← Archer-Daniels-Midland overview

Archer-Daniels-Midland vs Corn Futures: why the prices moved differently

Weekly · monthly · quarterly news summaries, side by side in time

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (ADM)

Q3 2026
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ADM Q3: Strong Earnings, But Biofuel Waiver Risk Weighs

  • Q2 Profit Surge and Raised Guidance ADM's Q2 profit jumped to $908 million, and full-year earnings guidance was raised to $5.15–$5.60 per share, signaling strong business momentum.

    This is the core positive event that drove investor optimism during the period.

  • Broad-Based Segment Growth Ag Services profit rose 26% on strong China exports, Nutrition grew 42%, and oilseed crushing profit soared 129%, showing strength across key divisions.

    These segment results explain the operational drivers behind the earnings beat.

  • Cost Savings and Expansion Investment ADM achieved $500–$750 million in cost savings and invested $100 million in crushing expansion, supporting future growth and efficiency.

    These actions underpin the company's ability to sustain profitability and growth.

  • Biofuel Waiver Risk and Share Decline Shares fell 7.7% on concerns over near-term expansion costs and policy uncertainty, especially the EPA's expected doubling of small-refinery biofuel waivers that could cut ethanol and soybean oil demand.

    This is the main negative force that tempered the positive earnings and pressured the stock.

August 2026
▲2▼1

ADM lifts outlook on crushing, ethanol, flavors; EPA waivers pose risk

  • ADM raises 2026 profit outlook ADM raised its 2026 profit outlook to $5.15–$5.60 per share, driven by a 129% jump in oilseed crushing profit, 22% higher Carbohydrate Solutions earnings on ethanol strength, and Flavors growth (up 51%).

    This is the central new development that directly boosts investor confidence and the stock's outlook.

  • ADM plans $100 million crushing expansion ADM plans $100 million in crushing expansion, targets $500–$750 million in cost savings, and is sharpening operations via a new COO and an amino acid joint venture.

    These strategic moves signal future growth and efficiency, supporting the bullish case.

  • EPA biofuel waivers threaten margins The EPA's expected doubling of small-refinery biofuel waivers could cut ethanol and soybean oil demand, squeezing ADM's margins.

    This is a key regulatory risk that could undermine ADM's biofuel-related profits.

Latest
▲4

ADM's profit outlook surges on biofuel and oilseed strength

  • Earnings estimates and guidance keep climbing Analysts raised 2026 earnings estimates, and ADM lifted its own full-year profit forecast to $5.15–$5.60 a share from $4.15–$4.70, citing finalized biofuel rules, trade and energy prices. Higher expected profit makes the stock more attractive to investors.

    This is the core new reason ADM's price is being pushed up: a sharply higher profit outlook.

  • Oilseed crushing and ethanol profits jump Oilseeds operating profit more than doubled, up 129%, on nearly 5% higher processing volumes and strong soybean meal demand from pork and poultry. Carbohydrate Solutions profit rose 22% on ethanol strength. These are the businesses generating the higher earnings.

    It shows the real operating engine behind the raised outlook, not just analyst optimism.

  • Human Nutrition and Flavors become a growth engine ADM's Flavors business is driving Human Nutrition, with segment operating profit up 51% to $139 million and flavors sales growing about 20% a year in Europe and Asia. This adds a faster-growing, higher-margin business alongside commodity processing.

    It is a new, durable profit driver that supports the bull case beyond biofuel and crush.

  • New COO and amino acid joint venture sharpen operations ADM created a Chief Operating Officer role, appointing Jeff Rowe to improve execution, and agreed to put its Decatur feed-grade amino acid plant into a joint venture with CJ CheilJedang, securing long-term supply and expanding fermentation. Both aim to make operations more efficient and resilient.

    These are new structural moves that could improve execution and future earnings, supporting the stock.

▲3▼1

ADM's biofuel-driven profit surge meets a regulatory threat

  • ADM raises 2026 profit outlook on strong biofuel and crush results ADM lifted its 2026 earnings forecast to $5.15–$5.60 a share from $4.15–$4.70 after a strong quarter, with segment profit up 75% and oilseed crushing profit up 129%. Higher expected profit makes the stock more attractive to investors.

