4 March 2024

 

ROS AGRO PLC financial results for 12M 2023 and 4Q 2023

 

4 March 2024 - Today ROS AGRO PLC (the "Company"), the holding company of Rusagro Group (the "Rusagro"), a leading Russian diversified food producer with vertically integrated operations, has announced the financial results for the third quarter and the nine months ended 31 December 2023.

 

 

12M 2023 HIGHLIGHTS:

 

-     Sales amounted to RUB 277,328 million (US$ 3,252 million¹), an increase of RUB 37,098 million (+15%) compared to 2022;

-     Adjusted EBITDA² amounted to RUB 56,560 million (US$ 663 million), an increase of RUB 11,545 million (+26%) compared to 2022;

-     Adjusted EBITDA margin increased to 20% in 2023 from 19% in 2022;

-     Net profit for the period amounted to RUB 48,706 million (US$ 571 million), an increase of RUB 41,920 million (+618%);

-     Net debt position³ as of 31 December 2023 amounted to RUB 66,476 million (US$ 741 million);

-     Net Debt/Adjusted EBITDA (LTM⁴) as of 31 December 2023 was 1.18x.

 

Commenting on the results, Timur Lipatov, CEO of Rusagro, said:

 

"In 2023 Rusagro has demonstrated record financial results in terms of revenue, adjusted EBITDA and net profit. Revenue increased by 15%, adjusted EBITDA has grown by 126%, net profit amounted to RUB 48.7 billion and net debt decreased by 33%.

Revenue of all business segments, except Oil and Fat, increased in 2023 with the most significant contribution of Agricultural segment, where higher volumes were sold, and Sugar segment, where both sales volumes and prices increased. Oil and Fat segment's revenue decreased due to the fall of world prices for oil and fat products as well as lower production volumes caused by the suspension of the oil extraction plant in Balakovo for modernization, which was completed in August 2023 and led to the increase in the production capacity by 30%.

The acquisition of NMGK business brings Rusagro significant synergies, which also are reflected in the Group's financial results.

Rusagro Group's adjusted EBITDA in 2023 improved across all business segments, except Oil and Fat, mostly attributable to increased sales volumes supported by higher prices following the USD to RUB exchange rate while costs growth was contained on the Group level.

Net profit of the Group increased due to higher Adjusted EBITDA, positive exchange rate dynamics and the consolidation of the financial results of NMGK."

 

 

 

 

 

 

Key consolidated financial performance indicators
in RUB million	Year ended		Variance		Three months ended		Variance
	31 December 2023	31 December 2022	Units	%	31 December 2023	31 December 2022	Units	%
Sales	277,328	240,230	37,098	15	99,105	58,204	40,901	70
Gross profit 1	76,057	47,252	28,805	61	26,397	6,664	19,733	296
Gross margin, %	27%	20%	7 pp		27%	11%	16 pp
Adjusted EBITDA 1	56,560	45,015	11,545	26	25,927	9,645	16,282	169
Adjusted EBITDA margin, %	20%	19%	1 pp		26%	17%	9 pp
Net profit for the period 1,2	48,706	6,787	41,920	618	10,181	4,605	5,577	121
Net profit margin %	18%	3%	15 pp		10%	8%	2 pp

 

 

¹ Several adjustments were made to the published 9M and 3Q 2022 key financial indicators:

?    Gross profit and Net profit for 4Q 2022 was decreased by RUB 1,057 million and RUB 845 million correspondingly to reflect the distribution of depreciation expenses in Oil and Fat segment between the quarters of 2022;

?    Gross profit for 4Q 2022 was increased by RUB 572 million to reflect the distribution of depreciation expenses in Meat segment between the quarters of 2022;

² Net profit for the period is affected by non-cash income/(loss) on revaluation of biological assets and agricultural produce. See details in business sections below.

 

 

 

Note: since some indicators and percentages in the press release were rounded to the nearest whole number, the sum of the rounded values may not fully match the totals.

