Core Insights - Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (ADM) reported third-quarter adjusted earnings per share of 92 cents, surpassing the analyst consensus estimate of 85 cents [1] - Quarterly sales reached $20.372 billion, falling short of the expected $20.650 billion [1] - The company lowered its 2025 adjusted EPS outlook from $4.00 to a range of $3.25 to $3.50, which is below the $3.84 analyst consensus [4] Financial Performance - Total segment operating profit was $845 million, a decrease of 19% year over year, excluding specified items totaling $220 million [2] - AS&O segment operating profit was $379 million, down 21% compared to the prior year [3] - Carbohydrate Solutions segment's operating profit was $336 million, down 26% [3] - Nutrition segment operating profit was $130 million, reflecting a 24% increase from the prior year [3] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $954 million [3] - The company ended the quarter with cash and equivalents of $1.235 billion [3] Management Commentary - CEO Juan Luciano highlighted advancements in portfolio optimization, cost savings through targeted streamlining, efficient plant operations, and robust cash flow generation [2] - Looking ahead, the company anticipates that biofuel policy clarity and trade policy evolution will provide demand signals for the industry [4] Stock Performance - ADM shares traded 1% higher at $60.69 following the earnings report [4]

Core Insights - ADM reported a reduction in its full-year earnings per share guidance, marking its third cut this year, attributed to declining earnings in the grain sector due to low crop prices and weaker demand [3][6] - The company's outlook was negatively impacted by a lower soybean crush margin, influenced by its larger footprint in North America compared to competitors [4][6] - The evolving global trade landscape, particularly shifts in soybean purchases by China towards South America, has affected ADM's near-term performance, although long-term demand for U.S. soybeans is expected to normalize by 2026 [5][6] Financial Performance - ADM's operating profit in the Agriculture Services and Oilseeds segment fell by 21% year-over-year to $379 million in the latest quarter [6] - The company is on track to achieve $200 million to $300 million in cost savings this year as it navigates uncertainties regarding U.S. biofuel policy and the U.S.-China trade deal [6] Market Dynamics - The recent trade agreement between the U.S. and China may lead to increased willingness from China to purchase U.S. soybeans in early 2024, despite current trends favoring South American suppliers [5] - CEO Juan Luciano emphasized that clarity on the China trade deal and biofuel policy will be crucial for commodity price movements in the near future [6]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $0.92 and total segment operating profit of $845 million for the third quarter [4] - The trailing four-quarter adjusted return on invested capital (ROIC) was 6.7% and cash flow from operations before working capital changes was $2.1 billion year to date [4] - Adjusted earnings per share expectations for the full year 2025 have been revised down to a range of $3.25-$3.50, down from approximately $4 per share [12][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Services & Oilseeds (AS&O) segment operating profit was $379 million, down 21% compared to the prior year quarter, primarily due to the deferral of U.S. biofuel policy [14] - Ag Services subsegment operating profit increased by 78% to $190 million, driven by higher export activity in North America [14] - Carbohydrate Solutions segment operating profit was $336 million, down 26% year-over-year, primarily due to a decline in global demand for sweeteners and starches [16] - Nutrition segment revenues were $1.9 billion, up 5% year-over-year, with operating profit increasing by 24% to $130 million [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved the best total export volume for September since 2016, which helped offset some weakness in the cash business [7] - Global soybean and canola crush execution margins were significantly lower than the prior year quarter, particularly in North America [15] - Ethanol EBITDA margins per gallon for the quarter were approximately double compared to the prior year quarter, with volumes roughly flat [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on operational excellence, portfolio optimization, and cost savings through a self-help agenda, targeting $200 million-$300 million in cost savings for 2025 [9][21] - A joint venture with Alltech in Animal Nutrition aims to transition the business into higher-margin specialty ingredients, expected to commence operations in 2026 [9][40] - The company is investing in innovation, particularly in flavor systems for energy drinks and natural colors, as well as postbiotics [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a challenging industry-wide operating environment but remains flexible and focused on long-term growth [4] - The deferral in U.S. biofuel policy has led to lowered expectations for full-year 2025, but management remains optimistic about 2026 due to potential improvements in market conditions [11][13] - The company is prepared for gradual improvements in margins as clarity on biofuel policies is expected [76] Other Important Information - The company has maintained a strong balance sheet and disciplined capital allocation, allowing for continued investments and shareholder returns [6] - The company has reduced inventory by $3.2 billion year to