    This is the core positive force behind ADM's price right now.

  • EPA biofuel waiver expansion threatens ethanol demand The EPA delayed a compliance deadline and is expected to roughly double small-refinery biofuel waivers, which would free up credits and cut demand for ethanol and soybean oil. That would squeeze ADM's ethanol and oilseed margins, a real counterweight to the profit surge.

    This is the main risk pulling ADM's price down and balances the positive news.

  • ADM invests $100 million to expand US oilseed crushing ADM will spend about $100 million to add 700,000 tons of crush capacity at four plants by 2028–2029, within its existing budget. The expansion signals confidence in strong crushing demand and supports future earnings growth.

    Shows management is putting money behind the strong crush results, supporting the stock.

  • ADM targets $500–$750 million in cost savings ADM aims to cut $500–$750 million in costs over three to five years through efficiency and portfolio simplification, having already saved $200 million in 2025. Lower costs would boost profit and support the earnings outlook.

    A new plan that improves profitability and adds to the positive story.

July 2026
▲3

ADM's profit surges on strong exports and cost cuts, but expansion raises valuation concerns

  • Q2 profit surges to $908 million, full-year guidance raised ADM reported second-quarter net income of $908 million, up from $219 million a year earlier, with revenue rising 7.2% to $22.7 billion. Management raised full-year EPS guidance to $5.15–$5.60, signaling confidence in continued earnings growth.

    This is the latest earnings result and directly shows the company's strong financial performance, which supports a higher stock price.

  • Ag Services profit jumps 26% on strong exports to China Ag Services operating profit rose 26% to $200 million, driven by higher soybean and sorghum shipments to China and robust U.S. corn exports. This improvement, after a weak prior-year quarter, shows ADM's core trading and logistics business is recovering.

    This explains a key driver of ADM's earnings growth and highlights the company's ability to benefit from global trade flows.

  • Cost savings and Nutrition growth boost earnings outlook ADM is on track for $500–$750 million in cost savings over three to five years through automation and efficiency. Its Nutrition segment profit rose 42% year over year, with management expecting further growth in 2026.

    These initiatives improve profitability and support long-term earnings growth, which can lift the stock price.

  • Oilseed crush expansion and new COO hire trigger 7.7% share drop ADM announced a major North American oilseed crush expansion and hired a new COO, but shares fell 7.7% as investors worried about near-term costs and policy risks. The expansion aims to meet renewable fuel demand but adds uncertainty.

    This shows a recent negative market reaction to strategic investments, highlighting a counterweight to the positive earnings news.

▲3

ADM's profit surges on strong exports and cost cuts, but expansion raises valuation concerns

  • Q2 profit surges to $908 million, full-year guidance raised ADM reported second-quarter net income of $908 million, up from $219 million a year earlier, with revenue rising 7.2% to $22.7 billion. Management raised full-year EPS guidance to $5.15–$5.60, signaling confidence in continued earnings growth.

    This is the latest earnings result and directly shows the company's strong financial performance, which supports a higher stock price.

  • Ag Services profit jumps 26% on strong exports to China Ag Services operating profit rose 26% to $200 million, driven by higher soybean and sorghum shipments to China and robust U.S. corn exports. This improvement, after a weak prior-year quarter, shows ADM's core trading and logistics business is recovering.

    This explains a key driver of ADM's earnings growth and highlights the company's ability to benefit from global trade flows.

  • Cost savings and Nutrition growth boost earnings outlook ADM is on track for $500–$750 million in cost savings over three to five years through automation and efficiency. Its Nutrition segment profit rose 42% year over year, with management expecting further growth in 2026.

    These initiatives improve profitability and support long-term earnings growth, which can lift the stock price.

  • Oilseed crush expansion and new COO hire trigger 7.7% share drop ADM announced a major North American oilseed crush expansion and hired a new COO, but shares fell 7.7% as investors worried about near-term costs and policy risks. The expansion aims to meet renewable fuel demand but adds uncertainty.

    This shows a recent negative market reaction to strategic investments, highlighting a counterweight to the positive earnings news.

