 34,010 |
| Deferred tax assets offset against deferred tax liabilities | ||
| relating to the same tax authority | (19,087) | (19,137) |
| Net deferred tax assets | 14,334 | 14,873 |
Deferred tax liabilities are detailed in note 28.
| 28 Feb | 29 Feb | |
|---|---|---|
| €000 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Raw materials and consumables | 190,136 | 182,680 |
| Finished and unfinished goods | 470,918 | 418,441 |
| Goods purchased for resale | 34,978 | 53,051 |
| Total | 696,032 | 654,172 |
Write-downs of € 4,640 thousand (prior year: € 5,471 thousand) were recognised on inventories, with the Sugar segment accounting for € 3,157 thousand (prior year: € 3,058 thousand) of this total. These impairment charges were attributable to a reduction in net realisable values of quota sugar and non-quota sugar at the balance sheet date.
This item represented a Belgian property with a carrying amount of € 1,631 thousand, disclosed at its carrying amount in accordance with IFRS 5. On 24 February 2017 the property was sold at a price of € 1,650 thousand.
█ The 28th Annual General Meeting on 3 July 2015 authorised the Management Board for a period of five years to increase the share capital, subject to the agreement of the Supervisory Board, by up to a total of € 15,261,295.18 by issuing up to 2,100,000 new ordinary bearer shares of the Company against payment in cash or contributions in kind, in one or more tranches. Accordingly, the Management Board and Supervisory Board decided on 31 January 2017 and 1 February 2017 to increase the share capital of the Company from a nominal amount of € 103,210,250 by a nominal amount of not more than € 10,321,025 to a new nominal amount of up to € 113,531,275 by issuing up to 1,420,204 bearer shares with an accounting par value of € 7.27 per share.
█ The share capital at the balance sheet date was € 113,531,275 (prior year: € 103,210,250), divided into 15,622,244 (prior year: 14,202,040) voting ordinary bearer shares. All shares were fully paid.
█ The movements in the Group's equity are presented from page 66.
█ The capital reserves ("share premium and other capital reserves") consist of share premium (i.e., additional paid-in capital) and of reserves resulting from the reorganisation of companies. The new shares were issued at a price of € 100 per share. The resulting share premium of € 131,699,375, less the after-tax cost of € 2,301,471 of the capital increase, was added
to the equity item "share premium and other capital reserves". At the balance sheet date the amount of share premium and other capital reserves was € 540,759,999 (prior year: € 411,362,095).
█ Retained earnings consist of the available-for-sale reserve and the reserves for cash flow hedges, actuarial gains and losses, investments in equity-accounted joint ventures, effects of consolidation-related foreign currency translation, and accumulated profits/losses for the period.
█ The additional contributions by other shareholders of € 1,250 thousand related to the external share of a capital increase in the AGRANA-STUDEN group.
█ Changes in ownership interest and in the scope of consolidation resulted from a capital increase at the fully consolidated S.C. AGRANA Romania S.A., Bucharest, Romania. As not all minority shareholders participated in the capital increase, the equity interest changed by € 327 thousand.
A key goal of equity management is the maintenance of sufficient equity resources to safeguard the Company's continuing existence as a going concern and ensure continuity of dividends. Equity bore the following relationship to total capital:
| 28 Feb | 29 Feb | |
|---|---|---|
| €000 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Total equity | 1,411,888 | 1,200,124 |
| Total assets | 2,481,436 | 2,243,165 |
| Equity ratio | 56.9% | 53.5% |
| Net debt | 239,878 | 405,806 |
| Gearing ratio | 17.0% | 33.8% |
Capital management at AGRANA means the management of equity and of net debt. By optimising these two measures, the Company seeks to achieve the best possible shareholder returns. In addition to the equity ratio, the most important control variable is the gearing ratio (net debt divided by total equity). The total cost of equity and debt capital employed and the risks associated with the different types of capital are continuously monitored.
The sound equity base gives AGRANA strategic flexibility and also demonstrates the Group's financial stability and independence. In addition to its self-financing ability, AGRANA also has access to high, committed credit lines for its overall financing needs.
The approach to capital management was unchanged from the prior year.
| 28 Feb | 29 Feb | |
|---|---|---|
| €000 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Provisions for: | ||
| Retirement benefits | 31,118 | 30,102 |
| Termination benefits | 37,811 | 37,044 |
| Other | 63,352 | 48,425 |
| Total | 132,281 | 115,571 |
Provisions for retirement and termination benefits are measured in accordance with IAS 19, using the projected unit credit method and taking into account future trends on an actuarial basis. For both the retirement and termination benefit obligations, the plans are defined benefit plans.
The present values of the obligations, and the associated plan assets where applicable, were determined based on the following actuarial parameters:
| 28 Feb | 29 Feb | |
|---|---|---|
| % | 2017 | 2016 |
| Expected rate of wage and salary increases | ||
| Austria and rest of Europe | 2.5 | 2.5 |
| Mexico/USA/South Korea | 6.0/3.0/4.0 | 6.0/3.0/4.0 |
| Expected rate of pension increases | ||
| Austria | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| Mexico | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Discount rate | ||
| Austria, rest of Europe, and USA | 1.6 | 1.8 |
| Mexico/South Korea | 8.0/2.3 | 7.0/2.7 |
A discount rate of 1.6% (prior year: 1.8%) was used in almost all cases in the determination of the provisions for pensions and termination benefits. The discount rate is based on the yield of high-quality corporate bonds with a duration matching the average weighted duration of the obligations.
The measurement process also involves other company-specific actuarial assumptions, such as the staff turnover rate. The current mortality tables recognised in the respective country are used as the biometric basis for the calculations – in Austria, this is the version of the computation tables by Pagler & Pagler specific to salaried employees ("AVÖ 2008- P-Rechnungsgrundlagen für die Pensionsversicherung").
Pension plans in the AGRANA Group are based largely on direct defined benefit commitments. The amounts of the pension benefits are usually determined by length of service and by pensionable pay. Termination benefit plans exist mainly as a result of legal requirements or of obligations under collective agreements and the benefits represent one-time, lump sum payments. The amount of the termination benefits typically depends on final pay and length of service.
The provision in the balance sheet (the net liability) for pensions and termination benefits in the AGRANA Group represents the present value of the defined benefit obligation less the fair value of the plan assets:
| 28 Feb | 29 Feb | |
|---|---|---|
| €000 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Pension plans | ||
| Present value of defined benefit obligation | 45,498 | 43,243 |
| Fair value of plan assets | (14,380) | (13,141) |
| Pension provisions (net liability) | 31,118 | 30,102 |
| Termination benefit plans | ||
| Present value of defined benefit obligation | 39,033 | 37,874 |
| Fair value of plan assets | (1,222) | (830) |
| Termination benefit provisions (net liability) | 37,811 | 37,044 |
In connection with defined benefit pension commitments, the AGRANA Group's major plans are the following:
AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG has direct defined benefit commitments in respect of Management Board members for retirement, disability and survivor pensions based on a fixed percentage of a pension assessment base. All pension benefit obligations are transferred to and administered by an external pension fund. The present value of the obligation was € 22,126 thousand (prior year: € 19,020 thousand) and the plan assets amounted to € 13,630 thousand (prior year: € 12,374 thousand). Further detail is provided in the section "Related party disclosures" in these notes.
In addition, there were direct defined benefit commitments, including survivor benefits, in respect of retired former employees of AGRANA Zucker GmbH in the amount of € 19,061 thousand (prior year: € 19,721 thousand), of AGRANA Stärke GmbH in the amount of € 2,522 thousand (prior year: € 2,666 thousand) and of AUSTRIA JUICE GmbH in the amount of € 220 thousand (prior year: € 229 thousand). The present value of the obligation of AUSTRIA JUICE GmbH is offset by plan assets in the form of pension risk transfer insurance of € 158 thousand (prior year: € 163 thousand).
At AGRANA Fruit Austria GmbH there are pension commitments in respect of active employees for retirement, disability and survivor benefits with a contractual (in some cases length-of-service-dependent) fixed benefit amount, and direct obligations in respect of retired former employees, including survivor benefits. The present value of these obligations was € 991 thousand (prior year: € 1,013 thousand) and there were plan assets in the form of pension insurance of € 511 thousand (prior year: € 505 thousand).
In Mexico there is a contractual obligation in respect of a defined set of recipients in the event of retirement or early retirement to pay a fixed percentage of a specified pensionable pay base in monthly instalments for a period of ten years. Alternatively, the recipient may choose a lump sum payment. The present value of this obligation was € 578 thousand (prior year: € 594 thousand), with plan assets in the form of pension insurance of € 81 thousand (prior year: € 99 thousand).
The pension provisions showed the following movement:
| Present | Fair value | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| value of | of plan | Pension | |
| €000 | obligation | assets | provisions |
| 2016 17 | |||
| At 1 March 2016 | 43,243 | (13,141) | 30,102 |
| Service cost | 547 | 0 | 547 |
| Interest expense/(income) | 785 | (243) | 542 |
| Effects of plan curtailments and settlements | (22) | 0 | (22) |
| Taxes and administration cost | 0 | 13 | 13 |
| Total recognised in the income statement (net pension cost) | 1,310 | (230) | 1,080 |
| (Gains)/losses from: | |||
| Actual return on plan assets | 0 | (860) | (860) |
| Changes in financial assumptions | 886 | 0 | 886 |
| Experience adjustments | 2,819 | 0 | 2,819 |
| Currency translation differences | (43) | 6 | (37) |
| Total remeasurement loss/(gain) recognised | |||
| in the statement of comprehensive income | 3,662 | (854) | 2,808 |
| Settlement payments | (75) | 75 | 0 |
| Benefits paid | (2,642) | 66 | (2,576) |
| Employer contributions to plan assets | 0 | (296) | (296) |
| Other movements | (2,717) | (155) | (2,872) |
| At 28 February 2017 | 45,498 | (14,380) | 31,118 |
| 2015 16 | |||
| At 1 March 2015 | 47,676 | (13,369) | 34,307 |
| Service cost | 828 | 0 | 828 |
| Interest expense/(income) | 681 | (198) | 483 |
| Past service cost | 155 | 0 | 155 |
| Taxes and administration cost Total recognised in the income statement (net pension cost) |
0 1,664 |
33 (165) |
33 1,499 |
| Losses/(gains) from: | |||
| Actual return on plan assets | 0 | 1,028 | 1,028 |
| Changes in financial assumptions | (2,145) | 0 | (2,145) |
| Experience adjustments | (1,208) | 0 | (1,208) |
| Currency translation differences | (104) | 17 | (87) |
| Total remeasurement (gain)/loss recognised | |||
| in the statement of comprehensive income | (3,457) | 1,045 | (2,412) |
| Benefits paid | (2,640) | 9 | (2,631) |
| Employer contributions to plan assets | 0 | (661) | (661) |
| Other movements | (2,640) | (652) | (3,292) |
| At 29 February 2016 | 43,243 | (13,141) | 30,102 |
The AGRANA Group's has the following main termination benefit plans:
The termination benefit plans most significant in amount exist in Austria and France. The plans represent legislated commitments to pay a lump sum benefit on termination of employment (unless terminated by the employee) and in the event of retirement or death. The amount of the benefit depends on final pay and length of service. Termination benefit obligations in Austria and France are funded solely by provisions, in the amount of € 35,845 thousand (prior year: € 35,224 thousand).
In Russia and Ukraine there are termination benefit commitments (either legislated or based on company-wide agreements) that are minor in amount. These are payable as a lump sum on termination of employment (unless terminated by the employee) or on retirement. The benefit amount depends on final pay and length of service. These commitments in the amount of € 118 thousand (prior year: € 101 thousand) are covered solely by provisions.
The termination benefit arrangements in the USA consist of contractual commitments in respect of a defined set of recipients, while the commitments in Mexico are legislated obligations to all permanent and full-time employees. In Mexico the termination benefit is paid if the employment relationship is terminated after 15 years or more of service, at retirement or in the event of disability or death. It takes the form of a lump sum in an amount that is based on final salary and length of service. In the USA, the benefit is paid on termination of employment and is based on final salary and length of service. In Mexico, plan assets of € 3 thousand (prior year: € 3 thousand) offset the present value of the obligation of € 125 thousand (prior year: € 132 thousand). In the USA, the commitments of € 1,274 thousand (prior year: € 1,073 thousand) are funded solely by provisions.
The present value of the obligation of the termination benefit plan for South Korea was € 1,671 thousand (prior year: € 1,344 thousand), while the plan assets amounted to € 1,219 thousand (prior year: € 827 thousand).
| Present | Fair value | Termination | |
|---|---|---|---|
| value of | of plan | benefit | |
| €000 | obligation | assets | provisions |
| 2016 17 | |||
| At 1 March 2016 | 37,874 | (830) | 37,044 |
| Service cost | 1,730 | 0 | 1,730 |
| Interest expense/(income) | 676 | (22) | 654 |
| Taxes and administration cost | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| Total recognised in the income statement | |||
| (net termination benefit cost) | 2,406 | (19) | 2,387 |
| Losses/(gains) from: | |||
| Actual return on plan assets | 0 | 8 | 8 |
| Changes in demographic assumptions | (21) | 0 | (21) |
| Changes in financial assumptions | 699 | 0 | 699 |
| Experience adjustments | (14) | 0 | (14) |
| Currency translation differences | 232 | (109) | 123 |
| Total remeasurement loss/(gain) recognised | |||
| in the statement of comprehensive income | 896 | (101) | 795 |
| Benefits paid | (2,143) | 70 | (2,073) |
| Employer contributions to plan assets | 0 | (342) | (342) |
| Other movements | (2,143) | (272) | (2,415) |
| At 28 February 2017 | 39,033 | (1,222) | 37,811 |
The termination benefit provisions showed the following movement:
| Present | Fair value | Termination | |
|---|---|---|---|
| value of | of plan | benefit | |
| €000 | obligation | assets | provisions |
| 2015 16 | |||
| At 1 March 2015 | 38,409 | (831) | 37,578 |
| Service cost | 1,820 | 0 | 1,820 |
| Interest expense/(income) | 552 | (25) | 527 |
| Past service cost | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| Taxes and administration cost | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Total recognised in the income statement | |||
| (net termination benefit cost) | 2,379 | (23) | 2,356 |
| (Gains)/losses from: | |||
| Actual return on plan assets | 0 | 9 | 9 |
| Changes in demographic assumptions | 9 | 0 | 9 |
| Changes in financial assumptions | (1,202) | 0 | (1,202) |
| Experience adjustments | 415 | 0 | 415 |
| Currency translation differences | (113) | 72 | (41) |
| Total remeasurement (gain)/loss recognised | |||
| in the statement of comprehensive income | (891) | 81 | (810) |
| Benefits paid | 696 | 0 | 696 |
| Employer contributions to plan assets | (2,719) | 103 | (2,616) |
| Miscellaneous changes | 0 | (160) | (160) |
| Other movements | (2,023) | (57) | (2,080) |
| At 29 February 2016 | 37,874 | (830) | 37,044 |
The expense for the unwinding of discount on benefits accrued in prior years, less the return on plan assets, is included within net financial items. The current service cost is included in staff costs. The change in actuarial losses of the pension and termination benefit provisions, which is recognised directly in equity, was € 3,607 thousand (prior year: gains with an increase of € 3,225 thousand). The change resulted primarily from the lower discount rate, from experience adjustments and from changes in the expected retirement age and assumed employee turnover rates. As of 28 February 2017, net cumulative actuarial losses of € 38,644 thousand (prior year: net losses of € 35,037 thousand) had been offset against retained earnings, not taking into account deferred taxes.
The experience adjustments reflect the impacts on the plan liabilities of differences between the actual movement in the plan obligation during the year and the assumptions made at the beginning of the year. Such differences arise, especially, from actual rates of wage and salary increases, changes in pension benefits, employee turnover and biometric variables such as disability and mortality.
The plan assets consist primarily of investments in an external pension fund and of pension benefit insurance policies. The fundamental objective for the plan assets is to provide, at all times, full coverage of the payment obligations arising from the respective benefit plans. The plan assets include neither financial instruments issued by the Group nor owneroccupied property.
At the balance sheet date the plan assets were invested in the following asset categories:
| 28 Feb | 29 Feb | |
|---|---|---|
| % | 2017 | 2016 |
| Fixed income securities | 35.73 | 58.09 |
| Equity securities | 34.30 | 25.04 |
| Real estate | 4.26 | 4.41 |
| Other | 25.71 | 12.46 |
Defined benefit plans are associated with various risks for the AGRANA Group. Besides general actuarial risks such as discount rate risk and longevity risk, these include the risk that actual outcomes will differ from actuarial assumptions such as rates of wage and salary growth, pension benefit trends, retirement age and employee turnover (early departures). Risks in connection with the plan assets are capital market risks, credit risks and investment risks. Other risks lie in exchange rate fluctuation and changes in inflation rates.
The rate of return on plan assets is assumed to equal the discount rate. If the actual rate of return on plan assets is less than the discount rate used, the respective net liability increases. The net liability is particularly strongly influenced by the discount rate, with the current low market interest rates contributing to a relatively high liability. A further decline in corporate bond yields would lead to a further increase in defined benefit liabilities that can only be off set to a small degree by the increase in market values of the corporate bonds in the plan assets.
Potential inflation risks that may lead to an increase in the defined benefit obligations lie, indirectly, in inflation-driven salary growth during active service and in inflation-induced pension benefit increases.
The average weighted duration of the present value of the pension obligations at 28 February 2017 was 12.46 years (prior year: 12.51 years) and that of the termination benefit obligations was 8.63 years (prior year: 8.92 years).
€ 633 thousand (prior year: € 627 thousand) of contributions are expected to be paid into the plan assets in the subsequent reporting period.
The amounts of pension and termination benefit payments in the next ten years are expected to be as follows:
| €000 | Pension benefits |
Termination benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Financial year | ||
| 2017 18 | 2,888 | 3,280 |
| 2018 19 | 2,930 | 3,789 |
| 2019 20 | 2,976 | 3,056 |
| 2020 21 | 2,817 | 3,727 |
| 2021 22 | 2,797 | 2,743 |
| 2022 23 to 2026 27 | 11,873 | 11,776 |
| Total | 26,281 | 28,371 |
| b) Other provisions | Staff costs including |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| €000 | Reculti- vation |
long-service awards |
Uncertain liabilities |
Total |
| 2016 17 | ||||
| At 1 March 2016 | 7,477 | 17,086 | 23,862 | 48,425 |
| Currency translation differences | 5 | 40 | (207) | (162) |
| Changes in scope of consolidation | 0 | 25 | 0 | 25 |
| Used | (306) | (3,933) | (4,225) | (8,464) |
| Released | (461) | (4,028) | (7,545) | (12,034) |
| Added | 1,118 | 8,221 | 26,223 | 35,562 |
| At 28 February 2017 | 7,833 | 17,411 | 38,108 | 63,352 |
| Of which due within 1 year | 731 | 4,909 | 37,814 | 43,454 |
The provisions for uncertain liabilities included, among other items, provisions for litigation risks of € 7,807 thousand (prior year: € 11,744 thousand), for costs of beet receiving, loading and storage of € 2,444 thousand (prior year: € 2,165 thousand), for onerous contracts of € 9,803 thousand (prior year: € 4,189 thousand) and a provision of € 11,701 thousand for tax liabilities in connection with a tax audit in Romania (prior year: € 0 thousand).
Of the non-current other provisions of € 19,898 thousand (prior year: € 19,999 thousand), an amount of € 10,000 thousand (prior year: € 10,150 thousand) represented provisions for long-service awards. These are payable under local company agreements or collective agreements and are based on length of service. Phased-retirement provisions of € 556 thousand (prior year: € 736 thousand) are expected to be used in outflows of funds in the next one to three years. For the majority of the non-current provisions of € 7,102 thousand (prior year: € 7,173 thousand) for recultivation, an outflow of funds is likely to occur in more than five years.
| 28 Feb | 29 Feb | |
|---|---|---|
| €000 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Bank loans and overdrafts, and other loans from non-Group entities | 203,814 | 366,024 |
| Borrowings from affiliated companies in the Südzucker group | 250,000 | 165,000 |
| Finance lease liabilities | 3,362 | 2,824 |
| Borrowings | 457,176 | 533,848 |
| Of which due after more than 1 year | 180,495 | 286,028 |
Details of bank loans and overdrafts are presented in sections 10.1. to 10.4.
At the balance sheet date, the bank loans and overdrafts were secured by liens. The liens related solely to collateral for export credits with underlying carrying amounts of € 7,800 thousand (prior year: € 7,800 thousand).
| 28 Feb | 29 Feb | |
|---|---|---|
| €000 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Trade payables | 312,637 | 269,892 |
| Amounts due to affiliated companies in the Südzucker group | 13,399 | 11,133 |
| Liabilities from the acquisition of subsidiaries | 13,329 | 0 |
| Derivative liabilities | 10,612 | 12,687 |
| Financial other payables | 68,926 | 61,035 |
| Financial instruments | 418,903 | 354,747 |
| Payables: deferred income | 3,323 | 3,050 |
| Payables: prepayments | 410 | 175 |
| Payables: other tax | 14,729 | 11,468 |
| Payables: social security | 6,855 | 6,642 |
| Total | 444,220 | 376,082 |
| Of which due after more than 1 year | 14,211 | 1,024 |
Trade payables included obligations to beet growers of € 109,115 thousand (prior year: € 73,085 thousand).
Financial other payables included, among other items, liabilities to employees, payroll liabilities, and liabilities from the EU production levy.
Deferred tax liabilities were attributable to balance sheet items as follows:
| 28 Feb | 29 Feb | |
|---|---|---|
| €000 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Deferred tax liabilities | ||
| Non-current assets | 23,009 | 12,327 |
| Inventories | 38 | 14 |
| Receivables and other assets | 4,771 | 4,490 |
| Untaxed reserves in separate financial statements | 2,214 | 5,351 |
| Provisions and other liabilities | 2,157 | 1,436 |
| Total deferred tax liabilities | 32,189 | 23,618 |
| Deferred tax assets offset against deferred tax liabilities | ||
| relating to the same tax authority | (19,087) | (19,137) |
| Net deferred tax liabilities | 13,102 | 4,481 |
Deferred tax assets are detailed in note 21.
To cover its overall funding needs, the AGRANA Group, in addition to its self-financing capability, has access to syndicated credit lines and bilateral credit lines from banks.
Financial instruments are generally procured centrally and distributed Group-wide. The principal aims of obtaining financing are to achieve sustained growth in enterprise value, safeguard the Group's credit quality and ensure its liquidity.
To manage the seasonally fluctuating cash flows, the AGRANA Group in the course of its day-to-day financial management uses conventional investments (demand deposits, time deposits and securities) and borrowings (in the form of overdrafts, short-term funds and fixed rate loans).
| Average | Of which due in | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| effective | At | More | ||||
| interest | balance | Up to | 1 to | than | ||
| rate | sheet date | 1 year | 5 years | 5 years | ||
| % | €000 | €000 | €000 | €000 | ||
| 28 February 2017 | ||||||
| Fixed rate | ||||||
| EUR | 2.63 | 284,086 | 113,650 | 78,436 | 92,000 | |
| 2.63 | 284,086 | 113,650 | 78,436 | 92,000 | ||
| Variable rate | ||||||
| ARS | 20.13 | 1,319 | 1,181 | 138 | 0 | |
| EGP | 8.50 | 87 | 87 | 0 | 0 | |
| EUR | 1.05 | 157,670 | 150,590 | 7,080 | 0 | |
| HUF | 1.70 | 6,196 | 6,196 | 0 | 0 | |
| KRW | 2.87 | 3,014 | 3,014 | 0 | 0 | |
| USD | 2.25 | 1,442 | 1,442 | 0 | 0 | |
| 1.26 | 169,728 | 162,510 | 7,218 | 0 | ||
| Total | 2.12 | 453,814 | 276,160 | 85,654 | 92,000 |
| Average | Of which due in | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| effective | At | More | ||||
| interest | balance | Up to | 1 to | than | ||
| rate | sheet date | 1 year | 5 years | 5 years | ||
| % | €000 | €000 | €000 | €000 | ||
| 29 February 2016 | ||||||
| Fixed rate | ||||||
| EUR | 3.10 | 200,149 | 860 | 192,289 | 7,000 | |
| 3.10 | 200,149 | 860 | 192,289 | 7,000 | ||
| Variable rate | ||||||
| ARS | 31.20 | 599 | 599 | 0 | 0 | |
| CNY | 4.56 | 841 | 841 | 0 | 0 | |
| DKK | 2.00 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 | |
| EGP | 7.80 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| EUR | 1.03 | 314,606 | 233,686 | 66,920 | 14,000 | |
| HUF | 2.34 | 5,003 | 5,003 | 0 | 0 | |
| KRW | 3.16 | 3,711 | 3,711 | 0 | 0 | |
| MXN | 14.46 | 3,269 | 0 | 3,269 | 0 | |
| USD | – | 2,835 | 2,835 | 0 | 0 | |
| 1.26 | 330,875 | 246,686 | 70,189 | 14,000 | ||
| Total | 1.95 | 531,024 | 247,546 | 262,478 | 21,000 |
Bank loans and overdrafts (excluding finance leases) and amounts due to affiliated companies in the Südzucker group amounted to € 453,814 thousand (prior year: € 531,024 thousand).
The weighted average interest rate paid on these credits was 2.12% (prior year: 1.95%), with a remaining maturity of 2.0 years (prior year: 1.6 years).
The credit funding of the AGRANA Group consisted primarily of two syndicated credit lines totalling € 450,000 thousand at the balance sheet date (prior year: € 450,000 thousand), a Schuldscheindarlehen (bonded loan) of € 126,000 thousand (prior year: € 126,000 thousand) and a financing from Südzucker AG, Mannheim, Germany, in the amount of € 250,000 thousand (prior year: € 165,000 thousand). The rest of the credit funding consisted of bilateral credit lines.
