FORM 6-K
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
Report of Foreign Issuer

Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934


For the month of July 2009

Commission File Number: 001-15152


SYNGENTA AG
(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

Schwarzwaldallee 215
4058 Basel
Switzerland
(Address of principal executive offices)


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:

Form 20-F
X
 
Form 40-F
 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):

Yes
   
No
X

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):

Yes
   
No
X

Indicate by check mark whether by furnishing the information contained in this Form, the Registrant is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:

Yes
   
No
X

If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): N/A
 



 
Re:                      SYNGENTA AG
Press Release: Syngenta Half Year Results 2009”

Herewith we furnish a press release related to Syngenta AG. The full text of the press release is the following:
# # #


 
Syngenta International AG
 
Media Office
CH-4002 Basel
Switzerland
Tel:    +41 61 323 23 23
Fax:   +41 61 323 24 24
 
www.syngenta.com
 
Médard Schoenmaeckers
Switzerland   +41 61 323 2323
 
 
 
Jennifer Gough
Switzerland   +41 61 323 5059
USA               +1 202 737 6521
 
John Hudson
Switzerland   +41 61 323 6793
USA               +1 202 737 6520

 
Basel, Switzerland, July 24, 2009
 
Half Year Results 2009
 
First half resilience: higher prices, successful risk management
 
·
Sales $6.7 billion: up 2 percent CER(1), 9 percent lower as reported
 
·
Crop Protection sales up 1 percent(1) at $5.0 billion
 
·
Seeds sales up 7 percent(1) to $1.7 billion
 
·
EBITDA $2.0 billion, up 4 percent CER
 
·
Earnings per share(2) $15.18, 8 percent lower
 
·
Earnings per share $14.78 after restructuring and impairment
 
 
Reported Financial Highlights
 
Excluding Restructuring, Impairment
 
 H1 2009
$m
H1 2008
$m
Actual
%
 
H1 2009
$m
H1 2008
$m
Actual
%
CER(1)
%
Sales
6,655
7,295
- 9
 
6,655
7,295
- 9
+2
Net Income(3)
1,385
1,519
- 9
 
1,423
1,576
- 10
 
Earnings per share
$14.78
$15.93
- 7
 
$15.18
$16.53
- 8
 
 
Mike Mack, Chief Executive Officer, said:
 
“In the first half of 2009 Syngenta achieved further underlying sales growth following an exceptional year in 2008.  This performance, in the context of rigorous credit management in emerging markets and generally adverse weather conditions in the second quarter, attests to the strength of our portfolio and our leading market positions.  Price increases offset lower volumes and higher raw material costs, although significant currency movements impacted reported earnings.  In Crop Protection, the achievement of our target for price increases across the business clearly demonstrates the value which our products offer to growers.  In Seeds, we saw growth across all product lines led by Corn & Soybean, where the investments of recent years are increasingly apparent in the quality of our technology.  Seeds profitability improved noticeably in the first half and we are firmly on track to meet our target of a 15 percent EBITDA margin for this business in 2011.
 
“We continue to make significant investments in order to secure the long term growth of our business.  We have expanded our R&D network and are engaging in a number of collaborations and cross-licensing agreements which will enable us to leverage our unique technology platforms.  Our capacity expansion program for key Crop Protection compounds is well underway and will reinforce our competitive strength in high margin segments.  Our investments are underpinned by a strong balance sheet, sustained by the prudent management of our business in this year’s uncertain economic environment.”

(1)
Growth at constant exchange rates, see Appendix A.
(2)
EPS on a fully-diluted basis, excluding restructuring and impairment.
(3)
Net income to shareholders of Syngenta AG.
 

 
Financial Performance 1st Half 2009
 
Sales $6.7 billion
 
Sales at constant exchange rates (CER) increased by two percent driven by higher pricing across all product lines.  Crop Protection sales* rose by one percent (CER) and Seeds sales by seven percent (CER).  Reported sales in US dollars were nine percent lower owing to currency movements.
 
EBITDA margin 30.5 percent
 
EBITDA was $2.0 billion, an increase of four percent (CER).  Profitability improved in Seeds, while in Crop Protection price increases more than offset higher raw material costs related to the oil price escalation in 2008.  Operational efficiency savings were supplemented by strong cost control enabling further investment in R&D.  The underlying improvement in profitability was masked by the appreciation of the dollar, which had a negative impact on EBITDA of $349 million.
 
Earnings per share $15.18
 
Price increases across the business offset the impact of lower volume and higher raw material costs.  An eight percent decline in earnings per share excluding restructuring and impairment was due to currency movements.  After charges for restructuring and impairment, earnings per share were $14.78 (2008: $15.93).
 
Business Highlights
 
Crop Protection
 
In the first half of 2009, Syngenta continued to demonstrate price leadership, achieving an overall increase of seven percent, ahead of target.  Excluding glyphosate, prices were up by eight percent.  Sales volume was affected by a late start to the season caused by unfavorable weather.  In a number of emerging markets, we deliberately reduced volume to take account of higher levels of risk.
 
These risk management measures had a marked impact in Eastern Europe, Africa and the Middle East.  Sales in Western Europe were slightly up with a strong performance in France following new product registrations.  NAFTA showed robust sales following an exceptional performance in 2008, with price realization augmented by strong volume growth in Canada.  Sales in Latin America, where the main season takes place in the second half, were lower due to drought in Argentina and southern Brazil, and to risk management.  In Asia-Pacific, the farm economy has proved resilient to the global economic crisis and sales continued to grow strongly across the region.
 
Product line growth was led by Selective Herbicides, with strong growth in cereal herbicides and a resurgence in demand for soybean herbicides in the USA as a consequence of increased acreage and weed resistance.  Non-selective Herbicides also performed well, with positive contributions from both REGLONE® and TOUCHDOWN®.  Accounting for seven percent of Crop Protection sales, TOUCHDOWN® showed modest growth in both volume and price, with pressures in the US glyphosate market apparent only towards the end of the period.  Both Fungicides and Insecticides were particularly affected by the risk management measures taken in Latin America.  In the Northern hemisphere, fungicide usage was reduced owing to lower cereals acreage and adverse weather.  Seed Care sales continued to grow strongly driven by CRUISER®.
 
In the non-agricultural Professional Products businesses, the effects of the economic downturn were clearly apparent in the golf course and professional horticulture segments, where customers purchased more cautiously.
 

*   Crop Protection sales include $26 million of inter-segment sales.
 
Syngenta -- July 24, 2009 / Page 2 of 31

 
New products: Sales of new products (defined as those launched since 2006) increased by 28 percent (CER) to $241 million.  AXIAL® continued to grow strongly particularly in Canada.  The roll-out of REVUS® and DURIVO® in new markets augmented underlying growth.
 
R&D pipeline: The combined peak sales potential of our Crop Protection pipeline is in excess of $2 billion.  We have several new products in late development including INVINSA™, a unique product for crop stress protection in field crops; isopyrazam (520), a broad spectrum cereal fungicide; sedaxane (524), a seed treatment fungicide; and bicyclopyrone (449), a new herbicide for corn and sugar cane.
 
EBITDA increased by one percent (CER) to $1.7 billion with a margin (CER) of 36.6 percent (2008: 36.3 percent).
 
Seeds
 
Seeds growth was driven by price increases of 11 percent, which reflected ongoing increases in the value of the portfolio and more than offset the impact of higher grower costs.
 
Performance was led by Corn & Soybean, with growth in both NAFTA and Asia more than offsetting the impact of risk management and lower corn acreage in Eastern Europe and Latin America.  In the USA, although the market was characterized by delayed planting decisions and acreage uncertainty, sales of our triple stack corn seed AGRISURE® 3000 GT showed a significant advance.  Further advances in portfolio quality will be achieved through stepping up combination of our proprietary traits with elite germplasm.
 
Diverse Field Crops showed solid growth across the business.  Our risk management measures in Eastern Europe resulted in improved collections, allowing the expansion of sunflower sales in the second quarter in a market moving towards higher quality hybrids.  In the USA sales of glyphosate-tolerant sugar beet continued to increase following its successful launch last year.
 
