KWS Group
Annual Report 2017

Plain-text annual report

Annual Report 2017 | 2018 KWS in Figures The KWS Group (in € millions) 2017/2018 2016/2017 2015/2016 2014/2015 2013/2014 Net sales and income Net sales EBIT as a % of net sales (EBIT margin) Net financial income/expenses Net income for the year Additional key figures on earnings R&D intensity in % Key figures on the financial position and assets Capital expenditure Depreciation and amortization Equity Equity ratio in % Return on equity in % Return on assets in % Net debt1 Total assets Capital employed (avg.)2 ROCE (avg.) in %3 Cash flow from operating activities Employees Number of employees (avg.)4 Personnel expenses Key figures for the share Earnings per share in € Dividend per share in € 5 Segments (in € millions) 1,068.0 1,075.2 1,036.8 132.6 131.6 112.8 12.4 5.4 99.7 12.2 16.6 97.7 10.9 14.8 85.3 986.0 113.4 11.5 16.7 84.0 923.5 118.3 12.8 7.5 80.3 18.5 17.7 17.6 17.7 16.2 71.7 50.1 881.8 58.1 13.3 7.1 37.4 63.3 49.4 836.9 56.0 13.1 7.3 48.5 99.6 48.2 767.9 53.5 11.9 7.0 87.9 132.5 45.9 738.7 55.2 13.6 7.8 105.9 69.4 41.2 637.8 54.7 12.8 7.8 31.6 1,517.7 1,495.2 1,436.6 1,337.1 1,165.0 981.1 13.8 98.1 5,147 253.9 15.08 3.20 990.1 13.3 122.4 4,937 247.0 14.78 3.20 906.9 12.4 125.9 4,843 232.2 12.92 3.00 851.0 13.3 48.1 4,691 216.9 12.53 3.00 737.5 16.0 76.0 4,150 189.9 11.69 3.00 Corn Sugarbeet Cereals Corporate –11.0% 825 734 +0.1% 455 455 –18.6% 58 47 +6.4% 151 161 +38.2% 151 109 +78.6% 10 18 Net sales EBIT Net sales EBIT Net sales EBIT 2016/2017 2017/2018 Reconciliation (in € millions) Net sales EBIT –12.5% 5 4 Net sales –27.6% EBIT –61 –77 Segmente Über leitung KWS Gruppe 1,344.6 149.0 –276.6 –16.4 1,068.0 132.6 1 = Short-term + long-term borrowings – cash and cash equivalents – securities. 2 = Total capital employed at the end of the quarters ((intangible assets + property, plant and equipment + inventories + trade receivables – trade payables) / 4.) 3 = EBIT / capital employed (avg.). 4 Average number of employees in the year under review. 5 The dividend for 2017/2018 is subject to the consent of the 2018 Annual Shareholders´ Meeting. l s r e d o h e r a h S r u O o T Contents 2 2 5 12 14 18 18 26 29 43 48 54 65 71 73 1. To Our Share holders Foreword of the Executive Board Report of the Supervisory Board KWS on the Capital Market Spotlight Topic 2. Combined Management Report 2.1 Fundamentals of the KWS Group 2.2 Research & Development Report 2.3 Economic Report 2.4 Environmental Report 2.5 Employee and Social Report 2.6 Corporate Governance 2.7 Opportunity and Risk Report 2.8 Forecast Report 2.9 Report on KWS SAAT SE and Non-Financial Declaration (Declaration based on the German Commercial Code (HGB)) 79 3. Annual Financial Statements Léon Broers Research & Breeding Peter Hofmann Sugarbeet, Cereals, Marketing Eva Kienle Finance, Controlling, Global Services, IT, Legal, Human Resources Hagen Duenbostel (CEO) Corn, Corporate Development and Communications, Compliance 2 To Our Shareholders | Foreword of the Executive Board Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS Group To Our Share­ holders Foreword of the Executive Board High-yielding, yet eco-friendly arable farming – is that an unattainable vision or a realistic scenario? Most people agree: Things have to change if we are to achieve that goal. There is declining public accept- ance of agriculture. Consequently, more than 80% of German farmers see acceptance of their work in society as their biggest challenge. Farmers and con- sumers have become alienated from each other. Many problems have already been identified, but there is no social consensus on how to solve them. Agriculture is nowadays high tech – in all areas. Technology in agriculture stands for safety and inno- vation and enables transparency and precision. Yet the growing application of technology in agriculture strengthens the sense of alienation among consumers. Many feel that farming should be environmentally friendly and animal-friendly, and, if at all possible, done by hand. And a good feeling is important when consumers reach for a product from the shop shelf. However, an often ignored fact is that arable farming worldwide has to satisfy demand of more than 2 billion tons of cereals a year, while keeping price fluctua- tions to a minimum. Foreword of the Executive Board | To Our Shareholders 3 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018A discussion on the future of agriculture is not a our customers, we remain independent – as we have one-way street. Our industry must accommodate been for more than 160 years. From the outset, we consumers’ wishes and take new paths – otherwise have steadily expanded our plant genetic resources progress in winning public acceptance will remain – because genetic diversity is a key success factor in wishful thinking. A particular focus here is on making plant breeding. agriculture greener. Reducing the use of pesticides is an acknowledged objective of the Central Committee We will also continue to grow independently and keep of German Agriculture and also a key concern in on enlarging our innovative portfolio for agriculture. In “The Timetable for the 2050 Agricultural Revolution: order to strengthen our independence and position Ecologized Agriculture in Germany.” ourselves ideally for growth moving ahead, we and the Supervisory Board are proposing to the upcoming Plant breeding offers extensive eco-friendly solutions. Annual Shareholders’ Meeting that we change our KWS’ variety portfolio is already one of the most legal form into a partnership limited by shares (KGaA) diversified and highest-performing in the industry. – KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA. This move means we Apart from delivering yield progress, we believe that will be able to exploit opportunities to raise funds on our key tasks lie in developing and selecting resistant the capital market more flexibly, yet the shareholder plant varieties, in ideal crop rotation and in bio diversity. families, Büchting and Arend Oetker, will continue to All in all, our new varieties need fewer resources such shape and put their stamp on our company. as fertilizer or pesticides. They are the result of inten- sive research and the use of cutting-edge breeding Seeding the future means shouldering responsibility. technologies. The recent critical assessment of new We look forward to shaping the future actively together breeding measures by the European Court of Justice with our shareholders, employees and customers. Our was counter productive in this regard. The use of focus will remain on our core corporate objectives of mutagenesis in plant breeding has proven its worth innovation, independence, sustainability and profitable for generations and can now be used in a far more growth, flanked by the values of a company steeped in targeted way. A failure to leverage this potential a tradition of family ownership. in Europe is tantamount to accepting social and economic harm. My thanks for our success in the past fiscal year go to our employees for their untiring efforts, as well as Progress and innovation to promote more sustainable to our partners and shareholders. I hope this Annual agriculture is encouraged by a functioning system of Report proves informative for you. competition. The greater the number of companies that conduct their own research & development, the With best regards from Einbeck on behalf of the entire greater diversity of products. Consolidation in our Executive Board, industry has further reduced the number of competi- tors. Freedom to choose what means of production to use and thus entrepreneurial business management in agriculture are being increasingly restricted. Like Dr. Hagen Duenbostel Chief Executive Officer 4 To Our Shareholders | Foreword of the Executive Board Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS GroupReport of the Supervisory Board In the year under review, the agricultural sector was important individual projects, risk management at again impacted by low producer prices, low incomes the KWS Group were the subject of detailed dis- and new regulatory conditions. Business with sugar- cussions. The Chairman of the Supervisory Board beet and cereals seed developed successfully in this continued the bilateral discussions with the Chief environment, while our Corn Segment was strained by Executive Officer and individual members of the declining net sales in Brazil and North America. The Executive Board in regular talks outside the meetings major process of consolidation in the industry ended of the Supervisory Board. In addition, there were with completion of the multiyear international antitrust monthly meetings between the Chairman of the Su- reviews. KWS also discussed potential acquisitions. pervisory Board and the Executive Board as a whole, Preserving our company’s independence remains a where the company’s current business development key concern of the family shareholders. In this spirit, and, in particular, its strategy, occurrences of special the Executive Board and the Supervisory Board once importance and individual aspects were dealt with. again cooperated successfully in the past fiscal year. The Chairman of the Supervisory Board informed the Super visory Board of the results of these meetings. The Supervisory Board discharged the duties incum- The Supervisory Board did not make use of its right bent on it in accordance with the law, the company’s to conduct an examination granted by Section 111 Articles of Association and the bylaws, regularly (2) AktG (German Stock Corporation Act) since the advised and monitored the Executive Board in its reporting by the Executive Board meant there was no activities and satisfied itself that the company was reason to do so. run properly and in compliance with the law and that it was organized efficiently and cost-effectively. The Focal areas of deliberations Supervisory Board decided on all significant busi- The full Supervisory Board held five regular meetings ness transactions requiring its consent and carefully in fiscal 2017/2018, each of which was attended by accompanied the Executive Board in all fundamen- all its members. After the fiscal year had ended, the tal decisions of importance to the company. The Supervisory Board held a telephone conference on Supervisory Board discussed the information and September 3, 2018, and its meeting to discuss the assessments that influenced its decisions together financial statements on October 23, 2018. with the Executive Board. Both boards continued their constructive and trusted cooperation as in the At the meeting to discuss the financial statements past. Among other things, this was demonstrated by on October 25, 2017, the Supervisory Board exam- the fact that, as is customary, the Supervisory Board ined and approved the financial statements of was involved in all decisions of vital importance to KWS SAAT SE and approved the consolidated finan- the company at an early stage. The Supervisory cial statements of the KWS Group as of June 30, Board was provided with the necessary informa- 2017. At the meeting it also adopted, at the proposal tion in written and oral form regularly, promptly and of the Nominating Committee, its new profile of skills comprehensively. This included all key information and expertise, which was published on the company’s on relevant questions of strategy, planning, the busi- homepage on October 26, 2017. On the basis of the ness performance and the situation of the company Nominating Committee’s proposals, the Supervisory and the KWS Group, including the risk situation, Board then discussed the persons to be nomi - risk management and compliance. Business trans- nated as shareholder representatives for the new actions requiring consent were submitted to, and Supervisory Board elections at the Annual Share- discussed and approved by, the Supervisory Board holders’ Meeting on December 14, 2017. The new in compliance with the bylaws for the Executive profile of skills and expertise was taken into account Board. The company’s business policy, corporate in the nominations. The Supervisory Board also dis- and financial planning, profitability and situation, the cussed redrafting the Articles of Association relating course business, market trends and the competitive to its compensation. The Annual Shareholders’ Meet- environment, research & breeding and, along with ing on December 14, 2017, endorsed the nominations Report of the Supervisory Board | To Our Shareholders 5 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018and adopted the proposed amendment of the Articles in accordance with the provisions of the German of Association relating to the new compensation Commercial Code (HGB) for fiscal 2017/2018 and system for the Supervisory Board (please refer to the the financial statements of the KWS Group (IFRS Compensation Report on page 63), in each case by consolidated financial statements), as well as the more than 97% of the votes represented. Combined Management Report of KWS SAAT SE and the KWS Group Management Report, including On December 13 and 14, 2017, the Supervisory Board the accounting reports, and awarded them its also heard reports on the current status of research unqualified audit certificate. In addition, the auditor activities and related global challenges relating to concluded that the audit of the financial statements patents. Measures to expand corn activities in Brazil did not reveal any facts that might indicate a mis- and China were adopted and options for entering the statement in the declaration of compliance issued vegetable breeding market by means of an acquisition by the Executive Board and the Supervisory Board were explored. At its meeting on March 14, 2018, in accordance with section 161 AktG (German Stock the Supervisory Board discussed the performance Corporation Act) with respect to the recommenda- status of KWS’ respective breeding programs. As tions of the “German Commission for the Corporate usual, the Supervisory Board adopted the annual Governance Code.” planning for fiscal 2018/2019 and the medium-term planning in June 2018. It also addressed the issue The Supervisory Board received and discussed of the company’s legal form. The objective was the financial statements of KWS SAAT SE and the to choose a legal form that enables equity to be consolidated financial statements and Combined raised more flexibly as and when required so as to Management Report of KWS SAAT SE and the lastingly strengthen the company’s growth strategy. KWS Group, along with the report by the independent In a telephone conference on September 3, 2018, auditor of KWS SAAT SE and the KWS Group and the Supervisory Board discussed converting the proposal on appropriation of the net retained KWS SAAT SE into a partnership limited by shares profit for the year made by KWS SAAT SE, in due (KGaA) and decided to take all the measures time. Comprehensive documents and drafts were necessary for that. As part of that, a stock split at submitted to the members of the Supervisory a ratio of 1:5 with a simultaneous increase in the Board as preparation. For example, all of them capital stock to €99,000,000 is to be prepared and were provided with the annual financial statements, there is to be an inter national merger of KWS Ser- Combined Management Report, audit reports by vices West S. L. U. with KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA. the independent auditors, corporate governance The Executive Board informed the capital market report, compensation report and the proposal by the of the conversion and the stock split in its ad-hoc Executive Board on the appropriation of the profits. release dated September 3, 2018. At its meeting In addition, the Supervisory Board examined the on Octo ber 23, 2018, the Supervisory Board then separate non-financial report (Section 289b HGB decided to propose conversion of KWS SAAT SE to (German Commercial Code)) and the separate KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA and a stock split of at a non-financial group report (Section 315b HGB) ratio of 1:5, with a simultaneous increase in the capital with the audit report by the independent auditor stock to €99,000,000 to the Annual Shareholders’ (Section 111 (2) Sentence 4 AktG (German Stock Meeting on December 14, 2018. Corporation Act)). The Supervisory Board also held detailed discussions of questions on the agenda Annual and consolidated financial statements at its meeting to discuss the financial statements and auditing on October 23, 2018. The auditor took part in the Ernst & Young GmbH Wirtschaftsprüfungs gesell schaft, meeting. It reported on the main results of the Hanover, the independent auditor chosen at the audit and was also available to answer additional Shareholders’ Meeting on December 14, 2017, and questions and provide further information for the commissioned by the Audit Committee, has audited Supervisory Board. According to the report of the the financial statements of KWS SAAT SE that were independent auditor, there were no material weak- presented by the Executive Board and prepared nesses in the internal control and risk management 6 To Our Shareholders | Report of the Supervisory Board Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS Groupsystem in relation to the accounting process. There The Supervisory Board regularly addressed the were also no circumstances that might indicate a question of any conflicts of interest on the part of lack of impartiality on the part of the independent its members and those of the Executive Board. In auditor. As can be seen from the Notes, the the year under review, there were no such conflicts independent auditor did not provide any additional of interests that had to be disclosed immediately to services. the Supervisory Board and reported to the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting. In accordance with the final results of its own exam- ination, the Supervisory Board endorsed the results Supervisory Board committees of the audit, among other things as a result of the The Audit Committee convened for two joint meet- preliminary examination by the Audit Committee, ings in fiscal 2017/2018. It also held three telephone and did not raise any objections. The Supervisory conferences – on all occasions with all its members Board gave its consent to the annual financial state- in attendance. At its meeting on September 27, 2017, ments of KWS SAAT SE, which were prepared by the the Audit Committee discussed the annual financial Executive Board, and to the consolidated financial statements and accounting of KWS SAAT SE and statements of the KWS Group, along with the Com- the consolidated financial statements of the KWS bined Management Report of KWS SAAT SE and the Group for the fiscal year 2016/2017, along with the KWS Group. The financial statements are thereby Combined Management Report and the proposal by approved. The Supervisory Board also endorses the Executive Board on the appropriation of the prof- the proposal by the Executive Board to the Annual its. Risk management and the results of the auditing Shareholders’ Meeting on the appropriation of the projects were also on the agenda. The meeting of net retained profit of KWS SAAT SE after having the Audit Committee on March 14, 2018, discussed examined it. and defined the focus of the audit for fiscal year 2017/2018 in the presence of the appointed inde- Corporate Governance pendent auditor. The Annual Compliance Report and The Supervisory Board conducts the efficiency the requirements of the German CSR Directive Imple- review recommended in Clause 5.6 of the German mentation Act and the German Pay Transparency Corporate Governance Code every two years. The Act were discussed and risk management and the review in fiscal year 2017/2018 was accompanied results of the auditing projects in the new fiscal year by the accounting firm Deloitte GmbH Wirtschafts- were presented. The audit plan for fiscal 2018/2019 prüfungsgesellschaft, which held extensive interviews was also defined and adopted. The quarterly reports with members of the Executive and Supervisory and the semiannual report for fiscal 2017/2018 were Boards. Deloitte came to the conclusion that the discussed in detail in three telephone conferences Supervisory Board works in accordance with best and their publication was approved. practices. The Audit Committee convened on Septem- The Supervisory Board also discussed compliance ber 25, 2018, to discuss the current annual with the recommendations of the “German Commis- financial statements of KWS SAAT SE and KWS’ sion for the Corporate Governance Code” and – after consolidated financial statements and accounting, the last compliance declaration in October 2017 along with the Combined Management Report. The – issued a new declaration of compliance with the independent auditor for fiscal 2017/2018 explained German Corporate Governance Code in accordance the results of its audit of the 2017/2018 financial with Section 161 AktG (German Stock Corporation statements and pointed out that there were no Act) together with the Executive Board in October grounds for assuming a lack of impartiality on the 2018. It is reproduced on page 56 of the Annual part of the independent auditor in its audit. The Report for fiscal 2017/2018 and can also be ob- Audit Committee also dealt with the proposal by tained on the company’s website at www.kws.com/ the Executive Board on the appropriation of the net corporate-governance. retained profit of KWS SAAT SE and recommended that the Supervisory Board approve it. Report of the Supervisory Board | To Our Shareholders 7 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018In addition, the Audit Committee obtained the state- The term of office of all members of the Supervisory ment of independence from the auditor in accordance Board expired at the end of the Annual Shareholders’ with Clause 7.2.1 of the German Corporate Govern- Meeting that ratified the acts of the Supervisory ance Code, ascertained and monitored the auditor’s Board of KWS SAAT SE for the fiscal year 2016/2017, independence and examined its qualifications. The i.e., the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting on Decem- Audit Committee also satisfied itself that the regula- ber 14, 2017. The Nominating Committee prepared tions on internal rotation were observed by the inde- the decision by the Supervisory Board on the per- pendent auditor and dealt with the issue of any addi- sons to be nominated as shareholder representatives tional services rendered by the independent auditor. to the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting and, in accor- dance with Section 6 (2) of the Supervisory Board’s The Nominating Committee dealt in detail with the bylaws, submitted suitable candidates to the Super- subject of diversity and submitted to the Supervisory visory Board for the latter to nominate to the Annual Board one proposed resolution to the effect that the Shareholders’ Meeting. The Nominating Committee ratio of female and male members on the Supervisory took into account the proposed profile of skills and Board and Executive Board is to be at least 25% on expertise and the target for the ratio of men and each. Under a new requirement in Clause 5.4.1 of the women in choosing the persons to be nominated for German Corporate Governance Code in the version election. dated February 7, 2017, the Supervisory Board is to draw up a profile of skills and expertise for the board In the year under review, the Committee for Execu- as a whole. The Nominating Committee discussed tive Board Affairs dealt with the impending renewal the skills and expertise required under the bylaws for of the contracts with Dr. Léon Broers and Eva Kienle. the Supervisory Board and summarized them in a At the committee’s proposal, the Supervisory Board newly drafted profile of skills and expertise, which was renewed the contract with Léon Broers, at his own submitted as a proposed resolution to the Supervisory request, only for a period of three years, namely from Board. The profile was created in particular on January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2021, by when the basis of the principles for the necessary skills Léon Broers will have reached the age of 62. In the and expertise specified in the Supervisory Board’s new fiscal year 2018/2019, it extended the contract bylaws (version dated October 24, 2016). The with Eva Kienle by five years, namely from July 1, 2019, Nominating Committee was also guided by the to June 30, 2024. joint position paper from AdAR (Working Group of German Supervisory Boards), ArMiD (Association The second period of office of Hubertus von for Supervisory Boards at SMEs in Germany) and Baumbach on the Supervisory Board of KWS SAAT SE FEA (Financial Experts Association). ended at the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting on Supervisory Board Committees Committee Audit Committee Chairman Hubertus von Baumbach (until 12/2017) Victor W. Balli (since 12/2017) Members Andreas J. Büchting Jürgen Bolduan Committee for Executive Affairs Andreas J. Büchting Nominating Committee Andreas J. Büchting Marie Th. Schnell (since 12/2017) Hubertus von Baumbach (until 12/2017) Marie Th. Schnell (since 12/2017) Cathrina Claas-Mühlhäuser Marie Theres Schnell (until 12/2017) Andreas J. Büchting (since 12/2017) Cathrina Claas-Mühlhäuser 8 To Our Shareholders | Report of the Supervisory Board Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS GroupAndreas J. Büchting, Chairman of the Supervisory Board December 14, 2017. Hubertus von Baumbach, who his successor Victor W. Balli a tidy and well-tend- had chaired the Audit Committee as a financial ed field. On behalf of all of KWS’ shareholders, the expert on the Supervisory Board since he took up his Supervisory Board expresses its deepest thanks to office in December 2007, did not stand for reelection. Hubertus von Baumbach for his good advice and the KWS’ Supervisory Board formed an Audit Committee expertise and experience with which he oversaw our for the first time in December 2007. As its Chairman, processes. His services for KWS have been particu- Hubertus von Baumbach not only established the larly valuable. committee, but was also influential in shaping its work. Circumspect, pragmatic and always aiming to The Supervisory Board also expresses its thanks find solutions, he helped drive key processes, such to the Executive Board and all employees of as our compliance and risk management, and our KWS SAAT SE and the subsidiaries in the KWS auditing projects. Hubertus von Baumbach was a Group for their commitment and contribution to the critical, yet constructive sparring partner, especially successful further development of KWS in fiscal for our Executive Board. When Dr. Arend Oetker de- 2017/2018. parted to make way for a younger generation of his family in December 2016, he also took over as Dep- Einbeck, October 23, 2018 uty Chairman of the Supervisory Board for the last year of his office. At the end of his ten years of work for our company, Hubertus von Baumbach also con- ducted the complex and time- consuming process Dr. Drs. h. c. Andreas J. Büchting of changing our independent auditor and so leaves Chairman of the Supervisory Board Report of the Supervisory Board | To Our Shareholders 9 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018Our roots are in Einbeck – and in a hundred thousand fields around the world. Despite our global growth, we never lose sight of our beginnings. It takes an eye for detail to make great things possible. That is independence – and it allows us to work with you as equals. KWS on the Capital Market Performance Listing Stock markets performed variously in fiscal The KWS share ranked 28th (14th) in the SDAX, 2017/2018 (July 1 to June 30), among other things Germany’s index for small caps, in terms of due to increasing geopolitical tensions. Key interest market capitalization on the balance sheet date rates stayed relatively low and so the stock mar- of June 30, 2018. KWS ranked 49th (42nd) in terms ket remained an attractive place to invest up to the of trading volume over the past twelve months. On spring of 2018. The DAX reached an all-time high of May 18, 2018, Deutsche Börse announced changes 13,560 points in January 2018, but then fell sharply to its rules for the MDAX, SDAX and TecDAX, which by the middle of the year, among other things due to took effect September 24, 2018. After the SDAX was the new U.S. trade policy, and finished at the same expanded from 50 to 70 companies, the KWS share level as the previous year at the end of our fiscal remained listed on the SDAX. In order to increase the year. In contrast, the SDAX gained around 10% volume of trading in the share, the Executive Board over the same period. KWS’ share also reached and the Supervisory Board plan to propose a stock an all-time high at €380.30 in October 2017, but split at a ratio of 1:5 to the Annual Shareholders’ then suffered losses. It closed on June 30, 2018, at Meeting on December 14, 2018. €304.00 (344.45)1 or down around 12% down year on year. The stock price of our larger competitors Employee Stock Purchase Plan likewise declined in that period of time, in some For more than 30 years KWS has offered its cases more seriously than KWS’ share. The sector’s employees the chance to become a shareholder performance thus reflects the fact that the environ- in the company and thus share in its success ment for agriculture remains strained. Looking at the and identify more strongly with it. The content past ten years, however, the price of KWS’ share has of our Employee Stock Purchase Plan remained increased by 106.1% and so has again more than unchanged in the year under review. Our employ- doubled. The KWS share’s performance over 10 years 300% 250% 200% 150% 100% 50% 0% ees were able to buy up to 500 KWS shares at a price of €273.60 (225.60), including a 20% discount, which the individual employees must pay tax on. A total of 407 (435) employees in eight (six) European +187% +106% +95% July 1, 2008 KWS SDAX DAX June 30, 2018 1 If not otherwise specified, the figures in parentheses give the previous year´s figure. 12 To Our Shareholders | KWS on the Capital Market Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS Group Shareholder structure at June 30, 2018 Free float 30.1% Tessner Beteiligungs GmbH 15.4% 54.5% Families Büchting, Arend Oetker countries took up this offer and purchased a total of 9,832 (11,594) shares, corresponding to an average stake per employee of 24 (27) shares. The acquired shares are subject to a lock-up period of four ISIN Share class years. They cannot be sold, transferred or pledged Number of shares Key figures for the KWS share (Xetra®) during this period. As in previous years, the shares used for the Employee Stock Purchase Plan were acquired in accordance with Section 71 (1) No. 2 of the German Stock Corporation Act (AktG). A  total of €3.4 (3.4) million was used to buy back the company’s own shares, giving an average purchase price per share (including fees) of €344.63 (290.31). More details have been published in information released for the capital market and can be viewed on our website at www.kws.com/ir. Planned appropriation of profits Closing price June 30, 2018 June 30, 2017 High and low High (October 5, 2017) Low (April 24, 2018) Trading volume in shares/day 2017/2018 2016/2017 2,086 2,484 DE0007074007 Individual share certificates 6,600,000 in € 304.00 344.45 in € 380.30 285.00 Continuing to grow profitably is one of KWS’ core Market capitalization in € million corporate goals. We were able to maintain our good after-tax profitability of the previous year in the year under review, despite a slight decline June 30, 2018 June 30, 2017 in net sales. The KWS Group’s net income was Earnings per share June 30, 2018 June 30, 2017 Volatility (avg.) 2017/2018 2016/2017 €99.7 million, following €97.7 million the year before. Operating income likewise remained virtually constant at €132.6 (131.6) million. The Execu- tive and Supervisory Boards will therefore again propose a dividend of €3.20 (3.20) for fiscal year 2017/2018 to the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting on December 14, 2018. €21.1 (21.1) million would thus be distributed to KWS SAAT SE’s shareholders. That would correspond to a dividend payout ratio of 21.2% (21.6%), once again in line with the KWS Group’s earnings-oriented policy of paying a dividend of 20% to 25% of its net income. 2,006 2,273 in € 15.08 14.78 In €/day 7.00 5.18 KWS on the Capital Market | To Our Shareholders 13 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018Spotlight Topic The Power of Nature Plant breeding’s contribution to global sustain- thresholds for them. The planetary boundaries are ability climate change, biodiversity loss, freshwater con- As far as product development is concerned, Mother sumption, land use, ocean acidification, stratospheric Nature does innovative, record-breaking work. There ozone depletion, nitrogen and phosphorus flows are currently around 350,000 different species of to the biosphere, atmospheric aerosol loading and plants on Earth, all of which have come about in de- chemical pollution. If one of the defined thresholds is velopment cycles that are almost beyond the bounds exceeded, there is the risk of sudden and irreversible of our imagination. Top-class products made by changes to the environment. nature. There are survival artists such as cacti in the des ert or pine trees that live to the age of 5,000 years Consequently, these planetary boundaries are in- or more. Rainforests thrive in frugal, leached soil, and tended as the basis for a change toward greener, bamboo grows up to 1.2 meters a day. Moss and more social and more economically sustainable lichen survive at altitudes of 3,000 meters between development. All social groups are to play their part the ice and snow in high mountain regions. So plants in that. Business and enterprises have a key role can achieve truly great things – and we humans have here by driving innovation and change. At the same exploited that in the more than 10,000 years we have time, consumers and their habits also bear a key cultivated them. That has been the foundation for responsibility. progress and prosperity. However, humankind has had an increasing impact on the global ecosystem, The agriculture and food sectors are held responsible especially since the age of industrialization. for exceeding four of the nine boundaries worldwide. Planetary limits Excessive nutrient discharge to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems means that the nitrogen and phosphorus In 2009, a team of scientists led by Johan Rockström cycles are the main factors here, followed by exces- from the Stockholm Resilience Centre defined nine sive land system change and biodiversity loss caused areas, termed planetary boundaries, and global by farming and the food industry. 14 To Our Shareholders | Spotlight Topic Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS GroupThe Power of Nature 350,000 SPECIES OF PLANTS are now known world- wide. 10,000 YEARS OF ARABLE FARMING have ensured prosperity, but have also impact on the ecosystem. 9 AGRICULTURE & FOOD are a burden on four of the defined boundaries. PLANETARY BOUNDARIES show potential future scenarios for global environmental changes. BUSINESS, ENTERPRISES & CONSUMERS can change some- thing together. 160 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE in plant breeding. KWS’ VISION To supply generations of farmers with high-yielding seed. KWS’ CONTRI- BUTION Creation of new high-yielding, resource-conserving plant traits. 17 general global Sustainable Develop- ment Goals have been  defined by the UN. 6 goals are already supported by KWS. And it is coming up with further solutions. How plant breeding helps achieve steady Yet our commitment to sustainability does not stop improvement where our business operations end. Above and be- As a plant breeding company, KWS has now worked yond our focal commercial activities, we are also on solutions for sustainable agriculture for more committed to increasing capacities in developing than 160 years. Our vision is to supply generations countries such as Peru and Ethiopia, for example. of farmers with seed for a high-yielding harvest, That is because these countries often do not have coupled with increasing optimization of the use of efficient, high-yielding seed. That is why we are on resources. To enable that, we work on plant traits, the ground there, contributing our knowledge to help such as resistances to pests and diseases, drought breed varieties adapted to local requirements and tolerance and nutrient efficiency, and also advise sharing optimized cultivation methods. farmers on resource-conserving cultivation methods. That is not only a great benefit for farmers, but also Outlook for the protection of the environment and nature con- It is becoming more and more important for KWS servation as a whole. Reduced use of resources such to differentiate itself authentically in a consolidating as pesticides and fertilizer, as well as efficient use and seed and chemical industry. All in all, we believe we conservation of the soil, also mean less discharge have the duty to make an active contribution to sus- to the environment, with potentially harmful effects tainable development in agriculture. As a leading pro- on the climate, water sources, soil and biodiversity. vider of high-yielding and resource-preserving seed, High-yielding and resource-conserving varieties from we are gearing our company toward achieving meas- KWS can therefore have a positive impact on the urable ecological and social objectives that take up above-mentioned planetary boundaries. We invest the global UN Sustainable Development Goals. Of a large part of our research expenditure of currently the seventeen goals defined there, we already sup- around €200 million in developing such new plant port six with our products. A process of dialogue varieties. with our stakeholders helps us along the path to developing KWS-specific sustainability. However, In 2017 we rolled out a global reporting system at the sustainable global development is a task for society KWS Group for the main resource inputs and outputs as a whole and one we all have to help shape. Every in the seed development and production process generation is responsible for helping create a future for the first time. We will successively optimize the that is liveable for future generations quality and scope of the data we collect. The goal is to obtain insightful data that can be used to deduce potential for improvement. The Earth Overshoot Day calculated by the U.S. non-profit organization Global Footprint Network denotes the date on which humanity’s resource consumption for the year ex- ceeds Earth’s capacity to regenerate those resources and capacity to absorb CO2 for that year. The trend of the past years shows that this date is earlier every year. This year it was August 1 – but it was September 23 a decade ago. In other words: We use nature 1.7 times faster than ecosys- tems can regenerate. Follow the movement under the Twitter hashtag: How will you #MoveTheDate? 16 To Our Shareholders | Spotlight Topic Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS Group18 18 20 20 21 22 23 2.1 Fundamentals of the KWS Group 2.1.1 Business Model 2.1.2 Branches 2.1.3 Objectives and Strategies 2.1.4 Control System 2.1.5 Responsible Business Activity 2.1.6 Fundamentals of Research & Development 26 2.2 Research & Development Report 29 29 31 35 43 43 44 44 48 48 48 50 51 54 54 54 55 56 62 65 65 66 71 71 71 71 2.3 Economic Report 2.3.1 Business Performance 2.3.2 Earnings, Financial Position and Assets 2.3.3 Segment Reports 2.4 Environmental Report 2.4.1 Product Innovations 2.4.2 Plant and Process Safety 2.4.3 Resource-efficient Processes and Climate Protection 2.5 Employee and Social Report 2.5.1 Employment Trends 2.5.2 Recruitment & Qualification 2.5.3 Good Working Conditions 2.5.4 Social Commitment 2.6 Corporate Governance 2.6.1 Corporate Governance Report and Declaration on Corporate Governance 2.6.2 Compliance Declaration in Accordance with Section 161 AktG (German Stock Corporation Act) 2.6.3 Business Ethics & Compliance 2.6.4 Compensation Report 2.6.5 Explanatory Report of the Executive Board in Accordance with Section 176 (1) Sentence 1 AktG (German Stock Corporation Act) on the Disclosures in Accordance with Section 289a (1) and Section 315a (1) HGB (German Commercial Code) 2.7 Opportunity and Risk Report 2.7.1 Opportunities 2.7.2 Risks 2.8 Forecast Report 2.8.1 Changes in the KWS Group’s Composition that Are Significant for the Forecast 2.8.2 Forecast for the KWS Group’s Statement of Comprehensive Income 2.8.3 Forecast for the Segments 73 2.9 Report on KWS SAAT SE and Non-Financial Declaration 73 73 (Declaration based on the German Commercial Code (HGB)) 2.9.1 KWS SAAT SE 2.9.2 Combined Non-Financial Declaration for the KWS Group t r o p e R t n e m e g a n a M d e n b m o C i 2. Combined Management Report 2. Combined Management Report In the year under review, we merged our sustainability reporting with the Annual Report and published its contents in the Combined Management Report and on our homepage at www.kws.com/ir. As a consequence, the structure of the Combined Management Report has changed slightly. We refer to the report aspects required under Sections 289b et seq. and Sections 315b et seq. of the German Commercial Code (HGB) in our “Non- Financial Declaration” on page 73. The contents of the Non-Financial Declaration were not audited as part of the audit of the annual and consolidated financial statements, but un- derwent a voluntary external audit. They are indicated by an acronym . The Combined Management Report also includes voluntary com ponents that are not audited separately. These are indicated by footnotes. 