“Kernel, one of Ukraine’s largest agricultural holdings, posted a net profit of $56 million in the second quarter of fiscal year (FY) 2025 (July-September 2024), compared to $133 million in the same period of FY 2024.
According to the quarterly report published on the company’s website on Friday, Kernel’s consolidated revenue in the second quarter of FY2025 reached $1149 million, up 10% year-on-year amid a low comparative base due to the lack of stable grain export operations in July-September 2023.
“This growth was primarily driven by an increase in edible oil sales, which was driven by both higher export volumes and higher global prices,” the company said.
At the same time, the Group recognized a net loss from changes in the fair value of biological assets in the amount of $33 million compared to a loss of $12 million recognized in Q1 FY2024, the report also specifies.
It is also noted that the Group’s cost of goods sold increased by 18% to $960 million, mainly due to a 45% increase in the cost of goods sold and raw materials used, reflecting increased competition for raw materials and limited supplies. On the other hand, transportation and procurement costs decreased by 52% year-on-year, accounting for only 10% of total cost of sales, due to lower freight rates supported by stable export operations from the Black Sea region.
As a result of the sharp increase in cost of sales, which outpaced revenue growth, gross profit in the second quarter of FY2025 decreased by 28% year-on-year and by 5% quarter-on-quarter to $157 million.
Other operating income for the three months ended December 31, 2024 amounted to $10 million, down 55% year-on-year, mainly reflecting gains from the settlement of contract price differences, inventory inventory, and fines and claims accrued on oil and grain trading operations.
It is noted that general and administrative expenses in the second quarter of FY2025 increased sharply by 42% year-on-year, reaching $75 million. This surge was mainly due to an increase in salaries and related expenses, as well as an increase in legal and professional services.
As a result, Kernel’s EBITDA in the second quarter of FY2025 amounted to $118 million, down 42% quarter-on-quarter and 30% quarter-on-quarter in FY2024.
Overall, in the first half of FY2025, the company’s net profit increased by 73% to $77 million, EBITDA by 29% to $287 million, and revenue by 22% to $1 billion 947 million.
Kernel is the world’s largest exporter of sunflower oil and one of the largest producers and sellers of bottled oil in Ukraine. It is also engaged in the cultivation and sale of agricultural products.
In FY2024, Kernel’s net profit decreased by 44% compared to FY2023 to $167.95 million, while revenue increased by 4% to $3.581 billion and EBITDA decreased by 30% to $381 million.