 

Key financial performance indicators by segments
in RUB million	Year ended		Variance		Three months ended		Variance
	31 December 2023	31 December 2022	Units	%	31 December 2023	31 December 2022	Units	%
Sales, incl.	277,328	240,230	37,098	15	99,105	58,204	40,901	70
Sugar	64,781	49,584	15,197	31	27,492	11,904	15,587	131
Meat	48,462	43,705	4,757	11	12,899	11,910	989	8
Agriculture	56,919	31,993	24,926	78	33,130	14,870	18,259	123
Oil and Fat	108,746	133,369	(24,623)	(18)	32,603	31,003	1,599	5
NMGK	31,202	-	31,202	-	16,230	-	16,230	-
Other	1,960	1,408	552	39	498	495	3	1
Eliminations	(34,742)	(19,829)	(14,912)	(75)	(23,747)	(11,980)	(11,768)	(98)
Gross profit, incl.	76,057	47,252	28,805	61	26,397	6,664	19,733	296
Sugar	22,629	19,941	2,689	13	9,552	3,800	5,752	151
Meat	8,187	(2,539)	10,726	-	2,220	(1,947)	4,168	-
Agriculture	18,272	7,195	11,077	154	6,220	(2,447)	8,667	-
Oil and Fat	21,261	23,418	(2,158)	(9)	5,665	7,664	(1,999)	(26)
NMGK	8,479	-	8,479	-	3,408	-	3,408	-
Other	588	447	141	31	105	250	(145)	(58)
Eliminations	(3,359)	(1,211)	(2,148)	(177)	(773)	(655)	(118)	(18)
Adjusted EBITDA, incl.	56,560	45,015	11,545	26	25,927	9,645	16,282	169
Sugar	19,171	15,695	3,476	22	7,790	1,640	6,150	375
Meat	5,010	1,622	3,389	209	1,721	612	1,110	181
Agriculture	16,961	9,755	7,206	74	12,585	3,010	9,575	318
Oil and Fat	13,492	15,950	(2,458)	(15)	3,933	5,239	(1,307)	(25)
NMGK	5,191	-	5,191	-	2,446	-	2,446	-
Other	(1,443)	(1,331)	(111)	(8)	(471)	(255)	(216)	(85)
Eliminations	(1,822)	3,325	(5,147)	-	(2,077)	(600)	(1,476)	(246)
Adjusted EBITDA margin, %	20%	19%	1 pp		26%	17%	9 pp
Sugar	30%	32%	(2) pp		28%	14%	15 pp
Meat	10%	4%	7 pp		13%	5%	8 pp
Agriculture	30%	30%	(1) pp		38%	20%	18 pp
Oil and Fat	12%	12%	0 pp		12%	17%	(5) pp
NMGK	17%	-	-		15%	-	-

 

SUGAR SEGMENT

In 12M 2023 Sugar segment earned RUB 19,171 million of adjusted EBITDA (+22% y-o-y) with 30% margin (-2 pp y-o-y).

The financial results of the Sugar Segment of 12M 2023 and 4Q 2023 compared to 12M 2022 and 4Q 2022 are presented in the table below:

Sugar segment 12M and 4Q 2023 Financial Results
in RUB million	Year ended		Variance		Three months ended		Variance
	31 December 2023	31 December 2022	Units	%	31 December 2023	31 December 2022	Units	%
Sales	64,781	49,584	15,197	31	27,492	11,904	15,587	131
Cost of sales	(42,151)	(29,643)	(12,508)	(42)	(17,940)	(8,104)	(9,835)	(121)
Gross profit	22,629	19,941	2,689	13	9,552	3,800	5,752	151
Gross profit margin	35%	40%	(5) pp		35%	32%	3 pp
Distribution and selling expenses	(4,486)	(4,833)	347	7	(1,991)	(2,151)	161	7
General and administrative expenses	(1,629)	(1,757)	129	7	(420)	(498)	78	16
Other operating income/ (expenses), net	602	(294)	897	-	132	31	102	331
incl. Reimbursement of operating costs (government grants)	222	158	64	41	130	14	116	836
incl. other adjustments to EBITDA (non-recurring items)	77	(305)	381	-	3	74	(71)	(96)
Operating profit	17,117	13,056	4,061	31	7,274	1,182	6,092	515
Adjusted EBITDA	19,171	15,695	3,476	22	7,790	1,640	6,150	375
Adjusted EBITDA margin	30%	32%	(2) pp		28%	14%	15 pp

 

In 4Q 2023 and 12M 2023 compared to the respective periods of 2022 Sales of Sugar segment increased by 131% and 31%, correspondingly, mainly due to the growth of sugar sales volumes supported by the growth of market prices. Sales volume growth is attributable to the increase in production volumes and higher export.

 

Production and sales volume of sugar in 12M and 4Q 2023
	Nine months ended		Variance		Three months ended		Variance
	31 December 2023	31 December 2022	Units	%	31 December 2023	31 December 2022	Units	%
Sugar production volume, thousand tonnes	928	770	157	20	600	492	108	22
Sales volume, thousand tonnes	1,065	850	215	25	477	214	262	122

 

 

 

Cost of sales in 4Q 2023 increased following the growth of production volumes and sugar beet prices of new season 2023-2024. Cost of sales increased in 2023 compared to 2022 following the growth of volumes as well as higher sugar beet and its processing costs per unit of sugar because of lower quality and sugar content of beet in season 2022-2023 compared to the previous season.

