ADM Expects Improved Operating Environment in 2026
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 5d ago
0mins
Should l Buy ADM?
Says expects 2026 to be an increasingly constructive operating environment. Says the timing of policy clarity, and in particular U.S. biofuel policy, will largely dictate ADM's ability to achieve the higher end of the guidance range. Says the earlier there is policy clarity, the larger the opportunity to take advantage of what is expected to be an increasingly more constructive operating environment. Says animal nutrition was a little bit soft. Says will have strength in flavors and good demand in biotics in 2026. Says manufacturing costs are higher than they used to be. Says things have become a little more expensive to build and repair. Comments taken from Q4 earnings conference call.
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Analyst Views on ADM
Wall Street analysts forecast ADM stock price to fall over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for ADM is 56.80 USD with a low forecast of 50.00 USD and a high forecast of 61.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
5 Analyst Rating
0 Buy
2 Hold
3 Sell
Moderate Sell
Current: 65.430
Low
50.00
Averages
56.80
High
61.00
Current: 65.430
Low
50.00
Averages
56.80
High
61.00
About ADM
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company is a global agricultural supply chain manager and processor, providing food security by connecting local needs with global capabilities. It is a human and animal nutrition provider. Its Ag Services and Oilseeds segment includes global activities related to the origination, merchandising, transportation, and storage of agricultural raw materials, and the crushing and further processing of oilseeds, such as soybeans and soft seeds into vegetable oils and protein meals. Carbohydrate Solutions segment is engaged in corn and wheat wet and dry milling and other activities. Nutrition segment is engaged in the creation, manufacturing, sale, and distribution of a wide array of ingredients and solutions, including plant-based proteins, flavors and colors derived from nature, flavor systems, emulsifiers, soluble fiber, polyols, hydrocolloids, probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, enzymes, botanical extracts, and other specialty food and feed ingredients and systems.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Tech Sector Retreat: Data service and software stocks plummeted following the release of an automation tool by AI firm Anthropic, with Thomson Reuters and EPAM Systems down over 15% and 13% respectively, reflecting a loss of confidence in tech stocks.
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- Cost-Saving Initiatives: The company executed over 20 projects as part of portfolio optimization, resulting in approximately $200 million in cost savings, while also restoring Decatur East operations and achieving the lowest injury rate in its history, highlighting a dual focus on safety and efficiency.
- Future Outlook: ADM's outlook for adjusted EPS in 2026 is projected between $3.60 and $4.25, indicating confidence in future growth despite ongoing market fluidity and policy uncertainties, emphasizing disciplined capital allocation strategies.
- Strategic Focus: The company is concentrating on five key areas including enhanced nutrition, biosolutions, precision fermentation, and decarbonization, introducing innovations like allergen-free pea protein, aiming to capture market opportunities and drive long-term growth through sustained investment.
See More
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- Tech Stock Retreat: Following the release of an automation tool for lawyers by AI firm Anthropic, data service and software stocks retreated, with Thomson Reuters down over 17% and Intuit and FactSet both down more than 9%, reflecting a decline in investor confidence in the tech sector.
- Mining Stocks Surge: Gold prices rose by over 6% and silver prices soared by more than 13%, driving mining stocks higher, with Freeport McMoRan and Hecla Mining both up over 6%, indicating a rebound in investor demand for precious metals.
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- PayPal's Stock Plunge: PayPal Holdings saw its stock drop over 18%, significantly weighing on the Nasdaq 100, as its Q4 net revenue of $8.68 billion fell short of the $8.79 billion consensus, coupled with a CEO change that may impact investor confidence.
- Economic Data Impacting Market Sentiment: While signs of an improving US economic outlook coexist with risks from concentrated hiring in a few sectors and inflation above the Fed's target, the market's expectations for future rate hikes have diminished, with the 10-year T-note yield rising to 4.3%, heightening investor unease.
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See More
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- Revenue Decline: Despite the earnings beat, quarterly sales of $18.556 billion fell short of the market expectation of $21.120 billion, reflecting a volatile demand backdrop.
- Segment Performance: The Ag Services and Oilseeds segment saw revenues drop from $16.874 billion last year to $14.012 billion, with operating profit down 31%, highlighting the impact of trade turbulence on business operations.
- Future Outlook: The company forecasts fiscal 2026 adjusted earnings between $3.60 and $4.25 per share, below the consensus estimate of $4.24, indicating ongoing uncertainty in the operating environment.
See More
