SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q (Mark One) [X] Quarterly Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the quarterly period ended November 30, 1997. [ ] 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 333-17865 HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) MINNESOTA 41-0251095 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) incorporation or organization) 1667 NORTH SNELLING AVENUE, ST. PAUL, MN 55108 (Address of principal executive offices and zip code) (612) 646-9433 (Registrant's telephone number including area code) Include 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 _______ Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. NONE NONE (Class) (Number of shares outstanding at November 30, 1997) INDEX PAGE NO. PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of May 31, 1997, and November 30, 1997 Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the three months and six months ended November 30, 1996, and November 30, 1997 Consolidated Statement of Capital for the six months ended November 30, 1997 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months and six months ended November 30, 1996, and November 30, 1997 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations OILSEED PROCESSING AND REFINING DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT (A DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT OF HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES) Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited) Balance Sheets as of May 31, 1997, and November 30, 1997 Statements of Earnings for the three months and six months ended November 30, 1996, and November 30, 1997 Statement of Defined Business Unit Equity for the six months ended November 30, 1997 Statements of Cash Flows for the three months and six months ended November 30, 1996, and November 30, 1997 Notes to Financial Statements Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations WHEAT MILLING DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT (A DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT OF HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES) Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited) Balance Sheets as of May 31, 1997, and November 30, 1997 Statements of Earnings for the three months and six months ended November 30, 1996, and November 30, 1997 Statement of Defined Business Unit Equity for the six months ended November 30, 1997 Statements of Cash Flows for the three months and six months ended November 30, 1996 and November 30, 1997 Notes to Financial Statements Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations PART II. OTHER INFORMATION Items 1 through 5 have been omitted since all items are inapplicable or answers are negative Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K SIGNATURE PAGE PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995 This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such differences include, but are not limited to: SUPPLY AND DEMAND FORCES. The Company may be adversely affected by supply and demand relationships, both domestic and international. Supply is affected by weather conditions, disease, insect damage, acreage planted, government regulation and policies and commodity price levels. Demand may be affected by foreign governments and their programs, relationships of foreign countries with the United States, the affluence of foreign countries, acts of war, currency exchange fluctuations, and substitution of commodities. Demand may also be affected by changes in eating habits, by population growth and increased or decreased per capita consumption of some products. PRICE RISKS. Upon purchase, the Company has risks of carrying grain, including price changes and performance risks (including delivery, quality, quantity and shipment period), depending upon the type of purchase contract entered into. The Company is exposed to risk of loss in the market value of positions held, consisting of grain inventory and purchase contracts at a fixed or partially fixed price, in the event market prices decrease. The Company is also exposed to risk of loss on its fixed price or partially fixed price sales contracts in the event market prices increase. To reduce the price change risks associated with holding fixed priced positions, the Company generally takes opposite and offsetting positions by entering into grain commodity futures contracts (either a straight futures contract or an option futures contract) on regulated commodity futures exchanges. PROCESSING AND REFINING BUSINESS COMPETITION. The industry is highly competitive. Competitors are adding new plants and expanding capacity of existing plants. Unless exports increase or existing refineries are closed, this extra capacity is likely to put additional pressure on prices and erode margins, adversely affecting the profitability of the Processing and Refining Defined Business Unit. MILLING BUSINESS COMPETITIVE TRENDS. Certain major competitors of the Wheat Milling Defined Business Unit have developed long-term relationships with customers by locating plants adjacent to pasta manufacturing plants. This trend could