2.1 Fundamentals of the KWS Group 2.1.1 Business Model hemisphere. That means most of the segment’s net Since it was founded in 1856, KWS has specialized sales are generated in the second half of the fiscal in breeding, producing and distributing high-quality year (January to June). The segment generates a varieties and seed for agriculture. From our begin- lower share of its revenue in the first two quarters, nings in Sugarbeet breeding, we have evolved into an mainly from corn and soybean varieties in South innovative, international supplier with a broad port- America. KWS is the market leader for silage corn folio of crops. We cover the complete value chain in Europe. of a modern seed producer – from developing new varieties, multiplication and processing, to marketing The Sugarbeet Segment comprises Sugarbeet seed of the seed and consulting for farmers. KWS’ core production and distribution, as well as the develop- competence is in breeding new, high-performance ment of diploid hybrid potatoes. Our high-quality varieties that are adapted to regional needs, such as Sugarbeet varieties are some of the highest yielding climatic and soil conditions. Every new variety delivers in the industry, which is why we are the clear added value for the farmer. Our business model is leader in the field of Sugarbeet seed, with a global based on this added value – which is ultimately market share of 58%. Our main sales markets are attributable to breeding progress, optimization of North America, a region where genetically modified, seed quality and pinpointed consulting. herbicide- tolerant Sugarbeet varieties are used exclusively, and the EU, Russia and Turkey, where Organization and segments of the KWS Group KWS likewise has a very good market position with The KWS Group’s operational business currently conventionally bred, multiple- resistant varieties. consists of four Business Units, which are grouped Sugarbeet is sown in the spring, which means that in the three product segments Corn, Sugarbeet and net sales in this segment are largely generated in the Cereals. The Business Units Sugarbeet and Cereals second half of our fiscal year (January to June). are identical to the segments of the same name. There are the Business Units Corn Europe / Asia The Cereals Segment includes production and and the Business Unit Corn Americas in the distribution of seed for rye, wheat, barley and rape- Corn Segment: seed. Rye accounts for the largest share of revenue from cereals (around 35%), followed by rapeseed, The Corn Segment is the KWS Group’s largest wheat and barley (a combined total of around 60%). segment in terms of net sales. It covers production We generate the remainder from other crops such and distribution of seed for corn, soybean, sunflower as peas and triticale. In our core markets for and sorghum. Its operating performance depends cereals seed (Germany, Poland, the UK, France and largely on the spring sowing season in the northern Scandinavia), farmers predominantly sow the crops 18 Combined Management Report | 2.1 Fundamentals of the KWS Group Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS Groupin the fall. Consequently, we generate most of our specific location. These crops include corn, Sugar- revenue in this segment in the first half of our fiscal beet, the cereals rye, wheat and barley, oil plants year (July to December). such as sunflower, soybean and rapeseed, and catch crops. The varieties are mainly adapted to markets Apart from the operating segments, there is also in the moderate climatic zones. Since we entered the Corporate, a segment which by and large does not Brazilian market in 2012, corn and soybean varieties conduct any operational activities. Its relatively low for tropi cal regions have also been part of our port- net sales come from the revenue from our own farms folio. In addition to selling seed, our field staff is also in Germany. Since the costs for the KWS Group’s on hand to offer farmers consulting on choosing and administrative functions and basic research expen- cultivating varieties. We also offer digital consulting diture are charged to the Corporate Segment, its with our KWS CULTIVENT Farm Service in mobile income is usually negative. form or on our website www.kws.com. More details on the net sales and income contributed Our breeding and seed multiplication activities are by the segments, including our joint ventures, can be subject to weather influences that cannot always found in our segment reports starting on page 35. be quickly compensated for with counter measures. Economic policy decisions in the agricultural Main business processes industry, which is strongly regulated worldwide, may KWS’ breeding processes are geared toward exploit- also impact our business. You can find more details ing plants’ potential as much as possible and lever- on the external factors in our Opportunity and Risk aging it to tackle the major challenges of modern Report on pages 65 to 70. sustainable agriculture. Whether it is plants for pro- ducing food, fodder or energy, conventional, organic Changes to the composition and organization or genetically modified, we offer farmers the ideal of the KWS Group variety for their purposes. It takes at least ten years Since the beginning of the fiscal year, our rapeseed to breed a new variety. Thanks to our large network activities, which were previously managed in the of breeding and trial stations in all the world’s key Corn Segment and in the Cereals Segment, have markets, we can test the individual candidates un der been pooled in one unit and transferred completely a wide range of climatic and local conditions to to the Cereals Segment. This step will enable us deter mine whether the varieties are suitable for culti- to benefit from integrated management and con- vation. In most markets, variety development ends in trolling of rapeseed activities moving ahead (see the an official approval process in which candidates have Research & Development Report on page 26). Conse- to meet high quality standards, usually in three-year quently, all net sales and earnings contributed by our field trials. Seed multiplication in our selected cultiva- rapeseed business are now allocated to the Cereals tion regions also takes up to two years in a process Segment. This effect meant an additional shift in net that is sometimes begun alongside the approval pro- sales of around €30 million and in EBIT of around cess. Only then can the varieties be marketed to our €4 million from the Corn Segment in fiscal 2017/2018. customers via the various distribution channels. The other changes are presented in the section on the companies consolidated in the KWS Group in the Products, markets and external factors Notes to the consolidated financial statements start- We offer our customers – farmers – a broad range ing on page 95, but do not constitute any significant of varieties of agricultural crops that have been change in the KWS Group’s composition. adapted by breeding to the conditions of their 2.1 Fundamentals of the KWS Group | Combined Management Report 19 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018Breeding and distribution activities of the KWS Group in over 70 countries Breeding stations Test locations for trial cultivation We are gearing our global administrative organization 2.1.2 Branches more strongly toward functional responsibility, as KWS SAAT SE is the parent company of the KWS well as harmonizing and standardizing processes, to Group. Strategic management of all of KWS’ global underpin our profitable and sustainable growth with activities is pooled under its roof. It is head quartered efficient administration. The new model will replace in Einbeck, Germany, and controls breeding of the our previously region-based organization. The core KWS Group’s range of varieties. It conducts basic objective is to bundle administrative services and research, produces and distributes Sugarbeet and control business processes for 70 countries more corn seed, and is home to a number of central func- efficiently. The project, which was launched in 2016, tions. There are also currently 70 subsidiaries and is going according to plan. Implementation was associated companies in 33 countries and our sales, begun in the year under review, following the suc- research and breeding activities are spread over cessful creation of the concept for a cross-function around 70 countries, largely in the moderate climatic target structure and the conclusion of the negotia- zone. You can find a detailed breakdown of net sales tions on an accommodation of interests in Germany. by region on page 32. An overview of our subsidiar- The goals include setting up and expanding our ies and associated companies can be found in the location for shared services in Berlin, establishing Notes on pages 96 to 97. Expert Hub structures and providing a global busi- ness partner organization in the coming years. Our 2.1.3 Objectives and Strategies objective is not to make any job cuts as part of the Our strategic planning is the foundation for the KWS reorganization. Group’s further development. It defines strategic objectives, initiatives and core measures for existing activities and for potential new fields of business. The planning is based on a long-term horizon (ten years) and includes an analysis and assessment of market 20 Combined Management Report | 2.1 Fundamentals of the KWS Group Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS Grouptrends, competitors and the KWS Group’s position. Independence has always been a key corporate Strategic planning is carried out regularly on a rolling objective for KWS, but it is gaining greater strategic basis. We believe that strategic success factors are, relevance in view of the process of consolidation in in particular, our intensive research, breeding of new, our industry. We have therefore added independence high-yielding varieties and continuous expansion of as a separate subject area in our presentation. our global footprint so that we can further enhance our know-how in regional markets with their special Our business developed largely in line with our climatic conditions. strategic objectives in the year under review. Only our net sales failed to reach the envisaged growth Corporate objectives of the KWS Group target of at least 5%. We deal with that and other In the Annual Report for the year under review, we details on achievement of our objectives in the have changed the previous presentation of our cor- respective sections, which are referred to in the table porate objectives, consolidating it into the three core on the corporate objectives. topics of profitable growth, innovation and sustaina- bility and adding the issue of independence. We have 2.1.4 Control System reformulated our objectives in a few places and made Detailed annual and medium-term operational plans the following adjustments: are used to control the Group and our Business Units in the three product segments Corn, Sugarbeet Profitable growth is vital for our future develop- and Cereals, as well as in the Corporate Segment. ment. We aim to increase net sales in particular in The medium-term plan covers the time frame of the our growth regions, which are also located in moder- annual plan and planning for the three subsequent ate climatic zones. Expansion of our variety portfolio fiscal years. It is derived from the strategic planning, is therefore of relevance to all our new markets, not which covers a timescale of ten years. just tropical or subtropical ones. The KWS Group’s medium- and long-term objectives Content of the objective unchanged? Objective achieved? Explanation of the course of the year Objectives Profitable growth ■■ Increase in consolidated net sales by an average of at least 5% to 10% p. a. ■■ EBIT margin ≥10% Yes Yes ■■ Expansion of the portfolio of varieties Reformulated for new markets Innovation Independence ■■ A dividend payout ratio of 20% to Yes 25% of the KWS Group’s net income for the year ■■ 1% to 2% progress in yields p. a. for our customers and development of tolerances and resistances ■■ R&D intensity of around 17% of consolidated net sales ■■ Retention of a control structure shaped by the family owners Yes Yes Yes Sustainability ■■ Integration of international subsidiaries Yes in KWS’ sustainability reporting No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Page 31 Page 31 Page 26 Page 130 Page 23 to 28 Page 27 Page 63 Page 75 (NFD) 2.1 Fundamentals of the KWS Group | Combined Management Report 21 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018 The targets set in the annual and medium-term and R&D intensity. KWS’ product segments, planning are arrived at on the basis of the strategic which are divided into Business Units, are in turn planning, regional economic and legal situation, geared toward the main indicators of net sales and anticipated market trends and assessments of the EBIT margin. Since 2016/2017, our Business Units company’s position in the market and the potential have been the cash-generating units in accordance product performance. In a subsequent bottom-up with the actual management reporting structure. process, which also includes the development of our joint ventures, we use these premises to define Management and control figures for sales volumes and net sales, breeding KWS SAAT SE has a system of dual management activities, production capacities and quantities, the and supervision, consisting of the Executive Board allocation of resources (including capital spend- and the Supervisory Board. The two bodies have ing and personnel), the level of material costs and strictly separated responsibilities and different mem- internal charge allocation and the resultant balance bers. The Executive Board is tasked with ensuring sheet data, along with the financial budget. In KWS’ responsible, sustainable development. It jointly principle, part of the planning documentation is also manages KWS’ business. The Supervisory Board an opportunity/risk assessment that every manager supervises and advises the Executive Board. The must conduct for his or her unit. declaration on corporate governance in accordance with Section 289f of the German Commercial Code The planning is compared every quarter with the (HGB) contains detailed information on the extensive company’s actual business performance and the and close cooperation between the Executive Board underlying general conditions. If necessary, we and the Supervisory Board and has been published at initiate suitable countermeasures and make adjust- www.kws.com/corporate-governance. ments. We update the forecast for the current fiscal year at the end of every quarter. At the end of each 2.1.5 Responsible Business Activity fiscal year, all the units conduct a detailed variance analysis of the planned and actual results. That Aspiration and principles serves to optimize our internal processes. As a family business, we think across generations. Apart from our corporate objectives, responsible Controlling is responsible for coordinating and business activity with regard to people and the documenting all planning processes and our current environ ment (corporate social responsibility) is expectations. It reports on compliance with adopted therefore a firmly entrenched principle of how we budgets and analyzes the efficiency and cost- run our company. As a profitable, independent effectiveness of business processes and measures. family business, we have the necessary entrepre- Controlling also advises decision-makers on eco- neurial stability and freedom to operate within that nomic optimization measures. In particular the heads framework, largely independently of short-term of the product segments, the regional directors and shareholder interests. the heads of research & breeding activities and the central functions are responsible for the content of Guidelines for the company’s day-to-day work the planning and current forecasts. Our guiding principles define the framework for our everyday work, so that we are able to create The Executive Board uses various indicators for sustainable and profitable growth for our customers, planning, controlling and monitoring the business employees and investors. Our strategic decisions performance of the KWS Group and its operat- and day-to-day actions in operational business are ing units. The main indicators for the KWS Group guided by the following company principles: are net sales, operating profitability (EBIT margin) 22 Combined Management Report | 2.1 Fundamentals of the KWS Group Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS GroupEssence: Make yourself grow. Vision: KWS seeds the future. on specific subjects. A first International Stakeholder Dialogue was held in 2017. It dealt with the new breeding method of genome editing in the context of sustainable agriculture. All information and insights from our dialogue with stakeholders are gathered and Our high-yielding seed and agricultural knowledge evaluated in a structured process. are why farmers have trusted us for generations. That is our contribution to solving the issue of feeding the 2.1.6 Fundamentals of Research & Development world. Mission: The objective of our research & development work is to create high-performance varieties that meet various environmental and application require ments ■■ We increase genetic potential through outstanding and deliver continuous value added to farmers. research and top-class breeding programs. They include absolute yield, as well as issues such ■■ We supply our farmers with seed of the very as yield stability, resistance to diseases, cultivation best quality. characteristics or constituent properties. We accord- ■■ We aim to be a strong partner who earns the trust ingly continue to invest in expanding our research & of our customers. breeding capacities. ■■ We create entrepreneurial freedom and help people unfold their talents. Plant breeding is a very research-intensive and long-term business. The average time to develop a We also have a central policy framework – Rules, new, high-performance variety for our inter national Guidelines and Procedures (RGPs) – with which we markets is up to ten years. As part of that, our plant create a common understanding of the freedoms and varieties are adapted to the specific environ mental decision-making processes within the KWS Group. The RGPs are continuously improved by means of constant monitoring and feedback. They comple- conditions of their target markets. Breeders are assis ted in that by a global network of various breed- ing and trial stations. That means candidate varieties ment our existing guiding principles, with the objec- can be tested under the location- specific conditions tive of preserving KWS’ unmistakable profile, also in their target markets over several years. against the backdrop of the Group’s increasing internationalization. Stakeholder management By applying leading-edge breeding methods, which are continually optimized by the use of molecular bi- ology, IT or technical approaches, we have created The key stakeholder groups include not only our direct sustainable annual progress in yields of 1% to 2% customers, farmers, our shareholders and employees, for decades. We also create genetic diversity by new but also other players along the food value chain crossings, which is vital to improving crop varieties. (sugar companies, food processors, retailers and That is why KWS has supported various gene banks end consumers), as well as policymakers, public in different projects for years. By continuously authorities, non-governmental organizations, science, improving yield and delivering new plant traits, we can academia and the media. make a contribution to resource- conserving, sustain- able agriculture. Only by doing so can we tackle the We learn of our stakeholders’ requirements through challenges of climate change and increased demand various channels – from daily business, in our work for as a result of global population growth. associations or through dialogue with stakeholders 2.1 Fundamentals of the KWS Group | Combined Management Report 23 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018We partner with you to meet challenges. Depend on it. We take on challenges that others won’t touch. That is independence. It’s the foundation of our lasting success – and yours. 2.2 Research & Development Report In fiscal 2017/2018 alone, our R&D expenditure totaled Licensed and applied – new breeding technology €197.7 (190.3) million. The result was that new KWS at KWS varieties were awarded around 402 (357) marketing The past years have seen the development of a approvals. number of molecular biology methods that open up new prospects for plant breeding. Genome editing Further strengthening of our innovativeness is particularly worthy of mention in this regard. This As part of our own research activities, scientists at still-young breeding technique allows precise cuts in KWS continuously work on innovative approaches the genetic material of a plant. Breeders can use this that enable us to develop improved product traits method to develop plant varieties with desired traits and further optimize our breeding methods. We strive very precisely and in a far shorter time. to keep on expanding our internal know-how and expertise in plant breeding through partnerships with As a globally operating breeding company, KWS public research institutes and private enterprises. always endeavors to drive innovative technologies That allows us to integrate the latest scientific fin d ings so as to keep on optimizing breeding methods. and  methods faster in our breeding work. We have identified genome editing as a key future technology and were able to secure access to it in In a competitive environment characterized by the last fiscal year under a license agreement with increasing concentration, it is vital to protect our a research institute and a prestigious university in research results with patents and, at the same time, the U.S. Crucial steps in applying the method have preserve our freedom of action as a company that been taken for corn, Sugarbeet and wheat. We conducts research. In the year under review, we intend to continue driving this field of research with filed twice as many patent applications relating to high priority in the coming years, even though a rul- the use of important breeding technologies than the ing by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) means year before. In addition, important varietal traits and that, only in Europe, the products developed using lines in various crops were protected successfully this breeding method will be covered by genetic by means of variety protection. Apart from protec- engineering law. Regardless of that, the opportuni- tion measures of our own, our own patents give us ties offered by this technology are to be leveraged options for cross-licensing with other companies in countries outside the EU. in the industry and thus secure access to the latest technologies. Drones for modern agriculture KWS works constantly on new innovative approach- At the same time, we have driven expansion of our es in order to meet the high standards demanded in network in science and research and in the agri- modern plant breeding. The quality of the product, cultural sector. For example, further cooperation i.e., the plant in the field, is naturally of particular ventures with leading research institutes in Europe, importance to our customers. Crucial factors here North America and Asia give us access to know-how are yield, resistance to diseases and pests, and ability and are an ideal complement to our own research to adapt to environmental influences such as drought activities. In addition to partnerships and cooperation, stress. The sum total of all visible and measurable KWS also takes financial stakes in young companies traits of a plant is termed the phenotype and is vital so as to secure strategic access to new, ground- in plant breeding. breaking technologies. 26 Combined Management Report | 2.2 Research & Development Report Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS GroupWorking for progress. With precision and a balanced combination of technology and craftsmanship, sophisticated breeding is producing the varieties of tomorrow. At present, our breeders assess plants in the That gives our breeders more extensive and new field mainly with their naked eye. Backed by their information to help them make decisions on selec- many years of experience, they are able to collect tion. Good interdisciplinary collaboration and the use high-quality data. A focus in the future will be on of external networks and existing technology thus tools for recording and evaluating digital images and mean that our breeders have an additional tool to hyperspectral measurement data so as to improve assist them. efficiency as part of phenotyping. Among other things, KWS’ experts use drones that are equipped High-performance corn varieties for the with cutting-edge software and special cameras for Brazilian market that. The color, size, shape or temperature of the A long-term license agreement with a leading pro- plants and leaves are identified when the drones fly vider gave KWS’ corn breeders global access to its over the field. Large plant populations are recorded technology portfolio of genetically modified traits automatically by digital means and their phenotype is from 2015 on. Traits that make corn plants resistant thus defined in a precise and standardized manner. to harmful insects are vital for the North and South American markets. Key figures for research & development in € millions R&D employees1 Ratio of R&D employees R&D expenditure R&D intensity2 Marketing approvals for new varieties 1 Average number of employees 2 In % of net sales avg. in % in % 2017/2018 2016/2017 1,920 37,3 197,7 18,5 402 1,889 38,3 190,3 17,7 357 +/– 1.6% –2.6% 3.9% 4.5% 12.6% 2.2 Research & Development Report | Combined Management Report 27 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018 The license agreement now enables KWS to access Robust Sugarbeet varieties pay off alternative trait technology. As a result, we can offer The main task in breeding for resistance is to equip farmers new, competitive varieties that boast an KWS’ varieties with the resistance genes required ideal combination of powerful traits with traits from for the particular cultivation region. Where possible, our own breeding material. The result is healthier the varieties should protect themselves against plants in the field and less use of chemicals to com- pathogens or pests. As a result, less pesticide can be bat pests. We were able to generate revenue in Brazil used and diseases that cannot be protected against from new varieties with this technology for the first by chemical or biological means can be combated time in the past fiscal year. more efficiently. Let’s roll up our sleeves – and get to work! Being a farmer isn’t just an occupation, it’s a way of life. Our customers are people of action, and we’re proud of them. More and more combinations of resistances, coupled with a stable and high sugar yield, are required for growing Sugarbeet. We at KWS have developed a wide-ranging portfolio of high-yielding varieties that is a very good fit for the individual markets. Varieties with a good performance, better robustness and good leaf health contribute to sustainable and high-yielding Sugarbeet cultivation. That is reflected in the excellent results of official tests on our varieties and our very successful fiscal year. Successful restructuring of rapeseed operations At the start of the fiscal year, KWS pooled its rape- seed activities in a joint Sub Business Unit “SBU Oilseed Rape” under the roof of the Cereals Seg- ment. This restructuring enables a more focused approach to breeding and product development. Existing breeding structures in Germany and France have already been merged under joint management and now cover maritime and continental rapeseed cultivation areas in Europe. That permits achieve- ment of the traditional breeding objectives of grain and oil yield, as well as even more focused work on specific traits relating to plants’ health, growth behavior and ripening times. In addition to the breeding activities being merged, the areas of Portfolio Management and Production were also restructured. That resulted in the very first year in an improvement in the portfolio’s performance in the stated cultivation regions and an expansion of KWS’ position in the European rapeseed business. Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS Group2.3 Economic Report 2.3.1 Business Performance sanctions in international trade in the year under review. That also had a negative impact on our busi- General developments and business ness in some regions. performance of the KWS Group All in all, there were again good harvests in most of Guidance versus actual business performance the world’s cultivation regions in the past fiscal year. of the KWS Group However, the rise in consumption ultimately resulted Our uncertainty as to what guidance to issue for the in slight declines in global inventories, for example year as a whole diminished in the course of the year in worldwide stocks of cereals. However, the slight after the end of our winter cereals, rapeseed and price increases were not sufficient to cause a turn- South American corn seed business. We were able to around in the basic general conditions for growing put a more precise figure on our earnings expectations agricultural crops. In some cases, arable farming (an EBIT margin between 11.0% and 12.0%) in the remained a loss-making business as a result of high KWS Group’s Semiannual Report in February 2018. inventories and relatively low prices for agricultural For the same reasons, we were also able to give raw materials. Farmers in some regions were able to a more specific figure for our R&D intensity then. increase their liquidity, but only in the meat and dairy Nevertheless, these adjustments still meant that our industry or through other non-farm income. While guidance was within what we had forecast up to that corn cultivation mostly remained under pressure, the time. After a large part of the spring sowing season cultivation area for Sugarbeet was largely constant, had ended, our net sales expectations for several despite the fall in sugar prices in the EU. Exchange regions were reduced due to a decline in corn busi- rate trends for many local currencies in the coun- ness, as well as the continuing weak performance tries where the KWS Group operates – in particular of a number of local currencies. As a consequence, the US dollar – had a negative impact on its net we lowered our guidance for the KWS Group’s net sales, which are consolidated in euros. Among other sales slightly in May 2018. Our expectations for things, we see political effects on our business from research & development expenditure and earn- the growing number of regulatory decisions relat- ings remained constant by and large at the time. ing to pesticides. These restrictions will probably Ultimately, the EBIT margin at the end of the fiscal make growing a number of agricultural crops less year was slightly above the last guidance we pub- profitable. Increasingly there were new barriers and lished, in particular because our cost of sales and selling expenses were lower. Guidance versus actual business performance of the KWS Group Results for 2016/2017 Guidance for 2017/2018 Adjustments to the guidance during the year Results for 2017/2018 Annual Report (10/26/2017) Quarterly Report Q1 (11/23/2017) Semiannual Report (02/27/2018) Quarterly Report 9M (5/17/2018) Net sales R&D intensity EBIT margin 12.2% €1,075 million Slight increase in net sales 17.7% Rising R&D intensity Double-digit EBIT margin below the previous year’s figure – – – – Stable net sales €1,068 million –0.7% Above 18% About 18% 18.5 % 11.0–12.0% – 12.4 % 2.3 Economic Report | Combined Management Report 29 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018 Summary of the segments’ course of business net sales in most regions, apart from North America and comparison with the guidance 1 and Turkey. However, the decline in business in North Most of the net sales in the Corn Segment are gen- America was not as strong as expected, which also erated in the second half of our fiscal year ( January had a significant positive impact on the segment’s to June), i.e., in the spring sowing season in the margin. As a result, its performance surpassed our northern hemisphere. A lesser share of revenue is expectations and was the main reason we raised our earned in South America in the first two quarters. guidance for net sales and income during the year. All in all, corn cultivation remained under pressure in many regions due to relatively low producer prices. Every year, the fall sowing season determines the Our net sales in South America fell sharply due to main business trends of the Cereals Segment. The negative exchange rate effects and a temporary key crop in that is rye, which accounts for a very inadequate supply of seed resulting from the plan- significant share of the segment’s net sales and ned switchover to our own varieties in our portfolio. earnings. In particular, net sales from rye and rape- Our net sales in North America also declined due seed seed rose more sharply than expected in the to lower volumes and exchange rate influences. year under review. These trends led us to adjust our Whereas most expenditures in the segment declined net sales and earnings expectations for the Cereals in line with the reduction in net sales, the fall in value Segment during the year. of the US dollar, Argentinean peso and Brazilian real resulted in a sharp increase in foreign exchange There were adjustments to the EBIT guidance for losses on the reporting date and thus a reduction in the Corporate Segment during the year. As part the EBIT margin forecast for the segment. of our extensive reorganization of administration, a more precise figure was able to be put on the The main sales season for the Sugarbeet Segment as so ciated costs as the planning for the project was is in the third and fourth quarters (January to June). fleshed out in more detail. These costs were above The strong performance of our Sugarbeet varieties our expectations and so ultimately resulted overall was again a mainstay in the segment’s success in in a slight increase in expenses in the Corporate the year under review. Contrary to our expectations, Segment than we had previously forecast. the cultivation area in the EU remained at the high level of the previous year. We were able to grow our 1 Including equity-accounted companies. Details on the segments’ business performance and their economic environment can be found in the segment reports. 30 Combined Management Report | 2.3 Economic Report Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS Group2.3.2 Earnings, Financial Position and Assets Earnings EBIT increased again The KWS Group’s cost of sales fell sharply in the Net sales down slightly year on year due to year under review to €446.1 (493.9) million, giving exchange rate effects a cost of sales ratio of 41.8% (45.9%). That was The KWS Group’s net sales in the year under review mainly attributable to lower license costs in the U.S. were €1,068.0 (1,075.2) million, a decline of 0.7%. and higher contributions of net sales from regions They were impacted in the year under review by with a relatively lower cost of sales. Despite stable significant exchange rate effects and a market net sales, research & development expenditure environment that remained challenging and was was increased to €197.7 (190.3) million, resulting in characterized by low producer prices in the face of an R&D intensity of 18.5% (17.7%). Administrative high inventories of agricultural raw materials world- expen ses rose to €95.8 (79.8) million, in particular wide. Apart from the depreciation in the US dollar due to costs relating to optimization of our organiza- and the Brazilian real, the Argentinean peso and tional structure (see page 19). The balance of other the Turkish lira also had a negative impact on net operating income and other operating expenses fell sales. Assuming constant exchange rates at the by 73.0% to €5.7 (21.1) million. Key factors in that level of the previous year, net sales would have been were higher expenses as part of receivables man- €1,113.4 million, an increase of 3.5%. We grew our agement and positive special effects in the previous net sales in Europe (corn, Sugarbeet, winter rape- year, which were not repeated. The related individual seed and cereals seed) and Asia (corn seed). Net items are explained in detail in the Notes on pages sales from corn in South America fell due to ex- 124 to 125. All in all, the KWS Group posted an EBIT change rate effects and a temporary inadequate of €132.6 (131.6) million, i.e., 0.8% above the level supply of seed resulting from the planned switch - of the previous year, and an EBIT margin of 12.4% over to our own varieties in our portfolio in Brazil. (12.2%) in fiscal 2017/2018. Net sales from Sugarbeet seed also fell in North America, mainly due to exchange rate effects. Abridged income statement in € millions Net sales Operating income Net financial income/expenses Result of ordinary activities Income taxes Net income for the year Earnings per share EBIT margin 2017/2018 2016/2017 1,068.0 1,075.2 132.6 5.4 138.0 38.3 99.7 131.6 16.6 148.2 50.5 97.7 +/– –0.7% 0.8% –67.5% –6.9% –24.2% 2.0% in € in % 15.08 14.78 2.0% 12.4 12.2 2.3 Economic Report | Combined Management Report 31 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018Net sales by region1 Total net sales €1,068.0 million Rest of world 5.5% North and South America 25.2% 22.0% Germany 47.3% Europe (excluding Germany) Net sales by segment1 Total net sales €1,068.0 million Corporate 0.4% Cereals 14.0% 42.9% Corn 42.7% Sugarbeet 1 Ohne Umsätze unserer at equity bilanzierten Gesellschaften. Fall in net financial income/expenses – tax rate Net financial income/expenses was thus €5.4 (16.6) improves – net income for the year rises by 2.0% million. Earnings before taxes (EBT) fell by 6.9% to Our net financial income/expenses is made up of the €138.0 (148.2) mil lion. A sharp drop in income taxes to net income from equity investments and the interest €38.3 (50.5) mil lion gave a tax rate of 27.8% (34.1%). result. One component of income from equity Tax expenses fell in particular in Germany and North investments is the income from equity- accounted America. Overall, the KWS Group generated net in- financial assets, which fell to €13.4 (24.9) million come of €99.7 (97.7) mil lion in the year under review. due to the drop in earnings (see page 36) from Given that the number of shares was unchanged, our joint ventures in North America. The interest earnings per share were €15.08 (14.78). result remained stable and was €–8.0 (–8.3) million. Financial Situation Selected key figures on the financial position in € millions Cash and cash equivalents Net cash from operating activities Net cash from investing activities Net cash from financing activities 2017/2018 2016/2017 192.6 98.1 –68.1 –25.3 191.4 122.4 –64.8 –29.6 +/– 0.6% –19.9% 5.1% –14.5% The task of financial management is to ensure the Higher net income year on year, before allowing for KWS Group’s earnings strength and secure its non-cash expenses and income, coupled with a rise financial assets long-term. Among other things, in long-term provisions and higher allowances for extensive liquidity planning, monitoring of cash receivables (other non-cash expenses), resulted in an flows, and hedging the risk of interest rate changes increase in cash earnings 2 to €147.2 (105.4) million. and currency risks contribute to that. 32 Combined Management Report | 2.3 Economic Report 2 Net income for the year, allowing for depreciation (+) and write-ups (–) for fixed assets, the increase (–) and decrease (+) in long-term provisions, and other non-cash expenses (+) and income (–) = cash earnings Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS GroupGood storage is half the battle. Everything has to be just right so that the seed’s top quality is not impaired. However, the decrease in short-term provisions, low Einbeck, a multiyear project with a total invest- income taxes and the increase in trade receivables ment volume of around €40 million. We also began were a major reason for the weaker net cash from expanding our laboratory capacities there. We operating activities, which totaled €98.1 (122.4) million. expanded our corn seed drying and production capacities in Brazil and Argentina. Total capital The net cash from investing activities totaled spending in fiscal 2017/2018 was €71.7 (63.3)  million. €–68.1 (–64.8) million in fiscal 2017/2018. Our capital Some of the investments planned for the year under spending in the year under review was consistent review were shifted to fiscal 2018/2019, which with our long-term growth plans and focused on is why our investment planning for the coming erecting and expanding production, research & year envisages an increase in capital spending. development capacities. Among other things, we Depreciation and amortization remained virtually continued to expand Sugarbeet seed production in constant at €50.1 million. Capital expenditure by segments Total capital expenditure €71.7 million1 Corporate 41.5% Cereals 9.8% 25.3% Corn 23.4% Sugarbeet Capital expenditure by region Total capital expenditure €71.7 million1 Rest of world 1.3% North and South America 18.5% 55.1% Germany 25.1% Europe (excluding Germany) 1 Without capital expenditures of our at equity consolidated companies 2.3 Economic Report | Combined Management Report 33 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018Since short-term commercial papers were issued A syndicated loan with a total volume of €200 million again in the fiscal year in order to finance business and running until 2021 still exists with KWS SAAT SE’s operations during the year and more capital debt principal bankers to finance operating resources was repaid than raised compared with the previ- during the year. It was not utilized in the year under re- ous year, the net cash from financing activities was view; the covenants were fulfilled by KWS at all times. €–25.3 (–29.6) million. Commercial papers have lower-interest terms than our available credit lines, which enhances the attractiveness of this financ- ing instrument. The KWS Group’s cash and cash equivalents at the end of fiscal 2017/2018 rose to €192.6 (191.4) million. Assets Abridged balance sheet in € millions Assets Noncurrent assets Current assets Equity and liabilities Equity Noncurrent liabilities Current liabilities Total assets 06/30/2018 06/30/2017 +/– 691.3 826.4 881.8 334.3 301.6 680.1 815.1 836.9 358.8 299.5 1,517.7 1,495.2 1.6% 1.4% 5.4% –6.8% 0.7% 1.5% The KWS Group’s balance sheet is impacted by the to the inadequate supply of seed in Brazil (see the seasonal nature of our business. In the course of the report on the Corn Segment) as well as currency year, there are usually balance sheet items that differ translation effects. Current assets at the balance significantly from the corresponding figures at the sheet date totaled €826.4 (815.1) million. Net debt balance sheet date, in particular in relation to work- was reduced further to €37.4 (48.5) million as a result ing capital. of repayments. Total assets at June 30, 2018, were €1,517.7 The allocation to the other reserves meant that equity (1,495.2) million. Noncurrent assets rose to €691.3 rose to €881.8 (836.9) million. As a result, noncurrent (680.1) million, mainly due to planned investments assets were again fully covered by equity. Repayment in new production plants and research & develop- of the borrower’s note loan and repayment of other ment capacities. Trade receivables rose slightly to long-term loans reduced noncurrent liabilities to €310.1 (302.6) million. However, inventories fell by €334.3 (358.8) million. As a result, the equity ratio 7.1% to €181.0 (194.9) million, meaning their ratio also increased to 58.1% (56.0%), meaning we again relative to total assets decreased slightly. The drop continued our stable and solid financial policy this in inventories was attributable, among other things, year. 34 Combined Management Report | 2.3 Economic Report Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS Group2.3.3 Segment Reports Reconciliation with the KWS Group The difference from the KWS Group’s statement of The KWS Group’s consolidated financial statements comprehensive income is summarized for a number are prepared in accordance with the International of key indicators in the reconciliation table: Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The seg- ments are presented in the Management Report in The reconciliation between the KWS Group’s state- line with our internal corporate controlling structure ment of comprehensive income and the reporting in accordance with GAS 20. The main difference is by segments in fiscal 2017/2018 is impacted by our that we no longer carry the revenues and costs of equity-accounted companies in the North American our equity- accounted companies in the statement of and Chinese corn markets. That applies to all key comprehensive income (in accordance with IFRS 11). figures in the table below, with the main influences The KWS Group’s net sales and EBIT will therefore be coming from North America. Net sales from corn and lower than the total for the segments. The earnings EBIT were lower there in the year under review, which contributed by the equity-accounted companies are therefore had an impact on the reconciliation. The instead included under net financial income/ expenses. Chinese company KENFENG – KWS SEEDS CO., LTD. In addition, their assets are included separately in the increased its contribution to net sales and income in KWS Group’s balance sheet. Our equity- accounted the year under review, although that still had a minor companies are included proportionately in the effect on the reconciliation. segment reports in line with our internal corporate controlling structure. Reconciliation table in € millions Net sales EBIT Number of employees Capital expenditure Total assets avg. Segments Reconciliation KWS Group 1,344.6 –276.6 1,068.0 149.0 5,872 117.7 –16.4 –725 –46.0 132.6 5,147 71.7 1,627.3 –109.6 1,517.7 2.3 Economic Report | Combined Management Report 35 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018 Corn Segment Key figures in € millions Net sales EBIT EBIT margin Capital expenditure Capital employed (avg.) ROCE (avg.) 2017/2018 2016/2017 734.2 47.4 6.5 64.1 695.5 6.8 825.3 58.2 7.1 25.0 728.0 8.0 +/– –11.0% –18.6% 156.4% –4.5% in % in % Economic environment: High inventories been €783.4 million, a decline of 5.1%. Rapeseed impact commodity prices business was also transferred to the Cereals Seg- The economic environment for corn continued to ment in the year under review. After adjustment for prove extremely difficult in most regions in fiscal that effect, the net sales in the previous year would 2017/2018. First of all, there were very good harvests have been €800.9 million. Net sales from corn seed in the most important corn cultivation regions in 2017. in South America – in particular Brazil – were below Corn production in the U.S. was again at one of the strong level of the previous year. There was also its highest-ever levels – despite a decline in the a decline in net sales in North America. However, cultivation area. The global price trends for corn hardly we grew net sales from our corn business slightly in changed due to the fact that inventories remained Europe and China. high. In the 2018 cultivation year, price trends for agricultural raw materials again went against corn, The segment’s earnings decreased due to a fall in especially in North and South America and Europe. sales volumes in Brazil and North America and neg- With the exception of Argentina, there was a reduction ative exchange rate effects. Our earnings increased in the corn cultivation area here, since growing alter- in Europe and China. The segment’s function costs native crops proved more attractive for farmers. The developed in line with net sales and were below the adverse conditions at the time of the cereals sowing levels of the previous year. As a result, their ratio rela- season in the fall resulted in sporadic increases in the tive to net sales remained largely the same. The seg- corn cultivation area in Europe. Increasing regulatory ment’s earnings were thus €47.4 (58.2) million. After restrictions on the use of insecticidal seed dressings adjustment for the contribution made by rapeseed hampered sales here. Cultivation area in Russia fell business, there would have been an imputed EBIT by around 10%, whereas it increased in Ukraine by of €52.9 million last year. approximately 2%. There were also slight increases in cultivation area in China due to fact that corn was The regions: Net sales fall in North and South more profitable than soybeans. There were very sharp America – Higher revenue in China and Europe exchange rate effects on the segment in the year Net sales in North America fell by almost 14% to a under review, primarily from the depreciation of the US total of €264.9 million, among other things on the dollar, the Brazilian real and the Argentinean peso. back of lower sales volumes. The depreciation of the US dollar had a significant impact on net sales The segment’s performance: Decline in net sales and there was also a slight decrease in the cultivation and income area. Our 50:50 joint venture AgReliant is currently Operational business at the Corn Segment was not formulating a new strategy for establishing strong able to match that of the previous year and net sales national brands. This new strategy is the basis for fell by 11.0% to €734.2 (825.3) million. If exchange our planned growth in the coming years. rates had remained constant, net sales would have 36 Combined Management Report | 2.3 Economic Report Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS Group Corn In Brazil, we began switching to new, high- performance varieties equipped with market-leading technology in the year under review. There were problems resulting from that as part of our seed production, which led to a temporary inadequate supply of seed. That, as well as exchange rate effects, meant our net sales decreased for the first time since we entered the market. We currently expect to complete this switchover in our port- folio in the current season, so our net sales will probably increase again sharply. We grew sales volumes of corn seed in Argentina once more, but the Argentinean peso continued to slump in value this year. We increased our net sales from corn seed in Europe and Asia following the difficult previous years. Impro- ved product performance resulted in the lar g est growth in net sales from corn seed in the regions of southern, southeastern and Central Europe and China. Net sales in Ukraine also rose sharply. Expansion of production and storage capacities The segment’s capital spending rose to €64.1 (25.0) million in the year under review. One of the reasons for that was that the second tranche for corn trait technology licenses from the previous year was due in the year under review. Apart from that, we mainly invested in expanding production and processing plants in Brazil and Argentina so as to provide sufficient capacities for our strategic objectives. Along with that, we expanded our storage capa cities in southern Europe. KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018Sugarbeet Segment Key figures in € millions Net sales EBIT EBIT margin Capital expenditure Capital employed (avg.) ROCE (avg.) 2017/2018 2016/2017 455.1 160.5 35.3 16.8 282.0 56.9 454.6 150.9 33.2 16.8 260.4 58.0 +/– 0.1% 6.4% 0.0% 8.3% in % in % Economic environment: Constant cultivation our research & development activities significantly. area