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, 1999
or
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _____________ to _____________.
Commission File Number: 2-67985
FARMLAND INDUSTRIES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Kansas 44-0209330
(State of incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
3315 North Oak Trafficway
Kansas City, Missouri 64116-0005
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 816-459-6000
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 [ ]
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FARMLAND INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)
ASSETS
August 31 May 31
1998 1999
(Amounts in Thousands)
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents................................. $ 7,334 $ -0-
Accounts receivable - trade............................... 596,415 612,376
Inventories (Note 2)...................................... 725,967 823,166
Other current assets...................................... 145,151 192,307
Total Current Assets................................. $ 1,474,867 $ 1,627,849
Investments and Long-Term Receivables (Note 4).............. $ 298,402 $ 302,335
Property, Plant and Equipment:
Property, plant and equipment, at cost.................... $ 1,680,373 $ 1,747,495
Less accumulated depreciation and
amortization........................................... 853,224 905,885
Net Property, Plant and Equipment......................... $ 827,149 $ 841,610
Other Assets................................................ $ 212,356 $ 217,375
Total Assets................................................ $ 2,812,774 $ 2,989,169
<FN>
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
FARMLAND INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)
LIABILITIES AND EQUITIES
August 31 May 31
1998 1999
(Amounts in Thousands)
Current Liabilities:
Checks and drafts outstanding................................... $ -0- $ 58,327
Demand loan certificates........................................ 28,407 26,932
Short-term notes payable ....................................... 380,232 501,446
Current maturities of long-term debt ........................... 38,946 44,944
Accounts payable - trade........................................ 330,043 317,340
Other current liabilities....................................... 323,601 269,370
Total Current Liabilities................................... $ 1,101,229 $ 1,218,359
Long-Term Liabilities:
Long-term borrowings (excluding current maturities)............. $ 728,103 $ 792,258
Other long-term liabilities..................................... 31,942 31,301
Total Long-Term Liabilities................................. $ 760,045 $ 823,559
Deferred Income Taxes............................................... $ 3,333 $ 9,806
Minority Owners' Equity in Subsidiaries............................. $ 35,471 $ 38,195
Net Loss (Note 1)................................................... $ -0- $ (11,658)
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
Other Preferred Shares, $25 Par Value ........................... 71 69
Common shares, $25 par value--Authorized
50,000,000 shares.............................................. 451,804 506,111
Earned surplus and other equities............................... 360,821 304,728
Total Capital Shares and Equities........................... $ 912,696 $ 910,908
Contingent Liabilities and Commitments (Note 3)
Total Liabilities and Equities...................................... $ 2,812,774 $ 2,989,169
<FN>
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
FARMLAND INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
Nine Months Ended
May 31 May 31
1998 1999
(Amounts in Thousands)
Sales......................................................... $ 6,650,223 $ 7,823,790
Cost of sales................................................. 6,292,566 7,487,634
Gross income.................................................. $ 357,657 $ 336,156
Selling, general and administrative expenses.................. $ 310,390 $ 359,002
Other income (deductions):
Interest expense........................................... $ (53,506) $ (60,238)
Other, net................................................. 29,770 21,906
Total other income (deductions)............................... $ (23,736) $ (38,332)
Income (loss) before equity in net income of investees,
minority owners' interest in net income of subsidiaries
and income taxes.......................................... $ 23,531 $ (61,178)
Equity in net income of investees (note 4) ................... 40,323 41,413
Minority owners' interest in net income
of subsidiaries............................................ (1,312) (8,121)
Income (loss) before income taxes.............................. $ 62,542 $ (27,886)
Income tax (expense) benefit.................................. (7,239) 16,228
Net income (loss)............................................. $ 55,303 $ (11,658)
<FN>
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
FARMLAND INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended
May 31 May 31
1998 1999
(Amounts in Thousands)
Sales......................................................... $ 2,236,882 $ 2,749,892
Cost of sales................................................. 2,096,023 2,635,599
Gross income.................................................. $ 140,859 $ 114,293
Selling, general and administrative expenses.................. $ 109,435 $ 123,178
Other income (deductions):
Interest expense........................................... $ (18,177) $ (20,566)
Other, net................................................. 10,497 5,004
Total other income (deductions)............................... $ (7,680) $ (15,562)
Income (loss) before equity in net income of investees,
minority owners' interest in net income of subsidiaries
and income taxes.......................................... $ 23,744 $ (24,447)
Equity in net income of investees (note 4) ................... 17,518 16,934
Minority owners' interest in net income
of subsidiaries............................................ (1,863) (3,975)
Income (loss) before income taxes............................. $ 39,399 $ (11,488)