Other operating income/ (expenses), net in 4Q and 12M 2023 increased mainly due to the positive dynamics of the operating forex differences and the gain from forward contracts for the purchase of foreign currency.

 

MEAT SEGMENT

In 12M 2023 Meat segment earned RUB 5,010 million of adjusted EBITDA (+209% y-oy) with 10% margin (+7 pp y-o-y).

The financial results of the Meat segment of 12M 2023 and 4Q 2023 compared to 12M 2022 and 4Q 2022 respectively are presented in the table below.

Meat segment 12M and 4Q 2023 Financial Results
in RUB million	Year ended		Variance		Three months ended		Variance
	31 December 2023	31 December 2022	Units	%	31 December 2023	31 December 2022	Units	%
Sales	48,462	43,705	4,757	11	12,899	11,910	989	8
Net gain/ (loss) on revaluation of biological assets and agricultural produce	2,747	(2,094)	4,841	-	(590)	(1,764)	1,174	67
Cost of sales	(43,022)	(44,150)	1,129	3	(10,089)	(12,093)	2,004	17
Gross profit	8,187	(2,539)	10,726	-	2,220	(1,947)	4,168	-
Gross profit margin	17%	(6%)	23 pp		17%	(16%)	33 pp
Gross profit excl. effect of biological assets and agricultural produce revaluation	5,441	(445)	5,886	-	2,811	(183)	2,994	-
Adjusted gross profit margin	11%	(1%)	12 pp		22%	(2%)	24 pp
Distribution and selling expenses	(1,790)	(1,716)	(74)	(4)	(583)	(442)	(141)	(32)
General and administrative expenses	(2,430)	(1,922)	(508)	(26)	(663)	(792)	128	16
Other operating income/ (expenses), net	(274)	1,389	(1,662)	-	(597)	693	(1,289)	-
incl. Reimbursement of operating costs (government grants)	165	418	(253)	(60)	138	403	(264)	(66)
incl. Other adjustments to EBITDA (non-recurring items)	445	676	(231)	(34)	151	133	18	13
Operating profit	3,694	(4,788)	8,482	-	378	(2,489)	2,866	-
Adjusted EBITDA	5,010	1,622	3,389	209	1,721	612	1,110	181
Adjusted EBITDA margin	10%	4%	7 pp		13%	5%	8 pp

 

Sales of the Meat segment increased by 8% in 4Q 2023 compared to the respective period of 2022 mainly due to increase of sales prices for both meat products and livestock.

In 12M 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 Sales of Meat segment increased by 11% supported by the higher sales prices for meat products.

 

 

 

 

Production and sales volume of pork products in 12M and 4Q 2023
	Year ended		Variance		Three months ended		Variance
	31 December 2023	31 December 2022	Units	%	31 December 2023	31 December 2022	Units	%
Pigs production, thousand tonnes in live weight	334	336	(2)	(1)	80	91	(11)	(12)
Sales volume, thousand tonnes	279	281	(2)	(1)	66	77	(11)	(14)

 

Cost of sales decreased by 17% in 4Q 2023 compared to the respective period of 2022 due to lower sales volumes. In 12M 2023 compared to the respective period of 2022 Cost of sales decreased by 3% following the lower sales volumes.

Net loss on revaluation of biological assets and agricultural produce in 4Q 2023 resulted from the decrease in fair value of consumable livestock pigs while costs for consumable livestock pigs remained stable. Net gain on revaluation of biological assets and agricultural produce in 12M 2023 resulted from the increase in fair value and at the same time the decrease in costs for consumable livestock pigs during the reporting period compared to the respective figures at the beginning of 2023.

Other operating expenses in 4Q 2023 and 12M 2023 showed negative dynamics mainly due to additional costs caused by the outbreak of African swine fever and one-off gain for the reversal of provision for legal claims and government grants for part of the cost of livestock feed in 2022.

AGRICULTURAL SEGMENT

As at 31 December 2023 Rusagro's area of controlled land stands at 685 thousand hectares
(31 December 2022: 660 thousand hectares).

The financial results of the Agricultural Segment of 12M 2023 and 4Q 2023 compared to 12M 2022 and 4Q 2022 respectively are presented below.

