Basel,
Switzerland
February 8, 2007
‘Performance reinforces
leadership position’
-
Sales unchanged at
constant exchange rates: $8.05 billion
-
Earnings per share(1) up
14 percent to $8.73
-
Crop Protection sales up 1
percent(2) at $6.4 billion
-
New product sales up 25
percent(2) to $985 million
-
Seeds corn traits launches
on track: full offer 2008
-
Further operational
efficiencies: $350 million annual savings by 2011
-
2007 cash return around
$800 million: increased dividend, share repurchase
Michael Pragnell, Chief
Executive Officer, said:
“In 2006, Syngenta
demonstrated resilience in markets that were challenging,
notably in the important first half. Crop Protection once
again increased sales and gained market share driven by an
excellent performance from new products; leadership was
reinforced in the USA; Eastern Europe and Asia Pacific
delivered strong growth; growth was also achieved in Latin
America despite difficult conditions in Brazil. Professional
Products accelerated growth, driven primarily by Seed Care.
After a difficult first half in US Corn & Soybean, Seeds
performed well in the second half with double digit growth
in Vegetables and expansion in Diverse Field Crops; further
regulatory milestones were achieved including EPA approval
of our corn rootworm trait. Our continuing focus on cost and
capital efficiency underpinned increased earnings and
delivered strong free cash flow.”
(1) EPS on a fully-diluted
basis, excluding restructuring and impairment.
(2) Growth at constant exchange rates, see Appendix A.
(3) Net income to shareholders of Syngenta AG.
Full report:
Syngenta is a world-leading agribusiness committed to
sustainable agriculture through innovative research and
technology. The company is a leader in crop protection, and
ranks third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Sales
in 2005 were approximately $8.1 billion. Syngenta employs
more than 19,000 people in over 90 countries. Syngenta is
listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in New York
(SYT). Further information is available at
www.syngenta.com.
