Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The reported third quarter earnings per share (EPS) was $0.86 compared to $1.56 in the third quarter of 2024, reflecting a significant decline [10] - Adjusted EPS was $2.27 in the third quarter versus $2.29 in the prior year, indicating a slight decrease [10] - Adjusted segment earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) was $924 million in the quarter compared to $559 million last year, showing strong operational performance [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Soybean processing and refining results improved across all regions due to higher margins and the addition of Viterra's South American assets [10] - Softseed processing and refining results were driven by higher average margins and the addition of Viterra's softseed capabilities [11] - Grain merchandising and milling saw higher results in wheat milling and ocean freight, partially offset by lower results in global wheat and corn merchandising [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In North America, higher processing results were offset by lower results in refining, while in South America, results were higher in processing and refining [10][11] - European processing results improved, particularly in biodiesel, while refining results were slightly down [11] - The overall market remains characterized by macro trade and biofuel policy uncertainty, affecting farmer and consumer behavior [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on integrating the Viterra transaction and leveraging the combined platform to enhance operational efficiency and market responsiveness [4][6] - The strategic alignment along the end-to-end value chain operating model aims to improve agility, transparency, and collaboration across various segments [4][6] - The company anticipates capturing significant synergies from the integration, with a focus on optimizing logistics and enhancing market positioning [41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating a complex operating environment, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in adapting to shifting trade flows [21][22] - The company expects full year 2025 adjusted EPS in the range of $7.30-$7.60, reflecting ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties [19][20] - Management highlighted the potential for improved margins and demand in the biofuel sector, contingent on favorable policy developments [48][49] Other Important Information - The company generated approximately $1.2 billion of adjusted funds from operations year-to-date, with significant discretionary cash flow available for dividends and capital expenditures [15] - The adjusted leverage ratio was 2.2x at the end of the third quarter, indicating a manageable debt level relative to earnings [17] - The company has committed credit facilities of approximately $9.7 billion, providing ample liquidity for ongoing capital needs [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarity on biofuel policy and soybean oil margins - Management expects clarity on the Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) by year-end or early next year, with potential improvements in soybean oil margins anticipated in early 2026 [25][27] Question: Stability of earnings in the new grain business - The combined grain business is expected to offer more stability in earnings due to enhanced storage capabilities and improved origination connections [28][30] Question: Impact of Viterra on EPS and EBIT - Viterra's integration is expected to be mildly dilutive to EPS for the year, but early indications show strong contributions from both legacy Bunge and Viterra operations [36][38] Question: Synergy capture timeline - Significant synergy benefits are expected to materialize in 2026, with some initial benefits anticipated by the end of 2025 [39][40] Question: Opportunities and risks in Argentina - The company is optimistic about the improved macro environment in Argentina post-election, benefiting from a more balanced global footprint [79] Question: Supply and demand dynamics in Australia - A large crop is expected in Australia, with opportunities for increased exports and competitive positioning in global markets [86][88] Question: Capital projects and future investments - The company does not foresee large capital projects post-2026, focusing instead on operational improvements and strategic opportunities [94][95]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The reported third quarter earnings per share (EPS) was $0.86 compared to $1.56 in the third quarter of 2024, reflecting a significant decline [9] - Adjusted EPS was $2.27 in the third quarter versus $2.29 in the prior year, indicating stability in adjusted earnings despite the overall decline [9] - Adjusted segment earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) was $924 million in the quarter compared to $559 million last year, showing strong operational performance [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Soybean processing and refining results improved across all regions due to higher margins and the addition of Viterra's South American assets [10] - Softseed processing and refining results were driven by higher average margins and the integration of Viterra's softseed capabilities [10] - Grain merchandising and milling saw higher results in wheat milling and ocean freight, partially offset by lower results in global wheat and corn merchandising [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In North America, higher processing results were offset by lower refining results, while in South America, results improved in processing and refining due to increased production capacity [10] - European processing results were higher in processing and biodiesel, while refining results were slightly down [10] - The overall market remains characterized by macro trade and biofuel policy uncertainty, impacting farmer and consumer behavior [6][19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on integrating Viterra and leveraging the combined platform to enhance operational efficiency and market responsiveness [4][5] - The strategic alignment along the end-to-end value chain operating model aims to improve agility, transparency, and collaboration across the business [4] - The company anticipates capturing significant synergies from the Viterra integration, with expectations for more substantial benefits in 2026 and beyond [38][40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating a complex operating environment and highlighted the importance of capturing value from the combined platform [19] - The company expects full year 2025 adjusted EPS in the range of $7.30-$7.60, reflecting ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties [6][18] - Management noted that global grain stocks are elevated, dampening volatility and putting pressure on certain margins, while trade and biofuel policies remain in flux [19] Other Important Information - The company generated approximately $1.2 billion of adjusted funds from operations year-to-date, with significant discretionary cash flow available for dividends and growth investments [13] - The adjusted leverage ratio was 2.2 times at the end of the third quarter, indicating a manageable debt level relative to earnings [15] - The company has committed credit facilities of approximately $9.7 billion, providing ample liquidity for ongoing capital needs [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarity on biofuel policy and soybean oil margins - Management expects clarity on the Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) by year-end or early next year, with hopes for improved soybean oil demand starting in early 2026 [24][27] Question: Stability of grain business under the new platform - The combined grain business offers more stability in earnings due to enhanced origination capabilities and improved logistics, allowing for better response to market demands [28][30] Question: Impact of Viterra on EPS and EBIT - Viterra's integration is expected to be mildly dilutive to EPS for the year, but both legacy Bunge and Viterra contributed positively to Q3 results [36][37] Question: Timing of synergy capture - Initial synergies from the Viterra integration are expected to materialize in 2026, with some benefits anticipated in Q4 2025 [38][39] Question: Opportunities and risks in Argentina - The new Bunge is better positioned to balance risks associated with Argentina's political environment due to a more global footprint, allowing for improved origination and processing capabilities [75][78] Question: Supply and demand dynamics in Australia - Australia is expected to have a large crop of wheat, barley, and rapeseed, which will enhance the company's origination and export capabilities [81][83]