The fixed interest portion of bank loans and overdrafts and amounts due to affiliated companies was € 284,086 thousand (prior year: € 200,149 thousand). The fair values (i.e., market values) of the variable rate bank loans and overdrafts are equivalent to their carrying amounts. At the balance sheet date, bank loans and overdrafts in the amount of € 7,800 thousand (prior year: € 7,800 thousand) were secured by other liens.
Cash and cash equivalents increased by € 89,054 thousand from the prior year to a new total of € 198,429 thousand. In addition, securities in the amount of € 43 thousand (prior year: € 45 thousand) were held as current assets; these were categorised as held-for-trading.
To hedge part of the risks arising from its operating activities (risks due to movements in interest rates, foreign exchange rates and raw material prices), the AGRANA Group to a limited extent uses derivative financial instruments. AGRANA employs derivatives largely to hedge the following exposures:
The Group employs only conventional derivatives for which there is a sufficiently liquid market (for example, interest rate swaps, interest rate options, caps, forward foreign exchange contracts, currency options or commodity futures). The use of these instruments is governed by Group policies under the Group's risk management system. These policies prohibit the speculative use of derivative financial instruments, set ceilings appropriate to the underlying transactions, define authorisation procedures, minimise credit risks, and specify internal reporting rules and the organisational separation of risk-taking and risk oversight. Adherence to these standards and the proper processing and valuation of transactions are regularly monitored by an internal department whose independence is ensured by organisational separation from risk origination.
The notional amounts and market values (fair values) of the derivative financial instruments held by the AGRANA Group were as follows:
| Notional | Positive | Negative | Net | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase | Sale | amount | fair values | fair values | fair value |
| €000 | €000 | €000 | €000 | ||
| 28 February 2017 | |||||
| AUD | EUR | 1,370 | 25 | (1) | 24 |
| CZK | EUR | 41,747 | 0 | (329) | (329) |
| EUR | AUD | 6,818 | 1 | (282) | (281) |
| EUR | CZK | 13,455 | 116 | 0 | 116 |
| EUR | GBP | 215 | 0 | (1) | (1) |
| EUR | HUF | 18,561 | 0 | (212) | (212) |
| EUR | MXN | 6,367 | 0 | (413) | (413) |
| EUR | PLN | 962 | 0 | (8) | (8) |
| EUR | RON | 107,598 | 0 | (203) | (203) |
| EUR | RUB | 2,900 | 0 | (417) | (417) |
| EUR | USD | 163,018 | 108 | (3,310) | (3,202) |
| EUR | ZAR | 2,992 | 0 | (352) | (352) |
| HUF | EUR | 7,353 | 71 | 0 | 71 |
| MXN | EUR | 1,719 | 100 | 0 | 100 |
| PLN | EUR | 28,703 | 94 | (154) | (60) |
| RON | EUR | 43,639 | 87 | 0 | 87 |
| USD | AUD | 699 | 0 | (19) | (19) |
| USD | EUR | 67,655 | 719 | (196) | 523 |
| Currency derivatives | 515,771 | 1,321 | (5,897) | (4,576) | |
| Interest swap | 68,000 | 0 | (4,052) | (4,052) | |
| Interest cap | 50,000 | 22 | 0 | 22 | |
| Sugar futures | 21,779 | 513 | (260) | 253 | |
| Wheat and corn futures | 15,116 | 0 | (403) | (403) | |
| Total | 670,666 | 1,856 | (10,612) | (8,756) |
| Notional | Positive | Negative | Net | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase | Sale | amount | fair values | fair values | fair value |
| €000 | €000 | €000 | €000 | ||
| 29 February 2016 | |||||
| AUD | EUR | 589 | 0 | (2) | (2) |
| CAD | EUR | 167 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| CZK | EUR | 21,056 | 0 | (41) | (41) |
| EUR | AUD | 1,471 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| EUR | CZK | 2,000 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| EUR | GBP | 2,044 | 171 | 0 | 171 |
| EUR | HUF | 4,715 | 13 | (33) | (20) |
| EUR | PLN | 1,734 | 0 | (16) | (16) |
| EUR | RON | 65,357 | 65 | (31) | 34 |
| EUR | USD | 93,386 | 19 | (1,037) | (1,018) |
| EUR | ZAR | 2,670 | 0 | (21) | (21) |
| USD | AUD | 900 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| USD | EUR | 39,907 | 919 | (92) | 827 |
| Currency derivatives | 235,996 | 1,198 | (1,273) | (75) | |
| Interest swap | 68,000 | 0 | (5,675) | (5,675) | |
| Interest cap | 50,000 | 38 | 0 | 38 | |
| Sugar futures | 26,868 | 1,731 | (51) | 1,680 | |
| Wheat and corn futures | 37,423 | 219 | (5,688) | (5,469) | |
| Total | 418,287 | 3,186 | (12,687) | (9,501) |
The currency derivatives and commodity derivatives are used to hedge cash flows over periods of up to one year; the interest rate derivatives serve to hedge cash flows for periods of one to four years.
The notional amount of the derivatives represents the face amount of all hedges, translated into euros as the Group currency.
The fair value of a derivative is the amount which the AGRANA Group would have to pay or would receive at the balance sheet date in the hypothetical event of early termination of the hedge position. As the hedging transactions involve only standardised, fungible financial instruments, fair value is determined on the basis of quoted market prices.
Fair value changes of derivatives employed to hedge future cash flows (cash flow hedges) are initially recognised directly in equity. Only when the cash flows are realised are the value changes recognised in profit or loss. At 28 February 2017 there were cash flow hedges with positive fair values of € 314 thousand (prior year: € 1,748 thousand) and cash flow hedges with negative fair values of € 1,480 thousand (prior year: € 5,688 thousand).
In the financial year, € 0 thousand (prior year: € 588 thousand) was reclassified to the income statement and the ineffective portion (amounting to € 0 thousand) of cash flow hedges was recognised in profit for the period (prior year: € 284 thousand).
The value changes of those derivative positions to which cash flow hedge accounting is not applied are recognised in profit or loss. The hedging transactions were carried out both to hedge sales revenue and raw material costs for the juice activities, and to hedge sales contracts in the Sugar segment.
The table below shows the periods in which the cash outflows are expected to occur, as well as the carrying amounts of the hedging instruments:
| Contractual cash outflows | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| More | |||||||||||||
| Carrying | Up to | 4 to | 7 to | 1 to | 2 to | 3 to | 4 to | than | |||||
| €000 | amount | Total | 3 m | 6 m | 12 m | 2 y | 3 y | 4 y | 5 y | 5 y | |||
| 28 February 2017 | |||||||||||||
| Currency derivatives | |||||||||||||
| Positive fair values | 1,321 | 1,321 | 973 | 146 | 202 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Negative fair values | (5,897) | (5,897) | (3,938) | (1,168) | (791) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Interest rate derivatives | |||||||||||||
| Positive fair values | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Negative fair values | (4,052) | (3,855) | (384) | (384) | (768) | (1,536) | (783) | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Commodity derivatives | |||||||||||||
| Positive fair values | 513 | 513 | 37 | 245 | 231 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Negative fair values | (663) | (663) | (373) | (30) | (260) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Total | (8,756) | (8,581) | (3,685) | (1,191) | (1,386) | (1,536) | (783) | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| 29 February 2016 | |||||||||||||
| Currency derivatives | |||||||||||||
| Positive fair values | 1,198 | 1,198 | 1,006 | 104 | 88 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Negative fair values | (1,273) | (1,273) | (1,112) | (87) | (74) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Interest rate derivatives | |||||||||||||
| Positive fair values | 38 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Negative fair values | (5,675) | (5,367) | (384) | (384) | (768) | (1,536) | (1,524) | (771) | 0 | 0 | |||
| Commodity derivatives | |||||||||||||
| Positive fair values | 1,950 | 1,950 | 1,563 | 210 | 177 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Negative fair values | (5,739) | (5,739) | (3,504) | (375) | (1,860) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Total | (9,501) | (9,231) | (2,431) | (532) | (2,437) | (1,536) | (1,524) | (771) | 0 | 0 |
In terms of sensitivities, the net combined fair value of the derivative positions held at 28 February 2017 would have changed as follows given a reduction or increase of 1 percentage point in the market interest rate, an appreciation or depreciation of 10% in the relevant currencies against the euro, and a reduction or increase of 10% in the prices of wheat, corn and sugar:
| Notional amount | Sensitivity (+) | Sensitivity (–) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 Feb | 29 Feb | 28 Feb | 29 Feb | 28 Feb | 29 Feb | |||
| €000 | 2017 | 2016 | 2017 | 2016 | 2017 | 2016 | ||
| Currency derivatives | 515,771 | 235,996 | 11,610 | (10,982) | (14,189) | 10,150 | ||
| Interest rate derivatives | 118,000 | 118,000 | 1,756 | 2,403 | (1,560) | (2,107) | ||
| Commodity derivatives | 36,895 | 64,291 | 2,172 | 6,980 | (1,716) | (3,810) |
The effect of the changes in fair value on equity, including the tax effect, would have been, for the increase in rates and prices, an equity increase of € 2,857 thousand (prior year: increase of € 5,253 thousand) and for the decrease in rates and prices, an equity decrease of € 2,716 thousand (prior year: decrease of € 2,898 thousand). The effect of the fair value changes on profit before tax would have been, for the increase in rates and prices, a profit increase of € 11,728 thousand (prior year: decrease of € 8,603 thousand) and for the decrease in rates and prices, a profit decrease of € 13,843 thousand (prior year: increase of € 8,097 thousand).
Set out in the table below are the carrying amounts and fair values of the Group's financial assets and liabilities, both by individual item type and by measurement category. The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount for which an asset could be exchanged, or a liability settled, between knowledgeable, willing parties in an arm's length transaction.
The table below also shows how the fair values were determined, broken down by category of financial instrument. The fair value measurements were classified into three categories according to how closely the inputs used were based on quoted market data:
The three levels were defined as follows:
The fair value of Level 2 currency derivatives is measured based on the exchange rate at the balance sheet date and the underlying currencies' interest rate differential relevant for the remaining maturity. The mark-to-market price is determined and compared with the price of the hedged item or transaction. The input factors for this are the reference rates of the ECB (daily fixing) or selected national central banks, and the daily EURIBOR and LIBOR/IBOR rates.
For Level 2 interest rate derivatives, the measurement of fair value involves comparing the fixed interest rate with the swap rates as at the balance sheet date or with the yield curve relevant for the maturity. The fair value is obtained from a separate calculation provided by banking institutions.
| Carrying amount | Fair value | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| €000 | Available-for-sale | Available-for-sale (at cost) |
Held for trading | hedging instruments Fair value of |
Loans and receivables | At amortised cost | Total | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total |
| 28 February 2017 | |||||||||||
| Financial assets | |||||||||||
| at fair value | |||||||||||
| Securities (non-current) | 17,936 | 890 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18,826 | 13,538 | – | 4,398 | 17,936 |
| Derivative financial assets | 0 | 0 | 1,542 | 314 | 0 | 0 | 1,856 | 513 | 1,343 | – | 1,856 |
| Securities (current) | 43 17,979 |
0 890 |
0 1,542 |
0 314 |
0 0 |
0 0 |
43 20,725 |
43 | – | – | 43 |
| Financial assets not at fair value |
|||||||||||
| Investments in | |||||||||||
| non-consolidated subsidiaries | |||||||||||
| and outside companies | 0 | 1,051 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1,051 | – | – | – | – |
| Trade receivables | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 317,397 | 0 | 317,397 | – | – | – | – |
| Financial other receivables1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 41,535 | 0 | 41,535 | – | – | – | – |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 198,429 | 0 | 198,429 | – | – | – | – |
| 0 | 1,051 | 0 | 0 | 557,361 | 0 | 558,412 | |||||
| Financial liabilities | |||||||||||
| at fair value | |||||||||||
| Derivative liabilities | 0 | 0 | 9,132 | 1,480 | 0 | 0 | 10,612 | 663 | 9,949 | – | 10,612 |
| 0 | 0 | 9,132 | 1,480 | 0 | 0 | 10,612 | |||||
| Financial liabilities | |||||||||||
| not at fair value | |||||||||||
| Bank loans and overdrafts, | |||||||||||
| and other loans | |||||||||||
| from non-Group entities | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 203,814 | 203,814 | – | 206,046 | – | 206,046 |
| Borrowings from | |||||||||||
| affiliated companies | |||||||||||
| in the Südzucker group | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 250,000 | 250,000 | – | 258,546 | – | 258,546 |
| Finance lease liabilities | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3,362 | 3,362 | – | 3,529 | – | 3,529 |
| Trade payables | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 312,637 | 312,637 | – | – | – | – |
| Financial other payables2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 95,654 | 95,654 | – | – | – | – |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 865,467 | 865,467 |
1 Excluding other tax receivables and positive fair values of derivatives, and excluding those prepaid expenses and accrued income not resulting in a cash inflow.
2 Excluding payables from other tax, social security, negative fair values of derivatives, customer prepayments, and deferred income.
| Carrying amount | Fair value | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| €000 29 February 2016 |
Available-for-sale | Available-for-sale (at cost) |
Held for trading | hedging instruments Fair value of |
Loans and receivables | At amortised cost | Total | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total |
| Financial assets | |||||||||||
| at fair value | |||||||||||
| Securities (non-current) | 17,680 | 942 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18,622 | 13,277 | – | 4,403 | 17,680 |
| Derivative financial assets | 0 | 0 | 1,438 | 1,748 | 0 | 0 | 3,186 | 1,950 | 1,236 | – | 3,186 |
| Securities (current) | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 45 | – | – | 45 |
| 17,725 | 942 | 1,438 | 1,748 | 0 | 0 | 21,853 | |||||
| Financial assets not at fair value |
|||||||||||
| Investments in | |||||||||||
| non-consolidated subsidiaries | |||||||||||
| and outside companies | 0 | 1,091 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1,091 | – | – | – | – |
| Trade receivables | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 296,566 | 0 | 296,566 | – | – | – | – |
| Financial other receivables1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 57,185 | 0 | 57,185 | – | – | – | – |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 109,375 | 0 | 109,375 | – | – | – | – |
| 0 | 1,091 | 0 | 0 | 463,126 | 0 | 464,217 | |||||
| Financial liabilities | |||||||||||
| at fair value | |||||||||||
| Derivative liabilities | 0 | 0 | 6,999 | 5,688 | 0 | 0 | 12,687 | 5,739 | 6,948 | – | 12,687 |
| 0 | 0 | 6,999 | 5,688 | 0 | 0 | 12,687 | |||||
| Financial liabilities | |||||||||||
| not at fair value | |||||||||||
| Bank loans and overdrafts, | |||||||||||
| and other loans | |||||||||||
| from non-Group entities | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 366,024 | 366,024 | – | 369,248 | – 369,248 | |
| Borrowings from | |||||||||||
| affiliated companies | |||||||||||
| in the Südzucker group | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 165,000 | 165,000 | – | 169,771 | – | 169,771 |
| Finance lease liabilities | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2,824 | 2,824 | – | 2,896 | – | 2,896 |
| Trade payables | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 269,892 | 269,892 | – | – | – | – |
| Financial other payables2 | 0 0 |
0 0 |
0 0 |
0 0 |
0 0 |
72,168 | 72,168 875,908 875,908 |
– | – | – | – |
1 Excluding other tax receivables and positive fair values of derivatives, and excluding those prepaid expenses and accrued income not resulting in a cash inflow.
2 Excluding payables from other tax, social security, negative fair values of derivatives, customer prepayments, and deferred income.
The fair values of financial instruments were determined on the basis of the market information available at the balance sheet date and using the methods and assumptions outlined below.
Securities held as non-current and current assets include available-for-sale securities. These are measured at current securities exchange prices or market value.
Available-for-sale investments in non-consolidated subsidiaries and outside companies are measured at cost. These are non-fully-consolidated investments in subsidiaries and interests in non-listed companies for which it was chosen not to determine fair values using discounted future cash flows because this item is of minor significance for the Group.
As a result of the short maturities of the trade receivables, other financial assets and cash and cash equivalents, their fair values are assumed to be equivalent to their carrying amounts.
The positive and negative fair values of commodity derivatives relate partly to cash flow hedges. For the interest rate hedges, the fair values are determined on the basis of discounted future cash flows. Forward foreign exchange contracts are measured on the basis of reference rates, taking into account forward premiums or discounts. The fair values of interest rate derivatives are obtained from the bank confirmations as at the balance sheet date. These fair values represent the present values of the future interest payments based on the yield curves used. The fair values of commodity derivatives are based on official quotations on futures exchanges. The market rates (fair values) of currency derivatives are based on the forward rates determined by AGRANA as at the balance sheet date and on the hedged exchange rates. The interest rates and exchange rates used for the determination of the forward rates are based on the reference rates published by the ECB or the national central banks. In some cases, as a result of differences in interest rates, the fair values determined by the Group may differ to an insignificant extent from the fair values calculated by the commercial banks that issue the bank confirmations.
For trade payables and current financial other payables, it is assumed in view of the short maturities that the fair values equal the carrying amounts. The fair value of fixed interest liabilities is calculated as the present value of expected future cash flows. For variable rate liabilities, the fair value equals the carrying amount.
The net gains and losses on financial instruments are presented by measurement category in the following table:
| €000 | 2016 17 | 2015 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Available-for-sale (at cost) | 0 | 28 |
| Held for trading | (1,100) | 3,771 |
| Loans and receivables | 1,596 | (649) |
| At amortised cost | 3,962 | (11,033) |
| Net gain/(loss) on financial instruments | 4,458 | (7,883) |
The change in fair values of available-for-sale securities was recognised in other comprehensive income at an increase of € 131 thousand before tax (prior year: decrease of € 1,529 thousand) and at a tax expense of € 25 thousand (prior year: tax benefit of € 366 thousand).
The total interest income and expense on financial assets and financial liabilities not measured at fair value through profit or loss was as follows:
| €000 | 2016 17 | 2015 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Total interest income | 2,861 | 9,724 |
| Total interest expense | (10,583) | (15,298) |
| Net interest expense | (7,722) | (5,574) |
The AGRANA Group is exposed to market price risks through changes in exchange rates, interest rates and security prices. In the Group's operating activities, price risks arise largely from the costs of raw materials (mainly sugar beet, sugar purchased in the world market, grains, potatoes, and fruit) and energy, and from selling prices of sugar, starch, ethanol and fruit products. In addition, the Group is exposed to credit risks, associated especially with trade receivables.
AGRANA uses an integrated system for the early identification and monitoring of risks relevant to the Group. The Group's proven approach to risk management is guided by the aim of balancing risks and returns. The Group's risk culture is characterised by risk-aware behaviour, clearly defined responsibilities, independent risk control, and the implementation of internal control systems.
AGRANA regards the responsible management of business risks and opportunities as an important part of sustainable, value-driven corporate governance. Risk management thus forms an integral part of the entire planning, management and reporting process and is directed by the Management Board. The parent company and all subsidiaries employ risk management systems that are tailored to their respective operating activity. The systems' purpose is the methodical identification, assessment, control and documenting of risks.
In a three-pronged approach, risk management at the AGRANA Group is based on risk control at the operational level, on strategic control of Group companies by the Group, and on an internal monitoring system delivered by the Group's internal audit department. In addition, emerging trends that could develop into threats to the viability of the AGRANA Group as a going concern are identified and analysed at an early stage and continually re-evaluated as part of the risk management process.
Credit risk is the risk of an economic loss as a result of a counterparty's failure to honour its payment obligations. Credit risk includes both the risk of a deterioration in customers' or other counterparties' credit quality, and the risk of their immediate default.
The trade receivables of the AGRANA Group are largely with the food, chemical and retail industries. Credit risk in respect of trade receivables is managed on the basis of internal standards and guidelines. Thus, a credit analysis is generally conducted for new customers. The Group also uses credit insurance and security such as bank guarantees.
For the residual risk from trade receivables, the Group establishes provisions for impairment.
The net carrying amount of trade receivables after provisions for impairment is determined as follows:
| 28 Feb | 29 Feb | |
|---|---|---|
| €000 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Carrying amount of trade receivables, gross | 325,182 | 304,646 |
| Provisions for impairment of trade receivables | (7,785) | (8,080) |
| Carrying amount, net | 317,397 | 296,566 |
The provision for impairment of trade receivables showed the following movements:
| 28 Feb | 29 Feb | |
|---|---|---|
| €000 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Provision at 1 March | 8,080 | 11,262 |
| Currency translation adjustments/other change | 33 | (642) |
| Added | 1,315 | 2,914 |
| Used | (611) | (3,686) |
| Released | (1,032) | (1,768) |
| Provision at 29/28 February | 7,785 | 8,080 |
The released amount of the provision included interest income of € 15 thousand (prior year: € 27 thousand).
Receivables are as a rule individually reviewed for their collectability and measured on the basis of estimated future cash flows.
The maximum exposure from trade receivables is equivalent to the carrying amount of the trade receivables.
The table below provides information on the credit risks in respect of trade receivables. The maturity profile of trade receivables was as follows:
| 28 Feb | 29 Feb | |
|---|---|---|
| €000 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Trade receivables past due and with no impairment provided: | ||
| Up to 30 days | 24,479 | 31,286 |
| 31 to 90 days | 4,040 | 8,867 |
| More than 90 days | 2,362 | 3,093 |
| Total | 30,881 | 43,246 |
The assets which are neither past due nor impaired relate to customers with excellent credit ratings.
The maximum exposure of € 483,098 thousand (prior year: € 490,748 thousand) to credit risk consisted of the carrying amounts of all receivables and other current assets plus contingent liabilities, and was equivalent to the carrying amount of these instruments.
The credit risk on trade receivables, net of credit insurance, bank guarantees and other security (net credit risk), was as follows:
| 28 Feb | 29 Feb | |
|---|---|---|
| €000 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Trade receivables | 317,397 | 296,566 |
| Less credit insurance and other security | (240,251) | (161,071) |
| Net credit risk | 77,146 | 135,495 |
AGRANA maintains business relationships with many large international industrial customers having excellent credit ratings.
Liquidity risk is the risk that a company will not be able to meet its financial obligations when due or in sufficient measure.
The AGRANA Group generates liquidity with its business operations and from external financing. The funds are used to fund working capital, investment and business acquisitions.
In order to ensure the Group's solvency at all times and safeguard its financial flexibility, a liquidity reserve is maintained in the form of credit lines and, to the extent necessary, of cash.
To manage the seasonally fluctuating cash flows, both short-term and long-term finance is raised in the course of day-to-day financial management.
At the balance sheet date the Group had credit lines with a total limit of € 1,011,373 thousand (prior year: € 952,627 thousand). The weighted average remaining maturity of the credit lines at the balance sheet date was 2.8 years (prior year: 2.6 years).
The following maturity profile shows the effects of the cash outflows from liabilities as at 28 February 2017 on the Group's liquidity situation. All cash outflows are undiscounted.
| Contractual cash outflows | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| More | ||||||||||
| Carrying | Up to | 4 to | 7 to | 1 to | 2 to | 3 to | 4 to | than | ||
| €000 | amount | Total | 3 m | 6 m | 12 m | 2 y | 3 y | 4 y | 5 y | 5 y |
| 28 February 2017 | ||||||||||
| Non-derivative | ||||||||||
| financial payables | ||||||||||
| Bank loans and overdrafts, | ||||||||||
| and other loans | ||||||||||
| from non-Group entities | 203,814 | 209,072 | 129,873 | 8,422 | 4,943 | 10,734 | 47,169 | 423 | 440 | 7,068 |
| Borrowings from | ||||||||||
| affiliated companies | ||||||||||
| in the Südzucker group | 250,000 | 261,780 | 35,002 | 0 | 103,469 | 2,053 | 31,407 | 1,293 | 1,293 | 87,263 |
| Trade payables | 312,637 | 312,637 | 288,502 | 22,238 | 1,897 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Trade payables and | ||||||||||
| amounts due to | ||||||||||
| affiliated companies | ||||||||||
| in the Südzucker group | 13,399 | 13,399 | 12,657 | 1 | 741 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Finance lease liabilities | 3,362 | 3,594 | 143 | 143 | 286 | 2,649 | 373 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Financial other payables | 82,255 | 82,255 | 54,288 | 3,624 | 10,132 | 424 | 5,812 | 7,552 | 18 | 405 |
| 865,467 | 882,737 | 520,465 | 34,428 | 121,468 | 15,860 | 84,761 | 9,268 | 1,751 | 94,736 | |
| Derivative financial | ||||||||||
| payables | ||||||||||
| Interest rate derivatives | 4,052 | 3,855 | 384 | 384 | 768 | 1,536 | 783 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Currency derivatives | 5,897 | 5,897 | 3,938 | 1,168 | 791 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Commodity derivatives | 663 | 662 | 372 | 30 | 260 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 10,612 | 10,414 | 4,694 | 1,582 | 1,819 | 1,536 | 783 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Contractual cash outflows | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| More | ||||||||||
| Carrying | Up to | 4 to | 7 to | 1 to | 2 to | 3 to | 4 to | than | ||
| €000 | amount | Total | 3 m | 6 m | 12 m | 2 y | 3 y | 4 y | 5 y | 5 y |
| 29 February 2016 | ||||||||||
| Non-derivative | ||||||||||
| financial payables | ||||||||||
| Bank loans and overdrafts, | ||||||||||
| and other loans | ||||||||||
| from non-Group entities | 366,024 | 376,680 | 163,912 | 9,574 | 42,530 | 18,063 | 14,990 | 105,614 | 526 | 21,471 |
| Borrowings from | ||||||||||
| affiliated companies | ||||||||||
| in the Südzucker group | 165,000 | 172,732 | 36,011 | 1,088 | 2,141 | 102,622 | 760 | 30,110 | 0 | 0 |
| Trade payables | 269,892 | 269,892 | 262,448 | 3,217 | 4,227 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Trade payables and | ||||||||||
| amounts due to | ||||||||||
| affiliated companies | ||||||||||
| in the Südzucker group | 11,133 | 11,133 | 9,391 | 5 | 1,737 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Finance lease liabilities | 2,824 | 2,973 | 83 | 83 | 166 | 373 | 2,268 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Financial other payables | 61,035 | 61,035 | 47,061 | 3,602 | 9,348 | 443 | 18 | 18 | 126 | 419 |
| 875,908 | 894,445 | 518,906 | 17,569 | 60,149 | 121,501 | 18,036 | 135,742 | 652 | 21,890 | |
| Derivative financial | ||||||||||
| payables | ||||||||||
| Interest rate derivatives | 5,675 | 5,367 | 384 | 384 | 768 | 1,536 | 1,524 | 771 | 0 | 0 |
| Currency derivatives | 1,273 | 1,273 | 1,112 | 87 | 74 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Commodity derivatives | 5,739 | 5,739 | 3,504 | 375 | 1,860 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 12,687 | 12,379 | 5,000 | 846 | 2,702 | 1,536 | 1,524 | 771 | 0 | 0 |
The undiscounted cash outflows as presented are based on the assumption that repayment of liabilities is applied to the earliest maturity date. Interest payments on floating rate financial instruments are determined by reference to the most recent prevailing rates.
