The resolution to initiate discussions with Orlen S.A. to cease actions related to the potential acquisition of Grupa Azoty Zakłady Azotowe Puławy S.A. was passed today and came into force upon adoption. The resolution followed a comprehensive analysis conducted by a reputable consultancy, which formed the basis for the Management Board of Grupa Azoty S.A. to deem the potential sale of Grupa Azoty Zakłady Azotowe Puławy S.A. as unjustified.

The third-quarter financial results of the Grupa Azoty Group are in line with estimates presented on October 26th. The Group generated consolidated revenue of PLN 3,075 million, EBITDA of PLN -348 million, and EBITDA margin of -11.3%.

Top Brand 2023 is the most comprehensive ranking showcasing the quality of brand image and media popularity of companies on the Polish market. The sixteenth edition of the Best Image Brands Report evaluated 500 brands spanning 50 different industries. The company recognised as Top Brand 2023 within the chemical sector was Grupa Azoty.

The three months ended September 30th 2023 saw improved demand, notably in the Agro Segment and, to a degree, in the Chemicals Segment, especially relative to the prior quarter. This led to an increase in production volumes and a decrease in fertilizer inventories. However, most Grupa Azoty products were offered at prices that were lower than those from the previous year by an average of 52%. The Group estimates to have generated consolidated revenue of PLN 3,075m, EBITDA of PLN -348m, and an EBITDA margin of -11.3%.

The Grupa Azoty Group has released estimates of production volumes for September 2023, showing that production at the Grupa Azoty Group companies is steadily growing in line with rising demand for fertilizers. According to estimates, in September the Group companies produced 64,000 tonnes of compound fertilizers, compared to 54,000 tonnes in August. In the case of specialty fertilizers, the output for September is estimated at 15,000 tonnes, compared with 9,000 tonnes in August. The drop in estimated production of nitrogen fertilizers, from 251,000 tonnes in August to 227,000 tonnes in September, was mainly a consequence of an emergency shutdown at Grupa Azoty ZAK, which the company announced on September 5th.

Grupa Azoty Group’s financial results for the second quarter of 2023 are in line with the estimates presented on September 18th 2023. In the three months ended June 30th 2023, the Grupa Azoty Group generated consolidated revenue of PLN 3,491m, EBITDA of PLN -608m, and an EBITDA margin of -17.4%. As highlighted in the press release regarding estimated results, the reporting period witnessed the convergence of adverse market factors impacting all producers in the European fertilizer and chemical industry. Those adverse developments arose as a consequence of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the European Union’s decision to suspend tariffs on imports of urea and ammonia from countries outside the EU.