Back to top

Image: Bigstock

Archer Daniels (ADM) Expands Traceable Soybean to Europe

Read MoreHide Full Article

Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM - Free Report) is smoothly progressing on its three strategic pillars — optimize, drive and growth. The company is managing productivity and innovation and aligning work to the interconnected trends in food security, health and wellbeing. ADM is well-poised for sustainable long-term profit growth across new avenues.

In the latest developments, the company announced shipping its first vessels of verified, wholly-traceable soybeans from the United States to Europe. After the initial phase of the program is complete — along with the anticipation of the new EU deforestation regulations effective at the end of the year — the company plans to expand these capabilities to other important locations in North America in the growing season.

The company’s traceable soybean program shows that it is an outgrowth of its International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) certified bean program. This uses cutting-edge technology like FBN’s Gradable digital platform and Archer Daniels’ origination and transportation facilities to verify, trace and separate participating beans from farms to their final destination.

In its successful pilot, the company delivered 2.4 million bushels (64,000 metric tons) of such traceable soybeans to European customers last year. Moving ahead, ADM plans to widen the program to additional North American locations this year with the opportunity for farmers to continue participating in existing and new global markets that generate higher value and preference for crops.

This program, in addition to the company’s comprehensive plan to accomplish 100% deforestation-free supply chains by 2025, highlights the value of Archer Daniels’ irreplaceable global presence and investments in climate-smart and regenerative agriculture.

What’s More?

Detailing its strategic pillars, under the optimize pillar, the company revealed plans to expand alternative protein capabilities in Decatur, IL, and starch production in Marshall, MN. The company concluded its alternative protein expansion in Serbia. As part of the company’s optimizing pillar, it continues to adapt to consumers changing nutritional preferences.

Under its drive pillar, the company continues to adapt its organizational structure to meet operational excellence and set goals. Per the growth strategy, the company is looking to expand its footprint in fast-growing alternative protein. ADM inked an agreement with Benson Hill to process and commercialize a portfolio of proprietary ingredients derived from their ultra-high protein soybeans.

In response to growing trends for all things sustainable, the company has been making efforts to expand its solutions portfolio, which forms part of its Carbohydrate Solutions unit. It collaborated with LG Chem to produce lactic and polylactic acids for bioplastics, which are plant-based products.

The company also launched Biosolutions to expand its portfolio of sustainable higher-margin solutions, particularly for pharmaceuticals and personal care markets. Such endeavors are likely to generate 10% revenue growth annually. This Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company’s shares have increased 2.5% in the past three months versus the industry’s 7.7% decline.

Some Solid Staple Bets

Sysco Corp. (SYY - Free Report) , a food and related product company, currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). SYY delivered an earnings surprise in the last two quarters. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Sysco’s current fiscal-year sales and earnings suggests growth of 4.1% and almost 8%, respectively, from the year-ago figures.

Nomad Foods (NOMD - Free Report) , carrying a Zacks Rank #2, manufactures and distributes frozen foods. NOMD has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 7.7%, on average.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Nomad Foods’ current financial year sales indicates growth of 6.6% from the prior year's number. However, earnings estimates forecast a year-over-year decline of 2.3%.

Ingredion Inc. (INGR - Free Report) , which produces and sells sweeteners, starches, nutrition ingredients and biomaterial solutions, holds a Zacks Rank #2. INGR delivered an earnings surprise of 23.9% in the last reported quarter.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Ingredion’s current financial-year sales and earnings implies growth of around 5% and 24.7%, respectively, from the year-ago levels.

Published in