DULUTH, GA – July 31 – AGCO, Your Agriculture Company (NYSE:AGCO), a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment, reported net sales of approximately $2.5 billion for the second quarter of 2018, an increase of approximately 17.2% compared to the second quarter of 2017.
DULUTH, GA – July 31 – AGCO, Your Agriculture Company (NYSE:AGCO), a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment, reported net sales of approximately $2.5 billion for the second quarter of 2018, an increase of approximately 17.2% compared to the second quarter of 2017.
Reported net income was $1.14 per share for the second quarter of 2018, and adjusted net income, excluding restructuring expenses and costs associated with an early retirement of debt, was $1.32 per
share. These results compare to a reported net income of $1.14 per share and adjusted net income, excluding restructuring expenses, of $1.15 per share for the second quarter of 2017. Excluding favorable currency translation impacts of approximately 3.3%, net sales in the second quarter of 2018 increased approximately 13.9% compared to the second quarter of 2017.
Net sales for the first six months of 2018 were approximately $4.5 billion, an increase of approximately 19.8% compared to the same period in 2017. Excluding favorable currency translation impacts of approximately 5.9%, net sales for the first six months of 2018 increased approximately 13.9% compared to the same period in 2017. For the first six months of 2018, reported net income was $1.44 per share, and adjusted net income, excluding restructuring expenses and costs associated with an early retirement of debt, was $1.68 per share. These results compare to reported net income of $1.02 per share and adjusted net income, excluding restructuring expenses and a non-cash expense related to waived stock compensation, of $1.13 per share for the first six months of 2017.
Second Quarter Highlights
Reported regional sales results(1): North America +25.4%, Europe/Middle East (“EME”) +21.7%, South America (12.8)%, Asia/Pacific/Africa (“APA”) +4.4%
Constant currency regional sales results(1)(2): North America +24.7%, EME +14.2%, South America +1.3%, APA (0.7)%
Regional operating margin performance: North America 6.3%, EME 13.5%, South America (7.6)%, APA 2.7%
Share repurchase program reduced outstanding shares by 0.5 million during the first six months of 2018
(1)As compared to second quarter 2017 (2)Excludes currency translation impact. See reconciliation in appendix.
“AGCO delivered solid sales and earnings growth in the second quarter,” stated Martin Richenhagen, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Healthy industry conditions in Western Europe and improved market demand in North America supported sales and margin improvement in those regions offsetting weak results in South America. Our sales performance and customer response to AGCO’s new product line-up confirms our additional investments in product development are paying off. We continue to focus on innovative products like our new Rogator C-series high performance sprayers and our expanding line-up of platform designed tractors that deliver productivity on the farm and expand our market position.”
Market Update
“Global crop conditions were mixed through the first half of 2018,” continued Mr. Richenhagen. “Crop production estimates in the U.S. have recovered following a cold wet spring, and forecasts are now calling for another solid harvest. The lack of spring rain across much of Eastern Europe and parts of Western Europe is negatively impacting crop development. A dry weather pattern across Argentina and southern Brazil has resulted in decreased 2018 crop production expectations. Global industry sales of farm equipment in the first half of 2018 were also mixed across AGCO’s key markets, with future demand dependent on factors such as crop conditions, commodity price development and government trade and farm support policy. North American industry retail sales were up in the first six months of 2018 compared to the same period in 2017 as row crop farmers are beginning to replace their equipment after years of weaker demand. Overall, we project industry retail tractor sales to increase modestly in 2018 with improved retail sales in the row crop segment and flat retail sales of small tractors compared to last year. Industry retail sales in Western Europe increased slightly in the first half of 2018, following a year of improved profitability by the arable farming segment as well as healthy economics for dairy producers. Industry sales growth in the United Kingdom and Italy was partially offset by declines in France. For the full year of 2018, industry demand in Western Europe is expected to be relatively flat compared to 2017. Industry retail sales in South America decreased during the first six months of 2018. Industry demand in Brazil softened in advance of improvements in the government financing program, which started on July 1.
In addition, industry sales declined in Argentina in response to a weak first harvest. Industry demand in South America is expected to improve in the second half of the year and be relatively flat for the full year compared to 2017. Higher retail sales in Brazil are expected to be offset by lower sales in Argentina due to the impact of lower crop production on farm income. Longer term, we are optimistic about the fundamentals supporting commodity prices and farm income as well as healthy growth in our industry.”
