Titan Machinery (NasdaqGS:TITN) FY 2026 Conference January 13, 2026 09:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsBo Larsen - CFOBo LarsenBased in Australia. The philosophy, at first it was a small handful of dealerships, but then, Dave and Peter, kind of got together and started working on a vision to help consolidate the CNH network. And we're a leader in that space, and we are the largest, CNH dealer in the world. So the thought process was, buy the neighboring, dealerships, and then let's move back office support fun ...

Group 1 - The event "Global Supply and Procurement Matchmaking Conference" held in Guangzhou gathered over 100 international buyers from countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, and Brazil, along with 780 Chinese foreign trade enterprises, marking the start of Guangdong's foreign trade efforts for the year [1] - Vietnamese buyers expressed a strong interest in finding long-term suppliers for various needs, including packaging materials, automation production lines, agricultural machinery, and AI robots [1] - Brazil's industrial market, valued at $75 billion annually, has a high import dependency of 46%, with China being the largest source country at 31.5% market share, indicating significant opportunities for Chinese enterprises in Brazil [1] Group 2 - In the context of changing global trade dynamics, Chinese companies are encouraged to explore new growth pathways, particularly in markets represented by ASEAN and Latin America, with a focus on machinery and electrical products as new growth points [2] - The shift from merely exporting products to establishing supply chains and brands abroad is essential for building sustainable competitiveness [2] - International buyers, such as those from Vietnam and Indonesia, highlighted the importance of learning from China's rapid technological advancements and government-industry collaboration, viewing it as a model for their own markets [2]

Core Insights - Republican lawmakers are urging President Trump for additional farm relief and support for agricultural equipment manufacturers due to the adverse effects of his tariff policies on farmers and the equipment industry [1][2][3] Group 1: Impact of Tariffs on Farmers - Farmers are experiencing financial strain due to Trump's tariff policies, which have negatively affected their reliance on exports, particularly to China [2] - The combination of low commodity prices and high input costs, such as fertilizer, has forced farmers to reduce spending, impacting their ability to purchase new equipment [2][3] - The demand for new equipment has decreased, leading to layoffs at major manufacturers like Deere [2] Group 2: Manufacturer Perspectives - Deere's agriculture division president noted that the U.S. market is under significant pressure due to trade flow disruptions and escalating internal costs [3] - The Association of Equipment Manufacturers expressed concern that high tariffs on essential parts could inadvertently harm farmers and increase costs for consumers [3] Group 3: Legislative Actions and Proposals - Senator Chuck Grassley has communicated with the White House and relevant departments, advocating for targeted relief from tariffs for equipment manufacturers [4] - Other Republican senators, including John Hoeven, have discussed the need for aid to farmers regarding equipment costs during meetings with Trump [5] - Trump has suggested reducing regulatory burdens on equipment manufacturers to lower costs, contingent on those companies reducing their prices [6] Group 4: Challenges Ahead - There is skepticism about the feasibility of increasing farmers' income to enable them to purchase new equipment, given the already tight margins in farming operations [7][8]

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese government, through the Ministry of Agriculture of Ethiopia, has donated agricultural equipment to the first China-Ethiopia agricultural poverty alleviation demonstration village, enhancing local agricultural production [1] Group 1 - The donation was made by the fourth group of senior agricultural experts from China [1] - The equipment was provided to Godino Village in Bishoftu City, Oromia State [1] - This initiative aims to support agricultural development and poverty alleviation in the region [1]

Core Insights - The Brazilian machinery and equipment industry experienced a significant decline in exports to the United States, with a year-on-year decrease of 13.1% in September and a month-on-month decrease of 10% [1] Export Performance - In September, the exports of parts, agricultural equipment, and manufacturing equipment to the U.S. saw substantial declines, with decreases of 28.9%, 20.6%, and 18.5% respectively [1] - From January to September, the total exports of Brazilian machinery and equipment to the U.S. decreased by 8.2% year-on-year [1] Market Share Changes - The share of U.S. exports in Brazil's machinery and equipment sector dropped from 31% to 21% from the beginning of last year to the present [1] Regional Export Growth - The industry has seen significant growth in exports to countries like Argentina, which has partially offset the negative impact of U.S. tariffs [1]

