DULUTH, GEORGIA, US — With sales growth and margin expansion across all regions, AGCO said reported and adjusted net income increased to $2.09 per share for the third quarter ended Sept. 30. That compares to $0.10 per share in the same quarter a year ago.

Net sales were up 18.4% from a year ago to $2.5 billion.

"Our focused operational performance allowed us to ramp up production and recover from supply chain interruptions experienced in the second quarter. During the third quarter, we made significant progress towards fulfilling our strong order board while reducing dealer and company inventory levels,” said Martin Richenhagen, AGCO’s chairman, president and chief executive officer. “We have strong order boards heading into the fourth quarter. However, we still face a demanding environment to manage our manufacturing, supply chain and aftermarket operations.”

Net sales for the first nine months of 2020 were approximately $6.4 billion, a decrease of approximately 1.5% compared to the same period in 2019. Excluding unfavorable currency translation impacts of approximately 3.1%, net sales for the first nine months of 2020 increased approximately 1.6% compared to the same period in 2019. For the first nine months of 2020, reported net income was $3.86 per share, and adjusted net income, excluding a non-cash impairment charge and restructuring expenses was $4.06 per share. These results compare to reported net income of $2.77 per share, and adjusted net income, excluding a non-cash deferred income tax adjustment and restructuring expenses, of $3.50 per share for the first nine months of 2019.

“Harvests are progressing ahead of schedule in the northern hemisphere and global crop production is on track for a record year despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” Richenhagen said. “Global grain consumption is recovering, consistent with improving economic activities and increased grain exports to China. Following reduced forecasts for ending grain inventories, soft commodity prices have risen in the third quarter, which is positive for farm economics.”

AGCO’s North American net sales increased 3.1% in the first nine months of 2020 compared to the same period of 2019, excluding the negative impact of currency translation.

Net sales in the South American region increased 30.4% in the first nine months of 2020 compared to the first nine months of 2019, excluding the impact of unfavorable currency translation. Increased sales in Brazil and Argentina were partially offset by lower sales in other South American markets.

AGCO’s Europe/Middle East net sales decreased 3.6% in the first nine months of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, excluding unfavorable currency translation impacts. Sales declines were driven primarily by lower production caused by the impacts from the COVID-19 crisis. All of AGCO’s major European production facilities were suspended due to supply availability from late March throughout most of April. Production and sales volumes increased substantially in the third quarter which offset a portion of the low second quarter output. Despite improved results in the third quarter, income from operations declined approximately $77.7 million in the first nine months of 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, due to lower net sales and production volumes, partially offset by expense reductions.

Asia/Pacific/Africa net sales increased 3.2%, excluding the negative impact of currency translation, in the first nine months of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. Higher sales in Australia and China were partially offset by declines in Africa and Southeast Asia.

Net sales in 2020 are expected to be approximately $8.9 billion reflecting relatively flat end-market demand, the unfavorable impact of currency translation, offset by the benefit of positive pricing. Adjusted operating margins are expected to be improved from 2019 levels due to positive pricing and expense reductions. Based on these assumptions, 2020 adjusted net income per share, excluding the impact of restructuring expenses and the non-cash goodwill impairment charge, is targeted at approximately $5.00.