Syngenta Group reports $28.8 billion sales and $3.9 billion EBITDA in 2024

Syngenta Group announced its financial results for the full year and fourth quarter 2024. The group reported a decrease in full-year sales to $28.8 billion, down 10% year-on-year, with a 7% decline at constant exchange rates (CER). This reduction was largely due to adverse weather conditions, inventory reductions in crop protection across various markets, and pressure on prices, particularly in the commoditized segments of its portfolio. Despite these challenges, areas of the business, such as global biologicals and branded crop protection in China, continued to see robust growth.

The company’s earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) also saw a downturn, dropping by 15% to $3.9 billion. Adjusted for constant exchange rates, the decrease was more modest at 1%.

In the fourth quarter, Syngenta Group reported sales of $7.5 billion, a decrease of 5% from the previous year. However, EBITDA for the quarter rose by 11%, indicating a strong end to the year with a 38% increase at constant exchange rates. This reflects the initial benefits of productivity and restructuring initiatives aimed at margin recovery and profitable growth.

Annual Performance by Business Units

Syngenta Crop Protection

The Crop Protection segment faced a tough year, with full-year sales amounting to $13.2 billion, marking a 13% drop. The decline was attributed to ongoing channel inventory adjustments and increased price competition due to higher generic capacity. Despite these challenges, introducing new products like PLINAZOLIN® technology and the strong performance of ADEPIDYN® and TYMIRIUM® technologies cushioned the impact.

ADAMA

ADAMA recorded sales of $4.1 billion, a decrease of 11% year-over-year, reflecting the difficult conditions for generic active ingredient suppliers. Nevertheless, the fourth quarter showed signs of recovery, with sales up by 2% after adjusting for currency effects, thanks to strategic transformations and operational improvements initiated throughout the year.

Syngenta Seeds

The Seeds business remained relatively stable, posting $4.8 billion in sales. Despite challenges such as lower commodity prices and disease impacts, especially in Argentina, the division managed a 2% growth at constant exchange rates, underpinned by strong performance in the Chinese and North American markets.

Syngenta Group China

The China division reported a 9% decrease in sales to $9.6 billion. However, the business demonstrated resilience with significant growth in its crop protection and seeds sectors, fueled by new product innovations and a strong market presence.

Strategic Initiatives and Market Outlook

Syngenta Group has actively pursued a series of strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and productivity across its global operations. These measures have started to show positive outcomes, particularly in the fourth quarter, where EBITDA improvements were noted despite ongoing sales price pressures.

Looking ahead, Syngenta anticipates further market recovery post-2025, supported by the stabilization of crop prices and reduced overcapacity. The group remains committed to its R&D investments and innovation to drive long-term profitable growth and market leadership.