The Group's international business operations expose AGRANA to foreign exchange risks from financing and financial investment, from trade receivables and trade payables and from future foreign currency cash flows under purchasing and sales contracts. To measure and control these risks, the AGRANA Group uses Value-at-Risk based on the variancecovariance approach at a 95% confidence level. This involves the measurement of the various currency pairs at the given volatilities and takes into account the correlations between them. The result is stated as diversified Value-at-Risk:
| Value-at-Risk | ||
|---|---|---|
| 28 Feb | 29 Feb | |
| €000 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Sum of absolute net positions of the currency pairs | 125,566 | 117,066 |
| Value-at-Risk diversified | 8,373 | 7,907 |
The following table gives the foreign currency position by currency pair of the Value-at-Risk calculation. The individual values include both the financing activities and the operating business. This combined presentation allows the quantification of the interactions between these two spheres for each currency pair (natural hedging).
| Foreign-currency position |
||
|---|---|---|
| 28 Feb | 29 Feb | |
| €000 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Currency pair | ||
| EUR/ARS | 4,611 | 3,925 |
| EUR/CZK | 18,147 | 27,503 |
| EUR/HUF | 19,186 | 9,984 |
| EUR/PLN | 2,092 | 4,506 |
| EUR/RON | 22,135 | 22,285 |
| EUR/RUB | 18,486 | 670 |
| EUR/USD | 7,234 | 7,257 |
| EUR/ZAR | 46 | 3,105 |
| USD/BRL | 7,664 | 7,722 |
| USD/CNY | 5,156 | 2,967 |
| USD/MXN | 2,426 | 7,706 |
| Other | 18,383 | 19,436 |
| Total | 125,566 | 117,066 |
Most of the Group's foreign exchange risk arises in the operating business, when revenues or costs are denominated in a currency other than that of the related costs or revenues, respectively The AGRANA Group's currency risk from financing arises from borrowings and financial investments not denominated in the local currency of the respective company.
The total foreign currency positions of € 125,566 thousand (prior year: € 117,066 thousand) related primarily to Romania, Hungary, Russia, the Czech Republic, Brazil and China, as well as a US dollar position in the euro area, and represented a Value-at-Risk of € 8,373 thousand (prior year: € 7,907 thousand).
In the Sugar segment, Group companies based in the European Union whose local currency is not the euro are exposed to sugar-regime-induced foreign exchange risk between the euro and their respective local currency, as the beet prices for a given campaign are set in euros EU-wide. The subsidiaries in Romania and Hungary are subject to additional currency risk from raw sugar purchases in US dollars, and some companies are exposed to currency risk from sales of non-quota sugar in US dollars.
In the Starch segment, foreign exchange risks arise from borrowings not denominated in local currency.
In the Fruit segment, foreign exchange risks arise when revenue and materials costs are in foreign currency rather than local currency. In addition, risks arise from borrowings not denominated in local currency.
The AGRANA Group is exposed to interest rate risks primarily in the euro zone.
Beginning in the year under review, risks from potential changes in interest rates are reported on an "at risk" basis. AGRANA distinguishes between Cash-Flow-at-Risk (CFaR) for floating rate borrowings and Value-at-Risk (VaR) for changes in market interest rates on fixed rate borrowings.
CFaR: An increase in interest rates would cause an increase in funding costs from floating rate borrowings. The CFaR analysis is based on the volatilities of the individual funding currencies and the correlations between them.
VaR: The analysis examines the implied risk from a decrease in interest rates, as existing fixed rate borrowings would continue to incur interest costs at a constant rate instead of following the market trend. The different maturities of fixed interest borrowings are taken into account through weighted present values and a potential change in variable interest rates under the modified duration approach.
The CFaR and VaR from borrowings were as follows:
| 28 Feb | 29 Feb | |
|---|---|---|
| €000 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Net floating rate borrowings | 173,090 | 333,664 |
| Cash-Flow-at-Risk diversified | 429 | 3,542 |
| Net fixed rate borrowings | 181,936 | 199,304 |
| Value-at-Risk upon change in interest rates | 8,113 | 4,662 |
The floating rate borrowings are subject to interest rate risk. To hedge against this risk, interest rate swaps were entered into for a portion of the borrowings, thus achieving fixed interest rates on this portion.
AGRANA's business activities expose it to market price risk from purchases of commodities and the sale of finished products (ethanol). This is particularly true in the production of bioethanol, where the most important cost factors by far are the prices of the main inputs, corn and wheat. To a lesser but still significant extent, the Sugar segment has exposure to the purchase prices of raw sugar.
At the balance sheet date the Group had open commodity derivative contracts for the purchase of 32,514 tonnes of raw sugar (prior year: 84,281 tonnes), the purchase of 82,750 tonnes of wheat for the Austrian bioethanol production operations (prior year: 184,500 tonnes), and the purchase of 0 tonnes of corn (prior year: 15,300 tonnes), and for the sale of 3,800 tonnes of corn (prior year: 4,600 tonnes) and the sale of 17,850 tonnes of white sugar (prior year: 8,250 tonnes). These positions represented an aggregate contract amount of € 36,895 thousand (prior year: € 62,101 thousand) and, based on the underlying closing prices, had a combined net negative fair value of € 150 thousand (prior year: positive fair value of € 3,789 thousand).
AGRANA continually monitors changes in the legal setting relevant to its businesses that may lead to a risk situation, and takes risk management actions as necessary. This applies particularly to compliance matters and food and environmental legislation; the Group maintains dedicated staff positions for these areas.
There are currently no pending or threatened civil actions against companies of the AGRANA Group that could have a material impact on the Group's financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
As noted in previous annual reports, the Austrian Federal Competition Authority in 2010 sought a fine under an antitrust case for alleged competition-restricting arrangements with respect to Austria filed against AGRANA Zucker GmbH, Vienna, and Südzucker AG, Mannheim, Germany. To date the Cartel Court has not ruled on the case. AGRANA continues to regard the allegation as unfounded and the fine sought as unwarranted.
The guarantees primarily related to bank loans of the joint ventures in the Sugar segment.
| 28 Feb | 29 Feb | |
|---|---|---|
| €000 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Guarantees | 39,123 | 49,580 |
| Warranties, cooperative liabilities | 1,365 | 1,647 |
The guarantees are not expected to be utilised.
A further contingent liability of € 6,488 thousand (prior year: € 6,425 thousand) related to a claim for recovery of an EU subsidy in Hungary. The management of the company involved believes the likelihood of repayment is low.
Commitments were as presented in the table below:
| 28 Feb | 29 Feb | |
|---|---|---|
| €000 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Present value of lease payments due within 5 years | 17,514 | 16,027 |
| Commitments for the purchase of property, plant and equipment | 32,484 | 41,600 |
| Commitments | 49,998 | 57,627 |
No other significant events occurred after the balance sheet date of 28 February 2017 that had a material effect on AGRANA's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
AGRANA Zucker, Stärke und Frucht Holding AG, Vienna, holds 100% of the ordinary shares of Z&S Zucker und Stärke Holding AG, Vienna, which in turn holds 78.34% of the ordinary shares of AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG. Both holding companies are exempt from the obligation to prepare consolidated financial statements, as their accounts are included in the consolidated financial statements of Südzucker AG, Mannheim, Germany.
Related parties for the purposes of IAS 24 are Südzucker AG, Mannheim, Germany, and Zucker-Beteiligungsgesellschaft m.b.H, Vienna, as shareholders of AGRANA Zucker, Stärke und Frucht Holding AG, Vienna. AGRANA's consolidated financial statements are included in the consolidated accounts of Südzucker AG, Mannheim, Germany.
In addition to Südzucker AG, Mannheim, Germany, and its subsidiaries ("Südzucker group"), other related parties are RAIFFEISEN-HOLDING NIEDERÖSTERREICH-WIEN registrierte Genossenschaft mit beschränkter Haftung, Vienna, and its subsidiaries ("companies with significant influence").
Equity-accounted joint ventures that are jointly controlled, as well as unconsolidated subsidiaries, are also related parties as defined in IAS 24.
Business relationships with related parties at the balance sheet date can be analysed as follows:
| Companies | Non | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| with | consolidated | ||||
| Südzucker | significant | Joint | sub- | ||
| €000 | group | influence | ventures | sidiaries | Total |
| 2016 17 | |||||
| Revenue | 114,933 | 22,144 | 39,960 | 5 | 177,042 |
| Operating expenses | (103,105) | (627) | (91,104) | (794) | (195,630) |
| Credit relationships | (250,741) | (7,430) | 0 | 0 | (258,171) |
| Participation capital | 0 | 5,193 | 0 | 0 | 5,193 |
| Bank balances and current receivables | 0 | 71,133 | 2,504 | 50 | 73,687 |
| Net trade receivables/(payables) | |||||
| for goods | 6,442 | 1,285 | 522 | (20) | 8,229 |
| Net interest (expense)/income | (4,779) | (962) | 1,195 | 20 | (4,526) |
| Guarantees issued | 0 | 0 | 42,000 | 8,200 | 50,200 |
| Guarantees utilised | 0 | 0 | 28,568 | 5,372 | 33,940 |
| 2015 16 | |||||
| Revenue | 86,174 | 17,341 | 55,243 | 6 | 158,764 |
| Operating expenses | (69,205) | (601) | (80,326) | (618) | (150,750) |
| Credit relationships | (165,773) | (54,697) | 0 | 0 | (220,470) |
| Participation capital | 0 | 5,294 | 0 | 0 | 5,294 |
| Bank balances and current receivables | 0 | 2,363 | 12,519 | 50 | 14,932 |
| Net trade receivables/(payables) | |||||
| for goods | 10,554 | 844 | (2,064) | (146) | 9,188 |
| Net interest (expense)/income | (5,322) | 5,153 | 1,139 | 0 | 970 |
| Guarantees issued | 0 | 0 | 46,000 | 8,200 | 54,200 |
| Guarantees utilised | 0 | 0 | 43,694 | 4,493 | 48,187 |
At the balance sheet date, borrowings from related parties amounted to € 258,171 thousand (prior year: € 220,470 thousand); these borrowings were on normal commercial terms. Of this total, € 115,000 thousand represented non-current borrowings (prior year: € 130,000 thousand).
For fully consolidated subsidiaries, the Group issued guarantees in favour of companies with significant influence of € 5,000 thousand (prior year: € 5,000 thousand), of which an amount of € 634 thousand (prior year: € 1,022 thousand) was utilised.
The remuneration of the members of the Management Board of AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG totalled € 3,234 thousand (prior year: € 3,183 thousand), consisting of total fixed base salaries of € 1,614 thousand (prior year: € 1,445 thousand), a total performance-based, variable component of € 1,495 thousand (prior year: € 1,738 thousand) and a long-service award to Johann Marihart of € 125 thousand. The performance-based elements of the compensation are linked to the amount of the dividend paid for the last three financial years. The Management Board member of AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG appointed on the basis of the syndicate agreement between Südzucker AG, Mannheim, Germany, and Zucker-Beteiligungsgesellschaft m.b.H, Vienna, does not receive compensation for serving on the Management Board.
On 1 July 2016 the Annual General Meeting approved an annual aggregate remuneration for the Supervisory Board of € 250 thousand (prior year: € 250 thousand) and delegated to the Supervisory Board Chairman the responsibility for allocating this sum. The amount paid to the individual Supervisory Board members is tied to their function on the Board. No meeting fees were paid in the year under review.
Post-employment benefits granted to the Management Board members Johann Marihart and Fritz Gattermayer and the former Management Board member Walter Grausam under the Company's plan are pension, disability insurance and survivor benefits. The pension becomes available when the pension eligibility criteria of the Austrian public pension scheme (ASVG) are met. The amount of the pension is calculated as a percentage of a contractually agreed assessment base. In the event of early retirement within ASVG rules, the amount of the pension is reduced. For the pension of Stephan Büttner there is a defined contribution obligation, which can be claimed after the recipient has reached 55 years of age if the employment contract has been terminated by the employer. For the 2016|17 financial year, pension fund contributions of € 354 thousand were paid (prior year: € 720 thousand).
The retirement benefit obligations in respect of the Management Board are administered by an external pension fund. In the balance sheet at 28 February 2017, within the item "retirement and termination benefit obligations", an amount of € 8,496 thousand was recognised for pension obligations (prior year: € 6,646 thousand) and an amount of € 2,151 thousand was recognised for termination benefit obligations (prior year: € 1,986 thousand).
In the event that a Management Board appointment is withdrawn, there are severance pay obligations in accordance with the provisions of the Employees Act or the Occupational Pension Plan Act.
Information on the Management Board and Supervisory Board is provided on page 126.
On 24 April 2017 the Management Board of AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG released the consolidated financial statements for review by the Supervisory Board and the Audit Committee and for presentation to the Annual General Meeting and subsequent publication. The Supervisory Board has responsibility for reviewing the consolidated financial statements and stating whether it approves them.
Vienna, 24 April 2017
The Management Board of AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG
Fritz Gattermayer Thomas Kölbl
Johann Marihart Stephan Büttner Chief Executive Officer Member of the Management Board
Member of the Management Board Member of the Management Board
Johann Marihart Chief Executive Officer
Stephan Büttner Member
Fritz Gattermayer Member
Thomas Kölbl Member
Erwin Hameseder Chairman
Wolfgang Heer First Vice-Chairman
Klaus Buchleitner Second Vice-Chairman
Jochen Fenner Member
Hans-Jörg Gebhard Member
Ernst Karpfinger Member
Thomas Kirchberg Member
Josef Pröll Member
Thomas Buder Chairman of the Group Staff Council and the Central Staff Council
Gerhard Glatz
Andreas Klamler
Stephan Savic
at 28 February 2017
| Equity interest | Equity interest | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 Feb 2017 | 29 Feb 2016 | |||||
| Registered | In- | In | ||||
| Name of company | office | Country | Direct | direct¹ | Direct | direct¹ |
| AGRANA Beteiligungs-Aktiengesellschaft | Vienna | Austria | – | – | – | – |
| (the parent company) | ||||||
| I. Subsidiaries | ||||||
| Fully consolidated subsidiaries | ||||||
| AGRANA AGRO S.r.l. | Roman | Romania | – | 98.45% | – | 92.10% |
| AGRANA BIH Holding GmbH | Vienna | Austria | – | 75.00% | – | 75.00% |
| AGRANA BUZAU S.r.l. | Buzau | Romania | – | 98.45% | – | 92.10% |
| AGRANA d.o.o. | Brčko | Bosnia and | – | 75.00% | – | 75.00% |
| Herzegovina | ||||||
| AGRANA Fruit Argentina S.A. | Buenos Aires | Argentina | – | 99.99% | – | 99.99% |
| AGRANA Fruit Australia Pty Ltd. | Central | Australia | – | 100.00% | – | 100.00% |
| Mangrove | ||||||
| AGRANA Fruit Austria GmbH | Gleisdorf | Austria | – | 100.00% | – | 100.00% |
| AGRANA Fruit Brasil Indústria, Comércio, | São Paulo | Brazil | – | 100.00% | – | 100.00% |
| Importação e Exportação Ltda. | ||||||
| AGRANA Fruit Brasil Participacoes Ltda. | São Paulo | Brazil | – | 100.00% | – | 100.00% |
| AGRANA Fruit Dachang Co., Ltd. | Dachang | China | – | 100.00% | – | 100.00% |
| AGRANA Fruit Fiji Pty Ltd. | Sigatoka | Fiji | – | 100.00% | – | 100.00% |
| AGRANA Fruit France S.A. | Mitry-Mory | France | – | 100.00% | – | 100.00% |
| AGRANA Fruit Germany GmbH | Konstanz | Germany | – | 100.00% | – | 100.00% |
| AGRANA FRUIT INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED | New Delhi | India | – | 100.00% | – | – |
| AGRANA Fruit Istanbul | Istanbul | Turkey | – | 100.00% | – | 100.00% |
| Gida Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S. | ||||||
| AGRANA Fruit Korea Co. Ltd. | Seoul | South Korea | – | 100.00% | – | 100.00% |
| AGRANA Fruit Latinoamerica S. de R.L. de C.V. | Michoacán | Mexico | – | 100.00% | – | 100.00% |
| AGRANA Fruit Luka TOV | Vinnytsia | Ukraine | – | 99.97% | – | 99.97% |
| AGRANA Fruit Management Australia Pty Ltd. | Sydney | Australia | – | 100.00% | – | 100.00% |
| AGRANA Fruit México, S.A. de C.V. | Michoacán | Mexico | – | 100.00% | – | 100.00% |
| AGRANA Fruit Polska SP z.o.o. | Ostrołęka | Poland | – | 100.00% | – | 100.00% |
| AGRANA Fruit S.A.S. | Mitry-Mory | France | – | 100.00% | – | 100.00% |
| AGRANA Fruit Services GmbH | Vienna | Austria | – | 100.00% | – | 100.00% |
| AGRANA Fruit Services S.A.S. | Mitry-Mory | France | – | 100.00% | – | 100.00% |
| AGRANA Fruit South Africa (Proprietary) Ltd. | Johannesburg | South Africa | – | 100.00% | – | 100.00% |
| AGRANA Fruit Ukraine TOV | Vinnytsia | Ukraine | – | 99.80% | – | 99.80% |
| AGRANA Fruit US, Inc. | Brecksville | USA | – | 100.00% | – | 100.00% |
| AGRANA Group-Services GmbH | Vienna | Austria | 100.00% | – | 100.00% | – |
| AGRANA Internationale Verwaltungs- | Vienna | Austria | – | 100.00% | – | 100.00% |
| und Asset-Management GmbH | ||||||
| AGRANA JUICE (XIANYANG) CO., LTD | Xianyang City | China | – | 50.01% | – | 50.01% |
| AGRANA Juice Denmark A/S | Køge | Denmark | – | – | – | 50.01% |
| AGRANA Juice Sales & Marketing GmbH | Bingen | Germany | – | 50.01% | – | 50.01% |
| AGRANA Magyarország Értékesitési Kft. | Budapest | Hungary | – | 87.64% | – | 87.64% |
| AGRANA Marketing- und Vertriebsservice | Vienna | Austria | 100.00% | – | 100.00% | – |
| Gesellschaft m.b.H. | ||||||
| Agrana Nile Fruits Processing SAE | Qalyoubia | Egypt | – | 51.00% | – | 51.00% |
| AGRANA Research & Innovation Center GmbH | Vienna | Austria | 100.00% | – | 100.00% | – |
| Equity interest Equity interest 28 Feb 2017 29 Feb 2016 In- direct¹ Direct 98.91% 1.09% 98.91% – 98.45% – |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered | In | |||||
| Name of company | office | Country | Direct | direct¹ | ||
| AGRANA Stärke GmbH | Vienna | Austria | 1.09% | |||
| AGRANA TANDAREI S.r.l. | Ţăndărei | Romania | 92.10% | |||
| AGRANA Trading EOOD | Sofia | Bulgaria | – | 100.00% | – | 100.00% |
| AGRANA ZHG Zucker Handels GmbH | Vienna | Austria | – | 100.00% | – | 100.00% |
| AGRANA Zucker GmbH | Vienna | Austria | 98.91% | 1.09% | 98.91% | 1.09% |
| AUSTRIA JUICE Germany GmbH | Bingen | Germany | – | 50.01% | – | 50.01% |
| AUSTRIA JUICE GmbH | Kröllendorf/ | Austria | – | 50.01% | – | 50.01% |
| Allhartsberg | ||||||
| Austria Juice Hungary Kft. | Vásárosnamény | Hungary | – | 50.01% | – | 50.01% |
| AUSTRIA JUICE Poland Sp. z.o.o. | Chełm | Poland | – | 50.01% | – | 50.01% |
| AUSTRIA JUICE Romania S.r.l. | Vaslui | Romania | – | 50.01% | – | 50.01% |
| AUSTRIA JUICE Ukraine TOV | Vinnytsia | Ukraine | – | 50.01% | – | 50.01% |
| Biogáz Fejleszto Kft. | Kaposvár | Hungary | – | 87.64% | – | 87.64% |
| Dirafrost FFI N.V. | Herk-de-Stad | Belgium | – | 100.00% | – | 100.00% |
| Dirafrost Maroc SARL | Laouamra | Morocco | – | 100.00% | – | 100.00% |
| Financière Atys S.A.S. | Mitry-Mory | France | – | 100.00% | – | 100.00% |
| INSTANTINA Nahrungsmittel Entwicklungs- | Vienna | Austria | 66.67% | – | 66.67% | – |
| und Produktionsgesellschaft m.b.H. | ||||||
| Koronás Irodaház Szolgáltató | Budapest | Hungary | – | 87.60% | – | 87.60% |
| Korlátolt Felelösségü Társaság | ||||||
| Magyar Cukorgyártó és Forgalmazó Zrt. | Budapest | Hungary | – | 87.60% | – | 87.60% |
| Main Process S.A. Moravskoslezské Cukrovary A.S. |
Buenos Aires Hrušovany |
Argentina Czech Republic |
– – |
100.00% 100.00% |
– – |
– 100.00% |
| o.o.o. AGRANA Fruit Moscow Region | Serpuchov | Russia | – | 100.00% | – | 100.00% |
| S.C. A.G.F.D. Tandarei s.r.l. | Ţăndărei | Romania | – | 100.00% | – | 100.00% |
| S.C. AGRANA Romania S.A. | Bucharest | Romania | – | 98.44% | – | 92.02% |
| Slovenské Cukrovary s.r.o. | Sereď | Slovakia | – | 100.00% | – | 100.00% |
| Sudinver S.A. | Buenos Aires | Argentina | – | 100.00% | – | – |
| Yube d.o.o. | Požega | Serbia | – | 100.00% | – | 100.00% |
| Non-consolidated subsidiaries | ||||||
| AGRANA Amidi srl | Sterzing | Italy | – | 100.00% | – | 100.00% |
| Reporting date: 28 Feb 2017 I Equity: € 17.2 thousand I Profit for the period: € 5.7 thousand | ||||||
| AGRANA Croatia d.o.o. | Zagreb | Croatia | – | 100.00% | – | 100.00% |
| Reporting date: 28 Feb 2017 I Equity: € 7.4 thousand I Profit for the period: € 5.1 thousand | ||||||
| AGRANA Makedonija DOOEL Skopje | Skopje | Macedonia | – | 100.00% | – | 100.00% |
| Reporting date: 31 Dec 2016 I Equity: € 2.1 thousand I Profit for the period: € 0.7 thousand | ||||||
| AGRANA Skrob s.r.o. | Hrušovany | Czech Republic | – | 100.00% | – | 100.00% |
| Reporting date: 31 Dec 2016 I Equity: € 75.3 thousand I Profit for the period: € 4.9 thousand | ||||||
| DELHIA SHELF s.r.o. | Hrušovany | Czech Republic | – | 100.00% | – | 100.00% |
| Reporting date: 28 Feb 2017 I Equity: € 0.0 thousand I Profit for the period: € 0.0 thousand | ||||||
| Dr.Hauser Gesellschaft m.b.H. i.L. | Hamburg | Germany | – | – | – | 100.00% |
| Liquidation: 24 Jan 2017 | ||||||
| Österreichische Rübensamenzucht | Vienna | Austria | – | 86.00% | – | 86.00% |
| Gesellschaft m.b.H. | ||||||
| Reporting date: 30 Apr 2016 I Equity: € 1,910.0 thousand I Profit for the period: € 15.0 thousand | ||||||
| PERCA s.r.o. | Hrušovany | Czech Republic | – | 100.00% | – | 100.00% |
| Reporting date: 28 Feb 2017 I Equity: € 57.5 thousand I Profit for the period: € 50.1 thousand |
| Equity interest | Equity interest | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 Feb 2017 | 29 Feb 2016 | |||||
| Registered | In- | In | ||||
| Name of company | office | Country | Direct | direct¹ | Direct | direct¹ |
| II. Joint ventures | ||||||
| Equity-accounted joint ventures | ||||||
| AGRANA-STUDEN group: | ||||||
| "AGRAGOLD" d.o.o. | Brčko | Bosnia and | – | 50.00% | – | 50.00% |
| Herzegovina | ||||||
| AGRAGOLD d.o.o. | Zagreb | Croatia | – | 50.00% | – | 50.00% |
| AGRAGOLD dooel Skopje | Skopje | Macedonia | – | 50.00% | – | 50.00% |
| AGRAGOLD trgovina d.o.o. | Ljubljana | Slovenia | – | 50.00% | – | 50.00% |
| AGRANA-STUDEN Albania sh.p.k | Tirana | Albania | – | 50.00% | – | 50.00% |
| AGRANA-STUDEN Beteiligungs GmbH | Vienna | Austria | – | 50.00% | – | 50.00% |
| AGRANA Studen Sugar Trading GmbH | Vienna | Austria | – | 50.00% | – | 50.00% |
| Company for trade and services | Belgrade | Serbia | – | 50.00% | – | 50.00% |
| AGRANA-STUDEN Serbia d.o.o. Beograd | ||||||
| STUDEN-AGRANA Rafinerija Secera d.o.o. | Brčko | Bosnia and | – | 50.00% | – | 50.00% |
| Herzegovina | ||||||
| HUNGRANA group: | ||||||
| GreenPower E85 Kft | Szabadegyháza | Hungary | – | 50.00% | – | 50.00% |
| HUNGRANA Keményitö- és | Szabadegyháza | Hungary | – | 50.00% | – | 50.00% |
| Isocukorgyártó és Forgalmazó Kft. | ||||||
| HungranaTrans Kft. | Szabadegyháza | Hungary | – | 50.00% | – | 50.00% |
| Non-consolidated joint ventures | ||||||
| SCO STUDEN & CO. BRASIL | São Paulo | Brazil | – | 50.00% | – | 50.00% |
| EXPORTACAO E IMPORTACAO LTDA. | ||||||
| Reporting date: 31 Dec 2016 I Equity: (€ 19.8 thousand) I Loss for the period: (€ 3.0 thousand) | ||||||
| AGRANA-STUDEN Kosovo L.L.C. | Prishtina | Kosovo | – | 50.00% | – | – |
Established: 27 Jan 2017 I Equity: € 100.0 thousand I Profit for the period: € 0.0 thousand
In accordance with section 82 (4) Austrian Stock Exchange Act, the undersigned members of the Management Board, as the legal representatives of AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG, confirm to the best of their knowledge that:
█ the consolidated financial statements of AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG for the year ended 28 February 2017, which have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the EU, give a true and fair view of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the AGRANA Group;
█ the Group management report for the 2016|17 financial year presents the business performance, financial results and situation of the AGRANA Group so as to provide a true and fair view of the Group's financial position, results of operations and cash flows, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties faced by the Group.