Agriculture segment 12M and 4Q 2023 Financial Results
in RUB million	Year ended			Variance			Three months ended		Variance
	31 December 2023	31 December 2022	Units		%	31 December 2023		31 December 2022	Units	%
Sales	56,919	31,993	24,926		78	33,130		14,870	18,259	123
Net gain/ (loss) on revaluation of biological assets and agricultural produce	(1,957)	(4,312)	2,356		55	(7,503)		(5,697)	(1,805)	(32)
Cost of sales	(36,690)	(20,485)	(16,204)		(79)	(19,407)		(11,620)	(7,787)	(67)
Gross profit	18,272	7,195	11,077		154	6,220		(2,447)	8,667	-
Gross profit margin	32%	22%	10 pp			19%		-16%	35 pp
Gross profit excl. effect of biological assets and agricultural produce revaluation	20,229	11,508	8,721		76	13,722		3,250	10,472	322
Adjusted gross profit margin	36%	36%	0 pp			41%		22%	19 pp
Distribution and selling expenses	(6,043)	(2,788)	(3,254)		(117)	(2,934)		(1,017)	(1,917)	(188)
General and administrative expenses	(1,876)	(1,852)	(24)		(1)	(647)		(693)	46	7
Share-based remuneration	-	-	-		-	-		-	-	-
Other operating income/ (expenses), net	1,233	1,246	(13)		(1)	578		647	(69)	(11)
incl. Reimbursement of operating costs (government grants)	845	446	399		89	290		384	(93)	(24)
incl. Other adjustments to EBITDA (non-recurring items)	293	550	(257)		(47)	306		219	87	40
Operating profit	11,587	3,801	7,786		205	3,218		(3,510)	6,728	-
Adjusted EBITDA	16,961	9,755	7,206		74	12,585		3,010	9,575	318
Adjusted EBITDA margin	30%	30%	(1) pp			38%		20%	18 pp

 

In 12M 2023 Agriculture segment earned RUB 16,961 million of adjusted EBITDA (+74%
y-o-y) with 30% margin (-1 pp y-o-y).

In 4Q 2023 in comparison to 4Q 2022 Sales of the Agriculture segment increased by 123% to RUB 33,130 million mainly due to higher sales volumes of sugar beet and soybean.

 

 

In 2023 compared to 2022 Sales of Agriculture segment increased by 78% to RUB 56,919 million mainly due to higher sales volumes of all crops and the increase in sugar beet price, compensated by the decrease in soybean, wheat and sunflower prices.

Increase in sales volumes of sugar beet in 4Q 2023 and 12M 2023 is attributable to higher yields and larger area of cultivation as well as the shift of harvesting in 2022 to 2023. Sugar beet sales prices increased following the sugar prices dynamics.

Increase in sales volumes of soybean in 4Q 2023 and 12M 2023 is mainly caused by the shift in harvesting from 2022 to 2023 due to bad weather conditions, as well as increased yields in 2023. The growth of sunflower sales volumes is also attributable to the shift of harvesting in 2022.

Increase in sales of wheat in 12M 2023 was caused by sales of carryover stocks from previous year.

Sales prices for wheat decreased due to the fall in global wheat prices because of high grain stocks. Prices decrease for oil crops is attributed to the quality of harvest following adverse weather conditions during the prolonged harvesting period.

Sales volumes of crops in 12M and 4Q 2023
Thousand tonnes	Year ended		Variance		Three months ended		Variance
	31 December 2023	31 December 2022	Units	%	31 December 2023	31 December 2022	Units	%
sugar beet	5,394	3,247	2,147	66	3,797	2,458	1,339	54
wheat	942	817	125	15	366	524	(158)	(30)
soybean	511	148	363	245	264	4	260	7,163
corn	177	162	15	9	32	27	5	18
sunflower seeds	137	23	115	505	79	1	77	5,725

 

The main reason for the increase in Cost of sales and Distribution and selling expenses is the growth of volumes of goods sold.

Reimbursement of operating costs (government grants) was received in higher amount in 12M 2023 as the Company received subsidies for grain crops sales, support of elite seed and ameliorants usage.

Change in Other operating income except government grants in 12M 2023 in comparison to the same period of 2022 is mainly due to the one-off gain from sale of fixed assets in 1Q 2022.

Net gain/(loss) on revaluation of biological assets and agricultural produce depends on revaluation amounts in opening and closing inventory balances. As agricultural produce matures and at the point of harvest, a gain on revaluation of agricultural produce to fair value less costs to sell is recognized. During subsequent sale, a loss from the revaluation of agricultural products sold in the reporting period is recognized in the amount of the previously recognized gain.

 

 

 

Net loss in 4Q 2023 and 4Q 2022 resulted from the realization of gain on revaluation of agricultural produce to fair value less costs to sell recognized in 3Q 2023 and 3Q 2022, correspondingly. In 4Q 2023 the loss from gain realization is higher compared to 4Q 2022 following the increase in sales volumes. Net loss in 12M 2023 is lower than net loss in 12M 2022 because opening balance of revaluation was higher at the beginning of 2022 than at the beginning of 2023.