Corn Futures (CORN.COMM)

Q3 2026
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Corn swings on Black Sea attacks, record US stocks, China import collapse

  • Black Sea attacks and hot weather tighten supply Attacks in the Black Sea region and hot weather in the US Midwest hurt corn supplies, pushing December corn to a three-year high near $5.37. This was a major force lifting prices during the quarter.

    This explains a key upward driver of corn prices in Q3.

  • Record US stocks and rapid harvest pressure prices Record US corn stocks of 2.095 billion bushels and a fast harvest weighed on prices, reversing earlier gains. Ample supply made buyers less willing to pay high prices, pulling futures down to about $4.97.

    This highlights a major downward force on corn prices in Q3.

  • Collapse in Chinese imports reduces demand Chinese corn imports fell by 80.6%, a huge drop that removed a key source of demand. This weak demand contributed to the price decline from the highs, as fewer US exports were needed.

    This shows a significant demand-side factor that pressured prices.

  • Putin peace talks and biofuel boost create choppy trade Putin's peace-talk signals threatened more Black Sea exports, while El Niño, strong USDA export estimates, and an oil-driven biofuel boost supported prices. Russia's zero export duty and Thai buying added counterweights, keeping trade choppy.

    This captures the conflicting forces that made Q3 trade volatile.

August 2026
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Corn hits 3-year high on tight supply, then reverses on record stocks

  • USDA cuts and crop tour confirm smaller crop The USDA cut yield and ending-stocks estimates, crop ratings fell, and a Midwest tour found yields below forecasts, pushing December corn to a three-year high near $5.37.

    This supply shock was the main force lifting corn to a multi-year high.

  • Black Sea attacks disrupt grain exports Black Sea attacks disrupted grain exports, adding to supply worries and helping drive corn to a three-year high. Global food prices hit three-year highs and banks warned of a grain crisis.

    Geopolitical supply disruption was a key bullish driver during the rally.

  • Record US stocks and fast harvest reverse rally US corn stocks hit a seven-year high of 2.095 billion bushels, clear weather sped harvesting, and China's imports collapsed 80.6%, sending futures down about 4% to roughly $4.97.

    This bearish shift erased earlier gains and defined the second half of the period.

  • Russia's zero export duty and Thai buying offset Russia's zero export duty was a mild counterweight to the rally, while Thai buying partly offset the later slump. Ceasefire hopes added supply risk.

    These smaller factors balanced the main drivers and show the full picture.

Latest
▼3

Record US Corn Stockpile and Fast Harvest Push Prices Down

  • US corn stockpile hits 7-year high The government reported US corn inventories on September 1 at 2.095 billion bushels, up 35% from a year ago and far above what analysts expected. That is a lot of corn already in storage, so buyers have little reason to bid prices up. Corn futures fell 4% on the news.

    This is the single biggest new force pushing corn prices down this period.

  • Clear weather speeds US harvest, adding supply Forecasts for dry, clear weather across the Midwest mean farmers can bring in this year's corn crop quickly. More freshly harvested corn flowing to market adds to the already-heavy supply and keeps pressure on prices. December corn slipped to about $4.97 a bushel.

    New harvest progress is a fresh supply-side weight on prices.

  • China's corn imports collapse 80.6% China, one of the world's biggest corn buyers, cut its corn imports by 80.6% as its own grain output hit a record. Less buying from China means weaker global demand for corn, which pulls futures prices lower over time.

    A major demand-side shift that reduces global corn buying.

  • Black Sea peace hopes vs. Thai buying Talk of a limited Russia-Ukraine ceasefire raised the chance of Black Sea grain exports resuming, which would add supply and weigh on prices. But Thai buyers are importing US corn because domestic output is short, adding demand. The two forces pull corn in opposite directions.

    Shows the real counterweight keeping corn from falling further.

September 2026
▲2▼1

Corn swings on Black Sea peace hopes, USDA data, and biofuel demand

  • Russia-Ukraine peace talks could restore Black Sea grain exports Putin signaled openness to peace talks, raising the chance that Black Sea grain exports resume. More corn supply would push prices down. Corn fell 0.74% on the news. This is a real counterweight to the earlier supply fears.

    Directly answers why corn moved: peace hopes could ease the supply crunch that had lifted prices.

