Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the news is that Jiuzhoutong is focusing on its new product strategy and has shown significant growth in revenue and profit in 2024, with a strong emphasis on brand promotion and marketing capabilities [1][2] - In 2024, Jiuzhoutong's total sales revenue from its general agency brand promotion business (including pharmaceuticals and medical devices) reached 19.267 billion yuan, with a gross profit of 2.16 billion yuan [1] - The company has introduced a total of 2,247 specifications of pharmaceuticals and medical devices, with 52 single products achieving sales exceeding 100 million yuan [1] Group 2 - Jiuzhoutong reported a revenue of 151.81 billion yuan and a net profit attributable to shareholders of 2.507 billion yuan for the year 2024, with a year-on-year revenue growth of 2.58% and a net profit growth of 39.88% [2] - In the first quarter of 2025, the company achieved a revenue of 42.016 billion yuan, representing a year-on-year growth of 3.82%, and a net profit of approximately 970 million yuan, which is an increase of 80.38% compared to the same period last year [2]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Company sales declined 14% year-over-year, with pricing down 9% and volume down 1% [16][17] - First quarter EBITDA declined 25% due to lower pricing and FX headwinds [21] - Free cash flow in the first quarter was negative $596 million, significantly lower than the prior year [35] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Plant Health business outperformed the portfolio with sales up 1% year-over-year, driven by biologicals [17] - North America experienced a sales decline of 28%, primarily due to lower volume from cautious purchases [18] - Latin America grew 17% excluding FX headwinds, with increased direct sales to cotton growers in Brazil [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - A strong U.S. Dollar led to a 4% FX headwind [31] - Asia saw a sales decline of 21% excluding currency impacts, driven by prudent selling and lower prices [20] - EMEA reported 7% lower sales excluding currency impact due to lower volumes [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on reducing channel inventory and implementing a post-patent strategy for Renexapia [6][11] - A new route to market in Brazil is being established to sell directly to large corn and soybean growers, expected to provide significant growth opportunities [11][12] - The growth portfolio is positioned to deliver strong growth with new active ingredients expected to perform well in 2025 [12][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving financial objectives for 2025, with expectations for significant momentum in the second half of the year [38] - The company anticipates revenue growth of 7% in the second half, driven by new products and the new route to market in Brazil [29] - Management noted that the impact of tariffs is manageable and will not significantly hinder reaching 2025 goals [28] Other Important Information - The effective tax rate on adjusted earnings was 14% in the first quarter, with expectations for a full-year rate of 13% to 15% [33] - Gross debt increased to approximately $4 billion due to seasonal working capital build [34] - The company expects free cash flow of $200 million to $400 million for 2025, a decrease from the prior year [35] Q&A Session Summary Question: Price trends in the crop protection market outside of diamides - Management indicated that pricing comparisons will ease in the second half of the year, with expectations for more stability [41][42] Question: Guidance on strong growth in the second half of the year - Management expressed high confidence in revenue growth driven by new products and a healthy channel situation starting in Q3 [46][49] Question: Actions to offset tariff impacts - Management clarified that cost-saving actions were planned regardless of tariffs and that they are confident in offsetting the tariff headwinds [54][56] Question: Reducing channel inventories - Management explained that they shifted focus to promoting products directly to growers, avoiding the need for significant rebates or discounts [62] Question: Updates on the DaiMod strategy - Management confirmed that pricing is lower compared to last year, and they are confident in maintaining competitiveness with generic manufacturers [66][68] Question: Customer order patterns - Management noted that customer orders are picking up speed in Q2, with a positive outlook for demand [82][84] Question: Differences between selling directly to farmers and through the channel - Management indicated that EBIT margins are similar for both sales methods, with cash conversion linked more to regional dynamics [88][90] Question: Second half EBITDA bridge - Management explained that the pricing and FX headwinds are interconnected, with expectations for a lower impact in the second half [94][96] Question: Impact of the new route to market in Brazil - Management confirmed that the new sales organization is in place and expects positive results in Q3 [106][108]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Company sales declined 14% year-over-year, with pricing down 9% and volume down 1% [17][18] - First quarter EBITDA declined 25% due to lower pricing and FX headwinds [21] - Free cash flow in the first quarter was negative $596 million, significantly lower than the prior year [33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Plant Health business outperformed the portfolio with sales up 1% year-over-year, driven by biologicals [18] - North America experienced a sales decline of 28%, primarily due to lower volume from cautious purchases [19] - Latin America grew 17% excluding FX headwinds, with increased direct sales to cotton growers in Brazil [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - A strong U.S. Dollar led to an FX headwind of 4% [18] - Asia reported a sales decline of 21% excluding currency impacts, driven by intentional prudent selling [20] - EMEA reported 7% lower sales excluding currency impact due to lower volumes [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on decreasing product in the channel to align with customer inventory levels and implementing a post-patent strategy for Renexapia [7][8] - A new route to market in Brazil is being established to sell directly to large corn and soybean growers, expected to provide significant growth opportunities [12] - The growth portfolio is positioned to deliver strong growth with new active ingredients expected to perform well in 2025 [13][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving financial objectives for 2025, with expectations for significant momentum in the second half of the year [36] - The company anticipates revenue growth of 7% in the second half, driven by new products and the new route to market in Brazil [28] - Management noted that the impact of recently announced tariffs is manageable and will not significantly hinder reaching 2025 goals [27] Other Important Information - The effective tax rate on adjusted earnings was 14% in the first quarter, in line with expectations for the full year [31] - Gross debt increased to approximately $4 billion due to seasonal working capital build [32] - The company expects free cash flow of $200 million to $400 million for 2025, a decrease from the prior year [33] Q&A Session Summary Question: Price trends in the crop protection market outside of diamides - Management indicated that pricing comparisons will ease in the second half of the year, with expectations for more stability [40][42] Question: Guidance on strong growth in the second half of the year - Management expressed high confidence in revenue growth driven by new products and a healthy channel situation starting in Q3 [46][48] Question: Actions to offset tariff impacts - Management clarified that cost-saving actions were planned regardless of tariffs and are expected to be at the higher end of projections [53][56] Question: Reducing channel inventories - Management explained that reducing channel inventories involved shifting focus to end users without significant rebates or discounts [62] Question: Updates on the DaiMod strategy - Management confirmed ongoing cost reductions and confidence in growth run rates despite the upcoming patent expirations [66] Question: Alternatives for sourcing raw materials impacted by tariffs - Management highlighted flexibility in the supply chain with multiple sources for critical raw materials to limit tariff impacts [71][74] Question: Customer order patterns - Management noted that customer orders are picking up speed in Q2, with a positive dynamic observed in Europe [82] Question: Differences between selling directly to farmers and through the channel - Management indicated that the EBIT margin is similar for both sales methods, with cash conversion linked more to regional operations [86][88] Question: Second half EBITDA bridge - Management explained that the pricing and FX headwinds are interconnected, with expectations for a lower impact in the second half [94]