Nearly 40% of North American farm equipment dealers are reporting that used tractor inventories are still healthy, but few are expressing major concerns as pricing remain solid. Not so for combines.
AGCO, Your Agriculture Company (NYSE:AGCO), a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment, reported net sales of approximately $2.4 billion for the first quarter of 2013, an increase of approximately 5.7% compared to net sales of $2.3 billion for the first quarter of 2012. Net income for the first quarter of 2013 was $1.19 per share.
CNH Global N.V. (NYSE: CNH) today announced financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2013. Net sales for the quarter increased 1% (3% on a constant currency basis) to $4.7 billion. Equipment Operations posted an operating profit of $443 million or 9.4% of net sales for the quarter, as increased volumes and positive net pricing in the agricultural segment compensated for the reduction in volume in the construction segment, higher selling general and administrative expenditures and research and development expense.
This afternoon, the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board reported that U.S. corn plantings continue to lag far behind planting progress in 2012 and the 5-year average.
It may or may not come as a surprise to farm equipment industry observers, but the U.S. is not the biggest user of farm tractors on a per-capita basis. It's number two, trailing Canada as utilizing the highest number of farm tractors per 1,000 farmers.
As North American sales of ag equipment continued their strong push in March, it's little wonder that manufacturers have become far less aggressive in offering incentives, according to the results of the Ag Equipment Intelligence's March 2013 Dealers Sentiments & Business Conditions Update survey.
In its February/March 2013 presentation to investors, Deere & Co. drew attention to the growing importance of the worldwide market for its equipment. According to Deere, its equipment sales outside the U.S. and Canada in fiscal year 2012 were over four times the level it saw in fiscal year 2000.
Based on the results of the March 2013 'Dealer Sentiments & Business Conditions Update'? survey, a little over 20% of North American farm equipment dealers say their new equipment inventory is still too low, while 43% of dealers are reporting the used equipment backlog remains too high. The survey results were released last Thursday.
In this episode of On the Record, brought to you by Associated Equipment Distributors, we look at President Trump's tariff reduction on ag equipment, the latest dealer sales forecasts, and how high input costs are keeping farmer sentiment down.
Since 1980, A&I Products has become a leading manufacturer and wholesale distributor of aftermarket replacement parts for the agricultural, turf, and industrial equipment markets. A&I Products' experience and expertise has greatly contributed to the company's reputation as a top supplier of quality, reasonably priced parts. Founded with roots as a small machine shop and repair facility, the company made the transition by manufacturing new parts to replace those that were identified as commonly needing repair. Throughout the 1980s, the company quickly garnered a reputation for offering quality parts at a reasonable price.
Built on 90 years of expertise, Yetter Farm Equipment leads the agriculture industry in designing effective and innovative equipment for residue management, seedbed preparation, precision fertilizer placement, harvest attachments, strip-tillage, and more.
At Machinery Scope, we believe you deserve the best risk management solutions for your investments in heavy equipment. Since 2013, we have been proud to offer extended warranty, appraisals, and inspections. Machinery Scope is a family-owned business built on our experience in farming and equipment dealerships. We understand your business and provide a personalized and professional level of customer service. Machinery Scope has built a strong warranty product with our customers in mind, offering the same professional level of service from the time you get a quote, through the processing of a claim.