Vienna, 24 April 2017
Johann Marihart Stephan Büttner Chief Executive Officer Member of the Management Board Present responsibilities: Business Strategy, Present responsibilities: Finance, Controlling, Production, Quality Management, Human Resources, Treasury, Information Technology Communication (including Investor Relations), and Organisation, Mergers & Acquisitions, Research and Development Compliance, Legal
Fritz Gattermayer Thomas Kölbl Member of the Management Board Member of the Management Board Present responsibilities: Sales, Raw Materials, Responsibility on Internal Audit Purchasing & Logistics
[Translation]
We have audited the consolidated financial statements of AGRANA Beteiligungs-Aktiengesellschaft, Vienna, Austria, and its subsidiaries (the Group), which comprise the consolidated balance sheet as at 28 February 2017, and the consolidated income statement, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated cash flow statement and the consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year then ended, and the notes to the consolidated financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Group as of 28 February 2017, and its consolidated financial performance and consolidated cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the EU, and the additional requirements pursuant to Section 245a UGB (Austrian Commercial Code).
We conducted our audit in accordance with Austrian Standards on Auditing. These standards require the audit to be conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (ISA). Our responsibilities pursuant to these rules and standards are described in the "Auditors' Responsibility" section of our report. We are independent of the audited entity within the meaning of Austrian commercial law and professional regulations, and have fulfilled our other responsibilities under those relevant ethical requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit procedures relating to these matters were designed in the context of our audit of the consolidated financial statements as a whole. Our opinion on the consolidated financial statements is not modified with respect to any of the key audit matters described below, and we do not express an opinion on these individual matters.
The Management Board provides an explanation of goodwill and the procedure for performing impairment tests under Point 6 and Point 17 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
As at 28 February 2017, goodwill in total accounts for EUR 261.0 million or 10.5 percent of the total assets.
Goodwill depicts into the cash generating units (CGUs) Fruit, Sugar and Starch. The Company performs impairment testing on these CGUs whenever triggering events are identified but at least on an annual basis. The annual impairment tests are performed at the end of the second quarter of every financial year (31 August). On a quarterly basis, the Company assesses whether objective evidence of an impairment exists. In those cases where such triggering events are identified additional impairment tests are performed.
The company calculates the values in use based on a discounted cash flow method as benchmark for impairment testing. This valuation method is significantly influenced by the assumptions and estimates in respect of the future cash flows. These are derived from the forecast figures approved by the respective management bodies and may be subject to adjustments if necessary. The discount rates applied in the method are also influenced by future changes in market, economic and legal environment. Consequentially the values in use are based on judgment and associated with estimate uncertainties and thus lead to a risk that the goodwill reported in the financial statements may be overstated.
We have assessed the appropriateness of the valuation methods and of the assumption in respect to the forecasts and valuation parameters applied. We hereby consulted with our valuation specialists. When assessing the valuation method applied we followed the model and analysed whether it is adequate for accurately determining the value in use. We further have re-performed the determination of the discount rates and assessed the parameters applied in terms of their appropriateness through comparison with market and industry-specific benchmarks.
The forecasting accuracy has been assessed by the Company by back testing the underlying forecast figures. We have assessed the conclusions drawn with regard to the adequacy of the forecasted figures applied in the impairment tests.
We have reconciled the cash flows used in the impairment tests with the forecasted figures approved by the management bodies, assessed any adjustments made thereto, and analysed their adequacy.
For assessing whether event driven impairment tests are necessary, we have analysed the processes used to identify objective evidence of impairments, as well as the controls established in this connection, as to whether these are appropriate to detect evidence of impairments in a timely manner. Furthermore, we have evaluated the results of the company internal assessment for objective evidence of impairments.
The Company's management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the EU, and the additional requirements pursuant to Section 245a UGB (Austrian Commercial Code) and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
Management is also responsible for assessing the Group's ability to continue as a going concern, and, where appropriate, to disclose matters that are relevant to the Group's ability to continue as a going concern and to apply the going concern assumption in its financial reporting, except in circumstances in which liquidation of the Group or closure of operations is planned or cases in which such measures appear unavoidable.
The audit committee is responsible for overseeing the Group's financial reporting process.
Our aim is to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements as a whole are free of material misstatements, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an audit report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance represents a high degree of assurance, but provides no guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with Austrian Standards on Auditing, which require the audit to be performed in accordance with ISA, will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements may result from fraud or error and are considered material if they could, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these consolidated financial statements.
As part of an audit in accordance with Austrian Standards on Auditing, which require the audit to be performed in accordance with ISA, we exercise professional judgment and retain professional scepticism throughout the audit.
█ We identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, we plan and perform procedures to address such risks and obtain sufficient and appropriate audit evidence to serve as a basis for our audit opinion. The risk that material misstatements due to fraud remain undetected is higher than that of material misstatements due to error, since fraud may include collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misleading representation or override of internal control.
█ We obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity's internal control.
█ We evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates as well as related disclosures made by management.
█ We conclude on the appropriateness of management's use of the going concern assumption and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the entity's ability to continue as a going concern. In case we conclude that there is a material uncertainty about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern, we are required to draw attention to the respective note in the financial statements in our audit report or, in case such disclosures are not appropriate, to modify our audit opinion. We conclude based on the audit evidence obtained until the date of our audit report. Future events or conditions however may result in the Company departing from the going concern assumption.
█ We evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the consolidated financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the consolidated financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.
█ We obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities and business activities within the Group to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements. We are responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the group audit. We remain solely responsible for our audit opinion.
█ We communicate with the audit committee regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of our audit as well as significant findings including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify in the course of our audit.
█ We report to the audit committee that we have complied with the relevant professional requirements in respect of our independence and that we will report any relationships and other events that could reasonably affect our independence and, where appropriate, related measures taken to ensure our independence.
█ From the matters communicated with the audit committee we determine those matters that required significant auditor attention in performing the audit and which are therefore key audit matters. We describe these key audit matters in our audit report except in the circumstances where laws or other legal regulations forbid publication of such matter or in very rare cases, we determine that a matter should not be included in our audit report because the negative effects of such communication are reasonably expected to outweigh its benefits for the public interest.
In accordance with the Austrian Commercial Code the group management report is to be audited as to whether it is consistent with the consolidated financial statements and as to whether it has been prepared in accordance with legal requirements.
The legal representatives of the Company are responsible for the preparation of the group management report in accordance with the Austrian Commercial Code.
We have conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted standards on the audit of group management reports as applied in Austria.
In our opinion, the group management report has been prepared in accordance with legal requirements and is consistent with the consolidated financial statements. The disclosures pursuant to Section 243a UGB (Austrian Commercial Code) are appropriate.
Based on our knowledge gained in the course of the audit of the consolidated financial statements and the understanding of the Group and its environment, we did not note any material misstatements in the group management report.
The legal representatives of the Company are responsible for the other information. Other information comprises all information provided in the annual report, with the exception of the consolidated financial statements, the group management report, and the auditor's report thereon.
Our opinion on the consolidated financial statements does not cover other information, and we will not provide any assurance on it.
In conjunction with our audit, it is our responsibility to read this other information and to assess whether it contains any material inconsistencies with the consolidated financial statements and our knowledge gained during our audit, or any apparent material misstatement of fact. If on the basis of our work performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of fact in the other information, we must report that fact. We have nothing to report with this regard.
The engagement partner is Mr Wilhelm Kovsca.
Vienna, 24 April 2017
KPMG Austria GmbH Wirtschaftsprüfungs- und Steuerberatungsgesellschaft
signed by:
Wilhelm Kovsca Wirtschaftsprüfer (Austrian Chartered Accountant)
AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG under Austrian Commercial Code (UGB)
Notes to the parent company financial statements1 166
Statement by the members of the Management Board 190
for the year ended 28 February 2017
Überblick
Geschäftsverlauf und wirtschaftliche Lage der AGRANA Beteiligungs-Aktiengesellschaft Beteiligungen der AGRANA Beteiligungs-Aktiengesellschaft Umwelt und Nachhaltigkeit Forschung und Entwicklung Personal- und Sozialbericht Risikomanagement und Internes Kontrollsystem Berichterstattung gemäß § 243a Abs. 2 UGB Kapital-, Anteils-, Stimm- und Kontrollrechte Corporate Governance-Bericht Zweigniederlassungen Ereignisse nach dem Bilanzstichtag Prognosebericht
Die AGRANA Beteiligungs-Aktiengesellschaft ist als international ausgerichtetes österreichisches Industrieunternehmen in ihrer Konzerntätigkeit in den Segmenten Zucker und Stärke hauptsächlich in Europa und im Segment Frucht weltweit tätig und strebt in diesen Märkten eine führende Position in der industriellen Veredelung von agrarischen Rohstoffen an. Damit ist die AGRANA Beteiligungs-Aktiengesellschaft die Holding-Gesellschaft der AGRANA-Gruppe ("AGRANA").
Der Konzern verfolgt einen an den jeweiligen lokalen Marktgegebenheiten ausgerichteten Wachstumskurs. Langfristige und stabile Kunden- und Lieferantenbeziehungen, respektvolles Verhalten gegenüber den Stakeholdern sowie die kontinuierliche Steigerung des Unternehmenswertes sind wichtige Eckpfeiler, die an den Grundsätzen nachhaltigen Wirtschaftens ausgerichteten Unternehmensstrategie.
Ziel von AGRANA ist es, sowohl global agierenden als auch regional tätigen Kunden weltweit hohe Produktqualität, optimalen Service sowie innovative Ideen und Know-how in der Produktentwicklung zu bieten.
Die strategischen Ziele der Konzernsegmente, die sich in der AGRANA Beteiligungs-Aktiengesellschaft in den Beteiligungsverhältnissen wiederspiegeln, stehen in einer synergetischen Wechselwirkung:
AGRANA kontrolliert und steuert die produktbezogene Wertschöpfungskette vom Einkauf der agrarischen Rohstoffe bis zu den daraus gewonnenen industriellen Vorprodukten, im Segment Zucker auch bis zum Endprodukt für den Konsumenten.
Das Unternehmen nutzt das konzerneigene strategische Know-how über die Segmente hinweg. Dies betrifft v.a. die landwirtschaftliche Kontraktwirtschaft und Rohstoffbeschaffung, Kenntnisse von Kundenbedürfnissen und Märkten, die Möglichkeiten segmentübergreifender Produktentwicklungen sowie Synergien in der Logistik, im Einkauf, Verkauf und im Finanzbereich. Damit wird die Basis für eine gute Marktstellung gegenüber den Mitbewerbern in allen Produktgruppen sowie die Innovationskraft und die gute Kostenposition der AGRANA geschaffen.
AGRANA verarbeitet in allen drei Geschäftssegmenten auch agrarische Rohstoffe aus kontrolliert biologischem Anbau und ist damit einer der größten Bio-Produzenten Europas.
AGRANA verfolgt im Rahmen ihrer Geschäftstätigkeit das Ziel, den von ihr beeinflussbaren Teil der Wertschöpfungskette möglichst nachhaltig zu gestalten. Unter Nachhaltigkeit versteht AGRANA in diesem Zusammenhang v.a. die folgenden drei, für alle Geschäftssegmente gültigen, Aspekte:
Rund 8.600 Mitarbeiter an 54 Produktionsstandorten auf allen fünf Kontinenten erwirtschafteten im Geschäftsjahr 2016/17 einen Konzernumsatz von rund 2,6 Mrd. € (VJ rd. 2,5 Mrd. €). Die AGRANA Beteiligungs-Aktiengesellschaft notiert seit 1991 im Prime Market Segment der Wiener Börse.
basierend auf dem Jahresabschluss nach UGB zum 28. Februar 2017
| Veränderung | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geschäftsentwicklung | 2016/17 | 2015/16 | in % | |
| Umsatzerlöse | t€ | 31.873 | 32.926 | -3,2% |
| Sonstige betriebliche Erträge | t€ | 258 | 337 | -23,4% |
| Betriebsleistung | t€ | 32.131 | 33.262 | -3,4% |
| Operatives Ergebnis (Betriebserfolg) | t€ | -16.182 | -6.338 | 155,3% |
| Operative Marge ¹ | % | -50,4% | -19,1% | |
| Beteiligungserträge | t€ | 76.118 | 61.177 | 24,4% |
| Finanzerfolg | t€ | 78.656 | 65.842 | 19,5% |
| Ergebnis der gewöhnlichen | ||||
| Geschäftstätigkeit | t€ | 62.473 | 59.503 | 5,0% |
| Jahresüberschuss | t€ | 63.550 | 59.854 | 6,2% |
| Investitionen in Sachanlagen und | t€ | |||
| immaterielle Vermögenswerte | t€ | 724 | 678 | 6,8% |
| Investitionen in Finanzanlagen | t€ | 0 | 0 | x |
¹ Operative Marge = Operatives Ergebnis / Betriebsleistung
Der Rückgang der Umsatzerlöse resultiert einerseits aus dem Anstieg der Erträge aus Lizenzeinnahmen in Höhe von rd. TEUR 3.869, welcher auf die Umsatzsteigerungen der einzelnen Tochtergesellschaften zurückzuführen ist und andererseits durch den Rückgang der Erträge aus Konzernverrechnung in Höhe von rd. TEUR 4.961. Dieser Rückgang ist auf die im Vorjahr abgeschlossenen internen Struktur- bzw. Optimierungs-Projekte zurückzuführen, wo seitens einzelner Abteilungen verstärkt Leistungen für Konzerngesellschaften erbracht wurden bzw. aus der Übertragung von Mitarbeitern zu jenen Konzerngesellschaften, wo bereits in der Vergangenheit der Tätigkeitsbereich lag und im Vorjahr diese Kosten noch weiterverrechnet wurden.
Das Ergebnis der gewöhnlichen Geschäftstätigkeit als auch der Jahresüberschuss der Gesellschaft haben sich nicht wesentlich, jedoch um mehr als 5 % im Vergleich zum Vorjahr positiv verändert.
| Veränderung | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bilanzkennzahlen | 2016/17 | 2015/16 | in % | |
| Bilanzsumme | t€ | 927.205 | 771.441 | 20,2% |
| Grundkapital | t€ | 113.531 | 103.210 | 10,0% |
| Immaterielle Vermögensgegenstände | t€ | |||
| und Sachanlagen | t€ | 1.764 | 2.172 | -18,8% |
| Anteile an verbundenen Unternehmen | t€ | 417.025 | 417.025 | 0,0% |
| Andere Finanzanlagen | t€ | 126.259 | 126.259 | 0,0% |
| Eigenkapital | t€ | 753.454 | 604.692 | 24,6% |
| Eigenkapitalquote ¹ | % | 81,3% | 78,4% | 3,7% |
| Haftungsverhältnisse | t€ | 87.823 | 206.095 | -57,4% |
¹ Eigenkapitalquote = Eigenkapital / Gesamtkapital
Die Immateriellen Vermögensgegenstände und Sachanlagen reduzierten sich im Vergleich zum Vorjahr um -408 t€. Den Investitionen in Höhe von TEUR 723 stehen Abschreibungen in Höhe von TEUR 1.110 gegenüber. Die wesentlichen Veränderungen betreffen Zu- und Abgänge im Fuhrpark und bei EDV-Anlagen.
Die Veränderung im Grundkapital von rd. TEUR 10.321 resultiert aus der durchgeführten Kapitalerhöhung.
Die Eigenkapitalquote von 81,3 % (Vorjahr: 78,4 %) zeigt eine solide Eigenkapitalausstattung und Bilanzstruktur der Gesellschaft.
| Veränderung | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016/17 | 2015/16 | in % | ||
| Cashflow aus laufender | ||||
| Geschäftstätigkeit | t€ | 48.809 | 60.576 | -19,4% |
| Cashflow aus Investitionstätigkeit | t€ | -661 | 84.378 | -100,8% |
| Cashflow aus Finanzierungstätigkeit | t€ | 85.213 | -51.127 | -266,7% |
| Veränderung der flüssigen Mittel | t€ | 133.361 | 93.827 | 42,1% |
| Bestand an flüssigen Mittel¹ | t€ | 242.791 | 109.430 | 121,9% |
2016/17: t€ 242.731 ; 2015/16: t€ 109.406 ¹ einschließlich Forderungen gegenüber dem Konzern-Cash-Pooling mit AGRANA Group-Services GmbH
Der Cash-Flow aus der Investitionstätigkeit sank von 84.378 t€ im Vorjahr auf -661 t€. Die außergewöhnliche Differenz zwischen den beiden Werten der jeweiligen Geschäftsjahre resultiert aus der Rückzahlung des Partizipationskapitals an der Raiffeisen-Holding Niederösterreich-Wien registrierte Genossenschaft mit beschränkter Haftung im Vorjahr.
Die Veränderung der flüssigen Mittel ist im Wesentlichen auf die Kapitalerhöhung des Geschäftsjahres zurückzuführen und zeigt sich im Netto-Geldfluss aus der Finanzierungstätigkeit, wie auch die Dividendenauszahlung von rd. 51.127 t€.
Die Segmente der AGRANA-Gruppe spiegeln sich in der AGRANA Beteiligungs-Aktiengesellschaft im Finanzanlagevermögen unter den Beteiligungen wider.
Die weiteren Beteiligungen der AGRANA-Beteiligungs-Aktiengesellschaft werden bis auf die INSTANTINA Nahrungsmittel Entwicklungs- und Produktions GmbH zu 100 % gehalten. Die restlichen Anteile auf 100 % (33,33 %) der INSTANTINA Nahrungsmittel Entwicklungs- und Produktions GmbH werden von der KRÜGER Gesellschaft m.b.H. & Co. KG, Deutschland gehalten.
Die restlichen Anteile auf 100 % der einzelnen "Segment-Gesellschaften" werden von der Tochtergesellschaft AGRANA Marketing- und Vertriebsservice Gesellschaft m.b.H. gehalten.
Die AGRANA Zucker GmbH ist als Dachgesellschaft für die Zuckeraktivitäten des Konzerns operativ in Österreich tätig und fungiert als Holding für die Zucker-Beteiligungen in Ungarn, Tschechien, der Slowakei, Rumänien, Bulgarien, Bosnien und Herzegowina.
| Veränderung | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016/17 | 2015/16 | in % / pp | |
| Umsatzerlöse (brutto) t€ |
748.151 | 739.912 | 1,1% |
| Umsätze zwischen den Segmenten t€ |
-76.230 | -67.268 | 13,3% |
| Umsatzerlöse t€ |
671.921 | 672.644 | -0,1% |
| EBITDA 1 t€ |
55.188 | 25.397 | 117,3% |
| Operatives Ergebnis t€ |
30.983 | 2.764 | 1020,9% |
| Ergebnis aus nach der Equity-Methode t€ einbezogenen Gemeinschaftsunternehmen |
2.442 | 1.542 | 58,4% |
| Ergebnis aus Sondereinflüssen t€ |
-9.037 | 0 | 100,0% |
| Ergebnis der Betriebstätigkeit (EBIT) t€ |
24.388 | 4.306 | 466,4% |
| EBIT - Marge % |
3,6 | 0,6 | 3,0 |
| Investitionen 2 t€ |
23.259 | 46.102 | -49,5% |
| Mitarbeiter 3 | 2.107 | 2.185 | -3,6% |
1 Operatives Ergebnis vor operativen Abschreibungen
2 In Sachanlagen und immaterielle Vermögenswerte, ausgenommen Geschäfts-/Firmenwerte
3 Durchschnittlich im Geschätsjahr beschäftigte Vollzeitquivalente (FTEs - Full-time equivalents)
Der Absatz der Zuckerprodukte ist im Vergleich zum Vorjahr deutlich gesunken, wobei sich die jeweiligen Märkte unterschiedlich entwickelten. Während die Verkäufe von Quotenzucker an den Retailmarkt stark zurückgegangen sind, stiegen jene an die Getränke- und Lebensmittelindustrie, v.a. in Tschechien, deutlich an. Der Absatz von Nicht-Quotenzucker an die chemische Industrie blieb deutlich hinter dem Vorjahresniveau; der Absatz außerhalb der EU sank nur leicht.
Die Ergebnisentwicklung war im Wesentlichen durch steigende Zuckerverkaufspreise beeinflusst. Die größte Erhöhung gab es bei den Groß- und Einzelhandelspreisen (Quotenzucker) und Exportpreisen (Nicht-Quotenzucker). Preisanstiege waren in allen Ländern, in denen AGRANA tätig ist, zu verzeichnen.
Das Ergebnis der AGRANA-STUDEN-Gruppe, das nach der Equity-Methode in den Konzernabschluss einbezogen wird, verbesserte sich aufgrund der niedrigen Weltmarktpreise für Roh- und Weißzucker und einer angemessenen Auslastung der Raffinerie in Bosnien und Herzegowina und wirkte sich auch positiv auf das EBIT des Segmentes Zucker aus.
Das im Geschäftsjahr 2016|17 ausgewiesene Ergebnis aus Sondereinflüssen in Höhe von -9,0 Mio. € resultierte aus Steuerschulden in Zusammenhang mit einer Betriebsprüfung in Rumänien (- 11,5 Mio. €), einer Rückstellung für eine Rechtsstreitigkeit in Rumänien (-1,5 Mio. €) und aus der Beilegung eines Rechtsstreites in Tschechien (+4,0 Mio. €; Auflösung einer Rückstellung).
Das Segment Stärke umfasst mit der AGRANA Stärke GmbH die drei österreichischen Fabriken in Aschach (Maisstärke), Gmünd (Kartoffelstärke) und Pischelsdorf (integrierte Weizenstärke- und Bioethanolanlage). Zudem führt und koordiniert die Gesellschaft die internationalen Beteiligungen in den Bereichen Stärke und Bioethanol in Ungarn und Rumänien.
| Veränderung | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016/17 | 2015/16 | in % / pp | |
| Umsatzerlöse (brutto) t€ |
744.194 | 728.730 | 2,1% |
| Umsätze zwischen den Segmenten t€ |
-10.272 | -7.164 | 43,4% |
| Umsatzerlöse t€ |
733.922 | 721.566 | 1,7% |
| EBITDA 1 t€ |
70.072 | 64.884 | 8,0% |
| Operatives Ergebnis t€ |
48.075 | 42.846 | 12,2% |
| Ergebnis aus nach der Equity-Methode t€ einbezogenen Gemeinschaftsunternehmen |
28.147 | 22.981 | 22,5% |
| Ergebnis der Betriebstätigkeit (EBIT) t€ |
76.222 | 65.827 | 15,8% |
| % EBIT - Marge |
10,4 | 9,1 | 1,3 |
| Investitionen 2 t€ |
57.577 | 28.151 | 104,5% |
| Mitarbeiter 3 | 893 | 870 | 2,6% |
1 Operatives Ergebnis vor Abschreibungen
2 In Sachanlagen und immaterielle Vermögenswerte, ausgenommen Geschäfts-/Firmenwerte
3 Durchschnittlich im Geschätsjahr beschäftigte Vollzeitquivalente (FTEs - Full-time equivalents)
Der Umsatz des Segmentes Stärke im Geschäftsjahr 2016|17 konnte um 2,1 % auf 744 (Vorjahr: 729) Mio. € gesteigert werden. Im Segment Stärke stieg der Umsatz im Geschäftsjahr 2016|17 um 1,7 %. Dazu trugen die Hauptprodukte mit einer Umsatzsteigerung von 3,0 % bei, während die Nebenproduktumsätze auf Vorjahresniveau lagen. Die Absatzmenge von eigengefertigten Produkten stieg aufgrund einer deutlich gesteigerten Produktivität in allen vier Werken um 6,9 %. Insbesondere bei nativen Stärken konnten die deutlichen Mehrmengen mit stabilen Preisen im Markt platziert werden.