and low world market prices for white sugar Administrative expenses fell, among other things due In the first sowing season after the end of the Sugar to lower costs as a result of the fall in value of the Market Regime, the cultivation area for sugarbeet in US dollar. The reimposition of political sanctions led the EU – a key factor for our business – remained to an allowance for our outstanding receivables in the virtually constant despite the low price for white sugar, Middle East, which resulted in a reduction in earnings. while the cultivation area in Eastern urope declined Expenses from remeasurement and destruction of by around 5%. The area in the important cultivation inventories were above the level of the previous year region of North America likewise remained constant. and are attributable to higher stocks. The segment The foreign currencies of relevance to the segment in ultimately posted an increase in its EBIT to €160.5 Eastern Europe, the U.S. and Turkey fell significantly (150.9) million as a result of lower royalty payments in value year over year. The segment was also subject due to the fact that a patent expired. to political influences to a greater extent in the year under review, while the still strained geopolitical The regions: Competitiveness remains at a high situation weighed on earnings in the Middle East. level thanks to strong variety performance In the segment’s key region of the EU 28, we grew The segment’s performance: Stable net sales our net sales from sugarbeet seed by 12.1% to In the year under review, we were able to maintain €204.6 (182.4) million, even though the cultivation area our operational business in the Sugarbeet Segment remained constant. We captured a market share of at the level of the previous year thanks to constantly 55% (49%) here thanks to the consistently high per- good variety performance. Net sales totaled €455.1 formance of our portfolio of sugarbeet varieties and (454.6) million. We grew our net sales mainly in improved our market position in France, in particular. Germany, France and northern and Eastern Europe. In view of the further restrictions on pesticides in the On the other hand, there were declines in net sales EU, we believe that the development of natural resis- in the U.S. and Turkey due to exchange rate effects tances will grow in importance in the medium to long and falls in volumes. If exchange rates had remained term. Consequently, we will intensify our breeding constant, the segment’s net sales would have risen activities in this direction. Despite a slight decline in by 4.5% to €474.8 million. net sales in North America, we were able to retain our very strong market position there. In Eastern Additional marketing activities, for example as Europe, we reaped rewards from our fine variety per- part of the launch of CONVISO® SMART varieties, formance and tailored sales and marketing strategy. resulted in higher selling expenses. We expanded 38 Combined Management Report | 2.3 Economic Report Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS Group Sugarbeet Here, too, net sales were grown significantly. How- ever, we were not able to maintain net sales in Turkey and the Middle East at the high level of the previous year. In summary, KWS remains the world’s market leader by far. All in all, we achieved a global market share of 58% (55%) in the year under review. Successful market launch of CONVISO® SMART – Investments in seed production The new CONVISO® SMART system not only makes growing sugarbeet easier for farmers and gives them more flexibility in terms of time, but is also more environ mentally friendly. The technology was sold to farmers in six European countries for the first time in the year under review. Other rollouts in our key markets are scheduled for the coming years. In addition, a long-term license for the technology was awarded to a competitor in mid-2017. We continued our multiyear capital spending pro j- ects as planned in the year under review. Our most important construction project at the moment is aimed at renewing and expanding our seed pro- duction plant at Einbeck and has a total investment volume of more than €40 million. As part of it, we will expand our production capacity by up to 60%. We will also deploy a completely new process tech- nology so as to ensure high seed purity, achieve greater flexibility in production and make the pro- cess more efficient. After completion of the logistics center, the project was continued in the year under review with the construction of a further production building. The new dressing and packaging plant is expected to be put into operation in April 2019. KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018Cereals Segment Key figures in € millions Net sales EBIT EBIT margin Capital expenditure Capital employed (avg.) ROCE (avg.) 2017/2018 2016/2017 151.1 18.4 12.2 7.0 127.8 14.4 109.3 10.3 9.4 5.0 114.9 9.0 +/– 38.2% 78.6% 40.0% 11.2% in % in % Economic environment: Cereal commodity Apart from a further devaluation of the pound sterling, prices still low the loss in value of the Ukrainian hryvnia also had a The economic situation remained strained for negative impact. cereals farmers in Europe in the year under review. Apart from poor weather conditions, the main exter- A higher proportion of revenue from licenses and nal factors influencing our customers’ purchasing rapeseed seed resulted in an improvement in the decisions were low cereal commodity prices, in segment’s gross margin. Expenditure on distribu- particular in our growth markets for rye in Eastern tion, research & development and administration Europe. The prices of rye of bread-making quality in was higher, primarily due to the transfer of rapeseed Germany and Poland trended positively compared operations. Apart from the effects from the orga- to those for bread wheat, resulting in an increase in nizational restructuring, the segment’s EBIT rose rye cultivation area in those countries. Despite a fall in particular due to an expansion in rye and winter in demand for biodiesel, lower availability of efficient rapeseed seed business by 78.6% to a total of dressing applications and the above-mentioned poor €18.4 (10.3) million. weather conditions at the time of the sowing season, the cultivation area for rapeseed remained constant The regions: European business grows – Net in the EU. sales increase in all main cultivation areas We increased our domestic net sales again in the The segment’s performance: Increase in net past fiscal year. We generated around 29% of net sales and income cereal sales in Germany, mainly from rye, barley, Net sales in the Cereals Segment rose by around wheat and rapeseed seed, and so Germany remains 38% to €151.1 (109.3) million. We expanded net sales the most important single market for our Cereals from rapeseed sharply, due to two factors: the Segment. The main driver here was rye seed busi- transfer of all rapeseed activities from the Corn Seg- ness. We were able to increase our market share to ment and higher demand overall for KWS’ rapeseed approximately 60% and so strengthen our position varieties. We increased our net sales from rye seed as a market leader thanks to improved variety perfor- by 16% thanks to new variety approvals and net mance after two years in which our share declined. sales from wheat seed by 12%, while revenue from barley rose slightly. Rye seed was still the main sales We again turned in a positive business performance driver in the Cereals Segment, contributing around in our other key markets – the UK, France, Poland 36%, followed by rapeseed, wheat and barley. If and Scandinavia – which accounted for almost 40% exchange rates had remained constant, net sales of the segment’s net sales. We gained market share would have been slightly higher at €152.3 million. in rapeseed business in France and southeastern 40 Combined Management Report | 2.3 Economic Report Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS Group Cereals Europe. Our wheat licensing business in the UK grew by double digits and increased its market share to 46%. We likewise won market share in wheat and barley seed in France. We also expanded business in our strategic growth markets of Russia and Ukraine. Net sales in our young future markets in North America remained constant. Investments in the future continued Along with conventional breeding, long-term breeding and development projects are vital to the segment’s future. Our focus is on breeding high- performance varieties and preserving and enhancing their resource efficiency. So that we can tap further market potential in the medium term, our breeding and development projects are also aimed at tailored rye varieties for Eastern Europe and North America. The initiative for expanded use of rye as feed aims to provide additional incentive to grow rye in Germany. Another long-term goal is to establish hybrid breed- ing activities for wheat and barley. The segment’s capital expenditure in the year under review totaled €7.0 (5.0) million. We invested primarily in expanding and modernizing breeding stations and production plants. Our focus is still on the quality of our varieties and seed. Investments to renew and replace plant and equipment help ensure that we meet high quality requirements in our breeding and production processes. At the same time, they are geared to providing sufficient capacities for our stra- tegic objectives. These are, in particular, expansion of wheat seed business in France and Germany and our rye seed business in Eastern Europe and North America, as well as development of hybrid wheat and hybrid barley varieties. KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018Corporate Corporate Segment Key figures in € millions Net sales EBIT Capital expenditure 2017/2018 2016/2017 4.2 –77.3 29.8 4.8 –60.6 21.1 +/– –12.5% 27.6% 41.2% The Corporate Segment’s net sales are generated the EBIT reported by the segment is impacted every mainly from our farms in Germany. In the past fiscal fiscal year by regularly increasing costs, depending year they were €4.2 (4.8) million. All cross-segment on our business activity. In the year under review, it costs are also allocated to the segment. They include was influenced, in particular, by costs for optimizing expenses for all central functions of the KWS Group our organizational structure, tax consulting services and for long-term research projects. The segment’s and strengthening our IT infrastructure and totaled net sales cannot cover these expenses. As a result, €–77.3 (–60.6) million. 42 Combined Management Report | 2.3 Economic Report Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS Group 2.4 Environmental Report 2.4.1 Product Innovations equip our varieties with resistance to pests and plant The most important environmental aspect in pro- diseases and are working, for example, to improve ducing seed is to optimize the use of resources drought tolerance and nutrient efficiency, allowing such as soil, water, pesticides and fertilizer. We have for the conditions at the location and the regional drawn up environmental protection guidelines in climate. The crop-specific development objectives which we commit ourselves to ensuring resource are agreed between Research, the respective efficiency in our work processes. development departments, Production and Sales and submitted annually as a proposal for the Executive Research & breeding – Development of high- Board to decide on. In an extensive internal reporting yielding and resource-efficient plant varieties process, the core component of which is an annual Resource efficiency in our breeding processes means performance status report to the Executive Board developing varieties that produce a higher yield with and the Supervisory Board, the progress made the same or fewer resources. Our goal is to deliver an in the individual breeding programs is regularly average yield progress of 1% to 2% a year for farm- reviewed and changes or adjustments are defined ers with new and innovative varieties. That is why we if necessary. Breeding objectives High-performance seed Yield Sugar, grain, energy Agronomic properties Hardiness, monogerm varieties, bolting resistance Constituents Food, processing, fodder Nutrient efficiency Nitrogen, phosphorus Resistance Diseases, pests, stress Alternatives to seed dressing Organic seed and special minor crops We are working on biologicals, which are obtained We pooled our research & development work in from microorganisms or plants, to be used as an the field of organic seed, founding a separate Sub alter native or to complement the standard means of Business Unit, “Special Crops & Organic Seed,” dressing seed with chemical pesticides commonly effective July 1, 2018. This special Sub Business used at present. Biologicals are becoming increasingly Unit will deal not only with organic seed, but also attractive, since they can help improve crops’ nutrient crops of lesser economic importance, such as efficiency and stress tolerance, for example, without peas, triticale, oats, sorghum and catch crops. the need to use chemical substances. This means General conditions in society, such as the difficult chemical residues in the soil are avoided. We launched situation regarding the approval of pesticides, mean sugarbeet varieties equipped with biologicals that established crop rotations and traditional farming protect the plants against stress in Eastern Europe in systems need to be rethought and farmers are in- fiscal 2016/2017. We plan to expand our development creasingly turning their attention to minor crops. work on the use of biologicals to all relevant KWS crops in the coming years. 2.4 Environmental Report | Combined Management Report 43 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018 Sales and consulting “Excellence Through Stewardship” (ETS) since KWS also informs and advises farmers on cultiva- 2015. Regular internal and external audits are held tion methods. On our trial fields, we develop meth- as part of that. KWS gained the certification for ods that help prevent soil erosion. We also market successful completion of the second audit cycle in the KWS AckerFit catch crop mixtures, a product August 2018. line that enables farmers to break up the crop rota- tion cycle and additionally protect the soil. All the audits, records and measures are administered in a central database. The results are 2.4.2 Plant and Process Safety reported to the Executive Board once a year. In the operational processes at our plants of rel- e vance to the environment, we have to prevent 2.4.3 Resource-efficient Processes and environmentally harmful substances being released Climate  Protection* into the air, soil and water in the form of dusts, In 2017 we introduced a standard accounting hazardous wastewater and waste. KWS defined system for the main resources used, such as minimum standards in 2016 to specify binding fertilizer, pesticides, energy and water, as well as for minimum requirements for the local environmental waste, wastewater and greenhouse gas emissions, protection technology and process organization for at the KWS Group. That means we now have for all its plants. They are based on the environmental the first time a Group-wide database, which we standards that apply at KWS SAAT SE’s head- will optimize further in terms of the scope of data quarters in Einbeck. The Corn Segment has already collected and the quality of data in the coming years. begun introducing the environmental standards. The objective is to be able to use the database to They are to be expanded to the other segments in analyze and derive potential for improvement. 2019. Compliance with the standards is tracked and reviewed by internal audits. Two audits were As a member of the “Climate Protection conducted at Corn Segment locations in fiscal Companies,” an excellence initiative of the German 2017/2018 and confirmed that the environmental business community in the field of climate protec- standards were being met. KWS SAAT SE and KWS tion and energy efficiency, we are committed in Services Deutschland GmbH at Grimsehlstrasse in particular to saving energy by optimizing technical Einbeck were successfully recertified in accordance processes and reducing greenhouse emissions with the environmental management standard resulting from energy consumption by moving to ISO 14001 in the spring of 2017. renewable sources of energies. Our headquarters at Einbeck, which requires most of the energy used in A further key aspect in plant and process safety is the KWS Group, operates its own block-type ther- responsible use of modern breeding methods such mal power station with biogas, for example. KWS’ as genetic engineering. Unintentional release of Wiebrechtshausen monastery estate, where organic genetically modified organisms in the production farming trials are conducted, supplies itself fully process and mixing of seed produced using con- with renewable energy from wood chips and green ventional means and genetic engineering must be electricity. Residues from the corn harvest are used prevented. In order to prove that we use genetically as sources of energy at our locations in Romania modified organisms responsibly throughout the life and Hungary. cycle of our products, our entire Group has been certified in accordance with the industry standard 44 Combined Management Report | 2.4 Environmental Report * Not an audited part of the Combined Management Report. Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS GroupFrom food for people and animals to CO2-neutral biodiesel and soil protection against erosion and weed pressure, rapeseed is an absolute all-rounder. 2.4 Environmental Report | Combined Management Report 45 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018Life doesn’t always go smoothly. We pitch in when others have long since given up. That is independence. And it’s not only the greatest asset on your farm, but here in Einbeck as well. As it has been for more than 160 years. 2.5 Employee and Social Report Over six generations, our employees have made 2.5.2 Recruitment and Qualification KWS what it is today: an innovative, world- leading We pursue various measures to cover the KWS plant breeding company. That is due in great Group’s quantitative and qualitative personnel measure to their skills, mindsets, ideas and their job requirements to match its strategic objectives. satisfaction. As a company with a tradition of family ownership, we attach importance to a work culture Employer branding: KWS as an employer of respect, a high degree of personal initiative, and As a global player, our constant goal is to clearly personal and professional development. Openness, position KWS in international labor markets by mod- trust and team spirit define our culture. ern means of online communications and a pres- 2.5.1 Employment Trends ence in social media. A key aspect in our employer branding is to actively address interests and needs We employed an average of 5,147 people worldwide that are important to our current and future em- in the year under review, an increase of 4.3%. A total ployees. Among other things, we are committed of 1,952 (1,911), or around 38% (39%) of the work- to fostering employees’ personal and professional force, were employed in Germany. While the head- development in a targeted manner as well as an count in Europe (excluding Germany) remained vir- appropriate work-life balance. In the rankings by tually unchanged, it rose sharply in North and South the consulting firm Universum, which ascertains America. However, the headcount fell slightly in the the most popular employers among students every rest of the world. Once again, the area that accounted year, KWS came in 49th in the area of sciences and for the most employees was research & develop- so captured a place among the top 50 in Germany ment: The number of employees here increased and for the first time. made up 37.4% of the total workforce. As a research company, KWS attaches great importance to ensuring that employees of KWS have the freedom to “seed the future” successfully and to advance their own ideas. Employees by function1 Number of employees 5,147 Administration 13.3% Distribution 22.1% 37.4% Research & Development 27.2% Production Employees by region1 Number of employees 5,147 Rest of world 4.3% North and South America 29.6% 37.9% Germany 28.2% Europe (excluding Germany) 1 Average number of employees Establishment of global networks and contacts on the company’s values, is the basis for that. We Establishing networks and nurturing contacts with continue to expand and optimize our employee professional groups of importance to us are key development activities, emphasizing both internal elements of our HR strategy. That is why we attend and external further training measures. Qualification trade fairs and events and also maintain close ties needs are discussed and agreed on by the super- with universities. School pupils and students have visor and employee in the annual performance and the chance to gain initial insights into working life at career develop ment reviews. KWS by means of internships or excursions, or by writing their degree theses at our company. We also Our internal development programs aim to enhance award various scholarships to young talents and a wide range of skills. The “Orientation Center” offer induction programs. enables us to verify individual potential and draw up customized development plans on that basis. For its Vocational training and induction programs part, the “International Development Program” offers The vocational training we offer helps our employees experts and executives an additional opportunity to develop practical skills. There are diverse options to enhance their personal and professional strengths in chose from in Germany – from vocational training to a the international environment. dual course of study. In fiscal 2017/2018, for example, our instructors and trainee supervisors supported KWS is also working in the field of IT to optimize tools a total of 93 trainees on their path to gaining their and provide innovative solutions so as to provide vocational qualifications. better central support for employee development. Continuous qualification The objective is to systematize all activities globally to a greater extent – from recruiting, onboarding, further We offer all our employees a continually enhanced development of employees, feedback processes to range of professional and personal development succession planning. The focus is initially on rolling measures, since our global growth and regional out a digital recruiting module. Other modules are to markets increasingly demand a high level of adap- be introduced successively over the coming years. tivity. KWS’ competence model, which is founded 2.5 Employee and Social Report | Combined Management Report 49 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/20182.5.3 Good Working Conditions* Employee Stock Purchase Plans where staff can One foundation for our attractiveness as an employer buy shares in the company. Equal pay for the same is good working conditions. We are therefore activi ties is a principle of our compensation policy. committed to decent labor standards worldwide. Work-life balance Contracts and compensation Different working time models enable employees to Every employee of the KWS Group has a written con- strike a good work-life balance. Employees can also tract of employment that complies with labor and so- work from home, if that can be reconciled with their cial insurance legislation. The overall compensation activity. We also offer part-time models. Employees package for KWS employees takes into account their in Germany also have the opportunity to take leave individual expertise and local market circumstances or reduce their working hours, with an adjustment and consists of a basic salary, social bene fits, per- to their salary, if they would like to look after depen- formance-related payments (if applicable) and, locally, dents who need caring for. Key figures for employees in Germany1 Number of employees of which part-time employees Ratio of men Ratio of women Number of apprentices Apprentice ratio Average age (in years) Length of service (in years) 1 Average number of employees in % in % in % 2017/2018 2016/2017 1,952 1,911 443 52.7 47.3 93 4.8 39.1 13.8 415 51.3 48.7 95 5.0 40.8 13.5 +/– 2.1% 6.7% 2.7% –2.9% –2.1% –4.0% –4.2% 2.2% Equal opportunity and diversity Work safety and health KWS is committed to equal opportunities and rights The individual KWS companies are responsible for for its employees, regardless of gender, age, origin, work safety and health management in compliance culture, religion or sexual orientation. We have en- with local statutory regulations. In fiscal 2016/2017, shrined that in our binding Code of Business Ethics the Corn Segment established technical and and related anti-discrimination guidelines. We organizational minimum work safety standards for believe that diversity of our employees, as dis play ed all its production sites, and these will be reviewed in their individual attitudes, knowledge, skills and regularly by internal audits. A global accounting ideas, is a key value and a competitive advantage. system for workplace incidents (as defined by the It encourages creativity and innovativeness and U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Adminis- strengthens our understanding of markets and dif- tration (OSHA)) was also introduced in 2017. This ferent cultures by fostering intercultural skills. new transparency enables us for the first time to We aim to increase the ratio of women in the top two targeted measures. KWS has set itself the goal of management levels at KWS. The targets for that can establishing a Group-wide work safety concept for be found in our declaration on corporate governance, all sites where safety is of relevance in the coming which is published on our website at www.kws.com/ir . calendar year 2019. analyze and assess work safety globally and initiate 50 Combined Management Report | 2.5 Employee and Social Report Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS GroupEmployee representative bodies Employees’ interests are represented collectively toward management by the elected Works Councils and the persons entrusted with representing young people and trainees. We also have a European Em- ployees’ Committee (EEC), a body that represents the interests of European employees and is respon- sible for cross-border matters within the EU. The working relationship between the employee rep- resentative bodies and management is close and based on trust. In regions where there is no collec- tive employee representative body, we attach im- portance to mutual respect and dialogue between regional management and employees. As part of its ongoing reorganization activities to optimize administration, KWS has opened a global Shared Service Center in Berlin, in particular so that standard processes that are still performed at the local level can be pooled centrally to a greater extent. In this regard, the employee representatives and Executive Board of KWS SAAT SE negotiated a framework accommodation of interests and two company agreements in fiscal 2017/2018, to ensure that the measures, in particular the relocation of jobs, are implemented with the greatest possible social compatibility. It’s the people at KWS who are the foundation of the future success of their company. Their personal development, their dedication and their satisfaction are vital factors in this success. 2.5.4 Social Commitment* varieties adapted to the demanding cultivation As an international company, we not only pursue conditions. The projects specifically aim to con- our primary corporate purpose, but are also en- serve domestic plant genetic resources and breed gaged in the fields of science and education and high-performance crop varieties that are adapted promote cultural and social projects. We believe to local conditions so as to give farmers there that our society benefits from top-level science. access to quality seed. The focus is on corn and We therefore focus our support in this field in quinoa in Peru and on barley and wheat in Ethiopia. particular – also to the benefit of up-and-coming The projects aim to help the local population to scientists. help themselves. In cooperation with other part- ners, KWS is training young scientists and plant KWS’ international support initiatives include capac - breeders in Peru and Ethiopia so that farmers ity development programs in Peru and Ethiopia. there can work efficiently and independently using Many local farmers there cannot afford fertilizer, varieties adapted to local requirements. pesticides and the machinery they need. A sustain- able harvest in both countries therefore depends, in In fiscal 2017/2018, we determined the scope of our particular, on robust plant varieties that offer high social commitment worldwide. We spent a total of resistance and good quality, as well as the know- €1.1 million – or around 1% of our operating income how required to cultivate them efficiently. Despite (EBIT) – on social projects. intensive research, there are still not sufficient * Not an audited part of the Combined Management Report. 2.5 Employee and Social Report | Combined Management Report 51 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018If you get up every morning before dawn, you won’t sleep away the future. Wanting to go to work – not having to. That is independence. Your energy and drive motivate us. Day in and day out. If you get up every morning before dawn, you won’t sleep away the future. 2.6 Corporate Governance 2.6.1 Corporate Governance Report and to the effect that the company complies almost fully Declaration on Corporate Governance* with the code’s recommendations. Responsible corporate governance has always been of great importance at KWS SAAT SE. Since it was You can find detailed information on corporate gover- founded more than 160 years ago, our company’s nance, also with the contents in accordance with successful development has been based on thinking Clause 3.10 of the German Corporate Governance in the long term and acting in terms of sustainability. Code, in our Corporate Governance Report (which The Executive Board and the Supervisory Board is also the declaration on corporate governance in run and accompany KWS with the goal of ensuring accordance with Section 289a of the German Com- it creates sustainable value added. They once mercial Code (HGB)), which is available in full on our again examined in the year under review whether website at www.kws.com/corporate-governance. the company complies with the stipulations of the You can find the Compensation Report starting on German Corporate Governance Code. As a result, page 56 of this Annual Report. the following declaration of compliance was issued 2.6.2 Compliance Declaration in Accordance with Section 161 AktG (German Stock Corporation Act)* The Executive Board and the Supervisory Board of In accordance with Clause 5.4.1 (2) Sentence 2 KWS SAAT SE declare in compliance with Section of the German Corporate Governance Code, the 161 AktG (German Stock Corporation Act) that the Supervisory Board is to set a limit on the length of company has complied with the recommendations time members can serve on the Supervisory Board. of the German Corporate Governance Code in the This recommendation is not complied with, since version dated February 7, 2017, since the last com- in a business with a tradition of family ownership pliance declaration in October 2017, and will comply like KWS SAAT SE, it would significantly restrict the with them in the future, with the following exceptions: rights of the family shareholders, who hold a majority stake in the company. In accordance with Clause 4.2.2 (2) Sentence 3 of the German Corporate Governance Code, the Super- Clause 7.1.2 Sentence 3 of the German Corporate visory Board shall consider the relationship between Governance Code states that the consolidated finan- the compensation of the Executive Board and that cial statements shall be publicly accessible within of senior management and the workforce overall, 90 days of the end of the fiscal year and interim particularly in terms of its development over time, reports within 45 days of the end of the reporting whereby the Supervisory Board shall determine how period. KWS SAAT SE publishes its consolidated senior managers and the relevant staff are to be financial statements and interim reports within the diffe rentiated. This recommendation is not complied period of time defined in the regulations for the Prime with, since the compensation of the Executive Board, Standard of the German Stock Exchange. The com- senior management and staff is based on variable pany’s seasonal course of business means that it criteria that defy rigid definition. These criteria cannot ensure compliance with the recommended include not only generally applicable yardsticks periods in the German Corporate Governance Code. such as degree of responsibility, tasks, personal performance, expertise and the like for the Executive Einbeck, October 2018 Board, but also the company’s economic situation, success and future prospects. The Supervisory Board The Executive Board * Not an audited part of the Combined Management Report 54 Combined Management Report | 2.6 Corporate Governance Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS Group Got your eye on everything? Drone technology supports us in evaluating and documenting trials and practical areas. The high-resolution photos provide new perspectives for consultation and for farmers. 2.6.3 Business Ethics & Compliance and rules of conduct can be accessed by all employ- Compliance with basic principles of business ethics ees worldwide on a Compliance site on KWS’ intranet. is vital to our license to operate. Binding principles In addition, all supervisors are obliged to inform their of business conduct therefore apply to all employees employees about compliance issues. of the KWS Group. Reporting and investigation of potential Group-wide ethical business principles compliance cases Our Code of Business Ethics gives employees Compliance cases are analyzed in accordance with cru cial guidance in their day-to-day work and KWS’ regulations entitled “Procedures of Internal contains stipulations on compliance with the law, Compliance Notification.” The open door principle applies fair competition, safety at work, protection of the to reporting suspected violations: Employees can sup- environ ment and the need to treat each other, cus- ply information on them to their supervisor, directly tomers, business partners, other third parties and to the Chief Compliance Officer or to the external public authorities with respect. All employees must compliance hotline, where cases can also be reported undertake to comply with the code. anonymously. The reported cases are investigated, as are anonymous tips. Whistle-blowers do not suffer Preventive training and leadership any disadvantages, unless they have obviously abused The central point of contact for all matters relating their right to report violations. After the investigation to business ethics is the Compliance department, has been completed, the whistle-blowers are informed which advises all divisions of the KWS Group in of the results, as long as there are no legal reasons or complying with laws, regulations and internal rules of legitimate interests against doing so or other disadvan- conduct and controlling their observance. The focus tages are to be feared. is on the subjects of antitrust law, anti-corruption, data protection and capital market law. Sanctions and consequences in the event of  violations The Chief Compliance Officer provides information If the suspected cases prove to be actual violations, about the compliance system and its principles, as the system of sanctions is applied. In general, it can well as about the latest issues and developments, in be applied to all types of compliance violations and is training courses, information events and workshops, also accessible to employees. The system of sanctions and with a Compliance Newsletter. Apart from this defines various criteria governing the measures to be information, a broad range of aids is also available taken, such as the gravity of the violations, the degree of to employees. Checklists, instructional leaflets and the person’s breach of duty, the functional level, behavior other guides provide practical tips on observing after the violation – help in investigating it or attempts to compliance rules in everyday work. All information cover it up – as well as the consequences of the violation, 2.6 Corporate Governance | Combined Management Report 55 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018such as the threat of damage or actually incurred maintain human rights, equal treatment and anti- damage, among other things. The sanctions con- discrimination, safety at work, protection of the sequently range from cautions, warnings and reduc- environ ment and avoidance of corruption. tions in bonuses to immediate dismissal and laying of a complaint. We are currently reorganizing our purchasing organi- zation. As part of that, fundamental corporate social Prevention of corruption and bribery responsibility aspects will be incorporated in the Anti-corruption management is an integral part of our guidelines and requirements, in selecting suppliers compliance management work. On the basis of the and as part of management’s work. regulations in the Code of Business Ethics, there is a policy of zero tolerance toward any form of corruption 2.6.4 Compensation Report at the KWS Group and that principle is stipulated as The compensation report contains explanations on a Group-wide standard in the Anti-Corruption Policy. the salient features, structure and level of the compen- This standard applies regardless of whether bribery sation paid to members of the Executive Board and is prohibited by law, tolerated or permitted in the the Supervisory Board of KWS SAAT SE. It is based country in question. The Group-wide Anti-Corruption on the relevant statutory provisions and oriented Policy defines the responsibilities, processes and toward the pertinent recommendations of the German regulations in relation to preventing corruption and Corporate Governance Code. bribery at the KWS Group. The central Compliance department is responsible for informing employees Compensation for members of the and provides relevant material. Executive Board Monitoring The compensation system for the Executive Board was set by the Supervisory Board in 2010 and Implementation of individual compliance aspects is approved by the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting. The reviewed as part of audits. The Compliance depart- Executive Board’s compensation is based on the size ment also conducts regular compliance risk analyses and activity of the company, its economic and finan- for all divisions and regions and derives measures for cial situation, and the level and structure of compen- improvement from them. In addition, the com panies sation for managing board members at comparable are asked to supply key performance indicators companies. once a year along with the data for the annual finan- cial statements. According to them, no incidents of The total compensation of the Executive Board corruption that were subsequently confirmed were comprises the following components: reported to headquarters in fiscal 2017/2018. No violations of antitrust, anti-corruption and data protec- ■■ A basic fixed annual salary (if applicable with tion legislation, and so no related fines, were reported a CEO bonus) to headquarters, either. ■■ Fringe benefits The Executive Board is informed once a year about performance-related bonus the current status and latest developments of the ■■ A variable payment in the form of a long-term Compliance Management System. incentive (LTI) based on the KWS stock price ■■ A variable payment in the form of a Suppliers and service providers KWS also expects its suppliers, service providers, ■■ Any special payments and ■■ Pension arrangements their employees and subcontractors (jointly termed The performance-related bonus (including fringe “suppliers”) to act responsibility and in a spirit of benefits), the LTI payment and the total compen- sustainability. The requirements for our suppliers sation of every member of the Executive Board is are specified in the Code of Business Ethics for limited individually to a maximum amount. Suppliers and include respect for, and obligation to, 56 Combined Management Report | 2.6 Corporate Governance Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS GroupThe basic annual salary in the year under review company’s sustainable development. Every member for all Executive Board members was €300 thousand. of the Executive Board is obligated to invest a freely The Chief Executive Officer receives an extra selectable amount ranging between at least 20% “CEO bonus” of 25% on top of the basic annual and at most 50% of the gross performance-related salary. The basic compensation is paid as a bonus payment in shares of KWS SAAT SE. The monthly salary. long-term incentive (LTI) is paid in the form of cash compensation after a holding period of five years. Apart from these fixed salaries, there is also It was paid for the first time at the beginning of non-monetary compensation in the form of fringe 2017. This payment is calculated on the basis of the benefits (such as a company car and a mobile share’s performance over the holding period and phone), contributions to health and nursing care on the average return on sales (ROS, based on seg- insurance, and accident insurance in favor of ment reporting), measured as the ratio of operating members of the Executive Board. income to net sales. The variable payment for Executive Board The LTI payment is limited to a maximum of members (performance-related bonus) is calculated one-and-a-half times (two times for Dr. Hagen on the basis of a fixed percentage and depends Duenbostel) of the capital used to acquire the on the average net income of the KWS Group for shares. the past three years (“sustained net income”). The object of that is for the compensation to reflect the Additional special payments were not granted to the company’s performance, positive or negative. Addi- members of the Executive Board in the fiscal year. tional payments for any duties performed in subsid- iaries and associated companies are offset against Pension obligations are granted in the form of a the variable payment (performance-related bonus). direct obligation to provide benefits, with the annual This – including the fringe benefits – is limited to an anticipated pensions ranging between €13 thousand amount of €500 thousand for each Executive Board and €130 thousand, and a defined contribution member per fiscal year. If sustainable consolidated plan. In fiscal 2017/2018, €306 (306) thousand was net incomes of more than €100 million in each year paid to a provident fund backed by a guarantee for are generated in two successive years, the upper pension commitments to members of the Executive limit for the bonus is increased to €600 thousand Board. A further €111 (–204) thousand was allocated for each Executive Board member as of the follow- to the pension provisions in accordance with IAS 19 ing fiscal year. (of which €22 thousand was interest expenses and €89 thousand from revaluation effects due to Since fiscal year 2010/2011, there has also been adjusted Heubeck mortality tables). There were thus a stock-based bonus system (the first reference pension provisions totaling €1,291 (1,180)  thousand point for which was in January 2012). It is intended for the members of the Executive Board of to act as a long-term incentive and thus support the KWS SAAT SE. Pension commitments in € Dr. Hagen Duenbostel Dr. Peter Hofmann Total 06/30/2018 06/30/2017 Interest expenses Revaluation effects 938,928.00 852,085.00 16,190.00 70,653.00 352,134.00 327,562.00 6,224.00 18,348.00 1,291,062.00 1,179,647.00 22,414.00 89,001.00 2.6 Corporate Governance | Combined Management Report 57 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018The total compensation to be reported for the (47.9%) by annual variable components and 18.5% Executive Board in accordance with Section 314 (1) (15.4%) by multiyear variable components. The tables No. 6a of the German Commercial Code (HGB) in below provide an overview of the total compensation conjunction with German Accounting Standard granted in the fiscal year on an individualized basis No. 17 (GAS 17) was €4,016 (3,772) thousand in fiscal (excluding pension costs): 2017/2018; 34.3% (36.7%) was accounted for by the basic annual salary, including fringe benefits, 47.3% Total compensation for the Executive Board 2017/2018 in € Cash compensation LTI FV 1 Total LTI Basic compensation Fringe benefits Performance- related bonus Total Grant Cost Dr. Hagen Duenbostel 375,000.00 21,686.48 478,313.52 875,000.00 214,116.10 1,089,116.10 231,635.44 Dr. Léon Broers 300,000.00 23,724.44 476,275.56 800,000.00 214,116.10 1,014,116.10 217,245.89 Dr. Peter Hofmann 300,000.00 23,792.93 476,207.07 800,000.00 162,741.00 962,741.00 44,122.41 Eva Kienle Total 300,000.00 31,282.37 468,717.63 800,000.00 149,977.00 949,977.00 60,986.87 1,275,000.00 100,486.22 1,899,513.78 3,275,000.00 740,950.20 4,015,950.20 553,990.61 Total compensation for the Executive Board 2016/2017 in € Cash compensation LTI FV 1 Total LTI Basic compensation Fringe benefits Performance- related bonus Total Grant Cost Dr. Hagen Duenbostel 375,000.00 29,316.14 451,457.68 855,773.82 199,823.52 1,055,597.34 316,943.04 Dr. Léon Broers 300,000.00 23,801.47 451,457.68 775,259.15 199,823.52 975,082.67 245,241.93 Dr. Peter Hofmann 300,000.00 22,623.40 451,457.68 774,081.08 82,991.22 857,072.30 25,831.79 Eva Kienle Total 1 Long-term incentive fair value. 300,000.00 32,828.59 451,457.68 784,286.27 99,911.76 884,198.03 47,097.33 1,275,000.00 108,569.60 1,805,830.72 3,189,400.32 582,550.02 3,771,950.34 635,114.09 Compensation of former members of the Executive Corporate Governance Code (DCGK) in the version Board and their surviving dependents amounted to dated February 7, 2017. €1,575 (1,774) thousand, of which €0 (96)  thousand was payment under a consultancy agreement. The target compensation, including the agreed Pension commitments in accordance with IAS 19 lower and upper limits, is shown under “Grant.” The (2011) recognized for this group of persons amounted LTI grants are assessed at the present value at the to €7,315 (7,337) thousand as of June 30, 2018. The time of acquisition of the last tranche of shares. The pension commitments for three former members details on the receipts show the same figures as of the Executive Board are backed by a guarantee. under “Grant” for the fixed compensation and fringe No loans were granted to members of the Executive benefits. The receipt for fiscal years 2017/2018 and Board and the Supervisory Board in the year under 2016/2017 (amounts paid) is stated for the one-year review. variable payment (performance-related bonus), as is the amount for the multiyear variable payments (LTI), In the tables below, we present the individual grants whose planned term ends in the year under review. In and receipts separately for each member of the turn, the benefit expense is presented in accordance Executive Board, as incurred in the year under  review and with IAS 19 and does not constitute a receipt in the in the previous year in accordance with the recom- narrower sense, but serves to illustrate the overall mendations in Clause 4.2.5 (3) of the German compensation. 