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GAR Profits Surge in Competitive Market Environment During the First Quarter of 2025

News Provided by PR Newswire2025-05-15

GAR Profits Surge in Competitive Market Environment During the First Quarter of 2025

[14-May-2025]

Net profit for the quarter surged by 47% year-on-year to US$55 million.
Growth in plantation output helped to offset softer downstream performance, resulting in a first quarter 2025 EBITDA margin of over 8.5%.

SINGAPORE, May 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Golden Agri-Resources Ltd ("GAR" or the "Company") continued to improve its financial performance in the first quarter of 2025, driven by increased plantation output and appreciation in crude palm oil (CPO) prices. CPO market prices (FOB Belawan) for the quarter averaged US$1,156 per tonne, up 27% from the same period last year. This supported a 19% growth in revenue to US$3.04 billion, offsetting a dip in sales volume during this period.

EBITDA for the first quarter of 2025 grew by 12% year-on-year, reaching US$259 million, while maintaining a steady margin of 8.5%. Underlying profit increased by US$10 million from the previous year to reach US$89 million. Combined with a reduction in foreign exchange loss, net profit surged by 47%, totalling US$55 million.

The continued recovery in palm production was a key driver of GAR's first quarter results, mitigating softer downstream performance due to lower merchandising volumes in a competitive market environment. The Company remains committed to expanding its portfolio of higher value-added products in destination countries to help weather these market trends.

GAR's financial position remained healthy with an improved gearing ratio of 0.65 times and net debt to EBITDA ratio of 0.41 times.

On the outlook, Mr. Franky O. Widjaja, GAR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer commented: "Palm oil production in early 2025 is emerging well from disruptions caused by extreme weather, showing potential to gradually ease tightness in global vegetable oil supply. However, growth prospects for soft commodities remain constrained by shifting weather patterns and geopolitical uncertainty. Global trade tensions are having a significant impact on market dynamics, particularly for soybean oil. These factors, combined with more competitive palm oil prices due to narrowing price premiums, are expected to support CPO prices in the near term. We will continue to observe these rapidly developing dynamics, as well as global macroeconomic conditions that may influence market trends."

Operational Highlights

As of 31 March 2025, GAR's planted area was approximately 534,000 hectares, of which 499,000 hectares were mature. Nucleus and plasma estates made up 417,000 and 117,000 hectares of this area respectively.

Fruit yield for the first quarter of 2025 recorded strong growth, increasing by 12% to 4.35 tonnes per hectare from 3.89 tonnes in the same period last year, as the impact of El Niño subsided. Palm product output increased by 11% to 658,000 tonnes compared with 590,000 tonnes in the same period last year, despite ongoing preparation for replanting.

In line with slowing global economic conditions, GAR's downstream business saw a 5% year-on-year decrease in sales volume during the first quarter of 2025. Nonetheless, GAR continues to strengthen its competitive edge by pursuing enhanced plantation productivity and higher value-added products to drive long-term growth.

Investment in Sustainability

GAR is progressing with decarbonisation efforts in line with the Company's Net Zero 2050 ambition. In addition to enhancing delivery on the Company's No Deforestation, No Peat and No Exploitation (NDPE) policies across its supply chain, priorities include strengthening emissions tracking and engaging key suppliers to better map and manage Scope 3 supply chain emissions. Efforts are also underway to enhance energy efficiency and accelerate the Company's transition to renewable energy.

The Company continues to advance its commitment to responsible sourcing. The blockchain-powered SmartTrace traceability system, launched in late 2024, is helping GAR and its customers to navigate growing regulatory and compliance demands, including the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The Company has conducted limited customer trials for the system, showcasing its ability to support compliance through secure, transparent supply chain data.