By Rebecca Howard
Feb. 27 (BusinessDesk) - T Global lifted full-year revenue 11.2 percent but a series of weather and tariff-related challenges saw its net profit
plunge 63 percent.
T said that revenue was $1.2 billion in the year to Dec. 31 but profit for the year fell to $8.3 million from $22.6
million in the prior year, in line with guidance given in December.
"Operational and environmental challenges in key business divisions and markets impacted T’s 2018 financial result, including a poor New Zealand growing season for apples and the impact of Chinese tariffs," it
said.
Its international produce division experienced adverse weather impacts on its cherry season in Australia and on the
quality of its grape harvest in Peru, although its operating profit lifted to $3.1 million due to favourable tradition
conditions in its markets, particularly the Pacific Islands.
In New Zealand, poor growing conditions for tomatoes in early 2018 and an oversupply in the domestic market late in 2018
contributed to a decline in operating profit of $8.2 million from 2017 to 2018.
T has turned its focus to growing its core businesses, which led it to divest several non-core businesses and investments
during the latest period. That included the sale of ENZAFoods to Cedenco Foods New Zealand and the sale of its
Kerikeri-based kiwifruit orchards, post-harvest facilities and business assets to Seeka.
Its total assets reduced by $50.5 million, mainly through the sale of kiwifruit post-harvest facilities and orchard
land, the sale of assets related to the processed foods business and the sale of property in Christchurch.
The shares, of which Germany's BayWa owns 74 percent, were unchanged at $2.81 and are down around 2.1 percent so far
this year.
Looking ahead, T said the near-term future global trading environment remains uncertain, particularly with regard to Brexit and the
US-Chinese trade dispute. However, it remains confident that the changes it is making will allow it perform strongly in
the years ahead.
(BusinessDesk)
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