date, improving working capital efficiency [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you help reconcile the sequential decline in the third quarter for crush? - Management explained that soybean crush rallied sharply post-RVO announcements but then moved lower due to various factors, including a decrease in U.S. acres and uncertainty about biofuels policy [30] Question: Can you clarify the insurance gains? - Management confirmed that insurance proceeds in the fourth quarter are expected to be funded half by captive insurance and half by third parties, with total proceeds lower than the previous year [35] Question: What are the benefits of the JV with Alltech? - The JV aims to pivot towards more specialty products in Animal Nutrition, combining the strengths of both companies to enhance operational improvements and synergies [40] Question: How does the company view the clarity on biofuel policy? - Management expressed optimism about the eventual clarity on biofuel policies, which is expected to positively impact margins and demand for domestic feedstocks [76] Question: What is the outlook for Ag Services? - Management noted that while Q3 was strong, the outlook for Q4 may be softer due to ongoing uncertainties regarding trade deals and farmer selling behavior [68]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $0.92 and total segment operating profit of $845 million for the third quarter [4] - The trailing four-quarter adjusted return on invested capital (ROIC) was 6.7% [4] - Cash flow from operations before working capital changes was $2.1 billion year to date, down by $254 million compared to the prior year [19][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ag Services & Oilseeds (AS&O) segment operating profit was $379 million, down 21% year-over-year, primarily due to the deferral of U.S. biofuel policy [14] - AX services subsegment operating profit increased by 78% to $190 million, driven by higher export activity in North America [14] - Carbohydrate Solutions segment operating profit was $336 million, down 26% year-over-year, with starches and sweeteners subsegment profit down 36% due to declining global demand [16][17] - Nutrition segment revenues were $1.9 billion, up 5% year-over-year, with operating profit increasing by 24% to $130 million [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved the best total export volume for September since 2016, which helped offset some weakness in the cash business [7] - Global soybean and canola crush execution margins were significantly lower than the prior year quarter, particularly in North America [15] - Ethanol EBITDA margins per gallon for the quarter were approximately double compared to the prior year quarter [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on operational excellence, portfolio optimization, and cost savings, targeting $200-$300 million in cost savings for 2025 [9][21] - A joint venture with Alltech in animal nutrition aims to transition the business into higher-margin specialty ingredients, expected to commence operations in 2026 [9][40] - The company is investing in innovation, particularly in flavor systems for energy drinks and postbiotics, to drive growth [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for 2026, anticipating a more constructive environment for the industry and American farmers, contingent on clarity regarding U.S. biofuel policy [13][46] - The company lowered its full-year 2025 adjusted earnings per share expectations to a range of $3.25 to $3.50, down from approximately $4 per share [12][21] - Management noted that the current operating environment is challenging, with uncertainty around biofuel policy impacting demand [11][27] Other Important Information - The company announced its 375th consecutive quarterly dividend [6] - Strong cash management has allowed the company to continue investing in areas of innovation [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you help reconcile the sequential decline in the third quarter for crush versus previous quarters? - Management explained that soybean crush rallied sharply post-RVO announcements but then moved lower due to various factors, including uncertainty about biofuels policy [30] Question: Can you clarify the insurance gains and their funding sources? - Management confirmed that half of the insurance proceeds are funded by a captive insurer, with the other half expected from third parties [35] Question: What are the benefits of the joint venture with Alltech? - The joint venture aims to combine the strengths of both companies to pivot towards higher-margin specialty ingredients in animal nutrition, with production expected to start in 2026 [40] Question: How does the company view the clarity on biofuel policy? - Management indicated that clarity on biofuel policy is crucial for future margins and operational planning, with expectations for gradual improvements once policies are finalized [45][76] Question: What is the outlook for ag services in the fourth quarter? - Management noted that while Q3 was strong, the outlook for Q4 is more subdued due to ongoing uncertainties in trade and biofuel policies [66]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $0.92 and total segment operating profit of $845 million for Q3 2025 [4] - The trailing four-quarter adjusted ROIC was 6.7% and cash flow from operations before working capital changes was $2.1 billion year to date [4] - The company revised its full year 2025 adjusted EPS expectations to a range of $3.25 to $3.50, down from approximately $4 per share [12][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ag Services & Oilseeds (AS&O) segment operating profit was $379 million, down 21% compared to the prior year quarter [13] - Carbohydrate Solutions segment operating profit was $336 million, down 26% compared to the prior year quarter [16] - Nutrition segment revenues were $1.9 billion, up 5% compared to the prior year quarter, with operating profit of $130 million, up 24% [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The AX services subsegment in AS&O saw an operating profit increase of 78% compared to the prior year quarter, driven by higher export activity in North America [13] - Global soybean and canola crush execution margins were significantly lower than the prior year quarter, particularly in North America [15] - Ethanol EBITDA margins per gallon for the quarter were approximately double, with volumes roughly flat compared to the prior year quarter [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a self-help agenda, aiming for $200-$300 million in cost savings for 2025 and $500-$750 million over the next three to five years [9][22] - A joint venture with Alltech in animal nutrition aims to transition the business into higher margin specialty ingredients, expected to commence operations in 2026 [9][32] - The company is adapting to evolving trade policy and remains flexible to offset the impact of challenging dynamics [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for 2026, anticipating a more constructive environment for the industry and American farmers [12] - The uncertainty surrounding U.S. biofuel policy is impacting short-term expectations, leading to a cautious outlook for the remainder of 2025 [11][12] - Management highlighted the importance of clarity on trade deals and biofuel policies for future performance [50][51] Other Important Information - The company achieved a key milestone in its decarbonization strategy by connecting its Columbus, Nebraska plant to a CO2 pipeline [8] - Strong cash management practices have allowed the company to reduce inventory by $3.2 billion year to date [20] - The company has maintained a solid cash position and distributed $743 million in dividends year to date [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you help reconcile the sequential decline in the third quarter for crush versus previous quarters? - Management noted that soybean crush rallied sharply post-RVO announcements but has since moved lower due to various factors, including trade deal uncertainties and a decrease in U.S. acres [28][29] Question: Can you elaborate on the joint venture with Alltech? - The joint venture combines ADM's compound feed business with Alltech, focusing on transitioning to higher-margin specialty ingredients, with production expected to start in 2026 [32][33] Question: What is the outlook for ag services in Q4? - Management indicated that while Q3 was stronger than anticipated, the outlook for Q4 may be softer due to ongoing uncertainties in trade deals and biofuel policies [47][50]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $0.92 and total segment operating profit of $845 million for Q3 2025 [4] - The trailing fourth quarter adjusted return on invested capital (ROIC) was 6.7% and cash flow from operations before working capital changes was $2.1 billion year to date [4][26] - The company revised its full year 2025 adjusted earnings per share expectations to a range of $3.25 to $3.5, down from approximately $4 per share [15][28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Ag Services and Oilseeds (AS and O) segment, operating profit was $379 million, down 21% year-over-year [18] - The Ag Services sub-segment saw an operating profit of $190 million, an increase of 78% compared to the prior year quarter, driven by higher export activity [19] - The crushing sub-segment's operating profit was $13 million, down 93% from the prior year quarter due to significantly lower execution margins [20] - The Carbohydrate Solutions segment's operating profit was $336 million, down 26% year-over-year, primarily due to a decline in global demand for sweeteners and starches [22] - The Nutrition segment revenues were $1.9 billion, up 5% compared to the prior quarter, with operating profit of $130 million, up 24% year-over-year [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved the best total export volume for September since 2016, which helped offset some weakness in the crush business [8] - The global demand for sweeteners and starches was lower, impacting volumes and margins, particularly in the EMEA region [22] - Ethanol export flows are projected to drive similar sequential demand throughout the fourth quarter, although margins are expected to be lower than previous highs [30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on operational excellence, portfolio optimization, and cost savings, targeting $200 million to $300 million in cost savings for 2025 [11][28] - A joint venture with Alltech in Animal Nutrition aims to transition the business into higher-margin specialty ingredients, expected to commence operations in 2026 [11][50] - The company is investing in innovation, particularly in flavor systems for energy drinks and natural colors, as well as postbiotics [12][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a challenging industry-wide operating environment but remains optimistic about long-term growth driven by U.S. biofuel policy [5][15] - The company expects 2026 to offer a more constructive environment for the industry and American farmers, creating positive economic