10-KPeriod: FY2019

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2019

Filed February 18, 2020For Securities:ADM

Summary

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (ADM) reported strong revenues of $64.7 billion for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019, a slight increase from the prior year, driven by higher sales volumes primarily in soybeans, wheat, and feed ingredients, alongside strategic acquisitions. The company's net earnings attributable to controlling interests saw a decrease of 24% to $1.4 billion, impacted by several factors including restructuring charges, asset impairments, and a loss on the sale of an equity investment. Despite a challenging North American weather and global trade environment that affected the Ag Services and Oilseeds segment, ADM demonstrated resilience. The Nutrition segment showed significant growth, with revenues increasing by 50% due to acquisitions like Neovia, Florida Chemical Company, and Ziegler, aligning with ADM's strategy to enhance its human and animal nutrition offerings. ADM's financial health remains solid, with a current ratio of 1.6 and shareholders' equity of $19.2 billion. The company actively manages its working capital and capital expenditures, with plans for significant capital investments in 2020. ADM also continues its commitment to shareholder returns through share repurchases and dividends, demonstrating a focus on both strategic growth and shareholder value.

Financial Statements
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Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues reached $64.7 billion for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, reflecting a slight increase driven by higher volumes and strategic acquisitions.
  • 2Net earnings attributable to controlling interests decreased by 24% to $1.4 billion, impacted by restructuring charges, asset impairments, and investment losses.
  • 3The Nutrition segment experienced robust growth, with revenues up 50% to $5.7 billion, largely due to key acquisitions such as Neovia, Florida Chemical Company, and Ziegler.
  • 4The Ag Services and Oilseeds segment faced headwinds from challenging North American weather and global trade tensions, leading to a revenue decrease of 2% to $48.7 billion.
  • 5Carbohydrate Solutions segment revenues decreased by 4% to $9.9 billion, impacted by lower ethanol margins and industry conditions.
  • 6ADM's financial position remains strong, with shareholders' equity at $19.2 billion and a current ratio of 1.6 as of December 31, 2019.
  • 7Capital expenditures for 2020 are projected between $0.9 billion and $1.0 billion, indicating continued investment in strategic growth and operational improvements.

Frequently Asked Questions

ADM's key revenue drivers in 2019 included higher sales volumes in soybeans, wheat, and feed ingredients, supported by strategic acquisitions, particularly in the Nutrition segment. However, the company faced challenges such as adverse North American weather conditions, global trade tensions with China impacting the Ag Services and Oilseeds segment, and difficult market conditions for ethanol.

The Nutrition segment was a standout performer, with revenues growing 50% to $5.7 billion due to acquisitions and increasing demand for its products. Conversely, the Ag Services and Oilseeds segment saw a revenue decrease of 2% to $48.7 billion due to market pressures, and the Carbohydrate Solutions segment's revenues declined by 4% to $9.9 billion, impacted by ethanol market conditions.

As of December 31, 2019, ADM maintained a solid financial position with shareholders' equity of $19.2 billion and a current ratio of 1.6. The company plans to invest between $0.9 billion and $1.0 billion in capital expenditures in 2020. ADM continues to return value to shareholders through ongoing share repurchase programs and dividend payments.

In 2019, ADM completed several significant acquisitions, including Neovia (animal nutrition), Florida Chemical Company (citrus oils), and The Ziegler Group (citrus flavors), which significantly boosted the Nutrition segment. The company also purchased the remaining 50% interest in Gleadell Agriculture Ltd. and sold its equity investment in CIP.