AGCO Reports First Quarter Results

agco-reports-first-quarter-results
  • Record first quarter net sales of $3.3 billion, up 24% year-over-year
  • Record first quarter operating margin of 11.6%
  • Raises full year sales, operating margin and earnings per share outlook
  • Announced $5.00 per share special variable dividend and raised quarterly dividend 21%

DULUTH, Ga.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#AGCOIR–AGCO, Your Agriculture Company (NYSE: AGCO), a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology, reported its results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2023. Net sales for the first quarter were approximately $3.3 billion, an increase of approximately 24.1% compared to the first quarter of 2022. Excluding unfavorable foreign currency translation of approximately 5.4%, net sales in the quarter increased approximately 29.6% compared to the first quarter of 2022. Reported net income was $3.10 per share for the first quarter of 2023, and adjusted net income(1), which excludes restructuring expenses and a Brazilian income tax amnesty program payment, was $3.51 per share. These results compare to reported net income of $2.03 per share and adjusted net income(1), which excludes impairment charges, restructuring expenses and other related items, of $2.39 per share for the first quarter of 2022.

“With continued execution of our strategy, AGCO delivered robust sales growth and margin expansion in the first quarter as healthy farm economics continued to support elevated global demand,” stated Eric Hansotia, AGCO’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our solid operational performance, continued pricing actions and a stabilizing supply chain all contributed to the excellent first quarter results. The success of our farmer-first strategy, focused on growing our precision ag business, globalizing a full-line of our Fendt branded products and expanding our parts and service business, is generating strong growth in these margin-rich businesses. AGCO’s order board remains extended, increasing our confidence in the success of our products and the strength of large ag demand.”

“In addition, AGCO recently published its 2022 Sustainability Report which highlights the significant progress we’ve made on environmental, social and governance issues as we strive to deliver farmer-focused solutions to sustainably feed our world,” continued Mr. Hansotia. “We are delivering on sustainability commitments, from industry-leading innovation to improve sustainability outcomes for farmers, to decarbonizing our products and operations, to offering our talented, diverse employees a safer, more engaging workplace. I am proud of the progress we’re making, which includes achieving our Scope 1 and 2 targets three years ahead of schedule by reducing the emissions intensity of our manufacturing operations.”

First Quarter Highlights

  • Reported regional sales results(2): Europe/Middle East (“EME”) +21.4%, North America +31.7%, South America +41.4%, Asia/Pacific/Africa (“APA”) (9.9)%
  • Constant currency regional sales results(1)(2)(3): EME +30.3%, North America +32.4%, South America +42.2%, APA (3.6)%
  • Regional operating margin performance: EME 14.1%, North America 11.1%, South America 19.8%, APA 8.9%
  • Declared a variable special dividend of $5.00 per share and increased quarterly dividend by 21% to $0.29 per share, both payable in June
  • 2022 Sustainability Report published in the first quarter documenting significant progress on Scope 1 and 2 targets (the Sustainability Report can be accessed via AGCO’s website at www.agcocorp.com in the “Sustainability” section located under “Our Commitment”)

(1)

See reconciliation of Non-GAAP measures in appendix.

(2)

As compared to first quarter 2022.

(3)

Excludes currency translation impact.

Market Update

 

 

Industry Unit Retail Sales

 

 

Tractors

 

Combines

Three Months Ended March 31, 2023

 

Change from

Prior Year Period

 

Change from

Prior Year Period

North America(1)

 

(3

)%

 

117

%

South America

 

(3

)%

 

18

%

Western Europe(2)

 

(3

)%

 

60

%

(1)

Excludes compact tractors.

(2)

Based on Company estimates.

“The outlook for healthy farm income in 2023 across the major agricultural production regions along with extended fleet age and elevated used equipment pricing is driving strong demand for larger agricultural equipment,” stated Mr. Hansotia. “While down from last year’s record levels, commodity prices remain elevated and are being supported by tight grain inventories. Farmer input costs have also moderated from last year. Easing supply chain constraints are enabling industry production to keep pace with the strong demand.”