Vegetables & Flowers:  Growth in Vegetables reflected the ongoing expansion of high value products such as peppers where the portfolio has been enhanced both through acquisitions and through in-house marker assisted breeding success.  Flowers growth was due to the consolidation of Goldsmith Seeds Inc. and Yoder, with the underlying business affected by the downturn in consumer purchasing.
 
R&D pipeline: In February Syngenta received EPA approval for two insecticidal trait stacks containing its Agrisure Viptera™ trait.  Agrisure Viptera™ controls a broad spectrum of lepidopteran corn pests and is awaiting USDA approval which would allow an initial launch by the end of the year.
 
In April, Syngenta and Dow AgroSciences announced an agreement to cross-license their respective corn traits for commercialization within their branded seed businesses.  The agreement will allow Syngenta, from 2011, to offer its US customers multiple modes of action targeting refuge reduction and improved efficacy.
 
Syngenta’s corn and soybean pipelines contain a number of other products including input, output and agronomic traits, with a combined peak sales potential of around $2 billion.
 
EBITDA of $314 million, up 31 percent (CER), was driven by portfolio transformation and the leverage of R&D and marketing expenditure.  The EBITDA margin (CER) improved to 19.2 percent (2008: 15.6 percent) and is on track to reach the full year target of 15 percent in 2011.
 
Syngenta -- July 24, 2009 / Page 3 of 31

 
Net financial expense
 
Net financial expense at $46 million was slightly higher compared with the first half of 2008 ($37 million).
 
Taxation
 
The underlying tax rate for the period was 19 percent, in line with the rate for the full year 2008.  A similar rate is expected for the full year 2009.  The expected tax rate over the medium term is in the low to mid-twenties.
 
Cash flow
 
Free cash flow was $79 million (2008: $240 million).  Fixed capital expenditure of $283 million (2008: $168 million) reflected spending under the capacity expansion program for key active ingredients announced in 2008.  Average trade working capital as a percentage of sales was 40 percent (2008: 36 percent) as inventories increased compared with an exceptionally low level in 2008.  Ongoing strong receivables management and business seasonality are expected to lead to significant free cash flow in the second half.
 
Cash return to shareholders
 
A dividend of CHF 6.00 per share (2008: CHF 4.80) was paid in the second quarter, representing a total payout of $491 million.
 
Outlook
 
Mike Mack, Chief Executive Officer, said:
 
“I am pleased with the resilience of the company’s first half performance in the face of currency and raw material headwinds and the second quarter impact of a late spring.  We maintained our focus on rigorous risk management throughout the period in order to preserve balance sheet quality.  For the full year, achieving earnings growth has become more challenging.  However, in the second half currency and raw material trends are more favorable and, assuming current supportive conditions in Latin America continue, we are targeting full year earnings per share* close to the record level achieved in 2008.
 
“We look ahead with confidence.  The fundamental drivers for our industry are unchanged, and we expect the need for increased global food production to result in ongoing demand growth, which our broad portfolio is uniquely placed to capture.”
 

* Fully diluted, excluding restructuring and impairment
 
Syngenta -- July 24, 2009 / Page 4 of 31

 
Crop Protection
 
For a definition of constant exchange rates, see Appendix A.

 
1st Half
Growth
 
2nd Quarter
Growth
Product line
2009
$m
2008
$m
Actual
%
CER
%
 
2009
$m
2008
$m
Actual
%
CER
%
Selective Herbicides
1,615
1,679
- 4
+8
 
814
904
- 10
+1
Non-selective Herbicides
691
739
- 6
+3
 
362
434
- 17
- 9
Fungicides
1,356
1,649
- 18
- 7
 
634
873
- 27
- 18
Insecticides
673
779
- 14
- 3
 
318
375
- 15
- 6
Seed Care
392
388
+1
+10
 
135
135
-
+10
Professional Products
225
289
- 22
- 18
 
115
143
- 20
- 16
Others
48
31
+53
+68
 
37
16
+123
+147
Total
5,000
5,554
- 10
+1
 
2,415
2,880
-16
-7
 
Selective Herbicides:  major brands AXIAL®, CALLISTO® family, DUAL®/BICEP ® MAGNUM,  FUSILADE®MAX, TOPIK ®
 
Sales were up on broad-based price increases reflecting Syngenta’s leading global position in selective herbicides.  Growth was led by AXIAL® and TOPIK® with both products performing strongly on cereals in North America.  In the USA, increased soybean acreage and weed resistance resulted in renewed demand for soybean herbicides.
 
Non-selective Herbicides:  major brands GRAMOXONE®, TOUCHDOWN®
 
Higher non-selective herbicide sales reflected continuing demand growth in NAFTA.  Growth was led by TOUCHDOWN®, with volume increases due to increasing glyphosate-tolerant acres and minimum tillage practices accompanied by further price realization in the USA and Canada.  In its second year, HALEX® demonstrated continued success in the USA as a differentiator in the TOUCHDOWN® range.  Sales of REGLONE® also increased in Canada and Western Europe.
 
Fungicides:  major brands ALTO®, AMISTAR®, BRAVO®, REVUS®, RIDOMIL GOLD®, SCORE®, TILT®, UNIX®
 
Fungicide sales were lower as a result of challenging market conditions including drought in Latin America and reduced wheat acreage in Europe and the USA.  Sales were further constrained by emerging market risk management and by supply shortages in advance of new capacity coming on-stream.  Price increases across the fungicide portfolio partially offset volume declines and illustrated the yield-enhancing value of the company’s technology.  REVUS® sales increased significantly with successful launches in new markets, notably France and Italy.
 
Insecticides: major brands ACTARA®, DURIVO®, FORCE®, KARATE®, PROCLAIM®, VERTIMEC®
 
Reduced pest pressure in Latin America and Western Europe together with risk management measures in emerging markets resulted in lower insecticide sales.  KARATE® sales declined as a result of dry weather in Northern Europe and Latin America.  Sales of FORCE® increased as sales declines in the USA were more than offset by increasing corn rootworm pressure in Western Europe.  In Asia Pacific, sales of insecticides increased significantly supported by the successful roll-out of DURIVO®.
 
Syngenta -- July 24, 2009 / Page 5 of 31

 
Seed Care: major brands AVICTA®, CRUISER®, DIVIDEND®, MAXIM®
 
Sales continued to increase globally.  CRUISER® sales increased significantly with double-digit growth in all regions.  In NAFTA, sales increased on higher soybean acres, the launch of CRUISER MAXX® on soybean in Canada and increased sales to Pioneer Hi-Bred.  In Europe, CRUISER® benefited from a registration in France in late 2008.
 
Professional Products: major brands FAFARD®, HERITAGE®, ICON®
 
The economic environment had an adverse impact on sales of the non-agricultural businesses.  A reduction in consumer spending and a shift to just-in-time purchasing by retailers resulted in lower sales in the Lawn & Garden and home care markets.  FAFARD® sales were further affected by increased risk management activities.
 
 
1st Half
Growth
 
2nd Quarter
Growth
Crop Protection
by region
2009
$m
2008
$m
Actual
%
CER
%
 
2009
$m
2008
$m
Actual
%
CER
%
Europe, Africa, Mid. East
1,810
2,250
- 20
- 3
 
823
1,134
- 27
- 12
NAFTA
1,882
1,850
+2
+9
 
989
1,060
- 7
- 1
Latin America
550
698
- 21
- 21
 
262
318
- 18
- 18
Asia Pacific
758
756
-
+12
 
341
368
- 7
+2
Total
5,000
5,554
- 10
+1
 
2,415
2,880
- 16
- 7
 
Europe, Africa and Middle East sales were slightly lower reflecting risk management and reduced grower liquidity in Eastern Europe. In Western Europe sales were unchanged despite unfavorable weather in the second quarter.  In France, sales increased significantly led by CRUISER®.
 
In NAFTA, sales increased owing to our leading market position which supported broad-based price increases across the portfolio.  Significant growth was recorded in Canada and Mexico due to portfolio expansion as well as the strong performance of established brands.  In the USA, price increases more than offset volume declines attributable to delayed corn plantings.
 