Income tax (expense) benefit.................................. (4,524) 4,124
Net income (loss)............................................. $ 34,875 $ (7,364)
<FN>
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
1998 1999
(Amounts in Thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)........................................................... $ 55,303 $ (11,658)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization.......................................... 76,735 82,859
Equity in net (income) of investees.................................... (40,323) (41,413)
Other.................................................................. 11,139 7,590
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable.................................................. (25,394) (19,594)
Inventories.......................................................... 77,196 (88,581)
Other assets......................................................... (88,953) (33,175)
Accounts payable..................................................... 9,030 (12,703)
Other liabilities.................................................... (49,265) (20,302)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities......................... $ 25,468 $ (136,977)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures........................................................ $ (79,107) $ (82,036)
Distributions from joint ventures........................................... 34,473 40,557
Additions to investments and notes receivable............................... (31,107) (40,052)
Acquisition of other long-term assets....................................... (20,955) (23,138)
Proceeds from disposal of investments and notes receivable.................. 43,746 22,707
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets.......................................... 2,904 2,419
Other....................................................................... (123) 66
Net cash used in investing activities....................................... $ (50,169) $ (79,477)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Payments of patronage refunds............................................... $ (40,337) $ (23,714)
Payments for redemption of equities......................................... (81,623) (9,439)
Payments of dividends....................................................... (2,937) (6,004)
Proceeds from bank loans and notes payable.................................. 467,251 1,023,077
Payments on bank loans and notes payable.................................... (431,876) (899,927)
Proceeds from issuance of subordinated debt certificates.................... 84,941 81,348
Payments for redemption of subordinated debt certificates................... (58,770) (13,240)
Increase of checks and drafts outstanding................................... 5,521 58,327
Net decrease in demand loan certificates.................................... (17,620) (1,475)
Proceeds from issuance of preferred shares.................................. 100,000 -0-
Other ...................................................................... 151 167
Net cash provided by financing activities................................... $ 24,701 $ 209,120
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents................................... $ -0- $ (7,334)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period............................ -0- 7,334
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period.................................. $ -0- $ -0-
[FN]
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
FARMLAND INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
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 revenues, 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 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 may be volatile as conditions affecting agriculture and markets for our
products change.
In accordance with the bylaws of Farmland and its cooperative subsidiaries,
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.
We make the determination of members' income (and members' loss) only after
the end of the fiscal year. Our Board of Directors, in their sole discretion,
then determine the amount of patronage refunds to be paid or losses to be
allocated from such member income or loss. Since we determine the amount of
members' income and the amount of members' loss only after the end of the fiscal
year, and since only after that determination can our Board of Directors
determine the handling of members' loss, the resulting amount of patronage
refunds to be paid, the portion of such refund to be paid either in cash or
Farmland equity (common stock, associate member common stock and capital
credits) and the resulting appropriation of income to earned surplus, Farmland
makes no provision for patronage refunds in its interim financial statements.
Therefore, the amount of net income (loss) has been reflected as a separate item
in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of May 31, 1999.
(2) INVENTORIES
Major components of inventories are as follows:
August 31 May 31
1998 1999
(Amounts in Thousands)
Finished and in-process products.............. $ 605,876 $ 679,288
Materials..................................... 62,578 86,020
Supplies...................................... 57,513 57,858
$ 725,967 $ 823,166
Income before income taxes for the three months and the nine months ended
May 31, 1999 has been increased by approximately $8.6 million to recognize a
partial recovery of last year's adjustment of crude oil and refined petroleum
inventories to the lower of LIFO cost or market value. The carrying value of
crude oil and refined petroleum inventories stated under the lower of LIFO cost
or market at May 31, 1999 was $129.1 million.
(3) CONTINGENCIES
(A) TAX LITIGATION
In July 1983, Farmland sold the stock of Terra Resources, Inc. ("Terra"),
a wholly owned subsidiary engaged in oil and gas exploration and production
operations, and exited its oil and gas exploration and production activities.
The gain from the sale of Terra amounted to $237.2 million for tax reporting
purposes.
