Third Quarter Highlights

• Reported regional sales results⁽²⁾: Europe/Middle East ("EME") (18.2)%, North America (21.8)%, South America (47.0)%, Asia/Pacific/Africa ("APA") (11.7)%

• Constant currency regional sales results^(1)(2)(3): EME (19.3)%, North America (21.3)%, South America (41.8)%, APA (13.4)%

• Regional operating margin performance: EME 6.4%, North America 7.2%, South America 11.8%, APA 3.8%

Market Update

"Record harvests in the Northern Hemisphere are contributing to higher grain inventories and pressuring crop prices, which combined with elevated input costs, are delaying farmers' equipment purchasing decisions," said Hansotia. "Demand for new equipment has softened further in most global markets, particularly as lower farm income persists for crop producers. We continue to expect increased adoption of precision technology, but more challenging farm economics are resulting in weaker global industry demand across most equipment categories. In the first nine months of 2024, retail tractor industry demand fell by an average of 8% across the three major regions."

North American industry retail tractor sales decreased 11% during the first nine months of 2024 compared to the first nine months of 2023. Sales declines were relatively consistent across the horsepower categories with higher horsepower categories declining more in recent months. Combine unit sales were down 19% in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Lower projected farm income and a refreshed fleet are expected to continue to pressure industry demand for the remainder of 2024, resulting in weaker North American industry sales compared to 2023.

South American industry retail tractor sales decreased 9% during the first nine months of 2024 compared to the first nine months of 2023. Declines occurred across all South American markets with the most significant decreases in Argentina and the smaller markets. Demand in Brazil was negatively impacted by the floods in Rio Grande do Sul while a challenging first harvest in the Cerrado region continues to affect farmer buying behavior. Following three strong years, retail demand in South America has softened significantly in 2024 as a result of lower commodity prices and farm income.

In Western Europe, industry retail tractor sales decreased 6% during the first nine months of 2024 compared to the first nine months of 2023 with the weakest conditions in Italy, United Kingdom and France. Industry demand is expected to remain soft for the remainder of 2024 as lower income levels pressure demand from arable farmers, while healthy demand from dairy and livestock producers is expected to mitigate some of the decline.

Regional Results

AGCO Regional Net Sales (in millions)

North America

Net sales in AGCO's North American region decreased 20.4% in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, excluding the impact of unfavorable currency translation and favorable impact of an acquisition. Softer industry sales and lower end-market demand contributed to lower sales. The most significant sales declines occurred in the high-horsepower and mid-range tractor categories, as well as hay equipment. Income from operations for the first nine months of 2024 decreased $207.0 million compared to the same period in 2023 and operating margins were 7.5%. The decrease resulted from lower sales and production volumes, as well as higher warranty expenses.

South America

South American net sales decreased 42.0% in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, excluding the impact of unfavorable currency translation and favorable impact of an acquisition. Softer industry retail sales and under-production of retail demand drove most of the decrease. Lower sales of high-horsepower tractors and combines accounted for most of the decline. Income from operations in the first nine months of 2024 decreased by $296.8 million compared to the same period in 2023. This decrease was primarily a result of lower sales and production volumes as well as negative pricing.

Europe/Middle East

Net sales in the Europe/Middle East region decreased 8.4% in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, excluding the impact of favorable currency translation and favorable impact of an acquisition. Lower sales across most of the European markets were partially offset by growth in Germany and Turkey. Declines were largest in mid-range tractors and hay equipment. Income from operations decreased $79.5 million in the first nine months of 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. This decrease was primarily a result of lower sales and production volumes.

Asia/Pacific/Africa

Asia/Pacific/Africa net sales decreased 22.6%, excluding unfavorable currency translation impacts and favorable impact of an acquisition, in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023 due to weaker end market demand and lower production volumes. Lower sales in China, Australia and Africa drove most of the decline. Income from operations decreased by $30.8 million in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023 primarily due to lower sales volumes.

Outlook

On April 1, 2024, AGCO acquired an 85% stake in PTx Trimble, and Trimble retains a 15% stake. AGCO began consolidating the PTx Trimble joint venture into its consolidated financial statements on April 1, 2024. On November 1, 2024, AGCO closed the previously announced divestiture of the Grain & Protein business.

