The companies are different, but the macroeconomic picture is the same: Global grain inventories are low, crops are fetching a pretty penny, and farmers are planting with a fervor. Let's see how this backdrop is boosting two agricultural players today.
First we have AGCO
For the second quarter, overall sales rose 40%, or 27% when you exclude foreign currency gains. Top-line growth was robust across the board, with South American demand for equipment looking particularly powerful. Unit sales in the region were up 42% and 82% for tractors and combines, respectively.
AGCO gave us several ways to think about the firm's profitability for the quarter. Earnings per share, whether adjusted for one-time costs or not, doubled those of the prior year. Operating margins widened, with volume and pricing gains offsetting cost inflation. Rounding out the picture is a $290 million free-cash-flow figure, which nearly triples the prior year result.
Not to be outdone, fertilizer phenom Mosaic
If you've followed past moon shots, this is pretty ho-hum stuff. That's why you're seeing AGCO shares soar, while Mosaic just muddles along today. Remember that this is an expectations game, and it's getting harder for fertilizer firms like Mosaic and Agrium
Of the companies mentioned here, Deere is a Foolish favorite. The firm holds a top five-star ranking in Motley Fool CAPS. What's your call?
Related Foolishness:
- There's simply no peak in sight for potash.
- That's why all kinds of players are joining the Potashapalooza Tour.
- Nitrogen and phosphate ain't half bad, either.