AGCO Reports Fourth Quarter Results

AGCO, Your Agriculture Company (NYSE: AGCO), a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment and solutions, reported net sales of $3.9 billion for the fourth quarter of 2022, an increase of 23.6% compared to the fourth quarter of 2021. Reported net income was $4.29 per share for the fourth quarter of 2022, and adjusted net income⁽³⁾, which excludes restructuring expenses and a charge related to the divestiture of a Russian joint venture, was $4.47 per share. These results compare to reported net income of $3.75 per share and adjusted net income⁽³⁾, which excludes restructuring expenses and the reversal of a valuation allowance previously established against the Company’s deferred tax assets in Brazil, of $3.08 per share, for the fourth quarter of 2021. Excluding unfavorable currency translation impacts of 9.2%, net sales in the fourth quarter of 2022 increased 32.7% compared to the fourth quarter of 2021.

“Supportive farm economics are resulting in robust demand for larger agricultural equipment as farmers continue to replace aging machines”

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“Our record results in 2022, underscored by net sales of approximately $12.7 billion and adjusted operating margin of 10.3%, are the result of continued execution of our strategy,” stated Eric Hansotia, AGCO’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our performance was fueled by robust demand for our industry-leading products coupled with continued solid global industry demand. Our farmer-first focus was highlighted by our fourth quarter results that not only delivered record net sales and operating margin, but also generated substantial free cash flow. These results are further evidence that our precision ag technology and premier equipment are in high demand and are driving productivity improvements for our farmers while providing us margin-rich growth opportunities.”

Mr. Hansotia continued, “For 2023, we expect continued sales growth and margin expansion as industry demand remains strong and our farmer-first strategy continues to gain traction. We assume global market conditions will remain healthy, as favorable farm economics allow farmers to continue to invest in new more productive equipment and technology upgrades. While improving, we expect supply chain pressures will persist, presenting challenges throughout the year. We remain focused on growing our high-margin precision ag business, globalizing the full-line of our Fendt branded products and expanding our parts and service business. We will continue to accelerate investments in premium technology, smart farming solutions and enhanced digital capabilities to support our farmer-first strategy while helping to sustainably feed the world.”

Fourth Quarter Highlights

• Reported fourth quarter regional sales results⁽¹⁾: Europe/Middle East (“EME”) +21.7%, North America +22.1%, South America +66.4%, Asia/Pacific/Africa (“APA”) (23.1)%
• Constant currency fourth quarter regional sales results^(1)(2)(3): EME +37.9%, North America +23.2%, South America +57.9%, APA (14.5)%
• Fourth quarter regional operating margin performance: EME 14.6%, North America 7.4%, South America 20.0%, APA 9.0%
• Full-year reported operating margins and adjusted operating margins⁽³⁾ improved to 10.0% and 10.3% respectively, in 2022 compared to 9.0% and 9.1% in 2021
• Generated $838.2 million in cash flow from operations and $449.9 million in free cash flow⁽³⁾ for the full-year 2022

Net sales for the full year of 2022 were approximately $12.7 billion, which is an increase of 13.6% compared to 2021. Excluding unfavorable currency translation impacts of 8.5%, net sales for the full year of 2022 increased 22.1% compared to 2021. For the full year of 2022, reported net income was $11.87 per share, and adjusted net income⁽³⁾, excluding impairment charges, restructuring expenses and other related items, was $12.42 per share. These results compare to reported net income of $11.85 per share and adjusted net income⁽³⁾, which excludes restructuring expenses and the reversal of a valuation allowance previously established against the Company’s deferred tax assets in the United States and Brazil, of $10.38 per share in 2021.

Market Update

“Supportive farm economics are resulting in robust demand for larger agricultural equipment as farmers continue to replace aging machines,” stated Mr. Hansotia. “Supply chain constraints have limited industry production, and dealer inventory levels of new and used large agricultural equipment remain below normal levels across the industry. Full year global industry retail sales of farm equipment in 2022 were lower in some of AGCO’s key markets, with weaker sales of smaller equipment being partially offset by higher sales of larger machines.”

North American full-year industry retail tractor sales declined compared to the previous year. Lower sales of smaller equipment, more closely tied to the general economy, were partially offset by strong growth of high horsepower tractors and combines. Favorable commodity prices, extended fleet age and precision ag technology are continuing to stimulate demand for row crop farmers. These conditions are expected to continue in 2023, resulting in flat North American industry sales compared to 2022.

Industry retail tractor sales in Western Europe, decreased 9% for the full year of 2022 compared to high levels in 2021. Farmer sentiment in the region has been negatively impacted by the conflict in Ukraine, higher input cost inflation and while lessening, looming energy concerns. Healthy income levels for arable farmers as well as dairy and livestock producers are expected to support relatively flat retail demand for equipment in 2023 compared to 2022.

