Syngenta H1 Profit Up

Syngenta reported a 14% rise in its first-half net income attributable to the company's shareholders to $1.43 billion from $1.25 billion last year. Excluding restructuring and impairment, quarterly earnings per share were $15.60, higher than $13.95 in the year earlier period.

The company reported first-half sales of $7.7 billion, up 14% from $6.74 billion in the comparable period a year ago. Sales at constant exchange rates or CER increased by 12%.

Mike Mack, chief executive, noted, "We expect to generate 2011 full year free cash flow in excess of $1 billion.

In addition, the outlook for pricing for the rest of the year is positive and we expect stable pricing for the full year. For the 2012 season, we are currently raising prices across the business with the aim of achieving an overall increase in the mid single digits."