KWS Group announced earnings results for the first quarter of 2017. For the quarter, the company has increased its net sales by 2.0% to EUR 136.0 million in the opening quarter of fiscal 2018. Rye seed and winter rapeseed business in Europe contributed to that. However, net sales in South America declined slightly. EBIT is typically negative after the first quarter and was negative of EUR 38.8 million compared to negative of EUR 28.8 million a year ago.

For the year 2018, the company expects to grow its net sales slightly and achieve a double-digit EBIT margin below last year's 12.2%. As far as can be seen at present, research and development projects will result in an increase in the R&D intensity, which will be in excess of 17.7%. Capital spending will also be increased and is expected to be above EUR 100 million.