AGCO's net sales for 2024 are expected to be approximately $12.0 billion, reflecting lower sales volumes. Adjusted operating margins are projected to be approximately 9%, reflecting the impacts of lower sales, lower production volumes, increased cost controls and modestly lower investments in engineering. Based on these assumptions, 2024 adjusted earnings per share are targeted at approximately $7.50.

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AGCO will host a conference call with respect to this earnings announcement at 10 a.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, November 5. 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 under the "Investors" Section. A replay of the conference call will be available approximately two hours after the conclusion of the conference call for 12 months following the call. A copy of this press release will be available on AGCO's website for at least 12 months following the call.

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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.

• 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.

• We maintain an independent dealer and distribution network in the markets where we sell products. The financial and operational capabilities of our dealers and distributors are critical to our ability to compete in these markets. Higher inventory levels at our dealers and high utilization of dealer credit limits as well as the financial health of our dealers could negatively impact future sales and adversely impact our performance.

• On April 1, 2024, we completed the acquisition of the ag assets and technologies of Trimble through the formation of a joint venture, PTx Trimble, of which we own 85%. Financing the PTx Trimble transaction significantly increased our indebtedness and interest expense. We also have made various assumptions relating to the acquisition that may not prove to be correct and we may fail to realize all of the anticipated benefits of the acquisition. All acquisitions involve risk, and there is no certainty that the acquired business will operate as expected. Each of these items, as well as similar acquisition-related items, would adversely impact our performance.

• 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 and tariffs imposed on exports to and imports from China.

• 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.

• 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.

• Cybersecurity breaches including ransomware attacks and other means are rapidly increasing. 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. In addition, the potential of future 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. There can be no assurance that there will not be future disruptions.

• Any resurgence of COVID-19, or other future pandemics, could negatively impact our business through reduced sales, facilities closures, higher absentee rates, and reduced production at both our plants and the plants that supply us with parts and components. In addition, logistical and transportation-related issues and similar problems may also arise.

• 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 have incurred additional indebtedness as part of the PTx Trimble joint venture transaction), and, as a result, we are subject to certain restrictive covenants and payment obligations, as well as increased leverage generally, 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, 2023, and subsequent Form 10-Qs. AGCO disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required by law.

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About AGCO

AGCO (NYSE: AGCO) is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology. AGCO delivers value to farmers and OEM customers through its differentiated brand portfolio including leading brands Fendt?, Massey Ferguson?, PTx and Valtra?. AGCO's full line of equipment, smart farming solutions and services helps farmers sustainably feed our world. Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Duluth, Georgia, USA, AGCO had net sales of approximately $14.4 billion in 2023. For more information, visit www.agcocorp.com.

Please visit our website at www.agcocorp.com

 

 

 

 

AGCO CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited, in millions, except share amounts, per share data)

1.      ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE SALES AGREEMENTS

The Company has accounts receivable sales agreements that permit the sale, on an ongoing basis, of a majority of its wholesale receivables in North America, Europe and Brazil to its U.S., Canadian, European and Brazilian finance joint ventures. The cash received from receivables sold under the U.S., Canadian, European and Brazilian accounts receivable sales agreements that remain outstanding as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 was approximately $2.2 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively.

In addition, the Company sells certain trade receivables under factoring arrangements to other financial institutions around the world. The cash received from trade receivables sold under factoring arrangements that remain outstanding as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 was approximately $205.4 million and $254.1 million, respectively.

Losses on sales of receivables associated with the accounts receivable sales agreements discussed above, reflected within "Other expense, net" in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, were approximately $28.4 million and $92.2 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively. Losses on sales of receivables associated with the accounts receivable sales agreements discussed above, reflected within "Other expense, net" in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, were approximately and $40.5 million and $99.3 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively.

The Company's finance joint ventures in Europe, Brazil and Australia also provide wholesale financing directly to the Company's dealers. As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, these finance joint ventures had approximately $203.2 million and $211.3 million, respectively, of outstanding accounts receivable associated with these arrangements.