Im Geschäftsjahr 2016|17 stieg der Umsatz der ungarischen HUNGRANA-Gruppe um 3,6 %. Moderat höhere Umsätze bei Verzuckerungsprodukten wurden durch Preis- und Mengensteigerungen erzielt. Der Umsatzverlust bei Bioethanol durch im Vergleich zum Vorjahr niedrigere Verkaufspreise konnte durch Mehrmengen beinahe kompensiert werden. Besonders positiv auf die Ergebnisentwicklung wirkte sich das niedrigere Preisniveau für Mais aus der Ernte 2016 aus und auch bei Energiekosten konnten Einsparungen erzielt werden. Damit lag das Ergebnis der Equity-Beteiligung deutlich über dem Vorjahresergebnis.
Der Anstieg der Investitionen resultiert im Wesentlichen aus dem Ausbau der Maisverarbeitung, der Erweiterung der Stärkeverzuckerungsanlage sowie der Errichtung einer neuen Maltodextrin-Sprühtrocknungsanlage am Standort in Aschach|Österreich. Zusätzlich wurden im Geschäftsjahr 2016|17 in den nach der Equity-Methode einbezogenen HUNGRANA-Gesellschaften (100 %) Investitionen im Ausmaß von 10,8 Mio. € (Vorjahr: 16,8 Mio. €) getätigt.
Die AGRANA Internationale Verwaltungs- und Asset-Management GmbH fungiert als Holding für sämtliche nationale und internationale Tochtergesellschaften im Segment Frucht. Die Koordination und operative Führung für den Bereich Fruchtzubereitungen erfolgt durch die Holdinggesellschaft AGRANA Fruit S.A.S. mit Sitz in Mitry-Mory|Frankreich. Im Bereich Fruchtsaftkonzentrate operiert als operative Holding die AUSTRIA Juice GmbH mit Sitz in Kröllendorf|Österreich.
| Veränderung | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016/17 | 2015/16 | in % / pp | ||
| Umsatzerlöse (brutto) t€ |
1.156.035 | 1.084.085 | 6,6% | |
| Umsätze zwischen den Segmenten t€ |
-582 | -648 | -10,2% | |
| Umsatzerlöse t€ |
1.155.453 | 1.083.437 | 6,6% | |
| EBITDA 1 t€ |
109.952 | 101.676 | 8,1% | |
| Operatives Ergebnis t€ |
71.757 | 61.876 | 16,0% | |
| Ergebnis aus Sondereinflüssen t€ |
0 | -3.054 | -100,0% | |
| Ergebnis der Betriebstätigkeit (EBIT) t€ |
71.757 | 58.822 | 22,0% | |
| % EBIT - Marge |
6,2 | 5,4 | 0,8 | |
| Investitionen 2 t€ |
33.822 | 41.730 | -19,0% | |
| Mitarbeiter 3 | 5.638 | 5.455 | 3,4% |
1 Operatives Ergebnis vor Abschreibungen
2 In Sachanlagen und immaterielle Vermögenswerte, ausgenommen Geschäfts-/Firmenwerte
3 Durchschnittlich im Geschätsjahr beschäftigte Vollzeitquivalente (FTEs - Full-time equivalents)
Der Umsatz im Geschäftsbereich Fruchtzubereitungen stieg um knapp 5 %, was v.a. auf eine gestiegene Verkaufsmenge zurückzuführen war. Etwas negativ beeinflussten den Umsatzerlösanstieg Fremdwährungseffekte in einzelnen Ländern, in denen AGRANA Fruit tätig ist; am stärksten waren diese in Ägypten, Argentinien, China, Mexiko, Russland, in der Türkei und der Ukraine.
Der Umsatz im Bereich Fruchtsaftkonzentrate lag im Geschäftsjahr 2016|17 deutlich über dem Vorjahreswert. Dies war hauptsächlich auf höhere Preise bei Apfelsaftkonzentraten aus der Ernte 2015 zurückzuführen.
Im vierten Quartal 2016|17 wurde die im Dezember 2016 erworbene argentinische Gesellschaft Main Process S.A. (inkl. Sudinver S.A.; beide Buenos Aires) erstkonsolidiert. Diese trug mit einem EBIT von rund 1,3 Mio. € zum Furchtzubereitungsergebnis bei.
Das Ergebnis aus Sondereinflüssen von -3,1 Mio. € im Vorjahr war primär auf das Restrukturierungsprojekt der Dirafrost FFI N.V., Herk-de-Stad|Belgien, zurückzuführen.
Im September 2016 wurde die Gesellschaft AGRANA Fruit India Private Limited, Neu-Dehli|Indien, gegründet. Nach einer Kapitalerhöhung im Februar 2017 hat die Gesellschaft u.a. Produktionsanlagen, Land und Gebäude erworben und plant, die Produktion und den Verkauf operativ im Laufe des nächsten Geschäftsjahres 2017|18 aufzunehmen.
Die INSTANTINA Nahrungsmittel Entwicklungs- und Produktions Gesellschaft m.b.H. ist auf die Entwicklung und Produktion von Instantprodukten spezialisiert und ist dem Segment Zucker zugeordnet.
Bei der AGRANA Research & Innovation Center GmbH, Tulln (vormals Zuckerforschung Tulln Ges.m.b.H.) werden schwerpunktmäßig die Forschungs- und Entwicklungsaktivitäten für Zucker und Stärke der AGRANA-Gruppe gebündelt.
Die AGRANA Marketing- und Vertriebsservice Gesellschaft m.b.H. fungiert als Holding Gesellschaft und hält neben der AGRANA Beteiligungs-Aktiengesellschaft die Anteile an AGRANA Zucker GmbH, AGRANA Stärke GmbH und AGRANA Internationale Verwaltungs- und Asset-Management GmbH.
Die AGRANA Group Services GmbH erfüllt im Konzern die Finanzierungsfunktion und betreibt das Cash-Pooling. Sie ist, wie die Holding, dem Segment Zucker zugeordnet.
AGRANA, als industrieller Veredler agrarischer Rohstoffe, versteht im Rahmen ihrer Geschäftstätigkeit unter Nachhaltigkeit die Balance zwischen Ökonomie, Ökologie und Sozialem. Dieses Verständnis von Nachhaltigkeit ist im Rahmen von drei Leitsätzen, die Management und allen Mitarbeitern als praktische und leicht verständliche Anleitung zu täglich nachhaltigem Handeln dienen, zusammengefasst:
Wir bei AGRANA…
Ihre Aktivitäten im Bereich Nachhaltigkeit sind in folgende Handlungsfelder entlang der Wertschöpfungskette gegliedert:
Auch im Geschäftsjahr 2016|17 arbeitete AGRANA an der weiteren Umsetzung ihrer Grundsätze für die Beschaffung agrarischer Rohstoffe und Vorprodukte. Lag der Arbeitsschwerpunkt in den Vorjahren besonders im Aufbau geeigneter Dokumentationsstrukturen für den Nachweis der Umsetzung guter agrarischer Praxis sowie in ersten Anstrengungen der Segmente Zucker und Stärke im Rahmen der Einführung des Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA) der Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI), konnte AGRANA im Berichtsjahr weitere Schritte bzgl. der Dokumentation im Segment Frucht setzen. Selbstverständlich wurde auch 2016|17 wieder eine Vielzahl von Veranstaltungen und Schulungsprogrammen für Vertragsanbauer angeboten.
Bereits seit Juli 2014 ist die AGRANA aktives Mitglied bei SAI, einer im Jahr 2002 gegründeten Brancheninitiative der Lebensmittelindustrie, und nimmt mit ihren Segmenten Zucker, Stärke und Frucht an allen für ihre Rohstoffe relevanten Arbeitsgruppen und Komitees teil.
SAI bietet industriellen Veredlern landwirtschaftlicher Rohstoffe wie AGRANA mehrere hilfreiche Instrumente v.a. zur Evaluierung und Dokumentation der Einhaltung guter Umwelt- und Sozialkriterien in der agrarischen Lieferkette bzw. zum Vergleich der Wertigkeit unterschiedlicher Nachweise bzw. internationaler Zertifizierungen an.
Die Energiemanagement-Systeme aller EU-Standorte des Segmentes Zucker, aller österreichischen Standorte des Segmentes Stärke und aller EU-Standorte des Bereiches Fruchtsaftkonzentrate wurden im Berichtsjahr 2016|17 nach ISO 50001 zertifiziert.
Die Prinzipien der internationalen Norm für Qualitätsmanagementsysteme ISO 9001 bilden die Basis des AGRANA-Qualitätsmanagementsystems. Ergänzt wird das System durch zahlreiche Zertifizierungen für Lebensmittelsicherheit und Produktschutz. Die weltweit wichtigsten Standards in diesem Bereich bei AGRANA sind FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification), ISO 22000 und IFS (International Food Standard). Je nach Land oder Region sowie Kundennachfrage werden noch zusätzliche Zertifizierungen wie Bio, gentechnikfrei, Kosher (nach jüdischen Speisegesetzen) und Halal (nach islamischen Speisegesetzen) angeboten.
In einem hochkompetitiven Marktumfeld ist es für AGRANA von zentraler Bedeutung, Markttrends zu erkennen, durch Produktinnovationen die Bedürfnisse der Märkte zu erfüllen und maßgeschneiderte Kundenlösungen zu entwickeln. In enger Partnerschaft mit ihren Kunden arbeitet AGRANAs Forschung und Entwicklung (F&E) laufend an neuen Technologien, Spezialprodukten und innovativen Anwendungsmöglichkeiten bestehender Produkte und unterstützt somit ihre auf nachhaltigen Erfolg ausgelegte Unternehmensstrategie.
Das AGRANA Research & Innovation Center (ARIC) in Tulln|Österreich ist das zentrale Forschungsund Entwicklungscenter des Konzerns für die Bereiche Zucker, Stärke und Frucht. Das ARIC ist als eigenständiges Unternehmen in der AGRANA-Gruppe organisiert und eine 100 %-Tochter der AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG, deren Ziel es ist, innovative Produkte aus den Rohstoffen Zuckerrübe, Kartoffel, Mais, Wachsmais, Weizen und aus Früchten zu entwickeln. Das ARIC ist national und international als Inhouse-F&E-Dienstleister und -Serviceanbieter in den Bereichen Zuckertechnologie, Lebensmitteltechnologie, Stärketechnologie, Mikrobiologie, Biotechnologie und Fruchtzubereitungsentwicklung tätig. Weiters bietet die Forschungsstätte ihr spezielles F&E-Know-how auch Dritten an und fungiert als staatlich akkreditiertes Labor für die Qualitätsprüfung von Zuckerrüben.
Die Zusammenarbeit von F&E-Spezialisten aus unterschiedlichen Bereichen (Zucker, Stärke und Frucht) unter einem Dach ermöglicht nicht nur verwaltungstechnische Synergieeffekte, sondern fördert auch den Austausch unterschiedlicher Forschergruppen, insbesondere zu bereichsübergreifenden Themen. Durch die sich ergänzenden Erfahrungen ergeben sich Vorteile bei segmentübergreifenden Forschungsschwerpunkten wie z.B. Technologien, Verdicker und Aromen, Mikrobiologie, Produktqualität und -sicherheit sowie Bio-Produkte.
| 2016 17 | 2015 16 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| F&E-Aufwendungen (intern und extern) (in Mio. €) | 15,9 | 14,9 | |
| F&E-Quote1 (in %) | 0,62 | 0,60 | |
| Mitarbeiter in F&E (Köpfe) | 221 | 214 |
1 F&E-Aufwendungen gemessen am Konzernumsatz
Die gesamte AGRANA-Gruppe beschäftigte im Geschäftsjahr 2016|17 durchschnittlich 8.569 (Vorjahr: 8.611) Mitarbeiter, davon 2.152 (Vorjahr: 2.120) in Österreich und 6.417 (Vorjahr: 6.491) international.
Ein konzernweit implementiertes "Performance-Management" wird in Verbindung mit einem erfolgsabhängigen Entlohnungssystem für das Management weltweit eingesetzt, um die strategischen und operativen Ziele des Unternehmens zu erreichen. Die Kriterien für die variable Vergütung umfassen neben den Finanz- und Ertragszielen auch individuelle Zielvereinbarungen. Im Geschäftsjahr 2016|17 nahmen 8,5 % (Vorjahr: 7,9 %) aller Beschäftigten an diesem erfolgsorientierten Entlohnungssystem teil.
Einen Schwerpunkt im Ausbildungsbereich stellte auch im Geschäftsjahr 2016|17 das Programm zur Lehrlingsausbildung dar. AGRANA bot im Jahresdurchschnitt 68 Lehrlingen in Österreich und Deutschland eine Ausbildungsmöglichkeit – unter anderem als MaschinenbautechnikerIn, ElektrotechnikerIn, Elektrobetriebs- und ProzessleittechnikerIn, MetalltechnikerIn, ChemielabortechnikerIn, LebensmitteltechnikerIn, MechatronikerIn, Industriekauffrau/-mann sowie als InformationstechnologietechnikerIn.
Des Weiteren starteten im Geschäftsjahr 2016|17 zwei Trainee-Programme, für die Bereiche Einkauf und Produktion. Die Trainee-Programme werden für den gesamten Konzern auf internationaler Ebene durchgeführt.
Im Bereich Weiterbildung und Entwicklung wurden im Geschäftsjahr 2016|17 rund 25 Mitarbeiter und Führungskräfte aus dem Konzern für das bereits zum fünften Mal stattfindende Nachwuchsführungskräfte-Programm - AGRANA Competencies Training ("ACT") ausgewählt.
Die konzernweiten externen Aus- und Weiterbildungskosten beliefen sich im Geschäftsjahr 2016|17 auf rund 2,6 Mio. € (Vorjahr: 1,8 Mio. €), dies entspricht 1,2 % (Vorjahr: 0,8 %) der Lohn- und Gehaltssumme.
Arbeitssicherheit ist AGRANA, als industriellem Produktionsunternehmen, ein besonderes Anliegen. Zur besseren Vergleichbarkeit und Analyse von Arbeitsunfällen sowie zur Umsetzung von Verbesserungsmaßnahmen erhebt AGRANA weltweit einheitlich definierte Kennzahlen zur Arbeitssicherheit und Gesundheit.
Nachdem AGRANA im Frühjahr 2016 dem, vom Bundesministerium für Familien und Jugend initiierten, österreichischen Netzwerk "Unternehmen für Familien" beigetreten ist, wurden im Berichtsjahr 2016|17 weitere Maßnahmen zur Vereinbarkeit von Beruf und Familie gesetzt.
So wurde eine konzernweit gültige Rahmenvereinbarung für Telearbeit geschaffen. Daneben wurde eine finanzielle Förderung für Kleinkindbetreuung vereinbart, welche aus steuerlichen Gründen leider nur Mitarbeitern in Österreich und den Mitarbeitern des Fruchtzubereitungsstandortes in Deutschland zur Verfügung steht. Neben den bestehenden Maßnahmen eines gleitenden Arbeitszeitmodells, einer organisierten sowie finanziell unterstützen Sommerferienbetreuung an einem Standort in Österreich und der Möglichkeit der Nutzung eines Betriebskindergartens in der Zentrale in Wien, wurde am Standort Wien auch ein Eltern-Kind-Büro eingerichtet, das Eltern und Kindern zum Beispiel am Nachmittag die Möglichkeit zur Hausaufgabenbetreuung bietet. Dieses wurde im Rahmen eines Family-Days, der Familienmitgliedern von AGRANA-Mitarbeitern die Möglichkeit bot, AGRANA als Arbeitgeber kennenzulernen, eröffnet.
Einen ähnlichen Familientag kombiniert mit sportlichen Aktivitäten organisierte auch das Segment Zucker an seinem Standort in Ungarn. Der Fruchtzubereitungsstandort in Altιnova (Yalova)|Türkei bot Mitarbeitern und Familienmitgliedern ein gemeinsames Ramadan-Dinner. AGRANA Fruit Polska organisierte eine gemeinsame Kajaktour für Mitarbeiter und deren Familienangehörige.
Der Vorstand der AGRANA-Gruppe ist sich der Bedeutung eines aktiven Risikomanagements bewusst. Dieses verfolgt das grundsätzliche Ziel, Chancen- und Risikopotenziale ehestmöglich zu erkennen und geeignete Maßnahmen zur Erhaltung der Ertragskraft sowie zur Sicherung des Fortbestandes der Unternehmensgruppe zu setzen.
Die AGRANA-Gruppe bedient sich integrierter Kontroll- und Berichtssysteme, die eine regelmäßige, konzernweite Einschätzung der Risikosituation ermöglichen. Im Rahmen der Früherkennung und Überwachung von konzernrelevanten Risiken wurden zwei einander ergänzende Steuerungsinstrumente implementiert:
Ein konzernweites, operatives Planungs- und Berichtssystem bildet die Basis für die monatliche Berichterstattung an die zuständigen Entscheidungsträger. Im Rahmen dieses Reporting-Prozesses wird für die Gruppe und für jedes Segment ein separater Risikobericht erstellt. Der Fokus liegt dabei auf der Ermittlung von Sensitivitäten in Bezug auf sich verändernde Marktpreise für das gegenwärtige und folgende Geschäftsjahr. Die einzelnen Risikoparameter werden laufend mit der aktuellen Planung bzw. dem aktuellen Forecast gegenübergestellt, um die Auswirkungen auf das operative Ergebnis berechnen zu können. Neben der laufenden Berichterstattung diskutieren die Verantwortlichen aus den Geschäftsbereichen regelmäßig direkt mit dem Vorstand über die wirtschaftliche Situation sowie den Einsatz risikoreduzierender Maßnahmen.
Das strategische Risikomanagement verfolgt die Zielsetzung, wesentliche Einzelrisiken hinsichtlich ihrer Auswirkungen auf das Chancen- und Risikopotenzial zu identifizieren und zu bewerten. Zweimal jährlich werden die mittel- bis langfristigen Risiken in den einzelnen Geschäftsbereichen durch ein definiertes Risikomanagement-Team in Kooperation mit dem zentralen Risikomanagement analysiert. Der Prozess beinhaltet die Risikoidentifikation und deren Bewertung nach Eintrittswahrscheinlichkeit und möglichem Risiko-/Chancenpotenzial, die Definition von Frühwarnindikatoren sowie Maßnahmen zur Gegensteuerung. Zudem wird für das laufende Geschäftsjahr die aggregierte Risikoposition der AGRANA-Gruppe mittels einer im Risikomanagement üblichen Berechnung, der "Monte-Carlo-Simulation", ermittelt. So kann beurteilt werden, ob ein Zusammenwirken oder die Kumulation von Einzelrisiken ein bestandsgefährdendes Risiko darstellen könnte. Die Ergebnisse werden an den Vorstand sowie den Prüfungsausschuss des Aufsichtsrates berichtet.
Für die Segmente der AGRANA-Gruppe wurden Risikomanagement-Verantwortliche definiert, die in Abstimmung mit dem Vorstand im Bedarfsfall Maßnahmen zur Schadensminimierung einleiten sollen.
Die Funktionsfähigkeit des Risikomanagements gemäß Regel 83 des Österreichischen Corporate Governance Kodex (ÖCGK) wird jährlich vom Wirtschaftsprüfer geprüft und als Ergebnis der Beurteilung ein abschließender Bericht über die Funktionsfähigkeit des unternehmensweiten Risikomanagements erstellt. Für die Überprüfung wurden die Empfehlungen des "Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission" (COSO) als Referenzmodell herangezogen.
AGRANA sieht im verantwortungsvollen Umgang mit Chancen und Risiken eine wesentliche Grundlage für eine ziel- und wertorientierte sowie nachhaltige Unternehmensführung. Die Risikopolitik der Unternehmensgruppe zielt auf risikobewusstes Verhalten ab und sieht klare Verantwortlichkeiten, Unabhängigkeit im Risikomanagement und die Durchführung interner Kontrollen vor.
Risiken dürfen konzernweit nur dann eingegangen werden, wenn sich diese aus dem Kerngeschäft der AGRANA-Gruppe ergeben und nicht ökonomisch sinnvoll vermieden oder abgesichert werden können. Sie sind möglichst zu minimieren, wobei auf ein ausgewogenes Verhältnis von Risiko und Chance Bedacht zu nehmen ist. Das Eingehen von Risiken außerhalb des operativen Geschäftes ist ohne Ausnahmen verboten.
Die AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG ist für die konzernweite Koordinierung und Umsetzung der vom Vorstand festgelegten Maßnahmen zum Risikomanagement verantwortlich. Der Einsatz von Hedge-Instrumenten ist nur zur Absicherung von operativen Grundgeschäften und Finanzierungstätigkeiten, nicht jedoch zu Spekulationszwecken, erlaubt. Über den Bestand und die Werthaltigkeit von Hedge-Kontrakten wird regelmäßig an den Vorstand berichtet.
Die Unternehmensgruppe ist Risiken ausgesetzt, die sich sowohl aus dem operativen Geschäft als auch von nationalen und internationalen Rahmenbedingungen ableiten. Im Zuge der Geschäftstätigkeit als weltweit tätiger Veredler agrarischer Rohstoffe stellen klimatische Veränderungen und deren Auswirkungen auf die Verfügbarkeit der Rohmaterialien Risiken für AGRANA dar. Zunehmend gewinnt auch die Einhaltung nachhaltiger Umwelt- und Sozialkriterien in der vorgelagerten Lieferkette an Bedeutung. Diese versucht AGRANA durch die Einhaltung definierter Kriterien zur Beschaffung agrarischer Rohstoffe und Vorprodukte zu gewährleisten. Daneben ist AGRANA aufgrund der v.a. in den Geschäftssegmenten Zucker und Stärke energieintensiven Produktion Risiken durch die Energie- und Umweltgesetzgebungen in den verschiedenen Ländern ausgesetzt. In diesem Bereich hat AGRANA eine Umweltpolitik formuliert, deren Einhaltung Risiken vermeiden bzw. minimieren soll.
AGRANA ist auf ausreichende Verfügbarkeit agrarischer Rohmaterialien in der benötigten Qualität angewiesen. Neben einer möglichen Unterversorgung mit geeigneten Rohstoffen stellen deren Preisschwankungen, wenn sie nicht oder nicht ausreichend an die Abnehmer weitergegeben werden können, ein Risiko dar. Wesentliche Treiber für Verfügbarkeit, Qualität und Preis sind wetterbedingte Gegebenheiten in den Anbaugebieten, die Wettbewerbssituation, regulatorische und gesetzliche Regelungen sowie die Veränderung der Wechselkurse relevanter Währungen.
AGRANA sieht in der Produktion und im Vertrieb von qualitativ hochwertigen und sicheren Produkten eine Grundvoraussetzung für langfristig wirtschaftlichen Erfolg. Das Unternehmen verfügt über ein streng ausgelegtes und laufend weiterentwickeltes Qualitätsmanagement, das den Anforderungen der relevanten lebensmittelrechtlichen Standards und den kundenseitig festgelegten Kriterien entspricht und den gesamten Prozess von der Rohstoffbeschaffung über die Produktion bis zur Auslieferung der gefertigten Waren umfasst. Die Einhaltung der Qualitätsstandards wird regelmäßig durch interne und externe Audits verifiziert. Darüber hinaus sollen abgeschlossene Produkthaftpflichtversicherungen allfällige Restrisiken abdecken.
AGRANA steht im Rahmen ihrer globalen Tätigkeit im intensiven Wettbewerb mit regionalen wie auch überregionalen Mitbewerbern. Der Eintritt neuer Mitbewerber bzw. die Schaffung zusätzlicher Produktionskapazitäten bestehender Konkurrenten kann die Wettbewerbsintensität in Zukunft verstärken.
Die eigene Marktposition wird laufend beobachtet, sodass etwaig notwendige korrigierende Maßnahmen schnell eingeleitet werden können. Entsprechend der Nachfrage und auch aufgrund anderer Einflussfaktoren werden die Kapazitäten und die Kostenstrukturen zur Erhaltung der Wettbewerbsfähigkeit auf den Kernmärkten stetig angepasst. Das frühzeitige Erkennen von Änderungen des Nachfrage- und Konsumverhaltens basiert auf stetigen Analysen von Planabweichungen. In diesem Zusammenhang stehen auch neue technologische Entwicklungen und Produktionsprozesse am Markt unter Beobachtung, die in Zukunft zu einer teilweisen Rückwärtsintegration von Kunden in Kernbereiche einzelner Segmente der AGRANA-Gruppe führen können.
AGRANA hat im Geschäftsjahr eine bedeutende Unternehmensakquisition mit der Übernahme der argentinischen Firma MAIN PROCESS S.A. im Bereich der Fruchtzubereitung getätigt. Die möglichst rasche organisatorische Eingliederung des akquirierten Unternehmens stellt für die Gruppe eine wichtige Herausforderung in der Zukunft dar.
Eine Ausweitung der politischen Unruhen in Osteuropa kann sich negativ auf das Marktumfeld im Segment Frucht auswirken. Aus derzeitiger Sicht verzeichnet die Region jedoch nach wie vor eine stabile Ertragslage.
Im Rahmen des Risikomanagements werden bereits im Vorfeld mögliche Szenarien und ihre Auswirkungen analysiert und bewertet.