Latin America sales were lower in a challenging market environment reinforcing the importance of effective risk management.  Drought in Argentina and southern Brazil, as well as lower Brazilian corn acreage in the smaller second season, resulted in reduced applications.
 
In Asia Pacific, growth was broad-based as increases were recorded across the region and notably in South Korea and Vietnam.  Adequate access to liquidity enabled growers to continue investing in technology.  Growth in the region was supplemented by new product launches including the successful expansion of DURIVO®.
 
Syngenta -- July 24, 2009 / Page 6 of 31

 
Seeds
 
For a definition of constant exchange rates, see Appendix A.
 
 
1st Half
Growth
 
2nd Quarter
Growth
Product line
2009
$m
2008
$m
Actual
%
CER
%
 
2009
$m
2008
$m
Actual
%
CER
%
Corn & Soybean
843
814
+4
+10
 
213
194
+10
+19
Diverse Field Crops
304
353
- 14
+7
 
155
151
+2
+25
Vegetables & Flowers
529
572
- 8
+2
 
254
267
- 5
+4
Total
1,676
1,739
- 4
+7
 
622
612
+2
+14
 
Corn & Soybean: major brands AGRISURE®, GARST®, GOLDEN HARVEST®, NK®
 
Sales increased in all regions with the exception of Latin America, where lower corn acreage and a delayed season in Argentina reduced sales.  In NAFTA and Europe, sales were higher due to significant price increases demonstrating ongoing strengthening of the technology offer.  Triple stack corn under the AGRISURE® 3000 GT brand grew significantly as a proportion of the US corn portfolio.  In Asia Pacific, corn sales showed strong growth, notably in India and ASEAN countries.
 
Diverse Field Crops:  major brands NK® oilseeds, HILLESHÖG® sugar beet
 
Diverse Field Crops showed solid growth across the business, driven primarily by higher pricing.  In Eastern Europe, a slow start to the selling season due to credit conditions was more than offset by strong second quarter growth.  In the USA, sales of glyphosate-tolerant sugar beet increased further, building on the successful 2008 launch.
 
Vegetables & Flowers: major brands, DULCINEA®,ROGERS®, S&G®, Zeraim Gedera;  Fischer, Goldfisch, Goldsmith Seeds, S&G®, Yoder
 
Sales growth in Vegetables reflected continuing demand for high quality vegetables, with higher prices and strong volume growth in the emerging markets of Latin America and Asia Pacific.  In Flowers, sales growth was due to the acquisition of Goldsmith and Yoder in the fourth quarter of 2008.  Excluding the impact of the acquisitions, sales in Flowers declined as a result of reduced consumer spending.
 
 
1st Half
Growth
 
2nd Quarter
Growth
Seeds by region
2009
$m
2008
$m
Actual
%
CER
%
 
2009
$m
2008
$m
Actual
%
CER
%
Europe, Africa, Mid. East
659
811
- 19
+1
 
251
286
- 12
+10
NAFTA
880
773
+14
+15
 
300
243
+23
+24
Latin America
41
66
- 37
- 37
 
14
33
- 57
- 57
Asia Pacific
96
89
+8
+26
 
57
50
+13
+30
Total
1,676
1,739
- 4
+7
 
622
612
+2
+14

Syngenta -- July 24, 2009 / Page 7 of 31

 
Announcements and Meetings
 
Third quarter trading statement 2009
23 October 2009
Announcement of 2009 Full Year Results
  5 February 2010
First quarter trading statement 2010
15 April 2010
AGM
20 April 2010
 
Syngenta is one of the world's leading companies with more than 24,000 employees in over 90 countries dedicated to our purpose: Bringing plant potential to life.  Through world-class science, global reach and commitment to our customers we help to increase crop productivity, protect the environment and improve health and quality of life.  For more information about us please go to www.syngenta.com.

 

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
 
This document contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by terminology such as ‘expect’, ‘would’, ‘will’, ‘potential’, ‘plans’, ‘prospects’, ‘estimated’, ‘aiming’, ‘on track’ and similar expressions. Such statements may be subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from these statements. We refer you to Syngenta's publicly available filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for information about these and other risks and uncertainties. Syngenta assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changed assumptions or other factors. This document does not constitute, or form part of, any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any offer, to purchase or subscribe for any ordinary shares in Syngenta AG, or Syngenta ADSs, nor shall it form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract therefor.

Syngenta -- July 24, 2009 / Page 8 of 31

 
Syngenta Group
 
Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
The following condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34, “Interim Financial Reporting”, as disclosed in Note 1 below.  They do not contain all of the information which IFRS would require for a complete set of financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the annual consolidated financial statements.
 
Condensed Consolidated Income Statement
 
For the six months ended June 30,
(US$ million, except share and per share amounts)
 
2009
   
2008
 
Sales
    6,655       7,295  
Cost of goods sold
    (3,215 )     (3,324 )
Gross profit
    3,440       3,971  
Marketing and distribution
    (839 )     (984 )
Research and development
    (448 )     (460 )
General and administrative
    (346 )     (468 )
Restructuring and impairment
    (49 )     (75 )
Operating income
    1,758       1,984  
Income from associates and joint ventures
    2       -  
Financial expenses, net
    (46 )     (37 )
Income before taxes
    1,714       1,947  
Income tax expense
    (321 )     (422 )
Net income
    1,393       1,525  
Attributable to:
               
Minority interests
    8       6  
Syngenta AG shareholders
    1,385       1,519  
Net income
    1,393       1,525  
Earnings per share (US$):
               
Basic
    14.87       16.08  
Diluted
    14.78       15.93  
Weighted average number of shares:
               
Basic
    93,179,087       94,474,155  
Diluted
    93,758,202       95,334,962  
 
All amounts relate to continuing operations.
 
Syngenta -- July 24, 2009 / Page 9 of 31

 
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
 
For the six months ended June 30,
(US$ million)
 
2009
   
2008
 
Net income
    1,393       1,525  
Components of other comprehensive income:
               
Unrealized holding gains/(losses) on available for sale financial assets
    (18 )     5  
Unrealized gains/(losses) on derivatives designated as cash flow and net investment hedges
    84       (1 )
Foreign currency translation effects
    180       192  
Income tax relating to other comprehensive income
    9       (1 )
Total comprehensive income
    1,648       1,720  
Attributable to:
               
Minority interests
    8       6  
Syngenta AG shareholders
    1,640       1,714  

Syngenta -- July 24, 2009 / Page 10 of 31

 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
 
(US$ million)
 
June 30,
2009
   
June 30,
2008
   
December 31, 2008
 
Assets
                 
Current assets:
                 
Cash and cash equivalents
    1,765       822       803  
Trade receivables
    4,245       4,927       2,311  
Other accounts receivable
    432       529       479  
Inventories
    3,356       2,595       3,456  
Derivative financial assets
    366       327       376  
Other current assets
    198       241       195  
Total current assets
    10,362       9,441       7,620  
Non-current assets:
                       
Property, plant and equipment
    2,404       2,259       2,188  
Intangible assets
    3,058       2,912       3,083  
Deferred tax assets
    516       642       514  
Defined benefit pension asset
    666       716       628  
Derivative financial assets
    147       257       152  
Other non-current financial assets
    333       420       399  
Total non-current assets
    7,124       7,206       6,964  
Total assets
    17,486       16,647       14,584  
Liabilities and equity
                       
Current liabilities:
                       
Trade accounts payable
    (2,743 )     (2,771 )     (2,240 )
Current financial debt
    (852 )     (790 )     (211 )
Income taxes payable
    (475 )     (666 )     (322 )
Derivative financial liabilities
    (389 )     (195 )     (457 )
Other current liabilities
    (851 )     (914 )     (834 )
Provisions
    (145 )     (190 )     (170 )
Total current liabilities
    (5,455 )     (5,526 )     (4,234 )
Non-current liabilities:
                       
Financial debt and other non-current liabilities
    (3,425 )     (2,393 )     (2,869 )
Deferred tax liabilities
    (721 )     (685 )     (659 )
Provisions
    (887 )     (1,072 )     (921 )
Total non-current liabilities
    (5,033 )     (4,150 )     (4,449 )
Total liabilities
    (10,488 )     (9,676 )     (8,683 )
Equity:
                       