On March 24, 1993, the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") issued a statutory
notice to Farmland asserting deficiencies in federal income taxes (exclusive of
statutory interest thereon) in the aggregate amount of $70.8 million. The
asserted deficiencies relate primarily to Farmland's tax treatment of the
$237.2 million gain resulting from its sale of the stock of Terra and the IRS's
contention that Farmland incorrectly treated the Terra sale gain as patronage-
sourced income against which certain patronage-sourced operating losses could be
offset. The statutory notice further asserts that, among other things, Farmland
incorrectly characterized for tax purposes gains aggregating approximately
$14.6 million, and a loss of approximately $2.3 million from dispositions of
certain other assets.
On June 11, 1993, Farmland filed a petition in the United States Tax Court
contesting the asserted deficiencies in their entirety. The case was tried on
June 13-15, 1995. The parties submitted post-trial briefs to the court in
September 1995 and reply briefs were submitted to the court in November 1995.
If the United States Tax Court decides in favor of the IRS on all
unresolved issues raised in the statutory notice, Farmland would have additional
federal and state income tax liabilities aggregating approximately $85.8
million plus accumulating statutory interest thereon (approximately
$306.6 million through May 31, 1999), or $392.4 million (before tax benefits of
the interest deduction) in the aggregate at May 31, 1999. In addition, such a
decision would affect the computation of Farmland's taxable income for its 1989
tax year and could increase Farmland's federal and state income taxes for that
year by approximately $15.3 million (including accumulated statutory interest).
The asserted federal and state income tax liabilities and accumulated interest
would become immediately due and payable unless Farmland appealed the decision
and posted the requisite bond to stay assessment and collection.
In March 1998, Farmland received notice from the IRS assessing the
$15.3 million tax and accumulated statutory interest related to Farmland's 1989
tax year (as described above). In order to establish the trial court in which
initial litigation, if any, of the dispute would occur and to stop the
accumulation of interest, we deposited funds with the IRS in the amount of the
assessment. After making the deposit, we filed for a refund of the entire
amount deposited.
The liability resulting from an adverse decision by the United States Tax
Court would be charged to operations in the period during which such decision is
received and would have a material adverse effect on Farmland. In the event of
such an adverse determination of the Terra tax issue, certain financial
covenants of our Syndicated Credit Facility (the "Credit Facility"), dated May
15, 1996, become less restrictive. Had the United States Tax Court decided in
favor of the IRS on all unresolved issues, and had all related additional
federal and state income taxes and accumulated interest been due and payable on
May 31, 1999, our borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility was adequate at
that time to finance the liability. However, Farmland's ability to finance such
an adverse decision depends substantially on the financial effects of future
operating events on its borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility.
No provision has been made in the Consolidated Financial Statements for
federal or state income taxes (or interest thereon) in respect of the IRS claims
described above. Farmland believes that it has meritorious positions with
respect to all of these claims.
In the opinion of Bryan Cave LLP, Farmland's special tax counsel, it is
more likely than not that the courts will ultimately conclude that our treatment
of the Terra sale gain was substantially, if not entirely, correct. Such
counsel has further advised, however, that none of the issues involved in this
dispute is free from doubt, and there can be no assurance that the courts will
ultimately rule in Farmland's favor on any of these issues.
(B) ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
We are aware of probable obligations under state and federal environmental
laws at 40 properties. At May 31, 1999, we have an environmental accrual in our
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet for probable and reasonably estimated costs
for remediation of contaminated properties of $20.5 million. We periodically
review and, as appropriate, revise our environmental accruals. Based on current
information and regulatory requirements, Farmland believes that the accruals
established for environmental expenditures are adequate.
Farmland's actual final costs of addressing certain environmental matters
are not quantifiable, and therefore have not been accrued, because such matters
are in preliminary stages and the timing, extent and costs of various actions
which governmental authorities may require are currently unknown. Management is
aware of other environmental matters for which there is a reasonable possibility
that Farmland will incur costs to resolve. It is possible that the costs of
resolution of the matters described in this paragraph may exceed the liabilities
which, in the opinion of management, are probable and reasonably estimable at
May 31, 1999. In the opinion of management, it is reasonably possible for such
additional costs to be approximately $10.3 million.
The environmental accrual discussed above covers certain matters in
connection with which the Environmental Protection Agency has designated us as a
potentially responsible party ("PRP") or a responsible party ("RP") under the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA"),
at various National Priority List ("NPL") sites.
Under the Resource Conservation Recovery Act of 1976 (''RCRA''), Farmland
has three closure and four post-closure plans in place for multiple locations.