Global industry production and retail tractor sales were down modestly in the first three months of 2023 compared to last year’s elevated levels with lower sales of smaller equipment offsetting increased sales of larger equipment. Industry retail sales for tractors in North America were down approximately 3% in the first three months of 2023 compared to last year. The decline was driven by weaker sales in smaller tractors partially offset by improved sales of high horsepower tractors, which increased approximately 12% in the first three months of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. North America Industry retail tractor demand for 2023 is expected to be relatively flat compared to 2022. Industry retail sales for combines in North America increased significantly in the first three months of 2023 compared to 2022 due to supply chain constraints experienced in 2022.

In Western Europe, industry retail tractor sales decreased approximately 3% in the first three months of 2023 compared to strong levels in the same period of 2022. Farmer sentiment in the region continues to be negatively impacted by the conflict in Ukraine and input cost inflation. Forecasts for healthy farm income in Western Europe are expected to support relatively flat retail demand for equipment in 2023. Industry retail sales for combines in Western Europe increased significantly in the first three months of 2023 compared to 2022 due to supply chain constraints experienced in 2022.

South American industry tractor retail sales decreased during the first three months of 2023 compared to 2022 levels in both Brazil and Argentina. Our market share increased favorably in all markets in South America during the three months ended March 31, 2023 as compared to the prior period. Healthy farm income, supportive exchange rates and continued expansion in planted acreage in Brazil are driving increased investments in high tech farm equipment and resulting in an outlook of relatively flat demand for the South American tractor industry in 2023 compared to strong levels last year.

Regional Results

AGCO Regional Net Sales (in millions)

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

% change from 2022

 

% change from 2022 due to currency translation(1)

 

% change excluding currency translation

North America

 

$

923.1

 

$

701.0

 

31.7

%

 

(0.7

)%

 

32.4

%

South America

 

 

503.8

 

 

356.4

 

41.4

%

 

(0.8

)%

 

42.2

%

Europe/Middle East

 

 

1,703.8

 

 

1,403.1

 

21.4

%

 

(8.8

)%

 

30.3

%

Asia/Pacific/Africa

 

 

202.8

 

 

225.2

 

(9.9

)%

 

(6.3

)%

 

(3.6

)%

Total

 

$

3,333.5

 

$

2,685.7

 

24.1

%

 

(5.4

)%

 

29.6

%

(1)

See Footnotes for additional disclosures.

North America

Net sales in the North American region grew 32.4% in the first three months of 2023 compared to the same period of 2022, excluding the negative impact of currency translation. The growth resulted primarily from increased sales of high horsepower tractors, application equipment and combines along with the positive effects of pricing to mitigate inflationary cost pressures. Income from operations for the first quarter of 2023 was approximately $47.3 million higher and operating margins expanded over 320 basis points compared to the same period in 2022. Operating income benefited from higher sales and production, positive net pricing and favorable mix.

South America

South American net sales increased 42.2% in the first three months of 2023 compared to the same period of 2022, excluding the impact of unfavorable currency translation. Strong sales growth in Brazil was partially offset by lower sales in Argentina. Increased sales of high horsepower, higher margin tractors, as well as increased sales of combines and application equipment and favorable pricing impacts drove most of the increase. Income from operations in the first three months of 2023 increased by approximately $53.4 million compared to the same period in 2022, and operating margins reached approximately 19.8%. The improved South America results reflect the benefit of higher sales and production and a favorable sales mix.

Europe/Middle East

Europe/Middle East net sales increased 30.3% in the first three months of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, excluding unfavorable currency translation. The improvement was driven by increased sales of high-horsepower tractors, utility tractors and Fuse precision ag products along with favorable pricing actions. Strong growth in Turkey, Germany and the United Kingdom accounted for most of the increase. Income from operations improved approximately $77.1 million and operating margins expanded 250 basis points in the first three months of 2023, compared to the same period in 2022. The improvement was the result of higher sales and production.

