AGCO recently reported its results for the third quarter ended Sept. 30, 2022.
Net sales for the third quarter were approximately $3.1 billion, an increase of approximately 14.5 percent compared to the third quarter of 2021. Excluding unfavorable foreign currency translation of approximately 11.8 percent, net sales in the quarter increased approximately 26.3 percent compared to the third quarter of 2021.
We delivered record third quarter sales and earnings driven through the consistent execution of our farmer-first strategy, coupled with continued robust market conditions in many of our regions, says Eric Hansotia, AGCOs chairman, president and CEO. Our solid operational performance and continued strong pricing overcame ongoing supply chain challenges, inflationary pressures and significant currency headwinds. Healthy farm fundamentals are supporting order boards that now stretch well into 2023 in some regions. The success of our farmer-first strategy, focused on growing our precision ag business, globalizing a full-line of our Fendt branded products and expanding our parts and service business, is generating strong growth in these margin-rich businesses.
Global market conditions remain positive as favorable farm economics are allowing farmers to upgrade and replace their aging fleets. At the same time, our smart technology product lines are in strong demand and are helping to drive meaningful productivity improvements for our customers through both retrofitting their current equipment and in our new product offerings. We will continue to accelerate investments in premium technology, smart farming solutions and enhanced digital capabilities to support our farmer-first strategy while helping to sustainably feed the world.
Healthy farm income is projected across most of the major agricultural production regions with elevated crop prices offsetting higher fuel, fertilizer and other input costs, Hansotia says. Despite ongoing supply chain disruptions, favorable farm economics are expected to generate strong demand across all the major global markets well into 2023.
Hansotia adds disruptions in the global supply chain are continuing to limit industry production.
However, we continue to expect strong demand in the fourth quarter to support full year 2022 industry retail sales above 2021 levels in South America, relatively flat sales in North America and modestly lower sales in Western Europe, he says.