Core Insights - The recent implementation of a visa-free policy has led to a significant increase in Russian tourists visiting border cities like Heihe and Hunchun, with the number of visitors on the first day exceeding 1,000 at Hunchun, a 100% increase compared to the same day last year and a sixfold increase compared to usual traffic [3] Group 1: Economic Impact - The economic downturn in Russia's Far East has driven consumers to seek cheaper goods in China, where prices for everyday items can be two to three times lower than in Russia [3] - The influx of Russian tourists has revitalized local markets, with Russian visitors not only purchasing goods but also engaging in local culture, such as enjoying breakfast foods and utilizing mobile payment systems like WeChat [5] - The healthcare sector in border cities has also seen a rise in demand, with local clinics receiving hundreds of Russian patients monthly, particularly for dental services, due to lower costs and quicker service compared to Russia [5] Group 2: Social Changes - The number of cross-border marriages has surged, with 32,000 couples registered in 2024, including 2,000 in Heihe alone, as Russian women seek stability and opportunities in China [5] - The demographic imbalance in Russia, exacerbated by social issues and the ongoing conflict, has led many Russian women to consider marriage to Chinese men as a viable option for a better life [5] Group 3: Local Business Growth - Businesses in cities like Suifenhe are experiencing a renaissance, with increased demand for various goods and services, leading to a rise in rental prices and expansion of product offerings [7] - The logistics sector has also benefited, with truck drivers reporting doubled incomes due to increased cargo loads returning from Russia, indicating a robust bilateral trade relationship [7] - Local governments are adapting to the influx by extending customs hours, creating tax refund policies for shoppers, and providing bilingual assistance to facilitate smoother transactions [7]

Group 1 - Deere reported quarterly earnings of $4.75 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.62 per share, but down from $6.29 per share a year ago, representing an earnings surprise of +2.81% [1] - The company posted revenues of $10.36 billion for the quarter ended July 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.97%, but down from $11.39 billion year-over-year [2] - Deere has outperformed the S&P 500 with a 21.2% increase in shares since the beginning of the year compared to the S&P 500's gain of 10% [3] Group 2 - The current consensus EPS estimate for the coming quarter is $4.32 on revenues of $9.81 billion, and for the current fiscal year, it is $18.84 on revenues of $38.05 billion [7] - The Zacks Industry Rank for Manufacturing - Farm Equipment is currently in the bottom 15% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating potential challenges for stock performance [8]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q2 2025 was $419.1 million, a slight increase from $416.3 million in Q2 2024, reflecting solid operational performance [9] - Gross profit for the quarter was $108.3 million, with a margin of 25.8%, down from 26% in the same period last year [10] - Operating income improved to $47.1 million, with an operating margin of 11.2%, an increase of 83 basis points compared to Q2 2024 [10] - Net income rose to $31.1 million or $2.57 per diluted share, a nearly 10% increase from $28.3 million or $2.35 per diluted share in Q2 2024 [10] - Interest expense decreased by $2.4 million due to lower debt levels, contributing to improved earnings [11] - Total assets increased to $1.558 billion, with a reduction in accounts receivable and inventory [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Vegetation Management division reported net sales of $178.4 million, a 15.7% decrease compared to Q2 2024, but an 8.8% sequential improvement [12] - The Industrial Equipment division achieved record net sales of $240.7 million, representing a 17.6% organic growth compared to Q2 2024 [13] - Operating income for the Industrial Equipment division was $34.3 million, or 14.3% of net sales, reflecting a 100 basis point improvement [13] - The Vegetation Management division's operating margin declined to 7.1% of net sales, while EBITDA decreased by 120 basis points compared to 2024 [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The order backlog in the Industrial Equipment division remained strong at nearly $510 million, providing good visibility for the second half of the year [18] - Second quarter order bookings in the Industrial Equipment division were up nearly 21% compared to 2024, driven by strong orders for vacuum trucks [19] - Agricultural equipment sales were down compared to 2024 but showed solid sequential improvement [20] - Sales of governmental mowers improved in North and South America but declined in Europe compared to 2024 [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains optimistic about prospects for the next several quarters, focusing on growth in industrial equipment markets and recovery in vegetation management markets [24] - A tuck-in acquisition of Ring O Matic was completed, enhancing the company's vacuum truck and excavator product line [24] - The company is positioned to exploit an active M&A pipeline, with a focus on strategic acquisitions to accelerate growth [25] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that demand remains robust in governmental and industrial contractor segments, with improvements in operating efficiencies contributing to better earnings per share [17] - The company is encouraged by the recovery in the agricultural market and expects a slow but steady improvement in vegetation management [30] - Labor constraints are a concern, with tightening labor markets being monitored closely [37] Other Important Information - The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.30 per share, emphasizing its commitment to delivering long-term value to shareholders [15] - The effective tax rate for the quarter was approximately 24.9%, consistent with the previous year [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Visibility on industrial market and vegetation management for Q4 - Management expects the trend of improvement in vegetation management to continue for several quarters, with a recovery in the agricultural market being better than anticipated [29][30] Question: Impact of tariffs and inflation on specific product lines - The biggest risk is to the snow removal group, but the company has mitigated this by shifting production to the U.S. Inflationary pressures on purchase prices have been manageable [33][34] Question: Capacity handling in industrial operations - Current capacity in the Wisconsin plant is adequate, with no immediate pressure to add capacity, although labor constraints are being monitored [36][37] Question: Revenue expectations for vegetation management in the back half of the year - Revenue is expected to build slowly, with some uncertainty remaining in the forestry side, but overall, a gradual improvement is anticipated [41][42] Question: Margin impacts from facility consolidation costs - Productivity improvements are expected in the second half, but unfavorable product mix in forestry may limit margin improvements in the near term [44][48] Question: Succession planning for management - The succession process is well advanced, with a conclusion expected in Q3 [49][51] Question: Capital allocation and R&D focus - The company is focusing on M&A for growth, with no major new verticals planned for organic development at this time [57]