Net gain/ (loss) on revaluation of biological assets and agricultural produce and its subsequent realisation do not affect the Adjusted EBITDA figure.

OIL AND FAT SEGMENT

In 12M 2023 Oil and Fat segment earned RUB 13,492 million of adjusted EBITDA (-15 %
y-o-y) with 12% margin (without changes compared to the previous year).

The financial results of the Oil and Fat Segment for 12M 2023 and 4Q 2023 compared to 12M 2022 and 4Q 2022 respectively are presented below.

Oil and Fat segment 12M and 4Q 2023 Financial Results
in RUB million	Year ended		Variance		Three months ended		Variance
	31 December 2023	31 December 2022	Units	%	31 December 2023	31 December 2022	Units	%
Sales	108,746	133,369	(24,623)	(18)	32,603	31,003	1,599	5
Cost of sales	(87,486)	(109,951)	22,465	20	(26,938)	(23,339)	(3,598)	(15)
Gross profit	21,261	23,418	(2,158)	(9)	5,665	7,664	(1,999)	(26)
Gross profit margin	20%	18%	2 pp		17%	25%	(8) pp
Distribution and selling expenses	(8,066)	(9,038)	972	11	(2,357)	(3.033)	677	22
General and administrative expenses	(3,710)	(3,080)	(629)	(20)	(962)	(885)	(77)	(9)
Other operating income/ (expenses), net	(264)	(2,158)	1,895	88	951	325	626	193
incl. Reimbursement of operating costs (government grants)	312	322	(10)	(3)	72	78	(5)	(7)
incl. Other adjustments to EBITDA (non-recurring items)	278	(2,266)	2,544	-	691	147	543	369
Operating profit	9,221	9,141	80	1	3,296	4,070	(774)	(19)
Adjusted EBITDA	13,492	15,950	(2,458)	(15)	3,933	5,239	(1,307)	(25)
Adjusted EBITDA margin	12%	12%	0 pp		12%	17%	(5) pp

 

In 4Q 2023 Sales of Oil and Fat segment increased in comparison to 4Q 2022 mainly because of the increase in sales volumes of bulk oil after the completion of modernization of oil extraction plant in Balakovo, which led to growth in production capacity and production volumes. Also Sales increased following higher oil prices supported by the growth USD to RUB exchange rate.

In 2023 Sales of the Oil and Fat segment decreased compared to 2022 (by 18% to RUB 108 746 million) mainly because of the decrease of world prices for oil and fat products and of bulk oil and meal sales volumes, which was partially compensated by the increase in sales volumes of industrial fats.

 

 

 

Decrease in sales volumes of bulk oil and meal was caused by difficulties with the vessels shipment caused by ice situation in Astrakhan in January and February 2023 and the suspension of Balakovo oil extraction plant for modernization from 23 May 2023 till 28 August 2023.

 

Sales volumes of oil and fat and dairy products in 12M and 4Q 2023
Thousand tonnes	Year ended		Variance		Three months ended		Variance
	31 December 2023	31 December 2022	Units	%	31 December 2023	31 December 2022	Units	%
meal	509	601	(92)	(15)	162	131	32	24
crude oil	314	369	(54)	(15)	108	84	23	28
industrial fats	316	298	19	6	80	84	(4)	(5)
dry whey mixes	14	16	(3)	(17)	4	4	0	5
consumer oil&fat products	296	304	(8)	(3)	88	94	(6)	(7)
consumer dairy products	17	15	2	12	4	4	1	23

 

The growth of Cost of sales in 4Q 2023 compared to the same period of the previous year is due to the increase in sales volumes as well as the growth of palm oil prices following the dynamics of USD to RUB exchange rate.

The decrease of Cost of sales in 2023 is caused by the decline in sales volumes of oil and fat products. Cost of sales decreased more than Sales mainly due to reduction of prices for sunflower seeds.

The growth of General and administrative expenses in 2023 compared to the same period of the previous year is mainly attributable to higher costs of information and consulting services.

The decrease of Other operating expenses is due to lower charity expenses and positive exchange dynamics in 12M 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, which was partially compensated by accrual of provision for bad debts.

NMGK

At the end of 2Q 2023 the Company acquired 50% of the shares and control over the NMGK group of companies. The Company's financial results for 12M 2023 include the financial results of the NMGK Group starting from the acquisition for 3Q 2023 and 4Q 2023.

