UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended May 31, 2001
or
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FARMLAND INDUSTRIES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Kansas 44-0209330
(State of incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
12200 North Ambassador Drive
Kansas City, Missouri 64163
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 816-713-7000
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]
Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FARMLAND INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)
ASSETS
August 31 May 31
2000 2001
---------------- ----------------
(Amounts in Thousands)
Accounts receivable - trade................................ $ 740,026 $ 720,096
Inventories (Note 2)....................................... 832,687 690,645
Other current assets....................................... 252,716 198,063
----------------- ------------------
Total Current Assets................................. $ 1,825,429 $ 1,608,804
----------------- ------------------
Investments and Long-Term Receivables (Note 3)............... $ 399,889 $ 373,755
----------------- ------------------
Property, Plant and Equipment:
Property, plant and equipment, at cost..................... $ 1,787,614 $ 1,699,741
Less accumulated depreciation and
amortization............................................ 960,652 939,511
--------------- ----------------
Net Property, Plant and Equipment.......................... $ 826,962 $ 760,230
----------------- ------------------
Other Assets $ 229,907 $ 234,505
----------------- ------------------
Total Assets $ 3,282,187 $ 2,977,294
================= ==================
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
FARMLAND INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)
LIABILITIES AND EQUITIES
August 31 May 31
2000 2001
--------------------- -------------------
(Amounts in Thousands)
Current Liabilities:
Short-term notes payable ........................................ $ 689,477 $ 484,772
Current maturities of long-term debt ............................ 32,222 46,315
Accounts payable - trade......................................... 345,286 338,929
Customer advances on product purchases........................... 120,731 76,722
Other current liabilities........................................ 422,811 435,167
------------------ ------------------
Total Current Liabilities................................... $ 1,610,527 $ 1,381,905
------------------ ------------------
Long-Term Liabilities:
Long-term borrowings (excluding current maturities).............. $ 646,160 $ 622,002
Other long-term liabilities...................................... 40,134 37,931
------------------ ------------------
Total Long-Term Liabilities................................. $ 686,294 $ 659,933
------------------ ------------------
Deferred Income Taxes................................................ $ 54,676 $ 51,401
------------------ ------------------
Minority Owners' Equity in Subsidiaries.............................. $ 49,459 $ 57,939
------------------ ------------------
Net Income (loss) (Note 1)........................................... $ -0- $ (37,063)
------------------ ------------------
Capital Shares and Equities:
Preferred Shares, Authorized 8,000,000 Shares, 8% Series A
cumulative redeemable preferred shares, stated
at redemption value, $50 per share.............................. $ 100,000 $ 100,000
Common shares, $25 par value--Authorized
50,000,000 shares.............................................. 522,876 530,074
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (net of
deferred tax benefit of $2,745 at May 31, 2001) (Notes 4
........and 5) 111 (15,364)
Earned surplus and other equities................................ 258,244 248,469
------------------ ------------------
Total Capital Shares and Equities........................... $ 881,231 $ 863,179
------------------ ------------------
Contingent Liabilities and Commitments (Note 6)
Total Liabilities and Equities....................................... $ 3,282,187 $ 2,977,294
================== ==================
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
FARMLAND INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Nine Months Ended
---------------------------------------
May 31 May 31
2000 2001
------------------- -------------------
(Amounts in Thousands)
Sales.........................................................$ 8,840,331 $ 9,176,444
Cost of sales................................................. 8,473,560 8,815,601
----------------- --------------------
Gross income..................................................$ 366,771 $ 360,843
----------------- --------------------
Selling, general and administrative expenses..................$ 360,446 $ 300,111
----------------- --------------------
Restructuring and other charges (Note 7)......................$ 0 $ 79,788
----------------- --------------------
Other income (deductions):
Interest expense, net.....................................$ (72,121) $ (85,102)
Other, net (Note 5)....................................... 33,466 21,906
----------------- --------------------
Total other income (deductions)..............................$ (38,655) $ (63,196)
------------------ --------------------
Loss before equity in net income of investees, minority
owners' interest in net (income) of subsidiaries, income
tax benefit, and cumulative effect of changes
in accounting principles, net of income tax expense......$ (32,330) $ (82,252)
Equity in net income of investees (Note 3) ................... 33,668 22,265
Minority owners' interest in net (income)
of subsidiaries........................................... (15,737) (15,807)
----------------- --------------------
Loss before income tax benefit and cumulative
effect of changes in accounting principles,
net of income tax expense.................................$ (14,399) $ (75,794)
Income tax benefit............................................ 2,815 18,955
----------------- --------------------
Loss before cumulative effect of changes in
accounting principles.....................................$ (11,584) (56,839)
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting for
derivative financial instruments and planned major
maintenance costs, net of $3,313 income
tax expense (Notes 5 and 8)............................... -0- 19,776
----------------- --------------------
Net loss $ (11,584) $ (37,063)
================= ====================
Pro forma net loss assuming use of the direct expense
method of accounting for planned major
maintenance costs (Note 8)................................ (13,508) $ (43,333) $
================= ====================
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
FARMLAND INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Three Months Ended
-----------------------------------------------
May 31 May 31
2000 2001
---------------------- ------------------------
(Amounts in Thousands)
Sales.......................................................$. 2,991,668 $ 3,223,720
Cost of sales................................................. 2,860,349 3,085,509
----------------- --------------------
Gross income................................................$. 131,319 $ 138,211
----------------- --------------------
Selling, general and administrative expenses................$. 122,934 $ 106,611
----------------- --------------------
Restructuring and other charges (Note 7)....................$. -0- $ 79,788
----------------- --------------------
Other income (deductions):
Interest expense, net...................................$. (23,314) $ (24,237)
Other, net (Note 5)....................................... 38,424 (1,303)
----------------- --------------------
Total other income (deductions)............................$.. 15,110 $ (25,540)
------------------ --------------------
Income (loss) before equity in net income (loss) of
investees, minority owners' interest in net (income)
of subsidiaries and income tax (expense) $ 23,495 $ (73,728)
benefit.........
Equity in net income of investees (Note 3) ................... 28,609 21,121
Minority owners' interest in net (income)
of subsidiaries........................................... (6,352) (6,717)
------------------ --------------------
Income (loss) before income tax benefit.....................$. 45,752 $ (59,324)
Income tax (expense) benefit.................................. (8,698) 16,892
----------------- --------------------
Net income (loss)...........................................$. 37,054 $ (42,432)
================== ====================
Pro forma net income (loss) assuming use of the direct
expense method of accounting for planned major
maintenance costs (Note 8)..................................$. 38,959 $ (42,432)
================== ====================
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
FARMLAND INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
Nine Months Ended
---------------------------------------------
May 31 May 31
2000 2001
------------------ ------------------
(Amounts in Thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss..................................................................... $ (11,584) $ (37,063)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization.......................................... 79,337 82,266
Equity in net (income) of investees.................................... (33,668) (22,265)
Asset impairment....................................................... -0- 67,567
Other.................................................................. (35,443) 21,271
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable................................................... 119,057 17,482
Inventories........................................................... (99,830) 195,581
Other assets.......................................................... 59,091 (5,373)
Accounts payable...................................................... (94,891) (6,357)
Other liabilities..................................................... 34,035 (27,021)
------------------ ------------------
Net cash provided by operating activities.................................... $ 16,104 $ 286,088
------------------ ------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures......................................................... $ (73,625) $ (79,667)
Distributions from joint ventures............................................ 17,793 21,429
Additions to investments and notes receivable................................ (39,410) (14,242)
Acquisition of other long-term assets........................................ (27,622) (12,782)
Proceeds from disposal of investments and notes receivable................... 67,761 24,099
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets........................................... 5,407 7,977
------------------ ------------------
Net cash used in investing activities.................................... $ (49,696) $ (53,186)
------------------ ------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Payments of patronage refunds................................................ $ (6,054) $ -0-
Payments of dividends........................................................ (6,004) (6,000)
Proceeds from bank loans and notes payable................................... 1,055,978 2,798,262
Payments on bank loans and notes payable..................................... (1,053,593) (2,982,175)
Proceeds from issuance of subordinated debt certificates..................... 51,400 15,328
Payments for redemption of subordinated debt certificates.................... (28,830) (37,962)
Increase (decrease) of checks and drafts outstanding......................... 23,039 (5,672)
Net decrease in demand loan certificates..................................... (1,048) (7,382)
Other (1,296) (7,301)
------------------ ------------------
Net cash provided by financing activities.................................... $ 33,592 $ (232,902)
------------------ ------------------
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents.................................... $ -0- $ -0-
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period............................. -0- -0-
------------------ ------------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period................................... $ -0- $ -0-
================== ==================
On October 1, 2000, we contributed property, plant and equipment and investments with a carrying value of
approximately $43.8 million in return for an equity interest in Land O'Lakes Farmland Feed, LLC.