Asia/Pacific/Africa

Net sales in Asia/Pacific/Africa decreased 3.6%, excluding the negative impact of currency translation, in the first three months of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. Delayed shipments from European factories resulted in lower sales in most of the markets partially offset by sales growth in Australia and China. Income from operations declined by approximately $15.9 million in the first three months of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 due primarily to lower sales and production.

Outlook

AGCO’s net sales for 2023 are expected to be approximately $14.5 billion, reflecting improved sales volumes and pricing. Gross and operating margins are projected to improve from 2022 levels, reflecting the impact of higher sales and production volumes as well as pricing. These improvements are expected to fund increases in engineering and other technology investments to support AGCO’s precision agriculture and digital initiatives. Based on these assumptions, 2023 earnings per share are targeted at approximately $14.40.

* * * * *

AGCO will host a conference call with respect to this earnings announcement at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, May 2nd. The Company will refer to slides on its conference call. Interested persons can access the conference call and slide presentation via AGCO’s website at www.agcocorp.com in the “Events” section on the “Company/Investors” page of our website. A replay of the conference call will be available approximately two hours after the conclusion of the conference call for twelve months following the call. A copy of this press release will be available on AGCO’s website for at least twelve months following the call.

* * * * *

Safe Harbor Statement

Statements that are not historical facts, including the projections of earnings per share, production levels, sales, industry demand, market conditions, commodity prices, currency translation, farm income levels, margin levels, strategy, investments in product and technology development, new product introductions, restructuring and other cost reduction initiatives, production volumes, tax rates and general economic conditions, are forward-looking and subject to risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the statements. The following are among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in or implied by the forward-looking statements.

