Syngenta AG (SYT)

Michael Pragnell, Chief Executive Officer, said:

“In 2006, Syngenta demonstrated resilience in markets that were challenging, notably in the important first half. Crop Protection once again increased sales and gained market share driven by an excellent performance from new products; leadership was reinforced in the USA; Eastern Europe and Asia Pacific delivered strong growth; growth was also achieved in Latin America despite difficult conditions in Brazil. Professional Products accelerated growth, driven primarily by Seed Care. After a difficult first half in US Corn & Soybean, Seeds performed well in the second half with double digit growth in Vegetables and expansion in Diverse Field Crops; further regulatory milestones were achieved including EPA approval of our corn rootworm trait. Our continuing focus on cost and capital efficiency underpinned increased earnings and delivered strong free cash flow.”

Michael Pragnell, Chief Executive Officer, said:

“In 2005, Syngenta delivered another year of growth across the business. In Crop Protection continued new product momentum helped to drive market share gains and reinforced our leadership position, notably in the USA; Eastern Europe once again delivered double digit growth and in Latin America performance was robust despite more challenging conditions in Brazil. Progress in Professional Products was driven by the continuing success of our Seed Care portfolio. Seeds also achieved strong growth: in their first year post acquisition the corn and soybean businesses, GARST^® and GOLDEN HARVEST^®, performed well, reinforcing a strong underlying performance; Vegetables seeds maintained its growth record of the last six years. Our continuing focus upon cost and capital efficiency combined with strong sales growth led to increased earnings and further improvements in financial ratios.”

Michael Pragnell, Chief Executive Officer, said:

“Following an outstanding 2004, Syngenta delivered strong growth in the first half of 2005 in both Crop Protection and Seeds, with an exceptional performance across NAFTA. Our marketing teams took full advantage of a strong US corn market, exploiting our leading crop protection position and expanded seeds platform; Garst and Golden Harvest made an impressive first season contribution. New Crop Protection products maintained their record of outstanding growth. Professional Products once again generated excellent results driven by double digit growth in Seed Treatment. Top line growth and continued cost discipline have sustained business quality and contributed to a significant increase in earnings.”

Michael Pragnell, Chief Executive Officer, said:

“In 2004, Syngenta delivered growth across all businesses and in all regions in improving agricultural markets, consolidating its leadership position. Crop Protection growth was notably high in Latin America, and across Europe excellent local marketing drove sales expansion. New products again grew strongly. The acquisitions of Garst and Golden Harvest, completed in the second half significantly strengthened our position in US corn and soybean seeds. Professional Products and Vegetables and Flowers seeds maintained their five year record of consistent growth. The immense commitment of our people worldwide and our sustained focus on cost and capital efficiency contributed to strong earnings growth and substantially enhanced returns.”