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]

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]

Core Viewpoint - Archer-Daniels-Midland (NYSE: ADM) experienced a brief sell-off following the announcement that the Trump administration was considering changes to biofuel blending requirements for oil refineries [1] Group 1 - Archer-Daniels-Midland is one of the most prominent names in the agribusiness sector [1] - The potential changes to biofuel blending requirements could impact the company's operations and market perception [1] Group 2 - The article reflects the author's personal opinions and experiences, emphasizing a long position in ADM shares [2] - The content is intended for general informational purposes and does not constitute financial advice [3] - The author does not have any business relationship with companies mentioned in the article [2]

Core Viewpoint - Archer-Daniels-Midland (ADM) experienced a brief sell-off following the announcement that the Trump administration was considering changes to biofuel blending requirements for oil refineries [1] Group 1: Company Overview - ADM is recognized as one of the most prominent names in the agribusiness sector [1] Group 2: Market Reaction - The stock of ADM was sold off briefly due to the uncertainty surrounding potential regulatory changes in biofuel blending requirements [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $0.93 and total segment operating profit of $830 million for the quarter [4] - The trailing fourth quarter adjusted return on invested capital (ROIC) was 6.9% and cash flow from operations before working capital changes was $1.2 billion for the first half of the year [4][22] - The company expects adjusted earnings per share to be approximately $4 for the full year 2025, tightening its previous guidance [12][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Ag Services and Oilseeds (AS and O) segment operating profit was $379 million, down 17% year-over-year, primarily due to legislative and biofuel policy uncertainties impacting margins [13] - The Carbohydrate Solutions segment operating profit was $337 million, down 6% compared to the prior year quarter, with starches and sweeteners sub-segment operating profit down 6% [18] - The Nutrition segment revenues were $2 billion, up approximately 5% year-over-year, with operating profit at $114 million, up 5% [19][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North American origination results improved due to higher margins and volumes, while South American origination results declined due to lower volumes and margins [14] - Global executed crush margins for soybeans were approximately $7 per ton lower compared to the prior year quarter, and canola margins were approximately $29 per ton lower [16] - The company anticipates improved AS and O margins will primarily benefit fourth quarter results, projecting global soybean crush margins to be in the range of $60 to $70 per metric ton [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on cost management, execution excellence, and strategic growth, aiming for $500 million to $750 million in aggregate cost savings over the next three to five years [9][10] - The company is optimizing its asset base and ceasing operations at facilities that do not align with long-term goals, including several origination sites globally [8] - The company is positioned to benefit from favorable biofuel policies and is ready to lead in advancing innovative solutions for renewable fuels [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate the dynamic environment and achieve operational momentum by the end of 2025 [12] - The company is closely monitoring customer demand and expects lower volumes in certain areas, but anticipates strong crops in North America and a solid export season [25][31] - Management highlighted the importance of clarity in biofuel policy and legislative support for agriculture, which are expected to create favorable market conditions [32] Other Important Information - The company achieved its best performance in limiting unscheduled downtime in over five years and was recognized as one of America's greatest workplaces in manufacturing [6] - The company has remediated a material weakness in internal controls related to segment disclosures, enhancing transparency and compliance processes [27][60] Q&A Session Summary Question: Earnings split between Q3 and Q4 - Management indicated a potential split of approximately 55% for Q3 and 65% for Q4, with expectations for improved earnings in Q4 due to better margins and production [36][40] Question: Outlook for the Nutrition segment - Management noted that the Decatur East plant's shutdown cost approximately $20 million to $25 million per quarter, which should improve as the plant ramps up [50][92] Question: Clarification on material weakness remediation - Management confirmed that the material weakness has been remediated through enhanced internal controls and ongoing engagement with auditors [60][61] Question: Details on network optimization plan - Management discussed ongoing efforts to optimize the network, including shutting down underperforming facilities and improving operational performance [75][78] Question: Impact of RVO on biodiesel and crush business - Management expressed optimism about the RVO's impact on soybean oil demand and the overall crush business, but noted the need for final confirmations on policy details [66][70]