Origination results were up significantly over the second quarter of 2017.

Merchandising and Handling was up substantially year-over-year. North American grain was a major contributor, as supply disruptions in Argentina and Brazil led to strong global demand for U.S. commodities, resulting in significantly higher volumes and margins for corn, wheat and soybean exports. Grain also benefited from solid risk management in basis positions, and from timing impacts from the first quarter. Global Trade’s diversified earnings base contributed positively to results, as losses related to the potential sorghum duty deposits were offset by strong performances in other areas, particularly ocean freight. Destination marketing volumes continued to grow in the quarter.

Transportation was significantly higher year-over-year, driven by increased volumes as U.S. waterways returned to more normal conditions. Transportation also benefited from ARTCO’s growing businesses in backhaul freight and stevedoring.

Oilseeds results were also up significantly over the prior-year period. 

Crushing and Origination achieved a second-quarter record in crush volumes, delivering significantly higher year-over-year results amid continued strong soybean meal demand and robust crush margins. In South America, high origination volumes and improved margins, largely driven by more aggressive farmer selling and robust demand from China, contributed to strong results. Timing effects for the quarter were a net positive.

Refining, Packaging, Biodiesel and Other was up over the second quarter of 2017. Solid specialty and refined oils results were partially offset by weaker results in Golden Peanut and Tree Nuts.

Asia was lower on Wilmar results.

Carbohydrate Solutions results were modestly lower than the year-ago quarter.

Starches and Sweeteners was down versus the prior-year period. North American liquid sweeteners had a solid quarter and was in line with the year-ago period. Globally, starch volumes and dry sweetener margins were strong in the quarter, leading to good performances. The end of the EU sugar regime and the delay in the implementation of quotas in Turkey negatively impacted results in European liquid sweeteners. Flour milling was impacted by negative timing effects, and lower volumes in Caribbean operations. 

Bioproducts results were down primarily on lower ethanol production volumes and higher costs due to plant downtime. Execution margins for ethanol were lower versus the prior year.

Nutrition delivered a 7% increase in revenue on a constant currency basis for the quarter, and earnings were significantly higher than the year-ago period.

WFSI results were up substantially versus the second quarter of 2017, with Specialty Ingredients, WILD Flavors and Health & Wellness all delivering improved sales and earnings. Specialty Ingredients benefited from improved volumes and margins in proteins, and from increased sales in fibers. In WILD Flavors, new business and an improved portfolio mix boosted sales and margins. 

Animal Nutrition results were higher year-over-year, driven by stronger performances in lysine, as well as in pet premix and treats.

Other results increased on stronger ADM Investor Services earnings due to higher short-term interest rates.