Zuckermarktordnung: Mit 30. September 2017 entfallen die Rübenmindestpreis- und die Quotenregelung für Zucker und Isoglukose. Beide Produkte können dann in der EU in beliebigen Quantitäten erzeugt und verkauft werden. Die Beendigung der Quotenregelung im Herbst 2017 hat bereits im Vorjahr den europäischen Zuckermarkt durch mehr Wettbewerb beeinflusst. Mit dem Ende der Quotenregelung wird auch die teilweise Substitution von kristallinem Zucker durch Isoglukose erwartet.
Mit dem Auslaufen der Quotenregelung ist mit einer gesteigerten Rübenzuckerproduktion, speziell in Gunstlagen, sowie einer stärkeren Orientierung der europäischen Marktpreise am Niveau der Weltmarktpreise zu rechnen. Die neue Regelung der Zuckermarktordnung sieht auch keine Mindestpreise für Zuckerrüben vor. Die Rübenpreise werden jedoch weiterhin zwischen den Rübenproduzenten und der rübenverarbeitenden Industrie ausverhandelt. Die Reform der Zuckermarktordnung beinhaltet jedoch keine Veränderung im System der Importzölle für Zuckerimporte außerhalb der EU sowie die Behandlung von Importen aus LDC/ADC-Ländern (Least Developed Countries / African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States) mit EU-Präferenzabkommen.
Freihandelsabkommen: Die derzeit verhandelten Freihandelsabkommen der EU könnten wirtschaftliche Auswirkungen auf AGRANA haben. AGRANA verfolgt die laufenden Verhandlungen und analysiert und bewertet die einzelnen Ergebnisse.
Im September 2015 wurde durch die EU-Richtlinie 2015/1513/EU eine Änderung der EU-Regelung für erneuerbare Energien veröffentlicht. Im Hinblick auf das EU-Treibhausgas-Einsparungsziel von 40 % bis zum Jahr 2030 auf Basis des Energieverbrauches von 1990 wurde der Beitrag durch Biotreibstoffe neu geregelt.
Im November 2016 hat die EU-Kommission einen neuen Vorschlag unterbreitet, der einen Anteil von erneuerbarer Energien innerhalb der EU von mindestens 27 % vorsieht, jedoch keine spezifische Zielsetzung für den Bereich Transport definiert. Der Vorschlag beinhaltet eine Reduzierung von Biokraftstoffen aus landwirtschaftlichen Rohstoffen ("1. Generation"). Demnach soll deren Anteil ab 2021 von 7 % auf maximal 3,8 % im Jahr 2030 gesenkt werden. Der Einsatz von aus Stroh, Holz und Abfällen hergestelltem Ethanol ("2. Generation") soll hingen von 1,5 % im Jahr 2021 bis 2030 stufenweise auf 3 % erhöht werden. Die EU-Kommission begründet diesen Vorschlag mit mäßigen Klimaeffekten von Biotreibstoffen der "1. Generation". Die EU-Kommission lässt in ihrer Strategie völlig unberücksichtigt, dass die europäische Bioethanolindustrie mittlerweile durch stetige Optimierungen 70 % an Treibhausgasemissionen im Vergleich zu Benzin einspart. Des Weiteren werden in der Betrachtung der EU-Kommission die Verringerung an Partikel-Emissionen, die Gewinnung von gentechnikfreiem Eiweißfuttermitel und Gärungs-Kohlensäure als Nebenprodukte sowie die Verwendung von Überschussgetreide als Rohstoff außer Acht gelassen. Zusätzlich ist die Technologie zur Gewinnung von Ethanol der 2. Generation derzeit nicht wettbewerbsfähig und wird in absehbarer Zeit nach kommerziellen Maßstäben nicht zur Verfügung stehen.
AGRANA verfolgt die laufenden Entwicklungen und setzt sich auf nationaler und europäischer Ebene für einen wachsenden Anteil erneuerbarer Kraftstoffe ein.
AGRANA verfolgt Änderungen der rechtlichen Rahmenbedingungen, die eines ihrer Geschäftsfelder oder deren Mitarbeiter betreffen und allenfalls zu einer Risikosituation führen könnten kontinuierlich, und trifft gegebenenfalls notwendige Maßnahmen. Die unter besonderer Aufmerksamkeit stehenden Rechtsbereiche sind Kartell-, Lebensmittel- und Umweltrecht, neben Datenschutz, Geldwäschereibestimmungen und Terrorismusfinanzierung. AGRANA hat für den Bereich Compliance, Personalrecht und allgemeine Rechtsbereiche eigene Stabsstellen.
Derzeit bestehen keine gerichtsanhängigen oder angedrohten zivilrechtlichen Klagen gegen Unternehmen der AGRANA-Gruppe, die eine nachhaltige Auswirkung auf die Ertrags-, Finanz- und Vermögenslage haben könnten.
Wie in den Vorjahresberichten dargestellt, beantragte die österreichische Bundeswettbewerbsbehörde im Jahr 2010 ein Bußgeld im Rahmen eines Kartellverfahrens wegen des Verdachtes wettbewerbsbeschränkender Absprachen in Bezug auf Österreich gegen die AGRANA Zucker GmbH, Wien, und die Südzucker AG, Mannheim|Deutschland. Bis dato ist dazu keine Entscheidung des Kartellgerichtes ergangen. AGRANA hält die Beschuldigung sowie das beantragte Bußgeld weiterhin für unbegründet.
AGRANA ist Risiken aus der Veränderung von Wechselkursen, Zinssätzen und Produkt-preisen ausgesetzt. Darüber hinaus bestehen Risiken, die für den Konzern notwendigen Finanzierungen durch Finanzinstitutionen und/oder über den Kapitalmarkt zur Verfügung gestellt zu bekommen. Die Finanzierungssteuerung der Unternehmensgruppe erfolgt im Wesentlichen zentral durch die Treasury-Abteilung, die dem Vorstand laufend über die Entwicklung und Struktur der Nettofinanzschulden des Konzerns, finanzielle Risiken und den Umfang und das Ergebnis der getätigten Sicherungsgeschäfte berichtet.
Die AGRANA-Gruppe ist weltweit tätig und hat unterschiedliche Steuergesetzgebungen, Abgabenregularien sowie devisenrechtlichen Bestimmungen zu beachten. Veränderungen von Bestimmungen unterschiedlicher Gesetzgeber und deren Auslegung lokaler Behörden können einen Einfluss auf den finanziellen Erfolg einzelner Konzerngesellschaften haben.
Zinsänderungsrisiken ergeben sich durch Wertschwankungen von fix verzinsten Finanzinstrumenten infolge einer Änderung des Marktzinssatzes (zinsbedingtes Kursrisiko). Variabel verzinsliche Anlagen oder Kreditaufnahmen unterliegen dagegen keinem Wertrisiko, da der Zinssatz zeitnah der Marktzinslage angepasst wird. Durch die Schwankung des Marktzinsniveaus ergibt sich aber ein Risiko hinsichtlich der künftigen Zinszahlungen (zinsbedingtes Zahlungsstromrisiko). Dabei versucht AGRANA, Zinssicherungsinstrumente dem Finanzierungsbedarf und der Fristigkeit entsprechend einzusetzen. Im Rahmen der Umsetzung von IFRS 7 werden die bestehenden Zinsrisiken durch Berechnung des "Cash Flow at Risk" bzw. der "Modified Duration" ermittelt und im Konzernanhang detailliert dargestellt.
Währungsrisiken können aus dem Einkauf von Waren und Verkauf von Produkten in Fremdwährungen sowie aufgrund von Finanzierungen, die nicht in der lokalen Währung erfolgen, entstehen. Für AGRANA sind v.a. die Kursrelationen von Euro zu US-Dollar, ungarischem Forint, polnischem Zloty, rumänischem Leu, ukrainischer Griwna, russischem Rubel, brasilianischem Real, mexikanischem Peso und chinesischem Yuan von Relevanz.
Im Rahmen des Währungsmanagements ermittelt AGRANA monatlich pro Konzerngesellschaft das Netto-Fremdwährungsexposure, welches sich aus den Einkaufs-, Verkaufs- und Finanzmittelpositionen inklusive der im Bestand befindlichen Sicherungsgeschäfte ergibt. Zudem werden bereits kontrahierte, jedoch noch nicht erfüllte Einkaufs- und Verkaufskontrakte in Fremdwährungen berücksichtigt. Als Sicherungsinstrument setzt AGRANA vorrangig Devisentermingeschäfte ein, mit denen die in Fremdwährung anfallenden Zahlungsströme gegen Kursschwankungen abgesichert werden. In Ländern mit volatilen Währungen werden diese Risiken zusätzlich durch eine Verkürzung von Zahlungsfristen, eine Indizierung der Verkaufspreise zum Euro oder US-Dollar und analoge Sicherungsmechanismen weiter reduziert.
Das Währungsrisiko wird durch den "Value at Risk"-Ansatz ermittelt und im Konzernanhang dargestellt.
Liquiditätsrisiken auf Einzelgesellschafts- oder Länderebene werden durch das einheitliche Berichtswesen frühzeitig erkannt, wodurch eventuelle Gegenmaßnahmen rechtzeitig eingeleitet werden können. Die Liquidität der AGRANA-Gruppe ist durch bilaterale und syndizierte Kreditlinien langfristig und ausreichend abgesichert.
Risiken aus Forderungsausfällen werden durch die bestehenden Warenkreditversicherungen, durch strikte Kreditlimits und laufende Überprüfungen der Kundenbonität minimiert. Das verbleibende Risiko wird durch Vorsorgen in angemessener Höhe abgedeckt.
Die derzeitige Gesamtrisikoposition des Konzerns ist durch anhaltend hohe Volatilitäten von Verkaufs- und Rohstoffpreisen gekennzeichnet und entspricht in Summe dem Niveau des Vorjahres. Es sind gegenwärtig keine bestandsgefährdenden Risiken für die AGRANA-Gruppe erkennbar.
Der Vorstand der AGRANA verantwortet die Einrichtung und Ausgestaltung eines internen Kontrollsystems (IKS) und Risikomanagementsystems (RMS) im Hinblick auf den Rechnungslegungsprozess sowie die Einhaltung der maßgeblichen gesetzlichen Vorschriften.
Das IKS, konzernweit geltende Bilanzierungs- und Bewertungsrichtlinien sowie die Vorschriften zur Rechnungslegung nach den International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) sichern sowohl Einheitlichkeit der Rechnungslegung als auch die Verlässlichkeit der Finanzberichterstattung und der extern publizierten Abschlüsse.
Der überwiegende Anteil der Konzerngesellschaften verwendet SAP als führendes ERP-System. Sämtliche AGRANA-Gesellschaften übergeben die Werte der Einzelabschlüsse in das zentrale SAP-Konsolidierungsmodul. Es kann somit sichergestellt werden, dass das Berichtswesen auf einer einheitlichen Datenbasis beruht. Die Erstellung des Konzernabschlusses erfolgt durch das Konzernrechnungswesen. Es zeichnet für die Betreuung der Meldedatenübernahme der lokalen Gesellschaften, die Durchführung der Konsolidierungsmaßnahmen, die analytische Aufbereitung und Erstellung von Finanzberichten verantwortlich. Die Kontrolle und Abstimmung des internen und externen Berichtswesens wird monatlich durch das Controlling und Konzernrechnungswesen durchgeführt.
Das wesentliche Steuerungsinstrument für das Management von AGRANA ist das konzernweit implementierte einheitliche Planungs- und Berichtssystem. Es umfasst eine Mittelfristplanung mit einem Planungshorizont von fünf Jahren, eine Budgetplanung (für das folgende Geschäftsjahr), Monatsberichte inklusive eines eigenen Risikoberichtes sowie dreimal jährlich eine Vorschaurechnung des laufenden Geschäftsjahres, in dem die wesentlichen wirtschaftlichen Entwicklungen berücksichtigt werden. Im Falle von wesentlichen Änderungen der Planungsprämissen wird dieses System durch Ad-hoc-Planungen ergänzt.
Die vom Controlling erstellte monatliche Finanzberichterstattung zeigt die Entwicklung aller Konzerngesellschaften. Der Inhalt dieses Berichtes ist konzernweit vereinheitlicht und umfasst neben detaillierten Verkaufsdaten, Bilanz, Gewinn- und Verlustrechnung, die daraus ableitbaren Kennzahlen und auch eine Analyse der wesentlichen Abweichungen. Teil dieses Monatsberichtes ist auch ein eigener Risikobericht, sowohl für jedes Segment als auch für die gesamte AGRANA-Gruppe, in dem unter Annahme von aktuellen Marktpreisen noch nicht fixierter Mengen bei wesentlichen Ergebnisfaktoren im Vergleich zu geplanten Preisen das Risikopotenzial für das laufende und das nachfolgende Geschäftsjahr errechnet wird.
Ein konzernweites Risikomanagementsystem, sowohl auf operativer als auch strategischer Ebene, in dessen Rahmen alle für das Unternehmen relevanten Risikofelder wie regulatorische und rechtliche Rahmenbedingungen, Rohstoffbeschaffung, Wettbewerbs- und Marktrisiken und Finanzierung auf Chancen und Risiken analysiert werden, ermöglicht es dem Management, frühzeitig Veränderungen im Unternehmensumfeld zu erkennen und rechtzeitig Gegenmaßnahmen einzuleiten.
Die Interne Revision überwacht sämtliche Betriebs- und Geschäftsabläufe in der Gruppe im Hinblick auf die Einhaltung gesetzlicher Bestimmungen und interner Richtlinien sowie auf Wirksamkeit des Risikomanagements und der internen Kontrollsysteme. Grundlage der Prüfungshandlungen ist ein vom Vorstand beschlossener jährlicher Revisionsplan auf Basis einer konzernweiten Risikobewertung. Auf Veranlassung des Managements werden Ad-hoc-Prüfungen durchgeführt, die auf aktuelle und zukünftige Risiken abzielen. Die Ergebnisse der Prüfungshandlungen werden regelmäßig an den AGRANA-Vorstand und an das verantwortliche Management sowie an den Aufsichtsrat (Prüfungsausschuss) berichtet. Die Umsetzung der von der Revision vorgeschlagenen Maßnahmen wird durch Folgekontrollen überprüft.
Im Rahmen der Abschlussprüfung beurteilt der Wirtschaftsprüfer jährlich das interne Kontrollsystem des Rechnungslegungsprozesses und der IT-Systeme. Die Ergebnisse der Prüfungshandlungen werden dem Prüfungsausschuss im Aufsichtsrat berichtet.
Das Grundkapital der AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG zum Stichtag 28. Februar 2017 betrug 113,5 Mio. € (29. Februar 2016: 103,2 Mio. €) und war in 15.622.244 (29. Februar 2016: 14.202.040) auf Inhaber lautende Stückaktien (Stammaktien mit Stimmrecht) geteilt. Weitere Aktiengattungen bestehen nicht.
Die Z&S Zucker und Stärke Holding AG (Z&S) mit Sitz in Wien hält als Mehrheitsaktionär direkt 78,34 % des Grundkapitals der AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG. Die Z&S ist eine 100 %-Tochter der AGRANA Zucker, Stärke und Frucht Holding AG, Wien, an welcher die Zucker-Beteiligungsgesellschaft m.b.H. (ZBG), Wien, mit 50 % abzüglich einer Aktie, die von der AGRANA Zucker GmbH, einer Tochter der AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG, gehalten wird, sowie die Südzucker AG (Südzucker), Mannheim|Deutschland, mit 50 % beteiligt sind. An der ZBG halten die "ALMARA" Holding GmbH, eine Tochtergesellschaft der RAIFFEISEN-HOLDING NIEDERÖSTERREICH-WIEN registrierte Genossenschaft mit beschränkter Haftung, die Marchfelder Zuckerfabriken Gesellschaft m.b.H., die Estezet Beteiligungsgesellschaft m.b.H., die Rübenproduzenten Beteiligungs GesmbH und die Leipnik-Lundenburger Invest Beteiligungs AG, jeweils Wien, Beteiligungen. Aufgrund eines zwischen der Südzucker und der ZBG abgeschlossenen Syndikatsvertrages sind die Stimmrechte der Syndikatspartner in der Z&S gebündelt und es bestehen u.a. Übertragungsbeschränkungen der Aktien und bestimmte Nominierungsrechte der Syndikatspartner für die Organe der AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG und der Südzucker. So ist Dipl.-Ing. Johann Marihart von der ZBG als Vorstandsmitglied der Südzucker AG und Dkfm. Thomas Kölbl seitens Südzucker als Vorstandsmitglied der AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG nominiert und bestellt.
Mit Beschluss der Hauptversammlung vom 3. Juli 2015 wurde der Vorstand für die Dauer von fünf Jahren nach Eintragung der entsprechenden Satzungsänderung im Firmenbuch (erfolgte am 4. September 2015) gemäß § 169 AktG ermächtigt, mit Zustimmung des Aufsichtsrates, das Grundkapital um bis zu 15.261.295,18 € durch Ausgabe von bis zu 2.100.000 Stück neuen, auf Inhaber lautenden Stammaktien der Gesellschaft gegen Bar- oder Sacheinlagen auch in mehreren Tranchen zu erhöhen und den Ausgabebetrag, der nicht unter dem anteiligen Betrag des Grundkapitals liegen darf, die Ausgabebedingungen und die weiteren Einzelheiten der Durchführung der Kapitalerhöhung im Einvernehmen mit dem Aufsichtsrat festzusetzen.
Im Zeitraum 31. Jänner bis 17. Februar 2017 hat AGRANA im Wege einer Barkapitalerhöhung insgesamt 1.420.204 neue Aktien in zwei Tranchen unter Wahrung des Bezugsrechtes ausgegeben. Die neuen AGRANA-Aktien sind mit Dividendenberechtigung ab dem Geschäftsjahr 2016|17 ausgestattet. Durch die Platzierung von 500.000 bestehenden AGRANA-Aktien aus dem Direktbestand von Südzucker sowie den Bezugsrechtsverzicht der Z&S sowie von Südzucker konnte der Streubesitz von AGRANA von 7,3 % auf 18,9 % erhöht werden.
Weiters wurde der Vorstand mit Beschluss der Hauptversammlung vom 3. Juli 2015 gemäß § 65 Abs. 1 Z 8 sowie Abs. 1a und Abs. 1b AktG für die Dauer von 30 Monaten ab dem Datum der Beschlussfassung ermächtigt, mit Zustimmung des Aufsichtsrates eigene Aktien der Gesellschaft im Ausmaß von bis zu 10 % des Grundkapitals der Gesellschaft, auch unter wiederholter Ausnutzung der 10 %-Grenze, sowohl über die Börse als auch außerbörslich auch unter Ausschluss des quotenmäßigen Andienungsrechtes der Aktionäre zu erwerben.
Es gibt keine Inhaber von Aktien, die über besondere Kontrollrechte verfügen. Mitarbeiter, die auch Aktionäre der AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG sind, üben ihre Stimmrechte individuell aus.
Der Vorstand verfügt über keine über die unmittelbaren gesetzlichen Regelungen hinausgehenden Befugnisse, Aktien auszugeben oder zurückzukaufen.
In den Verträgen betreffend Schuldscheindarlehen und Kreditlinien ("Syndicated Loans") sind "Change of Control"-Klauseln enthalten, die den Darlehensgebern ein außerordentliches Kündigungsrecht einräumen.
Darüber hinaus bestehen keine bedeutenden Vereinbarungen, die bei einem Kontrollwechsel infolge eines Übernahmeangebotes wirksam werden, sich wesentlich ändern oder enden. Entschädigungsvereinbarungen zwischen der Gesellschaft und ihren Organen oder Arbeitnehmern im Falle eines öffentlichen Übernahmeangebotes bestehen nicht.
AGRANA bekennt sich zu den Regelungen des Österreichischen Corporate Governance Kodex (ÖCGK) und hält nahezu alle Bestimmungen ein. Der ÖCGK ist auf der Website des Österreichischen Arbeitskreises für Corporate Governance unter www.corporategovernance.at abrufbar. Er bildet - auf dem Prinzip der freiwilligen Selbstverpflichtung beruhend - den Ordnungsrahmen für die Leitung und Überwachung des Unternehmens mit dem Ziel einer hohen Transparenz für alle Stakeholder.
Im Geschäftsjahr 2016|17 hat AGRANA den ÖCGK in der Fassung vom Jänner 2015 zur Anwendung gebracht. Der Aufsichtsrat der AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG hat sich in seinen Sitzungen am 25. November 2016 und 28. Februar 2017 mit Fragen der Corporate Governance befasst und einstimmig die Erklärung über die Einhaltung des Kodex beschlossen.
Die AGRANA Beteiligungs-Aktiengesellschaft hatte in 2016/17 keine Zweigniederlassungen
Es sind nach dem Bilanzstichtag keine wesentlichen berichtspflichtigen Ereignisse eingetreten.
Basierend auf einer soliden Bilanzstruktur zum 28. Februar 2017 und einem gut diversifizierten Geschäftsmodell, sieht sich AGRANA auch für das neue Geschäftsjahr gut gerüstet und rechnet mit einer moderat positiven Ergebnisentwicklung.
Aus heutiger Sicht geht AGRANA für das Geschäftsjahr 2017|18 sowohl beim Konzernumsatz als auch beim Ergebnis der Betriebstätigkeit (EBIT) von einem moderaten Anstieg aus.
Aus Sicht der Einzelgesellschaft, der AGRANA Beteiligungs-Aktiengesellschaft, wird daher für das kommende Geschäftsjahr 2017|18 mit einer stabilen Umsatzentwicklung und einem Ergebnis der Geschäftstätigkeit (EGT) auf aktuellen Niveau gerechnet.
Wien, am 24. April 2017
Dipl.-Ing. Johann Marihart e.h. Mag. Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Fritz Gattermayer e.h
Mag. Stephan Büttner e.h. Dkfm. Thomas Kölbl e.h.
162
for the year ended 28 February 2017
Gewinn- und Verlustrechnung
Bilanz
Anhang zum Jahresabschluss Allgemeines Bilanzierungs- und Bewertungsmethoden Erläuterungen zur Bilanz Erläuterungen zur Gewinn- und Verlustrechnung Sonstige Angaben Aufwendungen für den Abschlussprüfer Wesentliche Ereignisse nach dem Bilanzstichtag Ergebnisverwendung Organe und Arbeitnehmer
Entwicklung des Anlagevermögens
| ¤000 | 2016 17 | 2015 16 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Revenue | 31,873 | 32,926 | |
| 2. Other operating income | 258 | 337 | |
| 3. Staff costs | (25,240) | (19,655) | |
| 4. Depreciation, amortisation and impairment of | |||
| property, plant and equipment and intangible assets | (1,107) | (1,504) | |
| 5. Other operating expenses | (21,965) | (18,443) | |
| 6. Operating (loss) [subtotal of items 1 to 5] | (16,181) | (6,339) | |
| 7. Income from investments in subsidiaries | |||
| and other companies | 76,118 | 61,177 | |
| Of which from subsidiaries | 76,078 | 61,167 | |
| 8. Income from other securities and loans classified | |||
| as non-current financial assets | 2,542 | 8,337 | |
| Of which from subsidiaries | 2,542 | 2,348 | |
| 9. Other interest and similar income | 2,525 | 2,692 | |
| Of which from subsidiaries | 5,067 | 5,040 | |
| 10. Interest and similar expense | (2,531) | (6,364) | |
| 11. Net financial items [subtotal of items 7 to 10] | 78,654 | 65,842 | |
| 12. Profit before tax [subtotal of items 1 to 11] | 62,473 | 59,503 | |
| 13. Income tax benefit | 1,076 | 351 | |
| 14. Profit for the period | 63,549 | 59,854 | |
| 15. Profit brought forward from prior year | 11,756 | 8,710 | |
| 16. Net profit available for distribution | 75,305 | 68,564 |
at 28 February 2017
| ¤000 | 28 Feb 2017 |
29 Feb 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| ASSETS | ||
| A. Non-current assets | ||
| I. Intangible assets |
349 | 605 |
| II. Property, plant and equipment | 1,415 | 1,567 |
| III. Non-current financial assets | 543,283 | 543,283 |
| 545,047 | 545,455 | |
| B. Current assets | ||
| I. Receivables and other assets |
381,483 | 225,881 |
| Of which due in more than one year | 30,935 | 32,082 |
| II. Cash and bank balances | 60 | 24 |
| 381,543 | 225,905 | |
| C. Prepaid expenses | 51 | 81 |
| D. Deferred tax assets | 564 | 0 |
| Total assets | 927,205 | 771,441 |
| EQUITY AND LIABILITIES A. Equity |
||
| I. Share capital |
113,531 | 103,210 |
| II. Share premium and other capital reserves | 550,689 | 418,990 |
| III. Retained earnings | 13,928 | 13,928 |
| IV. Net profit available for distribution | 75,305 | 68,564 |
| Of which brought forward from prior year | 11,756 | 8,710 |
| B. Provisions | 753,453 | 604,692 |
| I. Provisions for retirement, termination and |
||
| long-service benefit obligations | 12,974 | 5,655 |
| II. Provisions for tax and other liabilities | 15,143 | 17,213 |
| C. Payables | 28,117 | 22,868 |
| I. Borrowings |
126,000 | 126,000 |
| Of which due in up to one year | 83,500 | 0 |
| Of which due in more than one year | 42,500 | 126,000 |
| II. Other payables | 19,635 | 17,881 |
| Of which due in up to one year | 13,830 | 9,402 |
| Of which due in more than one year | 5,805 | 8,479 |
| 145,635 | 143,881 | |
| Total equity and liabilities | 927,205 | 771,441 |
for the year ended 28 February 2017
Die Erstellung des Jahresabschlusses erfolgte nach den Bestimmungen des Unternehmensgesetzbuches (§ 189 ff UGB) in der geltenden Fassung.
Der vorliegende Jahresabschluss wurde erstmalig nach den Bestimmungen des BGBl I Nr. 22/2015 (RÄG 2014) aufgestellt.