Shareholders’ equity
    (6,978 )     (6,950 )     (5,884 )
Minority interests
    (20 )     (21 )     (17 )
Total equity
    (6,998 )     (6,971 )     (5,901 )
Total liabilities and equity
    (17,486 )     (16,647 )     (14,584 )
                         
 
Syngenta -- July 24, 2009 / Page 11 of 31

 
Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
 
For the six months ended June 30,
(US$ million)
 
2009
   
2008
(reclassified(1))
 
Income before taxes
    1,714       1,947  
Reversal of non-cash items
    337       438  
Cash (paid)/received in respect of;
               
Interest and other financial receipts
    56       53  
Interest and other financial payments
    (212 )     (231 )
Income taxes
    (94 )     (165 )
Restructuring costs
    (48 )     (82 )
Contributions to pension plans, excluding restructuring costs
    (59 )     (59 )
Other provisions
    (32 )     (50 )
Cash flow before change in net current assets
    1,662       1,851  
Change in net current assets:
               
Change in inventories
    205       56  
Change in trade and other accounts receivable and
other net current assets
    (1,726 )     (2,343 )
Change in trade and other accounts payable
    218       946  
Cash flow from operating activities
    359       510  
Additions to property, plant and equipment
    (283 )     (168 )
Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment
    21       10  
Purchases of intangible assets
    (71 )     (55 )
Purchases of investments in associates and other financial assets
    (10 )     (55 )
Proceeds from disposals of intangible and financial assets
    70       39  
Cash flow from disposal of marketable securities
    5       39  
Acquisitions and divestments
    (7 )     (41 )
Cash flow used for investing activities
    (275 )     (231 )
Increases in third party interest-bearing debt
    1,464       972  
Repayments of third party interest-bearing debt
    (142 )     (110 )
Sale/(purchase) of treasury shares and options over own shares
    26       (388 )
Dividends paid
    (491 )     (452 )
Cash flow from financing activities
    857       22  
Net effect of currency translation on cash and cash equivalents
    21       18  
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    962       319  
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period
    803       503  
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period
    1,765       822  
 
(1)
US$52 million of gains on hedges reported in operating income have been reclassified from change in net current assets to reversal of non-cash items for consistency with the presentation adopted in the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2008.
 
Syngenta -- July 24, 2009 / Page 12 of 31

 
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
 
   
Attributable to Syngenta AG shareholders
             
(US$ million)
 
Par value of ordinary shares
   
Additional paid-in capital
   
Treasury shares, at cost
   
Fair value reserves
   
Cumulative translation adjustment
   
Retained earnings
   
Total share-
holders’ equity
   
Minority interests
   
Total equity
 
January 1, 2008
    6       3,720       (830 )     (154 )     532       2,748       6,022       19       6,041  
Total comprehensive income for the period
                            3       192       1,519       1,714       6       1,720  
Share based compensation and income tax thereon
                    35                       68       103               103  
Dividends paid
                                            (450 )     (450 )     (2 )     (452 )
Share repurchases
                    (440 )                             (440 )             (440 )
Cancellation of treasury shares
            (143 )     727               4       (588 )                        
Other
                                            1       1       (2 )     (1 )
June 30, 2008
    6       3,577       (508 )     (151 )     728       3,298       6,950       21       6,971  
                                                                         
                                                                         
January 1, 2009
    6       3,577       (745 )     (213 )     94       3,165       5,884       17       5,901  
Total comprehensive income for the period
                            110       180       1,350       1,640       8       1,648  
Share-based payment and income tax thereon
                    18                       38       56               56  
Dividends paid
                                            (491 )     (491 )             (491 )
Share repurchases
                    (111 )                             (111 )             (111 )
Other
                                                            (5 )     (5 )
June 30, 2009
    6       3,577       (838 )     (103 )     274       4,062       6,978       20       6,998  
 
A dividend of CHF 6.00 (US$5.25) (2008: CHF 4.80 (US$4.76)) per share was paid to Syngenta AG shareholders during the period.
 
Syngenta -- July 24, 2009 / Page 13 of 31

 
Syngenta Group
 
Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 1: Basis of preparation
 
Nature of operations: Syngenta AG (“Syngenta”) is a global crop protection and seeds business engaged in the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of a range of agricultural products designed to improve crop yields and food quality.
 
Basis of presentation and accounting policies: The condensed consolidated financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 incorporate the financial statements of Syngenta AG and of all of its subsidiaries (“Syngenta Group”).  They have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34, “Interim Financial Reporting”, and, except as disclosed in Note 3 below, with the accounting policies described in Note 2 to Syngenta’s 2008 annual consolidated financial statements.  Syngenta prepares its annual consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).  The condensed consolidated financial statements were authorized for issue by the Board of Directors on July 21, 2009.
 
The condensed consolidated financial statements are presented in United States dollars (US$) as this is the major currency in which revenues are denominated.
 
Impairment losses recognized on goodwill and available-for-sale equity securities in interim financial statements are not reversed in the annual financial statements even if the decline in value which caused the impairment loss to be recognized has reversed by the end of the annual reporting period.
 
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimated.
 
Note 2: Seasonality of operations
 
The timing of Syngenta’s sales, profit and cash flows throughout the year is significantly influenced by seasonal factors.  Operating in the agriculture sector, sales of Syngenta’s products principally occur before and during the growing season.  Because many of Syngenta’s largest markets are in the Northern Hemisphere, which has a spring growing season, significantly more sales occur and profit is earned during the first half of the year than in the second half.  Collections of trade accounts receivable from customers in these Northern Hemisphere markets largely occur during the second half of the year.  As a result, operating cash flow typically is significantly lower during the first half of the year than during the second half.
 
Syngenta -- July 24, 2009 / Page 14 of 31

 
Note 3: Changes in accounting policies
 
Syngenta has adopted the following new IFRSs in 2009:
 
IAS 1 (revised September 2007), “Presentation of Financial Statements”.  These condensed consolidated financial statements, including comparative amounts presented therein, have been presented in accordance with the revised standard to include a separate condensed consolidated income statement and a condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income.  Items presented in the condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity which, in previous periods were described as “gains/(losses) recognized directly in equity”, are now described as components of other comprehensive income and have been presented separately in the condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income.  These items include unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale financial assets and on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, and gains and losses on foreign currency translation effects.  The condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity has been revised to present total comprehensive income and transactions with Syngenta shareholders in their capacity as shareholders.  The above effects of adopting the revised IFRS are presentation changes only and do not change Syngenta’s reported results, financial position or cash flows.
 
IAS 23 (revised March 2007) “Borrowing Costs” requires borrowing costs directly attributable to the construction of qualifying assets to be capitalized as part of the cost of those assets.  Qualifying assets include property, plant and equipment constructed and intangible assets for computer software developed in projects that will take more than 12 months to complete.  The adoption of this IFRS did not have a material impact on Syngenta’s condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
IFRIC 13, “Customer Loyalty Programmes” requires loyalty award credits granted to customers as part of a sales transaction to be accounted for as a component of the related sale.  The adoption of this Interpretation did not have a material impact on Syngenta’s condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
The following IFRSs adopted in 2009 had no impact on Syngenta’s condensed consolidated financial statements:
 
 
·
“Improvements to IFRSs” issued May 2008
 
 
·
Amendments to IAS 32 & IAS 1, “Puttable Financial Instruments and Obligations arising on Liquidation”, issued in February 2008
 
 
·
“Vesting Conditions and Cancellations”, an amendment to IFRS 2 “Share Based Payment”, issued in January 2008
 
 
·
IFRIC 16, “Hedges of a Net Investment in a Foreign Operation”
 
Syngenta -- July 24, 2009 / Page 15 of 31

 
Note 4: Business combinations, divestments and other significant transactions
 
Six months ended June 30, 2009
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2009, Syngenta completed three small acquisitions and three small divestitures, none of which were material either individually or in the aggregate.
 
On May 1, 2009 Syngenta sold its 6.99 percent shareholding in Sakata Seeds Corp. for approximately US$46 million.
 