Closure and post-closure plans also are in place for three landfills and two
injection wells as required by state regulations. These closure and post-closure
costs are estimated to be $4.9 million at May 31, 1999 (and are in addition to
the $20.5 million accrual and the $10.3 million discussed in the prior
paragraphs). We accrue these liabilities when plans for termination of plant
operations have been made. Operations are ongoing at these locations and we do
not plan to terminate such operations in the foreseeable future. Therefore,
Farmland has not accrued these environmental exit costs.
(4) SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF INVESTEES ACCOUNTED FOR BY THE EQUITY
METHOD
Summarized financial information of investees accounted for by the equity
method for the nine months ended May 31, 1998 and May 31, 1999 is as follows:
May 31, May 31,
1998 1999
(Amounts in Thousands)
Net sales..................................... $ 1,137,986 $ 2,050,391
Net income.................................... $ 81,118 $ 73,559
Farmland's equity in net income............... $ 40,323 $ 41,413
Our investments accounted for by the equity method consist principally of
50% equity interests in three manufacturers of crop production products,
Farmland Hydro, L.P., SF Phosphates Limited Company and Farmland MissChem,
Limited; a 50% equity interest in a distributor of crop protection products,
WILFARM, LLC; and, during the nine months ended May 31, 1999, a 50% equity
interest in a grain marketing entity, Concourse Grain, LLC., and a 50% equity
interest in a grain procurement, marketing and services entity, Farmland-Atwood,
LLC, both of which were organized in July 1998. On May 24, 1999, the owners of
Concourse Grain LLC, voted to liquidate the venture. We anticipate that the
liquidation will occur during the fourth quarter of fiscal 1999. This
liquidation will not have a significant impact on our grain business or on our
consolidated financial statements. On May 28, 1999, we acquired the remaining
50% interest in Farmland-Atwood, LLC for approximately $7.8 million.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The information contained herein and the 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 the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 1998.
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.
Debt securities issued under the continuous public debt offering are
offered on a best-efforts basis through our wholly owned broker-dealer
subsidiary, Farmland Securities Company. The types of securities included in the
continuous debt offering include certificates payable on demand and subordinated
debt securities. The total amount of such debt outstanding and the flow of
funds to or from Farmland as a result of the continuous debt offering are
influenced by the rate of interest which we establish for each type or series of
debt security offered and by our option to call for redemption certain of the
outstanding debt securities. During the nine months ended May 31, 1999, the
outstanding balance of demand certificates decreased by $1.5 million and the
outstanding balance of subordinated debt securities increased by $68.1 million.
In May 1996, Farmland entered into the Credit Facility with various
participating banks. The Credit Facility provides a $1.1 billion credit
(subject to compliance with certain financial covenants) consisting of an
annually renewable short-term credit of up to $650.0 million and revolving
long-term credit of up to $450.0 million.
Farmland pays commitment fees under the Credit Facility equal to 1/5 of 1%
annually on the unused portion of the short-term credit and 1/4 of 1% annually
on the unused portion of the long-term credit. In addition, Farmland must comply
with financial covenants regarding working capital, the ratio of certain debts
to average cash flow, and the ratio of equity to total capitalization, all as
defined in the Credit Facility. The short-term credit provided under the Credit
Facility is reviewed and/or renewed annually. The next scheduled review date is
in May 2000. The revolving long-term credit provided under the Credit Facility
expires in May 2001.
At May 31, 1999, we had incurred $368.6 million of short-term borrowings
under the Credit Facility and $180 million of revolving term borrowings.
Additionally, $41.6 million of the Credit Facility was utilized to support
letters of credit. At May 31, 1999, we had capacity to borrow $242.2 million
under the short-term credit. Requirements under the Credit Facility limit
current availability under the long-term credit to $148.6 million.
Farmland maintains other borrowing arrangements with banks and financial
institutions. Under such agreements at May 31, 1999, $47.0 million was borrowed.
Farmland National Beef Packing Company, L.P. ("FNBPC") has a five year
$130.0 million credit facility which expires March 31, 2003. This facility is
provided by various participating banks and all borrowings thereunder are
nonrecourse to Farmland or Farmland's other affiliates. At May 31, 1999, FNBPC
had borrowings under this facility of $84.0 million, and $3.3 million of the
facility was being utilized to support letters of credit. FNBPC has pledged
certain assets to support its borrowings under the facility.
