Omnia reports higher profits despite weaker agricultural demand

According to Omnia Holdings’ unaudited financial results for the year to end-September 2026, released on 9 November, the group’s operating profit grew by 26% to R1,1 billion, headline earnings per share were up 25%, and revenue rose 2% year-on-year (y/y) to R11,4 billion.
Revenue in the agriculture division decreased by 4% to around R5,4 billion, while operating profit rose by 13% to R517 million and operating margin increased by 17% to 9,5%.
Omnia said in a statement that its agriculture segment “delivered a resilient performance despite lower volumes and global supply disruptions”.
“Higher average selling prices, reflecting the impact of the Middle East conflict on commodity input prices, and improved manufacturing contributions supported the performance. The group’s integrated manufacturing and supply chain capabilities remained a key enabling differentiator.”
The group said its South African agriculture division achieved a higher operating profit and margin “through higher selling prices, improved manufacturing contributions, and cost discipline, despite deferred planting decisions amid softer grain prices, elevated input costs, and weather uncertainty”.
High prices delay purchasing
Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly, Stephan Serfontein, the group’s financial director, said the higher commodity prices experienced during April influenced local on-farm buying patterns, with farmers postponing input purchases in anticipation of lower prices. With the onset of El Niño, farmers had a