On December 31, 2000, Cooperative Refining LLC was dissolved. We received inventory with a value of $54.4
million in exchange for our equity interest in Cooperative Refining.
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(1) Interim Financial Statements
Unless the context requires otherwise, (i) “Farmland”, “we”, “us” and “our” refer to Farmland Industries, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, (ii) all references to “year” or “years” are to fiscal years ended August 31 and (iii) all references to “members” are to persons eligible to receive patronage refunds from Farmland including voting members, associate members and other patrons with which Farmland has a currently effective patronage refund agreement.
In view of the seasonality of Farmland’s businesses, it must be emphasized that the results of operations for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full fiscal year.
The information included in these unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of Farmland reflects all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented.
Our sales, margins and net income or loss depend, to a large extent, on conditions in agriculture and may be volatile due to factors beyond our control, such as weather, crop failures, federal agricultural programs, production efficiencies and U.S. imports and exports. In addition, various federal and state regulations intended to protect the environment encourage farmers to reduce the use of fertilizers and other chemicals. Global variables which affect supply, demand and price of crude oil, refined fuels, natural gas, livestock, grain and other commodities may impact Farmland’s operations. Historically, changes in the costs of raw materials used in the manufacture of our finished products have not necessarily resulted in corresponding changes in the prices at which we have sold such products. We cannot determine the extent to which these factors may impact our future operations. Our cash flow and net income or loss may be volatile as conditions affecting agriculture and markets for our products change.
In accordance with the bylaws of Farmland, we determine annually the members’ portion of income or loss before income taxes. From this amount, patronage refunds are distributed or losses are allocated to our members.
Farmland does not provide for patronage refunds in our interim financial statements as:
- we determine the amount of members' income and the amount of members' loss only after the end of the fiscal year;
- after consideration of member losses (if any), the Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, then determines the amount of patronage refund to be paid in cash and the portion to be paid in Farmland equity (common shares, associate member common shares and capital credits); and
- the amount of income appropriated to earned surplus is dependent on the amount of patronage refunds and the handling of members' losses (if any).
Therefore, the amount of net loss for the interim period presented is reflected as a separate item in the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of May 31, 2001.
(2) Inventories
August 31 May 31
2000 2001
------------------- --------------------
(Amounts in Thousands)
Finished and in-process products.............. $ 750,057 $ 544,883
Materials..................................... 16,939 81,510
Supplies...................................... 65,691 64,252
------------------ --------------------
$ 832,687 $ 690,645
================== ====================
On December 31, 2000, Cooperative Refining, LLC was dissolved and our equity investment of $54.4 million was returned to us in the form of crude oil and in-process petroleum inventories. On May 4, 2001 Farmland formed a grain marketing relationship with Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM). ADM/Farmland Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of ADM, purchased substantially all of Farmland’s United States grain inventories, totaling approximately $120 million. ADM/Farmland will lease and operate Farmland’s grain elevators throughout the United States. The leases are structured to cover all of Farmland’s costs related to the elevators, and Farmland has a 50% interest in the earnings and losses of ADM/Farmland.
At May 31, 2001, the carrying value of our crude oil and refined petroleum inventories stated under the lower of LIFO cost or market was $143.3 million which was approximately $72.9 million less than the market value of these inventories.
(3) Summarized Financial Information of Investees Accounted for by the Equity Method
Nine Months Ended Three Months Ended
------------------------------------ --------------------------------------
May 31 May 31 May 31 May 31
2000 2001 2000 2001
----------------- ---------------- ----------------- -----------------
(Amounts in Thousands)
Net sales............................... $ 2,909,416 $ 5,582,556 $ 1,283,564 $ 2,415,646
================= ================= ================= =================
Net income (loss)....................... $ 107,720 $ 44,805 $ 100,167 $ 74,993
================= ================= ================= =================
Farmland's equity in net income......... $ 33,668 $ 22,265 $ 28,609 $ 21,121
================= ================= ================= =================
Our investments accounted for by the equity method consist principally of :- 50% equity interests in three manufacturers of crop nutrient products, Farmland Hydro, L.P., SF Phosphates Limited Company and Farmland MissChem Limited;
- beginning January 1, 2000, an approximate 50% equity interest in UCB LLC, which in turn holds a 50% equity interest in Agriliance LLC, an agronomy distribution and marketing venture;
- through December 31, 2000, an approximate 42% equity interest in Cooperative Refining, LLC, which operated two refineries; and
- beginning October 1, 2000, an approximate 28% equity interest (adjusted to an approximate 26% equity interest as of January 1, 2001) in Land O'Lakes Farmland Feed, LLC, a manufacturer and marketer of feed products.
At May 31, 2001, our share of the undistributed earnings of all ventures accounted for by the equity method totaled $61.3 million.
(4) Comprehensive Income
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) during the nine months ended May 31, 2001 were as follows:
Cash Flow Foreign Currency Total
Hedges Translation AOCI
---------------- ----------------------- -----------------
Balance at August 31, 2000...................... $ -0- $ 111 $ 111
Foreign currency translation adjustment......... -0- (18) (18)
Transition adjustment, net of tax............... 25,653 -0- 25,653
Net gain on cash flow hedges, net of tax........ 17,138 -0- 17,138
Less reclassification adjustments, net of tax... (58,248) -0- (58,248)
-- ------------- ------ ---------------- ---- ------------
Balance at May 31, 2001......................... $ (15,457) $ 93 $ (15,364)
== ============= ====== ================ ==== ============
Comprehensive income for the nine and three months ended May 31, 2001 is as follows:
Nine Months Three Months Ended
Ended
May 31, 2001 May 31, 2001
----------------- -------------------
Net loss......................................................... $ (37,063) $ (42,432)
--- ------------- -- ----------------
Net gains (losses) arising during the period
Cash flow hedges:
Net derivative transition gain.......................... $ 30,208 -0- $
Net derivative gains(losses) during period.............. 20,181 (21,319)
Reclassification adjustment............................. (68,591) (33,031)
Foreign currency translation adjustment...................... (18) 2
--- ------------- -- ----------------
Other comprehensive income before tax............................ $ (18,220) $ (54,348)
Income tax benefit related to items of
other comprehensive income................................... $ 2,745 $ 8,195
--- ------------- -- ----------------
Other comprehensive income (loss)................................ $ (15,475) $ (46,153)
--- ------------- -- ----------------
Comprehensive income (loss)...................................... $ (52,538) $ (88,585)
=== ============= == ================
(5) Derivative Financial Instruments
Effective September 1, 2000, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended. This standard imposes extensive recordkeeping requirements in order to designate a derivative financial instrument as a hedge. As a result, certain of our segments hold derivative instruments, such as exchange traded grain, crude oil and live hog futures, and foreign currency forward positions that we believe provide an economic hedge of future transactions, but have not been designated as a hedge. Gains or losses related to these derivative instruments are classified as a component of other income. All derivative instruments are recorded in our balance sheet at fair value. The cumulative effect of this change in accounting principle at September 1, 2000 was to increase income by $13.5 million. (Net of an income tax expense of $2.2 million).
Farmland also uses derivative financial instruments to manage our commodity price risk in the procurement of natural gas, the primary input necessary for the production of the various nitrogen-based crop production products we manufacture. Our objective is to fix the price of a portion of our forecasted purchases of natural gas used to manufacture crop production products.
To meet this objective, we enter into various types of derivative instruments to manage fluctuations in cash flows resulting from commodity price risk. These instruments may include exchange traded futures contracts, over the counter (OTC) swap contracts and OTC option or exchange traded option contracts. The changes in the market value of such contracts have historically been, and are expected to continue to be, highly effective at offsetting changes in price movements of the hedged item. The amount of hedge ineffectiveness was immaterial for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2001.
