Economic rationale for the development of small vertically diversified pork production enterprises in Ukraine

Abstract

Implementing the vertical diversification strategy for pig-breeding enterprises in Ukraine is one of the factors in increasing their economic efficiency and competitiveness. Mastering the following interrelated links of production and sale in animal husbandry increases enterprises' financial stability and economic security. The article economically substantiates the expediency of capital investments in developing vertically diversified pork production enterprises in Ukraine. The need for investments for the formation of fixed and working capital for the implementation of the project has been determined. The main operating costs for the organization of pig breeding, slaughter, and the sale of meat through the direct sales channel in the amount of 200 tons per year have been calculated. Planning of workforce needs for project implementation has been carried out. The leading indicators of the economic efficiency of capital investments for the production and sale of pork in the newly established enterprise have been determined. According to the study results, the relatively high investment attractiveness of developing small vertically diversified pork production enterprises in Ukraine with an orientation to local markets is substantiated. It has been established that for the implementation of the proposed project, about 1.1 million euros of advanced capital is needed, which is expected to pay off in 3.5 years. The project's five-year net present value has been determined to reach 690,000 euros at a discount rate of 2%. Accordingly, the projected internal rate of return will exceed 26%. The average annual net profit during the project implementation period will be 268 thousand euros, with an average operating cost of 457 thousand euros, allowing us to achieve 65% profitability of production and 32% profitability of pork sales. The projected average net return on capital for the project implementation period is expected to be 35%. The development of vertical diversification in small pork production enterprises in Ukraine will increase the added value and productivity of the involved financial, labor, material, and technical resources.