Company Performance - Agco reported quarterly earnings of $1.35 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.06 per share, but down from $2.53 per share a year ago, representing an earnings surprise of +27.36% [1] - The company posted revenues of $2.64 billion for the quarter ended June 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 6.23%, but down from $3.25 billion year-over-year [2] - Over the last four quarters, Agco has surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times and topped consensus revenue estimates two times [2] Stock Performance - Agco shares have increased approximately 14.1% since the beginning of the year, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 8.2% [3] - The current Zacks Rank for Agco is 3 (Hold), indicating that shares are expected to perform in line with the market in the near future [6] Future Outlook - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $1.11 on revenues of $2.29 billion, and for the current fiscal year, it is $4.27 on revenues of $9.56 billion [7] - The outlook for the Manufacturing - Farm Equipment industry, where Agco operates, is currently in the bottom 22% of over 250 Zacks industries, which may impact stock performance [8]

Group 1 - The new trade agreement between the US and EU is expected to significantly reduce global exports to the US, with a predicted decline of over 46% by 2027, equating to a decrease of $2.68 trillion [1] - The US is projected to increase its exports globally by 12% by 2027, amounting to an increase of $1.59 trillion [1] - The tariff simulator developed by Datawheel indicates that the trade dynamics will shift, with countries likely to restructure their trade relationships away from the US, except for Mexico and Canada due to their close ties [2] Group 2 - Under the 15% tariff scenario, Germany's exports to the US are expected to rise from $133 billion in 2023 to $149 billion by 2027, a smaller increase compared to a no-tariff scenario where exports would reach $155 billion [2] - The US is expected to import more goods from the UK ($22.5 billion), France ($10.2 billion), and Spain ($5.65 billion), while imports from China ($-485 billion), Canada ($-300 billion), and Mexico ($-238 billion) will decrease [2] - China is projected to see a reduction of $101 billion in imports from the US, while increasing imports from Russia ($70 billion), Vietnam ($34.4 billion), and Saudi Arabia ($28 billion) [3] Group 3 - The imposition of tariffs is anticipated to raise the prices of imported goods, leading to reduced shipment volumes and a more limited variety of products available to US consumers [3] - High-value product orders, such as construction and aerospace equipment, are being paused as companies await final tariff determinations [3] - IKEA is the largest company importing goods into the US from the EU, accounting for 28% of imports, followed by Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits (9%) and Continental Tire (4%) [3][4] Group 4 - The leading export categories from the EU to the US include furniture (11%), rubber tires (7%), bed covers (6%), and wine (5%) [4]