58 Combined Management Report | 2.6 Corporate Governance Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS GroupExecutive Board compensation in keeping with Clause 4.2.5 (3) of the German Corporate Governance Code (DCGK) in € Grant Receipt 2017/2018 2016/2017 2017/2018 2016/2017 Min. Max. Dr. Hagen Duenbostel (Chief Executive Officer) Fixed payment Fringe benefits Subtotal 375,000.00 375,000.00 375,000.00 375,000.00 375,000.00 375,000.00 21,686.48 21,686.48 21,686.48 29,316.14 21,686.48 29,316.14 396,686.48 396,686.48 396,686.48 404,316.14 396,686.48 404,316.14 Performance-related bonus 470,827.83 0.00 478,313.52 449,253.30 477,876.64 451,457.68 Total cash compensation 867,514.31 396,686.48 875,000.00 853,569.44 874,563.12 855,773.82 Multiyear variable payment LTI 2010/2011 LTI 2011/2012 LTI 2015/2016 LTI 2016/2017 Subtotal Pension costs1 414,433.23 297,479.52 199,823.52 214,116.10 0.00 451,235.69 1,081,630.41 396,686.48 1,326,235.69 1,053,392.96 1,172,042.64 1,270,207.05 106,190.00 106,190.00 106,190.00 103,195.00 106,190.00 103,195.00 Total compensation 1,187,820.41 502,876.48 1,432,425.69 1,156,587.96 1,278,232.64 1,373,402.05 Maximum compensation2 1,765,000.00 1 In accordance with IAS 19R from commitments for pensions and other pension benefits; this relates to costs for the company, not the actual entitlement or payment. Executive Board compensation in keeping with Clause 4.2.5 (3) of the German Corporate Governance Code (DCGK) 2 The total compensation is limited individually to a maximum overall amount per fiscal year. in € Dr. Léon Broers Fixed payment Fringe benefits Subtotal Grant Receipt 2017/2018 2016/2017 2017/2018 2016/2017 Min. Max. 300,000.00 300,000.00 300,000.00 300,000.00 300,000.00 300,000.00 23,724.44 23,724.44 23,724.44 23,801.47 23,724.44 23,801.47 323,724.44 323,724.44 323,724.44 323,801.47 323,724.44 323,801.47 Performance-related bonus 470,827.83 0.00 476,275.56 449,253.30 476,275.56 451,457.68 Total cash compensation 794,552.27 323,724.44 800,000.00 773,054.77 800,000.00 775,259.15 Multiyear variable payment LTI 2010/2011 LTI 2011/2012 LTI 2015/2016 LTI 2016/2017 Subtotal Pension costs1 221,364.43 229,805.09 199,823.52 214,116.10 0.00 338,426.77 1,008,668.37 323,724.44 1,138,426.77 972,878.29 1,029,805.09 996,623.58 72,000.00 72,000.00 72,000.00 72,000.00 72,000.00 72,000.00 Total compensation 1,080,668.37 395,724.44 1,210,426.77 1,044,878.29 1,101,805.09 1,068,623.58 Maximum compensation2 1,547,000.00 1 In accordance with IAS 19R from commitments for pensions and other pension benefits; this relates to costs for the company, not the actual entitlement or payment. 2 The total compensation is limited individually to a maximum overall amount per fiscal year. 2.6 Corporate Governance | Combined Management Report 59 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018 Executive Board compensation in keeping with Clause 4.2.5 (3) of the German Corporate Governance Code (DCGK) in € Dr. Peter Hofmann Fixed payment Fringe benefits Subtotal Grant Receipt 2017/2018 2016/2017 2017/2018 2016/2017 Min. Max. 300,000.00 300,000.00 300,000.00 300,000.00 300,000.00 300,000.00 23,792.93 23,792.93 23,792.93 22,623.40 23,792.93 22,623.40 323,792.93 323,792.93 323,792.93 322,623.40 323,792.93 322,623.40 Performance-related bonus 470,827.83 0.00 476,207.07 449,253.30 476,207.07 451,457.68 Total cash compensation 794,620.76 323,792.93 800,000.00 771,876.70 800,000.00 774,081.08 Multiyear variable payment LTI 2010/2011 LTI 2011/2012 LTI 2015/2016 LTI 2016/2017 Subtotal Pension costs1 0.00 0.00 162,741.00 0.00 257,224.52 82,991.22 957,361.76 323,792.93 1,057,224.52 854,867.92 800,000.00 774,081.08 78,224.00 78,224.00 78,224.00 76,792.00 78,224.00 76,792.00 Total compensation 1,035,585.76 402,016.93 1,135,448.52 931,659.92 878,224.00 850,873.08 Maximum compensation2 1,247,000.00 1 In accordance with IAS 19R from commitments for pensions and other pension benefits; this relates to costs for the company, not the actual entitlement or payment. Executive Board compensation in keeping with Clause 4.2.5 (3) of the German Corporate Governance Code (DCGK) 2 The total compensation is limited individually to a maximum overall amount per fiscal year. in € Eva Kienle Fixed payment Fringe benefits Subtotal Grant Receipt 2017/2018 2016/2017 2017/2018 2016/2017 Min. Max. 300,000.00 300,000.00 300,000.00 300,000.00 300,000.00 300,000.00 31,282.37 31,282.37 31,282.37 32,828.59 31,282.37 32,828.59 331,282.37 331,282.37 331,282.37 332,828.59 331,282.37 332,828.59 Performance-related bonus 468,717.63 0.00 468,717.63 449,253.30 468,717.63 451,457.68 Total cash compensation 800,000.00 331,282.37 800,000.00 782,081.89 800,000.00 784,286.27 Multiyear variable payment LTI 2010/2011 LTI 2011/2012 LTI 2015/2016 LTI 2016/2017 Subtotal Pension costs1 0.00 0.00 149,977.00 0.00 237,050.05 99,911.76 949,977.00 331,282.37 1,037,050.05 881,993.65 800,000.00 784,286.27 72,000.00 72,000.00 72,000.00 72,000.00 72,000.00 72,000.00 Total compensation 1,021,977.00 403,282.37 1,109,050.05 953,993.65 872,000.00 856,286.27 Maximum compensation2 1,247,000.00 1 In accordance with IAS 19R from commitments for pensions and other pension benefits; this relates to costs for the company, not the actual entitlement or payment. 2 The total compensation is limited individually to a maximum overall amount per fiscal year. 60 Combined Management Report | 2.6 2.6 Corporate Governance Report Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS Group Total compensation for the Supervisory Board in € Dr. Andreas J. Büchting1 Dr. Arend Oetker2 Dr. Marie Theres Schnell3 Hubertus von Baumbach4 Victor W. Balli5 Jürgen Bolduan Cathrina Claas­Mühlhäuser Christine Coenen6 Dr. Berthold Niehoff7 Fixed 180,000.00 75,000.00 45,000.00 30,000.00 60,000.00 60,000.00 30,000.00 30,000.00 Work on committees Total 2017/2018 0.00 180,000.00 10,000.00 30,000.00 30,000.00 20,000.00 10,000.00 0.00 0.00 85,000.00 75,000.00 60,000.00 80,000.00 70,000.00 30,000.00 30,000.00 510,000.00 100,000.00 610,000.00 Total 2016/2017 168,000.00 42,000.00 28,000.00 82,500.00 66,000.00 61,000.00 56,000.00 503,500.00 1 Chairman. 2 Deputy Chairman until 12/15/2016. 3 Deputy Chairman since 12/14/2017. 4 Deputy Chairman since 12/15/2016, Chairman of the Audit Committee until 12/14/2017. 5 Chairman of the Audit Committee since 12/14/2017. 6 Since 12/14/2017. 7 Until 12/14/2017. Compensation for members of the Supervisory Board does not receive additional com­ Supervisory Board pensation for his or her work on committees. Mem­ Pursuant to the resolution adopted by the Annual bers of the Supervisory Board who are members of a Shareholders’ Meeting on December 14, 2017, the committee receive an additional payment of €10,000 compensation of KWS SAAT SE’s Supervisory Board therefor. The Chairperson of a committee receives two was converted to a purely fixed compensation effec­ times the said amount. The additional compensation tive the start of fiscal 2017/2018, in line with recent for members of the Audit Committee is €20,000. The trends for the remuneration of supervisory board Chairperson of the Audit Committee receives three members at large listed companies in Germany. The times the said amount. Additional compensation is compensation system was thus adjusted for the first owed only for participation in one committee, namely time since 2009. The compensation is based on the at the amount that is the highest to which the member size of the company and the duties and respon si­ in question is entitled for his or her work on a commit­ bilities of the members of the Supervisory Board. The tee. If a person is a member of the Supervisory Board company believes that the fixed compensation struc­ or a committee, or holds the office of Chairperson ture, which is therefore no longer linked to the com­ or Deputy Chairperson of the Supervisory Board or pany’s business performance, means that the Super­ Chairperson of a committee for only part of the fiscal visory Board can better exercise its control function. year, or if a fiscal year is shorter than the calendar year, The change also reflected the greater sphere of the payment is granted only on a pro rata temporis responsibility of the Supervisory Board and its basis. Members of the Supervisory Board also receive bodies, especially that of the Audit Committee. The reimbursement of their expenses incurred in connec­ compensation system for the Supervisory Board still tion with exercise of their office and the value added complies with the recommendations of the German tax due on their payment and on their expenses. Corporate Governance Code. The compensation for the Supervisory Board in the The members of the Supervisory Board receive a fixed year under review was higher than in the previous annual payment of €60,000 for their work. The Chair­ year due to the conversion to a purely fixed compen­ person receives three times and the Deputy Chairper­ sation as explained above. Total compensation was son one­and­a­half times the said amount. Members €610 (504) thousand exclusive of value added tax. In of the Supervisory Board receive separate payment the previous year, 47% or €238 thousand of the total for their work on committees; the Chairperson of the compensation was performance­related. 2.6 Corporate Governance | Combined Management Report 61 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018 2.6.5 Explanatory Report of the Executive Board Trading Act (WpHG). In addition, no voting rights in Accordance with Section 176 (1) Sentence 1 accrue to the company on the basis of the shares AktG (German Stock Corporation Act) on the it holds (Section 71b AktG). The Executive Board is Disclosures in Accordance with Section 289a (1) not aware of any contractual restrictions relating to and Section 315a (1) HGB (German Commercial voting rights or the transfer of shares. If there are Code) no restrictions to voting rights, all shareholders who register for the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting in time, Composition of the subscribed capital and have submitted proof of their authorization to The subscribed capital of KWS SAAT SE is participate in the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting and €19.8  million. It is divided into 6.6 million bearer exercise their voting rights, are authorized to exercise shares. Each share grants the holder the right to cast the voting rights conferred by all the shares they one vote at the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting. hold and have registered. If members of the Execu- tive Board or executive employees have acquired Restrictions relating to voting rights or the shares as part of the long-term incentive programs, transfer of shares these shares are subject to a lock-up period until There may be restrictions relating to voting rights or the end of the fifth year after the end of the quarter the transfer of shares as a result of statutory or con- in which they were acquired. The lock-up period for tractual provisions. For example, shareholders are shares that employees have acquired as part of the barred from voting under certain conditions pursuant Employee Stock Purchase Plans runs until the end to Section 136 of the German Stock Corporation of the fourth year as of when they are posted to the Act (AktG) or Section 44 of the German Securities employee’s securities account. Ready – set – go! In determining the right time for planting, assistance comes from KWS’ digital tools and  computers as well as our personal advisers. Direct and indirect participating interests in The voting shares, including mutual allocations, of the excess of 10% of the voting rights members, companies and foundations of the Büchting The company has been informed by shareholders of and Arend Oetker families listed above exceed 10% the following direct or indirect participating interests and total 54.6% for: in the capital of KWS SAAT SE in excess of 10% of the voting rights in accordance with Section 33 and ■■ Dr. Arend Oetker, Germany Section 34 of the German Securities Trading Act (WpHG) or elsewhere. The voting shares, including mutual allocations, of the shareholders stated below each exceed 10% and total The voting shares, including mutual allocations, of 15.4%: the members and companies of the families Büchting and Arend Oetker listed below each exceed 10% and ■■ Hans-Joachim Tessner, Germany total 54.5%: ■■ Tessner Beteiligungs GmbH, Goslar ■■ Tessner Holding KG, Goslar ■■ Dr. Drs. h. c. Andreas J. Büchting, Germany ■■ Christiane Stratmann, Germany ■■ Dorothea Schuppert, Germany Shares with special rights and voting control Shares with special rights that grant powers of con- ■■ Michael C.-E. Büchting, Germany trol have not been issued by the company. There is ■■ Annette Büchting, Germany ■■ Stephan O. Büchting, Germany ■■ Christa Nagel, Germany ■■ Bodo Sohnemann, Germany ■■ Matthias Sohnemann, Germany ■■ Malte Sohnemann, Germany ■■ Arne Sohnemann, Germany ■■ AKB Stiftung, Hanover no special type of voting control for the participating interests of employees. Employees who have an interest in the company’s capital exercise their control rights in the same way as other shareholders. Appointment and removal of members of the Executive Board Members of the Executive Board of KWS SAAT SE are ■■ Büchting Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, Hanover appointed and removed in accordance with Article 9 (1) ■■ Zukunftsstiftung Jugend, Umwelt und Kultur, Einbeck and Article 39 (2) of the Council Regulation on the Stat- ■■ RETOKE Holding Vermögensverwaltungs- ute for a European Company (SE  Regulation), Article gesellschaft mbH & Co. KG, Bad Schwartau3 46 of the Council Regulation on the Statute for a Euro- ■■ Dr. Marie Th. Schnell, Germany pean Company (SE  Regulation) and Sections 84 and ■■ Johanna Sophie Oetker, Germany 85 AktG (German Stock Corporation Act). Section 6 of ■■ Leopold Heinrich Oetker, Germany KWS SAAT SE’s Articles of Association also contains ■■ Clara Christina Oetker, Germany ■■ Ludwig August Oetker, Germany provisions that relate to the appointment of members of the Executive Board by the Supervisory Board and that correspond to the statutory regulations. 3 Formerly Kommanditgesellschaft Dr. Arend Oetker Vermögensgesellschaft mbH & Co., Berlin. 2.6 Corporate Governance | Combined Management Report 63 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018Personal dialogue with vision: KWS lives from farmers’ trust. We have acquired that trust over generations by being close at hand to help them, always taking their concerns and commercial ambitions seriously and proving time and again to be a reliable partner. Amendments to the Articles of Association Articles of Association that only affect the wording The company’s Articles of Association can be (Section 179 (1) Sentence 2 AktG) has been conferred amended by a resolution adopted by the Annual on the Supervisory Board in accordance with Section Shareholders’ Meeting in accordance with Article 59 22 of the Articles of Association of KWS SAAT SE. of the Council Regulation on the Statute for a Euro- pean Company (SE Regulation) and Section 179 (1) Powers of the Executive Board, in particular in AktG (German Stock Corporation Act). In accordance relation to issuing or buying back shares with Article 51 of the SE Implementation Act (SEAG), The Executive Board is not currently authorized to Section 179 (2) AktG (German Stock Corporation issue or buy back shares. Act) and Section 18 of the Articles of Association of KWS SAAT SE, amendments to the Articles of Asso- Significant agreements in the event of a change of ciation require that at least half the capital stock be control, compensation agreements represented and that a resolution be adopted by the Significant agreements subject to the condition of Annual Shareholders’ Meeting by a simple majority of a change in control pursuant to a takeover bid have the capital stock represented in adoption of the res- not been concluded. The compensation agreements olution, unless obligatory statutory regulations spec- between the company and members of the Executive ify otherwise. If at least half the capital stock is not Board and governing the case of a change in control represented in adoption of the resolution to amend stipulate that any such compensation will be limited the Articles of Association, the resolution must be to the applicable maximum amounts specified by the passed with a majority of at least two-thirds of the German Corporate Governance Code. votes cast. The power to make amendments to the 64 Combined Management Report | 2.6 Corporate Governance Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS Group2.7 Opportunity and Risk Report As an international seed company, the KWS Group To succeed in achieving sustainable, profitable operates in a dynamically changing environment. growth in the future as well, our prime goal must be That results in risks as well as opportunities, which to retain and increase our innovativeness. The latter is we have to weigh as the foundation for our entrepre- expressed in seed business by continuous increases neurial decisions. in the yields of new varieties. The plants’ yield potential can be increased or their resistance to detrimental 2.7.1 Opportunities influences, of whatever type, can be improved. We understand an opportunity as a development that might have a positive impact on our earnings, financial Our goal is to offer our customers an increase in yield position and assets. At the KWS Group, opportunity of 1% to 2% per annum with our new varieties. That management is an integral component of the estab- is why we constantly expand our research & develop- lished controlling system between the subsidiaries / ment activities. In the approval processes, our varieties associated companies and company management. are compared directly with rival products in official Strategic opportunities of major importance, such as performance tests. joint ventures and acquisitions, are jointly discussed by the KWS Group’s Executive Board. Even though There are also market opportunities as a result of our the strategic orientation is mainly based on organic intensified activities in tropical regions. Our corn activ- growth, selective acquisitions may also round out ities in Brazil and China will enable us to tap additional KWS’ portfolio. sales potential for the KWS Group in the medium to long term, including in other tropical markets, by Operational opportunities are identified and exploited developing varieties tailored precisely to their climatic in the Business Units of the segments, since they have conditions. the most extensive knowledge of their markets and products. Targeted measures are formulated together Investing in expansion of our production capacities with the Executive Board so that strengths can be and modernization of our seed processing offers leve raged and strategic growth potentials tapped. additional opportunities to grow further. Further Extensive strategic planning covering a ten-year time develop ment of our variety portfolio and expansion frame is the basis for opportunity management. In of capacities are accompanied by expansion of our keeping with our earnings-oriented growth strategy, international distribution structures to enable even we exploit the industry-specific and strategic oppor- more tailored and intensive information and advice for tunities that arise by means of pinpointed investments our customers on the possible uses of our seed, and in production capacities, research & development so allow us to leverage further sales potential. In addi- activities, and expansion of distribution. tion, continuous optimization of processes offers the KWS Group the opportunity to increase productivity We see diverse opportunities for the KWS Group to and improve cost structures. develop the company further in line with our strategy. 2.7 Opportunity and Risk Report | Combined Management Report 65 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018 2.7.2 Risks Development & Communications and Corporate We define a risk as a potential future event with a Controlling each assume specific operational tasks negative impact on our earnings, financial position and (see the figure). The Corporate Management Circle, assets. In the past fiscal year, we added the potential consisting of the first and second management tiers, negative impacts on the environment and society forms the Risk Committee of KWS. resulting from our business activities, products and supply chain to the definition of risks, so that they KWS’ risk management system is based on the inter- can be addressed adequately in our management nationally recognized COSO II model (Committee of processes. Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commis- sion). The principles of risk management are enshrined Organizational structure of the risk in our Group-wide “Rules, Guidelines & Procedures.” management system Core contents of it define the scope of application, The Executive Board is responsible for risk responsibilities and reporting lines. Opportunity man- management. The Group functions Corporate agement is not part of the risk management system. Finance, Corporate Compliance Office, Corporate Structure of risk management at the KWS Group Corporate Finance Corporate Controlling Corporate Development & Communications Corporate Compliance Office Tasks ■■ Early detection of risks ■■ Risk management ■■ Interest and currency management ■■ Insurance ■■ Loan management ■■ Damage prevention ■■ Internal auditing ■■ Planning/budget ■■ Current expectations ■■ Integrated Management System ■■ Rules, Guidelines & Procedures (RGPs) ■■ Auditing and case management ■■ Excellence Through Stewardship (ETS) ■■ Sustainability management ■■ Non-financial accounting ■■ Compliance Management System ■■ Compliance Risk Assessment ■■ Compliance training ■■ External audits ■■ Examinations As part of its audit of the annual financial statements Brief description of the risk management system for fiscal year 2017/2018, Ernst & Young GmbH The objective of the risk management system is to Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft confirmed the work- record and assess all the main risks and counter ing order of our system for early detection of risks in them with suitable measures. With proactive mea- accordance with Section 91 (2) of the German Stock sures, we reduce or avoid negative impacts on our Corporation Act (AktG). corporate objectives so that we can survive and thrive on the world market. 66 Combined Management Report | 2.7 Opportunity and Risk Report Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS Group Artistic change of perspective: Our trial fields near Seligenstadt – chosen for their orderliness and well-arranged layout. The persons responsible for the Group companies companies and specific functions record individual and specific functions within the Group are inte- risks in their sphere of responsibility on an electronic grated in KWS’ risk management system. Risk platform. In doing so, they quantify the likelihood of Management coordinates the process and supports the risk occurring and its potential financial impact the departments. Risks are assessed by Risk measured by its effect on EBIT. Manage ment and the Risk Committee. The individual risks are classified as below as part of Risk management process assessment. Following a suggestion by KWS’ Audit The risk management process at KWS consists of Committee, the respective EBIT thresholds were the phases of identification, assessment, control and raised in the year under review to reflect the change monitoring of risks and risk reporting. As part of risk in the KWS Group’s earnings, so as to obtain more identification, the persons responsible for the Group reasonable materiality thresholds. Scheme for assessing individual risks Likelihood of occurrence Low < 20% Moderate 20% – 60% High ≥ 60% Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Substantial Substantial Substantial Critical Critical Critical Critical Very low < €3 million 1 k s i r T B E I Low €3 million–€7 million Moderate €7 million–€13 million High ≥ €13 million 1 Before measures. 2.7 Opportunity and Risk Report | Combined Management Report 67 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018 Appropriate countermeasures are formulated and Overview of the risks analyzed for all recorded risks where possible. They The table below presents the risks, aggregated into may be measures to reduce risks, constant monitoring risk categories. of them or taking out insurance. The measures are weighed on the basis of economic aspects Aggregated risk categories and initiated. The individual risks are analyzed in aggregated form using the risk categories presented Risk category Likelihood of occurrence Extent of damage in the following and assessed, taking the initiated Market risks measures into account. Risks are controlled systematically by continuous checks, which review whether they are still appli cable and whether the measures and control activities are effective. In addition, experienced independent auditors examine compliance with the measures and controls using a risk-based approach. A report on the status and the process is given to the Audit Product risks Procurement risks Product risks Environmental and social risks Liquidity risks High High Low Low Low Low Legal risks Moderate Personnel risks Moderate High Moderate Low High High Low High Low Committee of the Supervisory Board every year. IT risks Low Moderate Corporate Finance reports regularly to the Risk Committee on the current risk situation at the KWS In addition, the following deals with the risk cate- Group and business segments. On that basis, the gories that we see as having a greater influence on Risk Committee discusses how to deal with the our future business performance. risks and provides stimuli on how to control them. Market risks Risk management and the internal control KWS faces political risks in many countries in the system in the accounting process strongly regulated international agricultural indus- The risk management and internal control system try. There is uncertainty in Ukraine, and continued comprises structures and processes designed to sanctions against Russia might negatively impact make sure that business transactions are included in our business activities there. We generated net accounting consistently, promptly and correctly. The sales totaling €79.5 (68.3) million in these two coun- following are examined regularly: the completeness tries in fiscal 2017/2018. Other important growth of financial reporting, the Group’s uniform account- countries for KWS face economic and political ing, measurement and account allocation stipula- difficulties, too. The impact of the United Kingdom’s tions, and the authorization and access regulations decision to leave the EU (Brexit) does not appear to for IT systems used in accounting. Intra- Group be significant for our business as far as can be seen transactions are consolidated appropriately and at present. in full. Our business success depends, among other The Group functions Corporate Finance, Group things, on the type of market access, our own Accounting and Corporate Controlling are respon- variety performance and the competitive environ- sible for consolidated accounting at KWS. A con- ment. However, the global economy has an indirect sistent system tool that is subject to the Group’s influence on our net sales and income. We address regulations on accounting makes it easier to ensure these challenges with systematic analyses of the that the consolidated financial statements comply market and the competition and by developing with the rules. high-yielding varieties optimized for different climatic zones. 68 Combined Management Report | 2.7 Opportunity and Risk Report Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS Group Currency risks arise in particular from receivables also reduce claims for damages under product and liabilities denominated in foreign currency. liability law. We also have product liability insurance There are interest rate risks as a result of potential to defend against unjustified claims and to settle changes to market interest rates. The interest pay- justified claims. able on financial obligations with a variable rate of interest may increase. We address currency risks Product risks and the risk of interest rate changes to a reasonable Our quality controls of conventional seed include extent through the usual hedging instruments, to an examination to determine that it is free of GMOs. reduce the influence on the KWS Group’s earnings Very strict requirements must be met regarding and assets situation. In fiscal 2017/2018, we hedged management of genetically modified products, in our research & development expenditure and intra- particular, to prevent GMOs becoming mixed with group loans almost completely in order to avoid conventional seed. In the absence of a standard- exchange rate risks. ized legal threshold value, a number of European countries practice a policy of zero tolerance. KWS There have been no significant changes for KWS as is a member of the “Excellence Through Steward- part of the now completed process of consolidation ship” (ETS) initiative, an internationally standardized in the agricultural industry. We still do not expect quality management program. It defines how genet- any negative impact on our business in the short ically modified plant material is used throughout the term. There are opportunities and risks from market product lifecycle. By being a member, we signal our consolidation in the medium to long term. clear commitment to the responsible use of trans- genic plant material. Production risks Seed production is dependent on the weather. We The acquisition or licensing of technologies is cus- reduce the risk of crop failures by multiplying seed tomary and necessary in the industry. We reduce – depending on the crop – in separate locations the related risks by developing our own innovations, and regions in Europe, North and South America which may also be attractive to competitors. and Asia. We can carry out contra-seasonal multi- plication in the winter half-year in the southern Legal risks hemisphere if there are bottlenecks in the volume of KWS faces risks from official proceedings and seed produced. legal disputes. Legal disputes are possible with suppliers, licensors, customers, employees, We counter the outage of seed processing plants by lenders and investors and may result in payments means of preventive maintenance, risk inspections or other obligations. There were no significant legal and organizational and technical damage prevention proceedings in fiscal 2017/2018. programs. To cover economic loss, we have Group- wide property and business interruption insurance. Under our compliance policy and the Code of Business Ethics, we obligate our employees to We have established detailed checks and tests to undertake to act in accordance with laws, contracts, determine the performance and quality of our seed. internal guidelines and our corporate values, and raise Quality controls, such as germination and sprout- their awareness in this regard. In addition, we regularly ing strength tests, are conducted at all stages of hold international compliance training courses. production. The high quality of our seed should 2.7 Opportunity and Risk Report | Combined Management Report 69 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018Trust is good – and control is vital. To develop the best varieties, in Research & Development we continuously check the  current status of our plants. Personnel risks hacking and malware. There is also an extensive Our HR strategy aims to recruit and keep qualified authorization concept. IT service providers con- employees at KWS. KWS also faces the challenging stantly examine our IT security and system authori- task of competing for staff with companies from zations so that we can obtain recommendations outside the industry, too. That may result in the risk for optimization measures through an external risk of losing employees or not being able to fill vacan- assessment. cies promptly. We counter this risk by continuously further developing our HR strategy. Among other Overall statement on the risk situation by the things, we are committed to fostering talents, grow- Executive Board ing our brand as an attractive employer and ex- Our risk situation essentially remained essentially panding the KWS Group to new locations in urban the same in fiscal 2017/2018. The most important centers. IT risks risks are still related to the market and products. Our business in emerging countries and in foreign currency continues to grow and harbors additional, The KWS Group’s business and production pro- yet calculable currency and political risks. The iden- cesses, as well as its internal and external commu- tified risks do not jeopardize the existence of the nications, are run on globally networked IT systems. KWS Group, neither individually nor in their entirety. Any outages or attacks can sometimes result in significant interruptions to business operations. In We feel sure that, thanks to our global footprint, addition, theft of sensitive data can entail a loss of innovative strength and the quality of our products, reputation for us. we can seize opportunities and successfully counter risks as they arise. However, we cannot rule out On the basis of our IT security policies, our IT secu- the possibility that other factors that are currently rity organization monitors access to company data. unknown or which are not assessed as significant Firewall, antivirus and other programs are kept up may jeopardize the continued existence of the KWS to date to avoid losses and damage as a result of Group in the future. 70 Combined Management Report | 2.7 Opportunity and Risk Report Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS Group2.8 Forecast Report The expectations of management outlined here are in the previous year – the strongest exchange rate based on our corporate planning and the information effects to come from the regions North and South it takes into account, including market expectations, America, Eastern Europe and Turkey, but also in strategic decisions, regulatory measures or exchange China. rate trends. They are subject to the same premises as the consolidated financial statements and forecast We expect a slight increase in the KWS Group’s our business performance up to the end of fiscal net sales on the back of an improvement in corn 2018/2019 on June 30, 2019. In our forecast for the seed business, among other things in Brazil. As far KWS Group’s statement of comprehensive income in as can be seen at present, the EBIT margin will be accordance with IFRS, we deal with the KWS Group’s between 10.0% and 12.0%, despite a significant anticipated net sales, EBIT and R&D intensity. Our increase in our research & development and dis- forecast for the segments contains comments on our tribution activities and a decline in sugarbeet seed net sales and EBIT expectations, including the con- business. Expansion of our research & development tributions made by our equity-accounted companies, activities will result in an increase in the R&D inten- which are included proportionately in the segment sity to around 19%. Our capital spending in fiscal reports in line with our internal corporate controlling 2018/2019 will focus on expanding our processing, structure. production and research capacities and, as far as can be seen at present, will exceed €100 million. 2.8.1 Changes in the KWS Group’s Composition Due to the strongly seasonal nature of our business that are Significant for the Forecast as a result of the great importance of the spring There have not been any significant changes in the sowing season and external factors that are difficult KWS Group’s composition that are of significance to anticipate, such as the weather and fluctuations for the forecast for its business performance in fiscal in cultivation areas, more detailed statements on 2018/2019. our net sales and earnings performance cannot yet be made with sufficient reliability. 2.8.2 Forecast for the KWS Group’s Statement of Comprehensive Income 2.8.3 Forecast for the Segments There have been no fundamental changes to the We anticipate that net sales in the Corn Segment economic environment and agricultural policy that will increase again sharply in fiscal 2018/2019 impact the assumptions on which we base our fore- following the decline in the year under review. In cast. We anticipate a slight reduction in the sugar- most regions, but particularly in South America beet cultivation area in the EU and North America and also Europe, we will likely post higher sales and an increase in Eastern Europe. We expect volumes for seed, despite the fact that, by and large, a largely stable cultivation area for our corn and there will still be no change in the heavy pressure cereals seed business. Due to the continued high on prices. In North America, we expect a decline level of supply for cereals, corn and sugar worldwide, in cultivation areas and an environment where there will also likely be fierce competition and heavy competition remains fierce, but also anticipate that pressure on prices for seed in most markets. In view net sales will rise slightly – as in the other regions. In of the current geopolitical situation, we expect – as the latter, we expect to perform positively in China in 2.8 Forecast Report | Combined Management Report 71 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018  particular. The concrete sales of corn seed there will The success of our cereals seed business depends depend, among other things, on the development of greatly on the fall sowing season in the northern soybean imports from the U.S. Corn, like soybean, hemisphere, which commences in September of is an important source of fodder in China. As far as each year. Its concrete performance will depend on can be seen at present, the EBIT margin will be well conditions in the sowing season, which were not above the previous year’s figure (6.5%), even though ideal in terms of the weather at the time this report there will be a planned increase of around €14 mil- was created. We currently anticipate a slight increase lion in our research & development and distribution in net sales in the Cereals Segment as a result of expenditures. growth in rye sales in Germany. We assume that net sales for rapeseed, wheat and barley seed will In the Sugarbeet Segment, our consistently high- remain stable or fall slightly. The segment’s earnings yielding portfolio of varieties will probably mean will benefit from an increase in sales of rye seed. another successful year for us. As far as can be seen However, we are planning to spend around €7 million at present, however, the surplus supply of sugar on more on our research & development and distribution the world market will result in declines in cultivation activities. Consequently, the segment’s EBIT margin area in the EU and North America, and so lower will probably fall slightly compared to the figure for sales volumes for seed overall. These significant the year under review (12.2%). factors mean that we will probably not be able to match our good net sales and earnings figures from Revenue from our farms in Germany is grouped in the previous year. We therefore expect the segment’s the Corporate Segment. It should again be around net sales to be slightly down from the previous year €4 million. Since all cross-segment costs for the (€455.1 million). As far as can be seen at present, the KWS Group’s central functions and basic research EBIT margin will also be lower than in the year under expenditure are charged to the Corporate Segment, review (35.3%), among other things due to higher re- its income is usually negative. In our corporate plan- search & development and distribution expenditures. ning for fiscal 2018/2019, its costs will rise due to the planned expansion of our business activity and the current reorganization of our administration (see page 19 and 20). Income will likely be between €–80 and €–90 million. Forecast for the 2018/2019 fiscal year Statement of comprehensive income of the KWS Group Slight increase in net sales 10–12% Around 19% Net sales growth EBIT margin R&D intensity 72 Combined Management Report | 2.8 Forecast Report Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS Group 2.9 Report on KWS SAAT SE and Non-Financial Declaration (Declaration based on the German Commercial Code (HGB)) 2.9.1 KWS SAAT SE corporate governance in accordance with Section 289f of the German Commercial Code (HGB), which also References to KWS SAAT SE in the KWS Group’s contains the compliance declaration in accordance Annual Report with Section 161 AktG (German Stock Corporation Act), The Management Reports of KWS SAAT SE and has been published on the Internet at www.kws.com/ir. the KWS Group are combined. The declaration on The following disclosures are identical to those of the KWS Group and are printed in this Annual Report: References to KWS SAAT SE in the KWS Group’s Annual Report Disclosures On the Compensation Report, in accordance with Section 289 (4) of the German Commercial Code (HGB) and explanatory report of the Executive Board On business activity, corporate strategy, corporate controlling and management, as well as explanations on business performance On the dividend On Research & Development Page(s) 56 to 64 18 to 42 130 (Notes) 23 to 28 KWS SAAT SE is the parent company of the KWS allowances for receivables. Overall, KWS SAAT SE’s Group. It is responsible for strategic management operating income was thus €–12.1 (23.4) million and and, among other things, multiplies and distributes so, as we had forecast, fell sharply. Net financial in- sugarbeet and corn seed. It finances basic research & come/expenses is made up of the net income from breeding of the main range of varieties at the KWS equity investments from eleven (eleven) companies Group and provides its subsidiaries with new vari- and the interest result. Net income from equity invest- eties every year for the purpose of multiplication and ments rose by €9.3 million to €39.2 (29.9) million. The distribution. Earnings profits paid over under Profit and Loss Transfer Agree- ments were €14.0 (17.8) million in the fiscal year. The interest result was €4.2 (4.2) million, on a par with the KWS SAAT SE’s net sales increased in fiscal previous year. Taking into account tax expenditures, 2017/2018 by 4.6% to €532.0 (508.4) million. That was net income for the year was €22.1 (34.6) million. in line with the expectations of a slight rise in net sales we forecast. This rise is mainly attributable to the in- Financial position and assets crease in revenue from sugarbeet seed. Research & KWS SAAT SE’s total assets increased in fiscal development expenditure, which is pooled at 2017/2018 by €25.8 million to €935.5 (909.7) million. KWS SAAT SE, was increased to €173.8 (165.0) mil- Fixed assets at the balance sheet date were lion. Selling expenses rose slightly to €65.0 (60.6) mil- €525.8 (498.7) million or 56.2% of total assets. lion. Most of the administrative expenses at the KWS The increase is due in particular to property, plant, Group are incurred at KWS SAAT SE – general and and equipment and financial assets. Among other administrative expenses in the year under review to- things, a new warehouse was built at Einbeck and taled €69.6 (50.1) million. One reason for the increase construction of a machine hall for a production is higher consulting and personnel costs as part of plant was c ommenced in the year under review. the process of optimizing the organizational structure. Current assets fell to €68.5 (71.9) million due to the The balance of other operating income and other reduction in inventories. Receivables and other assets operating expenses was €–2.3 (11.0) million, primarily were €213.4 million and so were at the level of the due to lower currency translation gains and higher previous year (€211.4 million). KWS SAAT SE’s equity 2.9 Report on KWS SAAT SE and NFD | Combined Management Report 73 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018increased by €1.0 million to €282.3 (281.3) million, Forecast report giving an equity ratio of 30.1% (30.9%). Liabilities to KWS SAAT SE generates the main part of its net sales affiliated companies rose to €319.7 (266.8) million, from sugarbeet and corn seed business and royalties mainly due to financing activities. KWS SAAT SE’s from basic corn seed. The further development of total liabilities at the balance sheet date were €508.6 sugarbeet seed business depends, among other (495.3) million. Employees things, on the performance of our varieties, cultivation areas in our key markets and developments in our growth markets in Eastern Europe. We currently An average of 1,484 (1,434) people were employed at expect a slight decline in net sales as a result of KWS SAAT SE in the year under review, of whom 109 the anticipated reductions in cultivation areas, in (114) were trainees and interns. particular in the EU. KWS SAAT SE’s net sales from corn in Europe are expected to be at the level of Risks and opportunities fiscal 2017/2018 due to the still challenging environ- The opportunities and risks at KWS SAAT SE are es- ment. All in all, we expect that KWS SAAT SE sentially the same as at the KWS Group. It shares the will post a slight year- on-year drop in net sales. risks of its subsidiaries and associated companies KWS SAAT SE’s operating income is mainly impact- in accordance with its respective stake in them. You ed by the costs of central functions of the KWS can find a detailed description of the opportunities Group and cross- segment research & development and risks and an explanation of the internal control activities. The planned increase in spending on and risk management system (Section 289 (4) of the research & development and on distribution activi- German Commercial Code (HGB)) on pages 65 to 70. ties, as well as a slight decline in income from sugarbeet, will probably reduce KWS SAAT SE’s EBIT significantly once more. We make use of contra-seasonal possibilities in the tropical climates of the southern hemisphere to expand  production  options for corn. 2.9.2 Combined Non-Financial Declaration for of the statutory regulations. They include product the KWS Group innovations, yield optimization, product quality, prod- In accordance with Sections 289b et seq. and uct safety, genetic engineering, education and fur- Sections 315b et seq. of the German Commercial ther training, plant and process safety, compliance Code (HGB), KWS is obliged to prepare a Non- and anti-corruption. They were then consolidated Financial Declaration for the parent company into four issues: product innovations, plant and pro- KWS SAAT SE and the Group disclosing details of cess safety, recruitment and qualification, and busi- the business model and related material corporate ness ethics and compliance. social responsibility (CSR) aspects ( environmental issues, social issues, employee issues, human The table below gives an overview of the CSR report rights, and prevention of corruption and bribery), aspects stipulated by law in accordance with Sec- where these are necessary for an understanding tion 289c of the German Commercial Code (HGB) of the course of business, business results, the and other associated issues that require reporting, situation of KWS SAAT SE and the KWS Group, and as well as references to the sections in which the the effects on said aspects. The disclosures in the required disclosures on concepts, results, risks and Combined Non-Financial Declaration relate to both key performance indicators are made. We did not KWS SAAT SE and the KWS Group, unless other- identify any issue that required reporting for the as- wise specified. pect of social issues. We also did not identify any risks that exceeded the statutory materiality thresh- In order to identify issues that need to be reported old defined in Section 289c (3) of the German Com- in the Non-Financial Declaration, the relevant issues mercial Code (HGB). In addition, the KWS Group has from an existing GRI materiality analysis were sys- not defined any non-financial performance indicators tematically reassessed to determine their impact on relating to controlling at present. the environment and society and on the position of the KWS Group. On the basis of this analysis, ten We were guided by the GRI standards in preparing issues were identified as material within the meaning the Non-Financial Declaration. Index for the Non-Financial Declaration Required HGB disclosures Material issues for KWS Reference to sections Business model – 2.1 Fundamentals of the KWS Group Environmental issues Product innovations 2.4.1 Product Innovations Plant and process safety 2.4.2 Plant and Process Safety Employee issues Recruitment and qualification 2.5.2 Recruitment and Qualification Corruption and bribery Business ethics and compliance 2.6.3 Business Ethics and Compliance Human rights Social issues Business ethics and compliance 2.6.3 Business Ethics and Compliance After an internal analysis for fiscal 2017/2018, this issue was regarded as not being material, so no disclosures have to be made on it. 2.9 Report on KWS SAAT SE and NFD | Combined Management Report 75 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018You don’t become a seed specialist over- night, but through hard work in the field. We think about tomorrow today. And pass on knowledge and values – as we have done and will do for generations. We think independently and practice sustainability. 