ForFarmers NV (FRA:5FF) Q2 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong Profit Growth Amid Revenue Decline

In This Article:

  • Volume Growth: Overall volumes increased by 2%, with compound feed volumes up nearly 1%.

  • Revenue: Declined by 15% due to lower commodity prices.

  • Gross Profit: Increased by 5.4%.

  • Underlying Net Profit: EUR16 million, up from EUR4 million in 2023.

  • Underlying EBIT: EUR22.7 million, a 130% increase from the previous year.

  • Underlying EBITDA: EUR42.6 million, up from EUR26.5 million in the previous year.

  • Net Debt: EUR55.7 million, with a net debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 0.71.

  • Return on Average Capital Employed (ROACE): 10.7% for the first half of 2024.

  • Underlying Earnings Per Share: EUR0.18.

  • Solvency Ratio: Slightly above 35%.

Release Date: August 08, 2024

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • ForFarmers NV (FRA:5FF) achieved a significant improvement in operational profitability, with underlying net profit increasing to EUR16 million from EUR4 million in 2023.

  • The company successfully increased its like-for-like volumes by 2%, with compound feed volumes rising nearly 1%.

  • ForFarmers NV (FRA:5FF) has already achieved its 2025 target of a ROACE on underlying EBIT of at least 10% in the first six months of 2024.

  • The acquisition of Piast in Poland and Van Triest Veevoeders aligns with the company's growth and sustainability strategies, enhancing its market position.

  • The company reported a strong cash flow from operational activities, generating more than EUR25 million, despite the acquisition-related increase in working capital.

Negative Points

  • ForFarmers NV (FRA:5FF) experienced a 15% decline in turnover due to falling commodity prices, impacting revenue.

  • The company faced challenges in the UK market, particularly in the pig and poultry segments, leading to the decision to divest two locations.

  • There was an increase in underlying financial costs due to higher interest costs from increased leasing.

  • The company incurred EUR12 million in incidental items, primarily related to the call/put option liability for its Polish joint venture, Tasomix.

  • The net debt increased to EUR55.7 million, reflecting the impact of acquisitions and financing activities.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Is there an adjustment in the gross profit line, as the underlying expenses seem higher than expected? A: Yes, there is a small deviation due to other operating income, which is not significant but affects the gross profit line.

Q: Can you explain the lower-than-expected volumes for Piast in Q1? A: The lower volumes were due to the temporary shutdown of a factory in the north for upgrades. The factory has since reopened, and we are satisfied with the integration and development of Piast.