AGCO reported Feb.  8, 2022, that net sales were up some 16% in the fourth quarter of 2021.

The manufacturer reports approximately $3.2 billion in sales for the fourth quarter of 2021, an increase of approximately 16.1% compared to the fourth quarter of 2020. Reported net income was $3.75 per share for the fourth quarter of 2021, and adjusted net income, which excludes restructuring expenses and the reversal of a valuation allowance previously established against the company’s deferred tax assets in Brazil, was $3.08 per share. These results compare to reported net income of $1.78 per share and adjusted net income, which excludes restructuring expenses and a gain on sale of an investment, of $1.54 per share for the fourth quarter of 2020. Excluding unfavorable currency translation impacts of approximately 3.2%, net sales in the fourth quarter of 2021 increased approximately 19.3% compared to the fourth quarter of 2020.

Net sales for the full year of 2021 were approximately $11.1 billion, which is an increase of approximately 21.7% compared to 2020. Excluding favorable currency translation impacts of approximately 2.2%, net sales for the full year of 2021 increased approximately 19.6% compared to 2020. For the full year of 2021, reported net income was $11.85 per share, and adjusted net income(3), excluding restructuring expenses and the reversal of a valuation allowance previously established against the Company’s deferred tax assets in the United States and Brazil, was $10.38 per share. These results compare to reported net income of $5.65 per share and adjusted net income(3), which excludes a non-cash impairment charge, restructuring expenses and a gain on sale of an investment, of $5.61 per share for 2020.

“AGCO delivered record results in 2021 highlighted by significantly higher sales and margins compared to 2020,” stated Eric Hansotia, AGCO’s chairman, president and CEO. “Our performance was fueled by improved global industry demand and focused execution by the AGCO team, who exceeded sales targets despite considerable supply chain challenges. Adjusted operating margins reached 9.1% of net sales due to the benefits of sales growth and pricing that helped to offset substantial inflationary cost pressures. Our smart technology product lines are in strong demand and are driving productivity improvements for our customers and growth opportunities for AGCO. Looking forward to 2022, we expect supply chain pressures to persist, presenting challenges throughout the year. Our teams are working tirelessly with our suppliers to mitigate the impact of these issues to serve our customers as well as to deliver another strong year of performance. We are forecasting sales growth and margin expansion in 2022 as industry demand trends positively and our farmer-first strategy gains traction.”

Analyst Commentary

Stifel Analyst Stanley Elliot said in a note to investors that AGCO's 4Q21 results were ahead of expectations, as was the company's initial 2022 guidance.

"Total constant currency sales increased across all regions, part sales +6%, pricing +6.5% and consolidated adjusted operating margins increased 160 bps year-over-year despite supply chain headwinds," he said. "Backlogs were noted as significantly higher in North America and EU, reflective of a strong demand environment amid high crop prices.

"Initial 2022 guidance was outlined and ahead of expectations despite continued expected supply chain challenges through the 1H22 and expected R&D expense growth of 15-20%. The outlook is benefitting from robust pricing of +7-8% which is expected to drive positive price/cost of 50-100 bps despite the inflationary headwinds in the 1H22. We ... remain encouraged by progress at Fendt, SA margins, growth in R&D investments and in precision ag sales."

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