Die Gesellschaft ist als große Kapitalgesellschaft gemäß § 221 UGB einzustufen.
Die Gliederungsvorschriften der §§ 224 und 231 Abs 2 UGB wurden eingehalten, wobei für den Ausweis des Anlagevermögens das Wahlrecht gemäß § 223 Abs 6 UGB zur Verbesserung der Klarheit der Darstellung in Anspruch genommen wurde. Die zusammengefassten Posten sind im Anhang aufgegliedert.
Die zahlenmäßige Darstellung erfolgt in EURO (EUR), jene der Vorjahresbeträge in tausend EURO (TEUR).
Für die Darstellung der Gewinn- und Verlustrechnung wurde das Gesamtkostenverfahren gewählt.
Die Vorjahresbeträge sind hinsichtlich der Gliederung von Bilanz und Gewinn- und Verlustrechnung an die geänderten Vorgaben des RÄG 2014 angepasst worden. Dies betrifft insbesondere Umgliederungen von sonstigen Erlösen zu den Umsatzerlösen (und diesbezüglichen Aufwendungen von den sonstigen betrieblichen Aufwendungen zu anderen Posten) und die geänderte Darstellung des Anlagenspiegels. Weiters wurde die Rückstellung für Nachschussverpflichtungen an die Pensionskasse von den sonstigen Rückstellungen zu den Rückstellungen für Pensionen umgegliedert
Der Jahresabschluss wurde unter Beachtung der Grundsätze ordnungsmäßiger Buchführung sowie unter Beachtung der Generalnorm, ein möglichst getreues Bild der Vermögens-, Finanz- und Ertragslage des Unternehmens zu vermitteln, aufgestellt.
Bei der Erstellung des Jahresabschlusses wurde der Grundsatz der Vollständigkeit eingehalten.
Bei der Bewertung der einzelnen Vermögensgegenstände und Schulden wurde der Grundsatz der Einzelbewertung beachtet und eine Fortführung des Unternehmens unterstellt.
Dem Vorsichtsprinzip wurde dadurch Rechnung getragen, dass nur die am Abschlussstichtag verwirklichten Gewinne ausgewiesen wurden. Alle erkennbaren Risiken und drohenden Verluste wurden berücksichtigt.
Schätzungen beruhen auf einer umsichtigen Beurteilung. Soweit statistisch ermittelbare Erfahrungen aus gleich gelagerten Sachverhalten vorhanden sind, wurde dies bei Schätzungen berücksichtigt.
Die bisherigen angewandten Bilanzierungs- und Bewertungsmethoden wurden mit Ausnahme der Änderungen auf Grund der erstmaligen Anwendung des RÄG 2014 beibehalten; diese betreffen insbesondere:
Der Jahresabschluss der Gesellschaft wird beim Firmenbuch des Handelsgerichtes Wien eingereicht.
Der Teil-Konzernabschluss der AGRANA Beteiligungs-Aktiengesellschaft, Wien, wird in den Konzernabschluss der Südzucker Aktiengesellschaft Mannheim, Deutschland, aufgenommen und dieser beim Handelsregister des Amtsgerichtes Mannheim hinterlegt. Der Konzernabschluss der AGRANA Beteiligungs-Aktiengesellschaft wird beim Handelsgericht Wien hinterlegt.
Die immateriellen Vermögensgegenstände werden zu Anschaffungskosten bewertet, die um die planmäßigen Abschreibungen vermindert sind.
Die planmäßige Abschreibung wird linear vorgenommen.
Folgende Nutzungsdauer wird der planmäßigen Abschreibung zugrunde gelegt:
| Jahre | Prozent | |
|---|---|---|
| Markenrechte | 10 | 10 |
| EDV-Software | 3 | 33,33 |
Außerplanmäßige Abschreibungen auf einen zum Abschlussstichtag niedrigeren beizulegenden Wert werden vorgenommen, wenn die Wertminderungen voraussichtlich von Dauer sind.
Das Sachanlagevermögen wird zu Anschaffungskosten bewertet, die um die planmäßigen Abschreibungen vermindert sind.
Die planmäßige Abschreibung wird linear vorgenommen.
Folgende Nutzungsdauern werden der planmäßigen Abschreibung zugrunde gelegt:
| Jahre | Prozent | |
|---|---|---|
| Gebäude | 40 - 50 | 2,5 - 2 |
| Geschäftsausstattung | 5-10 | 20 - 10 |
| EDV-Ausstattung | 3 | 33,33 |
| Gebrauchte Geschäftsausstattung und EDV | 1 - 5 | 100 - 20 |
Gemäß Strukturanpassungsgesetz 1996 ergibt sich eine steuerliche Abschreibungsdauer für Personenkraftfahrzeuge von 8 Jahren. Unternehmensrechtlich wird eine Nutzungsdauer von 5 Jahren zugrunde gelegt.
Außerplanmäßige Abschreibungen auf einen zum Abschlussstichtag niedrigeren beizulegenden Wert werden vorgenommen, wenn die Wertminderungen voraussichtlich von Dauer sind.
Die Anteile an verbundenen Unternehmen und Beteiligungen werden zu Anschaffungskosten oder zu dem niedrigeren Wert, der ihnen gemäß § 204 (2) UGB beizulegen ist, bewertet.
Gemäß Strukturanpassungsgesetz 1996 werden Abschreibungen bzw. Verluste aus Beteiligungen steuerrechtlich auf 7 Jahre verteilt angesetzt. Unternehmensrechtlich wird dieser Aufwand im Entstehungsjahr zur Gänze geltend gemacht.
Die Ausleihungen werden zum Nennwert bewertet. Im Falle einer dauerhaften Wertminderung werden außerplanmäßige Abschreibungen auf den beizulegenden Zeitwert vorgenommen.
Wertpapiere (Wertrechte) des Anlagevermögens werden zu den Anschaffungskosten bzw. niedrigeren Marktwerten am Bilanzstichtag bewertet.
Zuschreibungen zu Vermögensgegenständen des Anlagevermögens werden vorgenommen, wenn die Gründe für die außerplanmäßige Abschreibung weggefallen sind. Die Zuschreibung erfolgt auf maximal den Nettobuchwert, der sich unter Berücksichtigung der Normalabschreibungen, die inzwischen vorzunehmen gewesen wäre, ergibt.
Die Forderungen und sonstigen Vermögensgegenstände sind mit dem Nennwert angesetzt, soweit nicht im Fall erkennbarer Einzelrisken der niedrigere beizulegende Wert angesetzt wird.
Zuschreibungen zu Vermögensgegenständen des Umlaufvermögens werden vorgenommen, wenn die Gründe für die Abschreibung weggefallen sind.
Für Unterschiede zwischen unternehmensrechtlichen und steuerrechtlichen Wertansätzen bei Vermögensgegenständen, Rückstellungen, Verbindlichkeiten und Rechnungsabgrenzungen, die sich in späteren Geschäftsjahren abbauen, wird in Höhe der sich insgesamt ergebenden Steuerbelastung eine Rückstellung für passive latente Steuern gebildet. Führen diese Unterschiede in Zukunft zu einer Steuerentlastung werden aktive latente Steuern in der Bilanz angesetzt. Aktive und passive latente Steuern werden saldiert. Für steuerliche Verlustvorträge wird keine aktive latente Steuer gebildet. Latente Steuern werden auf Basis des aktuellen Körperschaftsteuersatz von 25 % gebildet. Der gemäß § 198 (10) UGB aktivierbare Betrag in der Höhe von TEUR 564 (im Vorjahr 444 TEUR) wurde in die Bilanz aufgenommen.
Die Rückstellungen für Abfertigungen und Jubiläen wurden im Einklang mit der "AFRAC-Stellungnahme 27 Personalrückstellungen (UGB) (Juni 2016)" nach versicherungsmathematischen Grundsätzen bewertet. Diese werden gemäß den International Accounting Standards IAS 19 mit der versicherungsmathematischen Bewertungsmethode der laufenden Einmalprämien ermittelt. Als Rechnungszinssatz wurde der Stichtagszinssatz 1,6 % (VJ 1,8 %) herangezogen, die künftigen Gehaltssteigerungen wurden mit 2,5 % angesetzt. Als Rechnungsgrundlagen wurden die "AVÖ 2008-P Rechnungsgrundlagen für die Pensionsversicherung Pagler & Pagler" in der Ausprägung für Angestellte herangezogen. Als Fluktuation wurden neben Invalidisierungs- und Sterberaten und der Beendigung des Dienstverhältnisses mit dem Erreichen des Pensionsalters jährliche dienstzeitabhängige Raten für vorzeitige Beendigungen des Dienstverhältnisses angesetzt. Das Pensionseintrittsalter für Frauen und Männer wurde mit 65 Jahren gemäß Übergangsregel der Pensionsreform ermittelt.
Im Vorjahr wurden die Rückstellungen für Abfertigungen gemäß § 198 und 211 UGB nach finanzmathematischen Grundsätzen ermittelt. Dazu wurde ein Gutachten der Valida Consulting GmbH, Wien, eingeholt. Der Rückstellungsberechnung liegen ein Rechnungszinssatz von 1,60 % (im Vorjahr 1,80 %), Fluktuationsabschläge je nach Dienstangehörigkeit von 0-2,07 % (im Vorjahr 0-7,59 %) sowie Gehaltsanpassungen zugrunde.
Per 1.3.2016 erfolgte eine Ermittlung des Unterschiedsbetrags zwischen den beiden Methoden. Dabei ergab sich ein Unterschiedsbetrag von 290.130 EUR. Dieser wird nicht gemäß Übergangsregelung gem. RÄG 2014 über fünf Jahre verteilt.
Die Rückstellungen für Pensionen wurden im Einklang mit der "AFRAC-Stellungnahme 27 Personalrückstellungen (UGB) (Juni 2016)" nach versicherungsmathematischen Grundsätzen bewertet. Diese werden gemäß den International Accounting Standards IAS 19 mit der versicherungsmathematischen Bewertungsmethode der laufenden Einmalprämien ermittelt. Als Rechnungszinssatz wurde der Stichtagszinssatz 1,6 % (VJ 1,8 %) herangezogen, die künftigen Gehaltssteigerungen für Aktive wurden mit 2 % angesetzt. Als Rechnungsgrundlagen wurden die "AVÖ 2008-P Rechnungsgrundlagen für die Pensionsversicherung Pagler & Pagler" in der Ausprägung für Angestellte herangezogen. Über die Ausscheideursachen Tod und Invalidisierung und der Beendigung des Dienstverhältnisses mit dem Erreichen des Pensionsalters wurden keine weiteren Ausscheideursachen wie Fluktuation berücksichtigt.
Die Pensionsverpflichtungen sind seit 2002 an eine Pensionskasse ausgegliedert. Es wurde der Gesamtbetrag der rückgestellten Pensionsansprüche an die Kasse übertragen.
Per 1.3.2016 erfolgte eine Ermittlung des Unterschiedsbetrags zwischen den beiden Methoden. Dabei ergab sich ein Unterschiedsbetrag von 4.928.508,41 EUR. Dieser wird nicht gemäß Übergangsregelung gem. RÄG 2014 über fünf Jahre verteilt.
In den sonstigen Rückstellungen werden unter Beachtung des Vorsichtsprinzips alle zum Zeitpunkt der Bilanzerstellung erkennbaren Risiken und der Höhe sowie dem Grunde nach ungewisse Verbindlichkeiten mit den Beträgen berücksichtigt, die nach vernünftiger kaufmännischer Beurteilung erforderlich sind. Langfristige Rückstellungen bestehen nicht.
Die Rückstellungen für nicht verbrauchte Urlaube wurden in voller erforderlicher Höhe passiviert.
Die sonstigen Rückstellungen beinhalten auch Verpflichtungen betreffend kollektivvertragliche Verpflichtungen zur Zahlung von Jubiläumsgeldern. Diese Rückstellungen werden nach den für Abfertigungsrückstellungen angewandten Berechnungsmethoden (IAS19) ermittelt.
Im Vorjahr wurden die Jubiläumsgelder nach finanzmathematischen Grundsätzen ermittelt und der Rechnungszinssatz von 1,60 % (im Vorjahr 1,80 %) verwendet, wobei je nach Dienstangehörigkeit von 0-12,80 % (im Vorjahr 0-7,59 %) Fluktuationsabschlag in der Berechnung berücksichtigt wurden.
Per 1.3.2016 erfolgte eine Ermittlung des Unterschiedsbetrags zwischen den beiden Methoden. Dabei ergab sich ein Unterschiedsbetrag von 6.306 EUR.
Die Verbindlichkeiten sind mit dem Rückzahlungsbetrag angesetzt. Fremdwährungsverbindlichkeiten sind mit dem höheren Devisenbriefkurs am Bilanzstichtag bewertet.
Die Entwicklung der einzelnen Posten des Anlagevermögens ist im Anlagespiegel (Anlage 1) dargestellt.
Der Anteilsbesitz gemäß § 238 Z 2 UGB (mindestens 20 % Kapitalanteil) stellt sich wie folgt dar:
| Höhe des |
Eigenkapital gem. | Ge schäfts- |
Jahresüber | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beteiligungsunternehmen | Anteils | § 229 UGB | jahr | schuss/fehlbetrag |
| % | EUR | EUR | ||
| Anteile an verbundenen Unternehmen: | ||||
| AGRANA Marketing- und | ||||
| Vertriebsservice Ges.m.b.H, Wien | 100 | 8.797.059,51 | 2016/17 | 676.720,23 |
| AGRANA Int.Verw.u.Asset Managem. GmbH, Wien*) |
98,91 | 240.293.384,97 | 2016/17 | 8.580.211,51 |
| AGRANA Zucker GmbH., Wien *) | 98,91 | 306.063.282,67 | 2016/17 | 24.147.252,69 |
| AGRANA Stärke GmbH., Wien *) | 98,91 | 319.437.749,43 | 2016/17 | 60.700.277,05 |
| AGRANA Group-Service GmbH | 100 | -4.020.793,00 | 2016/17 | -135.155,20 |
| INSTANTINA Nahrungsmittel Entwick lungs- und Produktions- GesmbH, Wien |
66,67 | 8.087.236,22 | 2016/17 | 514.993,60 |
| AGRANA Research & Innovation Center GmbH, Tulln |
100 | 3.595.252,07 | 2016/17 | -6.647,24 |
*) Die restlichen Anteile auf 100 % werden von Tochtergesellschaften gehalten.
Die Ausleihungen an verbundene Unternehmen betreffen die AGRANA Group-Services GmbH, Wien. Davon haben € 35.500.000,00 eine Restlaufzeit von 1 bis 5 Jahren und € 7.000.000,00 eine Restlaufzeit von mehr als 5 Jahren.
| Restlaufzeit | Restlaufzeit von | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| in EUR (Vorjahr in TEUR) | bis 1 Jahr | mehr als 1 Jahr |
Bilanzwert |
| Forderungen gegenüber verbundenen | |||
| Unternehmen | 349.209.124,14 | 26.667.536,59 | 375.876.660,73 |
| (29.02.2016) | (192.411) | (26.522) | (218.933) |
| Sonstige Forderungen und | |||
| Vermögensgegenstände | 1.338.399,01 | 4.267.773,51 | 5.606.172,52 |
| (29.02.2016) | (1.384) | (5.563) | (6.947) |
| Summe | 350.547.523,15 | 30.935.310,10 381.482.833,25 | |
| (29.02.2016) | (193.795) | (32.085) | (225.880) |
Die Forderungen gegen verbundene Unternehmen betreffen in Höhe von EUR 372.954.441,83 (im Vorjahr 214.645 TEUR) sonstige Forderungen und in Höhe von EUR 2.922.218,90 (im Vorjahr 4.288 TEUR) Forderungen aus Lieferungen und Leistungen.
Die sonstigen Forderungen und Vermögensgegenstände enthalten im Wesentlichen Forderungen aus Kapitalertragsteuer gegenüber dem Finanzamt Wien 1/23 in Höhe von EUR 5.566.555,24 (im Vorjahr 6.859 TEUR) und andere kurzfristige Forderungen.
In den sonstigen Forderungen sind keine wesentlichen Erträge, die erst nach dem Bilanzstichtag zahlungswirksam werden, enthalten.
Das Grundkapital in Höhe von EUR 113.531.274,76 setzt sich aus 15.622.244 Stück nennbetragslose Stückaktien – Stammaktien zusammen.
Das Grundkapital wurde im Geschäftsjahr 2016/17 im Wege einer Barkapitalerhöhung aus genehmigtem Kapital in zwei Tranchen durch Ausgabe von 1.420.204 Stückaktien um EUR 10.321.024.98 auf EUR 113.531.274,76 erhöht. Die neuen Aktien wurden zu einem Betrag von EUR 100,00 je Aktie ausgegeben. Der den Nennbetrag der Kapitalerhöhung übersteigende Erlös aus der Kapitalerhöhung von EUR 131.699.375,02 wurde den gebundenen Kapitalrücklagen zugeführt.
| Kapitalrücklagen | Stand 01.03.2016 | Veränderung | Stand 28.02.2017 |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR | EUR | EUR | |
| Gebundene | 373.422.710,55 | 131.699.375,02 | 505.122.085,57 |
| Nicht gebundene | 45.566.884,45 | 0,00 | 45.566.884,45 |
| Summe | 418.989.595,00 | 0,00 | 550.688.970,02 |
| Stand 01.03.2016 | Veränderung | Stand 28.02.2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR EUR |
EUR | ||
| Gesetzliche Rücklage | 47.964,07 | 0,00 | 47.964,07 |
| Andere Rücklagen (freie Rücklagen) | 13.880.000,00 | 0,00 | 13.880.000,00 |
| Summe | 13.927.964,07 | 0,00 | 13.927.964,07 |
Die Berechnung der Rückstellungen für Abfertigungen, Pensionen und der sonstigen Rückstellungen wird unter den Bilanzierungs- und Bewertungsgrundsätzen erläutert.
Die Abfertigungs-, Pensions- und sonstigen Rückstellungen gliedern sich wie folgt:
| Stand | Verbrauch | Auflösung | Zuweisung | Stand am | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29.02.2016 | 28.02.2017 | ||||
| in EUR | in EUR | in EUR | in EUR | in EUR | |
| Abfertigung | 3.520.080,12 | 0,00 | 0,00 | 601.887,28 | 4.121.967,40 |
| Pensionsansprüche | 1.717.159,15 | 0,00 | 0,00 | 6.778.857,18 | 8.496.016,33 |
| Jubiläumsgelder | 417.282,88 | 61.729,98 | 0,00 | 0,00 | 355.552,90 |
| Altersteilzeit | 64.621,05 | 37.428,45 | 0,00 | 0,00 | 27.192,60 |
| Nicht konsumierte Urlaube | 1.601.416,41 | 252.928,60 | 0,00 | 0,00 | 1.348.487,81 |
| Sonderzahlungen | 331.605,41 | 0,00 | 7.937,58 | 0,00 | 323.667,83 |
| Prüfungsaufwand | 266.900,00 | 266.900,00 | 0,00 | 195.000,00 | 195.000,00 |
| Veröffentlichungsaufwand | 131.000,00 | 123.371,24 | 7.628,76 | 133.000,00 | 133.000,00 |
| Kosten der | |||||
| Hauptversammlung | 54.000,00 | 42.969,01 | 11.030,99 | 54.000,00 | 54.000,00 |
| Kosten Bilanzpresse | 3.500,00 | 2.964,60 | 535,40 | 4.200,00 | 4.200,00 |
| konferenz | |||||
| Konzernkommunikation | 7.000,00 | 1.897,61 | 5.102,39 | 4.000,00 | 4.000,00 |
| Aufsichtsratsvergütungen | 250.000,00 | 250.000,00 | 0,00 | 250.000,00 | 250.000,00 |
| Pensionskasse | 169.375,00 | 29.575,00 | 139.800,00 | 32.980,12 | 32.980,12 |
| Sonstige ausstehende Eingangsrechnungen |
412.745,00 | 357.699,83 | 55.045,17 | 320.440,00 | 320.440,00 |
| Kosten iZm Kapital erhöhung |
0,00 | 0,00 | 0,00 | 1.002.230,71 | 1.002.230,71 |
| Summe | 8.946.685,02 1.427.464,32 227.080,29 9.376.595,29 16.668.735,70 |
Die Rückstellung für ausstehende Eingangsrechnungen betrifft im Wesentlichen offene Leistungen für IT-Projekte und ausstehende Abrechnungen.
| 28.02.2017 | 29.02.2016 | |
|---|---|---|
| in EUR | in TEUR | |
| Verbindlichkeiten gegenüber Kreditinstituten | 126.000.090,69 | 126.000 |
| davon mit RLZ von bis 1 Jahr | (83.500.090,69) | (0) |
| davon mit RLZ von 1 bis 5 Jahren | (35.500.000,00) | (105.000) |
| davon mit RLZ von mehr als 5 Jahren | (7.000.000,00) | (21.000) |
| Verbindlichkeiten aus Lieferungen und Leistungen | 901.874,33 | 1.139 |
| davon mit RLZ von bis 1 Jahr | (901.874,33) | (1.139) |
| davon mit RLZ von 1 bis 5 Jahren | (0,00) | (0) |
| davon mit RLZ von mehr als 5 Jahren | (0,00) | (0) |
| Verbindlichkeiten gegenüber | ||
| verbundenen Unternehmen | 9.116.428,52 | 11.236 |
| davon mit RLZ von bis 1 Jahr | (3.311.013,32) | (2.757) |
| davon mit RLZ von mehr als 1 Jahr | (5.805.415,20) | (8.479) |
| Sonstige Verbindlichkeiten | 9.616.625,50 | 5.505 |
| davon mit RLZ von bis 1 Jahr | (9.616.625,50) | (5.505) |
| Summe | 145.635.019,04 | 143.880 |
| davon mit RLZ von bis 1 Jahr | (97.329.603,84) | (9.401) |
| davon mit RLZ von 1 bis 5 Jahren | (41.305.415,20) | (113.479) |
| davon mit RLZ von mehr als 5 Jahren | (7.000.000,00) | (21.000) |
RLZ = Restlaufzeit
Die Verbindlichkeiten gegenüber Kreditinstituten enthalten ein Schuldscheindarlehen über EUR 126.000.000,00, welches zur Gänze konzernintern mit gleicher Kondition und Laufzeit an die für Finanzierungen zuständige AGRANA Group-Services GmbH weitergereicht wurde.
In den sonstigen Verbindlichkeiten sind die Abgrenzungen für erfolgsabhängige Personalprämien in Höhe von EUR 3.026.308,84 (im Vorjahr 3.044 TEUR) und Verbindlichkeiten aus Steuer und im Rahmen der sozialen Sicherheit in Höhe von EUR 5.177.390,96 (im Vorjahr 1.050 TEUR) enthalten.
In den Verbindlichkeiten gegenüber verbundenen Unternehmen sind sonstige Verbindlichkeiten in Höhe von EUR 9.116.428,52 (im Vorjahr 11.236 TEUR) enthalten, welche fast ausschließlich die Verrechnungen aus der Gruppenbesteuerung betreffen.
Die Miete im Raiffeisenhaus für das Geschäftsjahr 2017/18 beträgt EUR 1.537.440,84 (im Vorjahr 1.468 TEUR) Für fünf Jahre beträgt die Miete aus heutiger Sicht insgesamt EUR 7.687.204,20
| 28.02.2017 | 29.02.2016 | |
|---|---|---|
| in EUR | in TEUR | |
| Haftungen aus Wechselobligo | 7.800.000,00 | 7.800 |
| Haftungen aus Zahlungsgarantien | 76.002.314,67 | 195.326 |
| Zwischensumme | 83.802.314,67 | 203.126 |
| Patronatserklärungen | ||
| Agrana Group Service GmbH, Wien | 4.020.793,00 | 3.886 |
| 87.823.107,67 | 207.012 | |
| davon gegenüber verbundenen Unternehmen | 47.470.806,18 | 155.518 |
Die Gewinn- und Verlustrechnung umfasst im Berichtsjahr den Zeitraum vom 01. März 2016 bis 28. Februar 2017, im Vorjahr jenen vom 01. März 2015 bis 29. Februar 2016.
Die Umsatzerlöse in Höhe von EUR 31.873.316,05 (im Vorjahr 32.926 TEUR) beinhalten im Wesentlichen Erträge aus der Konzernverrechnung und Erträge für die Nutzung der Lizenzen für Markenrechte (Royalities).
(10) Die Erträge aus dem Abgang von Anlagevermögen mit Ausnahme der Finanzanlagen belaufen sich auf EUR 38.172,39 (im Vorjahr 16 TEUR).
(11) Die Erträge aus der Auflösung von Rückstellungen von EUR 219.142,71 (im Vorjahr 164 TEUR) beinhalten im Wesentlichen die Auflösung von Rückstellungen für ausstehende Eingangsrechnungen betreffend IT-Leistungen, Veröffentlichungsaufwand und Konzernkommunikation.
(12) Die übrigen sonstigen betrieblichen Erträge von EUR 1.019,06 (im Vorjahr 157 TEUR) enthalten Erträge aus realisierten Gewinnen aus Kursdifferenzen und Erträge aus Versicherungsansprüchen.
| 2016/17 | 2015/16 | |
|---|---|---|
| in EUR | in TEUR | |
| Gehälter | 14.073.868,36 | 14.699 |
| Aufwendungen für Abfertigungen | 749.479,14 | 308 |
| Leistungen an betriebliche Mitarbeitervorsorge | 151.911,02 | 153 |
| kassen (MVK) | ||
| Aufwendungen für Altersversorgung | 7.152.889,00 | 1.306 |
| Sozialabgaben und Personalnebenkosten | 2.873.733,24 | 2.938 |
| Sonstige Sozialaufwendungen | 238.441,61 | 252 |
| Summe | 25.240.322,37 | 19.655 |
| Abfertigungen und Leistun gen an betriebliche Mitarbei tervorsorgekassen |
Pensionen (Rückstellungen) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016/17 2015/16 |
2016/17 | 2015/16 | ||
| EUR | TEUR | EUR | TEUR | |
| Vorstand u. Personen lt. § 80 AktG | 255.004,48 | 161 | 7.132.755,52 | 1.286 |
| andere Arbeitnehmer | 646.385,68 | 299 | 20.133.48 | 19 |
| Summe | 901.390,16 | 460 | 7.152.889,00 | 3.059 |
Die durchschnittliche Zahl der Arbeitnehmer (ohne Vorstandsmitglieder) während des Geschäftsjahres betrug 149 Angestellte (im Vorjahr 158 Angestellte).