3. Annual Financial Statements for the KWS Group 2017/2018 80 Statement of Comprehensive Income 81 Balance Sheet 82 Statement of Changes in Equity 84 Cash Flow Statement 85 Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 88 95 98 102 123 129 130 1. General Disclosures 2. Disclosures on the Annual Financial Statements 3. Segment Reporting for the KWS Group 4. Notes to the Balance Sheet 5. Notes to the Income Statement 6. Notes to the Cash Flow Statement 7. Other Notes 134 Independent Auditor’s Report 140 Independent Auditor’s Limited Assurance Report 142 Declaration by Legal Representatives 143 Additional Information s t n e m e t a t S l i a c n a n F i l a u n n A Statement of Comprehensive Income July 1 to June 30 in € thousand I. Income statement Net sales Cost of sales Gross profit on sales Selling expenses Research & development expenses General and administrative expenses Other operating income Other operating expenses Operating income Interest and similar income Interest and similar expenses Income from equity-accounted financial assets Other net income from equity investments Net financial income/expenses Results of ordinary activities Taxes Net income for the year II. Other comprehensive income Revaluation of available-for-sale financial assets Currency translation difference for economically independent foreign units Currency translation difference from equity-accounted financial assets Items that may have to be subsequently reclassified as profit or loss Items not reclassified as profit or loss Other comprehensive income after tax III. Comprehensive income (total of I. and II.) Net income after shares of minority interests Share of minority interests Net income for the year Comprehensive income after shares of minority interests Share of minority interests Comprehensive income Earnings per share (in €) Note no. 2017/2018 2016/2017 5.1 1,068,012 1,075,244 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.8 4.12 446,063 621,949 201,537 197,696 95,793 65,668 60,035 493,922 581,322 200,676 190,327 79,833 69,706 48,601 132,556 131,591 4,046 12,026 13,414 0 5,434 137,990 38,333 99,657 3,101 11,410 24,935 –27 16,599 148,190 50,478 97,712 261 –262 –28,913 –2,650 –31,302 –2,442 –33,744 65,913 99,521 136 99,657 65,776 137 65,913 –13,194 –3,817 –17,273 8,459 –8,814 88,898 97,549 163 97,712 88,735 163 88,898 15.08 14.78 80 Annual Financial Statements | Statement of Comprehensive Income Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS GroupBalance Sheet Assets in € thousand Intangible assets Property, plant and equipment Equity-accounted financial assets Financial assets Noncurrent tax assets Other noncurrent financial assets Deferred tax assets Noncurrent assets Inventories Biological assets Trade receivables Securities Cash and cash equivalents Current tax assets Other current financial assets Other current assets Current assets Total assets Equity and liabilities in € thousand Subscribed capital Capital reserve Retained earnings Minority interest Equity Long-term provisions Long-term borrowings Trade payables Deferred tax liabilities Other noncurrent financial liabilities Other noncurrent liabilities Noncurrent liabilities Short-term provisions Short-term borrowings Trade payables Current tax liabilities Other current financial liabilities Other current liabilities Current liabilities Liabilities Note no. 06/30/2018 06/30/2017 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.6 4.7 5.5 4.8 4.8 4.9 4.10 4.11 4.9 4.9 4.9 85,465 401,687 150,424 3,605 822 1 49,247 691,251 180,980 14,339 310,141 18,282 174,300 56,772 52,922 18,694 87,432 389,345 151,769 3,069 2,011 32 46,535 680,193 194,919 13,562 302,571 9,455 181,913 59,975 40,573 12,064 826,430 815,032 1,517,681 1,495,225 Note no. 06/30/2018 06/30/2017 19,800 5,530 853,640 2,813 881,783 127,833 168,698 968 19,342 288 17,194 334,323 42,311 61,287 75,721 39,171 11,288 71,797 301,575 635,898 19,800 5,530 809,132 2,534 836,996 125,408 200,828 1,217 12,721 1,306 17,405 358,885 72,774 39,065 75,400 25,620 16,318 70,167 299,344 658,229 4.13 4.12 5.5 4.14 4.15 Total equity and liabilities 1,517,681 1,495,225 Balance Sheet | Annual Financial Statements 81 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018Statement of Changes in Equity July 1 to June 30 in € thousand Subscribed capital Capital reserve Accumulated Group equity from earnings Parent company Parent company Minority interest Group equity Comprehensive other Group income Comprehensive other Group income Total Minority interest Comprehensive other Group income Total Adjustments from currency translation of equity- accounted financial assets Reserve for available- for-sale financial assets Adjustments from currency translation 19,800 5,530 794,000 –19,800 97,549 –14,162 9,461 242 1,456 765,527 3,383 –94 0 –857 2,432 0 0 97,549 –13,194 –3,817 –13,194 –3,817 –262 –262 0 0 19,800 5,530 871,749 –27,356 5,644 –20 –42,341 1,456 834,462 –94 –857 Revaluation of defined benefit plans –50,800 Other trans- actions Adjustments Revaluation from of defined currency translation benefit plans Other trans- actions 88,735 163 0 –61 3,485 –19,800 97,549 –8,814 –21,120 99,521 –33,745 65,776 0 –148 0 0 0 0 0 0 163 0 136 136 142 0 8,459 8,459 –2,442 –2,442 0 –61 2,534 163 0 0 163 136 0 1 137 142 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 –44,783 1,456 878,970 3,763 –93 –857 2,813 767,959 –19,800 97,712 –8,814 88,898 –61 836,996 –21,120 99,657 –33,744 65,913 142 –148 881,783 –21,120 99,521 –28,914 –2,650 99,521 –28,914 –2,650 0 0 0 0 19,800 5,530 950,002 –56,270 0 –148 0 0 261 261 0 241 0 2,994 07/01/2016 Dividends paid Net income for the year Other comprehensive income after tax Total consolidated gains (losses) Change in shares of minority interests 06/30/2017 Dividends paid Net income for the year Other comprehensive income after tax Total consolidated gains (losses) Change in shares of minority interests Other changes 06/30/2018 82 Annual Financial Statements | Statement of Changes in Equity Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS GroupStatement of Changes in Equity July 1 to June 30 in € thousand Subscribed capital Capital reserve Accumulated Group equity from earnings Parent company Parent company Minority interest Group equity Comprehensive other Group income Comprehensive other Group income Total Minority interest Comprehensive other Group income Total 19,800 5,530 –50,800 1,456 765,527 3,383 –94 0 –857 2,432 Revaluation of defined benefit plans Other trans- actions Adjustments from currency translation Revaluation of defined benefit plans Other trans- actions Adjustments from currency translation of equity- accounted financial assets 9,461 Reserve for available- for-sale financial assets 242 Adjustments from currency translation –14,162 0 0 97,549 –13,194 –3,817 –13,194 –3,817 0 163 –19,800 97,549 –8,814 88,735 163 8,459 8,459 0 0 19,800 5,530 871,749 –27,356 5,644 –20 –42,341 1,456 834,462 0 0 0 –21,120 99,521 –33,745 65,776 0 –148 0 0 0 –2,442 –2,442 0 –61 3,485 0 136 136 142 0 0 0 0 –94 1 1 0 0 19,800 5,530 950,002 –56,270 –44,783 1,456 878,970 3,763 –93 0 163 0 163 0 0 –857 –61 2,534 0 136 1 137 142 0 0 0 0 –857 2,813 0 0 0 0 0 07/01/2016 Dividends paid Net income for the year Other comprehensive income after tax (losses) Total consolidated gains Change in shares of minority interests 06/30/2017 Dividends paid Net income for the year Other comprehensive income after tax (losses) Total consolidated gains Change in shares of minority interests Other changes 06/30/2018 794,000 –19,800 97,549 –21,120 99,521 0 0 0 0 –28,914 –2,650 99,521 –28,914 –2,650 0 –148 0 0 0 2,994 –262 –262 261 261 0 241 767,959 –19,800 97,712 –8,814 88,898 –61 836,996 –21,120 99,657 –33,744 65,913 142 –148 881,783 Statement of Changes in Equity | Annual Financial Statements 83 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018Cash Flow Statement July 1 to June 30 in € thousand Net income for the year Depreciation/reversal of impairment losses (–) on property, plant and equipment Increase/decrease (–) in long-term provisions Other noncash expenses/income (–) Cash earnings Increase/decrease (–) in short-term provisions Net gain (–)/loss from the disposal of assets Income tax expense (+)/-income (–) Income tax payments (–)/-refunds (+) Increase (–)/decrease in inventories, trade receivables and other assets not attributable to investing or financing activities Increase/decrease (–) in trade payables and other liabilities not attributable to investing or financing activities Proceeds and payments (+) from/for equity-accounted companies Net cash from operating activities Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment Payments (–) for capital expenditure on property, plant and equipment Proceeds from disposals of intangible assets Payments (–) for capital expenditure on intangible assets Proceeds from disposals of financial assets Payments (–) for capital expenditure on financial assets Receipts from the disposal of consolidated subsidiaries and other business units Net cash from investing activities Dividend payments (–) to owners and minority shareholders Cash proceeds from long-term borrowings Cash repayments of long-term borrowings Changes from proceeds (+)/repayments (–) of short-term borrowings Net cash from financing activities Net cash changes in cash and cash equivalents Changes in cash and cash equivalents due to exchange rate, consolidated group and measurement changes Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents at end of year Note no. 2017/2018 2016/2017 99,657 97,712 49,864 2,421 –4,740 147,202 –44,290 34 34,250 –16,451 49,353 –10,906 –30,751 105,408 –4,594 –1,692 54,077 –52,610 –55,500 –26,590 20,708 12,110 98,062 1,592 –55,133 1 –12,535 227 –744 –1,479 –68,071 –21,120 4,431 –30,816 22,221 –25,284 4,707 –3,494 191,368 192,582 31,494 16,861 122,354 2,840 –57,125 2,930 –12,752 626 –1,279 0 –64,760 –19,860 125,256 –151,345 16,345 –29,604 27,990 –525 163,903 191,368 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 84 Annual Financial Statements | Cash Flow Statement Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS GroupNotes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 The consolidated financial statements of KWS SAAT SE Unless otherwise stated, all the figures in the Notes are in and its subsidiaries were prepared under the assumption thousands of euros (€ thousand) and have been rounded in that the operations of the companies will be continued accordance with standard commercial practice. and applying Section 315e of the German Commercial Code (HGB). They comply with the International Financial In addition, the following standards had to be applied for Reporting Standards (IFRS) as applicable in the European the first time in fiscal year 2017/2018: Amendments to IAS Union (EU). 12 – Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets for Unrealized Losses; amendments to IAS 7 – Statement of Cash Flows: KWS SAAT SE, the ultimate parent company of the KWS Disclosure Initiative. The new revisions to the standards to Group, is an international company based in Germany, be applied did not result in any significant impact. has its headquarters at Grimsehlstrasse 31, 37574 Einbeck, Germany, and is registered at Göttingen Local Court The following standards and interpretations, or revisions of under the number HRB 204567. Since it was founded in standards or interpretations, were not applied in the year 1856, KWS has specialized in developing, producing and under review, as they have not yet been adopted by the distributing high-quality seed for agriculture. KWS covers EU or application of them for fiscal 2017/2018 was not yet the complete value chain of a modern seed producer – mandatory: from the breeding of new varieties, multiplication and processing, to the marketing of the seed and consulting for farmers. KWS’ core competence is in breeding new, high-performance varieties that are adapted to regional needs, such as climatic and soil conditions. To be applied in the future Financial reporting standards and interpretations Mandatory first-time application Amendments to IFRS 2 – Classification and Measurement of Share-based Payment Transactions Amendments to IFRS 4 – Applying IFRS 9, Financial Instruments with IFRS 4, Insurance Contracts Annual Improvements to the International Financial Reporting Standards (2014–2016 cycle) Amendments to IAS 40 – Transfers of Investment Property IFRIC 22 – Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration IFRS 15 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers IFRS 9 – Financial Instruments IFRS 16 – Leases IFRIC 23 – Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments Fiscal year 2018/2019 Fiscal year 2018/2019 Fiscal year 2018/2019 Fiscal year 2018/2019 Fiscal year 2018/2019 Fiscal year 2018/2019 Fiscal year 2018/2019 Fiscal year 2019/2020 Fiscal year 2019/2020 Amendments to IFRS 9 – Prepayment Features with Negative Compensation Fiscal year 2019/2020 Amendments to IAS 19 – Plan Amendment, Curtailment or Settlement Fiscal year 2019/2020 Amendments to IAS 28 – Long-term Interests in Associates and Joint Ventures Fiscal year 2019/2020 Annual Improvements to the International Financial Reporting Standards (2015–2017 cycle) Fiscal year 2019/2020 Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting and Amendments to References to the Conceptual Framework in IFRS Standards Fiscal year 2020/2021 IFRS 17 – Insurance Contracts Fiscal year 2021/2022 Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | Annual Financial Statements 85 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018IFRSs that have been published and adopted by the EU, IFRS 9 (Financial Instruments) replaces the current standard but not yet applied for reporting financial instruments, IAS 39 (Financial Instru- The IASB published IFRS 15 (Revenue from Contracts with ments: Recognition and Measurement). It was adopted into Customers) in May 2014. The standard and the clarifications European law in November 2016. The standard includes new published in April 2016 have been adopted into European law requirements for classification, measurement, impairment by the EU. The objective of IFRS 15 is to introduce consis- and hedge accounting. IFRS 9 must be applied by KWS for tent, industry-independent regulations on revenue recogni- the first time for fiscal year 2018/2019. Implementation of the tion that can generally be applied to all types of contracts new standard is being controlled as part of a Group-wide with customers. IFRS 15 replaces IAS 11 (Construction project. Contracts), IAS 18 (Revenue), IFRIC 13 (Customer Loyalty Programs), IFRIC 15 (Agreements for the Construction of The gross effect of applying it for the first time effective Real Estate), IFRIC 18 (Transfers of Assets from Cus- July 1, 2018, is €11,420 thousand. After recognition of tomers) and SIC-31 (Revenue-Barter Transactions Involving deferred tax assets totaling €3,248 thousand, the net effect Advertising Services). There are also expanded disclosure is €8,152 thousand. Since the country rating in accordance requirements. with IAS 39.A89 applies for the last time on June 30, 2018, the net effect from changing to the new standard is The new standard provides a five-step model for recogniz- €4,754 thousand, which is recognized directly in equity ing revenues from customers. Under it, revenues are to be under the revenue reserves. The effect from the change recognized to the amount to which a consideration from the is due to measurement of receivables on the basis of the customer for the assumed performance obligation (delivery expected loss impairment model, measurement of cash of goods or provision of services) is expected, as soon as and cash equivalents at banks, and the fact that the country the company has transferred control over goods or services rating no longer applies. The figures for the previous year to a customer either over time or at a point in time. have not been adjusted. The KWS Group will introduce IFRS 15 on the basis of the Apart from new obligations to disclose qualitative and modified retrospective method, meaning any effects from quantitative information, IFRS 9 entails changes in the the change will be recognized cumulatively in the revenue following three sub-areas: reserves at July 1, 2018. All common types of contract were analyzed for all Business Units as part of the Group-wide Classification and measurement implementation project. The previous assessment that no Adoption of IFRS 9 means that measurement of financial significant impact on the time of revenue recognition for assets at “amortized cost” or “fair value” will depend in the these types of contract were anticipated was confirmed. future on the underlying business model and the contrac- KWS will exercise the option of not adjusting the amount tual terms giving rise to cash flows. Under KWS’ business of the promised consideration by the effects of a financing model, financial assets are generally held to maturity. Since component if the period for payment is less than twelve the cash flows received usually constitute interest and months. The analysis also revealed that there are no other repayment of the underlying receivable, the assets are still separable performance obligations apart from seed deliv- measured at amortized cost in the vast majority of cases, eries. KWS will exercise the exemption permitted in IFRS especially for trade receivables and other financial assets. 15.94 whereby, subject to the specified conditions, it may recognize the incremental costs of obtaining a contract as The method for classifying and measuring financial liabilities a current expense in the period. remains unchanged. The KWS Group will apply IFRS 15 for the first time for the fiscal year starting on July 1, 2018. Overall, the analysis revealed that first-time application of IFRS 15 does not have any significant impact on the KWS Group’s assets, financial position and earnings. 86 Annual Financial Statements | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS GroupImpairments between finance and operating leases. Companies in the The new regulations in IFRS 9 on recognizing credit losses KWS Group mainly act as lessees. This balance sheet and defaults relating to financial assets, including trade extension means that liabilities will increase and the equity receivables, in the balance sheet are based on the premise ratio be reduced accordingly. For leases currently classified of providing for expected losses (expected loss model). as operating leases, the lessee will recognize depreciation Impairments were previously recognized only if losses had and interest expenses instead of leasing costs in the future. already been incurred (incurred loss model). The Group’s Among other things, this amendment will result in an trade receivables are mainly due in a maximum of twelve improvement in operating income. The approach to lessor months and so do not usually include a financing compo- accounting adopted in IFRS 16 is substantially unchanged nent. Customer and country ratings, as well as a recovery from that in IAS 17. Application of IFRS 16 means there rate, have been used by market data service providers to will tend to be an improvement in net cash from operating calculate the probability of default for receivables. The provi- activities in the cash flow statement as a result of lower sion for expected credit risks from trade receivables at the payments as part of operations, whereas the repayment time of application of the new regulations is €11,235 thou- component of the lease payments and the interest expense sand. The effects from measurement of other financial are included as part of the net cash from financing activi- assets, mainly cash and cash equivalents at banks, are ties. In addition, IFRS 16 entails new obligations to disclose immaterial. That is due to the short times in which they are qualitative and quantitative information. due (usually balances payable on demand) and the good ratings of investment grade banks. Implementation of the new lease standard is being con- Hedge accounting trolled as part of a Group-wide project. An analysis has so far revealed that a slight increase in total assets can be The modified regulations on hedge accounting are more expected. We refer in this connection to the other financial strongly geared toward the Group’s risk management strategy. obligations [note 4.19] from rent and leases presented in the The new regulations do not have any impact, since the KWS Notes. Group does not currently report any transactions that qualify for hedge accounting. The KWS Group will apply IFRS 16 for the first time for the fiscal year starting on July 1, 2019. KWS currently plans to In January 2016, the IASB published the standard IFRS 16 apply IFRS 16 using the modified retrospective method and, (Leases), which is intended to replace the current standard in compliance with the transitional provisions, not to adjust IAS 17 (Leases) and the related interpretations IFRIC 4 the previous year’s figures and to recognize the cumulative (Determining Whether an Arrangement Contains a Lease), effects from the change directly in equity under the revenue SIC-15 (Operating Leases – Incentives) and SIC-27 (Evalu- reserves. ating the Substance of Transactions in the Legal Form of a Lease). It was adopted into European law in October 2017. IFRSs that have been published, but not yet adopted by the EU or applied IFRS 16 introduces a single lease accounting model, IFRS 17 – Insurance Contracts will not have any significant requiring lessees to recognize assets and liabilities for all impact on the KWS Group’s assets, financial position and leases. The previously required distinction between finance earnings. and operating leases no longer applies to the lessee. In the future, all rights and obligations from leases are to be recognized as right-of-use assets (right-of-use approach) and lease liabilities in the balance sheet. The only excep- tions are for short-term leases of one year or less and for “small ticket leases.” KWS intends to exercise the exemp- tions permitted in IFRS 16. The approach to lessor account- ing adopted in IFRS 16 is substantially unchanged from that in IAS 17, meaning the lessor still has to distinguish Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | Annual Financial Statements 87 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/20181. General Disclosures Joint ventures are consolidated using the equity method in application of IFRS 11 and IAS 28. The basis for a joint venture 1.1 Companies consolidated in the KWS Group is a contractual agreement with a third party to manage a joint The consolidated financial statements of the KWS Group in- venture together. In the case of joint ventures, the parties who clude the single-entity financial statements of KWS SAAT SE exercise joint management have rights to the net assets of the and its subsidiaries in Germany and other countries, as well agreement. as joint ventures and associated companies, which are carried using the equity method, and a joint operation. A In the case of joint ventures carried in accordance with the company is a subsidiary if KWS SAAT SE has existing rights equity method, the carrying amount is increased or reduced that give it the current ability to control its relevant activi- annually by the equity capital changes corresponding to the ties. Relevant activities are the activities that significantly KWS Group’s share. In the case of first-time consolidation affect the company’s returns. Control therefore only exists of equity investments using the equity method, differences if KWS SAAT SE has the ability to use its power to affect from first-time consolidation are treated in accordance the amount of the variable returns. Control can usually be with the principles of full consolidation. The changes in the derived from holding a majority of the voting rights directly propor tionate equity that are recognized in profit or loss or indirectly. Details on the changes in the consolidated are included, along with impairment of goodwill, under the group are provided in the section “Disclosures on the annual item “Income from equity-accounted financial assets” in financial statements – Consolidated group and changes in the net financial income/expenses. Associated companies the consolidated group.” in which a stake between 20% and 50% is held are likewise measured using the equity method. 1.2 Consolidation methods The single-entity financial statements of the individual sub- As part of the elimination of intra-Group balances, borrowings, sidiaries included in the consolidated financial statements and receivables, liabilities and provisions are netted between the the single-entity financial statements of the joint ventures and consolidated companies. Intercompany profits not realized associated companies included using the equity method at Group level are eliminated from intra-Group transactions. and of the joint operation were uniformly prepared on the Sales, income and expenses are netted between consoli- basis of the accounting and measurement methods applied dated companies, and intra-Group distributions of profit are at KWS SAAT SE; they were audited by independent auditors. eliminated. For company acquisitions, capital consolidation follows the purchase method by allocating the cost of acquisition to the Deferred taxes on consolidation transactions recognized in Group’s interest in the subsidiary’s remeasured equity at the income are calculated at the tax rate applicable to the time of acquisition. Any excess of interest in equity over cost company concerned. These deferred taxes are aggregated is recognized as an asset, up to the amount by which fair with the deferred taxes recognized in the separate financial value exceeds the carrying amount. Any goodwill remaining statements. after first-time consolidation is recognized under intangible assets. Minority interests are recognized in the amount of the imputed percentage of equity in the consolidated companies. According to IAS 36, goodwill is not amortized, but tested for impairment at least once a year at the end of the year ( impairment-only approach). Investments in unconsolidated companies are carried at cost. 88 Annual Financial Statements | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | 1. General Disclosures Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS Group1.3 Currency translation Under IAS 21, the financial statements of the consolidated foreign group companies that conduct their business as financially, economically and organizationally indepen- dent entities are translated into euros using the functional currency method and rounded in accordance with standard commercial practice as follows: ■■ Income statement items at the average exchange rate for the year ■■ Balance sheet items at the exchange rate on the balance sheet date The following exchange rates were applied in the consoli- dated financial statements for the main foreign currencies relative to the euro: Exchange rates for main currencies 1 EUR/ ARS BRL GBP RUB UAH USD Argentina Brazil UK Russia Ukraine USA Rate on balance sheet date Average rate 06/30/2018 06/30/2017 2017/2018 2016/2017 32.66250 18.80320 23.91751 17.03851 4.49640 0.88590 72.99210 30.56800 1.16410 3.76780 0.87865 3.98728 0.88563 3.52999 0.86129 67.49930 70.25821 66.48928 29.78678 31.85345 28.59361 1.14030 1.19399 1.09302 The difference resulting from the application of annual average rates to the net profit for the period in the income All estimates and assessments as part of accounting and statement is taken directly to equity. According to IAS 21, measurement are continually reviewed; they are based on exchange differences resulting from loans to foreign sub- historical patterns and expectations about the future regarded sidiaries are reported in the Other comprehensive income as reasonable in the particular circumstances. and are not recognized in profit or loss. 1.5.2 Recognition of income and expenses 1.4 Classification of the statement of comprehensive Net sales include sales of products and services, less income revenue reductions. Net sales from the sale of products are The KWS Group has prepared the income statement using realized at the time at which the opportunities and risks pass the cost-of-sales method. The costs for the functions to the buyer. Income from service transactions is recognized include all directly attributable costs, including other taxes. if it is likely that the economic benefit will accrue to the Group Research & development expenses are reported separately and the amount of income can be reliably determined. Other for reasons of transparency. income, such as interest, royalties and dividends, is recog- nized in the period in which it accrues as soon as there is a 1.5 Accounting policies contractual or legal entitlement to it. 1.5.1 Consistency of accounting policies Performance-based public grants are carried under the other The accounting policies are unchanged from the previous operating income as part of profit/loss. year, with the exception of the change for cash-generating units as part of impairment testing. 1. General Disclosures | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | Annual Financial Statements 89 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018 Operating expenses are recognized in the income statement 1.5.4 Property, plant, and equipment upon the service in question being used or as of the date on Property, plant, and equipment is measured at cost less which they occur. 1.5.3 Intangible assets straight-line depreciation and impairment losses. Deprecia- tion of an asset commences when the asset is at its location and is in the condition necessary for it to be capable of oper- Purchased intangible assets are carried at cost less ating in the manner intended by management. Depreciation straight-line amortization and impairment losses. It is neces- of an asset ends when the asset has been fully expensed or sary to examine whether the useful life of intangible assets is classified as held for sale in accordance with IFRS 5 or, at is finite or indefinite. Goodwill has an indefinite useful life. the latest, when it is derecognized. Goodwill and intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are not amortized, but tested for impairment at least once a If property, plant and equipment is sold or scrapped, the year. profit or loss from the difference between the proceeds and residual carrying amount is recognized under the other oper- Intangible assets acquired as part of business combinations ating income or other operating expenses. are carried separately from goodwill if they are separable according to the definition in IAS 38 or result from a contrac- In addition to directly attributable costs, the cost of self- tual or legal right. The service life of intangible assets is as follows: Useful life of intangible assets produced plant or equipment also includes a proportion of the overheads and depreciation/amortization. Useful life of property, plant and equipment Useful life Buildings Breeding material, proprietary rights to varieties and trademarks 10 years Operating equipment and other facilities Other rights Software Distribution rights Trait licensing agreements 5 – 10 years Technical equipment and machinery 3 – 8 years Laboratory and research facilities 5 – 20 years 15 years Other equipment, operating and office equipment Useful life 10 – 50 years 5 – 25 years 5 –15 years 5 –13 years 3 –15 years Low-value assets are fully expensed in the year of purchase; they are reported as additions and disposals in the year of purchase in the statement of changes in fixed assets. Impairment losses on property, plant, and equipment are recognized according to IAS 36 whenever the recoverable amount of the asset is less than its carrying amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of the fair value less costs to sell or the value in use. If the reason for an earlier impair- ment loss on property, plant, and equipment no longer applies, its value is increased to up to the amount that would have resulted if the impairment loss had not occurred, taking depreciation into account. In accordance with IAS 20, government grants for assets are deducted from the costs of the asset. Any deferred income is not recognized. 90 Annual Financial Statements | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | 1. General Disclosures Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS GroupThe residual values, useful economic lives and methods of and the current economic environment. The credit risk on depreciation for property, plant and equipment are reviewed cash and derivative financial instruments is limited because at the end of each fiscal year and adjusted prospectively, if they are kept with banks that have been given a good necessary. 1.5.5 Leases credit rating by international rating agencies. There is no significant concentration of credit risks, because the risks are spread over a large number of contract partners and A lease is an agreement whereby the lessor conveys the customers. The entire credit risk is limited to the respective right to use an asset for an agreed period of time to the carrying amount. A detailed presentation of the value and lessee in exchange for a payment or a series of payments. age of the financial assets can be found in section (4.9) A distinction is made between finance leases and operating Current receivables. Comments on the risk management leases. A finance lease relates to leasing transactions in system can be found in the Management Report. which all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of an asset are transferred to the lessee. Otherwise a lease Available-for-sale financial assets are carried at fair value is classified as an operating lease. An assessment as to if that can be reliably measured. Unrealized gains and whether the agreement is a lease or an agreement involves losses, including deferred taxes, are recognized directly a lease is made when the contract is concluded. in the reserve for available-for-sale financial assets under equity. Allowances are recognized immediately through If the KWS Group is the lessee in a finance lease, the lower the income statement. Financial assets belonging to this of the asset’s fair value and the present value of the mini- category of financial instruments are measured at cost. mum lease payments at the start of the lease is capitalized The financial assets include shares in unconsolidated in the balance sheet and simultaneously recognized under subsidiaries and securities classified as noncurrent assets. the financial liabilities. The minimum lease payments are They are subsequently measured at amortized cost. divided into a repayment component of the residual debt Borrowings are carried at amortized cost. and financing costs, which are determined in accordance with the effective interest method. The leased asset is The carrying amount of receivables, fixed-income securi- written down using the straight-line method of depreciation ties and cash is assumed as the fair value due to their short over its estimated useful life or the term of the contract, term and the fixed-interest structure of the investments. whichever is shorter. An operating lease is a lease that does not involve a finance payables, borrowings and other liabilities. The financial liabilities comprise, in particular, trade lease. Lease payments under an operating lease are recog- nized as operating expense in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the lease’s term. 1.5.6 Financial instruments Apart from equity instruments, financial instruments are, in particular, financial assets and financial liabilities. The finan- cial assets consist primarily of bank balances and cash on hand, trade receivables, other receivables, other financial assets and securities. The credit risk mainly comprises trade receivables. The amount recognized in the balance sheet is net of allowances for receivables expected to be uncollectible, estimated on the basis of historical patterns 1. General Disclosures | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | Annual Financial Statements 91 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018The fair value of financial liabilities with a long-term fixed ■■ Financial assets at fair value interest rate is determined as the present values of the pay- Held-for-trading securities acquired with the intention ments related to the liabilities, using a yield curve applica- of being sold in the short term are assigned to this ble on the balance sheet date. category. Derivate financial instruments with a positive market value are also categorized as held for trading, Derivative instruments are measured at fair value; they unless they are designated hedging instruments. can be assets or liabilities. Common derivative financial They are measured at fair value. Changes in value are instruments are essentially used to hedge interest rate recognized in income. Securities are derecognized after and foreign currency risks. The fair value of the derivative being sold on the settlement date. financial instruments is measured on the basis of the market ■■ Available-for-sale financial assets information available on the balance sheet date and using This category covers all financial assets that have not recognized mathematical models, such as present value or been assigned to one of the above categories. In prin- Black-Scholes, to calculate option values, taking their vola- ciple, securities are classed as available for sale, unless tility, remaining maturity and capital market interest rates a different classification is required due to the fact that into account. The instruments must also be classified in a they have an explicit purpose. Equity instruments, such level of the fair value hierarchy. as shares in (unconsolidated) affiliated companies, which are measured at amortized cost, and shares held in listed Financial instruments in level 1 are measured using quoted companies, are also included in this category. In principle, prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. In financial instruments in this category are measured at their level 2, they are measured by directly observable market fair value in subsequent recognition. The changes to their inputs or derived indirectly on the basis of prices for similar fair value in subsequent recognition are recognized as un- instruments. Finally, input factors not based on observable realized gains and losses directly in equity in the reserve market data are used to calculate the value of level 3 financial for available-for-sale financial assets. The realized gains instruments. or losses are not recognized as profit or loss until they are disposed of. If there is objective evidence of permanent Subsequent measurement of the financial instruments impairment on the balance sheet date, the instruments are depends on their classification in one of the following written down to the lower value. Any subsequent decreases categories defined in IAS 39: in the impairment loss are recognized directly in equity. ■■ Loans and receivables ■■ Financial liabilities measured at amortized cost All financial liabilities, with the exception of derivative This category mainly comprises trade receivables, other financial instruments, are measured at amortized cost receivables, loans and cash, including fixed-income short- using the effective interest method. The liabilities are term securities. Loans are measured at cost. Loans that derecognized at the time they are settled or when the carry no interest or only low interest are measured at their reason why they were formed no longer exists. present value. Discernible risks are taken into account by ■■ Financial liabilities at fair value recognition of an impairment loss. After their initial recog- This category covers derivative financial instruments that nition, the other financial assets in this category are mea- have a negative market value and are categorized in prin- sured at amortized cost using the effective interest method, ciple as held for trading. They are measured at fair value. minus impairments. Receivables that carry no interest Changes in value are recognized in income. Derivatives or only low interest and with a term of more than twelve that are designated hedging instruments in accordance months are discounted. Necessary value impairments are with IAS 39 are excluded from this provision. based on the objective criteria of IAS 39 and are carried in separate impairment accounts. Receivables are derecog- nized if they are settled or uncollectible. Other financial assets are derecognized at the time they are disposed of or if they have no value. 92 Annual Financial Statements | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | 1. General Disclosures Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS Group In the case of securities that are classified as available for are recognized if it can be assumed that they will be used sale, changes in their fair values that require reporting are in the future. Deferred tax liabilities must be set up for all taken directly to equity. If securities are carried at their fair taxable temporary differences. All deferred taxes must be value and have to be recognized in income, changes to the assessed individually at each balance sheet date. Under fair values are directly included in the net income for the IAS 12, deferred taxes are calculated on the basis of period. 1.5.7 Derivatives the applicable local income tax anticipated at the time of reversal. No discounting is carried out. The derivatives do not meet the requirements of IAS 39 to be 1.5.10 Provisions for income taxes designated as a hedging instrument. They are measured at The provisions for income taxes comprise obligations from their fair value. The changes in their market value are recog- current income taxes. They are measured on the basis of a nized in the income statement. Derivatives are derecognized best-possible assessment of the future amount to be paid. on their day of settlement. Deferred taxes are carried in a separate balance sheet item. 1.5.8 Inventories and biological assets 1.5.11 Provisions for pensions and other employee Inventories are measured at the lower of cost or net realiz- benefits able value less an allowance for obsolescent or slow-moving The provisions for pensions and other employee benefits items. In addition to directly attributable costs, the cost of are calculated using actuarial principles in accordance sales also includes indirect labor and materials including with the projected unit credit method. Actuarial gains and depreciation under IAS 2. Under IAS 41, biological assets losses must be recognized directly in equity in Other com- are measured at fair value less the estimated costs to sell. prehensive income. The service costs, including the past Immature biological assets are carried as inventories as of service costs, are recognized in operating income in ac- the time they are harvested. The measurement procedure cordance with the employees’ assignment to the functions. used is based on standard industry value tables. If there are planned assets, they are netted off against the associated obligations. 