opportunities [16] - Management highlighted the importance of clarity on trade deals and biofuel policies for future performance [84][85] Other Important Information - The company has maintained a strong balance sheet and disciplined capital allocation, with a net leverage ratio of 1.8 times as of September [27] - The company continues to focus on improving working capital efficiency, having reduced inventory by $3.2 billion year to date [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you help reconcile the sequential decline in the third quarter for crush? - Management explained that the soybean board crush rallied sharply post-RVO announcements but has since moved lower due to various factors, including trade deal uncertainties and a decrease in U.S. acres [39][40] Question: Can you clarify the insurance gains? - Management confirmed that half of the insurance proceeds are expected to come from captive insurance and the other half from third parties, similar to the previous year [44] Question: What are the benefits of the joint venture with Alltech? - The joint venture aims to combine the strengths of both companies in the animal nutrition market, focusing on specialty ingredients and operational improvements [50][51] Question: How does the company view the clarity on biofuel policy? - Management expressed optimism that once policies are finalized, it will lead to increased demand for soybean oil and improved crush margins [56][58] Question: What is the outlook for Ag Services in Q4? - Management indicated that while Q3 was strong, Q4 may be softer due to uncertainties surrounding trade deals and farmer selling behavior [84][85]

Core Insights - Archer-Daniels-Midland (ADM) has cut its 2025 profit forecast for the third consecutive quarter due to U.S. biofuel policy uncertainty and global trade disruptions affecting oilseed crush margins, resulting in an 8% drop in shares during pre-market trading [1][3] - The company reported a significant decline in earnings, with a 21% drop in its agricultural services and oilseed segment to $379 million, and a staggering 93% decrease in crushing business earnings for the third quarter [3] Industry Context - U.S. tariff threats and changing deadlines have complicated operations for global grain merchants like ADM, leading to a halt in Chinese purchases of U.S. soybeans and driving crop prices to multi-year lows [2] - The deferral of U.S. biofuel policy decisions has slowed the use of feedstocks, particularly soybean oil, which is produced at ADM's processing plants [2] Future Outlook - Despite current challenges, ADM anticipates an earnings rebound in 2026, driven by proposals from the Trump administration for increased biofuel use and a reduction in trade tensions with China [4] - The company expects biofuel policy clarity and evolving trade policies to create demand signals for the industry, with analysts from UBS expressing optimism for 2026 due to higher biofuel mandates driving demand for soybean oil [4][5] - ADM reported an adjusted profit of 92 cents per share for the quarter ending September 30, marking a six-year low but exceeding analysts' average estimate of 85 cents [5]

Financial Performance - Q2 2025 - Adjusted Earnings Per Share decreased by 10% compared to the prior year quarter[6] - Total Segment Operating Profit was $830 million, a decrease of 10% compared to the prior year quarter, attributed to lower total segment operating profit[6] - Adjusted Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) was 69%[45] - Cash flows from operations before working capital decreased by $459 million due to lower total segment operating profit[7] Financial Performance - 1H 2025 - Adjusted Earnings Per Share was $163, a decrease of 35% compared to the prior year period[6] - Total Segment Operating Profit was $16 billion, a decrease of 26% compared to the prior year period[6] - Cash flows from operations before working capital was $12 billion[6] Segment Performance - Ag Services & Oilseeds segment operating profit declined by 17% in Q2 2025 compared to Q2 2024, with Ag Services down 7% and Crushing down 75%, while RPO rose 14%[14] - Carbohydrate Solutions segment operating profit decreased by 6% in Q2 2025 compared to Q2 2024, driven by lower international volumes and margins in Starches & Sweeteners[17] - Nutrition segment achieved an approximate 5% increase in both revenue and operating profits in Q2 2025 compared to Q2 2024, with Human Nutrition revenue up approximately 4% and Animal Nutrition revenue holding steady[24] Cash Flow and Capital Allocation - Invested $596 million in capital expenditures in 1H 2025, with capex now expected to be in the range of $13 billion - $15 billion for 2025[28] - Returned $495 million of excess cash to shareholders through dividends during 1H 2025[28] Full Year 2025 Outlook - The company expects adjusted earnings per share of approximately $400[31]

Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.92 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.89 per share. This compares to earnings of $1.09 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of +3.37%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this agribusiness giant would post earnings of $0.88 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.93, delivering a surprise of +5.68%.Over the last four quart ...

Group 1 - Archer Daniels Midland has cut its full-year earnings outlook due to pressured margins [1] - The company reported higher profit and revenue in the third quarter [1] - The operating environment remains dynamic for the company [1]