  • COVID-19 has negatively impacted our business, initially through closures, higher absentee rates, and reduced production at both our plants and the plants that supply us with parts and components, transitioning to supply chain disruptions, including the inability of some of our suppliers to meet demand and logistics and transportation-related companies to deliver products in a timely manner. In addition, we have had to incur various costs related to preventing the spread of COVID-19, including changes to our factories and other facilities and those related to enabling remote work. While the impact of COVID-19 has diminished over time, mutations of the virus that are more contagious or resistant to current vaccines could evolve, resulting in impacts similar to those we saw previously.
  • We cannot predict or control the impact of the conflict in Ukraine on our business. Already it has resulted in reduced sales in Ukraine as farmers have experienced economic distress, difficulties in harvesting and delivering their products, as well as general uncertainty. There is a potential for natural gas shortages, as well as shortages in other energy sources, throughout Europe, which could negatively impact our production in Europe both directly and through interrupting the supply of parts and components that we use. It is unclear how long these conditions will continue, or whether they will worsen, and what the ultimate impact on our performance will be. In addition, AGCO sells products in, and purchases parts and components from, other regions where there could be hostilities. Any hostilities likely would adversely impact our performance.
  • Our financial results depend entirely upon the agricultural industry, and factors that adversely affect the agricultural industry generally, including declines in the general economy, adverse weather, tariffs, increases in farm input costs, lower commodity prices, lower farm income and changes in the availability of credit for our retail customers, will adversely affect us.
  • A majority of our sales and manufacturing takes place outside the United States, and many of our sales involve products that are manufactured in one country and sold in a different country. As a result, we are exposed to risks related to foreign laws, taxes and tariffs, trade restrictions, economic conditions, labor supply and relations, political conditions and governmental policies. These risks may delay or reduce our realization of value from our international operations. Among these risks are the uncertain consequences of Brexit, the conflict in Ukraine, Russian sanctions and tariffs imposed on exports to and imports from China.
  • Most retail sales of the products that we manufacture are financed, either by our joint ventures with Rabobank or by a bank or other private lender. Our joint ventures with Rabobank, which are controlled by Rabobank and are dependent upon Rabobank for financing as well, finance approximately 50% of the retail sales of our tractors and combines in the markets where the joint ventures operate. Any difficulty by Rabobank to continue to provide that financing, or any business decision by Rabobank as the controlling member not to fund the business or particular aspects of it (for example, a particular country or region), would require the joint ventures to find other sources of financing (which may be difficult to obtain), or us to find another source of retail financing for our customers, or our customers would be required to utilize other retail financing providers. As a result of the recent economic downturn, financing for capital equipment purchases generally has become more difficult in certain regions and in some cases, can be expensive to obtain. To the extent that financing is not available or available only at unattractive prices, our sales would be negatively impacted. In addition, Rabobank also is the lead lender in our revolving credit facility and term loans and for many years has been an important financing partner for us. Any interruption or other challenges in that relationship would require us to obtain alternative financing, which could be difficult.
  • Both AGCO and our finance joint ventures have substantial accounts receivable from dealers and end customers, and we would be adversely impacted if the collectability of these receivables was less than optimal; this collectability is dependent upon the financial strength of the farm industry, which in turn is dependent upon the general economy and commodity prices, as well as several of the other factors listed in this section.
  • We have experienced substantial and sustained volatility with respect to currency exchange rate and interest rate changes, which can adversely affect our reported results of operations and the competitiveness of our products.
  • Our success depends on the introduction of new products, particularly engines that comply with emission requirements and sustainable smart farming technology, which require substantial expenditures; there is no certainty that we can develop the necessary technology or that the technology that we develop will be attractive to farmers or available at competitive prices.
  • Our expansion plans in emerging markets, including establishing a greater manufacturing and marketing presence and growing our use of component suppliers, could entail significant risks.
  • Our business increasingly is subject to regulations relating to privacy and data protection, and if we violate any of those regulations, or otherwise are the victim of a cyberattack, we could be subject to significant claims, penalties and damages.
  • Attacks through ransomware and other means are rapidly increasing, and in May 2022 we learned that we had been subject to a cyberattack. We continue to review and improve our safeguards to minimize our exposure to future attacks. However, there always will be the potential of the risk that a cyberattack will be successful and will disrupt our business, either through shutting down our operations, destroying data, exfiltrating data or otherwise.
  • We depend on suppliers for components, parts and raw materials for our products, and any failure by our suppliers to provide products as needed, or by us to promptly address supplier issues, will adversely impact our ability to timely and efficiently manufacture and sell products. Recently suppliers of several key parts and components have not been able to meet our demand and we have had to decrease our production levels. In addition, the potential of natural gas shortages in Europe, as well as predicted overall shortages in other energy sources, could also negatively impact our production and that of our supply chain in the future. It is unclear when these supply chain disruptions will be restored or what the ultimate impact on production, and consequently sales, will be.
  • We recently have experienced significant inflation in a range of costs, including for parts and components, shipping, and energy. While we have been able to pass along most of those costs through increased prices, there can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to do so. If we are not, it will adversely impact our performance.
  • We face significant competition, and if we are unable to compete successfully against other agricultural equipment manufacturers, we would lose customers and our net sales and performance would decline.
  • We have a substantial amount of indebtedness, and, as a result, we are subject to certain restrictive covenants and payment obligations that may adversely affect our ability to operate and expand our business.

Further information concerning these and other factors is included in AGCO’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and subsequent Form 10-Qs. AGCO disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required by law.

* * * * *

About AGCO

AGCO (NYSE:AGCO) is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology. AGCO delivers customer value through its differentiated brand portfolio including core brands like Fendt®, GSI®, Massey Ferguson®, Precision Planting® and Valtra®. Powered by Fuse® smart farming solutions, AGCO’s full line of equipment and services help farmers sustainably feed our world. Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Duluth, Georgia, USA, AGCO had net sales of approximately $12.7 billion in 2022. For more information, visit www.AGCOcorp.com. For company news, information, and events, please follow us on Twitter: @AGCOCorp. For financial news on Twitter, please follow the hashtag #AGCOIR.