1.5.9 Deferred taxes Deferred taxes are calculated in accordance with IAS 12 The provisions for semi-retirement include obligations from and are calculated on differences between the carrying concluded semi-retirement agreements. Payment arrears amounts of assets and liabilities in the consolidated and top-up amounts for semi-retirement pay and for the balance sheet and their tax base, and on carried-forward contributions to the statutory pension insurance program tax losses. Deferred tax assets are netted off against are recognized in measuring them. deferred tax liabilities, provided they relate to the same tax creditor and have the same due date. Deferred tax assets 1. General Disclosures | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | Annual Financial Statements 93 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/20181.5.12 Other provisions 1.5.15 Discretionary decisions and estimates Provisions are set up if current obligations have accrued from past events and it is likely that they will be utilized. In addition, The measurement approaches and amounts to be carried it must be possible to estimate the amount of the anticipated in these IFRS financial statements are partly based on esti- obligation reliably. mates and specifically defined specifications. This relates in particular to the following discretionary decisions: Provisions are measured at their expected amount or most likely amount, depending on whether they comprise a large ■■ Determination of the useful life of the depreciable asset number of items or constitute a single obligation. Provisions ■■ Definition of measurement assumptions and future results are reviewed regularly and adjusted to reflect new findings in connection with impairment tests, above all for capital- or changes in circumstances. If it is no longer likely that a ized goodwill provision will be utilized or the conditions for why it was set ■■ Determination of the net selling price for inventories up no longer apply, expense-related provisions are reversed ■■ Definition of the parameters required for measuring against the original expense item and revenue-related provi- pension provisions sions are reversed against revenue. If the reversal amount is ■■ Selection of parameters for the model-based measurement material, and so the effect not related to the period must be of derivatives classified as material, the reversal is carried as income from ■■ Determination whether tax losses carried forward can be the reversal of provisions under other operating income not used related to the period. ■■ Determination of the fair value of intangible assets, tan- gible assets and liabilities acquired as part of a business Long-term provisions are discounted taking into account combination and determination of the service lives of the future cost increases and using a market interest rate that purchased intangible assets and tangible assets adequately reflects the risk, insofar as the interest effect is ■■ Measurement of other provisions material. Despite careful estimates, the actual development may 1.5.13 Contingent liabilities deviate from the assumptions. The contingent liabilities result from debt obligations where outflow of the resource is not probable or the level of the The Executive Board of KWS SAAT SE prepared the con- obligation cannot be estimated with sufficient reliability, or solidated financial statements on September 25, 2018, and from obligations for loan amounts drawn down by third released them for distribution to the Supervisory Board. parties as of the balance sheet date. The Supervisory Board has the task of examining the consolidated financial statements and declaring whether it 1.5.14 Borrowing costs approves them. In accordance with IAS 23, borrowing costs are capitalized if they can be classified as qualifying assets. 94 Annual Financial Statements | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | 1. General Disclosures Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS Group2. Disclosures on the Annual Financial Statements Number of companies including KWS SAAT SE Fully consolidated Equity method Joint operation Total Germany Abroad Total Germany Abroad Total 06/30/2018 06/30/2017 14 0 0 14 48 3 6 57 62 3 6 71 13 0 0 13 46 3 1 50 59 3 1 63 2.1 Consolidated group and changes in the GENECTIVE CANADA INC., Montreal, Canada, GENECTIVE consolidated group JAPAN K.K., Chiba, Japan, and GENECTIVE KOREA, IKWS BERLIN GMBH, Berlin, was founded and included Sangdaewon- dong, Korea, were included as joint in the consolidated companies on September 4, 2017. In operations in the companies consolidated in the KWS addition, IMPETUS AGRICULTURE INC., Lewes, U.S., was Group effective the end of the fiscal year. founded on June 29, 2018. KWS PARAGUAY S.R.L., Asunción, Paraguay, was includ- consolidated financial statements at June 30, 2018. Three ed for the first time as a fully consolidated subsidiary in (three) joint ventures and associated companies were mea- the consolidated companies of the KWS Group at the sured using the equity method. Six (one) joint operations end of the fiscal year. GENECTIVE TAIWAN LTD., Taipei have been included proportionately. A total of 62 (59) companies were fully consolidated in the City, Taiwan, GENECTIVE USA CORP., Weldon, U.S., 2. Disclosures on the Annual Financial Statements | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | Annual Financial Statements 95 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/20182.2 List of shareholdings in accordance with Section 313 HGB (German Commercial Code) Fully consolidated subsidiaries1 Sugarbeet 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% BETASEED INC.2 Bloomington, MN, U.S. KWS FRANCE S.A.R.L. Roye, France DELITZSCH PFLANZENZUCHT GMBH4, 9 Einbeck, Germany O.O.O. KWS RUS11 Lipetsk, Russia O.O.O. KWS R&D RUS10 Lipetsk, Russia KWS ITALIA S.P.A. Forlì, Italy KWS POLSKA SP.Z O.O. Poznan´ , Poland KWS SCANDINAVIA A/S9 Guldborgsund, Denmark KWS SEMILLAS IBERICA S.L.9 Zaratán, Spain SEMILLAS KWS CHILE LTDA. Rancagua, Chile KWS SRBIJA D.O.O. New Belgrade, Serbia KWS SUISSE SA Basel, Switzerland BETASEED FRANCE S.A.R.L.17 Bethune, France KWS UKRAINE T.O.V.11 Kiev, Ukraine KWS TÜRK TARIM TICARET A.S.8 Eski ¸sehir, Turkey BETASEED GMBH4 Frankfurt, Germany KWS POTATO B.V.16 Emmeloord, Netherlands 100% KLEIN WANZLEBENER 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% SAATZUCHT MAROC S.A.R.L.A.U.15 Casablanca, Morocco KWS Podillya T.O.V. 20 Kiev, Ukraine 100% Corn 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 51% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100 % KWS BENELUX B.V. Amsterdam, Netherlands KWS SEMENA S.R.O. Bratislava, Slovakia KWS MAIS FRANCE S.A.R.L. Champhol, France KWS AUSTRIA SAAT GMBH Vienna, Austria KWS SJEME D.O.O. Pozega, Croatia KWS OSIVA S.R.O. Velke Mezirici, Czech Republic KWS BULGARIA E.O.O.D. Sofia, Bulgaria Formerly: KWS SEMENA Bulgaria E.O.O.D. AGROMAIS GMBH4 Everswinkel, Germany KWS MAGYARORSZÁG KFT. Gyo˝ r, Hungary KWS SEMINTE S.R.L.12 Bucharest, Romania KWS ARGENTINA S.A. Balcarce, Argentina RAZES HYBRIDES S.A.R.L.3 Alzonne, France RIBER KWS SEMENTES LTDA19 Curitiba, Brazil KWS PERU S.A.C.7 Lima, Peru KWS R&D CHINA LTD.14 Hefei, China KWS SEEDS THAILAND CO., LTD.14 Chiang Mai, Thailand KWS PARAGUAY S.R.L.21 Asunción/Paraguay Cereals Corporate 100 % KWS LOCHOW GMBH4 Bergen, Germany 100 % KWS UK LTD.6 Thriplow, UK 100 % KWS LOCHOW POLSKA SP.Z O.O.6 Kondratowice, Poland 100 % KWS MOMONT S.A.S.6 Mons-en-Pévèle, France KWS MOMONT RECHERCHE S.A.R.L.13 Mons-en-Pévèle, France 100 % 100% KWS LANDWIRTSCHAFT GMBH 4 Einbeck, Germany 100% KWS INTERSAAT GMBH Einbeck, Germany 100% KWS SEEDS INC.8 Bloomington, MN, U.S. 100% GLH SEEDS INC.2 Bloomington, MN, U.S. 100% 100% KWS SAATFINANZ GMBH Einbeck, Germany RAGIS KARTOFFELZUCHT- UND HANDELS- GESELLSCHAFT MBH Einbeck, Germany 100% KWS KLOSTERGUT WIEBRECHTSHAUSEN GMBH Northeim-Wiebrechtshausen, Germany 100% EURO-HYBRID 100% GESELLSCHAFT FÜR GETREIDEZÜCHTUNG MBH Einbeck, Germany KWS SERVICOS E PARTICIPACOES SOUTH AMERICA LTDA.18 São Paulo, Brazil 100% KWS GATEWAY RESEARCH 100% CENTER LLC.2 St. Louis, MO, U.S. KWS SERVICES DEUTSCHLAND GMBH4 Einbeck, Germany 100% KWS SERVICES EAST GMBH Vienna, Austria 100% KWS SERVICES WEST S.L.U. Barcelona, Spain 100% KWS SERVICES NORTH AMERICA LLC. Bloomington, MN, U.S. 100% BEIJING KWS AGRICULTURE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.14 Beijing, China 100% KWS CEREALS USA LLC.2 100% 100 % 100 % 70% Champagne, IL, U.S. KANT-HARTWIG & VOGEL GMBH4 Einbeck, Germany KWS R&D INVEST B.V. Emmeloord, Netherlands KWS BERLIN GMBH Berlin, Germany IMPETATUS AGRICULTURE INC. Lewes, DE, U.S. Equity-accounted joint ventures1 Corn Equity-accounted associated companies1 Joint operation (proportionately consolidated)1 Corn Corn 50% AGRELIANT GENETICS, LLC.5 49% KENFENG – KWS SEEDS CO., LTD. Westfield, IN, U.S. 50% AGRELIANT GENETICS, INC. Chatham, Ontario, Canada Beijing, China 50 % GENECTIVE S. A. Chappes, France 50 % GENECTIVE CANADA INC.22 Montreal, Canada 50 % GENECTIVE TAIWAN LTD.22 Taipei City, Taiwan 50 % GENECTIVE USA CORP.22 Weldon, U.S. 50 % GENECTIVE JAPAN K.K.22 Chiba, Japan 50 % GENECTIVE KOREA22 Sangdaewon-dong, Korea 96 Annual Financial Statements | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | 2. Disclosures on the Annual Financial Statements Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS Group Unconsolidated subsidiaries1 Sugarbeet 67% VAN RIJN BALCAN S.R.L.15 * Vulcan, Romania Corn 100% KWS R&D PRIVATE LIMITED11 * Hyderabad, India Cereals Corporate * In Liquidation 1 The percentages shown for each company relate to the share in that company held within the KWS Group. 2 Subsidiary of KWS SEEDS INC. 3 Subsidiary of KWS FRANCE S.A.R.L. 4 Profit and loss transfer agreement. 5 Investee of GLH SEEDS INC. 6 Subsidiary of KWS LOCHOW GMBH 7 Subsidiary of KWS CHILE LTDA. and KWS SERVICOS E PARTICIPACOES SOUTH AMERICA LTDA. 8 Subsidiary of KWS INTERSAAT GMBH and KWS SAAT SE 9 Subsidiary of KWS INTERSAAT GMBH 10 Subsidiary of O.O.O. KWS RUS 11 Subsidiary of EURO-HYBRID GMBH and KWS SAATFINANZ GMBH 12 Subsidiary of KWS SAAT SE and KWS SAATFINANZ GMBH 13 Subsidiary of KWS MOMONT S.A.S. 14 Subsidiary of EURO-HYBRID GMBH 15 Subsidiary of KWS POTATO B.V. 16 Subsidiary of RAGIS GMBH 17 Subsidiary of BETASEED GMBH 18 Subsidiary of KWS INTERSAAT GMBH and KWS SAATFINANZ GMBH 19 Subsidiary of KWS SERVICOS E PARTICIPACOES SOUTH AMERICA LTDA. and KWS INTERSAAT GMBH 20 Subsidiary of KWS UKRAINE T.O.V. 21 Subsidiary of KWS SERVICOS E PARTICIPACOES SOUTH AMERICA LTDA. and RIBER-KWS SEMENTES LTDA. 22 Subsidiary of GENECTIVE S.A. Status: June 30, 2018 2. Disclosures on the Annual Financial Statements | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | Annual Financial Statements 97 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018 3. Segment Reporting for the KWS Group In accordance with its internal reporting system, the 3.1.2 Sugarbeet KWS Group is primarily organized according to the following In addition to multiplication, processing and distribu- business segments: ■■ Corn ■■ Sugarbeet ■■ Cereals ■■ Corporate tion activities for sugarbeet seed, the breeding activities relating to development of a hybrid potato are also reported in the Sugarbeet Segment. Under the leadership of KWS SAAT SE, 17 (17) foreign subsidiaries and two (two) subsidiaries in Germany are active in this segment. 3.1.3 Cereals Considered a core competency for the KWS Group’s The lead company of this segment, which essentially con- entire product range, plant breeding, including the related cerns the production and distribution of hybrid rye, wheat and biotechnology research, is essentially concentrated at the barley, as well as oil and field seed, is KWS LOCHOW GMBH parent company KWS SAAT SE in Einbeck. The breeding with its four (four) foreign subsidiaries in France, the UK and material, including the relevant information and expertise Poland. about how to use it, is owned by KWS SAAT SE with respect to sugarbeet and corn and by KWS LOCHOW GMBH 3.1.4 Corporate with respect to cereals. Product-related R&D costs are Apart from revenue from farms and services for third parties, carried directly in the product segments Corn, Sugarbeet net sales from strategic projects are reported in this segment. and Cereals. Centrally controlled corporate functions are The segment also assumes the costs of all central holding grouped in the Corporate Segment. The distribution and functions and expenses for long-term research projects that production of oil and field seed are reported in the Cereals have not yet reached market maturity. and Corn Segments, in keeping with the legal entities currently involved. 3.1 Description of segments It also includes all management services of KWS SAAT SE, such as the holding company and administrative functions, which are not directly charged to the product segments or Since the beginning of the year under review, our rapeseed indirectly allocated to them by means of an appropriate cost activities, which were previously managed in the Corn formula. Segment and in the Cereals Segment, have been pooled in one unit and transferred completely to the Cereals Seg- 3.2 Segment information ment. This step will enable us to benefit from the integrated The Executive Board as the main decision-making body management and controlling of rapeseed activities moving is responsible for allocating resources and assessing the ahead. Consequently, all net sales and earnings contributed earnings strength of the business segments. The segments by our rapeseed business are allocated to the Cereals and regions are defined in compliance with the internal Segment. This effect meant an additional shift in net sales controlling and reporting systems (management approach). of around €30 million and in EBIT of around €4 million in The accounting policies used to determine the information fiscal 2017/2018. 3.1.1 Corn for the segments are basically the same as those used for the KWS Group. The only exception relates to consolidation of the equity-accounted joint ventures that are assigned to KWS SAAT SE is the lead company in the Corn Segment. the Corn Segment, namely AGRELIANT GENETICS LLC., The production and distribution activities of this segment AGRELIANT GENETICS INC. and KENFENG – KWS SEEDS relate to corn for grain and silage corn, and to oil and field CO., LTD. In accordance with internal controlling pract- seed. Apart from KWS SAAT SE, the business activities are ices, they are included proportionately as part of segment conducted by one (one) German company, 16 (15) foreign reporting. subsidiaries, two (two) joint ventures, one (one) associated company and six (one) joint operations of the KWS Group. 98 Annual Financial Statements | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | 3. Segment Reporting for the KWS Group Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS GroupThe segment net sales, segment income, depreciation and Segment sales contains both net sales from third parties amortization, other noncash items, operating assets, oper- (external sales) and net sales between the segments (inter- ating liabilities and capital expenditure on noncurrent assets segment sales). The prices for intersegment sales are by segment have been determined in accordance with the determined on an arm’s-length basis. Uniform royalty rates internal operational controlling structure, with the joint ven- per segment for breeding genetics are used as the basis. tures and associated company consolidated proportionately Technology revenues from genetically modified properties (management approach). In order to permit better compara- (“tech fees”) are paid as a per-unit royalty on the basis of bility, they have been reconciled with the figures in the IFRS the number of units sold, due to their growing competitive consolidated financial statements. importance. Sales per segment in € thousand Corn Sugarbeet Cereals Corporate Segments acc. to management approach Elimination of equity-accounted financial assets Segments acc. to consolidated financial statements Segment sales Internal sales External sales 2017/2018 2016/2017 2017/2018 2016/2017 2017/2018 2016/2017 734,204 455,444 825,867 454,860 151,410 111,526 26 351 300 16,672 18,235 12,456 530 319 2,179 13,436 734,178 455,094 825,337 454,541 151,109 109,347 4,216 4,799 1,357,730 1,410,488 13,133 16,464 1,344,597 1,394,024 –276,585 –318,780 1,068,012 1,075,244 The Corporate Segment generates 74.7% (73.7%) of its The Corn Segment is the largest contributor of external sales from the other segments. As in the previous year, sales, accounting for 54.7% (59.2%) of external sales, the sales of this segment represent 0.3% of the Group’s followed by Sugarbeet with 33.8% (32.6%) and Cereals with external sales. 11.2% (7.8%). Earnings, depreciation and amortization and other noncash items per segment in € thousand Segment earnings Depreciation and amortization Other noncash items Corn Sugarbeet Cereals Corporate Segments acc. to management approach Elimination of equity-accounted financial assets Segments acc. to consolidated financial statements Net financial income/expenses Earnings before taxes 2017/2018 2016/2017 2017/2018 2016/2017 2017/2018 2016/2017 47,374 160,473 18,395 –77,277 58,213 150,929 10,310 –60,585 29,239 12,480 8,855 11,629 27,417 12,994 8,472 10,444 –10,936 –21,072 4,639 1,058 4,213 –2,482 –4,034 –981 148,965 158,867 62,203 59,327 –26,311 –3,284 –16,409 –27,276 –12,062 –9,974 19,339 –3,688 132,556 131,591 50,141 49,353 –6,972 –6,972 5,434 16,599 137,990 148,190 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 The income statements of the consolidated companies income of each segment is reported as the segment result. are assigned to the segments by means of profit center The segment results are presented on a consolidated basis allocation. Operating income, the most important internal and include all directly attributable income and expenses. parameter and an indicator of the earnings strength in the Items that are not directly attributable are allocated to the KWS Group, is used as the segment result. The operating segments on the basis of an appropriate formula. 3. Segment Reporting for the KWS Group | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | Annual Financial Statements 99 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018 Depreciation and amortization charges of The other noncash items recognized in the income €62,203 (59,327) thousand allocated to the segments statement relate to noncash changes in the allowances relate exclusively to intangible assets and property, plant on inventories and receivables, and in provisions. and equipment. Operating assets and operating liabilities per segment in € thousand Corn Sugarbeet Cereals Corporate Segments acc. to management approach Elimination of equity-accounted financial assets Segments acc. to consolidated financial statements Others Operating assets Operating liabilities 06/30/2018 06/30/2017 06/30/2018 06/30/2017 729,126 277,936 120,731 114,705 742,506 266,734 116,106 113,276 1,242,498 1,238,622 –251,774 –250,793 990,724 526,957 987,829 507,396 137,572 162,508 32,549 28,383 96,428 294,932 –49,808 245,124 390,774 635,898 83,096 22,481 87,447 355,532 –82,431 273,101 385,128 658,229 KWS Group acc. to consolidated financial statements 1,517,681 1,495,225 The operating assets of the segments are composed of Capital expenditure on assets rose to €117,696 thousand intangible assets, property, plant and equipment, inven- (previous year: €67,940 thousand). Capital expenditure in tories, biological assets and trade receivables that can be the Corn Segment was €64,147 thousand (previous year: charged directly to the segments or indirectly allocated to €25,079 thousand), which largely involved drying and them by means of an appropriate formula. production capacities in South America. The Sugarbeet Segment’s capital expenditure totaled €16,741 thousand The operating liabilities attributable to the segments in- following €16,811 thousand in the previous year and relates clude the borrowings reported on the balance sheet, less mainly to continued expansion of sugarbeet seed produc- provisions for taxes and the portion of other liabilities that tion in Einbeck. In addition, expansion of our laboratory cannot be charged directly to the segments or indirectly capacities was launched there as well. allocated to them by means of an appropriate formula. Investments in long-term assets by segment in € thousand Corn Sugarbeet Cereals Corporate Segments acc. to management approach Elimination of equity-accounted financial assets Segments acc. to consolidated financial statements 06/30/2018 06/30/2017 64,147 16,741 7,027 29,781 117,696 –45,994 71,702 25,079 16,811 4,961 21,089 67,940 –4,659 63,281 3.3 Disclosures by region The external net sales by sales region are broken down on The disclosures on the regional composition of net sales, the basis of the country where the customer is based. No capital expenditure and operating assets have been made in individual customer accounted for more than 10% of total accordance with the accounting policies to be applied to the net sales in the current and the previous fiscal years. consolidated financial statements of the KWS Group, and thus, without proportionate consolidation of the equity-accounted financial investments. 100 Annual Financial Statements | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | 3. Segment Reporting for the KWS Group Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS GroupExternal sales by region in € thousand Germany Europe (excluding Germany) Thereof in France North and South America Thereof in Brazil Thereof in the U.S. Rest of world KWS Group A total of 69.3% (64.2%) of total sales are recorded in Europe (including Germany). Investments in long-term assets by region in € thousand Germany Europe (excluding Germany) Thereof in France North and South America Thereof in Brazil Thereof in the U.S. Rest of world KWS Group 2017/2018 2016/2017 235,303 504,985 (117,592) 269,553 (82,168) (155,357) 58,171 226,291 464,283 (113,649) 317,472 (109,914) (173,056) 67,198 1,068,012 1,075,244 06/30/2018 06/30/2017 39,478 18,026 (5,297) 13,269 (1,187) (5,528) 929 71,702 26,481 20,256 (4,856) 14,743 (2,240) (8,774) 1,800 63,281 A total of 55.1% (41.9%) of the capital spending was made in made in North and South America, 25.1% (32.0%) in Europe Germany. Of the further capital spending, 18.5% (23.3%) was (excluding Germany) and 1.3% (2.8%) in the rest of the world. Long-term assets by region in € thousand Germany Europe (excluding Germany) Thereof in France North and South America Thereof in Brazil Thereof in the U.S. Rest of world KWS Group 06/30/2018 06/30/2017 235,994 166,600 (66,430) 230,125 (28,602) 215,945 167,567 (68,576) 238,388 (33,435) (185,842) (190,954) 8,460 641,179 9,715 631,615 3. Segment Reporting for the KWS Group | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | Annual Financial Statements 101 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/20184. Notes to the Balance Sheet Statement of changes in fixed assets in € thousand Gross book values Amortization/depreciation Net book values Change in con­ solidated compa­ nies Cur rency trans­ lation Additions of equity­ account­ ed assets Addi­ tions Dis posals of equity account­ ed assets Transfers Dis­ posals Change in con­ solidated compa­ nies Cur rency trans­ lation Planned addi­ tions Value impair­ ments Adjust­ ment not affecting profit and loss Dis­ posals Trans­ fers 07/01/2017 06/30/2018 07/01/2017 06/30/2018 06/30/2018 06/30/2017 Patents, industrial property rights and software Goodwill Intangible assets Land and buildings Technical equipment and machinery Operating and office equipment Payments on account Property, plant and equipment Equity­accounted financial assets Financial assets Assets 114,883 28,000 142,883 –2,970 –2,898 –5,868 309,195 –4,161 241,187 –4,340 0 0 0 0 0 12,164 13 12,177 9,842 11,226 102,018 –1,797 2,052 12,230 31,893 –968 0 25,483 684,293 –11,266 2,052 58,781 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 418 0 418 2,044 5,746 5,964 57 13,811 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 226 0 226 123,885 25,115 149,000 55,451 –2,519 0 0 55,451 –2,519 416 0 416 63,535 0 63,535 60,350 25,115 85,465 59,432 28,000 87,432 7,922 320,754 89,072 –741 27 1,667 96,170 224,584 220,123 8,944 251,271 141,769 –2,311 18,303 4,995 44 152,810 98,461 99,418 2,678 111,217 64,106 –994 323 11,286 5,521 –44 69,156 42,061 37,912 –19,770 36,581 1 0 0 36,581 31,892 –226 719,823 294,948 –4,046 323 39,122 27 12,184 318,136 401,687 389,345 160,162 –2,649 3,941 –55 0 –10 0 744 13,414 0 0 229 12,110 0 991,280 –19,838 2,042 71,702 13,414 14,458 12,110 0 158,817 –172 –172 4,218 1,031,859 8,393 873 0 –5 359,665 –6,570 323 50,141 12,600 390,680 641,179 631,615 8,393 150,424 151,769 615 3,603 3,069 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9,896 0 9,896 8,799 6,838 3,902 372 19,911 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 06/30/2017 07/01/2016 06/30/2017 06/30/2017 06/30/2016 1,378 114,883 0 28,000 1,378 142,883 50,588 –799 0 0 50,588 –799 9,092 309,195 89,122 –637 12,632 0 12,632 9,140 6,966 0 6,966 8,561 55,451 0 55,451 59,432 28,000 87,432 66,398 28,700 95,098 89,072 220,123 205,901 9,788 241,187 130,573 –2,150 17,686 6,893 2,553 141,769 99,418 99,522 545 102,018 59,225 902 –1 9,846 3,310 –2,556 64,106 37,912 34,920 –20,803 31,893 2 –1 1 31,892 38,296 –1,378 684,293 278,922 –1,886 36,672 18,764 294,948 389,345 378,639 155,904 –3,817 2,827 –41 961,979 –11,596 0 –76 –25 0 24,936 1,858 1 0 627 16,861 0 63,281 24,937 30,434 16,861 0 0 0 160,162 3,941 991,280 8,393 635 0 –6 338,539 –2,691 49,353 25,731 359,665 631,615 623,440 8,393 151,769 147,511 873 3,069 2,192 07/01/2016 Patents, industrial property rights and software Goodwill 116,986 28,700 –891 –699 Intangible assets 145,686 –1,590 0 0 0 7,306 –1 7,305 295,023 –2,355 21 16,213 230,095 –3,260 3 11,399 94,145 649 27 10,554 38,298 –1,182 0 15,952 657,561 –6,148 51 54,118 Land and buildings Technical equipment and machinery Operating and office equipment Payments on account Property, plant and equipment Equity­accounted financial assets Financial assets Assets 102 Annual Financial Statements | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | 4. Notes to the Balance Sheet 11,019 0 11,019 9,533 0 0 0 0 0 49 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 253 280 195 195 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 –4 0 –4 7 1 0 0 0 0 0 Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS Group4. Notes to the Balance Sheet Statement of changes in fixed assets in € thousand Change in con­ solidated compa­ nies Cur rency trans­ lation Additions of equity­ account­ Addi­ Dis posals of equity Dis­ account­ tions ed assets posals ed assets Transfers Change in con­ solidated compa­ nies Cur rency trans­ lation Planned addi­ tions Value impair­ ments Adjust­ ment not affecting profit and loss Dis­ posals Trans­ fers Gross book values Amortization/depreciation Net book values 07/01/2017 06/30/2018 07/01/2017 06/30/2018 06/30/2018 06/30/2017 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Patents, industrial property rights and software Goodwill Intangible assets Land and buildings Technical equipment and machinery Operating and office equipment Payments on account Property, plant and equipment Equity­accounted financial assets Patents, industrial property rights and software Goodwill Land and buildings Technical equipment and machinery Operating and office equipment Payments on account Property, plant and equipment Equity­accounted financial assets 114,883 28,000 142,883 –2,970 –2,898 –5,868 309,195 –4,161 12,164 13 12,177 9,842 226 0 226 123,885 25,115 149,000 55,451 –2,519 0 0 55,451 –2,519 7,922 320,754 89,072 –741 241,187 –4,340 11,226 8,944 251,271 141,769 –2,311 0 0 0 0 0 11,019 0 11,019 9,533 18,303 102,018 –1,797 2,052 12,230 2,678 111,217 64,106 –994 323 11,286 31,893 –968 0 25,483 –19,770 36,581 1 0 0 0 684,293 –11,266 2,052 58,781 13,811 –226 719,823 294,948 –4,046 323 39,122 Financial assets 3,941 –55 0 –10 0 744 160,162 –2,649 13,414 12,110 0 158,817 Assets 991,280 –19,838 2,042 71,702 13,414 14,458 12,110 –172 –172 4,218 1,031,859 8,393 873 0 –5 0 0 0 0 359,665 –6,570 323 50,141 07/01/2016 06/30/2017 07/01/2016 116,986 28,700 –891 –699 Intangible assets 145,686 –1,590 7,306 –1 7,305 1,378 114,883 0 28,000 1,378 142,883 50,588 –799 0 0 50,588 –799 295,023 –2,355 21 16,213 9,092 309,195 89,122 –637 230,095 –3,260 3 11,399 9,788 241,187 130,573 –2,150 0 0 0 1 0 12,632 0 12,632 9,140 17,686 94,145 649 27 10,554 545 102,018 59,225 902 –1 9,846 38,298 –1,182 0 15,952 –20,803 31,893 2 –1 657,561 –6,148 51 54,118 19,911 –1,378 684,293 278,922 –1,886 155,904 –3,817 0 24,936 16,861 Financial assets 2,827 –41 1,858 Assets 961,979 –11,596 63,281 24,937 30,434 16,861 0 –76 –25 0 0 0 160,162 3,941 991,280 8,393 635 0 –6 338,539 –2,691 0 0 0 0 0 0 36,672 0 49 49,353 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 418 0 418 2,044 5,746 5,964 57 0 229 9,896 0 9,896 8,799 6,838 3,902 372 0 627 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 416 0 416 27 1,667 0 0 0 0 63,535 0 63,535 60,350 25,115 85,465 59,432 28,000 87,432 96,170 224,584 220,123 4,995 44 152,810 98,461 99,418 5,521 –44 69,156 42,061 37,912 1 27 12,184 0 253 280 0 0 12,600 6,966 0 6,966 8,561 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 195 195 0 0 0 0 0 –4 0 –4 7 0 36,581 31,892 318,136 401,687 389,345 8,393 150,424 151,769 615 3,603 3,069 390,680 641,179 631,615 06/30/2017 06/30/2017 06/30/2016 55,451 0 55,451 59,432 28,000 87,432 66,398 28,700 95,098 89,072 220,123 205,901 6,893 2,553 141,769 99,418 99,522 3,310 –2,556 64,106 37,912 34,920 0 18,764 0 0 25,731 0 4 0 0 0 1 31,892 38,296 294,948 389,345 378,639 8,393 151,769 147,511 873 3,069 2,192 359,665 631,615 623,440 4. Notes to the Balance Sheet | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | Annual Financial Statements 103 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/20184.1 Assets For the European and American markets, the key assump- The statement of changes in fixed assets contains a break- tions on which corporate planning is based include as- down of assets summarized in the balance sheet and shows sumptions about price trends for seed, in addition to the how they changed in 2017/2018. development of market shares and the regulatory frame- 4.2 Intangible assets work. Company-internal projections take the assumptions of industry-specific market analyses and company-related This item includes purchased varieties, rights to varieties growth perspectives into account. and distribution rights, software licenses for electronic data processing and goodwill. The current additions of €12,177 The discount rate at the KWS Group has been derived as (7,305) thousand related to software licenses and patents. the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) and for the Amortization of intangible assets amounted to €11,019 cash-generating units is 4.85% (4.66%) after tax. A growth (12,632) thousand. rate of 1.5% (1.5%) has been assumed here beyond the detailed planning horizon in order to allow for extrapolation One major intangible asset is the trait licensing agree- in line with the expected inflation rate. ment. Its carrying amount at the balance sheet date was €20,614 thousand. Its remaining useful life is 12 years. The impairment tests conducted at the end of fiscal year 2017/2018 confirmed that the existing goodwill is not In order to meet the requirements of IFRS 3 in combination impaired. The Business Unit Corn America carries good- with IAS 36, and to determine any impairment of goodwill, will totaling €14,903 (17,780) thousand. The Business Unit cash-generating units have been defined in line with inter- Corn Europe/Asia carries goodwill totaling €6,306 (6,304) nal budgeting and reporting processes. In the KWS Group, thousand. Some €3,906 (3,916) thousand of the goodwill is these are the Business Units. To test for impairment, the carried by the Business Unit Cereals. Sensitivity analyses carrying amount of each Business Unit is determined by were also carried out for all cash-generating units to which allocating the assets and liabilities, including attributable goodwill is allocated. In our opinion, realistic changes in the goodwill and intangible assets. An impairment loss is basic assumptions would not result in the need to recog- recognized if the recoverable amount of a Business Unit is nize an impairment loss at any cash-generating unit whose less than its carrying amount. The recoverable amount is the goodwill is significant relative to the total carrying amount of higher of the fair value less costs to sell and the value in use goodwill. of a cash-generating unit. The impairment tests to be carried out for fiscal 2017/2018 determine the recoverable amount on the basis of the value in use of the respective cash- generating unit. The impairment test uses the expected future cash flows on which the medium-term plans of the companies, which are grouped in segments, are based; these plans, which cover a period of four years, have been approved by the Executive Board. They are based on historical patterns and expecta- tions about future market development. 104 Annual Financial Statements | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | 4. Notes to the Balance Sheet Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS Group4.3 Property, plant and equipment Capital expenditure amounted to €58,781 (54,118) thousand and depreciation amounted to €39,122 (36,672) thousand. The main focus of our capital spending in the year under Disclosures on equity­accounted joint ventures (with the partner Vilmorin) in € thousand 06/30/2018 06/30/2017 Stake in the joint venture 50% 50% 302,250 341,140 (26,144) 254,586 296,704 (27,700) 191,468 265,560 (156,730) (88,998) 1,656 258,476 129,238 8,802 138,040 545,536 22,867 21,696 21,696 10,848 10,848 22,006 2,570 264,478 132,239 8,802 141,041 631,904 18,765 44,364 44,364 22,182 22,182 32,508 review was on erecting and expanding production and Current assets research & development capacities. Among other things, expansion of sugarbeet seed production was continued in Germany. In addition, expansion of our laboratory capacities was also launched there. Drying and production capacities for corn seed were increased in South America as well. The gross carrying amount of the property, plant and equipment that has already been written down in full, but not yet used, is €154,691 thousand. Property, plant and equipment to an amount of €1,926 (€2,299) thousand are held as security for liabilities. 4.4 Equity­accounted financial assets Equity­accounted joint ventures The joint ventures AGRELIANT GENETICS LLC. and AGRELIANT GENETICS INC., which KWS operates together with its joint venture partner Vilmorin, are recognized at equity. In the year under review, AGRELIANT GENETICS LLC. was classified as a significant joint venture. From the Group perspective, AGRELIANT GENETICS INC. was classified as an insignificant joint venture. Thereof cash and cash equivalents1 Noncurrent assets Current liabilities Thereof current financial liabilities (excluding trade payables and other liabilities and provisions) Noncurrent liabilities Net assets (100%) Group share of net assets (50%) Goodwill Carrying amount for the stake in the joint ventures Net sales Depreciation and amortization Net income for the year Comprehensive income (100%) Comprehensive income (50%) Group share of comprehensive income Dividend payment The two joint ventures are operating units. The main business 1 Thereof AGRELIANT GENETICS LLC.: €9,256 (€12,721). activity of the two joint ventures is the production and sale of corn and soybean seed in North America. The following disclosures on the joint ventures are only slightly influenced by the insignificant joint venture. If individual items of the information presented are materially influenced by the insignificant joint venture, this information is presented separately. 4. Notes to the Balance Sheet | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | Annual Financial Statements 105 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018Equity­accounted associated companies 4.7 Noncurrent tax assets The disclosures on insignificant associated companies For the previous year, this figure was €2,011 thousand and in accordance with IFRS 12.21 (c) in conjunction with mainly relates to the present value of the corporate income IFRS 12. B16 are as follows: Disclosures on insignificant associated companies accounted for using the equity method in € thousand 06/30/2018 06/30/2017 Carrying amount for the stake in insignificant associated companies ( aggregated) Net income for the year Other comprehensive income Comprehensive income (100%) 12,344 5,236 0 5,236 10,726 5,761 0 5,761 In the year under review, this relates to our Chinese joint venture KENFENG – KWS SEED CO. LTD., which is carried in the KWS Group’s consolidated financial statements as an tax credit balance of the German group companies, which was last determined at December 31, 2006, and has been paid in ten equal annual amounts since September 30, 2008. 4.8 Inventories and biological assets Inventories and biological assets in € thousand Raw materials and consumables Work in progress Immature biological assets Finished goods 06/30/2018 06/30/2017 20,524 58,979 14,339 101,477 195,319 21,965 58,051 13,562 114,903 208,481 associated company in accordance with the equity method. Inventories and biological assets decreased by €13,162 thou- sand, or 6.3%, a figure that includes cumulative 4.5 Proportionately consolidated joint operations impairment losses on the net realizable value totaling Joint operations are based on joint arrangements that €63,992 (54,344) thousand. Immature biological assets relate always exist when the KWS Group jointly conducts to living plants in the process of growing (before harvest). The operations managed together with a third party pursuant to field inventories of the previous year have been harvested a contractual agreement. The operation is jointly managed in full and the fields have been newly tilled in the year under only if decisions on significant activities require the unanimous review. Public subsidies of €1,289 (1,275) thousand, for which consent of the parties involved. The assets and liabilities all the requirements were met at the balance sheet date, were and revenue and expenses from the joint operations are granted for the total area under cultivation of 4,387 (4,308) ha included proportionately (at 50%) in the consolidated and were recognized in income. Future public subsidies financial statements. The main activity of the proportionately depend on the further development of European agricultural consolidated GENECTIVE S.A. is development of its own policy. traits for genetically improving crops. 4.6 Financial assets Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries totaling Current receivables 4.9 Current receivables €155 (330) thousand and shares in cooperatives, GmbHs and other securities classified as noncurrent assets that are of minor significance are reported, in principle, at their amortized cost totaling €471 (689) thousand since the fair value cannot be reliably determined. This account also includes other interest-bearing loans totaling €85 (144) thou- sand. MLS Capital Fund II has been carried at a fair value of €2,637 (1,603) thousand. The other financial assets totaling €257 (303) thousand are reported at their amortized cost, since the fair value cannot be reliably determined. in € thousand Trade receivables Current tax assets Other current financial assets Other current assets 06/30/2018 06/30/2017 310,141 302,571 56,772 52,922 18,694 59,975 40,573 12,064 438,529 415,183 106 Annual Financial Statements | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | 4. Notes to the Balance Sheet Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS GroupTrade receivables were €310,141 thousand following €302,571 thousand in the previous year. This amount includes €5,757 (1,819) thousand in receivables from joint ventures and joint operations. Development of trade receivables in € thousand Of which: neither written down nor overdue on the balance sheet date Carrying amount Of which: not written down on the balance sheet date and overdue in the following time frames 1–90 days 91–180 days 181–360 days >360 days Of which: written down and not overdue on the balance sheet date 06/30/2018 Trade receivables 310,141 272,111 22,720 1,146 1,947 Other current financial assets 06/30/2017 52,922 363,063 37,786 0 0 0 309,897 22,720 1,146 1,947 1 0 1 Trade receivables 302,571 264,486 26,984 1,284 1,051 398 Other current financial assets 40,573 343,144 33,688 1 0 0 0 298,174 26,985 1,284 1,051 398 3,454 0 3,454 4,249 0 4,249 The already overdue trade receivables that have been partly written down amount to a net total of €8,762 (4,119) thousand. In addition, specific bad-debt allowances for receivables from customers in Middle East were recognized to an amount of €8,671 thousand due to political uncertainties. There are no indications on the balance sheet date that customers who owe trade receivables that have not been written down and are not overdue will not meet their pay- ment obligations. 4. Notes to the Balance Sheet | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | Annual Financial Statements 107 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018The following allowances have mainly been made for possi- ble risks of nonpayment of trade receivables: Change in allowances on receivables in € thousand 2017/2018 2016/2017 07/01 Addition Disposal Reversal 26,543 26,736 11,165 4,469 206 2,213 5,506 2,449 06/30 31,996 26,543 The receivables include an amount of €606 (639) thousand The other reserves and net retained profit essentially due after more than one year. 4.10 Securities comprise the net income generated in the past by the companies included in the consolidated financial state- ments, minus dividends paid to shareholders, and the net Securities amounting to €18,282 (9,455) thousand relate retained profit. The differences from currency translation, primarily to debt securities and fund shares. the reserve for available-for-sale financial assets and the reserve for revaluation of net liabilities/assets from 4.11 Cash and cash equivalents defined benefit plans, as well as the reserve for currency Cash and cash equivalents of €174,300 (181,913) thousand trans lation for equity-accounted financial assets, are also consists of balances with banks and cash on hand. The cash carried here. flow statement explains the change in this item compared with the previous year, together with the change in securities. Differences from translation of the functional currency of 4.12 Equity foreign business operations into the currency used by the group in reporting (euro) are carried in the item Adjust- The fully paid-up subscribed capital of KWS SAAT SE ments from currency translation. The item Revaluation is still €19,800 thousand. The no-par bearer shares are of net liabilities/assets from defined benefit plans and certificated by a global certificate for 6,600,000 shares. associated planned assets includes the actuarial gains The company does not hold any shares of its own. and losses from pensions and other employee benefits. The capital reserves essentially comprise the premium equity-accounted foreign business units into the currency obtained as part of share issues. used by the Group in reporting (euro) are essentially Differences from translation of the functional currency of carried in the reserve for currency translation for equity- accounted financial assets. 