For 12M 2023* the revenue of the NMGK Group of companies amounted to RUB 31,202 million, adjusted EBITDA amounted to RUB 5,191 million with a margin of 17%.

The financial results of NMGK as a part of Rusagro for 4Q 2023 and 12M 2023* are presented in the table below.

NMGK 12M and 4Q 2023 Financial Results
in RUB million	Year ended			Three months ended
	31 December 2023	31 December 2022		31 December 2023		31 December 2022
Sales	31,202	-		16,230		-
Cost of sales	(22,723)	-		(12,822)		-
Gross profit	8,479	-		3,408		-
Gross profit margin	27%	-		21%		-
Distribution and selling expenses	(3,482)	-		(1,435)		-
General and administrative expenses	(1,299)	-		(741)		-
Other operating income/ (expenses), net	(123)	-		(157)		-
incl. Other adjustments to EBITDA (non-recurring items)	(189)	-		(203)		-
Operating profit	3,575	-		1,075		-
Adjusted EBITDA	5,191	-		2,446		-
Adjusted EBITDA margin	17%	-		15%		-

 

Sales volumes of NMGK oil and fat products in 12M and 4Q 2023
Thousand tonnes	Year ended		Three months ended
	31 December 2023	31 December 2022	31 December 2023	31 December 2022
Meal	145	-	80	-
Crude oil	107	-	47	-
Industrial fats	32	-	15	-
Oil & fat products	112	-	57	-

 

 

 

 

 

 

(*) NMGK results have been presented since the acquisition of control - for Q3 2023 and Q4 2023

 

KEY CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW INDICATORS (NOT IFRS PRESENTATION*)

The key consolidated cash flow indicators presented according to management accounts methodology

in RUB million	Year ended		Variance		Three months ended		Variance
	31 December 2023	31 December 2022	Units	%	31 December 2023	31 December 2022	Units	%
Net cash from operating activities, incl.	53,330	4,423	48,907	1,106	5,951	(3,495)	9,446	-
Operating cash flow before working capital changes	57,203	41,074	16,129	39	25,921	8,647	17,274	200
Working capital changes	2,201	(34,205)	36,406	-	(16,605)	(11,209)	(5,396)	(48)
Net cash from investing activities, incl.	(22,815)	(11,967)	(10,848)	(91)	(7,195)	(5,214)	(1,980)	(38)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment and inventories intended for construction	(18,351)	(11,973)	(6,377)	(53)	(14,418)	(4,331)	(10,087)	(233)
Acquisition of SolPro assets	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Net cash from financing activities	(31,742)	(6,572)	(25,170)	(383)	3,625	(35,320)	38,945	-
Net effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	5,691	(10,873)	16,564	-	(940)	6,303	(7,244)	-
Net (decrease) / increase in cash and cash equivalents	4,464	(24,989)	29,453	-	1,440	(37,727)	39,167	-

 

(*) See Appendix 4

 

 

 

Debt position and liquidity management
in RUB million	31 December 2023	31 December 2022	Variance
			Units	%
Gross debt	127,533	233,390	(105,857)	(45)
Short-term borrowings	68,035	172,352	(104,317)	(61)
Long-term borrowings	59,498	61,038	(1,540)	(3)
Cash and cash equivalents, bank deposits and bonds	(61,057)	(133,668)	72,611	54
Short-term cash, deposits and bonds	(27,086)	(99,697)	72,611	73
Long-term cash, deposits and bonds	(33,971)	(33,971)	0	0
Net debt	66,476	99,723	(33,247)	(33)
Short-term borrowings, net	40,949	72,655	(31,706)	(44)
Long-term borrowings, net	25,527	27,067	(1,540)	(6)
Adjusted EBITDA (LTM4)	56,560	45,015	11,545	26
Net debt/ Adjusted EBITDA (LTM)	1.18	2.22	(-1) pp

 

Net finance income / (expense):
in RUB million	Year ended		Variance		Three months ended		Variance
	31 December 2023	31 December 2022	Units	%	31 December 2023	31 December 2022	Units	%
Net interest expense	(7,173)	(7,865)	693	9	(1,607)	(2,090)	483	23
Gross interest expense	(18,911)	(20,784)	1,873	9	(6,055)	(5,851)	(204)	(3)
Reimbursement of interest expense	11,739	12,919	(1,180)	(9)	4,448	3,762	686	18
Interest income	10,322	9,398	924	10	2,481	2,848	(368)	(13)
Other financial expenses, net	5,790	(12,188)	17,978	-	(3,421)	5,964	(9,385)	-
Net foreign exchange gains / (losses)	6,906	(11,510)	18,416	-	(3,053)	6,213	(9,266)	-
Other financial income/ (expenses), net	(1,116)	(678)	(438)	(65)	(368)	(249)	(119)	(48)
Total net finance income / (expense)	8,940	(10,654)	19,594	-	(2,547)	6,724	(9,271)	-

 

Net debt decreased at 31 December 2023 compared at 31 December 2022 by 33%.