As of May 31, 2001, the maximum length of time over which we are hedging our exposure to the variability in future cash flows associated with natural gas forecasted transactions is approximately one year. Gains and losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) are reclassified, on a first-in, first-out basis, as a component of cost of sales when the related crop production product is sold. As a result, we anticipate that substantially all gains and losses in AOCI as of May 31, 2001 will be reclassified into earnings within the next twelve months. Gains and losses in AOCI may fluctuate until the related contract is closed. During the nine months ended May 31, 2001, after tax net gains of approximately $69.0 million related to derivative instruments included in AOCI as a result of the September 1, 2000 transition adjustment were reclassified into net income. During the nine months ended May 31, 2001, approximately $18.8 million was reclassified into earnings as a result of the discontinuance of cash flow hedges because it became probable that the original forecasted purchases of natural gas would not occur.
(6) Contingencies
Farmland is aware of probable obligations under state and federal environmental laws at a number of properties. At May 31, 2001 and at August 31, 2000, we had an environmental accrual in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet for probable and reasonably estimated costs for remediation of contaminated properties of $18.0 million and $12.9 million, respectively. We periodically review and, as appropriate, revise our environmental accruals. Based on current information and regulatory requirements, we believe that the accruals established for environmental expenditures are adequate.
Some environmental matters are in preliminary stages and the timing, extent and costs of actions which governmental authorities may require are currently unknown. As a result, certain costs of addressing these environmental matters are either not probable or not reasonably estimable and, therefore, have not been accrued. In management’s opinion, it is reasonably possible that, in addition to the $18.0 million which has been accrued at May 31, 2001, Farmland may incur $14.4 million of costs for these matters.
Under the Resource Conservation Recovery Act of 1976 (‘‘RCRA”), Farmland has three closure and four post-closure plans in place for five locations. Closure and post-closure plans also are in place for three landfills and two injection wells as required by state regulations. Such closure and post-closure costs are estimated to be $5.1 million at May 31, 2001 (and are in addition to the $18.0 million accrual and the $14.4 million discussed in the prior paragraphs). These liabilities are accrued when plans for termination of plant operations have been made. Operations are being conducted at these locations, and we do not plan to terminate these operations in the foreseeable future. Therefore, these environmental exit costs have not been accrued.
The Environmental Protection Agency has issued new rules limiting sulfur in gasoline to 30 parts per million and has published a proposed rule limiting sulfur in diesel fuel to 15 parts per million. The rules affecting gasoline were effective December 1, 1999 with a January 1, 2004 compliance date. The proposed rules for diesel fuel have a June 1, 2006 compliance date. Based on information currently available, we anticipate that material expenditures, possibly in excess of $100 million, will be required to achieve compliance with these new and pending rules. Farmland has applied for, but has not received, regulatory extension of the deadlines until 2008.
(7) Restructuring and Other Charges
During May 2001, the Board of Directors approved a plan to close certain facilities and exit nonstrategic businesses. Accordingly, we recorded a charge to operations of approximately $79 million. Our wheat gluten plant located in Russell, Kansas was closed during May 2001 due to low market prices. To improve our refrigerated foods cost structure, we are closing unprofitable meat facilities. During the third quarter, we also sold our wholly-owned subsidiary, Farmland-Atwood, to ADM and we sold substantially all of our U.S. grain inventories to ADM/Farmland Inc., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ADM. ADM/Farmland will lease and operate Farmland’s grain elevators throughout the United States, and Farmland will receive a 50% share of the earnings or losses of ADM/Farmland. As a part of our transactions with ADM, we leased or sold assets which generated sales of $1.9 billion during the year ended August 31, 2000 and $1.6 billion during the nine months ended May 31, 2001.
As a result of the facility closings discussed above, we recognized approximately $28 million of impairment charges on the related long-lived assets. Assets which can be readily sold were revalued at their used market value. Assets which cannot be used or sold were valued at their salvage value, if any. Carrying value of these assets as of May 31, 2001, after recognition of impairment charges, was approximately $5 million. Goodwill associated with facilities closed or businesses sold was written-off from our balance sheet, resulting in an approximate $13 million charge to expense. Over the past few years, we implemented enterprise-wide software for operational and financial reporting. The software was configured to support nearly all of our domestic operations. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, certain software development and implementation costs were capitalized. During the third quarter of 2001, we charged to expense approximately $26 million of capitalized software costs related to operations which have been closed, sold or contributed to ventures.
As a result of restructuring and other charges recognized during our third quarter, for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2001, world grain’s income decreased approximately $12 million, refrigerated foods’ income decreased approximately $17 million, petroleum’s income decreased approximately $3 million, other operating units’ income decreased approximately $21 million, and unallocated corporate expenses increased approximately $26 million.
Included in the restructuring and other charges is an approximate $4 million accrual of termination benefits associated with the separation of approximately 450 employees. The charge includes approximately $2 million for administrative employees, and approximately $2 million for production employees. Through June 2001, approximately 60 of the planned employee separations were completed, and employees received cash severance payments totaling approximately $1.5 million. This cash outlay was funded through cash from operations. Also included in the restructuring and other charges is $8 million of other costs, including the costs to terminate certain long term contracts, to recognize certain environmental expenses, and to reduce supply inventories to net realizable value. As of May 31, 2001, included in other current liabilities were approximately $11 million of accruals related to these restructuring and other charges.
(8) Planned Major Maintenance Costs
Effective September 1, 2000, based on a proposed Statement of Position issued by the Accounting Standards Executive Committee of the AICPA during September, 2000, Farmland changed its method of accounting for certain costs expected to be incurred in the next planned major maintenance of its manufacturing and processing facilities from the accrue-in-advance method to the direct expense method. Under the new accounting method, maintenance costs are recognized as expense as maintenance services are performed. We believe the new method is preferable in the circumstances because, prior to the performance of the maintenance services, we do not have a present unavoidable duty or responsibility to perform such services. The effect of this change at September 1, 2000 was a $6.3 million benefit (net of income taxes of $1.1 million) and has been presented as a cumulative effect of an accounting change in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the nine months ended May 31, 2001. Had this new accounting method been applied in the three months ended May 31, 2000, the effect would have been to increase our net income by $1.9 million (net of an income tax expense of $0.3 million). For the nine months ended May 31, 2000, the effect would have been to increase net loss by $1.9 million (net of an income tax benefit of $0.3 million).
(9) Industry Segment Information
Beginning September 1, 2000, Farmland began allocating certain interest expense based on net assets employed by each segment and allocating certain corporate service expenses based on estimated use of the service by each segment. Segment results for the nine months and three months ended May 31, 2000 were restated to conform to our current operational structure and our current method of allocation.