Our international grain trading subsidiaries (collectively referred to as
"Tradigrain") have borrowing agreements with various international banks which
provide financing and letters of credit to support current international grain
trading transactions. Obligations of Tradigrain under these loan agreements are
nonrecourse to Farmland or Farmland's other affiliates. At May 31, 1999, these
borrowings totaled $77.3 million.
Leveraged leasing has been utilized to finance railcars and a significant
portion of our fertilizer production equipment. In December 1997, Farmland
entered into a series of agreements which provide for the construction and
operation under a long-term lease of facilities adjacent to our petroleum
refinery at Coffeyville, Kansas. These facilities are designed to convert
petroleum coke by-products into fertilizers. When the facilities are completed
in the fall of 1999, Farmland will be obligated to make future minimum lease
payments with an approximate present value of $223 million. Alternatively, we
have an option to purchase the facilities for a purchase price equal to the
facilities' construction costs less any portion of the original construction
cost previously paid. In the event Farmland should default on the obligations
described above, future lease obligations may be accelerated. If accelerated,
obligations due and payable would total approximately $263 million, all of
which would be senior to the subordinated debt securities. Upon payment of such
amount, we would receive title to the assets.
In the opinion of management, these arrangements for capital are adequate
for the Company's present operating and capital plans. Additionally, growth and
investment opportunities and alternative financing arrangements are continuously
evaluated.
Net cash from operating activities for the nine months ended May 31, 1999
decreased $162.4 million from the same period of the prior year reflecting
primarily the net loss for the nine months ended May 31, 1999 discussed below
and an increase in grain and fertilizer inventories. Major uses of cash during
the nine months ended May 31, 1999 include: $137.0 million used in operations,
$23.7 million for patronage refunds distributed from income of the 1998 fiscal
year, $17.3 million for net additions to investments and notes receivable
(excluding joint ventures) $23.1 million for acquisition of other long term
assets and $82.0 million for capital expenditures. Major sources of cash
include: $123.2 million from a net increase of bank loans and other notes
payable, $68.1 million from the net increase of subordinated debt certificates
outstanding, $40.6 million of distributions from joint ventures, $58.3 million
from an increase in the balance of checks and drafts outstanding and $7.3
million from a decrease in cash and cash equivalents.
In 1993, the IRS issued a statutory notice to Farmland asserting
significant deficiencies in federal income taxes and statutory interest thereon.
Farmland filed a petition in the United States Tax Court contesting the asserted
deficiencies in their entirety. See Note 3 of the Notes to the Condensed
Consolidated Financial Statements.
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. Historically, the majority of
farm supply products are sold in the spring. Sales in the beef and grain
marketing businesses historically have been concentrated in the summer. Summer
is the lowest sales period for pork products.
Farmland's revenues, margins and net income depend, to a large extent, on
conditions affecting 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 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 our 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 may be
volatile as conditions affecting agriculture and markets for our products
change.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR NINE MONTHS ENDED MAY 31, 1999 COMPARED TO NINE MONTHS
ENDED MAY 31, 1998.
For the nine months ended May 31, 1999, our sales were $7.8 billion
compared with sales of $6.7 billion for the same period last year. For the nine
months ended May 31, 1999, we had a net loss of $11.7 million compared with net
income of $55.3 million for the same period last year.
SALES
On the input side of our business, compared with the same period last
year, sales of the petroleum segment decreased $176.8 million and sales of the
crop production segment decreased $101.1 million in the nine months ended May
31, 1999, while sales of the feed segment increased $13.6 million. Lower global
demand for petroleum products combined with an industry wide building of
inventory and strong supply streams of petroleum products created an environment
in which unit sales decreased 10% and the average unit price of refined fuels
(gasoline, diesel and distillates) and propane decreased 17%. Nitrogen unit
sales for the nine months ended May 31, 1999 were comparable to unit sales for
the same period last year while the average unit selling prices of nitrogen
fertilizers decreased 11%. The nitrogen fertilizer industry has experienced
market price declines due to increased worldwide supplies of nitrogen and the
decreased demand for fertilizer in response to decreased unit prices that
producers realize for their grain. These adverse conditions were exacerbated by
the heavy spring rains throughout Farmland's market area, which also lessened
demand. As a result of the above market conditions, subsequent to quarter-end,
Farmland ceased production of urea ammonia nitrate ("UAN") at one of our
facilities and we anticipate we will cease production at a second nitrogen
fertilizer facility (see "Recent Developments" on page 15). Sales of the feed
business increased primarily due to geographic expansion.
