DECATUR, Ill., Oct 28, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Archer Daniels Midland (ADM)

--  Net earnings for the quarter ended September 30, 2005 decreased to
        $186 million - $.29 per share compared to $266 million - $.41 per
        share last year.
    --  First quarter segment operating profit increased 3% to $351 million
        from $339 million last year.
        --  Oilseeds Processing operating profit increased on improved results
            in Europe, South America and Asia.
        --  Corn Processing operating profit increased principally due to
            lower net corn costs.
        --  Agricultural Services operating profit declined due to the
            negative impact of hurricanes on operations and a decline in
            global merchandising results.
        --  Other segment operating profit increased from improved Financial
            results partially offset by a decline in Food and Feed Ingredient
            results.

    --  Financial Highlights
        (Amounts in thousands, except per share data and percentages)

                                     THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                   9/30/2005     9/30/2004    % CHANGE
    Net sales and other
     operating income             $8,626,949    $8,972,411        -4%

    Segment operating profit        $350,518      $338,672         3%
    Net earnings                    $186,338      $266,297       -30%
    Earnings per share                 $0.29         $0.41       -29%
    Average number of
     shares outstanding              653,805       653,125

"The hurricanes in the Gulf Coast Region seriously disrupted ADM's North American business this past quarter. Our management team immediately addressed both the personal needs of our employees and the business demands created by the crises. The dedication and commitment demonstrated by our employees during this difficult time was exemplary. Looking forward, with this year's near record U.S. harvest the Company is positioned to deliver solid results as we enter the fall season."

G. Allen Andreas, Chairman and Chief Executive

    Discussion of Operations

Net earnings for the quarter ended September 30, 2005 were $186 million, equal to $.29 per share, compared to $266 million, equal to $.41 per share last year. Earnings for the quarter ended September 30, 2005 include an after-tax charge of $19 million, equal to $.03 per share, as a result of the Company's recent adoption of Financial Accounting Standard Number 123 (revised 2004) requiring the acceleration of share-based compensation expense into this quarter relating to grants issued to retirement-eligible employees pursuant to the Company's Incentive Compensation Plan.

Segment operating profit for the quarter ended September 30, 2005 increased $12 million to $351 million as operating profit improvements were realized in all major segments except Agricultural Services.

Oilseeds Processing operating profit increased $8 million to $99 million for the quarter as improved South America, Europe and Asia operating results were partially offset by decreased operating results of our North America operations.

Corn Processing operating profit increased $33 million to $136 million for the quarter due principally to lower net corn costs partially offset by lower lysine selling prices and higher energy costs. Sweeteners and Starches results increased $37 million to $92 million for the quarter due principally to lower net corn costs partially offset by higher energy costs. Bioproducts results declined $4 million to $44 million for the quarter due primarily to lower lysine selling prices, lower citric acid operating results and higher energy costs partially offset by lower net corn costs and increased ethanol sales volumes.

Agricultural Services operating profits declined $31 million to $20 million for the quarter due to a decline in global grain merchandising results and the negative impact of hurricanes on North American origination and export operating results. These declines were partially offset by improved operating results of transportation operations.

Other segment operating earnings increased to $95 million from $93 million last year due to improved operating results of Financial operations partially offset by a decline in operating results of Food and Feed Ingredient operations. Financial operating results increased $22 million to $26 million for the quarter due principally to improved results of insurance operations. Food and Feed Ingredient results declined to $69 million from $89 million last year as operating results of the natural health and nutrition, cocoa, and wheat product lines declined from last year's levels.

Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) is a world leader in agricultural processing. ADM is one of the world's largest processors of soybeans, corn, wheat and cocoa. ADM is also a leader in the production of soy meal and oil, ethanol, corn sweeteners and flour. In addition, ADM produces value-added food and feed ingredients. Headquartered in Decatur, Illinois, ADM has over 25,000 employees, more than 250 processing plants and net sales for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2005 of $35.9 billion. Additional information can be found on ADM's Web site at http://www.admworld.com .