Nine months ended
May 31, 2000 (Page 1 of 3)
(Amounts in Thousands)
CONSOLIDATED SEGMENTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unallocated
Combined Corporate Expenses
Segments Consolidated
------------------ ---------------------- ---------------------
Sales & transfers $ 11,188,551 $ $ 11,188,551
Transfers between segments (2,348,220) (2,348,220)
------------------ ---------------------- ---------------------
Net sales $ 8,840,331 $ $ 8,840,331
================== ====================== =====================
Net income (loss) $ 42,555 $ (54,139) $ (11,584)
================== ====================== =====================
Total assets $ 2,976,619 $ 307,026 $ 3,283,645
================== ====================== =====================
Nine months ended
May 31, 2001 (Page 1 of 3)
(Amounts in Thousands)
CONSOLIDATED SEGMENTS
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unallocated
Combined Corporate
Segments Expenses Consolidated
--------------- --------------------- --------------------
Sales &transfers $ 11,622,445 $ $ 11,622,445
Transfers between segments (2,446,001) (2,446,001)
--------------- --------------------- --------------------
Net sales $ 9,176,444 $ $ 9,176,444
=============== ===================== ====================
Net income (loss) $ 503 $ (37,566) $ (37,063)
=============== ===================== ====================
Total assets $ 2,701,576 $ 275,718 $ 2,977,294
=============== ===================== ====================
Nine months ended
May 31, 2000 (Page 2 of 3)
(Amounts in Thousands)
INPUT AND OTHER SEGMENTS
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Total Input
Crop Operating and Other
Production Petroleum Feed Units Segments
-- -------------- -- -------------- -- ---------- -- --------------- -- ---------------
Sales & transfers $ 768,533 $ 1,034,346 $ 503,307 $ 1,624,276 $ 3,930,462
Transfers between segments (4,252) (15,659) (41,735) (1,372,538) (1,434,184)
-- -- -- --
-- -------------- -------------- ---------- --------------- ---------------
Net sales $ 764,281 $ 1,018,687 $ 461,572 $ 251,738 $ 2,496,278
== ============== == ============== == ========== == =============== == ===============
Net income (loss) $ 5,617 $ (1,108) $ 8,346 $ 348 $ 13,203
== ============== == ============== == ========== == =============== == ===============
Total assets $ 679,054 $ 422,203 $ 119,872 $ 117,622 $ 1,338,751
== ============== == ============== == ========== == =============== == ===============
Nine months ended
May 31, 2001 (Page 2 of 3)
(Amounts in Thousands)
INPUT AND OTHER SEGMENTS
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Total Input
Crop Operating and Other
Production Petroleum Feed Units Segments
-- ------------- --- ------------ -- ---------- -- -------------- -- ---------------
Sales& transfers $ 596,949 $ 1,313,635 $ 50,262 $ 1,734,350 $ 3,695,196
Transfers between segments (1,391) (15,366) (5,191) (1,536,260) (1,558,208)
-- --- -- -- --
------------- ------------ ---------- ------------- ---------------
Net sales $ 595,558 $ 1,298,269 $ 45,071 $ 198,090 $ 2,136,988
== ============= === ============ == ========== == ============= -- ===============
Net income (loss) $ (3,432) $ 54,708 $ (1,836) $ (27,246) $ 22,194
== ============= === ============ == ========== == ============== == ===============
Total assets $ 748,694 $ 442,387 $ 55,191 $ 101,795 $ 1,348,067
== ============= === ============ == ========== == ============== == ===============
Nine months ended
May 31, 2000 (Page 3 of 3)
(Amounts in Thousands)
OUTPUT SEGMENTS
----------------------------------------------------------
Total
Refrigerated World Output
Foods Grain Segments
-------------- -------------- ------------------
Sales & transfers $ 3,945,106 $ 3,312,983 $ 7,258,089
Transfers between segments (684,459) (229,577) (914,036)
-------------- -------------- ------------------
Net sales $ 3,260,647 $ 3,083,406 $ 6,344,053
============== ============== ==================
Net income (loss) $ 33,003 $ (3,651) $ 29,352
============== ============== ==================
Total assets $ 746,202 $ 891,666 $ 1,637,868
============== ============== ==================
Nine months ended
May 31, 2001 (Page 3 of 3)
(Amounts in Thousands)
OUTPUT SEGMENTS
-------------------------------------------------------
Total
Refrigerated World Output
Foods Grain Segments
--------------- ---------------- ----------------
Sales & transfers $ 4,091,635 $ 3,835,614 $ 7,927,249
Transfers between segments (655,731) (232,062) (887,793)
--------------- ---------------- ----------------
Net sales $ 3,435,904 $ 3,603,552 $ 7,039,456
=============== ================ ================
Net income (loss) $ 4,937 $ (26,628) $ (21,691)
=============== ================ ================
Total assets $ 772,482 $ 581,027 $ 1,353,509
=============== ================ ================
Three months ended
May 31, 2000 (Page 1 of 3)
(Amounts in Thousands)
CONSOLIDATED SEGMENTS
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unallocated
Combined Corporate Expenses
Segments Consolidated
------------------ ---------------------- -----------------------
Sales & transfers $ 3,814,881 $ $ 3,814,881
Transfers between segments (823,213) (823,213)
------------------ ---------------------- -----------------------
Net sales $ 2,991,668 $ $ 2,991,668
================== ====================== =======================
Net income (loss) $ 66,123 $ (29,069) $ 37,054
================== ====================== =======================
Total assets $ 2,976,619 $ 307,026 $ 3,283,645
================== ====================== =======================
Three months ended
May 31, 2001 (Page 1 of 3)
(Amounts in Thousands)
CONSOLIDATED SEGMENTS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unallocated
Combined Corporate
Segments Expenses Consolidated
--------------- --------------------- ---------------------
Sales & transfers $ 3,969,330 $ $ 3,969,330
Transfers between segments (745,610) (745,610)
--------------- --------------------- ---------------------
Net sales $ 3,223,720 $ $ 3,223,720
=============== ===================== =====================
Net income (loss) $ (24,932) $ (17,500) $ (42,432)
=============== ===================== =====================
Total assets $ 2,701,576 $ 275,718 $ 2,977,294
=============== ===================== =====================
Three months ended
May 31, 2000 (Page 2 of 3)
(Amounts in Thousands)
INPUT AND OTHER SEGMENTS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Total
Crop Operating Input and
Production Petroleum Feed Units Other
Segments
-- ------------- -- --------------- --- ---------- -- ------------ -- ------------
Sales & transfers $ 332,659 $ 347,930 $ 163,211 $ 585,551 $ 1,429,351
Transfers between segments (2,483) (6,013) (14,222) (483,350) (506,068)
-- ------------- -- --------------- --- --------- -- ------------ -- ------------
Net sales $ 330,176 $ 341,917 $ 148,989 $ 102,201 $ 923,283
== ============= == =============== === ========= == ============ == ============
Net income (loss) $ 50,076 $ 9,270 $ 2,417 $ 552 $ 62,315
== ============= == =============== === ========= == ============ == ============
Total assets $ 679,054 $ 422,203 $ 119,872 $ 117,622 $ 1,338,751
== ============= == =============== === ========= == ============ == ============
Three months ended
May 31, 2001 (Page 2 of 3)
(Amounts in Thousands)
INPUT AND OTHER SEGMENTS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Total Input
Crop Operating and Other
Production Petroleum Feed Units Segments
-- ------------- -- ------------ -- ----------- -- ------------- -- -------------
Sales & transfers $ 280,417 $ 449,889 $ $ 568,991 $ 1,299,297
Transfers between segments (1) (4,908) (493,297) (498,206)
-- -- -- -- --
------------- ------------ ----------- ------------- -------------
Net sales $ 280,416 $ 444,981 $ $ 75,694 $ 801,091
== ============= == ============ == =========== == ============= == =============
Net income (loss) $ (3,572) $ 39,575 $ 570 $ (22,515) $ 14,058
== ============= == ============ == =========== == ============= == =============
Total assets $ 748,694 $ 442,387 $ 55,191 $ 101,795 $ 1,348,067
== ============= == ============ == =========== == ============= == =============
Three months ended
May 31, 2000 (Page 3 of 3)
(Amounts in Thousands)
OUTPUT SEGMENTS
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total
Refrigerated World Output
Foods Grain Segments
-------------- -------------- -------------------
Sales & transfers $ 1,384,491 $ 1,001,039 $ 2,385,530
Transfers between segments (245,205) (71,940) (317,145)
-------------- -------------- -------------------
Net sales $ 1,139,286 $ 929,099 $ 2,068,385
============== ============== ===================
Net income (loss) $ 11,543 $ (7,735) $ 3,808
============== ============== ===================
Total assets $ 746,202 $ 891,666 $ 1,637,868
============== ============== ===================
Three months ended
May 31, 2001 (Page 3 of 3)
(Amounts in Thousands)
OUTPUT SEGMENTS
-------------------------------------------------------
Total
Refrigerated World Output
Foods Grain Segments
--------------- --------------- ----------------
Sales &ransfers $ 1,408,540 $ 1,261,493 $ 2,670,033
Transfers between segments (233,626) (13,778) (247,404)
--------------- --------------- ----------------
Net sales $ 1,174,914 $ 1,247,715 $ 2,422,629
=============== =============== ================
Net income (loss) $ (9,091) $ (29,899) $ (38,990)
=============== =============== ================
Total assets $ 772,482 $ 581,027 $ 1,353,509
=============== =============== ================
Item 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The information contained in this discussion and in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Accompanying Notes presented in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with information set forth in Part II, Items 7 and 8, in Farmland’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2000.
Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources
Farmland has historically maintained two primary sources for debt capital: a substantially continuous public offering of its subordinated debt and demand loan securities (the “continuous debt program”) and bank lines of credit.
Farmland’s debt securities issued under the continuous debt program generally are offered on a best-efforts basis through our wholly owned broker-dealer subsidiary, Farmland Securities Company, and also may be offered by selected unaffiliated broker-dealers. The types of debt securities offered in the continuous debt program include certificates payable on demand and subordinated debenture bonds. The total amount of debt securities outstanding and the flow of funds to, or from, Farmland as a result of the continuous debt program are influenced by the rate of interest which we establish for each type or series of debt security offered, by the option of Farmland to call for redemption certain of its outstanding debt securities, and by the option of holders, under certain circumstances, to request the early redemption of outstanding debt securities. On October 31, 2000, we suspended sales under our debt program. To sell debt under our program, we will need to register additional securities with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Although we have not filed to register additional securities, management plans to file a registration statement in the near future.This report on Form 10-Q does not constitute an offer of securities; such an offering will only be made through a prospectus.During the nine months ended May 31, 2001, the outstanding balance of demand certificates decreased by $7.4 million, and the outstanding balance of subordinated debenture bonds decreased by $22.6 million.