In South America, industry retail tractor sales increased 3% during 2022. Strong growth in Argentina and the smaller South American markets offset modestly lower sales in Brazil. Healthy crop production and favorable margins are supporting farm profitability. These supportive economics are expected to drive modestly higher South American 2023 industry sales compared to 2022.

Regional Results

AGCO Regional Net Sales (in millions)

North America

AGCO’s North American net sales increased 20.2% for the full year of 2022 compared to 2021, excluding the negative impact of currency translation. Increased sales of precision ag products and services as well as high horsepower tractors represented the largest increases. Income from operations for the full year of 2022 increased $40.7 million compared to 2021. The improvement was the result of higher sales and production, and positive net pricing partially offset by higher engineering expense as well as higher material costs.

South America

Net sales in the South American region increased 56.6% for the full year of 2022 compared to 2021, excluding the impact of favorable currency translation. Sales increased significantly across all the South American markets with strong growth achieved in high-horsepower tractors, combines and planting equipment. Income from operations for the full year of 2022 increased by $241.7 million compared to 2021 and operating margins exceeded 17.6%. The improved South America results reflect the benefit of higher sales and production, favorable pricing, and a better sales mix, partially offset by higher materials costs.

Europe/Middle East

Net sales in the Europe/Middle East region increased 18.5% for the full year of 2022 compared to 2021, excluding negative currency translation impacts. Healthy growth across all the major European markets contributed to the improvement. Increased sales of mid-range and high horsepower tractors as well as replacement parts produced most of the growth. Income from operations increased $28.7 million for the full year of 2022 compared to 2021, due to higher net sales and production volumes as well as significant price realization which more than offset higher material costs and engineering expenses.

Asia/Pacific/Africa

Asia/Pacific/Africa’s net sales increased 3.6%, excluding the negative impact of currency translation, during the full year of 2022 compared to 2021. Higher sales in Japan, Australia and Africa, produced the majority of the increase. Income from operations was relatively flat for the full year of 2022 compared to 2021 as the benefit of higher sales and an improved product mix was mostly offset with higher material costs and engineering expense.

Outlook

AGCO’s net sales for 2023 are expected to be approximately $14.0 billion, reflecting improved sales volumes and pricing partially offset by negative foreign currency translation. Gross and operating margins are projected to improve from 2022 levels, reflecting the impact of higher sales and production volumes as well as pricing to offset cost inflation. These improvements are expected to fund increases in engineering and other technology investments to support AGCO’s precision agriculture and digital initiatives. Based on these assumptions, 2023 earnings per share are targeted at approximately $13.50.

AGCO will host a conference call with respect to this earnings announcement at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, February 7^th. 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, 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.

• COVID-19 has negatively impacted our business, initially through closures, higher absentee rates, and reduced production at both our plants and the plants that supply us with parts and components, and more recently through supply chain disruptions, including the inability of some of our suppliers to meet demand and logistics and transportation-related companies to deliver products in a timely manner. In addition, we have had to incur various costs related to preventing the spread of COVID-19, including changes to our factories and other facilities and those related to enabling remote work. We expect COVID-19 to continue to impact our business, although the manner and extent to which it impacts us will depend on future developments, including the duration of the pandemic, the timing, distribution and impact of vaccinations, and possible mutations of the virus that are more contagious or resistant to current vaccines. Measures taken by governments around the world, as well as businesses, including us, and the general public in order to limit the spread of COVID-19 will impact our business as well. These measures have included travel bans and restrictions, quarantines, shelter in place orders, curfews, business and government office closures, increased border controls or closures, port closures and transportation restrictions. The impacts of COVID-19 and such measures could include decreases in demand for our products, factory closures, increased absentee rates, reduced production, incurrence of additional costs due to the adherence to cleaning requirements and social distancing guidelines and increased costs of labor, parts and components and shipping, incurrence of impairment charges, slower collections and larger write-offs of accounts receivable, among other changes.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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, the conflict in Ukraine, Russian sanctions and tariffs imposed on exports to and imports from China.

• 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.
• 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.
• Attacks through ransomware and other means are rapidly increasing, and in May 2022 we learned that we had been subject to a cyberattack. 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. Recently suppliers of several key parts and components have not been able to meet our demand and we have had to decrease our production levels. In addition, the potential of 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. It is unclear when these supply chain disruptions will be restored or what the ultimate impact on production, and consequently sales, will be.
• During 2022 we 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, 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, 2021 and subsequent Form 10-Qs. 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 delivers high-tech solutions for farmers feeding the world through its full line of equipment and related services. AGCO products are sold through six core brands, Challenger^®, Fendt^®, GSI^®, Massey Ferguson^®, Precision Planting^® and Valtra^®, supported by Fuse^® smart farming solutions. Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Duluth, Georgia, USA, AGCO had net sales of approximately $12.7 billion in 2022. For more information, visit http://www.AGCOcorp.com. For company news, information and events, please follow us on Twitter: @AGCOCorp. For financial news on Twitter, please follow the hashtag #AGCOIR.