Year ended December 31, 2008
 
On November 10, 2008, Syngenta purchased 100 percent of SPS Argentina SA (SPS), a company primarily specialized in the development, production and marketing of soybean, corn and sunflower.  On November 19, 2008 Syngenta acquired 100 percent of Goldsmith Seeds, Inc. (Goldsmith).  Goldsmith breeds, produces and sells a broad range of pot and bedding products, including major crops such as cyclamen, impatiens and petunia. On December 12, 2008, Syngenta acquired the pot and garden chrysanthemum and aster business of US flowers producer Yoder Brothers Inc.  Chrysanthemums are one of the top five selling pot and garden flowers in the global industry.
 
The following amounts have been recognized in the consolidated financial statements in respect of these acquisitions at the acquisition date:
 
(US$ million)
 
Carrying
amount
   
Fair value adjustments (provisional)
   
Fair values (provisional)
 
Trade receivables
    12       -       12  
Inventories
    31       -       31  
Property, plant and equipment
    14       -       14  
Intangible assets
    -       90       90  
Trade accounts payable
    (14 )     -       (14 )
Other
    17       (8 )     9  
Net assets acquired
    60       82       142  
Purchase price
                    143  
Goodwill
                    1  
 
Total cash paid to date for these three acquisitions is US$143 million including US$4 million of direct acquisition costs.  Because of the nature and location of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with two of the acquisitions, and the need to develop and implement IFRS accounting processes in acquired companies that did not use IFRS prior to acquisition, the purchase accounting process for those acquisitions is not yet complete.  The determination of fair values at acquisition date of identifiable assets and liabilities, and in one case the cost of acquisition, are subject to finalization.  The combined amount of goodwill and purchase accounting adjustments still to be completed at June 30, 2009, was US$60 million (December 31, 2008: US$96 million).  This amount has been presented within Intangible assets in the above table and in the condensed consolidated balance sheet.
 
Syngenta -- July 24, 2009 / Page 16 of 31

 
Following a public offer to minority shareholders of Syngenta India Limited (SIL) made during 2007, Syngenta acquired a further 1.3 percent of SIL’s share capital in January 2008.  The total shareholding of Syngenta in SIL increased to 96.3 percent.
 
On April 3, 2008, Syngenta acquired a 49 percent share in the Chinese company Sanbei Seeds Co Ltd, which specializes in the production and sale of high-quality, high-yielding corn seeds. The purchase price was US$36 million.
 
Note 5: Segmental information
 
For the six months ended June 30, 2009
(US$ million)
 
Crop
Protection
   
Seeds
   
Business Development
   
Elimination(1)
   
Total
 
Segment sales third party
    4,974       1,676       5       -       6,655  
Segment sales other segments
    26       -       -       (26 )     -  
Segment sales
    5,000       1,676       5       (26 )     6,655  
Cost of goods sold
    (2,349 )     (911 )     (1 )     46       (3,215 )
Gross profit
    2,651       765       4       20       3,440  
Marketing and distribution
    (558 )     (277 )     (4 )     -       (839 )
Research and development
    (239 )     (175 )     (34 )     -       (448 )
General and administrative
    (265 )     (71 )     (10 )     -       (346 )
Restructuring and impairment
    (28 )     (23 )     2       -       (49 )
Operating income/(loss)
    1,561       219       (42 )     20       1,758  
Income from associates and joint ventures
                                    2  
Financial expense, net
                                    (46 )
Income before taxes
                                    1,714  
Total assets
    11,465       3,420       110       2,491 (2)     17,486  
                                         
                               
For the six months ended June 30, 2008
(US$ million)
 
Crop
Protection
   
Seeds
   
Business Development
   
Elimination(1)
   
Total
 
Segment sales third party
    5,536       1,739       20       -       7,295  
Segment sales other segments
    18       -       -       (18 )     -  
Segment sales
    5,554       1,739       20       (18 )     7,295  
Cost of goods sold
    (2,401 )     (950 )     (12 )     39       (3,324 )
Gross profit
    3,153       789       8       21       3,971  
Marketing and distribution
    (681 )     (299 )     (4 )     -       (984 )
Research and development
    (268 )     (163 )     (29 )     -       (460 )
General and administrative
    (355 )     (104 )     (9 )     -       (468 )
Restructuring and impairment
    (37 )     (13 )     (25 )     -       (75 )
Operating income/(loss)
    1,812       210       (59 )     21       1,984  
Financial expense, net
                                    (37 )
Income before taxes
                                    1,947  
Total assets
    11,497       3,118       115       1,917 (2)     16,647  
 
All amounts relate to continuing operations.
 
(1) Intersegment elimination
(2) Unallocated assets
 
Syngenta -- July 24, 2009 / Page 17 of 31

 
Note 6: General and administrative
 
General and administrative includes gains of US$19 million (2008: US$nil) on disposals of property, plant and equipment and subsidiaries and US$23 million (2008: US$nil) on cash flow hedges reclassified from other comprehensive income in connection with the income statement recognition of the related hedged transactions.
 
Note 7: Restructuring and impairment before taxes
 
For the six months ended June 30,
(US$ million)
 
2009
         
2008
       
Reversal of inventory step-up
(in cost of goods sold)
          (1)             (6)  
Restructuring costs:
                           
Write-off or impairment:
                           
Property, plant and equipment
    (5 )             (4 )        
Intangible assets
    1               (11 )        
Non-cash pension restructuring charges
    (2 )             (1 )        
Total non-cash restructuring  and impairment costs
    (6 )             (16 )        
                                 
Cash costs:
                               
Operational efficiency programs
    (33 )             (25 )        
Seeds integration
    (7 )             (8 )        
Other
    (5 )             (1 )        
Total cash restructuring costs
    (45 )             (34 )        
                                 
Impairment and disposal of financial assets
    2               (25 )        
              (49)               (75)  
Total restructuring and impairment
            (50)               (81)  
 
Restructuring represents the effect on reported performance of initiating business changes which are considered major and which, in the opinion of management, will have a material effect on the nature and focus of Syngenta's operations, and therefore requires separate disclosure to provide a more thorough understanding of business performance.  Restructuring includes the effects of completing and integrating significant business combinations and divestments.  The incidence of these business changes may be periodic and the effect on reported performance of initiating them will vary from period to period.  Because each such business change is different in nature and scope, there will be little continuity in the detailed composition and size of the reported amounts which affect performance in successive periods.  Separate disclosure of these amounts facilitates the understanding of performance including and excluding items affecting comparability.  Reported performance before restructuring and impairment is one of the measures used in Syngenta’s short term employee incentive compensation plans.  Syngenta’s definition of restructuring and impairment may not be comparable to similarly titled line items in financial statements of other companies.
 
Restructuring and impairment includes the impairment costs associated with major restructuring and also impairment losses and reversals of impairment losses resulting from major changes in the markets in which a reported segment operates.
 
Syngenta -- July 24, 2009 / Page 18 of 31

 
Six months ended June 30, 2009
 
Charges for the Operational Efficiency program announced in February 2007, were US$19 million for Crop Protection and US$14 million for Seeds and consisted mainly of continuing costs for restructuring of IS and standardization and consolidation of back office operations.
 
US$7 million of costs were incurred during the six months ended June 30, 2009 for integration activity relating to the acquisitions made during 2007 and 2008.
 
Impairment of property, plant and equipment consists of the impairment of a site in the US. US$1 million of impairment was reversed on intangible assets, relating to accelerated amortization of a lease on a Crop Protection development site, the closure of which was announced in 2006.  US$2 million of impairment and disposal of financial assets consists of US$8 million of impairments of available-for-sale investments, net of US$10 million of recycling of gains on the disposal of Sakata Seeds Corp. (see Note 4).
 
Reversal of inventory step up included in cost of goods sold for the six months ended June 30, 2009 relates to the Zeraim Gedera acquisition.
 