In May 2000, Farmland established a 364 day, $750 million, revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with a syndicate of banks. During April 2001, Farmland and a syndicate of banks reached an agreement to amend our Credit Facility agreement. The Credit Facility’s term was extended to November 9, 2001. Subject to debt covenant restrictions, the amended Credit Facility provides a $650 million credit, reduced to a $500 million credit effective August 9, 2001. As specified in the agreement, the available credit will be reduced by proceeds from sales of assets and working capital (other than in the ordinary course of business). As of May 31, 2001, our Credit Facility had been reduced to an approximate $550 million credit. Regardless of asset and working capital sales, we will retain a minimum available credit of $400 million through November 9, 2001. Farmland is working to replace, prior to November 9, 2001, the current credit facility with a long-term credit facility. However, no assurance of completion can be given. At May 31, 2001, Farmland had $319.3 million of short-term borrowings under the Credit Facility. Additionally, $49.9 million of the Credit Facility was utilized to support letters of credit. Farmland pays commitment fees under the Credit Facility based on the unused portion of the credit. Borrowings under the Credit Facility are secured by a substantial portion of our accounts receivable, inventories, fixed assets, and certain investments. Interest rates under the Credit Facility are based on a spread over the base rate (as defined in the related agreement) or a spread over LIBOR (the London Interbank Offering Rate). The Credit Facility contains covenants related to Farmland’s ratio of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization to net interest expense, our ratio of total debt to total capitalization, and our ratio of senior debt to total capitalization, all as defined in the related agreement. In addition to these financial covenants, our ability to borrow under the Credit Facility may be restricted based on our level of receivables and inventories. As calculated at May 31, 2001, availability under the Credit Facility was approximately $132 million.
Farmland National Beef Packing Company, L.P. (“FNBPC”) has a $130.0 million credit facility which expires March 31, 2003. This facility is provided by various participating banks, and borrowings are nonrecourse to Farmland or Farmland’s other affiliates. At May 31, 2001, FNBPC had borrowings under this facility of $34.9 million, and $16.9 million of the facility was utilized to support letters of credit. Assets with a carrying value of $263.5 million at May 31, 2001 have been pledged by FNBPC to support its borrowings under the facility.
At May 31, 2001, Tradigrain had $377 million in credit facilities with various international banks. Tradigrain primarily uses these facilities to provide financing and letters of credit to support international grain trading transactions. Obligations of Tradigrain under these facilities are nonrecourse to Farmland and Farmland’s other affiliates. At May 31, 2001, the related borrowings and other commitments totaled $294.8 million.
Farmland maintains other borrowing arrangements with banks and financial institutions. Under such arrangements, at May 31, 2001, $5.7 million was borrowed, which are nonrecourse to Farmland.
Leveraged leasing has been utilized to finance railcars, a significant portion of our crop production equipment, and certain crop production manufacturing facilities.
Farmland has issued and outstanding 2 million shares of 8% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares (the “Preferred Shares”) with an aggregate liquidation preference of $100 million ($50 liquidation preference per share). The Preferred Shares are not redeemable prior to December 15, 2022. On and after December 15, 2022, the Preferred Shares may be redeemed for cash at our option, in whole or in part, at specified redemption prices declining to $50 per share on and after December 15, 2027, plus accumulated and unpaid dividends. The Preferred Shares do not have any stated maturity, are not subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption provisions and are not convertible into any other security.
Although our net loss through the nine months ended May 31, 2001 increased to $37.1 million from $11.6 million through the nine months ended May 31, 2000, cash provided by operating activities increased $270 million during the nine months ended May 31, 2001 compared with the same period last year. This increase in cash is primarily due to our decreased level of U.S. grain inventories and that the 2001 net loss included $67 million of non-cash restructuring charges. This cash provided from operations was used to pay down our debt levels ($213.9 million) and to pay for $79.7 million of capital expenditures, primarily related to our refrigerated foods business.
Results of Operations
General
In view of the seasonality of Farmland’s businesses, it must be emphasized that the results of operations for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full fiscal year.
Farmland’s sales, gross margins and net income depend, to a large extent, on conditions in agriculture and may be volatile due to factors beyond our control, such as weather, crop failures, federal agricultural programs, production efficiencies, and currency fluctuations, tariffs and other factors affecting U.S. imports and exports. In addition, various federal and state regulations to protect the environment encourage farmers to reduce the use of fertilizers and other chemicals. Global variables which affect supply, demand and price of crude oil, refined fuels, natural gas and other commodities may impact our operations. Historically, changes in the costs of raw materials used in the manufacture of Farmland’s finished products have not necessarily resulted in corresponding changes in the prices at which such products have been sold. Management cannot determine the extent to which these factors may impact our future operations. Farmland’s cash flow and net income or loss may be volatile as conditions affecting agriculture and markets for our products change.
The level of operating income in the crop production, petroleum, and refrigerated foods businesses is, to a significant degree, attributable to the spread between selling prices and raw material costs (natural gas in the case of nitrogen-based crop nutrients, crude oil in the case of petroleum products, and live hogs and cattle in the case of refrigerated foods). We cannot determine the direction or magnitude to which these factors will affect our cash flow and net income or loss.
Results of Operations for Nine Months Ended May 31, 2001 compared to Nine Months Ended May 31, 2000.
Effective January 1, 2000 and October 1, 2000 we formed a crop production marketing venture (Agriliance) and a feed venture (Land O’Lakes Farmland Feed). We record income (loss) from ventures as equity in net income (loss) of investees in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. As a result, effective from the date of formation, sales, costs of sales, selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses and other income generated by these ventures are not recorded in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Therefore, sales, expenses and other income items related to feed and crop production marketing decreased for the nine months ended May 31, 2001 compared with the prior year.
Effective May 4, 2001, we formed a grain marketing relationship with Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM). ADM/Farmland Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of ADM, purchased our U.S. grain inventories and Farmland Atwood, our wholly-owned grain commission subsidiary. ADM/Farmland Inc. will lease and operate our grain elevators throughout the United States, and we will receive a 50% share of the earnings or losses of ADM/Farmland. As a result, effective from the date of formation, sales, cost of sales, SG&A, and other income generated by ADM/Farmland Inc. are not recorded in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Sales for the nine months ended May 31, 2001 increased approximately $336 million, or 4%, compared with the same period last year. This increase is primarily the result of increased sales in our petroleum and world grain businesses, partially offset by a decrease in sales recorded in Farmland’s financial statements due to the formation of our Land O’Lakes Farmland Feed and Agriliance ventures.
Our management recognizes that reversing the negative financial trends of the recent past requires action. Accordingly, our Board and senior management have jointly reviewed and revised our strategic plan in our initiative “Navigating Tomorrow.” Based upon this revision, we are actively:
- reviewing our organizational structure;
- assessing our portfolio of businesses;
- considering the disposition, by sale or venture, of businesses which are not central to our revised strategic plan;
- considering whether to enter into new business areas;
- developing new strategies to take greater advantage of the value of our brands;
- examining strategies for expanding our alliances with other cooperatives; and
- assigning responsibility to our current joint ventures with the objective of increasing returns on these investments.
- reduce our debt level and our Credit Facility need for debt financing; and
- achieve an investment grade rating on senior debt securities from a nationally recognized statistical rating organization.
In May 2001, the costs associated with “Navigating Tomorrow” were recorded to close certain facilities and exit nonstrategic businesses. The facilities affected include our wheat gluten plant and unprofitable refrigerated foods’ plants. Additionally, as previously discussed, substantially all of our U.S. grain inventories were sold as well as our wholly-owned grain commission subsidiary. As a result of these actions, we recorded $79 million of restructuring and other charges in the third quarter 2001, consisting primarily of asset impairments and termination benefits. See Note 7 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
For the nine months ended May 31, 2001, we had a net loss of $37.1 million compared with a net loss of $11.6 million for the same period last year. This decrease is primarily attributable to the pre-tax charges of pre-tax $79 million discussed in the previous paragraph. Also, in fiscal year 2000, we had a pre-tax gain of $49.6 million on the sale of our direct equity investment in the Agriliance venture. Excluding these unusual expenses and gains, pre-tax income for the nine months ended May 31, 2001 increased approximately $91 million from the same period last year. This increase is primarily attributable to increased margins for refined fuels and propane combined with our successful effort to reduce selling, general and administrative expenses.