108 Annual Financial Statements | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | 4. Notes to the Balance Sheet Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS Group The tax effects on other comprehensive income are as follows: Other comprehensive income in € thousand Items that may have to be subsequently reclassified as profit or loss Revaluation of available-for-sale financial assets Currency translation difference for economically independent foreign units Currency translation difference from equity-accounted financial assets Items not reclassified as profit or loss Revaluation of net liabilities/assets from defined benefit plans Other comprehensive income 2017/2018 2016/2017 Before taxes Tax effect After taxes Before taxes Tax effect After taxes –31,238 –64 –31,302 –17,323 325 –64 261 –312 –28,913 –2,650 –3,712 –3,712 –34,950 0 0 1,270 1,270 1,206 –28,913 –13,194 –2,650 –2,442 –2,442 –33,744 –3,817 12,158 12,184 –5,165 50 50 0 0 –3,699 –3,706 –3,649 –17,273 –262 –13,194 –3,817 8,459 8,478 –8,814 The objective of KWS’ capital management activities is term. Equity increased by €44,787 thousand to €881,783 to pursue the interests of shareholders and employees in (836,996) thousand. This figure includes a reduction of accordance with the corporate strategy and earn a reason- €31,564 thousand (previous year: reduction of €17,011 thou- able return on investment. One main goal is to retain the trust sand) in the reserve for currency translation for foreign sub- of investors, lenders and the market, so as to strengthen sidiaries and equity-accounted joint ventures and associated the company’s future business development. KWS’ capital companies. Please refer to the statement of changes in equity management activities intend to optimize the average cost for further effects not recognized in the income statement. of capital. Another goal is a balanced mix of equity and debt capital. Consolidated income (after taxes and minority An important indicator in capital management is the equity interests) is €99,521 (97,549) thousand. However, there ratio. It was 58.1% (56.0%) at June 30, 2018, and thus at a was a total dividend payout of €21,120 (19,800) thousand in good and solid level. The capital structure is as follows: December 2017. This ensures the adequate internal financ- ing of further operating business expansion in the long Capital structure in € thousand Equity Long-term financial borrowings Other noncurrent liabilities Short-term borrowings Other noncurrent liabilities Total capital 06/30/2018 881,783 168,698 165,625 61,287 240,288 1,517,681 Share of total capital 58.1% Share of total capital 56.0% 06/30/2017 836,996 200,828 158,057 39,065 260,279 1,495,225 4. Notes to the Balance Sheet | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | Annual Financial Statements 109 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018 The focus in selecting financial instruments is on financing The other provisions mainly comprise provisions by the with matching maturities, which is achieved by controlling German companies for semi-retirement and loyalty bonuses. the maturities. Long-term financial borrowings fell by €32,130 thousand (previous year: decrease of €27,884 thou- The pension provisions are based on defined benefit obliga- sand). This is mainly due to the decrease in long-term tions, determined by years of service and pensionable com- financial loans from banks. pensation. They are measured using the projected unit credit 4.13 Minority interest method under IAS 19 (2011), on the basis of assumptions about future developments. The assumptions in detail are The KWS Group does not have any minority interests that that wages and salaries in Germany will increase by 3.00% are assessed as being significant. (3.00%) annually, in the U.S. by 3.75% (3.75%) annually and 4.14 Noncurrent liabilities in the rest of the world by 2.00% to 3.00% (1.80% to 3.00%) annually. An annual increase in pensions of 2.00% (2.00%) Noncurrent liabilities fell by €24,562 thousand (previous is assumed in Germany. The discount rate in Germany was year: decrease of €34,768 thousand). This is mainly due to 1.65% compared with 1.90% the year before, 4.15% in the the decrease in long-term financial loans from banks. U.S. compared with 3.75% the year before, and between 1.45% and 3.15% (1.65% and 3.15%) in the rest of the world. Noncurrent liabilities in € thousand 06/30/2018 06/30/2017 The following mortality tables were used at June 30, 2018: Long-term provisions Long-term borrowings Trade payables Deferred tax liabilities Other noncurrent financial liabilities Other noncurrent liabilities 127,833 168,698 968 19,342 288 17,194 125,408 200,828 1,217 12,721 1,306 17,405 334,323 358,885 ■■ In Germany: The 2018 G mortality table of Klaus Heubeck ■■ Abroad: Mainly RP-2014 Mortality Table Projection Scale MP-2017 and INSEE TD/TV 13-15 Due to the change in actuarial assumptions in keeping with the 2018 G mortality table of Klaus Heubeck, there is an increase in the pension provisions of €1,636 thousand, which was recognized directly in equity. The trade payables and other long-term liabilities are due for A retirement age of 63 years is imputed for Germany, a payment in between one and five (one and five) years. retirement age of 65 years is imputed for the U.S. and a retirement age of 66 years is imputed for France. Long­term provisions in € thousand 06/30/2017 Changes in the consoli­ dated group, currency Interest expenses from com­ pounding Pension provisions Tax provisions Other provisions 111,897 1,698 11,813 125,408 –121 –14 0 –135 2,380 0 87 2,467 06/30/2018 Adjust­ ment not affecting profit or loss 3,712 0 0 3,712 Addition 649 914 1,260 2,823 Consump­ tion Reversal 4,396 1,053 979 6,428 0 0 13 13 114,121 1,545 12,168 127,834 110 Annual Financial Statements | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | 4. Notes to the Balance Sheet Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS Group Nature and scope of the pension benefits The pension plans are mainly subject to the following risks: In Germany Investment and return The following benefits are provided under a company agree- The present value of the defined benefit obligation from the ment relating to the company retirement pension program: pension plan is calculated using a discount rate defined on the basis of the returns on high-quality fixed-income corpo- ■■ An old-age pension at the age of 65 rate bonds. If the income from the planned assets is below ■■ An early retirement pension before the age of 65, coupled this rate of interest, the result is a shortfall in the plan. The with benefits from the early retirement pension from the corporate bonds and share funds are chosen to ensure risk statutory pension insurance program diversification and managed by an external fund manager. ■■ An invalidity pension for persons who suffer from occu- pational disability or incapacity to work as defined by the Change in interest rates statutory pension insurance program The fall in the returns on corporate bonds and thus the dis- ■■ A widow’s or widower’s pension count rate will result in an increase in the obligations, which is only partly compensated for by a change in the value of For benefit obligations backed by a guarantee by an in- the planned assets. surance company toward three former members of the Executive Board, the planned assets of €10,061 (9,428) thou- Life expectancy sand corres pond to the present value of the obligation. In The present value of the defined benefit obligation from the accordance with IAS 19 (2011), the pension commitments are plan is calculated on the basis of the best-possible estimate netted off against the corresponding assets (planned assets). using mortality tables. An increase in the life expectancy of the entitled employees results in an increase in the plan Abroad liabilities. The defined benefit obligations abroad mainly relate to pension commitments in the U.S. Share funds and bonds Salary and pension trends were mainly invested as planned assets to cover them. All The present value of the defined benefit obligation from the employees who have reached the age of 21 are entitled to plan is calculated on the basis of future salaries/ pensions. benefits. In addition, each employee must have worked at Consequently, increases in the salary and pension of least one year and at least 1,000 working hours to earn an the entitled employees results in an increase in the plan entitlement. liabilities. The following benefits are granted from the pension plan: In previous years, KWS countered the usual risks of direct obligations by converting the pension obligations from ■■ An old-age pension at the age of 65 defined benefit to defined contribution plans. As a result, ■■ An early retirement pension before the age of 65 – to be subsequent benefits will be provided by a provident fund eligible, the employee must be at least 55 and the mini- backed by a guarantee. The existing obligations, which are mum vesting period is 5 years partly covered by planned assets, are funded from the oper- ■■ A pro-rata pension if the employee reaches the minimum ating cash flow and are subject to the familiar measurement vesting period of 5 years, but is below 55 risks. 4. Notes to the Balance Sheet | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | Annual Financial Statements 111 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018 The tables below show the changes in the accrued benefit and planned assets: Changes in accrued benefit entitlements in € thousand 2017/2018 2016/2017 Germany Abroad Total Germany Abroad Total Accrued benefit entitlements from retirement obligations on July 1 Service cost Interest expense Actuarial gains (–)/losses (+) of which due to a change in financial assumptions used for calculation of which due to experience adjustments Pension payments made Exchange rate changes Other changes in value Accrued benefit entitlements from retirement obligations on June 30 Change in planned assets in € thousand Fair value of the planned assets on July 1 Interest income Income from planned assets excluding amounts already recognized as interest income Pension payments made Exchange rate changes Other changes in value Fair value of the planned assets on June 30 113,345 23,680 137,025 126,607 23,262 149,869 809 2,105 6,656 1,359 800 –1,180 2,168 2,905 5,476 993 1,613 –10,925 1,186 736 –521 2,179 2,349 –11,446 6,116 –1,201 4,915 –10,953 –1,020 –11,973 540 –4,987 21 –589 –428 0 561 –5,576 –428 0 28 –4,943 499 –534 –449 0 527 –5,477 –449 0 117,928 23,642 141,570 113,345 23,680 137,025 Germany Abroad Total Germany Abroad Total 2017/2018 2016/2017 9,428 173 1,086 –626 15,700 25,128 10,217 13,221 23,438 552 725 129 437 566 678 –511 –305 1,274 1,764 –1,137 –305 1,274 –312 –606 1,024 –525 –284 1,827 712 –1,131 –284 1,827 10,061 17,388 27,449 9,428 15,700 25,128 In order to allow reconciliation with the figures in the balance sheet, the accrued benefit must be netted off with the planned assets. Reconciliation with the balance sheet values for pensions in € thousand 2017/2018 2016/2017 Germany Abroad Total Germany Abroad Total Accrued benefit entitlements from retirement obligations on June 30 Fair value of the planned assets on June 30 Balance sheet values on June 30 117,928 23,642 141,570 113,345 23,680 137,025 10,061 107,867 17,388 6,254 27,449 114,121 9,428 103,917 15,700 25,128 7,980 111,897 112 Annual Financial Statements | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | 4. Notes to the Balance Sheet Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS GroupThe following amounts were recognized in the statement of comprehensive income: Effects on the statement of comprehensive income in € thousand Service cost Net interest expense (+)/income (–) Amounts recognized in the income statement Gains (–)/losses (+) from revaluation of the planned assets (excluding amounts already recognized as interest income) Actuarial gains (–)/losses (+) due to a change in financial assumptions used for calculation Actuarial gains (–)/losses (+) due to experience adjustments Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income Total (amounts recognized in the statement of comprehensive income) 2017/2018 Germany Abroad 809 2,105 1,359 800 Total 2,168 2,905 Germany Abroad 993 1,484 1,186 298 2016/2017 Total 2,179 1,782 2,914 2,159 5,073 2,477 1,484 3,962 –1,086 –678 –1,764 312 –1,024 –712 6,116 –1,201 4,915 –10,953 –1,020 –11,973 540 21 561 28 499 527 5,570 –1,858 3,712 –10,613 –1,545 –12,158 8,484 301 8,785 –8,136 –60 –8,196 The service cost is recognized in operating income in the The fair value of the planned assets was split over the respective functional areas by means of an appropriate following investment categories: formula. Net interest expenses and income are carried in the interest result. Breakdown of the planned assets by investment category Germany Abroad Germany Abroad in € thousand Corporate bonds Equity funds Consumer industry Finance Industry Technology Health care Other 2017/2018 Total 4,755 11,456 4,755 11,456 1,964 1,475 1,393 2,346 1,297 2,981 1,177 17,388 2016/2017 Total 4,198 10,455 1,047 9,428 4,198 10,455 1,863 1,139 1,127 1,882 1,367 3,077 1,047 15,700 25,128 Cash and cash equivalents Reinsurance policies Planned assets on June 30 10,061 10,061 1,177 10,061 27,449 9,428 9,428 The planned assets abroad relate mainly to the U.S. The following sensitivity analysis at June 30, 2018, shows There is no active market for the reinsurance policies in Ger- change in the actuarial assumptions. No correlations between many. There is an active market for the other planned assets: the individual assumptions were taken into account in this, the fair value can be derived from their stock market prices. i. e., if an assumption varies, the other assumptions were kept A total of 83.8% (previous year: 84.1%) of the corporate bonds constant. The projected unit credit method used to calculate have an AAA rating. the balance sheet values was also used in the sensitivity how the present value of the obligation would change given a analysis. 4. Notes to the Balance Sheet | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | Annual Financial Statements 113 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018 Sensitivity analysis in € thousand Discount rate Anticipated annual pay increases Anticipated annual pension increase Life expectancy Effect on obligation in 2017/2018 Effect on obligation in 2016/2017 Change in assumption +/– 100 basis points +/– 50 basis points +/– 25 basis points +/– 1 year Decrease Increase 26,184 –20,535 –1,229 1,327 –4,264 –5,945 4,434 6,049 Change in assumption +/– 100 basis points +/– 50 basis points +/– 25 basis points +/– 1 year Decrease Increase 25,306 –19,851 –1,220 1,315 –4,126 –4,883 4,287 4,978 The following undiscounted payments for pensions (with their due dates) are expected in the following years: Anticipated payments for pensions Anticipated payments for pensions in €  thousand 2018/2019 2019/2020 2020/2021 2021/2022 2022/2023 2023/2024– 2027/2028 2017/2018 in €  thousand Germany Abroad 5,233 5,273 5,138 5,057 5,031 798 774 1,008 947 1,086 Total 6,031 6,047 6,145 6,004 6,116 24,640 6,175 30,814 2017/2018 2018/2019 2019/2020 2020/2021 2021/2022 2022/2023– 2026/2027 Germany Abroad 5,123 5,045 5,136 5,011 4,972 698 788 795 981 960 2016/2017 Total 5,820 5,833 5,931 5,992 5,933 24,355 6,050 30,406 The weighted average time at which the pension obligations obligations above and beyond payment of the contributions are due is 15.5 (15.4) years in Germany and 17.3 (17.1) years (defined contribution plans). These comprise benefits that abroad. are funded solely by the employer and allowances for con- version of earnings by employees. Defined contribution plans Apart from the above-described pension obligations, there The total pension costs for fiscal 2017/2018 were as follows: are other old-age pension systems. However, no provi- sions have to be set up for them, since there are no further Pension costs in € thousand Germany Abroad Cost for defined contribution plans 3,189 1,870 Service cost for the defined benefit obligations Pension costs 809 3,998 1,359 3,229 2017/2018 2016/2017 Total 5,059 2,168 7,227 Germany Abroad 3,080 1,600 993 4,073 1,186 2,786 Total 4,680 2,179 6,859 114 Annual Financial Statements | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | 4. Notes to the Balance Sheet Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS GroupIn addition, contributions of €14,417 thousand (previous year: interest of between 0.9% and 2.25%. In addition, the benefit €13,955 thousand) were paid to statutory pension insurance obligation from salary conversion was backed by a guaran- institutions. tee that exactly matches the present value of the obligation of €4,322 (3,928) thousand. The costs for defined contribution plans in Germany mainly related to the provident fund backed by a guarantee. The The long-term financial borrowings include loans from banks contributions to this pension plan were €2,201 (3,080) thou- amounting to €168,698 (200,828) thousand. They have re- sand. The return and income from the planned assets maining maturities through 2028. depend on the reinsurance policy, which yields guaranteed 4.15 Current liabilities Current liabilities in € thousand Short­term provisions Current liabilities to banks Current financial liabilities to affiliates Other current financial liabilities Short­term borrowings Trade payables to affiliates Trade payables to joint ventures Other trade payables Trade payables Tax liabilities Other current financial liabilities Other current liabilities Short­term provisions 06/30/2018 06/30/2017 42,311 60,536 65 686 72,774 38,782 65 218 61,287 39,065 2,903 56 72,762 75,721 39,171 11,288 71,797 1,266 65 74,069 75,400 25,620 16,318 70,167 301,575 299,344 in € thousand 06/30/2017 06/30/2018 Changes in the consoli­ dated group, currency Addition Consump­ tion Reversal Obligations from sales transactions 64,409 –1,995 27,052 53,904 1,736 33,826 Obligations from purchase transactions Other obligations 1,594 6,771 72,774 –2 135 943 5,394 1,508 4,320 –1,862 33,389 59,732 20 502 2,258 1,007 7,478 42,311 The obligations from sales transactions essentially relate The tax liabilities of €39,171 (25,620) thousand include to provisions for licenses and returns. The obligations from amounts for the year under review and the period not yet purchase transactions include provisions for procurement concluded by the external tax audit. transactions, such as compensation for breeding areas. The other obligations relate to litigation risks and other provisions that cannot be assigned to the group of sales transactions or the group of purchase transactions. 4. Notes to the Balance Sheet | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | Annual Financial Statements 115 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/20184.16 Derivative financial instruments Hedging transactions in € thousand Currency hedges Interest-rate hedges Commodity hedges 06/30/2018 06/30/2017 Nominal volume Carrying amounts Fair value Nominal volume Carrying amounts Fair value 199,505 34,000 0 233,505 3,129 –223 0 2,906 3,129 –223 0 162,977 34,000 182 –1,881 –311 5 –1,881 –311 5 2,906 197,159 –2,187 –2,187 Of the currency hedges, hedges with a nominal volume of would be received to sell the asset or minimizes the amount €199,505 (153,196) thousand have a remaining maturity of that would be paid to transfer the liability, after taking into less than one year, and hedges with a nominal volume of account transaction costs, is used. These are active and €0 (9,781) thousand have a remaining maturity of between accessible markets for identical assets and liabilities, where one and five years. Of the interest-rate derivatives, hedges the fair value results from quoted prices that are observ- with a nominal volume of €34,000 (34,000) thousand will able (level 1 input factors). At the KWS Group, this relates mature within one to five years. No commodity hedges were to securities in the category “available-for-sale financial concluded in the current fiscal year. assets,” as well as fund shares at banks and other financial assets whose price is likewise quoted in active markets. 4.17 Financial instruments In general, the fair values of financial assets and liabilities The level 2 input factors relate to derivative financial instru- are calculated on the basis of the market data available on ments that have been concluded between KWS companies the balance sheet date and are assigned to one of the three and banks. The prices can thus be derived indirectly from hierarchy levels in accordance with IFRS 13. The principal active market prices for similar assets and liabilities. The market, i. e., the market with the largest volume of trading level 3 input factors cannot be derived from observable and the greatest business activity, is used to calculate the market information. fair value. If this market does not exist for the asset or liabil- ities in question, the market that maximizes the amount that 116 Annual Financial Statements | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | 4. Notes to the Balance Sheet Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS GroupThe carrying amounts and fair values of the financial assets (financial instruments), split into the measurement categories in accordance with IAS 39, are as follows: 06/30/2018 in € thousand Financial assets Financial assets Other noncurrent financial assets of which derivative financial instruments Trade receivables Securities Cash and cash equivalents Other current financial assets of which derivative financial instruments Total 06/30/2017 in € thousand Financial assets Financial assets Other noncurrent financial assets of which derivative financial instruments Trade receivables Securities Cash and cash equivalents Other current financial assets of which derivative financial instruments Total Fair values 3,605 1 (1) 310,141 18,282 174,300 52,922 (5,303) 559,251 Fair values 3,069 32 (32) 302,571 9,455 181,913 40,573 (1,653) 537,613 Financial instruments Carrying amounts Loans and receivables Financial assets held for trading Available-for-sale financial assets Total carrying amount 0 0 (0) 310,141 0 174,300 47,619 (0) 532,060 0 1 (1) 0 0 0 5,303 (5,303) 5,304 3,605 3,605 0 (0) 0 18,282 0 0 (0) 21,887 1 (1) 310,141 18,282 174,300 52,922 (5,303) 559,251 Financial instruments Carrying amounts Loans and receivables Financial assets held for trading Available-for-sale financial assets Total carrying amount 0 0 (0) 302,571 0 181,913 38,920 (0) 523,404 0 32 (32) 0 0 0 1,653 (1,653) 1,685 3,069 3,069 0 (0) 0 9,455 0 0 (0) 12,524 32 (32) 302,571 9,455 181,913 40,573 (1,653) 537,613 4. Notes to the Balance Sheet | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | Annual Financial Statements 117 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018It is assumed that the carrying amounts are the same as the The fair value of derivative financial instruments is the pres- fair values. In addition, the financial assets include securities ent values of the payments related to these balance sheet classified as noncurrent assets, whose fair value is measured items. These instruments are mainly forward exchange deals. by their prices on the stock market (level 1). They are measured on the basis of quoted exchange rates and yield curves available from the market data and allowing The fair value of trade receivables, other current financial for counterparty risks (level 2). assets and cash and cash equivalents is the same as the carrying amounts as a result of the short time in which these The carrying amounts and fair values of the financial lia- instruments are due. bilities (financial instruments), split into the measurement categories in accordance with IAS 39, are as follows: The fair values of securities classified as current assets are based on the price for them quoted on active markets (level 1). 06/30/2018 in € thousand Fair values Financial instruments Carrying amounts Financial liabilities measured at amortized cost Financial liabilities held for trading Financial liabilities Long-term borrowings Long-term trade payables Other noncurrent financial liabilities of which derivative financial instruments Short-term borrowings Short-term trade payables Other current financial liabilities of which derivative financial instruments 171,032 168,698 968 288 (223) 61,287 75,721 11,288 (2,174) 968 65 (0) 61,287 75,721 9,114 (0) Total 320,584 315,853 0 0 223 (223) 0 0 2,174 (2,174) 2,397 Total carrying amount 168,698 968 288 (223) 61,287 75,721 11,288 (2,174) 318,250 118 Annual Financial Statements | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | 4. Notes to the Balance Sheet Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS Group 06/30/2017 in € thousand Fair values Financial instruments Carrying amounts Financial liabilities measured at amortized cost Financial liabilities held for trading Financial liabilities Long-term borrowings Long-term trade payables Other noncurrent financial liabilities of which derivative financial instruments Short-term borrowings Short-term trade payables Other current financial liabilities of which derivative financial instruments 204,649 1,217 1,306 (851) 39,065 75,400 16,318 (3,022) 200,828 1,217 455 (0) 39,065 75,400 13,296 (0) Total 337,955 330,261 0 0 851 (851) 0 0 3,022 (3,022) 3,873 Total carrying amount 200,828 1,217 1,306 (851) 39,065 75,400 16,318 (3,022) 334,134 The fair value of long-term borrowings was calculated on the None of the reported financial instruments will be held to basis of discounted cash flows. To enable that, interest rates maturity. for comparable transactions and yield curves were used (level 2). The table below shows the financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value: Due to the generally short times by which trade payables and other financial liabilities (excluding derivatives) are due, it is assumed that their carrying amounts are equal to the fair value. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value in € thousand 06/30/2018 06/30/2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Derivative financial instruments not part of a hedge under IAS 39 Available-for-sale financial assets Financial assets Derivative financial instruments not part of a hedge under IAS 39 Financial liabilities 0 5,304 21,863 0 21,863 5,304 0 0 2,397 2,397 0 0 0 0 0 5,304 0 1,685 21,863 12,182 0 27,167 12,182 1,685 2,397 2,397 0 0 3,873 3,873 0 0 0 0 0 1,685 12,182 13,867 3,873 3,873 4. Notes to the Balance Sheet | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | Annual Financial Statements 119 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018 The table below presents the net gains/losses carried in the In order to control the credit risk resulting from receivables income statement for financial instruments in each measure- from customers, a regular creditworthiness analysis is ment category: Net gain/losses of financial instruments in € thousand 06/30/2018 06/30/2017 Available-for-sale financial assets Financial assets held for trading Loans and receivables Financial liabilities measured at amortized cost Financial liabilities held for trading conducted by the responsible credit manager in accor- dance with the credit volume. Security is available for some of these receivables and is used depending on the local circumstances. This includes, in particular, credit insurance, down payments and guarantees. In general, reservation of ownership of goods is agreed with our customers. Credit limits are defined for all customers. Credit risks from financial transactions are controlled centrally by Corporate Finance/Treasury. In order to minimize risks, financial trans- 103 29 3,532 –2,829 –1,059 –68 –11,763 –11,251 actions are exclusively conducted within defined limits with banks and partners who always have an investment grade. 1,355 –2,506 Compliance with the risk limits is constantly monitored. The limits are adjusted depending on the credit volume only sub- ject to the approval of the regional or divisional management The net income from available-for-sale financial assets and the Executive Board. includes income from equity investments in cooperatives and income from securities. Liquidity is managed in the eurozone by the central Treasury unit using a cash-pooling system. Liquidity requirements are The net gains from financial assets held for trading and generally determined by means of cash planning and are financial liabilities held for trading solely comprise changes covered by cash and promised credit lines. in the market value of derivative financial instruments. The net gain/loss from loans and receivables mainly syndicated loan of €200 million runs until October 2021, includes effects from changes in the allowances for since the option of extending it was utilized. This loan There are unutilized credit lines totaling €251 million. The impairment. contains only one financial covenant, for which the dynamic gearing ratio is used as a financial indicator. Compliance The net losses from financial liabilities measured at amor- with the covenants is regularly reviewed by KWS SAAT SE’s tized cost result mainly from interest expense. Treasury unit and reported to the banks every quarter in connection with the quarterly and annual financial Interest income from financial assets that are not measured statements. at fair value and recognized in the income statement was €3,852 (2,900) thousand. Interest expenses for financial borrowings were €11,763 (11,251) thousand. 120 Annual Financial Statements | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | 4. Notes to the Balance Sheet Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS GroupThe table below shows the KWS Group’s liquidity analysis for nonderivative and derivative financial liabilities. The table is based on contractually agreed, undiscounted payment flows: Fiscal year 2017/2018 in € thousand Book value Liquidity analysis of financial liabilities 06/30/2018 06/30/2018 Total Financial liabilities Trade payables Other financial liabilities 262,115 226,921 76,938 14,227 76,689 14,227 Due in < 1 year 57,279 75,721 14,227 Due in > 1 year and < 5 years 166,302 968 0 Cash flows Due in > 5 years 3,340 0 Nonderivative financial liabilities 353,280 317,837 147,227 167,270 3,340 Payment claim Payment obligation Derivative financial liabilities 2,397 Fiscal year 2016/2017 in € thousand Book value 77,383 80,490 3,107 77,383 80,490 3,107 0 0 0 Liquidity analysis of financial liabilities 06/30/2017 06/30/2017 Total Financial liabilities Trade payables Other financial liabilities Nonderivative financial liabilities Payment claim Payment obligation 239,893 242,273 76,617 13,751 76,617 13,751 330,261 332,641 112,163 117,830 Derivative financial liabilities 3,873 5,667 Cash flows Due in > 5 years 28,493 0 Due in > 1 year and < 5 years 142,012 1,217 2 143,231 28,493 6,147 7,200 1,053 Due in < 1 year 71,768 75,400 13,749 160,917 106,016 110,630 4,614 The cash flows of the derivative financial liabilities mainly In order to assess the risk of exchange rate changes, the relate to forward exchange deals and include both inter- sensitivity of a currency to fluctuations was determined. est payments and redemption payments. These derivative After the euro, the US dollar is the most important currency financial instruments are settled in gross. in the KWS Group. All other currencies are of minor impor- The following sensitivity analyses show the impact on 1.19 (1.09) USD/EUR. If the US dollar depreciated by 10%, income and equity. The calculated figures relate to the port- the financial instruments would be worth €199 (192) thou- folio at the balance sheet date and show the hypothetical sand. If the US dollar appreciated by 10%, the financial tance. The average exchange rate in the fiscal year was effect for one year. instruments would have a value of €243 (234) thousand. The net income for the year and equity would change accordingly. 4. Notes to the Balance Sheet | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | Annual Financial Statements 121 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018Interest rate sensitivity is a measure for showing the interest 4.19 Other financial obligations rate risk. The variable-interest components of the KWS The obligations from uncompleted capital expenditure Group’s interest expenses and interest income were deter- projects, mainly relating to property, plant and equipment, mined to calculate it. An average rate of interest per Group and other commitments amount to €45,296 thousand company for the past fiscal year was then formed for all (€22,123 thousand). relevant investments and loans. This average rate of interest was then used in a scenario analysis to calculate the effects Obligations under rental agreements and leases on the interest result and equity if the interest rate increased by one percentage point (100 base points) or decreased by the same amount. That yielded the following results in the past fiscal year: An increase in the rate of interest of 1 per- centage point would result in additional interest expense of €0.2 million (previous year: expense of €0.5 million); equity would fall by €0.1 million (previous year: a fall of €0.3 million) in € thousand Due within one year Due between 1 and 5 years Due after 5 years 06/30/2018 06/30/2017 14,071 16,516 9,007 39,594 17,216 34,219 4,399 55,834 in the event of such a change in the rate of interest. A reduc- The leases relate primarily to full-service agreements for tion in the rate of interest of 1 percentage point would add a fleet vehicles, which also include services for which a total further €0.2 (0.5) million in income. Equity would increase by of €2,298 thousand was paid in the year under review €0.1 million (previous year: an increase of €0.3 million) in the (previous year: €4,620 thousand for IT equipment and fleet event of such a change in the rate of interest. vehicles). The main leasehold obligations relate to land 4.18 Contingent liabilities As in the previous year, there are no contingent liabilities to Other guarantees with respect to third parties amount to report at the balance sheet date. €48,808 (€25,856) thousand. The likelihood that these guar- under cultivation. antees will be utilized is seen as slight, based on the experi- ence of previous years. No claims have yet been made. 122 Annual Financial Statements | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | 4. Notes to the Balance Sheet Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS Group 5. Notes to the Income Statement Income statement in € millions Net sales Cost of sales Gross profit on sales Selling expenses Research & development expenses General and administrative expenses Other operating income Other operating expenses Operating income 2017/2018 % of sales 2016/2017 % of sales 1,068.0 100.0 1,075.2 446.1 621.9 201.5 197.7 95.8 65.7 60.0 132.6 41.8 58.2 18.9 18.5 9.0 6.2 5.6 12.4 493.9 581.3 200.7 190.3 79.8 69.7 48.6 131.6 100.0 45.9 54.1 18.7 17.7 7.4 6.5 4.5 12.2 Net financial income/expenses 5.4 0.5 16.6 1.5 Result of ordinary activities 138.0 12.9 148.2 13.8 Taxes Net income for the year Share of minority interest Net income after minority interest 5.1 Net sales and function costs By product category in € thousand Certified seed sales Royalties income Basic seed sales Services fee income Other sales 38.3 99.7 0.1 99.6 3.6 9.3 0.0 9.3 50.5 97.7 0.2 97.5 4.7 9.1 0.0 9.1 2017/2018 2016/2017 961,199 967,736 66,110 19,769 3,432 17,502 59,783 17,843 4,288 25,594 1,068,012 1,075,244 5. Notes to the Income Statement | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | Annual Financial Statements 123 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018By region in € thousand Germany Europe (excluding Germany) North and South America Rest of world 2017/2018 2016/2017 235,303 226,291 Selling expenses increased by €861 thousand to €201,537 (200,676) thousand, or 18.9% (18.7%) of sales. Research & development is recognized as an expense 504,985 464,283 in the year it is incurred; in the year under review, this 269,553 58,171 317,472 67,198 amounted to €197,696 (190,327) thousand. Development costs for new varieties are not recognized as an asset because evidence of future economic benefit can only be 1,068,012 1,075,244 provided after the variety has been officially certified. For further details of sales, see segment reporting. €15,960 thousand to €95,793 thousand, representing General and administrative expenses increased by The cost of sales decreased by 9.7% to €446,063 particular, due to the process of optimizing our organiza- (493,922) thousand, or 41.8% (45.9%) of sales. The key fac- tional structure. 9.0% of sales, after 7.4% the year before. They rose, in tors in this development were savings in license payments in the U.S. and higher net sales shares in regions with a relatively low cost of sales. The total cost of goods sold was €275,388 (289,427) thousand. The impairment losses on inventories and the decreases in the impairment loss, which are carried as a reduction in the cost of materials in the period, are as follows: July 1 to June 30 in € thousand Impairment losses Decreases in impair- ment loss 2017/2018 2016/2017 14,268 10,746 2,907 2,612 5.2 Other operating income July 1 to June 30 in € thousand Income from sales of fixed assets Income from the reversal of provisions Exchange rate gains and gains from currency and interest rate hedges Income from reversal of allowances on receivables Performance-based public grants Income relating to previous periods Income from loss compensation received Miscellaneous other operating income The other operating income mainly comprises foreign exchange gains and income from interest rate hedges as well as from government grants. The performance-based government grants mainly relate to breeding allowances and farm payments. 124 Annual Financial Statements | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | 5. Notes to the Income Statement 2017/2018 2016/2017 52 1,915 31,418 6,007 7,121 2,602 1,329 15,223 65,667 2,693 3,841 26,847 3,777 6,166 7,157 269 18,956 69,706 Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS Group 5.3 Other operating expenses July 1 to June 30 in € thousand Legal form expenses Allowances on receivables Counterparty default Exchange rate losses and losses on currency and interest rate hedges Losses from sales of fixed assets Expenses relating to previous periods Other expenses In the year under review, allowances for receivables and counterparty defaults of €2,529 (3,728) thousand were recognized as an expense in the Corn Segment, €9,925 (713) thousand in the Sugarbeet Segment and €234 (379) thousand in the Cereals Segment. 5.4 Net financial income/expenses July 1 to June 30 in € thousand Interest income Interest expenses Income from securities Income from other financial assets Write-down on securities Interest effects from pension provisions Interest expense for other long-term provisions Financial lease interest expense Interest result Result from equity-accounted financial assets Income from equity investments Income from write-ups of subsidiaries, joint ventures and participations Expenses from depreciation of shares of subsidiaries Net income from equity investments Net financial income/expenses 2017/2018 2016/2017 1,090 12,688 1,123 35,144 18 2,797 7,174 60,034 943 4,526 294 29,149 1,001 1,798 10,890 48,601 2017/2018 2016/2017 3,943 9,749 0 103 0 2,154 122 1 –7,980 13,414 0 0 0 13,414 5,434 3,043 9,510 32 26 32 1,794 71 3 –8,309 24,935 3 10 40 24,908 16,599 Net income from equity investments fell year on year by (–8,309) thousand, net financial income/expenses fell by €11,494 thousand. Income from equity-accounted financial €11,165 thousand to €5,434 (16,599) thousand. The interest assets decreased from €24,935 thousand to €13,414 thou- effects from pension provisions comprise interest expenses sand. Together with an interest result of €–7,980 (compounding) and the planned income. 5. Notes to the Income Statement | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | Annual Financial Statements 125 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018 5.5 Taxes Income tax expense is computed as follows: Income tax expenses in € thousand Actual income taxes In Germany Abroad Thereof from previous years Deferred taxes In Germany Abroad Income taxes 2017/2018 2016/2017 34,248 1,178 33,070 –4,275 4,085 5,677 –1,592 38,333 54,077 17,760 36,317 6,741 –3,599 –2,035 –1,564 50,478 KWS pays tax in Germany at a rate of 29.1%. Corporate in- time in December 2017. There is thus a carrying amount of come tax of 15.0% (15.0%) and solidarity tax of 5.5% (5.5%) €0 thousand at June 30, 2018 (previous year: €1,235 thou- are applied uniformly to distributed and retained profits. In sand). A total of €1,235 (1,235) thousand was recovered in addition, trade tax is payable on profits generated in Germany. the year under review and recognized directly in equity. Trade income tax is applied at a weighted average rate of 13.3% (13.2%), resulting in a total tax rate of 29.1% (29.0%). The profits generated by Group companies outside Germany are taxed at the rates applicable in the country in which they The “Law on Tax Measures Accompanying Introduction of are based. The tax rates in foreign countries vary between the Societas Europaea and Amending Further Tax Regu- 9.0% (10.0%) and 35.0% (39.0%). lations” (SEStEG), which was passed at the end of 2006, means that the corporate income tax credit balance at The deferred taxes that are recognized relate to the follow- December 31, 2006, can be realized. It was paid out in ten ing balance sheet items and tax loss carryforwards: equal annual amounts from 2008 to 2017, and for the last Deferred taxes in € thousand Intangible assets Property, plant and equipment Biological assets Financial assets Inventories Current assets Noncurrent liabilities of which pension provisions Current liabilities Deferred taxes recognized (gross) Tax loss carryforward Setting off Deferred taxes recognized (net) Deferred tax assets Deferred tax liabilities 2017/2018 2016/2017 2017/2018 2016/2017 480 366 0 1,383 15,971 1,785 20,344 2,706 86 0 279 11,702 5,341 26,892 (19,035) (20,495) 19,308 59,637 8,397 11,941 58,947 3,752 2,476 16,756 4 6,549 1,088 10,326 271 (92) 658 4,297 18,005 7 1,472 1,047 2,686 1,246 (1,241) 125 38,128 28,885 0 0 –18,787 –16,164 –18,787 –16,164 49,247 46,535 19,341 12,721 Due to the use of tax loss carryforwards and temporary There is a deferred tax expense of €684 (2,442) thousand differences on which no deferred taxes were recognized in from the allowance for deferred taxes on tax loss carryfor- the past, the actual tax expense fell by €13 (100) thousand. wards and temporary differences in the year under review. The write-up of deferred taxes results in deferred tax income of €320 (2,754) thousand. 126 Annual Financial Statements | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | 5. Notes to the Income Statement Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS Group No deferred taxes were formed for tax loss carryforwards made losses in the past period or the previous period. These totaling €17,704 (15,772) thousand that have not yet been were considered recoverable, since it is assumed that the utilized. Of these, €4,053 (4,591) thousand must be utilized companies in question will post taxable profits in the future. within a period of five years and €0 (2,251) thousand The fact is taken into account here that the KWS Group may within a period of nine years. Loss carryforwards totaling realize income with a delay due to the long-term nature of €13,650 (8,930) thousand can be utilized without any time research & development spending. limit. Deferred taxes were formed for all deductible temporary approximately €4,500 thousand resulting from a change in In addition, the company posted deferred tax income of differences. tax rates in the U.S., due to the tax reform there. The tax rate used to determine deferred taxes in the U.S. thus fell from No deferred taxes were recognized for temporary differences 37% to 26%. amounting to €35,633 (37,331) thousand related to shares in subsidiaries in keeping with IAS 12.39. The reconciliation of the expected income tax expense to In the year under review, there were surpluses of deferred tax the consolidated income before taxes and the nominal tax assets from temporary differences and loss carryforwards rate for the Group of 29.1% (29.0%), taking into account the totaling €20,913 (15,376) thousand at group companies that following effects. the reported income tax expense is derived on the basis of Reconciliation of income taxes in € thousand Earnings before income taxes Expected income tax expense1 Reconciliation with the reported income tax expense Differences from the Group’s tax rate Effects of changes in the tax rate Tax effects from: Expenses not deductible for tax purposes and other additions tax-free income other permanent deviations Reassessment of the recognition and measurement of deferred tax assets Tax credits Taxes relating to previous years Other effects Reported income tax expense Effective tax rate 1 Tax rate in Germany: 29.1% Other taxes, primarily real estate tax, are allocated to the relevant functions. 2017/2018 2016/2017 137,990 40,190 460 –4,183 6,100 –7,895 365 7,938 –374 –4,725 7 38,333 27.8% 148,190 43,030 3,850 –27 8,073 –13,629 1,868 –688 –464 8,318 147 50,478 34.1% 5. Notes to the Income Statement | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | Annual Financial Statements 127 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018 5.6 Personnel costs/employees 5.7 Share-based payment July 1 to June 30 in € thousand Wages and salaries Social security contributions, expenses for pension plans and benefits 2017/2018 2016/2017 202,912 198,675 51,017 48,316 253,929 246,991 Employee Stock Purchase Plan KWS has established an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. All employees who have been with the company for at least one year without interruption and have a permanent employment relationship that has not been terminated at a KWS Group company that participates in the program are eligible to take part. That also includes employees who are on maternity leave or parental leave or who are in semi-retirement. Personnel costs went up by €6,938 thousand to €253,929 thousand, an increase of 2.8%. The number of employees Each employee can acquire up to 500 shares. A bonus of increased by 210 to 5,147, or by 4.3%. Of the 5,147 (4,937) 20% is deducted from the purchase price, which depends employees, 3,742 (3,607) are permanent employees, 1,282 on the price applicable on the key date. The shares are (1,193) are temporary employees and 123 (137) are trainees. subject to a lock-up period of 4 years beginning when they Compensation increased by 2.1% from €198,675 thousand to a dividend, if KWS SAAT SE pays one out, exists during in the previous year to €202,912 thousand. Social security the lock-up period. Holders can also exercise their right to contributions, expenses for pension plans and benefits participate in the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting during the were €2,701 thousand higher than in the previous year. lock-up period. They can dispose freely of the shares after are posted to the employee’s securities account. The right Employees by region1 Germany Europe (excluding Germany) North and South America Rest of world Total 1 Average number of employees 2017/2018 2016/2017 1,952 1,451 1,524 220 5,147 the lock-up period. A total of 9,832 (11,594) shares were repurchased for the Employee Stock Purchase Plan at a total price of €3,388 (3,354) thousand in the year under review. The total cost for issuing shares at a reduced price was €699 thousand in the 1,911 1,454 1,287 285 past fiscal year (previous year: €750 thousand). 4,937 Long-term incentive (LTI) The stock-based compensation plans awarded at the KWS Group are recognized in accordance with IFRS 2 With our joint ventures, associated company and joint oper- “Share-based Payment.” The incentive program, which ation consolidated proportionately, the number of employees was launched in fiscal 2009/2010, involves stock-based was 5,834 (5,621). The reported number of employees is payment transactions with cash compensation, which are greatly influenced by seasonal labor. measured at fair value at every balance sheet date. Mem- bers of the Executive Board are obligated to acquire shares in KWS SAAT SE every year in a freely selectable amount ranging between 20% and 50% of the gross perfor- mance-related bonus. Along with that, all members of the first management level below the Executive Board likewise 128 Annual Financial Statements | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | 5. Notes to the Income Statement Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS Group take part in an LTI program. As part of this program, they are obligated to invest in shares in KWS SAAT SE every 6. Notes to the Cash Flow Statement year in a freely selectable amount ranging between 10% The cash flow statement shows the changes in cash and and 40% of the gross performance-related bonus. The cash equivalents of the KWS Group in the three categories members of the Executive Board and the first management of operating activities investing activities and financing ac- level below the Executive Board may sell these shares at the tivities. The effects of exchange rate changes and changes earliest after a regular holding period of five years beginning in the consolidated group have been eliminated from the at the time they are acquired (end of the quarter in which respective balance sheet items, except those affecting cash the shares were acquired). The entitled persons are paid a and cash equivalents. long-term incentive (LTI) in the form of cash compensation after the holding period for the tranche in question. This 6.1 Net cash from operating activities was the case for members of the Executive Board for the The cash proceeds from operating activities are substan- first time in January 2017. Its level is calculated on the basis tially determined by cash earnings. In the year under review of KWS SAAT SE’s share performance and on the KWS they were €147,202 (105,408) thousand. The proportion of Group’s return on sales (ROS), measured as the ratio of cash earnings included in sales was 13.8% (9.8%). Since operating income to net sales, over the holding period. For current receivables rose and current liabilities had already persons with contracts as of July 1, 2014, the cash compen- been repaid, there were net cash outflows of €22,682 thou- sation for members of the Executive Board is a maximum sand. The cash proceeds from operating activities also of one-and-half times (for the Chief Executive Officer two include interest income of €3,943 (3,035) thousand and times), and for members of the first management level below interest expense of €8,418 (7,768) thousand. Income tax the Executive Board a maximum of two times their own in- payments amounted to €16,451 (52,610) thousand. The vestment (LTI cap). The costs of this compensation are rec- dividends received from the joint ventures are also carried ognized in the income statement over the period and, taking here and total €12,110 (16,861) thousand. the cash compensation in January 2018 into account, were €1,038 (1,213) thousand in the period under review. The pro- 6.2 Net cash from investing activities vision for it at June 30, 2018, was €2,440 (2,570) thousand. A net total of €68,071 (64,760) thousand was required to The LTI fair values are calculated by an external expert. finance investing activities. 