Six months ended June 30, 2008
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2008, Syngenta continued to incur costs associated with the Operational Efficiency program announced in 2004.  While no further initiatives were announced under this program in 2008, charges of US$6 million were incurred relating to the implementation of the Crop Protection manufacturing site closures announced in 2004-2006 and the rationalization and relocation of Research and Technology sites announced in 2004.
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2008, US$7 million in cash costs were incurred by Crop Protection under the second Operational Efficiency program announced in February 2007 including US$6 million relating to the restructuring of the Development function.  Headquarter and IS restructuring activity incurred costs of US$3 million and cash costs in Seeds totaled approximately US$3 million.  In addition, during the six months ended June 30, 2008, US$6 million was spent on a project to enable further back office standardization and consolidation.
 
Impairments of US$11 million on intangible assets for the six months ended June 30, 2009 largely related to accelerated amortization of a lease on a Crop Protection development site, the closure of which was announced in 2006.  The US$25 million financial asset impairment largely reflected the significant fall in the share price of Verenium (previously Diversa Corporation).
 
Reversal of inventory step up included in cost of goods sold for the six months ended June 30, 2008 related to the Zeraim Gedera acquisition.
 
Syngenta -- July 24, 2009 / Page 19 of 31

 
Note 8: Non-cash items included in income before taxes
 
The following table analyzes non-cash items included in income before taxes for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008:
 
For the six months ended June 30,
(US$ million)
 
2009
   
2008
 
Depreciation, amortization and impairment of:
           
Property, plant and equipment
    117       128  
Intangible assets
    111       103  
Financial assets
    (2 )     25  
Gain on disposal of non-current assets
    (15 )     -  
Charge in respect of share based compensation
    30       25  
Charges in respect of provisions
    62       120  
Net financial expenses
    46       37  
Gains on hedges reported in operating income
    (10 )     -  
Share of income from associates
    (2 )     -  
Total
    337       438  
 
Note 9: Principal currency translation rates
 
As an international business selling in over 100 countries, with major manufacturing and R&D facilities in Switzerland, the UK, the USA and India, movements in currencies impact business performance.  The principal currencies and exchange rates against the US dollar used in preparing the financial statements contained in this communication were as follows:
 
     
Average
                   
     
six months ended June 30,
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
Per US$
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
   
2008
 
Brazilian real
BRL
    2.25       1.72       1.95       1.60       2.33  
Swiss franc
CHF
    1.12       1.06       1.08       1.02       1.06  
Euro
EUR
    0.75       0.66       0.71       0.63       0.71  
British pound
GBP
    0.68       0.50       0.60       0.50       0.69  
 
The average rates presented above are an average of the monthly rates used to prepare the condensed consolidated income and cash flow statements.  The period end rates were used for the preparation of the condensed consolidated balance sheet.
 
Syngenta -- July 24, 2009 / Page 20 of 31

 
Note 10: Issuances, repurchases and repayments of debt and equity securities
 
Six months ended June 30, 2009
 
In February and March 2009, Syngenta entered into forward contracts to purchase a total of 550,000 of its own shares for settlement in September and October 2009 at fixed prices in CHF equivalent to US$121 million at the June 30, 2009 exchange rate. Shares acquired will be used to meet the future requirements of share based payment plans.  No treasury shares were reissued except in accordance with Syngenta’s share based payment plans disclosed in Note 23 to its 2008 annual consolidated financial statements.
 
In June 2009, Syngenta issued a Eurobond with a principal amount of EUR500 million, a maturity of June 2014 and a coupon rate of 4.0 percent.
 
Six months ended June 30, 2008
 
In the first six months of 2008, Syngenta repurchased 1,521,408 of its own shares at a cost of US$440 million. No treasury shares were reissued except in accordance with Syngenta’s share based payment plans.
 
In April 2008, Syngenta issued a Swiss franc domestic bond with a principal amount of CHF 500 million, a maturity of April 2013 and a coupon rate of 3.375 percent.
 
Note 11: Commitments and contingencies
 
(US$ million)
 
June 30,
2009
   
December 31,
2008
 
Commitments for the purchase of:
           
Property, plant and equipment
    173       172  
Raw materials
    2,660       2,078  
Other commitments
    333       362  
Total
    3,166       2,612  
 
Note 12: Subsequent events
 
No events occurred between the balance sheet date and the date on which these condensed consolidated financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors that would require adjustment to or disclosure in the condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
Syngenta -- July 24, 2009 / Page 21 of 31

 
SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Financial Summary
 
   
Ex Restructuring & impairment(1)
   
Restructuring &
impairment
   
As reported under
IFRS
 
For the six months ended June 30,
(US$ million)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Sales
    6,655       7,295       -       -       6,655       7,295  
Gross profit
    3,441       3,977       (1 )     (6 )     3,440       3,971  
Marketing and distribution
    (839 )     (984 )     -       -       (839 )     (984 )
Research and development
    (448 )     (460 )     -       -       (448 )     (460 )
General and administrative
    (346 )     (468 )     -       -       (346 )     (468 )
Restructuring and impairment
    -       -       (49 )     (75 )     (49 )     (75 )
Operating income
    1,808       2,065       (50 )     (81 )     1,758       1,984  
Income before taxes
    1,764       2,028       (50 )     (81 )     1,714       1,947  
Income tax expense
    (333 )     (446 )     12       24       (321 )     (422 )
Net income
    1,431       1,582       (38 )     (57 )     1,393       1,525  
Attributable to minority interests
    8       6       -       -       8       6  
Attributable to Syngenta AG shareholders:
    1,423       1,576       (38 )     (57 )     1,385       1,519  
Earnings/(loss) per share(2)
                                               
- basic
  $ 15.27     $ 16.68     $ (0.40 )   $ (0.60 )   $ 14.87     $ 16.08  
- diluted
  $ 15.18     $ 16.53     $ (0.40 )   $ (0.60 )   $ 14.78     $ 15.93  

   
2009
   
2008
   
2009 CER(3)
 
Gross profit margin excluding restructuring and impairment
    51.7 %     54.5 %     53.2 %
EBITDA(4)
    2,033       2,282          
EBITDA margin
    30.5 %     31.3 %     32.1 %
Tax rate on results excluding restructuring and impairment
    19 %     22 %        
Free cash flow(5)
    79       240          
Trade working capital to sales(6)
    44 %     44 %        
Debt/Equity gearing(7)
    32 %     29 %        
Net debt(7)
    2,203       2,005          

(1)
For further analysis of restructuring and impairment charges, see Note 7 on page 18.  Net income and earnings per share excluding restructuring and impairment are provided as additional information and not as an alternative to net income and earnings per share determined in accordance with IFRS.
 
(2)
The weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue used to calculate the earnings per share were as follows:  For 2009 basic EPS 93,179,087 and diluted 93,758,202; for 2008 basic EPS 94,474,155 and diluted EPS 95,334,962.
 
(3)
For a description of CER see Appendix A on page 26.
 
(4)
EBITDA is defined in Appendix B on page 26.
 
(5)
For a description of free cash flow, see Appendix E on page 28.
 
(6)
Period end trade working capital as a percentage of twelve-month sales, see Appendix F on page 28.
 
(7)
For a description of net debt and the calculation of debt/equity gearing, see Appendix G on page 29.
 
