KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA

Latest Results (16.01.2026):

KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA — fiscal year 2024/2025 (Q4 ending June 30, 2025): The company reported broadly stable net sales of €1,676.6m for 2024/2025, while profitability declined versus the prior year (EBITDA €350.5m; EBIT €247.6m; EBIT margin 14.8%). Continuing-operations net income was €140.0m and Group net income (incl. discontinued operations) was €236.3m. Cash generation strengthened (free cash flow €123.2m) and net debt fell sharply to €61.6m, enabling a proposed dividend increase to €1.25 per share and a raised payout-ratio range (25–30%). R&D investment remained high (≈€350m; R&D intensity 20.8%) with a record 584 new official variety approvals. Management also set medium-term targets of 3–5% organic sales growth and an EBITDA margin of 19–21%.

Top-line and margins

Net sales were essentially flat at €1,676.6m (vs €1,678.1m prior year). EBITDA declined to €350.5m and EBIT to €247.6m, with the EBIT margin falling to 14.8% from 18.0% the previous year, reflecting market headwinds (lower crop prices, reduced planted area in some regions) and segment-specific pressures.

Profit & income

Continuing-operations net income was €140.0m (down from €184.1m), while Group net income including discontinued operations was €236.3m. Net financial expense was €35.4m.

Cash flow and balance sheet strength

Operating cash flow improved to €227.7m and free cash flow to €123.2m (up from €56.8m). Net debt decreased materially to €61.6m (from €385.1m), and equity rose to €1,601.5m with an equity ratio of 59.8% — providing greater financial headroom for investments or M&A.

Dividend and capital allocation

The Executive and Supervisory Boards propose raising the dividend to €1.25 per share (from €1.00), reflecting a new payout-ratio policy of 25–30% (up from 20–25%). CapEx in the year was €119.6m.

R&D and innovation

KWS invested ~€350m in R&D (≈20.8% of sales) and achieved a record 584 official variety approvals in 2024/2025, with about two-thirds of sales coming from new varieties — underlining the company’s innovation-driven model.

Portfolio moves and strategic direction

KWS continued portfolio streamlining in corn (sale of South American corn business completed earlier; an agreement to divest the North American corn business was reported) to sharpen focus on growth areas such as vegetables and on strengthening breeding capabilities.

Medium-term targets

Management defined medium-term financial goals of 3–5% organic net sales growth and an EBITDA margin of 19–21%, while reiterating commitments to sustainability and selective M&A to accelerate growth.

Employees and governance

Average headcount rose to 4,837 employees. The Annual Report highlights strengthened governance, an increased dividend policy, and a clean audit opinion on the 2024/2025 financial statements and consolidated accounts.