In 12M 2023 Rusagro continued to enjoy benefits from the state agriculture subsidies programme. Rusagro continued to receive bank loans with decreased preferential interest rates under the programme of government support. Under this programme, the government provides subsidies to the banks to compensate the loss of income on borrowings with decreased interest rates, given by the banks to agricultural producers. In 12M 2023 IFRS accounts these borrowings are accounted according to its face value with no adjustments to prevailing market rates. The differences between nominal and market interest rate is recognized as either government grants in a statement of financial position for borrowings received with the purpose to finance investment projects or interest expenses in a statement of comprehensive income for general purpose borrowings.

Net finance expense of 12M 2022 in the sum of RUB 10,654 million changed to net finance income in the amount of RUB 8,940 million as the result of positive dynamics in forex differences.

________________________________

(1) The exchange rates used for translation of RUB amounts into USD represent average Central Bank official exchange rate for the respective reporting period for income, expenses and profits and the Central Bank official exchange rate as at the reporting date for balance figures.

(2) Adjusted EBITDA is defined as operating profit before taking into account (i) depreciation included in operating profit, (ii) net gain/ (loss) on revaluation of biological assets and agricultural produce, (iii) non-recurring components of other operating income/ (expenses), net, (iv) share-based remuneration, (v) provision for impairment of loans issued (see Appendix 2 for the detailed calculation of Adjusted EBITDA). Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under IFRS. It should not be considered as an alternative to profit for the period as a measure of operating performance or to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. Our calculation of Adjusted EBITDA may be different from the calculation used by other companies and therefore comparability may be limited. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA provides useful information to investors because it is an indicator of the strength and performance of our ongoing business operations, including our ability to fund discretionary spending such as capital expenditures, acquisitions of subsidiaries and other investments and our ability to incur and service debt.

(3) Rusagro determines the net debt as short-term borrowings and long-term borrowings less cash and cash equivalents, bank deposits, bank promissory notes and bonds held for trading.

(4) LTM - The abbreviation for the "Last twelve months".

NOTE

ROS AGRO PLC (LSE, MOEX: AGRO) - a holding company of Rusagro Group, a leading Russian diversified food producer with vertically integrated operations in the following branches:

Agricultural:

Rusagro currently controls one of the largest land banks among Russian agriculture producers, with 685 thousand hectares of land under control located in the highly fertile Black Earth regions of Russia (in the Belgorod, Tambov, Voronezh, Kursk, Saratov, Tula and Orel regions) and in the Far East Primorye Region. Land and production sites are strategically located within the same regions to optimize efficiency and minimize logistical costs. Rusagro is one of the major sugar beet producers in Russia, but it also produces wheat, barley and corn, sunflower seeds and soybeans. These products are partially consumed by the Sugar, Meat and Oil and Fat segments, supporting a synergistic effect and lowering price change risk.

 

Oil and Fat:

Rusagro together with NMGK is the leading crude sunflower oil and consumer margarine and mayonnaise producer, second largest industrial fats and mayonnaise producer in Russia with products sold under eleven key brands, such as EZhK, Schedroye Leto, Mechta Khozyaiki, umbrella brand Ya Lublu Gotovit (includes Moskovskiy Provansal, Novosibirskiy Provansal and Saratovskiy Provansal), Rossiyanka and Saratovskiy Slivochniy, Benefitto, Maslava and Leto Krasno (££), which is sold on the Chinese market. Rusagro also produces dry industrial mixes, cheeses, butter and cream sold under three brands: Milie, Syrnaya Kultura and Ya Lublu Gotovit. Rusagro owns four crushing and two oil & fats plants and leases two milk processing plants. Owning its sunflower and soy oil production allows Rusagro to control the source of the sunflower and soybean oil required to produce oil and fats products.

Rusagro finalized the acquisition of 50% of NMGK Group in 2023. NMGK Group owns an oil and fat plant in Nizhny Novgorod, a fat plant in Samara, oil extraction factories in Uryupinsk and Sorochinsk, as well as elevators in the Volgograd, Orenburg, Samara, Saratov regions and the Republic of Bashkortostan. The company produces mayonnaise and sauces "Ryaba", "Sdobri", sauces and ketchups "Astoria", margarine "Khozyayushka", Slivochnik, spread "Kremlevskoe", coconut oil "Delicato", soap "Moy malysh" and "Retsepty chistoty".