5.8 Net income for the year 6.3 Net cash from financing activities The KWS Group’s net income for the year was Financing activities resulted in cash outflows of €25,284 €99,657 (97,712) thousand on operating income of (29,604) thousand. €132,556 (131,591) thousand and net financial income/ expenses of €5,434 (16,599) thousand. The return on sales 6.4 Supplementary information on the thus increased to 9.3% (9.1%). Net income for the year after cash flow statement minority interest was €99,521 (97,549) thousand. Earnings Of the changes in cash and cash equivalents caused by per share in the year under review were €15.08 (14.78). exchange rate, consolidated group and measurement changes, a total of €–3,494 (–525) thousand results from exchange rate-related adjustments. As in previous years, cash and cash equivalents are composed of cash (on hand and balances with banks) and current available-for-sale securities. 6. Notes to the Cash Flow Statement | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | Annual Financial Statements 129 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/20187. Other Notes 7.1 Proposal for the appropriation of net retained profits ■■ KWS LOCHOW GMBH, Bergen A proposal will be made to the Annual Shareholders’ ■■ KWS LANDWIRTSCHAFT GMBH, Einbeck Meeting that, of KWS SAAT SE’s net retained profit of ■■ BETASEED GMBH, Frankfurt €22,172 thousand, an amount of €21,120 thousand should ■■ DELITZSCH PFLANZENZUCHT GMBH, Einbeck be distributed as a dividend of €3.20 (3.20) for each of the ■■ KANT-HARTWIG & VOGEL GMBH, Einbeck 6,600,000 shares. ■■ AGROMAIS GMBH, Everswinkel The balance of €1,052 (31) thousand is to be carried forward to the new account. ■■ KWS SERVICES DEUTSCHLAND GMBH, Einbeck KWS SAAT SE prepares the consolidated financial state- ments for the largest and smallest group of companies. 7.2 Total remuneration of the Supervisory Board and the Executive Board and of former members of the Super- 7.4 Related party disclosures visory Board and the Executive Board of KWS SAAT SE Transactions with related parties in accordance with IAS 24 The compensation of the members of the Supervisory are all business dealings that are conducted with the report- Board was converted to a purely fixed compensation pursu- ing entity by entities or natural persons or their close family ant to the resolution adopted by the Annual Shareholders’ members, if the party or person in question controls the Meeting in December 2017. Members of the Supervisory reporting entity or is a member of its key management per- Board who are members of a committee – with the excep- sonnel, for example. There were no business transactions tion of the Chairman of the Supervisory Board – receive an or legal transactions that required reporting for this group of additional fixed payment therefor. The total compensation persons in fiscal 2017/2018. As part of its operations, KWS for members of the Supervisory Board amounts to €610 procures goods and services worldwide from a large num- (504) thousand, excluding value-added tax. ber of business partners. They also include companies in which KWS has an interest and on which representatives of In fiscal year 2017/2018, total Executive Board compen- KWS’ Supervisory Board exert a significant influence. Busi- sation amounted to €4,016 (3,772) thousand. The variable ness dealings with these companies are always conducted compensation, which is calculated on the basis of the net on an arm’s-length basis and are not material in terms of profit for the period of the KWS Group, is made up of a volume. As part of Group financing, short- and medium-term bonus and a long-term incentive. The bonus totals €1,899 term loans are taken out from, and granted to, subsidiaries at (1,806) thousand; there are contributions from the long- market interest rates. The compensation of members of the term incentive tranche for 2016/2017 totaling €741 thousand Executive Board comprises short-term employee bene- (tranche for 2015/2016: €583 thousand). Pension provisions fits, share-based payment benefits and post-employment totaling €1,291 (1,180) thousand were formed for two mem- benefits. bers of the Executive Board at KWS SAAT SE. Compensation of former members of the Executive Board and bers of the Executive Board and the Supervisory Board are their surviving dependents amounted to €1,575 (1,774) thou- presented in the Compensation Report, which is part of the sand. Pension provisions recognized for this group of audited Combined Management Report. Individualized disclosures on the compensation of mem- persons amounted to €7,315 (7,337) thousand as of June 30, 2018, before being netted off with the relevant No other related parties have been identified for whom there is a special reporting requirement under IAS 24. planned assets. 7.3 Disclosure The following subsidiaries with the legal form of a corpo- ration within the meaning of Section 264 (3) of the German Commercial Code (HGB) have utilized the exemption provided in Section 264 (3) of the German Commercial Code (HGB) as regards preparation of financial statements and their publication: 130 Annual Financial Statements | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | 7. Other Notes Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS GroupRelated parties in € thousand Unconsolidated subsidiaries Equity-accounted joint ventures Joint operation Other related parties Deliveries and services provided Received deliveries and services Receivables Payables 2017/2018 2016/2017 2017/2018 2016/2017 2017/2018 2016/2017 2017/2018 2016/2017 0 0 0 0 0 0 1,664 2,935 14,736 16,058 11,364 12,305 0 0 0 0 7,461 111 8,053 133 487 0 169 0 0 0 223 0 0 0 0 0 7.5 Declaration of compliance with the German 7.7 Report on events after the balance sheet date Corporate Governance Code The provisions of IAS 29 “Financial Reporting in Hyper- KWS SAAT SE has issued the declaration of compliance inflationary Economies” are relevant for KWS Argentina S.A. with the German Corporate Governance Code required by for the first time in fiscal 2018/2019. The cumulative inflation Section 161 Aktiengesetz (AktG – German Stock Corpo- rate over the past three years has been 148%. The exchange ration Act) and made it accessible to its shareholders on the rate for the Argentinean peso was 10.1629 ARS/EUR on company’s home page at www.kws.com. June 30, 2015, and 32.6625 ARS/EUR on June 30, 2018. The 7.6 Audit of the annual financial statements breeding services and conducts contra-seasonal seed On December 14, 2017, the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting multiplication operations for KWS SAAT SE. A new item of KWS SAAT SE elected the accounting firm Ernst & Young “Adjustment for inflation in accordance with IAS 29” will be GmbH, Hanover, to be the Group’s auditors for fiscal year included in the statement of changes in fixed assets in the 2017/2018. future. company mainly sells corn seed in Argentina. It also provides Fee paid to the external auditors under Section 314 (1) No. 9 HGB in € thousand 2017/2018 2016/2017 a) Audit of the consolidated financial statements b) Other certification services c) Tax consulting d) Other services Total fee paid The Supervisory Board and Executive Board of KWS SAAT SE decided at the beginning of September 2018 to propose a change in the company’s legal form to a partner ship limited by shares (KGaA) and a stock split at a ratio of 1:5. As part of the change in legal form, KWS SAAT SE would be converted into an SE & Co. KGaA. The aim of the change in form is to sustainably further the company’s continuing growth strategy. As a partnership 669 63 0 0 625 0 0 0 732 625 limited by shares (KGaA), KWS will be able to leverage future growth opportunities with greater agility and flexibility and raise the equity required for that, without losing the The non-audit services in the fiscal year comprised the company’s character as a listed family business. In order voluntary audit of the Non-Financial Declaration, voluntary to increase the share’s fungibility, a stock split at the ratio audits of annual financial statements, and agreed examina- of 1:5 is also being prepared. At the same time, there is to tion activities. be a capital increase from company funds, i.e., reserves will be converted into capital stock. The decision by the Executive Board and the Supervisory Board on the related resolutions to be proposed to the upcoming Annual Share- holders’ Meeting on December 14, 2018, had not been made by the time the audit opinion was issued 7. Other Notes | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | Annual Financial Statements 131 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018 Mandates Membership of comparable German and foreign oversight boards: ■■ DR.SCHNELL Chemie GmbH, Munich (Member of the Advisory Board) ■■ DR.SCHNELL GmbH & Co. KGaA, Munich (Deputy Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board) Membership of other legally mandated supervisory boards: ■■ Givaudan SA (member of the Board of Directors, the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee) ■■ CEVA Logistics AG, Baar, Switzerland (a member of the Executive Board and Chairman of the Audit Committee) Membership of comparable German and foreign oversight boards: ■■ Louis Dreyfus Holding B.V., Amsterdam, (member of the Supervisory Board and Audit Committee) Membership of other legally mandated Supervisory Boards: ■■ CLAAS KGaA mbH, Harsewinkel (Chairwoman) Membership of comparable German and foreign oversight boards: ■■ CLAAS KGaA mbH, Harsewinkel (Deputy Chairwoman of the Shareholders’ Committee) 7.8 Board of the Company Supervisory Board Members Dr. Drs. h. c. Andreas J. Büchting Einbeck Agricultural Biologist Chairman of the Supervisory Board of KWS SAAT SE Hubertus von Baumbach Ingelheim am Rhein Businessman Chairman of the Board of Managing Directors of C. H. Boehringer Sohn AG & Co. KG, Ingelheim am Rhein Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board of KWS SAAT SE (until December 14, 2017) Dr. Marie Th. Schnell Munich Graduate in Communications Deputy Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board of KWS SAAT SE (since December 14, 2017) Victor W. Balli Oberrieden (Switzerland) Chemical Engineer (since December 14, 2017) Jürgen Bolduan Einbeck Seed Breeding Employee Chairman of the Central Works Council of KWS SAAT SE Cathrina Claas-Mühlhäuser Frankfurt am Main Businesswoman Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board of CLAAS KGaA mbH, Harsewinkel Christine Coenen Einbeck Interpreter Employee representative and Chairwoman of the European Employee Committee (EEC) (since December 14, 2017) Dr. Berthold Niehoff Einbeck Agricultural Scientist Employee Representative (until December 14, 2017) Dr. Arend Oetker Berlin Honorary member of the Supervisory Board of KWS SAAT SE 132 Annual Financial Statements | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | 7. Other Notes Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS GroupSupervisory Board Committees Committee Audit Committee Chairman Members Hubertus von Baumbach (until 2017/12) Victor Balli (since 2017/12) Andreas J. Büchting Jürgen Bolduan Committee for Executive Affairs Andreas J. Büchting Nominating Committee Andreas J. Büchting (until 2017/12) Marie Th. Schnell (since 2017/12) Hubertus von Baumbach (until 2017/12) Marie Th. Schnell (since 2017/12) Cathrina Claas-Mühlhäuser Marie Th. Schnell (until 2017/12) Andreas J. Büchting (since 2017/12) Cathrina Claas-Mühlhäuser Mandates (06/30/2018) Membership of comparable German and foreign oversight boards: ■■ Hero AG, Lenzburg, CH (Member of the Board of Administration) Executive Board Members Dr. Hagen Duenbostel Einbeck Chief Executive Officer Corn, Corporate Development and Communication, Corporate Compliance Dr. Léon Broers Einbeck Research & Breeding Dr. Peter Hofmann Einbeck Sugarbeet, Cereals, Marketing Eva Kienle Göttingen Finance, Controlling, Global Services, IT, Legal, Human Resources 7. Other Notes | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | Annual Financial Statements 133 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018Independent Auditor’s Report To KWS SAAT SE Pursuant to Sec. 322 (3) Sentence 1 HGB, we declare that our audit has not led to any reservations relating to the legal Report on the audit of the consolidated financial compliance of the consolidated financial statements and of statements and of the group management report the group management report. Opinions Basis for the opinions We have audited the consolidated financial statements of We conducted our audit of the consolidated financial state- KWS SAAT SE, Einbeck, and its subsidiaries (the Group), ments and of the group management report in accordance which comprise the consolidated statement of comprehen- with Sec. 317 HGB and the EU Audit Regulation (No 537/2014, sive income for the fiscal year from 1 July 2017 to 30 June referred to subsequently as “EU Audit Regulation”) and in 2018, and the consolidated statement of financial position compliance with German Generally Accepted Standards for as at 30 June 2018, consolidated statement of changes in Financial Statement Audits promulgated by the Institut der equity and consolidated statement of cash flows for the fis- Wirtschaftsprüfer [Institute of Public Auditors in Germany] cal year from 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018, and notes to the (IDW). Our responsibilities under those requirements and consolidated financial statements, including a summary of principles are further described in the “Auditor’s responsi- significant accounting policies. In addition, we have audited bilities for the audit of the consolidated financial statements the group management report of KWS SAAT SE, which was and of the group management report” section of our auditor’s combined with the management report of the Company, for report. We are independent of the group entities in accor- the fiscal year from 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018. In accor- dance with the requirements of European law and German dance with the German legal requirements, we have not commercial and professional law, and we have fulfilled our audited the content of the parts of the group management other German professional responsibilities in accordance report listed in the appendix to the auditor’s report. with these requirements. In addition, in accordance with Art. In our opinion, on the basis of the knowledge obtained in not provided non-audit services prohibited under Art. 5 (1) of the audit, the EU Audit Regulation. We believe that the audit evidence ■■ the accompanying consolidated financial statements we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a comply, in all material respects, with the IFRSs as adopt- basis for our opinions on the consolidated financial state- ed by the EU, and the additional requirements of German ments and on the group management report. 10 (2) f) of the EU Audit Regulation, we declare that we have commercial law pursuant to Sec. 315e (1) HGB [“Handels- gesetzbuch”: German Commercial Code] and, in compli- Key audit matters in the audit of the consolidated ance with these requirements, give a true and fair view of financial statements the assets, liabilities and financial position of the Group Key audit matters are those matters that, in our profes- as at 30 June 2018 and of its financial performance for the sional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of fiscal year from 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018, and the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ■■ the accompanying group management report as a whole from 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018. These matters were provides an appropriate view of the Group’s position. In all addressed in the context of our audit of the consolidated material respects, this group management report is con- financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion sistent with the consolidated financial statements, com- thereon; we do not provide a separate opinion on these plies with German legal requirements and appropriately matters. presents the opportunities and risks of future develop- ment. Our opinion on the group management report does not cover the content of the parts of the group manage- ment report listed in the appendix to the auditor’s report. 134 Annual Financial Statements | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | Independent Auditor’s Report Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS GroupBelow, we describe what we consider to be the key Reference to related disclosures audit matters: With regard to the recognition and measurement policies applied for the recognition of revenue from the sale of (1) Revenue recognition from the sale of seeds seeds, refer to the disclosure on the recording of income and expenses in the section “Accounting policies” in the Reasons why the matter was determined to be a key notes to the consolidated financial statements. audit matter In the consolidated financial statements of KWS SAAT SE, (2) Current and deferred income taxes revenue from the sale of seeds is recognized when risk passes, taking contractually agreed return deliveries into Reasons why the matter was determined to be a key consideration. In light of the large number of different audit matter contractual agreements and the resulting judgment exer- The KWS SAAT SE Group operates in different legal juris- cised in assessing expected return deliveries, we consider dictions with the resulting complexity of matters affecting revenue recognition to be complex and therefore to pose the recognition of current and deferred income taxes, an elevated risk of incorrect recognition. namely the transfer prices used, changes in tax legislation Auditor’s response and intragroup financing. To calculate the provision for tax obligations and deferred tax items, the executive directors During our audit, we considered, based on the criteria of KWS SAAT SE must exercise judgment in assessing defined in IAS 18, the accounting policies applied in ac- tax matters, estimating tax risks and recognizing deferred cordance with the internal accounting instructions in the taxes. consolidated financial statements of KWS SAAT SE for the recognition of revenue. Our auditor’s response included an Auditor’s response examination of whether the significant opportunities and The executive directors of KWS SAAT SE regularly engage risks passed to the buyers upon the sale of the seeds. We external tax experts to validate their own risk assess- analyzed the process implemented by the management ment. We called on our tax specialists to consider these board of KWS SAAT SE and the accounting and valuation tax assessments. Our specialists also analyzed the cor- requirements for the recognition of seed sales, in particular respondence with the competent tax authorities and the taking into account the findings from actual return deliver- assumptions used to calculate provisions for current taxes ies. Based on analytical procedures defined group-wide, and deferred taxes, considering in particular the applicable we examined whether the significant revenue items for transfer prices, based on their knowledge and experience of fiscal year 2017/2018 correlate with the corresponding trade how the authorities and courts currently apply the relevant receivables to identify any irregularities in the development legal provisions. In addition, we involved tax specialists from of revenue. With a view to the recognition of revenue on an our international network with the relevant knowledge of the accrual basis, we also obtained balance confirmations from respective local jurisdictions and regulations. We critically customers and performed data analyses to identify any assessed the assumptions on the recoverability of deferred irregularities in comparison with the prior year. We ana- tax assets, in particular by analyzing the assumptions with lyzed the recognition of revenue based on the contractual respect to projected future taxable income and by com- arrangements on a sample basis with regard to the require- paring them to the internal business plan. Our auditor’s ments of IAS 18. Based on analytical procedures carried out response also included the disclosures in the notes to the on historical data and the analysis of the underlying con- consolidated financial statements of KWS SAAT SE on cur- tracts, we examined the calculation of expected return deliv- rent and deferred income taxes. eries of seeds and their deduction from revenue. Overall, our procedures relating to the recognition of revenue from the sale of seeds did not lead to any reservations. Independent Auditor’s Report | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | Annual Financial Statements 135 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018Our procedures regarding the recognition of current and Responsibilities of the executive directors and the deferred income taxes did not lead to any reservations. Supervisory Board for the consolidated financial state- ments and the group management report Reference to related disclosures The executive directors are responsible for the preparation With regard to the recognition and measurement policies of the consolidated financial statements that comply, in all applied for current and deferred income taxes and the material respects, with IFRSs as adopted by the EU and related disclosures on judgments by the executive directors the additional requirements of German commercial law and sources of estimation uncertainty, refer to the disclo- pursuant to Sec. 315e (1) HGB, and that the consolidated sure on deferred taxes and income tax provisions in the financial statements, in compliance with these require- section “Accounting policies” in the notes to the consolidat- ments, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, ed financial statements and, with regard to the information financial position and financial performance of the Group. on income taxes, no. 24 “Taxes” in section 4 “Notes to the In addition, the executive directors are responsible for such statement of financial position” in the notes to the consoli- internal control as they have determined necessary to en- dated financial statements. able the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to Other information fraud or error. The Supervisory Board is responsible for the Supervisory Board report. In all other respects, the executive directors are In preparing the consolidated financial statements, the ex- responsible for the other information. The other information ecutive directors are responsible for assessing the Group’s comprises the parts of the group management report listed ability to continue as a going concern. They also have the in the appendix to the auditor’s report as well as the other responsibility for disclosing, as applicable, matters related parts of the annual report, except for the audited consolidat- to going concern. In addition, they are responsible for ed financial statements and group management report and financial reporting based on the going concern basis of ac- our auditor’s report, in particular the responsibility statement counting unless there is an intention to liquidate the Group pursuant to Sec. 297 (2) Sentence 4 HGB, the “Foreword by or to cease operations, or there is no realistic alternative the Executive Board” section of the annual report and the but to do so. Supervisory Board’s report pursuant to Sec. 171 (2) AktG [“Aktiengesetz”: German Stock Corporation Act]. We ob- Furthermore, the executive directors are responsible for tained a version of this other information prior to issuing our the preparation of the group management report that, auditor’s report. as a whole, provides an appropriate view of the Group’s position and is, in all material respects, consistent with the Our opinions on the consolidated financial statements and consolidated financial statements, complies with German on the group management report do not cover the other legal requirements, and appropriately presents the oppor- information, and consequently we do not express an opinion tunities and risks of future development. In addition, the or any other form of assurance conclusion thereon. executive directors are responsible for such arrangements In connection with our audit, our responsibility is to read the sary to enable the preparation of a group management other information and, in so doing, to consider whether the report that is in accordance with the applicable German and measures (systems) as they have considered neces- other information legal requirements, and to be able to provide sufficient appropriate evidence for the assertions in the group man- ■■ is materially inconsistent with the consolidated financial agement report. statements, with the group management report or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or ■■ otherwise appears to be materially misstated. 136 Annual Financial Statements | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | Independent Auditor’s Report Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS GroupThe Supervisory Board is responsible for overseeing the and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appro- Group’s financial reporting process for the preparation of priate to provide a basis for our opinions. The risk of not the consolidated financial statements and of the group detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud management report. is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepre- Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the consoli- sentations or the override of internal control dated financial statements and of the group manage- ■■ Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the ment report audit of the consolidated financial statements and of ar- Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about rangements and measures (systems) relevant to the audit whether the consolidated financial statements as a whole of the group management report in order to design audit are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but or error, and whether the group management report as a not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effec- whole provides an appropriate view of the Group’s position tiveness of these systems. and, in all material respects, is consistent with the consol- ■■ Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used idated financial statements and the knowledge obtained in by the executive directors and the reasonableness of the audit, complies with the German legal requirements and estimates made by the executive directors and related appropriately presents the opportunities and risks of future disclosures. development, as well as to issue an auditor’s report that ■■ Conclude on the appropriateness of the executive direc- includes our opinions on the consolidated financial state- tors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting and, ments and on the group management report. based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance as a going concern. If we conclude that a material un- with Sec. 317 HGB and the EU Audit Regulation and in certainty exists, we are required to draw attention in the compliance with German Generally Accepted Standards auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the consoli- for Financial Statement Audits promulgated by the Institut dated financial statements and in the group management der Wirtschaftsprüfer (IDW) will always detect a material report or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify misstatement. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error our respective opinions. Our conclusions are based on the and are considered material if, individually or in the aggre- audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s re- gate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the port. However, future events or conditions may cause the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these Group to cease to be able to continue as a going concern. consolidated financial statements and this group manage- ■■ Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content ment report. of the consolidated financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the consolidated financial state- We exercise professional judgment and maintain profession- ments present the underlying transactions and events in al skepticism throughout the audit. We also: a manner that the consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial po- ■■ Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of sition and financial performance of the Group in compli- the consolidated financial statements and of the group ance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU and the additional management report, whether due to fraud or error, design requirements of German commercial law pursuant to Sec. and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, 315e (1) HGB. Independent Auditor’s Report | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | Annual Financial Statements 137 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018■■ Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the We also provide those charged with governance with a state- financial information of the entities or business activities ment that we have complied with the relevant independence within the Group to express opinions on the consolidated requirements, and communicate with them all relationships financial statements and on the group management re- and other matters that may reasonably be thought to bear port. We are responsible for the direction, supervision and on our independence and where applicable, the related performance of the group audit. We remain solely respon- safeguards. sible for our audit opinions. ■■ Evaluate the consistency of the group management report From the matters communicated with those charged with with the consolidated financial statements, its conformity governance, we determine those matters that were of most with [German] law, and the view of the Group’s position it significance in the audit of the consolidated financial state- provides. ments of the current period and are therefore the key audit ■■ Perform audit procedures on the prospective information matters. We describe these matters in our auditor’s report presented by the executive directors in the group man- unless law or regulation precludes public disclosure about agement report. On the basis of sufficient appropriate the matter. audit evidence, we evaluate, in particular, the significant assumptions used by the executive directors as a basis Other legal and regulatory requirements for the prospective information, and evaluate the proper derivation of the prospective information from these as- Further information pursuant to Art. 10 of the sumptions. We do not express a separate opinion on the EU Audit Regulation prospective information and on the assumptions used We were elected as group auditor by the annual general as a basis. There is a substantial unavoidable risk that meeting on 14 December 2017. We were engaged by the future events will differ materially from the prospective Supervisory Board on 30 May 2018. We have been the information. group auditor of KWS SAAT SE without interruption since fiscal year 2016/2017. We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and We declare that the opinions expressed in this auditor’s timing of the audit and significant audit findings, includ- report are consistent with the additional report to the audit ing any significant deficiencies in internal control that we committee pursuant to Art. 11 of the EU Audit Regulation identify during our audit. (long-form audit report). German Public Auditor responsible for the engagement The German Public Auditor responsible for the engagement is Dr. Christian Janze. 138 Annual Financial Statements | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | Independent Auditor’s Report Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS GroupAppendix to the auditor’s report: The following are the parts of the Group management report that are unaudited: ■■ The combined non-financial statement for KWS SAAT SE and the KWS Group contained in section 2.9 “Combined non-financial statement for the KWS Group” of the group management report, including any information in other sections referred to in this statement. The respective sections are marked “NFE” in the margin; ■■ The information in section 2.6.1 “Corporate governance report and statement on corporate governance” and ■■ The information in section 2.6.2 “Declaration of conformity in accordance with Sec. 161 AktG.” ■■ Neither have we audited the content of the following information that is not typical or required for a group man- agement report. This relates to any information whose disclosure in the group management report is not required pursuant to Secs. 315, 315a HGB or Secs. 315b to 315d HGB. ■■ Section 2.4.3 “Resource-efficient processes and climate protection,” ■■ Section 2.5.3 “Good working conditions” and ■■ Section 2.5.4 “Social commitment.” Hanover, 25 September 2018 Ernst & Young GmbH Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft Ludwig Dr. Janze Wirtschaftsprüfer Wirtschaftsprüfer [German Public Auditor] [German Public Auditor] Independent Auditor’s Report | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | Annual Financial Statements 139 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018 Independent Auditor’s Limited Assurance Report The assurance engagement performed by Ernst & Young (EY) relates exclusively to the German PDF version of the combined non-financial statement 2017/2018 of KWS SAAT SE. The following text is a translation of the original German Independent Assurance Report. To KWS SAAT SE, Einbeck We have performed a limited assurance engagement on the Our audit firm applies the national statutory regulations group non-financial statement of KWS SAAT SE according and professional pronouncements for quality control, in to § 315b HGB (“Handelsgesetzbuch”: German Commercial particular the by-laws regulating the rights and duties of Code), which is combined with the non-financial statement Wirtschaftsprüfer and vereidigte Buchprüfer in the exercise of the parent company according to § 289b HGB, consisting of their profession [Berufssatzung für Wirtschaftsprüfer of the chapter “2.9.2 Combined Non-Financial Declaration und vereidigte Buchprüfer] as well as the IDW Standard on for the KWS Group” in the combined management report Quality Control 1: Requirements for Quality Control in audit and the chapters “2.1 Fundamentals of the KWS Group,” firms [IDW Qualitätssicherungsstandard 1: Anforderungen “2.4.1 Product innovations,” “2.4.2 Plant and process safety,” an die Qualitätssicherung in der Wirtschaftsprüferpraxis “2.5.2 Recruitment & qualification” and “2.6.3 Business (IDW QS 1)]. Ethics & Compliance” in the group management report being incorporated by reference (hereafter combined non- C. Auditor’s responsibility financial statement), for the reporting period from 1 July 2017 Our responsibility is to express a limited assurance conclu- to 30 June 2018. sion on the combined non-financial statement based on the assurance engagement we have performed. A. Management’s responsibility The legal representatives of the Company are responsible We conducted our assurance engagement in accordance for the preparation of the combined non-financial state- with the International Standard on Assurance Engagements ment in accordance with §§ 315c in conjunction with 289c (ISAE) 3000 (Revised): Assurance Engagements other than to 289e HGB. Audits or Reviews of Historical Financial Information, issued by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards This responsibility includes the selection and application of Board (IAASB). This Standard requires that we plan and per- appropriate methods to prepare the combined non-financial form the assurance engagement to obtain limited assurance statement as well as making assumptions and estimates about whether the combined non-financial statement of related to individual disclosures, which are reasonable in the the Company has been prepared, in all material respects, circumstances. Furthermore, the legal representatives are in accordance with §§ 315c in conjunction with 289c to responsible for such internal controls that they have con- 289e HGB. In a limited assurance engagement the assur- sidered necessary to enable the preparation of a combined ance procedures are less in extent than for a reasonable non-financial statement that is free from material misstate- assurance engagement and therefore a substantially lower ment, whether due to fraud or error. level of assurance is obtained. The assurance procedures selected depend on the auditor's professional judgment. B. Auditor’s declaration relating to independence and quality control Within the scope of our assurance engagement, which has We are independent from the entity in accordance with the been conducted between May and September 2018, we provisions under German commercial law and professional performed, amongst others the following assurance and requirements, and we have fulfilled our other professional other procedures: responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. 140 Annual Financial Statements | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | Independent Auditor’s Report Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS Group ■■ Inquiries of employees and inspection of documents F. Engagement terms and liability regarding the selection of topics for the combined non- The “General Engagement Terms for Wirtschaftsprüfer and financial statement, the risk assessment and the concepts Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaften [German Public Au- of the parent company and the group for the topics that ditors and Public Audit Firms]” dated 1 January 2017 are have been identified as material applicable to this engagement and also govern our relations ■■ Inquiries of employees at group level responsible for data with third parties in the context of this engagement (https:// capture and consolidation as well as the preparation of www.ey.com/Publication/vwLUAssets/EY-idw-aab-2017- the combined non-financial statement, to evaluate the en/$FILE/EY-idw-aab-2017-en.pdf). In addition, please refer reporting processes, the data capture and compilation to the liability provisions contained there in no. 9 and to methods as well as internal controls to the extent relevant the exclusion of liability towards third parties. We assume for the assurance of the combined non-financial statement no responsibility, liability or other obligations towards third ■■ Inspection of relevant documentation of the systems parties unless we have concluded a written agreement to and processes for compiling, analyzing and aggregating the contrary with the respective third party or liability cannot relevant data in the reporting period, and testing such effectively be precluded. documentation on a sample basis ■■ Inquiries and inspection of documents on a sample basis We make express reference to the fact that we do not up- relating to the collection and reporting of selected state- date the assurance report to reflect events or circumstances ments and data arising after it was issued unless required to do so by law. It ■■ Analytical procedures at the level of the group and is the sole responsibility of anyone taking note of the result selected sites regarding the quality of the reported data, of our assurance engagement summarized in this assur- ■■ Evaluation of the presentation of disclosures in the ance report to decide whether, and in what way, this result combined non-financial statement. is useful or suitable for their purposes and to supplement, verify or update it by means of their own review procedures. D. Assurance conclusion Based on our assurance procedures performed and assur- ance evidence obtained, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the combined non-financial Munich, 25 September 2018 statement of KWS SAAT SE for the period from 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018 has not been prepared, in all material Ernst & Young GmbH respects, in accordance with §§ 315c in conjunction with Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft 289c to 289e HGB. E. Intended use of the assurance report We issue this report on the basis of the engagement agreed Nicole Richter Annette Johne with KWS SAAT SE. The assurance engagement has been Wirtschaftsprüferin Wirtschaftsprüferin performed for the purposes of the Company and the report [German Public Auditor] [German Public Auditor] is solely intended to inform the Company as to the results of the assurance engagement and must not be used for pur- poses other than those intended. The report is not intended to provide third parties with support in making (financial) decisions. Independent Auditor’s Report | Notes for the KWS Group 2017/2018 | Annual Financial Statements 141 KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018 Declaration by Legal Representatives We declare to the best of our knowledge that the consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view of the assets, financial position and earnings of the Group in compliance with the generally accepted standards of consolidated accounting, and that an accurate picture of the course of business, including business results, and the Group’s situ- ation is conveyed by the Group Management Report, which is combined with the Management Report of KWS SAAT SE, and that it describes the main opportunities and risks of the Group’s anticipated development. Einbeck, September 25, 2018 KWS SAAT SE THE EXECUTIVE BOARD H. Duenbostel L. Broers E. Kienle P. Hofmann 142 Declaration by Legal Representatives Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS Group Additional Information Financial calendar Datum November 27, 2018 December 14, 2018 February 26, 2019 May 16, 2019 October 23, 2019 November 26, 2019 December 17, 2019 KWS share Key data of KWS SAAT SE Securities identification number ISIN Stock exchange identifier Transparency level Index Share class Number of shares Dividend Dividend payment and dividend ratios of the past 10 years Quarterly Report Q1 2018/2019 Annual Shareholders’ Meeting in Einbeck Semiannual Report 2018/2019 Quarterly Report 9M 2018/2019 Publication of 2018/2019 financial statements, annual press and analyst conference in Frankfurt Quarterly Report Q1 2019/2020 Annual Shareholders’ Meeting in Einbeck 707400 DE0007074007 KWS Prime Standard SDAX Individual share certificates 6,600,000 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.20 3.20 Dividend proposal 2018 2.80 2.30 1.80 1.90 25% 20% 23.7 08/09 24.3 20.8 21.7 24.7 19.6 23.6 23.2 21.6 21.2 17/18 Dividend payment in € Dividend ratio (total dividends/net income) in % KWS Group | Annual Report 2017/2018 Additional Information 143 About this report The Annual Report can be downloaded on our Internet sites at www.kws.de and www.kws.com. The KWS Group´s fiscal year begins on July 1 and ends on June 30. Unless otherwise specified, figures in parentheses relate to the same period or date in the previous year. There may be rounding differences for percentages and numbers. Contact Investor Relations and Press Sustainability (interim) Editor Financial Press Thilo Resenhoeft Wolf-Gebhard von der Wense- KWS SAAT SE Wolf-Gebhard von der Wense thilo.resenhoeft@kws.com sustainability@kws.com Grimsehlstrasse 31 investor.relations@kws.com Phone: +49 5561 311 1616 Phone: +49 5561 311 968 P.O. Box 1463 Phone: +49 5561 311 968 Safe harbor statement 37555 Einbeck Germany This Annual Report includes forward-looking statements based on the assumptions and estimates of KWS SAAT SE’s management. These forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as “forecast,” “assume,” “believe,” “ assess,” “expect,” “intend,” “can/may/might,” “plan,” “should” or similar expressions. These statements are based on current assessments and forecasts of the Executive Board and the information currently available to it and are subject to certain elements of uncertainty, risks and other factors that may result in significant devia- tions between expectations and actual circumstances. These factors may be, for example, changes in the overall economic situation, the general statutory and regulatory framework, and the industry. KWS SAAT SE does not warrant that the future development and actual results achieved in the future match the assumptions and estimates expressed in this Annual Report and shall not assume any liability if they do not. Forward-looking statements must therefore not be regarded as a guarantee or pledge that the developments or events they describe will actually occur. KWS SAAT SE does not intend, nor does it assume any obligation, to update forward-looking statements in order to adapt them to events or developments after the date of this report. Photos/illustrations Uwe Aufderheide Hollis Bennett Christian Bruch Marcelo Coelho Jan Eric Euler Eberhard Franke Frank Stefan Kimmel Gerhard Launer Julia Lormis Thorsten Schmidtkord Alex Telfer Frank Tusch KWS Gruppenarchiv Date of publication: October 24, 2018 This translation of the original German version of the Annual Report has been prepared for the convenience of our English- speaking shareholders. The German version is legally binding. 144 Additional Information Annual Report 2017/2018 | KWS Group KWS SAAT SE Grimsehlstrasse 31 P.O. Box 1463 37555 Einbeck/Germany www.kws.com 

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