Company Performance - Hardman Johnston Global Equity Strategy reported a portfolio return of 5.02% for Q3 2025, underperforming the MSCI AC World Net Index which returned 7.62% [1] - Corteva, Inc. (NYSE:CTVA) experienced a one-month return of 1.35% and a 52-week gain of 19.24%, closing at $67.44 per share with a market capitalization of $45.799 billion on December 26, 2025 [2] Company Challenges - Corteva, Inc. was identified as a top individual detractor from relative performance, with shares declining due to plans to separate into two distinct businesses: Seeds and Crop Protection Chemicals [3] - Concerns arose regarding the potential for additional value creation as shares were already trading at a premium, compounded by ongoing headwinds such as increased regulatory scrutiny and challenging comparisons following record-high U.S. corn acreage [3] Hedge Fund Interest - Corteva, Inc. was held by 57 hedge fund portfolios at the end of Q3 2025, an increase from 52 in the previous quarter, indicating growing interest among hedge funds [4] - Despite this interest, the company is not listed among the 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds, with the company being compared unfavorably to certain AI stocks that are perceived to offer greater upside potential and less downside risk [4]

Financial Performance - For Q2 2025, net sales reached $6.46 billion, a 6% increase compared to Q2 2024, with organic sales up 7% [11][8] - GAAP income from continuing operations was $1.38 billion, translating to an EPS of $2.02, while operating EBITDA was $2.16 billion, reflecting a 13% increase year-over-year [10][2] - For the first half of 2025, net sales totaled $10.87 billion, a 3% increase from the same period in 2024, with organic sales up 5% [7][2] Segment Performance - Seed segment net sales for Q2 2025 were $4.54 billion, up from $4.33 billion in Q2 2024, driven by a 3% increase in volume and a 3% increase in price [12][17] - Crop Protection segment net sales were approximately $1.92 billion in Q2 2025, reflecting an 11% increase in volume, although offset by a 2% price decline [20][21] - For the first half of 2025, Crop Protection net sales were approximately $3.63 billion, an 8% volume increase compared to the same period in 2024 [24][25] Market Outlook and Guidance - The company raised its full-year 2025 guidance, expecting net sales between $17.6 billion and $17.8 billion, with operating EBITDA projected at $3.75 billion to $3.85 billion [30][8] - The outlook for the Crop Protection market remains stable, with expectations of double-digit volume gains despite low-single-digit pricing headwinds [28][29] - Global corn area is projected to increase by 5% in North America, driven by favorable economics compared to other crops [27][8] Strategic Initiatives - The company plans to repurchase approximately $1 billion of shares during 2025, reflecting strong cash flow and balance sheet [6][30] - Continued focus on cost discipline and operational excellence has led to margin expansion and improved profitability [5][6] - The company emphasizes the importance of top-tier seed and crop protection technologies to meet global demand for grain and oilseeds [27][8]

Company Overview - Corteva reported a strong start to the year with a 15% increase in EBITDA year-over-year, reaching $1.2 billion [2] - The increase in EBITDA was primarily driven by volume growth, particularly in new products and biologicals, which saw double-digit growth [3] Pricing and Revenue - Pricing for seeds was in line with expectations, while crop protection experienced a slight decline in single digits [2] - There was a slight uptick in royalty income, contributing positively to overall revenue [3]

Corteva (CTVA) Conference Call Summary Company Overview - Corteva is a leading seed and crop protection company [1] - The conference featured CFO David Johnson and CTO Sam Eathington discussing the company's performance and outlook [2] Financial Performance - Corteva reported a 15% year-over-year increase in EBITDA for Q1, totaling $1.2 billion [3] - Pricing for seeds was in line with expectations, while crop protection prices saw a slight decline [3] - New products and biologicals in crop protection experienced double-digit growth [4] - The company anticipates $400 million in cost improvements for the year, with $200 million already realized in Q1 [5] - Foreign exchange (FX) impacts were significant, with a $90 million headwind in Q1 and an expected total negative impact of $275 million for the year [6][11] Market Outlook - Corteva's guidance for the year includes a 10% increase in EBITDA, projecting $3.7 billion [9] - Crop protection pricing is expected to be low single-digit negative in the second half of the year, contrasting with earlier expectations of flat pricing [10] - The company is optimistic about volume growth, particularly in biologicals and new products [11] Industry Dynamics - Corteva's performance in Q1 was notably better than competitors like FMC and Bayer, attributed to increased planted acres and successful new product launches [14][15] - The company is monitoring grower sentiment, which remains positive, with corn acres being planted as expected [24][25] - In South America, there is potential for growth, particularly in Brazil, with expectations of a low to mid single-digit price mix lift [30] Strategic Initiatives - Corteva is focused on mitigating tariff impacts, estimating a potential $50 million effect, but believes it can manage this through supply chain options and pricing adjustments [17][21] - The company is investing in gene editing and other technologies to enhance crop yields and disease resistance, with significant potential for future growth [49][52] - Corteva aims to achieve royalty neutrality by 2028, transitioning from paying royalties to licensing its own traits [80][82] Research and Development - R&D spending is stable at about 8% of sales, with a focus on efficiency and effectiveness [76][79] - The integration of recent acquisitions, such as Stoller and Symborg, is progressing well, with positive yield results in Brazil [72][73] Long-term Growth Drivers - Key future products include the fungicide Aviza and hybrid wheat, both expected to contribute significantly to revenue [58][60] - Gene editing is anticipated to double yield gains, creating substantial value in the agricultural sector [62] Conclusion - Corteva is positioned as a technology-driven company with multiple growth opportunities, focusing on innovation in seed and crop protection [93][96] - The management emphasizes the importance of long-term strategies and the potential for significant market impact through advancements in agricultural technology [96]