10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2015

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2015

Filed November 3, 2015For Securities:ADM

Summary

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (ADM) reported a significant decrease in net earnings attributable to controlling interests for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared to the same period in 2014. Revenues also saw a substantial decline, primarily driven by lower commodity prices and foreign currency translation impacts, although higher sales volumes partially offset this. The company experienced a notable increase in asset impairment, exit, and restructuring costs, largely related to facilities in Brazil and an international pension plan settlement. Despite the overall decline in earnings, the Oilseeds Processing segment showed an increase in operating profit due to strong soybean crushing volumes and margins, while the Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients segment benefited from recent acquisitions. The company also undertook significant debt management activities, including issuing Euro-denominated notes and repurchasing outstanding debentures, which resulted in a substantial debt extinguishment charge. ADM continues to focus on its core segments while strategically divesting non-core assets and pursuing acquisitions to enhance its portfolio.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$16.57B
Cost of Revenue$15.48B
Gross Profit$1.09B
SG&A Expenses$519.00M
Interest Expense$69.00M
Net Income$252.00M
EPS (Basic)$0.41
EPS (Diluted)$0.41
Shares Outstanding (Basic)612.00M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)615.00M

Key Highlights

  • 1Net earnings attributable to controlling interests decreased by approximately 33% for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared to the prior year, primarily due to lower commodity prices and a significant loss on debt extinguishment.
  • 2Total revenues declined by 15% for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, driven by lower sales prices across all major segments, partially offset by higher sales volumes.
  • 3Asset impairment, exit, and restructuring costs increased significantly, totaling $96 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared to $31 million in the prior year, mainly due to impairments in Brazil and international pension plan settlements.
  • 4The Oilseeds Processing segment operating profit increased by 28% for the nine months, driven by strong soybean crushing performance and improved South American origination results.
  • 5The Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients segment saw a 23% increase in operating profit, largely attributed to the acquisition of Wild Flavors and Specialty Commodities, Inc. in late 2014.
  • 6The company recorded a significant loss of $189 million on debt extinguishment in the third quarter of 2015 due to tender offers and redemption of outstanding debentures.
  • 7Cash provided by operating activities significantly decreased to $1.1 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, from $4.4 billion in the prior year, largely due to changes in working capital.

Frequently Asked Questions

The decrease in net earnings was primarily driven by lower commodity prices which impacted revenues and cost of goods sold, weaker ethanol margins, reduced volumes and margins in North American exports, and a significant $189 million loss on debt extinguishment in the third quarter. Additionally, asset impairment, exit, and restructuring costs increased substantially compared to the prior year.

The Oilseeds Processing segment showed strong performance with a 28% increase in operating profit, benefiting from robust soybean crushing and improved South American origination. The Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients segment also saw a 23% increase in operating profit, boosted by recent acquisitions. However, the Corn Processing segment experienced a significant decline in operating profit, mainly due to lower ethanol margins and the impact of asset impairment charges. The Agricultural Services segment also saw a decrease in operating profit.

The company undertook significant debt management, including issuing Euro-denominated notes and repurchasing outstanding debentures. This resulted in a substantial debt extinguishment charge of $189 million in the third quarter of 2015. While these actions aimed to optimize the company's capital structure, the charge negatively impacted reported earnings for the period.

ADM maintains a focus on liquidity and financial flexibility. Cash provided by operating activities was $1.1 billion for the nine months, though lower than the prior year, and the company has access to significant lines of credit. Capital expenditures were $0.8 billion for the nine months, and the company returned capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. The company also utilizes accounts receivable securitization programs to enhance liquidity.