Syngenta -- July 24, 2009 / Page 22 of 31

 
Half Year Segmental Results excluding Restructuring and Impairment
 
Syngenta
 
For the six months ended June 30,
 
(US$ million)
 
2009
   
2008
   
CER %
 
Third party sales
    6,655       7,295       +2  
Gross profit
    3,441       3,977       - 1  
Marketing and distribution
    (839 )     (984 )     +7  
Research and development
    (448 )     (460 )     - 7  
General and administrative
    (346 )     (468 )     +15  
Operating income
    1,808       2,065       +4  
EBITDA(1)
    2,033       2,282       +4  
EBITDA (%)
    30.5       31.3          
                         
Crop Protection
(US$ million)
                       
Total sales
    5,000       5,554       +1  
Inter-segment elimination
    (26 )     (18 )     n/a  
Third party sales
    4,974       5,536       -  
Gross profit
    2,651       3,153       - 3  
Marketing and distribution
    (558 )     (681 )     +11  
Research and development
    (239 )     (268 )     - 1  
General and administrative
    (265 )     (355 )     +13  
Operating income
    1,589       1,849       +2  
EBITDA(1)
    1,739       2,019       +1  
EBITDA (%)
    34.8       36.3          
                         
Seeds
(US$ million)
                       
Third party sales
    1,676       1,739       +7  
Gross profit
    766       795       +7  
Marketing and distribution
    (277 )     (299 )     - 2  
Research and development
    (175 )     (163 )     - 15  
General and administrative
    (71 )     (104 )     +24  
Operating income
    243       229       +24  
EBITDA(1)
    314       272       +31  
EBITDA (%)
    18.7       15.6          
                         
Business Development
(US$ million)
                       
Third party sales
    5       20       n/a  
Gross profit
    4       8       - 57  
Marketing and distribution
    (4 )     (4 )     +4  
Research and development
    (34 )     (29 )     - 21  
General and administrative
    (10 )     (9 )     n/a  
Operating (loss)
    (44 )     (34 )     n/a  
EBITDA(1)
    (40 )     (30 )     n/a  
EBITDA (%)
    n/a       n/a          
 
(1)
For a reconciliation of segment EBITDA to segment operating income, see Appendix D on page 27

Syngenta -- July 24, 2009 / Page 23 of 31

 
Half Year Product Line and Regional Sales
 
Syngenta
 
For the six months ended June 30,
 
(US$ million)
 
2009
   
2008
   
Actual %
   
CER %
 
Crop Protection
    5,000       5,554       - 10       +1  
Seeds
    1,676       1,739       - 4       +7  
Business Development
    5       20       - 74       - 74  
Inter-segment elimination
    (26 )     (18 )     -       -  
Third Party Sales
    6,655       7,295       - 9       +2  
                                 
Crop Protection
                               
Product line
                               
Selective Herbicides
    1,615       1,679       - 4       +8  
Non-selective Herbicides
    691       739       - 6       +3  
Fungicides
    1,356       1,649       - 18       - 7  
Insecticides
    673       779       - 14       - 3  
Seed Care
    392       388       +1       +10  
Professional Products
    225       289       - 22       - 18  
Others
    48       31       +53       +68  
Total
    5,000       5,554       - 10       +1  
Regional
                               
Europe, Africa and Middle East
    1,810       2,250       - 20       - 3  
NAFTA
    1,882       1,850       +2       +9  
Latin America
    550       698       - 21       - 21  
Asia Pacific
    758       756       -       +12  
Total
    5,000       5,554       - 10       +1  
                                 
Seeds
                               
Product line
                               
Corn and Soybean
    843       814       +4       +10  
Diverse Field Crops
    304       353       - 14       +7  
Vegetables and Flowers
    529       572       - 8       +2  
Total
    1,676       1,739       - 4       +7  
Regional
                               
Europe, Africa and Middle East
    659       811       - 19       +1  
NAFTA
    880       773       +14       +15  
Latin America
    41       66       - 37       - 37  
Asia Pacific
    96       89       +8       +26  
Total
    1,676       1,739       - 4       +7  

Syngenta -- July 24, 2009 / Page 24 of 31

 
Second Quarter Product Line and Regional Sales
 
Syngenta
 
   2nd Quarter
             
(US$ million)
 
2009
   
2008
   
Actual %
   
CER %
 
Crop Protection
    2,415       2,880       - 16       - 7  
Seeds
    622       612       +2       +14  
Business Development
    4       18       - 74       - 74  
Inter-segment elimination
    (8 )     (4 )     -       -  
Third Party Sales
    3,033       3,506       - 13       - 4  
                                 
Crop Protection
                               
Product line
                               
Selective Herbicides
    814       904       - 10       +1  
Non-selective Herbicides
    362       434       - 17       - 9  
Fungicides
    634       873       - 27       - 18  
Insecticides
    318       375       - 15       - 6  
Seed Care
    135       135       -       +10  
Professional Products
    115       143       - 20       - 16  
Others
    37       16       +123       +147  
Total
    2,415       2,880       - 16       - 7  
Regional
                               
Europe, Africa and Middle East
    823       1,134       - 27       - 12  
NAFTA
    989       1,060       - 7       - 1  
Latin America
    262       318       - 18       - 18  
Asia Pacific
    341       368       - 7       +2  
Total
    2,415       2,880       - 16       - 7  
                                 
Seeds
                               
Product line
                               
Corn and Soybean
    213       194       +10       +19  
Diverse Field Crops
    155       151       +2       +25  
Vegetables and Flowers
    254       267       - 5       +4  
Total
    622       612       +2       +14  
Regional
                               
Europe, Africa and Middle East
    251       286       - 12       +10  
NAFTA
    300       243       +23       +24  
Latin America
    14       33       - 57       - 57  
Asia Pacific
    57       50       +13       +30  
Total
    622       612       +2       +14  

Syngenta -- July 24, 2009 / Page 25 of 31

 
 
Supplementary Financial Information
 
Appendix A: Constant exchange rates (CER)
 
Results in this report from one period to another period are, where appropriate, compared using constant exchange rates (CER).  To present that information, current period results for entities reporting in currencies other than US dollars are converted into US dollars at the prior period's exchange rates, rather than at the exchange rates for the current year.  CER margin percentages for gross profit and EBITDA are calculated by the ratio of these measures to sales after restating the measures and sales at prior period exchange rates.  The CER presentation indicates the underlying business performance before taking into account currency exchange fluctuations.
 
Appendix B: Reconciliation of EBITDA to net income
 
EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, tax, minority interests, depreciation, amortization, restructuring and impairment.  Information concerning EBITDA has been included as it is used by management and by investors as a supplementary measure of operating performance and is used by Syngenta as the basis of part of its employee incentive schemes.  Management excludes restructuring from EBITDA in order to focus on results excluding items affecting comparability from one period to the next.  EBITDA is not a measure of cash liquidity or financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles and the EBITDA measures used by Syngenta may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies.  EBITDA should not be construed as an alternative to operating income or cash flow as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
For the six months ended June 30,
(US$ million)
 
2009
   
2008
 
Net income attributable to Syngenta AG shareholders
    1,385       1,519  
Minority interests
    8       6  
Income tax expense
    321       422  
Financial expenses, net
    46       37  
Pre-tax restructuring and impairment
    50       81  
Depreciation, amortization and other impairment
    223       217  
EBITDA
    2,033       2,282  

Syngenta -- July 24, 2009 / Page 26 of 31

 
Appendix C: Segmental results and inter-segment elimination excluding restructuring and impairment
 
For the six months ended June 30, 2009
(US$ million)
 
Sales
   
Gross profit
   
Operating income
   
EBITDA
 
Crop Protection
    5,000       2,651       1,589       1,739  
Seeds
    1,676       766       243       314  
Business Development
    5       4       (44 )     (40 )
Total
    6,681       3,421       1,788       2,013  
Inter-segment elimination(1)
    (26 )     20       20       20  
Total 3rd party
    6,655       3,441       1,808       2,033  
                                 
For the six months ended June 30, 2008
(US$ million)
 
Sales
   
Gross profit
   
Operating income
   
EBITDA
 
Crop Protection
    5,554       3,153       1,849       2,019  
Seeds
    1,739       795       229       272  
Business Development
    20       8       (34 )     (30 )
Total
    7,313       3,956       2,044       2,261  
Inter-segment elimination(1)
    (18 )     21       21       21  
Total 3rd party
    7,295       3,977       2,065       2,282  
 
(1)    Crop Protection inter-segment sales to Seeds.
 
Appendix D: Reconciliation of segment EBITDA to segment operating income
 
For the six months ended June 30, 2009 (US$ million)
 
Crop Protection
   
Seeds
   
Business Development
   
Elimination
   
Total
 
EBITDA
    1,739       314       (40 )     20       2,033  
Depreciation, amortization & impairment
    (155 )     (64 )     (4 )             (223 )
Income from associates & joint ventures
    5       (7 )     -               (2 )
Operating income  excl. restructuring & impairment
    1,589       243       (44 )     20       1,808  
Restructuring & impairment(2)
    (28 )     (24 )     2               (50 )
Operating income
    1,561       219       (42 )     20       1,758  
                                         
                                         
For the six months ended June 30, 2008 (US$ million)
 
Crop Protection
   
Seeds
   
Business Development
   
Elimination
   
Total
 
EBITDA
    2,019       272       (30 )     21       2,282  
Depreciation, amortization & impairment
    (170 )     (43 )     (4 )             (217 )
Operating income  excl. restructuring & impairment
    1,849       229       (34 )     21       2,065  
Restructuring & impairment(2)
    (37 )     (19 )     (25 )             (81 )
Operating income
    1,812       210       (59 )     21       1,984  
 
(2)   Including reversal of inventory step-up included in Cost of goods sold.
 