On the output side of our business, sales in the food processing and
marketing business (the "meats group") increased $23.2 million, or 1% in the
nine months ended May 31, 1999, as compared to the same period last year. This
increase is primarily attributable to higher unit sales of both beef and pork
products of approximately 9% and 5%, respectively, and 4% higher unit prices for
beef, partially offset by lower unit prices for pork. Sales of the grain
business increased by $1.3 billion. The primary cause of this increase in sales
is the change in Tradigrain's business from grain brokerage operations to
buy/sell operations. Due to this change, Tradigrain records the full value of
each sale as revenue and the cost of acquisition as cost of goods sold rather
than recognizing as revenue only the net margins on transactions. This resulted
in additional sales of $1.3 billion for the nine months ended May 31, 1999
compared with the nine months ended May 31, 1998.
NET INCOME (LOSS)
The net loss for the nine months ended May 31, 1999 was $11.7 million
compared with net income of $55.3 million for the same period in the prior year.
This decrease was principally the result of an $82.1 million decrease in the
operating income in Farmland's agricultural input businesses and higher general
and administrative expenses not identified to any business segment of $23.0
million, partly offset by a $31.9 million increase in the operating income of
the food processing and marketing business. In addition, an income tax benefit
of $16.2 million was recognized on Farmland's nonmember loss (the taxable
portion of our cooperative business) incurred during the nine months ended May
31, 1999.
Crop Production's income, including our share of venture income, for the
nine months ended May 31, 1999 was $19.5 million compared with income, including
our share of venture income, of $79.7 million for the same period last year.
This change was primarily attributable to lower nitrogen fertilizer margins.
Nitrogen margins decreased primarily due to lower average selling prices which
declined as a result of additional global fertilizer production capacity
combined with reduced domestic demand and lower demand in the East Asian market,
particularly China.
The petroleum business had a $4.2 million operating loss (after the $8.6
million partial recovery of last year's adjustment of crude oil and refined
petroleum inventories to the lower of LIFO cost or market value) for the nine
months ended May 31, 1999 compared with operating income of $18.5 million the
same period last year. Strong industry-wide production of gasoline and
distillates combined with lower demand for these products reduced the spread
between crude oil costs and refined products selling prices and prohibited full
recovery of selling and administrative costs in this business.
Operating income in the meats group for the nine months ended May 31, 1999
increased $31.9 million compared to the prior period. This increase is
primarily attributable to increased pork and beef unit margins due to lower live
hog and cattle prices. These improved margins were partially offset by losses
in livestock production that were also the result of low live hog prices.
Operating income in the grain business segment for the nine months ended
May 31, 1999 decreased $0.5 million compared to the same period last year. This
decrease is primarily attributable to a decrease in gross margins, partly offset
by higher storage revenues.
Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses increased $48.6
million, or 16%, from the same period last year. SG&A expenses directly
attributable to business segments increased approximately $25.6 million and
these expenses have been included in the determination of operating income of
such segments. SG&A expenses not identified to business segments increased
$23.0 million, primarily as a result of the acquisition of SF Services, Inc.
("SFS") in July of last year, the related expansion of our operations in the
states previously serviced by SFS and from increased costs of information
services, partly offset by a decrease in variable compensation expense.
Other income decreased $7.9 million for the nine months ended May 31, 1999
as compared to the same period last year. This decrease is primarily
attributable to the inclusion in other income for the nine months ended May 31,
1998 of a gain of $7.2 million on the sale of approximately 3.8% of Farmland's
ownership interest in FNBPC.
Income from transactions with members distributed by Farmland as qualified
patronage refunds is taxable income of our members and not taxable income of
Farmland. Farmland's taxable income or loss is from non-member business. The
effective tax rate on non-member income (loss) is approximately 38.5%. During
the nine months ended May 31, 1999, transactions with nonmembers generated a
loss while transactions with members generated income. When the effective rate
(38.5%) is applied to the estimated nonmember loss, the resulting income tax
benefit is approximately 58% of the loss before income taxes (estimated member
income net of estimated nonmember loss).
Operating income in the crop production, petroleum and food processing and
marketing businesses, to a significant degree, is attributable to the spread
between selling prices and raw material costs (the natural gas in nitrogen-based
plant nutrients, the crude oil in petroleum products and live hogs and cattle in
the food processing and marketing business). We cannot determine the direction
or magnitude to which these factors will affect our cash flow and net income.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THREE MONTHS ENDED MAY 31, 1999 COMPARED TO THREE
MONTHS ENDED MAY 31, 1998.