# # # # #

Please visit our website at www.agcocorp.com

AGCO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(unaudited and in millions)

 

March 31, 2023

 

December 31, 2022

ASSETS

 

 

 

Current Assets:

 

 

 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

$

558.7

 

 

$

789.5

 

Accounts and notes receivable, net

 

1,530.7

 

 

 

1,221.3

 

Inventories, net

 

3,642.8

 

 

 

3,189.7

 

Other current assets

 

596.6

 

 

 

538.8

 

Total current assets

 

6,328.8

 

 

 

5,739.3

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

1,668.7

 

 

 

1,591.2

 

Right-of-use lease assets

 

160.8

 

 

 

163.9

 

Investments in affiliates

 

456.5

 

 

 

436.9

 

Deferred tax assets

 

232.9

 

 

 

228.5

 

Other assets

 

287.4

 

 

 

268.7

 

Intangible assets, net

 

354.0

 

 

 

364.4

 

Goodwill

 

1,322.5

 

 

 

1,310.8

 

Total assets

$

10,811.6

 

 

$

10,103.7

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

 

 

 

Current portion of long-term debt

$

190.6

 

 

$

187.1

 

Short-term borrowings

 

4.9

 

 

 

8.9

 

Accounts payable

 

1,426.6

 

 

 

1,385.3

 

Accrued expenses

 

2,144.3

 

 

 

2,271.3

 

Other current liabilities

 

217.9

 

 

 

235.4

 

Total current liabilities

 

3,984.3

 

 

 

4,088.0

 

Long-term debt, less current portion and debt issuance costs

 

1,791.1

 

 

 

1,264.8

 

Operating lease liabilities

 

122.3

 

 

 

125.4

 

Pension and postretirement health care benefits

 

160.1

 

 

 

158.0

 

Deferred tax liabilities

 

115.3

 

 

 

112.0

 

Other noncurrent liabilities

 

505.6

 

 

 

472.9

 

Total liabilities

 

6,678.7

 

 

 

6,221.1

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ Equity:

 

 

 

AGCO Corporation stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

Common stock

 

0.7

 

 

 

0.7

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

24.7

 

 

 

30.2

 

Retained earnings

 

5,863.7

 

 

 

5,654.6

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(1,756.4

)

 

 

(1,803.1

)

Total AGCO Corporation stockholders’ equity

 

4,132.7

 

 

 

3,882.4

 

Noncontrolling interests

 

0.2

 

 

 

0.2

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

4,132.9

 

 

 

3,882.6

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$

10,811.6

 

 

$

10,103.7

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

AGCO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(unaudited and in millions, except per share data)

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

2023

 

 

2022

Net sales

$

3,333.5

 

$

2,685.7

Cost of goods sold

 

2,478.6

 

 

2,054.4

Gross profit

 

854.9

 

 

631.3

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

330.3

 

 

271.1

Engineering expenses

 

119.6

 

 

100.3

Amortization of intangibles

 

14.8

 

 

15.3

Impairment charges

 

 

 

36.0

Restructuring expenses

 

1.4

 

 

3.0

Bad debt expense

 

1.5

 

 

1.6

Income from operations

 

387.3

 

 

204.0

Interest expense, net

 

0.5

 

 

0.4

Other expense, net

 

50.4

 

 

17.5

Income before income taxes and equity in net earnings of affiliates

 

336.4

 

 

186.1

Income tax provision

 

120.2

 

 

60.2

Income before equity in net earnings of affiliates

 

216.2

 

 

125.9

Equity in net earnings of affiliates

 

16.4

 

 

11.1

Net income

 

232.6

 

 

137.0

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

14.8

Net income attributable to AGCO Corporation and subsidiaries

$

232.6

 

$

151.8

Net income per common share attributable to AGCO Corporation and subsidiaries:

 

 

 

Basic

$

3.11

 

$

2.03

Diluted

$

3.10

 

$

2.03

Cash dividends declared and paid per common share

$

0.24

 

$

0.20

Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding:

 

 

 

Basic

 

74.9

 

 

74.6

Diluted

 

75.0

 

 

74.9

Contacts

Greg Peterson

Vice President, Investor Relations

770-232-8229

[email protected]

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