Bayer CropScience Q2 profit rises 9% to Rs 166 crore despite 19% decline in revenue

The agrochemicals and seeds maker had posted a net profit of Rs 152.7 crore in the year-ago period, the company said in a statement.

Total income declined 19.4 per cent to Rs 1,250.7 crore in the September quarter from Rs 1,553.4 crore a year earlier. Expenses fell to Rs 1,052.7 crore from Rs 1,366.9 crore.

"Q2 reflected a challenging operating environment, with an uneven monsoon affecting sowing patterns and crop protection demand, alongside lower corn acreages," said Simon Wiebusch, Vice Chairman, Managing Director and CEO.

He said the company stayed focused on disciplined execution, strengthening its portfolio and scaling new innovations.

"As Indian agriculture navigates increasing volatility, our priority is to help farmers improve productivity and resilience by bringing together innovations and partnerships across the agricultural ecosystem, while building a stronger and more sustainable business for the long term," Wiebusch added.

Executive Director and CFO Vinit Jindal said profit after tax increased 9 per cent in Q2 and 13 per cent in the first half, supported by improved gross margins reflecting favourable production yields for corn seeds and cost efficiencies.

However, higher corn seed production volumes, combined with weaker market demand, led to a rise in inventory. Liquidity pressures in the market delayed collections and pushed up receivables marginally.

"We remain focused on disciplined working capital management and strengthening cash generation," Jindal said.

The board has declared an interim dividend of Rs 90 per equity share for the financial year ending March 31, 2027, amounting to Rs 404.5 crore.