Regional Results
North America
Net sales in the North American region increased 26.9% in the first six months of 2018 compared to the same period of 2017, excluding the positive impact of currency translation. Precision Planting, which was acquired in the fourth quarter of 2017, contributed sales of approximately $82.9 million in its seasonally strong first half. Excluding the impact of acquisitions and currency translation, sales grew approximately 16.2% compared to the first six months of 2017. The largest increases were in sprayers, high horsepower tractors and hay tools. Income from operations for the first six months of 2018 improved approximately $37.8 million compared to the same period in 2017. The benefit of the Precision Planting acquisition and higher sales and production volumes contributed to the increase.
South America
AGCO’s South American net sales decreased 5.5% in the first six months of 2018 compared to the first six months of 2017, excluding the impact of unfavorable currency translation. Sales declined in both Argentina and Brazil. Income from operations dropped approximately $38.5 million for the first six months of 2018 compared to the same period in 2017. Lower sales and production volumes, the impact of material cost inflation, costs associated with transitioning to new products with tier 3 emission technology, as well as the impact of the Brazilian trucking strike on sales and production, all contributed to the decrease in income from operations.
Europe/Middle East
Net sales in the AGCO’s EME region increased 14.3% in the first six months of 2018 compared to the same period in 2017, excluding favorable currency translation impacts. Acquisitions benefited sales by approximately 3.7% during the first six months compared to the same period last year. Higher sales in Germany, the United Kingdom and France produced most of the increase. Income from operations improved approximately $73.8 million for the first six months of 2018, compared to the same period in 2017, due to the benefit of higher sales and margin improvement partially offset by higher engineering costs.
Asia/Pacific/Africa
Asia/Pacific/Africa net sales increased 5.1%, excluding the positive impact of currency translation, in the first six months of 2018 compared to the same period in 2017. Higher sales in Australia were partially offset by lower sales in Asia. Acquisitions benefited sales by approximately 2.2% during the first six months of 2018 compared to the same period last year. Income from operations improved approximately $1.5 million in the first six months of 2018, compared to the same period in 2017, due to higher sales and production levels.
Outlook
AGCO’s net sales for 2018 are expected to reach $9.3 billion, reflecting improved sales volumes, positive pricing as well as acquisition and foreign exchange impacts. Gross and operating margins are expected to improve from 2017 levels due to higher sales as well as the benefits resulting from the Company’s cost reduction initiatives, partially offset by increased engineering expenses. Based on these assumptions, 2018 earnings per share are targeted at approximately $3.46 on a reported basis, or approximately $3.70 on an adjusted basis, which excludes restructuring expenses and costs associated with debt retirement.
AGCO will be hosting a conference call with respect to this earnings announcement at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, July 31, 2018. 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, sales, industry demand, market conditions, commodity prices, currency translation, farm income levels, margin levels, investments in product and technology development, new product introductions, restructuring and other cost reduction initiatives, production volumes, tax rates and general economic conditions, are forwardlooking 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.
Our financial results depend entirely upon the agricultural industry, and factors that adversely affect the agricultural industry generally, including declines in the general economy, 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 take place outside the United States, and, as a result, we are exposed to risks related to foreign laws, taxes, 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.
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 40% to 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.
Both AGCO and our finance joint ventures have substantial account receivables from dealers and end customers, and we would be adversely impacted if the collectability of these receivables was not consistent with historical experience; 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, including uncertainty associated with the Euro, 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, which requires substantial expenditures.
Our production levels and capacity constraints at our facilities, including those resulting from plant expansions and systems upgrades at our manufacturing facilities, could adversely affect our results.
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.
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. We also are subject to raw material price fluctuations, which can adversely affect our manufacturing costs.
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 profitability 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, 2017. 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 solutions and supports more productive farming through its full line of equipment and related services. AGCO products are sold through five core brands, Challenger®, Fendt®, GSI®, Massey Ferguson® and Valtra®, supported by Fuse® precision technologies and farm optimization services. Founded in 1990, AGCO is headquartered in Duluth, GA, USA. In 2017, AGCO had net sales of approximately $8.3 billion.