2.      INVENTORIES

Inventories, net at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, excluding amounts classified as held for sale, were as follows (in millions):

3.      INDEBTEDNESS

Long-term debt, excluding amounts classified as held for sale, consisted of the following at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in millions):

As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had short-term borrowings due within one year, excluding the current portion of long-term debt, of approximately $61.6 million and $12.7 million, respectively.

European Investment Bank ("EIB") Senior Term Loan due 2030

On January 25, 2024, the Company entered into an additional multi-currency Finance Contract with the EIB permitting the Company to borrow up to €170.0 million. On February 15, 2024, the Company borrowed €170.0 million (or approximately $189.9 million as of September 30, 2024) under the arrangement. The loan matures on February 15, 2030. Interest is payable on the term loan at 3.416% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears.

5.450% Senior Notes due 2027 and 5.800% Senior Notes due 2034

On March 21, 2024, the Company issued (i) $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.450% Senior Notes due 2027 (the "2027 Notes") and (ii) $700.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.800% Notes due 2034 (the "2034 Notes", and together with the 2027 Notes, the "Notes"). The Notes are unsecured and guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis, jointly and severally, by certain direct and indirect subsidiaries of the Company. The 2027 Notes mature on March 21, 2027, and interest is payable semi-annually, in arrears, at 5.450%. The 2034 Notes mature on March 21, 2034, and interest is payable semi-annually, in arrears, at 5.800%.

Credit Facility and Term Loan Facility

The Company has a credit facility providing for a $1.25 billion multi-currency unsecured revolving credit facility ("Credit Facility") that matures on December 19, 2027. Interest accrues on amounts outstanding for any borrowings denominated in United States dollars, at the Company's option, at either (1) the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") plus 0.1% plus a margin ranging from 0.875% to 1.875% based on the Company's credit rating, or (2) the base rate, which is the highest of (i) the Prime Rate, (ii) the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus 0.5%, and (iii) Term SOFR for a one-month tenor plus 1.0%, plus a margin ranging from 0.000% to 0.875% based on the Company's credit rating. Interest accrues on amounts outstanding for any borrowings denominated in Euros at the Euro Interbank Offered Rate ("EURIBOR") plus a margin ranging from 0.875% to 1.875% based on the Company's credit rating. As of September 30, 2024, the Company had $790.0 million in outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility. Subsequent to the end of the quarter, on November 1, 2024, the Company repaid $150.0 million outstanding under the Credit Facility utilizing proceeds from the sale of the Company's Grain & Protein business.

In December 2023, the Company amended the Credit Facility to allow for incremental borrowings in the form of a delayed draw term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of $250.0 million. In March 2024, the Company further amended the Credit Facility to increase this amount by $250.0 million, for an aggregate amount of $500.0 million ("Term Loan Facility"). The Company drew down the Term Loan Facility on March 28, 2024. Borrowings under the Term Loan Facility bear interest at the same rate and margin as the Credit Facility. The Term Loan Facility matures on December 19, 2027. As of September 30, 2024, the Company had $500.0 million outstanding under the Term Loan Facility. Subsequent to the end of the quarter, on November 1, 2024, the Company repaid the $500.0 million outstanding under the Term Loan Facility utilizing proceeds from the sale of the Company's Grain & Protein business.

The increase in indebtedness as of September 30, 2024 compared to December 31, 2023 related to the PTx Trimble joint venture transaction that closed on April 1, 2024. The Company financed the joint venture transaction through a combination of the Senior Notes due 2027 and 2034, the Term Loan Facility and the remainder through other borrowings and cash on hand.

4.      RESTRUCTURING AND BUSINESS OPTIMIZATION EXPENSES

On June 24, 2024, the Company announced a restructuring program (the "Program") in response to increased weakening demand in the agriculture industry. The initial phase of the Program is focused on further reducing structural costs, streamlining the Company's workforce and enhancing global efficiencies related to changing the Company's operating model for certain corporate and back-office functions and better leveraging technology and global centers of excellence. The Company estimates that it will incur charges for one-time termination benefits of approximately $150 million to $200 million in connection with this phase of the Program, primarily consisting of cash charges related to severance payments, employees benefits and related costs. The Company expects the majority of these cash charges will be incurred in 2024 and the first half of 2025. Once fully implemented, the Company expects this phase of the Program to yield annual run-rate benefits and cost savings of approximately $100 million to $125 million.

