Strong processing margins and soybean meal demand lifted second-quarter operating results.
Archer Daniels Midland Company posted a 129% year-over-year jump in operating profit for its Oilseeds Processing business in the second quarter of 2026, more than doubling its profit from the prior-year period. Global oilseed processing volumes increased nearly 5% due to higher asset utilization. The gains were driven by stronger processing margins, favorable market conditions and solid soybean meal demand from the pork and poultry sectors.
Reflecting the stronger results, ADM raised its full-year 2026 adjusted earnings per share outlook to a range of $5.15 to $5.60, up from its earlier guidance of $4.15 to $4.70. For the second half of 2026, management expects supportive crushing and ethanol margins. North American crushing capacity was roughly 90% locked for the third quarter and about 30% locked for the fourth quarter, leaving higher exposure to future margin fluctuations. Management also expects Chinese soybean purchases from North America to support its Ag Services division.
ADM shares have risen 14.8% over the past six months, outperforming the industry's 1.9% decline. The stock trades at a forward price-to-earnings multiple of 14.96 times, compared with an industry average of 14.37 times. The Zacks Consensus Estimate projects year-over-year EPS growth of 52.2% for 2026 and 3.5% for 2027, with estimates remaining stable over the last 30 days.
Share prices can rise and fall. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This article is news, not investment advice.
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