Crop Production
In order to enhance the efficiency in marketing crop production products to our members, on January 1, 2000, Farmland, Land O’Lakes, and Cenex Harvest States combined their crop production marketing functions into a new venture, Agriliance. Farmland now sells 100% of our manufactured product to Agriliance. In part as a result of lower Agriliance sales volumes, which reduced our sales volume to Agriliance, our unit sales volume for the nine months ended May 31, 2001, was reduced by 51% compared to the same period last year. Unit selling prices for the nine months ended May 31, 2001 increased by 53% compared to the same period last year. The net impact was a reduction in crop production sales to $596 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2001 compared with crop production sales of $764 million for the same period last year. Both the average unit selling prices of nitrogen-based plant foods and the average unit cost to produce nitrogen-based plant foods have increased from last year. Average unit selling price increased as a result of the temporary closing by various manufacturers of certain nitrogen production facilities, presumably in response to increased natural gas prices and excess nitrogen-based product inventories. Average unit production cost increased, primarily due to the increase in the price of natural gas which represents a major cost in the production of nitrogen based fertilizer since this same period last year. The average price of natural gas for the first nine months of fiscal year 2001 was $4.95 per mmbtu compared to $2.52 per mmbtu for the same period last year, which translates to an increased cost of producing anhydrous ammonia of approximately $82 per ton. Also, lower crop nutrient application rates combined with a continued strong supply of ammonia, urea and UAN from foreign sources has resulted in higher levels of crop nutrient inventories. As a result of the higher inventory levels, Farmland and other fertilizer companies are attempting to lower their inventories through the temporary shutdown of certain plants. To better manage our inventory costs, we temporarily stopped production at three locations. Plans to reopen the plants will develop as the fall season progresses and inventory levels and demand become known. Increased foreign production capacity of phosphates has had the effect of reducing export levels and lowering demand for domestically produced phosphate, resulting in lower unit selling prices.
Income of the crop production segment decreased $9.0 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2001 compared with the prior year. Gains related to management of natural gas positions of $38.2 million in the current period are offset by a decrease in other income of $49.6 million due to the fiscal year 2000 pre-tax gain on the sale of a portion of our direct equity investment in the Agriliance venture. The fixed costs related to plants which have been temporarily shutdown and wet weather throughout the Midwest during the spring fertilizer season also contributed to a lower overall income. With the formation, effective January 1, 2000, of the Agriliance venture, a portion of our nitrogen-based plant food income is now recognized as equity in income of investees, rather than as gross income. Agriliance has generated less income than in the prior year a result of lower sales volumes and reduced income from the southern marketing retail outlets. Also, some of crop production’s selling, general and administrative expenses were transferred to Agriliance. Income from crop production’s ventures, including Agriliance, decreased $15.9 million, which was partially offset by a decrease of $14.5 million in crop production’s direct selling, general and administrative expenses, which were transferred to Agriliance.
Petroleum
Sales of the petroleum segment during the nine months ended May 31, 2001 increased $280 million, or approximately 27%, compared with the same period last year. This result is primarily due to an approximate 22% increase in unit prices for refined fuels and a 4% increase in refined fuels unit sales compared with the same period last year. Propane unit price increased approximately 6% with a 55% increase in unit sales. The refined fuels and propane unit price increases resulted primarily from a colder than normal winter throughout much of the United States, combined with low inventory levels of refined fuels, especially gasoline, across the country.
Income for the petroleum segment increased $55.8 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2001 compared with the prior period. This increase is primarily due to an unusually large spread between crude oil costs and refined fuel selling prices. Lower than normal springtime inventory levels of refined fuels and propane led directly to the increased selling prices.
Cooperative Refining, which was 42% owned by Farmland, was dissolved effective December 31, 2000. As a result, income previously recognized as equity in income of investees is now recognized as gross income.
Feed
In order to enhance the size, scale and market position of our feed operations, effective October 1, 2000, Farmland and Land O’Lakes combined feed businesses to form a new venture, Land O’Lakes Farmland Feed (LOLFF). Starting October 1, 2000, we no longer record our feed business’s sales, cost of sales, SG&A expenses and other income in our Condensed Consolidated Statements. Instead, we record only our share of net income (loss) of the venture as equity in net income of investees in our Condensed Consolidated Statements. As a result of forming the venture, the sales of the feed segment as recorded in Farmland’s financial statements decreased $417 million, or approximately 90%, in the nine months ended May 31, 2001 compared with the prior year. Income for the feed segment decreased $10.2 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2001 compared with the same period last year primarily due to our share of non-recurring costs associated with LOLFF’s rationalization of its manufacturing facilities. Additionally, sales and operating income of LOLFF decreased due to declining commodity prices in the first part of 2001. Poultry formula feed, Farm and Ranch, and Animal Protein sales and margins have declined from the same period last year. Manufacturing expenses also increased in part due to increased natural gas costs.
During June 2001, LOLFF announced the acquisition by LOLFF of an independent feed company, Purina Mills. We believe that this acquisition will not have a significant impact on our total earnings from the LOLFF venture.
Refrigerated Foods
Sales in the refrigerated foods segment increased $175 million, or approximately 5%, for the nine months ended May 31, 2001 compared with the same period last year. This increase is primarily due to a 9% increase in unit selling price partially offset by a 3% reduction in unit sales volume. The reduction in unit sales volume is primarily due to decreased slaughter levels resulting from the sale of an inefficient plant located in Dubuque, Iowa during June 2000.
Income in the refrigerated foods segment for the nine months ended May 31, 2001 decreased $28.1 million compared to the prior period. This decrease is primarily the result of a management decision, based on a review of our refrigerated foods business, to close unprofitable meat facilities. As a result of these closings, we have recorded a $17 million charge during the third quarter, reflecting the reduction of the net book value of fixed assets to net realizable value, accrued severance costs, and the elimination of associated goodwill. The additional decrease is a result of increased promotional costs and continued advertising costs to enhance our brand recognition and start up costs related to our case ready program. Case ready refers to meat products which are prepared to the specifications of retailers and which do not require additional preparation work prior to sale by the retailer.
World Grain
Effective May 4, 2001, Farmland and Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM) consummated the formation of a grain marketing relationship. ADM/Farmland Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of ADM, purchased substantially all of our U.S. grain inventories and also purchased Farmland-Atwood, our wholly-owned grain commission subsidiary. ADM/Farmland will lease and operate Farmland’s grain elevators throughout the United States. The leases are structured to cover all of Farmland’s costs related to the elevator, and Farmland has a 50% interest in the earnings and losses of ADM/Farmland.
Sales of the world grain segment increased $520 million, or approximately 17%, for the nine month period ended May 31, 2001 compared with the same period last year primarily as a result of higher selling prices, particularly for wheat and milo.
World grain income decreased $23 million during the nine months ended May 31, 2001 compared with the same period last year. As discussed above, during the third quarter, Farmland entered into a grain marketing relationship with ADM and sold our grain commission company, Farmland-Atwood, to ADM. These transactions resulted in a one time charge of $12 million dollars during the third quarter, consisting primarily of elimination of associated goodwill and accrued severance for the affected employees. World grain income also declined due to higher interest costs associated with carrying domestic grain inventories.
Other Operating Units
Segment income for other operating units decreased $27.6 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2001 compared with the prior year. This decrease is primarily attributable to asset impairment at Heartland Wheat Growers, our subsidiary which produced wheat gluten at a facility in Russell, Kansas. In response to government subsidies of European wheat gluten production, the United States government had in place a trade protection order which limited the volume of European wheat gluten which could be imported into the United States. This trade order expired June 1, 2001 and was not renewed. Primarily as a result of the anticipated increase in wheat gluten availability, wheat gluten prices declined significantly during the third quarter. Since we believe wheat gluten prices will remain depressed for an extended time, we closed our wheat gluten facility during May 2001. As a result, during the third quarter we have recorded a $20 million charge related to this closing, primarily to reduce the net book value of fixed assets to net realizable values.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses decreased $60.3 million, or approximately 17%, from the same period last year. SG&A expenses directly connected to segments decreased approximately $43.7 million (primarily related to the formation of Agriliance and Land O’Lakes Farmland Feed joint ventures and the sale of our Dubuque, Iowa meat processing plant) and are included in the determination of business segment income. During the nine months ended May 31, 2001 compared with the same period last year, we successfully reduced SG&A expenses not identified to business segments by $16.6 million, primarily as a result of reduced personnel costs and a reduction in bad debt expense.