For the three months ended May 31, 1999, Farmland had sales of $2.7
billion compared with sales of $2.2 billion for the same period last year. The
net loss for the three months ended May 31, 1999 was $7.4 million compared with
net income of $34.9 million for the same period last year. The changes in sales
and operating income are attributable principally to the factors discussed above
under the caption "Results of Operations for Nine Months Ended May 31, 1999
Compared to Nine Months Ended May 31, 1998."
YEAR 2000
As the end of this century nears, there are concerns about potential
problems which may arise at the turn of the millennium because many current
computer systems and software products are coded to accept only two digit
entries in date code fields. Before the year 2000, these systems and software
products will need an upgrade in order to recognize differences between dates
in the 21st century and dates in the 20th century. If not adequately addressed,
these technology problems have a potential to cause widespread business
interruptions, litigation and liability. Significant uncertainty exists, as to
whether adequate resources are available to minimize these potentially serious
problems by the year 2000.
Since the mid-1980's, we have striven to maintain Year 2000 compliance for
all applications developed in-house. The challenge is that a substantial
percentage of the applications used for normal business processing have been
purchased from outside vendors. Historically, vendors were not required to
commit to Year 2000 compliance. However, all new software contracts include
Year 2000 compliance warranties.
In April 1997, Farmland and Ernst & Young, LLP formed One System Group,
LLC ("OSG"), a joint venture. OSG has approximately 400 employees and is the
sole supplier of information technology ("IT") services to Farmland. The
initial focus of OSG involves the implementation of Systems, Applications,
Products in Data Processing ("SAP") software as an enterprise wide solution for
processing Farmland's business transactions and for management reporting. One
of the many important benefits of the implementation of SAP is that it is Year
2000 compliant. Its installation will eliminate a large amount of the Year
2000 risk inherent in our systems and software. Therefore, mission critical
(critical to the basic operation of Farmland's businesses) IT projects have not
been deferred because of Year 2000 readiness efforts.
Farmland formalized its Year 2000 program with OSG in the fall of 1997.
Through this program, Year 2000 readiness was defined by criteria which, if
satisfied, would demonstrate that systems and applications programs function
correctly after the turn of the century without abnormal results. In addition,
systems and applications were categorized as "high risk" or "low risk" according
to the respective level of impact on the continuation of business by Farmland at
the turn of the century. Further, the program established minimum acceptance
testing procedures for evaluating whether systems and applications met Year 2000
compliant criteria.
A comprehensive IT software inventory and assessment was then completed by
OSG. As a result of this readiness assessment, Farmland believes that it has
identified all noncompliant systems.
To address the state of readiness condition, Farmland established an
Oversight Committee consisting of the Chief Information Officer of OSG, the
Chief Financial Officer and the General Counsel of Farmland and created a Year
2000 Program Office.
The Oversight Committee has responsibility for both IT and non-IT systems
(embedded technologies such as microcontrollers built into machinery) and has a
direct reporting relationship to the Farmland Board of Directors. The Oversight
Committee has delegated Year 2000 compliance responsibility for non-IT systems
to management of the respective plants or facilities. The Year 2000 issues of
all process control systems and other non-IT systems have been identified.
Certain of the non-IT Year 2000 issues have been fixed. The other non-IT
systems or application programs are scheduled to be replaced and tested.
Farmland has not separately tracked the replacement cost and time related to
non-IT systems. However, we believe these costs have not had a material adverse
effect on our operating results.
Farmland has contracted with an outside vendor (Electronic Data Care
("EDC")) to inspect and remediate all processor related Year 2000 issues in its
meat plants. This inspection and remediation is currently underway. To date,
EDC has uncovered few defects. Defects that have been identified are being
remediated or the equipment is being replaced.
The Program Office organizes and administers Year 2000 projects related to
IT systems. The Program Office maintains a detailed project plan to complete and
test projects within specific time frames. The Program Office continuously
monitors the status of the SAP implementation and re-assesses the risk areas
depending on movement of that system's implementation schedule. The Program
Office provides a monthly update of Year 2000 progress to the Oversight
Committee. The Program Office has revised the estimated hours required for Year
2000 projects related to IT systems to approximately 44,000 hours and the
overall cost to approximately $6.2 million. Through May 1999, approximately
29,000 hours of such work had been performed. The targeted completion of the
remaining test and remediation work is September 1, 1999. During September
1999, OSG and Farmland will complete the development of a standard contingency
plan that includes a policy and procedure that will be used in the event that
any process fails to work as a result of a year 2000 problem.
