DuPont Third Quarter 2012 Results Show Agriculture Sales Growth

DuPont’s agriculture sales increased 4 percent on higher volume and prices, inclusive of a 10 percent currency headwind, according to the company’s recent earnings release.

“Today, we are taking additional actions to improve competitiveness and accelerate market-driven innovation and growth by fine-tuning the organization, eliminating costs and expanding beyond our everyday focus on productivity,” said DuPont Chair and CEO Ellen Kullman. “We continue to execute well in many parts of the company, and certain segments are outperforming despite market volatility. “

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DuPont reported Agriculture segment sales of $1.4 billion, up 4 percent on 7 percent higher volume partially offset by 3 percent lower prices inclusive of a 10 percent currency headwind.  For Pioneer seed, volume growth reflects a strong start to the Southern Hemisphere planting season. 

Higher local prices for both corn and soybeans were partially offset by the impact of unfavorable currency.  Crop Protection sales growth was underpinned by strong demand for insect control products and fungicides; while higher local prices across all market segments were more than offset by unfavorable currency.

Despite an increase in Agriculture sales, third-quarter 2012 consolidated net sales for all segments of $7.4 billion were 9 percent lower than the prior year reflecting 5 percent lower volume, 4 percent negative currency impact and a 1 percent net reduction from portfolio changes, partly offset by 1 percent higher local prices.

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Third-quarter 2012 income from continuing operations was a loss of $40 million versus income of $376 million in 2011. Excluding significant items, income from continuing operations was $302 million down $277 million, or 48 percent, from $579 million in the third quarter 2011.

PTOI seasonal loss was ($85) million versus ($69) million in the prior year as strong sales were more than offset by unfavorable currency, higher input costs in seeds and higher investments in commercial and R&D activities to support growth.

Outlook

DuPont expects its full-year 2012 earnings from continuing operations, excluding significant items, to be in a range of $3.25 to $3.30 per share.  Prior-year earnings were $3.55 per share on a comparable basis.

Source: DuPont, edited by Stefanie A. Valentic, Online Editor

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