- Net earnings of $1.2 billion, adjusted net earnings of $1.2 billion
- Trailing four-quarter average adjusted ROIC of 14.0%
According to the company’s website press release on April 25, 2023, ADM (NYSE: ADM) reported financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2023.
“Our continued strong performance in the first quarter demonstrates ADM’s unique ability to deliver results through a rapidly evolving external environment, and showcases our team’s agility in responding to opportunities that leverage our company’s unparalleled global footprint and capabilities. Our broad portfolio continues to serve diverse global food, feed and industrial markets and creates compelling value for our customers and our shareholders,” said Chairman and CEO Juan Luciano.
“ADM’s integrated value chain has helped each of our business segments to deliver strong earnings in the quarter. Our foundational businesses in Ag Services & Oilseeds and Carbohydrate Solutions both continue to manage market volatility and deliver strong margins across the value chain. We continue to see healthy pipeline growth and win rates in Human Nutrition that support our confidence in the earnings growth in the Nutrition segment, even as we navigate temporary challenges, particularly in parts of Animal Nutrition. With a strong balance sheet and healthy cash flows, ADM is poised to continue investing in profitable growth, and we are excited about our strategic plan for 2023 and beyond.”
Quarterly Results of Operations
Ag Services & Oilseeds results were significantly higher than the first quarter of 2022.
- Ag Services results were much higher than the first quarter of 2022. In South American origination, excellent risk management and higher export demand due to the record Brazilian soybean crop drove significantly higher year-over-year results. Results for North America origination were also higher, driven by stronger soybean exports. In Global Trade, solid margins and efficient execution led to strong results.
- Crushing results were in line with the first quarter last year. In North America, the team executed well, capitalizing on historically strong soybean and softseed crush margins that were supported by robust demand for renewable fuels. In EMEA, crush margins were lower year-over-year as trade flows adjusted from the dislocations caused last year by the war in Ukraine. Additionally, there were approximately $240 million of positive timing effects in the quarter, including positive impacts from declining crush margins at the end of the period.
- Refined Products and Other results were substantially higher than the prior-year period. North America biodiesel results were higher with record volumes and strong margins, supported by favorable blend economics and tight diesel stocks. In EMEA, domestic demand for food oil and export demand for biodiesel drove strong margins.
- Equity earnings from Wilmar were lower versus the first quarter of 2022.
Carbohydrate Solutions delivered solid results in Q1, though lower than the very strong first quarter of the prior year.
- The Starches and Sweeteners subsegment capitalized on solid demand in the quarter. North America starches and sweeteners delivered strong volumes and margins. Ethanol margins, pressured by high industry stock levels, were down relative to the same quarter last year. In EMEA, the team effectively managed margins in a dynamic operating environment to deliver improved results. The global wheat milling business posted much higher margins driven by robust customer demand.
- Vantage Corn Processors results were significantly lower due to weaker ethanol margins.
Nutrition results were significantly lower year-over-year versus the record prior-year quarter.
- Human Nutrition results were in line with the first quarter of 2022, as the business continued to manage demand fulfillment challenges and destocking in certain categories. Flavors results were slightly lower than the prior year as strong results in EMEA were offset by lower results in North America. Specialty Ingredients results were higher year-over-year driven by healthy margins. Health & Wellness results were lower year-over-year.
- Animal Nutrition results were significantly lower compared to the same quarter last year, primarily due to much lower margins in amino acids.
Other Business results were significantly higher than the prior-year quarter due to improved ADM Investor Services earnings on higher interest income. Captive insurance results were in line with the prior year.
Other Items of Note
As additional information to help clarify underlying business performance, the table on page 10 includes reported earnings and EPS as well as adjusted earnings and EPS.
Segment operating profit of $1.7 billion for the quarter includes charges of $7 million ($0.01 per share) related to impairments and restructuring and gains of $1 million ($0.00 per share) related to the sale of certain assets.
In Corporate results, interest expense for the quarter increased year-over-year primarily on higher short-term interest rates. Unallocated corporate costs were higher year-over-year due primarily to higher financing and centers of excellence costs. Other Corporate was unfavorable versus the prior year due to the absence of an ADM Ventures investment revaluation gain, partially offset by higher contributions from foreign currency hedges.
Note: Additional Facts and Explanations
Additional facts and explanations about results and industry environment can be found at the end of the ADM Q1 Earnings Presentation at www.adm.com/webcast.
Conference Call Information
ADM will host a webcast on April 25, 2023, at 8 a.m. Central Time to discuss financial results and provide a company update. To listen to the webcast, go to www.adm.com/webcast. A replay of the webcast will also be available for an extended period of time at www.adm.com/webcast.
Forward-Looking Statements
Some of our comments and materials in this presentation constitute forward-looking statements that reflect management’s current views and estimates of future economic circumstances, industry conditions, Company performance and financial results. These statements and materials are based on many assumptions and factors that are subject to risk and uncertainties. ADM has provided additional information in its reports on file with the SEC concerning assumptions and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in this presentation, and you should carefully review the assumptions and factors in our SEC reports. To the extent permitted under applicable law, ADM assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events.
About ADM
ADM unlocks the power of nature to enrich the quality of life. We’re a premier global human and animal nutrition company, delivering solutions today with an eye to the future. We’re blazing new trails in health and well-being as our scientists develop groundbreaking products to support healthier living. We’re a cutting-edge innovator leading the way to a new future of plant-based consumer and industrial solutions to replace petroleum-based products. We’re an unmatched agricultural supply chain manager and processor, providing food security by connecting local needs with global capabilities. And we’re a leader in sustainability, scaling across entire value chains to help decarbonize our industry and safeguard our planet. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional and sustainability challenges of today and tomorrow. Learn more at www.adm.com.
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