The first half of the financial year tends to be quiet for agricultural products and services group Origin Enterprises (OIZ). It was nevertheless encouraging that Origin increased its EPS by 16 per cent in the latest period.
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A strong performance from associate companies, especially marine protein business Welcon, was the driving force. The group's agricultural consultancy business, which is where Origin's best long-term potential lies, had a slow half as wet weather reduced autumn planting.
Planting is expected to pick up as the year progresses as farmers try to make up lost ground and broker Goodbody continues to expect a 10 per cent increase in earnings for the year as a whole.
