Key facts
- Archer-Daniels-Midland reported second-quarter adjusted profit of $1.84 per share.
- This result beat analysts' average estimate of $1.44 per share.
- The company's grain trading business saw improved margins.
- Duke Energy posted an adjusted profit of $1.43 per share for the three months ended June 30.
- Duke Energy's electric utilities segment posted quarterly profit of $1.27 billion, compared with $1.19 billion a year ago.
- Duke Energy reaffirmed its full-year adjusted profit guidance of $6.55 to $6.80 per share.
Archer-Daniels-Midland (ADM) surpassed Wall Street's profit expectations for the second quarter, reporting an adjusted profit of $1.84 per share, which exceeded the average analyst estimate of $1.44. The company benefited from higher margins in its grain trading business.
Utility Duke Energy also beat analyst estimates for its second-quarter profit, posting $1.43 per share against expectations of $1.30. This performance was driven by increased electricity demand and the recovery of rate-based infrastructure investments, which helped offset rising expenses. Duke Energy's electric utilities segment reported a profit of $1.27 billion, up from $1.19 billion a year prior, serving 7.9 million customers across several states.
ADM's Ag Services & Oilseeds segment is expected to show improved performance, driven by stronger soybean crush margins and healthy export activity. The Carbohydrate Solutions segment is also anticipated to be a key driver, particularly ethanol margins due to favorable policy incentives. The company's focus on higher-margin products and cost-saving initiatives are expected to support profitability.