Restructuring and Other Charges
In connection with our “Navigating Tomorrow” initiatives, we recorded $79.8 million of restructuring and other charges. In addition to the significant charges included in the above segment discussion, we recorded a $26 million charge to writeoff a portion of our enterprise-wide integrated software system associated with businesses which have been sold or are being operated through joint ventures.
Other Income
Other income decreased $11.6 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2001 compared with the same period last year. Other income directly connected to the segments decreased $16.8 million. During the nine months ended May 31, 2000, we recognized a $49.6 million gain on the sale of our direct equity interest in Agriliance and a loss of $7.0 million on the sale of our Dubuque, Iowa meat facility. During the nine months ended May 31, 2001, we recognized $14.2 million of gains related to derivative instruments included in other income. Other income not directly connected to the segments increased $5.2 million mainly due to the gain on the sale of our 50% ownership interest in One System Group, a provider of information services.
Interest Expense
Net interest expense for nine months ended May 31, 2001 increased $13 million compared with the same period last year due primarily to an increase in the average interest rate.
Tax Benefit
The income tax benefit increased $16.1 million due to our loss before income taxes and an increase in the effective tax rate. The loss is due to restructuring and other charges booked during third quarter 2001. (See Note 7 of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.) The increase in the effective tax rate is a result of our current estimate of annual income(loss) which will be patronage-sourced in 2001 compared to 2000.
Results of Operations for Three Months Ended May 31, 2001 compared to Three Months Ended May 31, 2000.
On October 1, 2000, Farmland and Land O’Lakes engaged in a venture (Land O’Lakes Farmland Feed) that combines all aspects of each investor’s feed business. We record income (loss) from ventures as equity in net income of investees in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. As a result, sales, costs of sales, SG&A expenses and other income generated by ventures are not recorded in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Therefore, sales, expenses and other income related to the feed segment decreased for the three months ended May 31, 2001 compared with the prior year.
Effective May 4, 2001, we formed a grain marketing relationship with Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM). ADM/Farmland Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of ADM, purchased our U.S. grain inventories and Farmland Atwood, our wholly-owned grain commission subsidiary. ADM/Farmland Inc. will lease and operate our grain elevators throughout the United States, and we will receive a 50% share of the earnings of ADM/Farmland. As a result, effective from the date of formation, sales, cost of sales, SG&A, and other income generated by ADM/Farmland Inc. are not recorded in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Consolidated sales for the three months ended May 31, 2001 increased $232 million, or 8%, compared to the same period in the prior year. This increase is primarily the result of increased sales in our petroleum and world grain businesses, partially offset by a decrease in sales recorded in Farmland’s financial statements due to the formation of our Land O’Lakes Farmland Feed and Agriliance ventures.
In May 2001, the costs associated with “Navigating Tomorrow” were recorded to close certain facilities and exit nonstrategic businesses. The facilities affected include our wheat gluten plant and unprofitable refrigerated foods’ plants. Additionally, as previously discussed, substantially all of our U.S. grain inventories were sold as well as our wholly-owned grain commission subsidiary. As a result of these actions, we recorded $79 million of restructuring and other charges in the third quarter 2001, consisting primarily of asset impairments and termination benefits. See Note 7 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
For the three months ended May 31, 2001, we had a net loss of $42.4 million compared with net income of $37.1 million for the same period last year. This decrease is primarily attributable to the special charges of $79 million discussed in the previous paragraph. Also, in fiscal year 2000, we had a pre-tax gain of $49.6 million on the sale of our direct equity investment in the Agriliance venture. Excluding these expenses and gains, pre-tax income for the three months ended May 31, 2001 increased approximately $25 million from the same period last year. This increase is primarily attributable to increased margins for refined fuels and propane combined with our successful effort to reduce selling, general and administrative expenses.
Crop Production
In part as a result of lower Agriliance sales volumes, which reduced our sales volume to Agriliance, our unit sales volume for the period was reduced compared to the same period last year. This unit volume decrease was partially offset by a 53% increase in unit selling prices for the three months ended May 31, 2001 compared to the same period last year. The net impact was a reduction in crop production sales to $280 million for the three months ended May 31, 2001 compared with crop production sales of $330 million for the same period last year. Both the average unit selling prices of nitrogen-based plant foods and the average unit cost to produce nitrogen-based plant foods have increased from last year. Average unit selling price increased as a result of the temporary closing by various manufacturers of certain nitrogen production facilities, presumably in response to increased natural gas prices and high inventory levels. Average unit production cost increased as the price of natural gas, which represents a major cost in the production of nitrogen-based fertilizer, has risen substantially since this same period last year. The average price of natural gas for the third quarter of fiscal year 2001 was $5.11 per mmbtu compared to $2.68 per mmbtu for the same period last year. This translates to an increased cost of producing anhydrous ammonia of approximately $82 per ton.
Lower crop nutrient application rates combined with a continued strong supply of ammonia, urea and UAN from foreign sources has resulted in higher levels of crop nutrient inventories. As a result of the higher inventory levels, Farmland and other fertilizer companies are attempting to lower their inventories through the temporary shutdown of certain plants. To better manage our inventory costs, we temporarily stopped production at three locations. Plans to reopen the plants will develop as the fall season progresses and inventory levels and demand become known. Increased foreign production capacity of phosphates has resulted in reduced export levels and lower demand for domestically produced phosphate.
Income of the crop production segment decreased $53.6 million for the three months ended May 31, 2001 compared with the prior year. Margins decreased by $3.8 million and other income decreased by $49.6 million due to the fiscal year 2000 pre-tax gain on the sale of a portion of our direct equity investment in the Agriliance venture. The fixed costs related to plants which have been temporarily shutdown and wet weather throughout the Midwest during the spring fertilizer season also contributed to a lower overall income. With the formation, effective January 1, 2000, of the Agriliance venture, a portion of our nitrogen-based plant food income is now recognized as equity in income of investees, rather than as gross income. Agriliance has generated less income than in the prior year as a result of lower sales volumes and reduced income from the southern market retail outlets.
Petroleum
Sales of the petroleum segment in the three months ended May 31, 2001 increased $103 million, or approximately 30%, compared with the same period last year, primarily due to an approximate 7% increase in unit prices for refined fuels and an increase in unit sales of approximately 16%. The increased unit prices for refined fuels, especially gasoline, was primarily the result of low supplies across the country.
Income for the petroleum segment for the three month period ended May 31, 2001 increased $30.3 million compared to the same period last year. This increase is primarily due to a significant increase in the spread between crude oil costs and refined fuel selling prices. Lower than normal springtime inventory levels of refined fuels and propane led directly to the increased selling prices.
Cooperative Refining, which was 42% owned by Farmland, was dissolved effective December 31, 2000. As a result, income previously recognized as equity in income of investees is now recognized as gross income.
Feed
As a result of forming Land O’Lakes Farmland Feed (LOLFF), we did not record any sales for our feed business during the three months ended May 31, 2001. With the formation of LOLFF, our feed income (loss) is now recognized as equity in income of investees, rather than gross income. Also, feed’s selling, general and administrative expenses have been transferred to our venture. Income for the feed segment decreased $1.8 million for the three months ended May 31, 2001 compared with the same period last year. This decline is primarily due to reduced poultry feed margins realized by LOLFF.
Refrigerated Foods
Sales in the refrigerated foods segment during the three months ended May 31, 2001 increased $35.6 million, or approximately 3% compared with the same period last year. This increase is primarily due to a 10% increase in unit sales price partially offset by a 7% reduction in unit sales volume. The reduction in unit sales volume is primarily due to decreased slaughter levels resulting from the sale of an inefficient plant located in Dubuque, Iowa during June 2000.
Income in the Refrigerated Foods segment decreased $20.6 million during the three months ended May 31, 2001 compared to the same period last year. This decrease is primarily the result of a management decision, based on a review of our refrigerated foods business, to close unprofitable meat facilities. As a result of these closings, we have recorded a $17 million charge during the third quarter, reflecting the reduction of the net book value of fixed assets to net realizable value, accrued severance costs, and the elimination of associated goodwill. The additional decrease is a result of increased distribution costs combined with increased advertising and promotional costs to support our national brand.