Syngenta -- July 24, 2009 / Page 27 of 31

 
Appendix E: Free cash flow
 
Free cash flow comprises cash flow from operating and investing activities, except investments in and proceeds from marketable securities.  Free cash flow is not a measure of financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles and the free cash flow measure used by Syngenta may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.  Free cash flow has been included as it is used by many investors as a useful supplementary measure of cash generation.
 
For the six months ended June 30,
(US$ million)
 
2009
   
2008
 
Cash flow from operating activities
    359       510  
Cash flow used for investing activities
    (275 )     (231 )
Cash flow from marketable securities
    (5 )     (39 )
Free cash flow
    79       240  
 
Appendix F: Period end trade working capital
 
The following table provides detail of trade working capital at the periods ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 as a percentage of twelve-month sales:
 
(US$ million)
 
2009
   
2008
 
Inventories
    3,356       2,595  
Trade accounts receivable
    4,245       4,927  
Trade accounts payable
    (2,743 )     (2,771 )
Net trade working capital
    4,858       4,751  
Twelve-month sales
    10,984       10,846  
Trade working capital as percentage of sales (%)
    44 %     44 %
 
Syngenta -- July 24, 2009 / Page 28 of 31

 
Appendix G: Net debt reconciliation
 
Net debt comprises total debt net of related hedging derivatives, cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities.  Net debt is not a measure of financial position under generally accepted accounting principles and the net debt measure used by Syngenta may not be comparable to the similarly titled measure of other companies.  Net debt has been included as it is used by many investors as a useful measure of financial position and risk.  The following table provides a reconciliation of movements in net debt during the period:
 
For the six months ended June 30,
(US$ million)
 
2009
   
2008
 
Opening balance at January 1
    1,886       1,385  
Debt acquired with business acquisitions and other non-cash items
    (65 )     28  
Foreign exchange effect on net debt
    (4 )     (8 )
Purchase/(sale) of treasury shares
    (26 )     388  
Dividends paid
    491       452  
Free cash flow
    (79 )     (240 )
Closing balance as at June 30
    2,203       2,005  
                 
Components of closing balance:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
    (1,765 )     (822 )
Marketable securities(1)
    (2 )     (65 )
Current financial debt
    852       790  
Non-current financial debt(2)
    3,206       2,325  
Financing-related derivatives(3)
    (88 )     (223 )
Closing balance as at June 30
    2,203       2,005  
 
(1)
Long-term marketable securities are included in Other non-current financial assets. Short-term marketable securities are included in Other current assets.
 
(2)
Included within Financial debt and other non-current liabilities.
 
(3)
Included within Other non-current financial assets and Financial debt and other non-current liabilities.
 
The following table presents the derivation of the Debt/Equity gearing ratio as at the periods ended June 30, 2009 and 2008:
 
(US$ million)
 
2009
   
2008
 
Net debt
    2,203       2,005  
Shareholders’ equity
    6,978       6,950  
Debt/Equity gearing ratio (%)
    32 %     29 %
 
Syngenta -- July 24, 2009 / Page 29 of 31

 
Glossary and Trademarks
 
All product or brand names included in this results statement are trademarks of, or licensed to, a Syngenta group company. For simplicity, sales are reported under the lead brand names, shown below, whereas some compounds are sold under several brand names to address separate market niches.
 
Selective Herbicides
 
APIRO®
novel grass weed herbicide for rice
AXIAL®
new cereal herbicide
BICEP® MAGNUM
broad spectrum pre-emergence herbicide for corn and sorghum
CALLISTO®
novel herbicide for flexible use on broad-leaved weeds for corn
DUAL® MAGNUM
grass weed killer for corn and soybeans
ENVOKE®
novel low-dose herbicide for cotton and sugar cane
FUSILADE®
grass weed killer for broad-leaf crops
LUMAX®
unique season-long grass and broad leaf weed control for corn
TOPIK®
post-emergence grass weed killer for wheat
Non-selective Herbicides
 
GRAMOXONE®
rapid, non-systemic burn-down of vegetation
TOUCHDOWN®
systemic total vegetation control
Fungicides
 
AMISTAR®
broad spectrum strobilurin for use on multiple crops
BRAVO®
broad spectrum fungicide for use on multiple crops
INVINSATM
pre-harvest protection for multiple crops from drought stress
REVUSTM
for use on potatoes, tomatoes, vines and vegetable crops
RIDOMIL GOLD®
systemic fungicide for use in vines, potatoes and vegetables
SCORE®
triazole fungicide for use in vegetables, fruits and rice
TILT®
broad spectrum triazole for use in cereals, bananas and peanuts
UNIX®
cereal and vine fungicide with unique mode of action
Insecticides
 
ACTARA®
second-generation neonicotinoid for controlling foliar and soil pests in multiple crops
DURIVOTM
broad spectrum, lower dose insecticide, controls resistant pests
FORCE®
unique pyrethroid controlling soil pests in corn
KARATE®
foliar pyrethroid offering broad spectrum insect control
PROCLAIM®
novel, low-dose insecticide for controlling lepidoptera in vegetables and cotton
VERTIMEC®
acaricide for use in fruits, vegetables and cotton
Professional Products
 
AVICTA®
breakthrough nematode control seed treatment
CRUISER®
novel broad spectrum seed treatment  - neonicotinoid insecticide
DIVIDEND®
triazole seed treatment fungicide
HERITAGE®
strobilurin turf fungicide
ICON®
public health insecticide
IMPASSE®
termite barrier
MAXIM®
broad spectrum seed treatment fungicide
Field Crops
 
AGRISURETM
new corn trait choices
GARST®
US brand for corn and soybean
GOLDEN HARVEST®
brand for corn and soybean in North America and Europe
HILLESHÖG®
global brand for sugar beet
NK®
global brand for corn, oilseeds and other field crops
Vegetables and Flowers
 
DULCINEATM
consumer produce brand for value-added fruits and vegetables in North America
Fischer
Global premium flowers brand
PUREHEARTTM
DULCINEA™ brand for ‘personal size’ seedless watermelon
ROGERS® vegetables
leading brand throughout the Americas
S&G® flowers
global brand for seeds and young plants
S&G® vegetables
leading brand in Europe, Africa and Asia
 
Syngenta -- July 24, 2009 / Page 30 of 31

 
Addresses for Correspondence
 
Swiss Depositary
Depositary for ADRs
Registered Office
     
SEGA Aktienregister AG
The Bank of New York
Syngenta AG
P.O. Box
Shareholder Relations
Schwarzwaldallee 215
CH-4601 Olten
PO Box 11258
4058 Basel
 
Church Street Station
Switzerland
 
New York, NY 10286
 
     
Tel: +41 (0)62 205 3695
Tel: +1 (212) 815 6917
Tel: +41 (0)61 323 1111





Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
 
This document contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by terminology such as ‘expect’, ‘would’, ‘will’, ‘potential’, ‘plans’, ‘prospects’, ‘estimated’, ‘aiming’, ‘on track’ and similar expressions. Such statements may be subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from these statements. We refer you to Syngenta's publicly available filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for information about these and other risks and uncertainties. Syngenta assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changed assumptions or other factors. This document does not constitute, or form part of, any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any offer, to purchase or subscribe for any ordinary shares in Syngenta AG, or Syngenta ADSs, nor shall it form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract therefore.
Syngenta -- July 24, 2009 / Page 31 of 31

 
 
SIGNATURES

 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 

 
   
SYNGENTA AG
 
 
Date:
July 24, 2009
 
By:
/s/ Christoph Mäder
 
       
Name:
Christoph Mäder
 
       
Title:
Head Legal &Taxes