 

Sugar:

Rusagro is one of the leading Russian sugar producers (?2 in Russia and ?1 on cube white sugar market), producing sugar from sugar beet at nine production sites in four regions. Group produces white and brown sugar sold under the brands Russkii Sakhar, Chaikofsky, Mon Café and Brauni. The Sugar segment is vertically integrated and sugar beets are supplied by Rusagro's Agriculture segment, which ensures a consistent supply. The sugar segment also operates a cereal plant and sells buckwheat and rice under the brand Tyoplye Traditsii.

Meat:

Rusagro is ?2 largest pork producer in Russia. It operates large commercial pig breeding complexes adhering to best practices regarding biosecurity standards, nucleus farms, compound feed plants, slaughterhouses and meat processing plants in Tambov and Belgorod Regions and in the Russian Far East. Since 2016, Rusagro sells retail products under its own brand Slovo Myasnika (Butcher's word).

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONFERENCE CALL

Rusagro management is organizing a conference call on Company's 12M and 4Q 2023 financial results for investors and analysts.

Details of the call:

Date:	4 March 2024
Time:	4:00 PM (Moscow) / 2:00 PM (London)
Subject:	ROS AGRO PLC 12M and 4Q 2023 Financial results
Registration:	available up to 3:00 PM Moscow time / 1:00 PM London time on 4 March https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SpicMuM2Tbyu91a3lyKFjg

 

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This announcement includes statements that are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements do not relate to historical or current events,
or to any future financial or operational activity of the Group.

 

By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate
to future events and circumstances, a number of which are beyond the Rusagro Group's control. As a result, actual future results may differ materially from the plans and expectations set out
in these forward-looking statements.

 

The Group undertakes no obligation to release the results of any revisions to any forward-looking statements that may occur due to any change in its expectations or to reflect events
or circumstances after the date of this document.

 

 

 

CONTACTS

 

Alexey Kulchitskiy Director M&A, IR, ESG Phone:  +7 495 363 1661 E-mail: ir@rusagrogroup.ru

 

 

Appendix 1. Consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the Year and Three months ended 31 December 2023 (in RUB thousand)

 

	Twelve months ended 31 December		Three months ended 31 December
	2023	2022	2023	2022
Sales	277,328,308	240,230,251	99,104,775	58,203,644
Net gain / (loss) on revaluation of biological assets and agricultural produce	3,698,693	(8,542,435)	(4,934,583)	(6,455,205)
Cost of sales	(204,970,260)	(184,436,046)	(67,773,190)	(45,084,170)
Gross profit	76,056,536	47,251,770	26,397,002	6,664,269
Distribution and selling expenses	(20,379,110)	(16,851,961)	(7,855,928)	(5,883,086)
General and administrative expenses	(11,143,940)	(9,071,112)	(3,524,637)	(2,907,786)
Other operating income/(expenses), net	3,386,834	(2,194,559)	235,420	1,903,742
Operating profit	47,928,303	19,059,782	15,259,840	(297,217)
Interest expense	(7,172,633)	(7,865,190)	(1,606,694)	(2,089,513)
Interest income	10,322,249	9,397,651	2,480,637	2,848,254
Net gain / (loss) from bonds held for trading	-	1,063	-	1,021
Other financial income/ (expenses), net	5,790,190	(12,187,973)	(3,420,780)	5,963,935
Profit / (loss) before taxation	56,868,109	8,405,333	12,713,003	6,426,480
Income tax expense	(8,161,660)	(1,618,793)	(2,495,802)	(1,821,877)
Profit for the period	48,706,449	6,786,540	10,217,201	4,604,603
Other comprehensive income:
Total comprehensive income/ (loss) for the period	48,706,449	6,786,540	10,217,201	4,604,603
Profit / (loss) is attributable to:
Owners of ROS AGRO PLC	46,501,167	6,763,338	9,810,830	4,621,602
Non-controlling interest	2,205,282	23,202	406,371	(16,999)
Profit / (loss) for the period	48,706,449	6,786,540	10,217,201	4,604,603
Total comprehensive income/ (loss) is attributable to:
Owners of ROS AGRO PLC	46,501,167	6,763,338	9,810,830	4,621,602
Non-controlling interest	2,205,282	23,202	406,371	(16,999)
Total comprehensive income/ (loss) for the period	48,706,449	6,786,540	10,217,201	4,604,603
Earnings per ordinary share for profit attributable to the equity holders of ROS AGRO PLC, basic and diluted (in RR per share)	1,728.27	251.37	364.63	171.77