Astarta Holding PLC
WSE:AST
Astarta Holding PLC
ASTARTA Holding Plc engages in the agricultural business. The farmlands, sugar plants and cattle operations are mainly located in Ukraine. The firm's activities are divided into four main segments: Sugar Production, Agriculture, Soybean Processing, and Cattle Farming. Its Sugar Production segment is engaged in the production and wholesale of white and raw sugar and its by-products. The Agriculture segment is responsible for the cultivation and sale of crops, such as corn, wheat, sunseeds, rapeseeds, and others. The Soybean Processing segment is engaged in soybean and soybean meal and oil production and sale. The Cattle Farming Segment is engaged in dairy cattle raising and milk production and sale. Other Group operations mainly comprise the production and sales of fodder and gas.
ASTARTA Holding Plc engages in the agricultural business. The farmlands, sugar plants and cattle operations are mainly located in Ukraine. The firm's activities are divided into four main segments: Sugar Production, Agriculture, Soybean Processing, and Cattle Farming. Its Sugar Production segment is engaged in the production and wholesale of white and raw sugar and its by-products. The Agriculture segment is responsible for the cultivation and sale of crops, such as corn, wheat, sunseeds, rapeseeds, and others. The Soybean Processing segment is engaged in soybean and soybean meal and oil production and sale. The Cattle Farming Segment is engaged in dairy cattle raising and milk production and sale. Other Group operations mainly comprise the production and sales of fodder and gas.
Revenue Decline: Revenue in agriculture and sugar segments decreased due to last year's lower harvest and continued selling of older inventory.
Margins Stable: Gross margin held steady at 40%, and EBITDA margin (excluding biological assets remeasurement) slightly improved to 29%.
Investment Focus: Significant investment is underway in soybean protein concentrate and a new multi-seed crusher, leading to higher investment cash outflows.
Soybean Strategy: Despite weaker current soybean segment margins, management remains committed to long-term, value-added projects targeting premium markets.
Sugar Segment: Sugar prices fell, reducing revenues, but gross margin in sugar remained strong at 27%, and EBITDA margin was 18%. Significant exports continue, especially to MENA regions.
Guidance on Projects: Soybean protein concentrate facility is scheduled for launch in Q2 2025, with the multi-seed crusher expected to be operational in 2027.
Stable Cattle Farming: Milk production grew and premium pricing was maintained, despite a decline in overall dairy cow numbers.