  • El Niño threatens ASEAN grain supplies, lifting corn demand OCBC warns El Niño will drive up corn and wheat prices, hitting ASEAN importers. Higher world prices mean stronger demand for corn, supporting futures. This adds a new demand-side reason for corn to stay elevated.

    Shows a new demand driver from weather that supports corn prices.

  • USDA report: higher corn exports but ample supply USDA raised US corn export estimates, which supports prices, but also pointed to higher soybean output and a slight improvement in corn crop ratings, signaling ample supply. Corn fell after the report. The tug-of-war between strong demand and ample supply keeps prices choppy.

    Captures the key USDA data that moved corn both ways this period.

  • Crude oil surge boosts biofuel demand for corn Crude oil jumped on tanker attacks, making biofuels more competitive. Corn is used to make ethanol, so higher oil prices increase demand for corn. This helped corn gain 0.47% on Sept 15. It's a new supportive force.

    Explains a new positive driver: oil prices lifting corn via biofuel demand.

▲2▼1

Corn swings on Black Sea peace hopes, USDA data, and biofuel demand

  • Russia-Ukraine peace talks could restore Black Sea grain exports Putin signaled openness to peace talks, raising the chance that Black Sea grain exports resume. More corn supply would push prices down. Corn fell 0.74% on the news. This is a real counterweight to the earlier supply fears.

    Directly answers why corn moved: peace hopes could ease the supply crunch that had lifted prices.

  • El Niño threatens ASEAN grain supplies, lifting corn demand OCBC warns El Niño will drive up corn and wheat prices, hitting ASEAN importers. Higher world prices mean stronger demand for corn, supporting futures. This adds a new demand-side reason for corn to stay elevated.

    Shows a new demand driver from weather that supports corn prices.

  • USDA report: higher corn exports but ample supply USDA raised US corn export estimates, which supports prices, but also pointed to higher soybean output and a slight improvement in corn crop ratings, signaling ample supply. Corn fell after the report. The tug-of-war between strong demand and ample supply keeps prices choppy.

    Captures the key USDA data that moved corn both ways this period.

  • Crude oil surge boosts biofuel demand for corn Crude oil jumped on tanker attacks, making biofuels more competitive. Corn is used to make ethanol, so higher oil prices increase demand for corn. This helped corn gain 0.47% on Sept 15. It's a new supportive force.

    Explains a new positive driver: oil prices lifting corn via biofuel demand.

▲3

Corn hits 3-year high as US crop shrinks and Black Sea exports stall

  • US corn crop smaller than expected A Midwest crop tour found Illinois and other key states' corn yields below USDA forecasts, with hot weather hurting the crop. Less corn grown means tighter supply, pushing December corn to a three-year high near $5.37 a bushel.

    This is the main new force lifting corn prices this period.

  • Black Sea grain exports nearly halted Russia and Ukraine escalated attacks on ports and ships, stopping most grain loading from the Black Sea, which handles over 70% of Russia's exports. With Ukrainian corn and Russian wheat stuck, buyers turn to other sources, lifting corn prices.

    Geopolitical disruption to a major export route is a key new driver of corn's rise.

  • Wall Street warns of grain crisis Major banks issued grain crisis warnings, and corn and wheat hit three-year highs. A Chinese corn-seed stock, Wanxiang Doneed, hit five straight daily limit-ups. This shows broad market fear of tight grain supplies, which keeps corn prices elevated.

    It shows the wider market reaction and reinforces the supply-driven rally.

  • Russia suspends grain export duties Russia cut its grain export duty to 0% until end-2026 to help its exporters reroute after Black Sea disruptions. This could add some Russian corn to global markets, a mild counterweight, but limited Baltic port capacity means it won't fully offset lost Black Sea supply.

    It is the main counterweight to the rally, but its impact is limited by logistics.

▲4

USDA cuts corn yield and stocks, sending prices to two-week high

  • USDA cuts yield and ending stocks The August USDA report cut the corn yield estimate and lowered ending stocks to 1.653 billion bushels, tightening the supply picture. December corn jumped 20 cents to $4.81, its highest in two weeks, as traders priced in less corn available than expected.

    This is the single biggest new supply shock of the period and directly explains the price rally.