World Grain
Effective May 4, 2001, Farmland and Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM) consummated the formation of a grain marketing relationship. ___ ADM/Farmland Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of ADM, purchased our U.S. grain inventories and Farmland-Atwood, our wholly-owned grain commission subsidiary. ADM/Farmland will lease and operate Farmland’s grain elevators throughout the United States. The leases are structured to cover all of Farmland’s costs related to the elevator, and Farmland has a 50% interest in the earnings and losses of ADM/Farmland.
Sales of the world grain segment increased $319 million, or approximately 34%, for the three month period ended May 31, 2001 compared with the same period last year primarily as a result of higher grain selling prices.
World grain income decreased $22.2 million during the three months ended May 31, 2001 compared with the same period last year. As discussed above, during the third quarter, Farmland entered into a grain marketing relationship with ADM and sold our grain commission company, Farmland-Atwood, to ADM. These transactions resulted in a one time charge of $12 million dollars during the third quarter, consisting of elimination of associated goodwill and accrued severance for the affected employees. World grain income also declined due to higher interest costs associated with carrying domestic grain inventories, decreased international sales volume and lower margins in soyacomplex and barley businesses.
Other Operating Units
Segment income for other operating units decreased $23.1 million for the three months ended May 31, 2001 compared with the same period in the prior year. This decrease is primarily attributable to asset impairment at Heartland Wheat Growers, our subsidiary which produced wheat gluten at a facility in Russell, Kansas. In response to government subsidies of European wheat gluten production, the United States government had in place a trade protection order which limited the volume of European wheat gluten which could be imported into the United States. This trade order expired June 1, 2001 and was not renewed. Primarily as a result of the anticipated increase in wheat gluten availability, wheat gluten prices declined significantly during the third quarter. Since we believe wheat gluten prices will remain depressed for an extended time, we closed our wheat gluten facility during May 2001. As a result, during the third quarter we have recorded a $20 million charge related to this closing, primarily to reduce the net book value of fixed assets to net realizable values.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
For the three months ended May 31, 2001, SG&A expenses decreased $16.3 million, or approximately 13%, from the same period last year. SG&A expenses directly connected to segments decreased approximately $9.8 million (primarily related to the formation of Land O’Lakes Farmland Feed joint venture and the sale of our Dubuque, Iowa pork processing plant) and are included in the determination of business segment income. During the three months ended May 31, 2001 compared with the same period last year, we successfully reduced SG&A expenses not identified to business segments by $6.5 million, primarily as a result of reduced personnel costs.
Restructuring and Other Charges
In connection with our “Navigating Tomorrow” initiatives, we recorded $79.8 million of restructuring and other charges. In addition to the significant charges included in the above segment discussion, we recorded a $26 million charge to writeoff a portion of our enterprise-wide integrated software system associated with businesses which have been sold or are being operated through joint ventures.
Other Income
Other income decreased $39.7 million for the three months ended May 31, 2001 compared with the same period last year primarily due to a decrease in other income directly connected to the segments of $40.2 million. This decrease in other income directly connected to the segments is mainly due to recognition of, during the three months ended May 31, 2000, the $49.6 million gain on the sale of our direct equity interest in Agriliance, partly offset by a $7.0 million loss on the sale of our Dubuque, Iowa meat facility
Interest Expense
Net interest expense for the three months increased $1 million compared with the same period last year due primarily to an increase in the average interest rate.
Tax Benefit
The income tax benefit increased $25.6 million due to our loss before income taxes and an increase in the effective tax rate. The loss is due to restructuring and other charges booked during the third quarter 2001. (See Note 7 of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.) The increase in the effective tax rate is a result of our current estimate of annual income(loss) which will be patronage-sourced in 2001 compared to 2000.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 140 “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities ” was issued by the FASB and is effective for transfers occurring after March 31, 2001 and for disclosures relating to securitization transactions and collateral and for recognition and reclassification of collateral for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2000 (our fiscal year 2001). We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, that adoption of these provisions would have on our financial statements.
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 141 “Business Combinations” has been issued by the FASB and will become effective for business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001. A business combination occurs when an enterprise acquires net assets that constitute a business or equity interests of one or more other enterprises and obtains control over that enterprise or enterprises. Also, for purposes of the final statement, the formation of a joint venture is not a business combination. We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, that adoption of this provision will have on our financial statements.
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” has been issued by the FASB. Goodwill with an indefinite life will no longer be amortized; however, both goodwill and other intangible assets will need to be tested annually for impairment. The goodwill and intangible assets statement will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001. Early adoption will be permitted for companies with a fiscal year beginning after March 15, 2001 provided that the first quarter financial statements have not been previously issued. In all cases, the statement must be adopted at the beginning of a fiscal year. We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, that adoption of these provisions will have on our financial statements.
Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101, “Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements” was issued in December 1999 by the staff of the SEC and is effective no later than the fourth fiscal quarter of fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1999. We anticipate that the adoption of SAB 101 will not have a significant effect on our financial statements.
Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Farmland’s market exposure to derivative transactions, entered into for the purpose of managing commodity price risk, foreign currency risk and interest rate risk, has not materially changed since August 31, 2000. Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk are contained in Item 7A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2000.
Cautionary Statement for Purposes of the "Safe Harbor" Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995We are including the following cautionary statement in this Form 10-Q to make applicable and take advantage of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for any forward-looking statement made by, or on behalf of, Farmland. The factors identified in this cautionary statement include important factors (but not necessarily all important factors) that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement made by, or on behalf of, Farmland.
Where any such forward-looking statement includes a statement of the assumptions or basis underlying such forward-looking statement, we caution that, while we believe such assumptions or basis to be reasonable and made in good faith, the assumed facts or basis almost always vary from actual results, and the differences between the assumed facts or basis and actual results can be material, depending upon the circumstances. Where, in any forward-looking statement, Farmland, or its management, expresses an expectation or belief as to future results, such expectation or belief is expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that the statement of expectation or belief will result or be achieved or accomplished. Such forward looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the seasonal effects upon our business, the anticipated expenditures for environmental remediation, our ability to complete, in the near term, a filing to register additional subordinated debt securities, the impact, if any, of the fire at our meats' facility on our refrigerated foods business, our ability to negotiate a new Credit Facility, the impact of pending EPA regulations related to sulfur content in refined fuels and the sufficiency of our arrangements for capital. Discussion containing such forward-looking statements is found in the material set forth herein under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements”.
Taking into account the foregoing, the following are identified as important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement made by, or on behalf of, Farmland:
1. Weather patterns or crop failure.
2. Federal or state regulations regarding agricultural programs and production efficiencies.
3. Federal or state regulations regarding the amounts of fertilizer and other chemical applications used by
farmers.
4. Factors affecting the export of U.S. agricultural produce (including foreign trade and monetary
policies, laws and regulations, political and governmental changes, inflation and exchange rates, taxes,
operating conditions and world production and demand).
5. Factors affecting supply, demand and price of crude oil, refined fuels, natural gas, livestock, grain
and other commodities.
6. Regulatory delays and other unforeseeable obstacles beyond our control
that may affect growth strategies through unification, acquisitions, investments
in joint ventures and operational alliances.
7. Competitors in various segments may be larger, may offer more varied products or may possess greater
financial and other resources than Farmland.
8. Unusual or unexpected events such as, among other things, adverse
rulings or judgments in litigation, and environmental remediation costs in
excess of amounts accrued.
9. The factors identified in “Business and Properties - Business -
Business Risk Factors” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended August 31, 2000.
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 5. Other Information.
On July 8, 2001, our meat processing facility located in Albert Lea, Minnesota suffered extensive fire damage. To compensate for our lost production, we will shift production from this facility to other facilities and we may contract with other meat processors to provide us with finished products. We are evaluating what, if any, impact these events will have on our financial results for the year ending August 31, 2001.
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.
(a) ExhibitsThere are no exhibits required to be filed as part of Form 10-Q for quarter ended May 31, 2001.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
On April 27, 2001 Farmland filed a report on Form 8-K Item 5, “Other Events”. The report described our agreement with Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM) to enter into a grain marketing relationship.
On May 21, 2001 Farmland filed a report on Form 8-K, Item 2, “Acquisition or Disposition of Assets” and Item 7, “Financial Statements and Exhibits”. The report described our agreement with ADM to enter into a grain marketing relationship, our agreement with ADM to sell to ADM our wholly-owned subsidiary, Farmland-Atwood, and the pro forma effect of these transactions on certain of our previously filed financial statements.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
(Registrant)
By: /s/ JOHN BERARDI
--------------------------------------------------
John Berardi
Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
Date: July 11, 2001