Additionally, in recent years, the Company announced and initiated several actions to rationalize employee headcount in various manufacturing facilities and administrative offices located in the U.S., Europe, South America, Africa and Asia, in order to reduce costs in response to fluctuating global market demand.

Business optimization expenses primarily related to professional services costs incurred as part of the restructuring program aimed to reduce structural costs and enhance global efficiencies by changing the Company's operating model for certain corporate and back-office functions.

As of December 31, 2023, accrued severance and other costs related to previous rationalizations were approximately $7.8 million. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company recorded an additional $10.5 million and $41.7 million, respectively, of severance, business optimization and other related costs primarily associated with the Program and paid approximately $8.9 million and $14.4 million, respectively, of severance costs. The $35.2 million of accrued severance, business optimization and other related costs as of September 30, 2024, inclusive of approximately $0.1 million of positive foreign currency translation impacts, are expected to be paid primarily during the next 12 months.

5.      BUSINESS HELD FOR SALE

On July 25, 2024, the Company announced it had entered into a definitive agreement to sell the majority of its Grain & Protein ("G&P") business for a purchase price of $700.0 million, subject to customary working capital and other adjustments. As of June 30, 2024, the business met the criteria to be classified as held for sale. The Company recognizes assets and liabilities held for sale at the lower of carrying value or fair market value less costs to sell. The Company determined the intended sale of the G&P business does not represent a strategic shift that will have a major effect on the consolidated results of operations, and therefore results of this business were not classified as discontinued operations. The results of the G&P business are included within our North America, South America, Europe/Middle East and Asia/Pacific/Africa segments. As of September 30, 2024, the Company recognized a loss on business held for sale of $497.8 million, which represents the estimated loss on the business held for sale, and is included within "Loss on business held for sale" in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The estimated loss includes $71.6 million of cumulative translation adjustment losses related to the assets expected to be divested and an estimate of costs to sell the business. On November 1, 2024, the Company completed the previously announced sale of the Company's Grain & Protein business. Additionally, on November 1, 2024, the Company repaid the $500.0 million outstanding under the Term Loan Facility and $150.0 million outstanding under the Credit Facility utilizing proceeds from the sale of the Company's Grain & Protein business. The Company will finalize the accounting impacts of the divestiture in the fourth quarter.

6.      SEGMENT REPORTING

The Company has four operating segments that are also its reportable segments, which consist of the North America, South America, Europe/Middle East and Asia/Pacific/Africa regions. The Company's reportable segments are geography based and distribute a full range of agricultural machinery and precision agriculture technology. The Company evaluates segment performance primarily based on income from operations. Sales for each segment are based on the location of the third-party customer. The Company's selling, general and administrative expenses and engineering expenses are generally charged to each segment based on the region and division where the expenses are incurred. As a result, the components of income from operations for one segment may not be comparable to another segment. Segment results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 based on the Company's reportable segments are as follows (in millions):

A reconciliation from the segment information to the consolidated balances for income from operations is set forth below (in millions):

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES

This earnings release discloses adjusted income from operations, adjusted operating margin, adjusted net income, adjusted net income per share and net sales on a constant currency basis and excluding a recent acquisition, each of which exclude amounts that are typically included in the most directly comparable measure calculated in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). A reconciliation of each of those measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure is included below.

The following is a reconciliation of reported income from operations, net income (loss) and net income (loss) per share to adjusted income from operations, adjusted net income and adjusted net income per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 (in millions, except per share data):

 

The following is a reconciliation of adjusted operating margin for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 (in millions):

Adjusted targeted operating margin and earnings per share excludes restructuring and business optimization expenses, amortization of PTx Trimble acquired intangible assets, transaction-related costs, impairment charges and loss on business held for sale.

The following table sets forth, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the impact to net sales of currency translation and a recent acquisition by geographical segment (in millions, except percentages):

 

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SOURCE AGCO Corporation