  • US crop condition ratings drop The USDA cut its good-to-excellent corn rating by 2 points to 61%, signaling the crop is not as healthy as hoped. Lower ratings raise fears of a smaller harvest, which supports higher corn prices.

    It is a fresh supply signal that adds to the tightening narrative and helps explain the rally.

  • Black Sea attacks disrupt grain exports Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia's main wheat export port forced terminals to suspend operations, and fighting in the region continues to threaten grain shipments. Any disruption to Black Sea supply makes corn relatively more valuable and lifts prices.

    It is a new geopolitical supply risk that directly supports corn prices alongside the USDA cuts.

  • Global food prices hit three-year high on drought The UN food price index rose to its highest since early 2023, driven by cereals and concerns about drought in US growing areas and a severe European grain shortfall. Tight global grain supplies keep upward pressure on corn prices.

    It shows the broader global supply backdrop that reinforces the bullish case for corn.

July 2026
▲2▼2

Corn swings on USDA cuts, Black Sea attacks, weather

  • June WASDE and weak demand The June WASDE raised US and world corn stockpiles, while weak export sales and lower ethanol output signaled softer demand. Long liquidation pushed prices below $4.

    Explains the early bearish pressure that drove prices down.

  • July USDA cut and IGC trim The July USDA report cut US and world stocks more than expected, and the IGC trimmed its global crop forecast. Strong export demand and higher corn oil prices also aided processor margins.

    Highlights the bullish supply revisions that supported prices.

  • Black Sea attacks and hot US weather In late July, Black Sea attacks and hot US weather lifted corn toward $4.85, with surging crude oil boosting ethanol demand.

    Identifies geopolitical and weather events that pushed prices higher.

  • Favorable weather and Thai imports Offsetting gains, favorable Midwest weather forecasts and Thailand's planned 1-million-tonne US corn import pressured prices back to $4.72.

    Shows the counterweight that pulled prices down from highs.

▲2▼1

Corn swings on weather, oil, and Black Sea risk

  • Black Sea attacks and hot US weather lift corn Attacks on Ukrainian grain ports pushed wheat to a two-year high, and hot, dry weather threatened US corn areas. Both raised fears of tighter global grain supplies, helping corn futures climb toward $4.85 a bushel.

    Explains the main supply-side forces pushing corn up during the period.

  • Crude oil surge boosts biofuel demand for corn Rising crude oil prices made corn-based ethanol more competitive as a fuel additive, supporting demand for corn. This helped corn futures hold near recent highs even as wheat and soybeans pulled back.

    Shows how energy markets feed through to corn demand and prices.

  • Favorable US weather and Thai imports pressure corn Forecasts for good Midwest growing weather raised expectations of a larger US crop, sending corn down 1.8% to $4.72. Separately, Thailand's plan to import 1 million tonnes of US corn added to global supply, weighing on prices.

    Captures the main bearish supply developments that reversed earlier gains.

▲2▼2

USDA cuts corn stocks, but weak exports and bearish start cap gains

  • June WASDE and long liquidation push corn below $4 The June USDA report raised US and world corn stockpiles, and traders dumped long positions before the acreage report. Managed money added to its bet on lower prices. Corn fell below $4 as the market absorbed a well-supplied picture.

    Explains the bearish starting point for the period and why corn was under pressure before later reports.

  • Tighter US stocks and smaller world crop lift prices The USDA's July report cut old and new US corn stocks more than expected, and world stocks were trimmed. The International Grains Council also cut its world crop forecast, while France's harvest shrank from heat. Less supply supports higher corn prices.

    This is the main bullish force in the period, showing supply tightening after the June report.

  • Weak export sales and lower ethanol output weigh on demand US old-crop corn export sales fell to a marketing-year low, and ethanol production dropped. Both point to softer demand for corn, which pulls prices down. The export slowdown was the latest drag after the July rally.

    Shows the demand side is not keeping up with the tighter supply story, a real counterweight to higher prices.

  • Strong export demand and corn oil prices support processor margins Alto Ingredients reported a big profit swing, helped by strong export demand and higher corn oil prices. Better margins for ethanol makers can mean more corn used, which is a mild positive for corn demand and prices.

    Gives a demand-side positive that partly offsets the weak export sales headline.