Die Gesamtbezüge der Vorstandsmitglieder betrugen im Berichtsjahr EUR 3.234.191,38 (im Vorjahr 3.183 TEUR). An die Pensionskasse wurden an laufenden Beiträgen EUR 353.898,34 (im Vorjahr 860 TEUR) für die Vorstandsmitglieder bezahlt. Weiters wurde der Vorsorge für künftige Pensionsansprüche ein Betrag in Höhe von EUR 6.778.857,18 (im Vorjahr 426 TEUR Zuführung) zugewiesen.
Die Mitglieder des Aufsichtsrates erhielten für ihre Tätigkeit im Geschäftsjahr 2016/17 eine Vergütung von EUR 250.000,00 (im Vorjahr 250 TEUR).
Die übrigen sonstigen betriebliche Aufwendungen betragen EUR 21.965.877,16 (im Vorjahr 18.442 TEUR) und umfassen im Wesentlichen EDV-Aufwand inkl. EDV Beratung von EUR 7.917.536,62 (im Vorjahr 8.071 TEUR), Kosten der Kapitalerhöhung EUR 3.320.633,70 (im Vorjahr 0 TEUR), Rechts-, Prüfungs- und Beratungsaufwendungen von EUR 1.512.970,84 (im Vorjahr 1.398 TEUR), Leasing, Mieten und Pachten von EUR 2.177.883,72 (im Vorjahr 2.078 TEUR), Werbeaufwendungen von EUR 1.586.751,65 (im Vorjahr 1.560 TEUR), Bankgebühren EUR 78.746,10 (im Vorjahr 65 TEUR) sowie andere Aufwendungen in Höhe von EUR 5.371.354,53 (im Vorjahr 5.335 TEUR).
| 2016/17 | 2015/16 | |
|---|---|---|
| in EUR | in TEUR | |
| Erträge von verbundenen Unternehmen | 76.078.359,08 | 61.167 |
| Erträge von sonstigen Beteiligungen | 40.000,00 | 10 |
| Summe | 76.118.359,08 | 61.177 |
| 2016/17 | 2015/16 | |
|---|---|---|
| in EUR | in TEUR | |
| Körperschaftsteuer | -9.557.200,00 | -3.907 |
| Körperschaftsteuer Vorperioden | 1.153.363,68 | 506 |
| Steuerumlagen | 8.930.494,33 | 3.766 |
| Lat. Ertragsst. a. Bewertungsdiff. | 564.362,62 | 0,00 |
| nicht abzugsfähige Quellensteuer | -14.743,57 | -14 |
| Summe | 1.076.277,06 | 351 |
Mit dem Steuerreformgesetz 2005 wurde ein neues Konzept der Besteuerung von Unternehmensgruppen eingeführt. Die AGRANA-Gruppe hat entsprechend dieser Bestimmungen eine Unternehmensgruppe bestehend aus AGRANA Beteiligungs-Aktiengesellschaft als Gruppenträger und AGRANA Zucker GmbH, AGRANA Stärke GmbH, AGRANA Marketing- und Vertriebsservice Gesellschaft m.b.H., AGRANA Internationale Verwaltungs- und Asset-Management GmbH, AUSTRIA Juice GmbH, AGRANA Group-Services GmbH, INSTANTINA Nahrungsmittel Entwicklungs- und Produktionsgesellschaft m.b.H. als Gruppenmitglieder gebildet. Zwischen den Gruppenmitgliedern und dem Gruppenträger erfolgt eine Steuerumlagenverrechnung.
AGRANA AGRO SRL, Roman, Rumänien AGRANA Amidi srl, Sterzing, Italien AGRANA BiH Holding GmbH, Wien, Österreich AGRANA BUZAU SRL, Buzau, Rumänien AGRANA Croatia d.o.o., Zagreb, Kroatien AGRANA d.o.o., Brčko, Bosnien-Herzegowina AGRANA Fruit Argentina S.A., Buenos Aires, Argentinien AGRANA Fruit Australia Pty Ltd, Central Mangrove, Australien AGRANA Fruit Austria GmbH, Gleisdorf, Österreich AGRANA Fruit Brasil Indústria, Comércio, Importacao e Exportacao Ltda., São Paulo, Brasilien AGRANA Fruit Brasil Participacoes Ltda., São Paulo, Brasilien AGRANA Fruit Dachang Co., Ltd, Dachang, China AGRANA Fruit Fiji Pty. Ltd, Sigatoka, Fidschi AGRANA Fruit France S.A., Mitry-Mory, Frankreich AGRANA Fruit Germany GmbH, Konstanz, Deutschland AGRANA FRUIT INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED, Neu Delhi, Indien AGRANA Fruit Istanbul Gida Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S., Istanbul, Türkei AGRANA Fruit Korea Co. Ltd, Seoul, Südkorea AGRANA Fruit Latinoamerica S. de R.L de C.V, Michoacán, Mexico AGRANA Fruit Luka TOV, Winniza, Ukraine AGRANA Fruit Management Australia Pty Ltd., Sydney, Australien AGRANA Fruit México, S.A. de C.V., Michoacán, Mexico AGRANA Fruit Polska SP z.o.o., Ostrołęka, Polen AGRANA Fruit S.A.S., Mitry-Mory, Frankreich AGRANA Fruit Services GmbH, Wien, Österreich AGRANA Fruit Services S.A.S., Mitry-Mory, Frankreich AGRANA Fruit South Africa (Proprietary) Ltd, Johannesburg, Südafrika AGRANA Fruit Ukraine TOV, Winniza, Ukraine AGRANA Fruit US, Inc , Brecksville, USA
AGRANA Group-Services GmbH, Wien, Österreich AGRANA Internationale Verwaltungs- und Asset-Management GmbH, Wien, Österreich AUSTRIA JUICE Hungary Kft., Vásarosnamény, Ungarn AGRANA Juice Romania Vaslui s.r.l., Vaslui, Rumänien AGRANA Juice Sales & Marketing GmbH, Bingen, Deutschland AUSTRIA JUICE Germany GmbH, Bingen, Deutschland AUSTRIA JUICE Ukraine LLC, Winniza, Ukraine AGRANA JUICE (XIANYANG) CO.,LTD, Xianyang City, China AGRANA Magyarorzág Értékesitési Kft., Budapest, Ungarn AGRANA Makedonija DOOEL Skopje, Mazedonien AGRANA Marketing- und Vertriebsservice Gesellschaft m.b.H., Wien, Österreich AGRANA Nile Fruits Processing (SAE), Qalyoubia, Ägypten AGRANA Research & Innovation Center GmbH, Wien, Österreich AGRANA Skrob s.r.o., Hrusovany, Tschechien AGRANA Stärke GmbH, Wien, Österreich AGRANA TANDAREI SRL, Țăndărei, Rumänien AGRANA Trading EOOD, Sofia, Bulgarien AGRANA Zucker GmbH, Wien, Österreich AGRANA ZHG Zucker Handels GmbH, Wien, Österreich AUSTRIA JUICE GmbH, Kröllendorf/Allhartsberg, Österreich AUSTRIA JUICE Poland Sp.z.o.o., Chelm, Polen Biogáz Fejlesztő Kft., Kaposvár, Ungarn Cukoripari Egyesüles, Budapest, Ungarn DELHIA SHELF s.r.o., Hrusonany, Tschechien Dirafrost FFI N.V., Herk-de-Stad, Belgien Dirafrost Maroc SARL, Laouamra, Marokko Financière Atys S.A.S., Mitry-Mory, Frankreich INSTANTINA Nahrungsmittel Entwicklungs- und Produktionsgesellschaft m.b.H., Wien, Österreich Koronás Irodaház Szolgáltató Korlátolt Felelösségü Társaság, Budapest, Ungarn Magyar Cukorgyártó és Forgalmazó Zrt., Budapest, Ungarn Main Process S.A., Buenos Aires, Argentinien Moravskoslezské Cukrovary A.S., Hrušovany, Tschechien
o.o.o. AGRANA Fruit Moscow Region, Serpuchov, Russland Österreichische Rübensamenzucht Gesellschaft m.b.H., Wien, Österreich PERCA s.r.o., Hrusovany, Tschechien S.C. A.G.F.D. Tandarei s.r.l., Țăndărei, Rumänien S.C. AGRANA Romania S.A., Bukarest, Rumänien Slovenské Cukrovary s.r.o., Sered', Slowakei Sudinver S.A., Buenos Aires, Argentinien Yube d.o.o., Požega, Serbien
SÜDZUCKER Aktiengesellschaft Mannheim/Ochsenfurt, Mannheim, Deutschland mit ihren Tochtergesellschaften
"AGRAGOLD" d.o.o., Brčko, Bosnien-Herzegowina AGRAGOLD d.o.o., Zagreb, Kroatien AGRAGOLD dooel, Skopje, Mazedonien AGRAGOLD trgovina d.o.o. , Ljubljana, Slowenien AGRANA STUDEN Albania, Tirana, Albanien AGRANA-STUDEN Beteiligungs GmbH, Wien, Österreich AGRANA-STUDEN Kosovo L.L.C., Prishtina, Kosovo AGRANA-STUDEN Sugar Trading GmbH, Wien, Österreich Company for trade and services AGRANA-STUDEN Serbia d.o.o. Beograd, Belgrad, Serbien GreenPower E85 Kft, Szabadegyháza, Ungarn HUNGRANA Keményitö- és Isocukorgyártó és Forgalmazó Kft., Szabadegyháza, Ungarn HungranaTrans Kft., Szabadegyháza, Ungarn SCO STUDEN & CO. BRASIL EXPORTACAO E IMPORTACAO LTDA., Sao Paulo, Brasilien STUDEN-AGRANA Rafinerija Secera d.o.o., Brčko, Bosnien-Herzegowina
| 2016/2017 Jahres abschluss |
Andere Bestätigungs leistungen |
sonstige Leistungen |
Gesamt | 2015/2016 Jahres abschluss |
Andere Bestätigungs leistungen |
sonstige Leistungen |
Gesamt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EUR | EUR | EUR | EUR | TEUR | TEUR | TEUR | TEUR | |
| KPMG Austria GmbH | ||||||||
| Wirtschaftsprüfungs- und | 31.070,00 | 433.659,00 | 122.995,52 587.724,52 | 31 | 236 | 13 | 280 | |
| Steuerberatungsgesellschaft | ||||||||
| Summe | 31.070,00 | 433.659,00 | 122.955,52 587.724,52 | 31 | 236 | 13 | 280 |
Nach dem Bilanzstichtag sind keine wesentlichen Ereignisse eingetreten.
Es wird vorgeschlagen, aus dem Bilanzgewinn in Höhe von EUR 75.305.483,74 eine Dividende von EUR 4,00 je Aktie, das sind in Summe EUR 62.488.976,00 auszuschütten und den Restbetrag der Gewinnrücklage zuzuführen.
Mag. Erwin HAMESEDER, Mühldorf Vorsitzender Dr. Wolfgang HEER, Mannheim Stellvertreter des Vorsitzenden Mag. Klaus BUCHLEITNER, MBA, Wien Stellvertreter des Vorsitzenden Dr. Hans-Jörg GEBHARD, Eppingen Dipl.Ing. Josef PRÖLL, Wien Dipl. Ing. Ernst KARPFINGER, Oberweiden Dr. Thomas KIRCHBERG, Ochsenfurt Dr. Jochen FENNER, Gelchsheim
Vom Betriebsrat delegiert: Dipl.Ing. Stephan SAVIC, Wien Andreas KLAMLER, Gleisdorf (seit 10. November 2016) Thomas BUDER, Katzelsdorf Gerhard GLATZ, Hohenberg Karl ORTHABER, Gleisdorf (bis 10. November 2016)
Dipl.-Ing. Johann MARIHART, Limberg Vorsitzender Mag. Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Fritz GATTERMAYER, Klosterneuburg Mag. Stephan BÜTTNER, Wien Dkfm. Thomas KÖLBL, Speyer
Wien, am 24. April 2017
Dipl.-Ing. Johann Marihart e.h. Mag. Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Fritz Gattermayer e.h
Mag. Stephan Büttner e.h. Dkfm. Thomas Kölbl e.h.
| A N L A G E V E R M Ö G E N | Anschaffungskosten | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stand 01.03.16 |
Zugang | Abgang | Stand 28.02.17 |
|
| I. Immaterielle Vermögensgegenstände | ||||
| 1. Markenrechte | 611.300,93 | 0,00 | 0,00 | 611.300,93 |
| 2. EDV-Software | 8.516.466,81 | 230.387,00 | 0,00 | 8.746.853,81 |
| 3. Geringwertige Vermögensgegenstände | 0,00 | 5.643,45 | 5.643,45 | 0,00 |
| 9.127.767,74 | 236.030,45 | 5.643,45 | 9.358.154,74 | |
| II. Sachanlagen | ||||
| 1. Bauten, einschließlich der Bauten | ||||
| auf fremdem Grund | 0,00 | 0,00 | 0,00 | 0,00 |
| 2. Betriebs- und Geschäftsausstattung | 4.528.610,21 | 476.596,79 | 303.531,18 | 4.701.675,82 |
| 3. Geringwertige Vermögensgegenstände | 0,00 | 11.402,03 | 11.402,03 | 0,00 |
| 4.528.610,21 | 487.998,82 | 314.933,21 | 4.701.675,82 | |
| III. Finanzanlagen | ||||
| 1. Anteile an verbundenen Unternehmen | 424.145.490,31 | 0,00 | 0,00 | 424.145.490,31 |
| 2. Ausleihungen an verbundene Unternehmen | 126.000.000,00 | 0,00 | 0,00 | 126.000.000,00 |
| 3. Beteiligungen | 258.620,00 | 0,00 | 0,00 | 258.620,00 |
| 550.404.110,31 | 0,00 | 0,00 | 550.404.110,31 | |
| Gesamtsumme | 564.060.488,26 | 724.029,27 | 320.576,66 | 564.463.940,87 |
| Anschaffungskosten A N L A G E V E R M Ö G E N |
Abschreibungen | Buchwerte | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stand Zugang Abgang Stand |
Stand | Jahres- | Abgang | Stand | Stand | Stand |
| 01.03.16 28.02.17 |
01.03.16 | abschreibung | 28.02.17 | 28.02.17 | 29.02.16 | |
| I. Immaterielle Vermögensgegenstände | ||||||
| 1. Markenrechte 611.300,93 0,00 0,00 611.300,93 |
563.510,93 | 24.352,00 | 0,00 | 587.862,93 | 23.438,00 | 47.790,00 |
| 2. EDV-Software 8.516.466,81 230.387,00 0,00 8.746.853,81 |
7.959.016,81 | 462.198,00 | 0,00 | 8.421.214,81 | 325.639,00 | 557.450,00 |
| 3. Geringwertige Vermögensgegenstände 0,00 5.643,45 5.643,45 0,00 |
0,00 | 5.643,45 | 5.643,45 | 0,00 | 0,00 | 0,00 |
| 9.127.767,74 236.030,45 5.643,45 9.358.154,74 |
8.522.527,74 | 492.193,45 | 5.643,45 | 9.009.077,74 | 349.077,00 | 605.240,00 |
| II. Sachanlagen | ||||||
| 1. Bauten, einschließlich der Bauten | ||||||
| auf fremdem Grund 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 |
0,00 | 0,00 | 0,00 | 0,00 | 0,00 | 0,00 |
| 2. Betriebs- und Geschäftsausstattung 4.528.610,21 476.596,79 303.531,18 4.701.675,82 |
2.961.937,03 | 603.895,40 | 279.047,18 | 3.286.785,25 | 1.414.890,57 | 1.566.673,18 |
| 3. Geringwertige Vermögensgegenstände 0,00 11.402,03 11.402,03 0,00 |
0,00 | 11.402,03 | 11.402,03 | 0,00 | 0,00 | 0,00 |
| 4.528.610,21 487.998,82 314.933,21 4.701.675,82 |
2.961.937,03 | 615.297,43 | 290.449,21 | 3.286.785,25 | 1.414.890,57 | 1.566.673,18 |
| 1. Anteile an verbundenen Unternehmen 424.145.490,31 0,00 0,00 424.145.490,31 |
7.120.724,48 | 0,00 | 0,00 | 7.120.724,48 | 417.024.765,83 | 417.024.765,83 |
| 2. Ausleihungen an verbundene Unternehmen 126.000.000,00 0,00 0,00 126.000.000,00 |
0,00 | 0,00 | 0,00 | 0,00 | 126.000.000,00 | 126.000.000,00 |
| 258.620,00 0,00 0,00 258.620,00 |
0,00 | 0,00 | 0,00 | 0,00 | 258.620,00 | 258.620,00 |
| 550.404.110,31 0,00 0,00 550.404.110,31 |
7.120.724,48 | 0,00 | 0,00 | 7.120.724,48 | 543.283.385,83 | 543.283.385,83 |
| 564.060.488,26 724.029,27 320.576,66 564.463.940,87 |
18.605.189,25 | 1.107.490,88 | 296.092,66 | 19.416.587,47 | 545.047.353,40 | 545.455.299,01 |
| Gesamtsumme |
In accordance with section 82 (4) Austrian Stock Exchange Act, the undersigned members of the Management Board, as the legal representatives of AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG, confirm to the best of their knowledge that:
█ the separate financial statements for the year ended 28 February 2017 give a true and fair view of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the parent company as required by the applicable accounting standards;
█ the management report for the 2016|17 financial year presents the business performance, financial results and situation of AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG in such a way as to provide a true and fair view of AGRANA's financial position, results of operations and cash flows, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties faced by the company.
Vienna, 24 April 2017
Johann Marihart Stephan Büttner Chief Executive Officer Member of the Management Board Present responsibilities: Business Strategy, Present responsibilities: Finance, Controlling, Production, Quality Management, Human Resources, Treasury, Information Technology Communication (including Investor Relations), and Organisation, Mergers & Acquisitions, Research and Development Compliance, Legal
Fritz Gattermayer Thomas Kölbl Member of the Management Board Member of the Management Board Present responsibilities: Sales, Raw Materials, Responsibility on Internal Audit Purchasing & Logistics
[Translation]
We have audited the financial statements of AGRANA Beteiligungs-Aktiengesellschaft, Vienna, Austria, that comprise the parent company balance sheet as of 28 February 2017, the parent company income statement for the year then ended, and the notes.
In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of 28 February 2017, and its financial performance for the year then ended in accordance with Austrian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
We conducted our audit in accordance with Austrian Standards on Auditing. These standards require the audit to be conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (ISA). Our responsibilities pursuant to these rules and standards are described in the "Auditors' Responsibility" section of our report. We are independent of the Company within the meaning of Austrian commercial law and professional regulations, and have fulfilled our other responsibilities under those relevant ethical requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
We have determined that there are no Key Audit Matters to be reported in our opinion.
The Company's management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with Austrian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
Management is also responsible for assessing the Company's ability to continue as a going concern, and, where appropriate, to disclose matters that are relevant to the Company's ability to continue as a going concern and to apply the going concern assumption in its financial reporting, except in circumstances in which liquidation of the Company or closure of operations is planned or cases in which such measures appear unavoidable.
The audit committee is responsible for the oversight of the financial reporting process of the Company.
Our aim is to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements taken as a whole, are free of material – intentional or unintentional – misstatements and to issue an audit report containing our audit opinion. Reasonable assurance represents a high degree of assurance, but provides no guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with Austrian Standards on Auditing, which require the audit to be performed in accordance with ISA, will detect a material misstatement, if any. Misstatements may result from fraud or error and are considered material if they could, individually or as a whole, be expected to influence the economic decisions of users based on the financial statements.
As part of an audit in accordance with Austrian Standards on Auditing, which require the audit to be performed in accordance with ISA, we exercise professional judgment and retain professional skepticism throughout the audit.
█ We identify and assess the risks of material misstatements – intentional or unintentional – in the financial statements, we plan and perform procedures to address such risks and obtain sufficient and appropriate audit evidence to serve as a basis for our audit opinion. The risk that material misstatements due to fraud remain undetected is higher than that of material misstatements due to error, since fraud may include collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misleading representation or override of internal control.
█ We consider internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity's internal control.
█ We evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates as well as related disclosures made by management.
█ We conclude on the appropriateness of management's use of the going concern assumption and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the entity's ability to continue as a going concern. In case we conclude that there is a material uncertainty about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern, we are required to draw attention to the respective note in the financial statements in our audit report or, in case such disclosures are not appropriate, to modify our audit opinion. We conclude based on the audit evidence obtained until the date of our audit report. Future events or conditions however may result in the Company departing from the going concern assumption.
█ We assess the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements including the notes as well as whether the financial statements give a true and fair view of the underlying business transactions and events.
█ We communicate to the audit committee the scope and timing of our audit as well as significant findings including significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify in the course of our audit.
█ We report to the audit committee that we have complied with the relevant professional requirements in respect of our independence and that we will report any relationships and other events that could reasonably affect our independence and, where appropriate, related measures taken to ensure our independence.
█ From the matters communicated with the audit committee we determine those matters that required significant auditor attention in performing the audit and which are therefore key audit matters. We describe these key audit matters in our audit report except in the circumstances where laws or other legal regulations forbid publication of such matter or in very rare cases, we determine that a matter should not be included in our audit report because the negative effects of such communication are reasonably expected to outweigh its benefits for the public interest.
In accordance with the Austrian Commercial Code the management report is to be audited as to whether it is consistent with the financial statements and as to whether it has been prepared in accordance with legal requirements.
The legal representatives of the Company are responsible for the preparation of the management report in accordance with the Austrian Commercial Code.
We have conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted standards on the audit of management reports as applied in Austria.
In our opinion, the management report has been prepared in accordance with legal requirements and is consistent with the financial statements. The disclosures pursuant to Section 243a UGB (Austrian Commercial Code) are appropriate.
Based on our knowledge gained in the course of the audit of the financial statements and the understanding of the Company and its environment, we did not note any material misstatements in the management report.
The engagement partner is Mr. Wilhelm Kovsca.
Vienna, 24 April 2017
KPMG Austria GmbH Wirtschaftsprüfungs- und Steuerberatungsgesellschaft
signed by:
Wilhelm Kovsca Wirtschaftsprüfer (Austrian Chartered Accountant)
AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG
under Austrian Commercial Code (UGB)
| 2016 17 € |
|
|---|---|
| The financial year to 28 February 2017 | |
| closed with the following net profit available for distribution | 75,305,484 |
| The Management Board proposes to the Annual General Meeting to allocate this profit as follows: |
|
| Distribution of a dividend of € 4.00 per ordinary no-par value share on 15,622,244 participating ordinary shares, |
|
| that is, a total of | 62,488,976 |
| Profit to be carried forward | 12,816,508 |
| 75,305,484 |
AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG Friedrich-Wilhelm-Raiffeisen-Platz 1, 1020 Vienna, Austria
Hannes Haider Phone: +43-1-211 37-12905, Fax: -12926 E-mail: [email protected]
Ulrike Middelhoff Phone: +43-1-211 37-12971, Fax: -12926 E-mail: [email protected]
Layout and design: marchesani_kreativstudio GmbH Creative concept and design: Gruppe am Park GmbH Kommunikationsagentur English translation: Martin Focken Translating & Editing
This annual report contains forward-looking statements, which are based on assumptions and estimates made by the Management Board of AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG. Although these assumptions, plans and projections represent the Management Board's current intentions and best knowledge, a large number of internal and external factors may cause actual future developments and results to differ materially from these assumptions and estimates. Some examples of such factors are, without limitation: negotiations concerning world trade agreements; changes in the overall economic environment, especially in macroeconomic variables such as exchange rates, inflation and interest rates; EU sugar policy; consumer behaviour; and public policy related to food and energy. AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG does not guarantee in any way that the actual future developments and actual future results achieved will match the assumptions and estimates expressed or made in this annual report, and does not accept any liability in the event that assumptions and estimates prove to be incorrect.
The quantitative statements and direction arrows in the "Outlook" section of this report are based on the following definitions:
| Modifier | Visualisation | Numerical rate of change |
|---|---|---|
| Steady | p | 0% up to +1%, or 0% up to –1% |
| Slight(ly) | o or a | More than +1% and up to +5%, or more than –1% and up to –5% |
| Moderate(ly) | i or s | More than +5% and up to +10%, or more than –5% and up to –10% |
| Significant(ly) | ii or ss | More than +10% or more than –10% |
For financial performance indicators not defined in a footnote, please see the definitions in the AGRANA annual report 2016|17 on page 183.
In the interest of readability, this document may occasionally use language that is not gender-neutral. Any gender-specific references should be understood to include masculine, feminine and neuter as the context permits. As a result of the standard round-half-up convention used in rounding individual amounts and percentages, this report may contain minor, immaterial rounding errors. No liability is assumed for misprints, typographical and similar errors.
This English translation of the AGRANA annual report is solely for readers' convenience and is not definitive. In the event of discrepancy or dispute, only the German version shall govern.
AGRANA 2016|17 Online reports.agrana.com/en
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