Farmland believes that the quantity and quality of resources it has
committed to address its Year 2000 project are adequate to obtain a Year 2000
state of readiness and it believes all significant modifications required to
reach a state of readiness for Year 2000 will be completed by the year 2000.
However, despite all of our reasonable efforts to resolve our Year 2000 issues,
as described above, no assurances can be given that the level of Year 2000
readiness actually attained will eliminate all potential material effects that
Year 2000 problems might have on Farmland's business, results of operations, or
financial condition. It is not, and will not, be possible for us to represent
that we have achieved complete Year 2000 compliance.
Farmland does not know all of the consequences of its most reasonably
likely worst case Year 2000 scenario. We cannot address the virtually unlimited
number of differing circumstances relating to what might be its most reasonably
likely worst case. Farmland is and intends to continue to address this
uncertainty through activities of its Oversight Committee and Program Office, as
described above.
Farmland has distributed a survey to its significant customers and vendors
to determine their state of Year 2000 readiness. However, responses to the
survey questionnaire have not provided a basis to conclude whether such
customers and vendors are Year 2000 compliant. Further, Farmland has not
conducted and does not plan to conduct tests designed to confirm compatibility
of its information systems as modified for Year 2000 issues with those of its
significant customers and vendors. We will rely on the integrity of its vendors
and customers to resolve their Year 2000 issues.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
Farmland and Cenex Harvest States Cooperatives announced on May 6, 1999
that they are considering a complete unification. Negotiations are ongoing with
a tentative goal of completing the unification by June 1, 2000.
Farmland and National Cooperative Refinery Association ("NCRA") are
exploring the potential economic benefits that might be realized from forming an
operating alliance. The alliance would involve the Farmland refinery located in
Coffeyville, Kansas and the NCRA refinery located in McPherson, Kansas, as well
as other petroleum assets. We anticipate that this alliance will be consummated
early in fiscal year 2000.
In response to the continued reduced nitrogen fertilizer demand,
subsequent to May 31, 1999, Farmland stopped production of UAN at our Enid,
Oklahoma facility. We are unable at this time to determine when the Enid
facility will resume production. We also anticipate a cessation of ammonia and
UAN production at our Lawrence, Kansas facility by fiscal year-end.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" was issued in June 1998 by the
FASB and is effective for fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 1999. An
exposure has been issued which proposes the effective date be delayed for one
year. We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, that adoption of the
provisions of SFAS No. 133 will have on its 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, 1998. 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, 1998.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT FOR PURPOSES OF THE "SAFE HARBOR" PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE
SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
We 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 makes them 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, Farmland's assessment of its Year 2000 readiness,
the total cost and the estimated completion date to remediate Year 2000 issues,
the continuation of current operating trends through the end of this fiscal
year, the ultimate consummation of proposed ventures or alliances, the
consummation of our proposed unification with Cenex Harvest States, the impact
of seasonal demand on the profitability of the crop production business, the
consequences of an adverse judgment in certain litigations (including the Terra
litigation), and our ability to fully and timely complete modifications and
expansions with respect to certain manufacturing facilities. 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.actors 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, litigation
settlements, adverse rulings or judgments, 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, 1998.
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
(A) EXHIBITS
The exhibits listed below are filed as part of Form 10-Q for quarter ended
May 31, 1999.
Exhibit No. Description of Exhibits
10.(iii)A Employment Agreement between Farmland and Mr. H. D.
Cleberg, dated May 1, 1999
10.(iii)B Employment Agreement between Farmland and Mr. Robert
Honse, dated June 7, 1999
10.(iii)C Summary of severance and retention bonus plan for
certain management employees of Farmland, dated June
7, 1999.
27 Financial Data Schedule
(B) FARMLAND FILED A REPORT ON FORM 8-K, ITEM 5. "OTHER EVENTS" ON MAY 6,
1999 AND AN AMENDMENT TO THAT REPORT MAY 7, 1999. THE REPORT ON FORM 8-K
DESCRIBED FARMLAND'S POSSIBLE COMBINATION WITH CENEX HARVEST STATES
COOPERATIVES.
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.
FARMLAND INDUSTRIES, INC.
(Registrant)
By: /s/ TERRY M. CAMPBELL
Terry M. Campbell
Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
Date: July 14, 1999