potentially decrease the future demand for semolina from nonintegrated millers. The forward-looking statements herein are qualified in their entirety by the cautions and risk factors set forth in Exhibit 99, under the caption "Cautionary Statement" to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for the quarter ended November 30, 1997. HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES AND SUBSIDIARIES ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS ASSETS May 31, November 30, 1997 1997 -------------- -------------- (unaudited) CURRENT ASSETS: Cash $ 38,064,191 $ 2,245,153 Receivables 267,517,690 436,004,025 Inventories 248,373,247 233,143,744 Prepaid expenses and deposits 25,562,366 27,867,010 -------------- -------------- Total current assets 579,517,494 699,259,932 OTHER ASSETS: Investments 126,547,616 133,854,590 Other 46,489,678 45,500,573 -------------- -------------- Total other assets 173,037,294 179,355,163 PROPERTY PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 224,150,965 230,106,239 -------------- -------------- $ 976,705,753 $1,108,721,334 ============== ============== LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL CURRENT LIABILITIES: Notes payable $ 98,000,000 $ 90,000,000 Patron credit balances 25,190,513 60,514,205 Advances received on grain sales 125,071,207 222,668,118 Drafts outstanding 32,698,943 22,845,140 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 152,451,010 165,600,322 Patronage dividends payable 13,200,000 6,700,000 Current portion of long-term debt 21,094,774 15,967,258 -------------- -------------- Total current liabilities 467,706,447 584,295,043 LONG-TERM DEBT 113,363,692 106,653,062 OTHER LIABILITIES 10,536,301 11,389,648 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES CAPITAL 385,099,313 406,383,581 -------------- -------------- $ 976,705,753 $1,108,721,334 ============== ============== See notes to consolidated financial statements HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (UNAUDITED) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended November 30, November 30, -------------------------------------------------------------------- 1996 1997 1996 1997 ---- ---- ---- ---- REVENUES: Sales: Grain and oilseed $1,672,730,009 $1,442,338,208 $3,548,642,198 $2,472,385,914 Processed grain and oilseed 161,829,937 162,169,586 396,378,362 292,939,241 Feed and farm supplies 52,821,096 57,313,351 113,824,347 112,519,011 -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- 1,887,381,042 1,661,821,145 4,058,844,907 2,877,844,166 Patronage dividends 223,055 142,660 4,727,294 5,323,088 Other revenues 18,969,411 24,397,301 33,809,212 42,536,389 -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- 1,906,573,508 1,686,361,106 4,097,381,413 2,925,703,643 COSTS AND EXPENSES: Cost of good sold 1,873,001,959 1,643,680,869 4,029,924,953 2,851,116,998 Marketing, general and administrative 17,332,582 19,057,335 36,927,696 35,220,185 Interest 3,796,463 4,506,994 8,418,249 7,642,071 -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- 1,894,131,004 1,667,245,198 4,075,270,898 2,893,979,254 -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES 12,442,504 19,115,908 22,110,515 31,724,389 INCOME TAXES 1,450,000 2,200,000 2,600,000 3,600,000 -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- NET EARNINGS $ 10,992,504 $ 16,915,908 $ 19,510,515 $ 28,124,389 ============== ============== ============== ============== See notes to consolidated financial statements HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CAPITAL WHEAT PATRONAGE NONPATRONAGE MILLING TOTAL CERTIFICATES CERTIFICATES EPUs ------------- ------------- ------------ ---------- BALANCE AT MAY 31, 1997: Stated as capital $ 385,099,313 $ 267,384,011 $ 15,144,440 $9,574,000 Stated as current liability 13,200,000 Distribution of patronage dividends payable for preceding year including cash payment of $13,414,713 (unaudited) (13,414,713) 31,300,952 Redemption of capital equity certificates (unaudited) (3,626,759) (3,393,381) (233,378) Equities issued (unaudited) 3,684,195 3,684,195 Other (unaudited) 17,156 66,928 (287) Net earnings (unaudited) 28,124,389 Patronage dividends payable in cash, stated as a current liability (unaudited) (6,700,000) ------------- ------------- ------------ ---------- BALANCE AT NOVEMBER 30, 1997 (unaudited) $ 406,383,581 $ 299,042,705 $ 14,910,775 $9,574,000 ============= ============= ============ ========== [WIDE TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE] OILSEED PROCESSING & REFINING PATRONAGE CAPITAL EPUs PAYABLE RESERVE ------------ ------------ ----------- BALANCE AT MAY 31, 1997: Stated as capital $ 4,296,000 $ 30,800,000 $57,900,862 Stated as current liability 13,200,000 Distribution of patronage dividends payable for preceding year including cash payment of $13,414,713 (unaudited) (44,000,000) (715,665) Redemption of capital equity certificates (unaudited) Equities issued (unaudited) Other (unaudited) (49,485) Net earnings (unaudited) 22,300,000 5,824,389 Patronage dividends payable in cash, stated as a current liability (unaudited) (6,700,000) ------------ ------------ ----------- BALANCE AT NOVEMBER 30, 1997 (unaudited) $ 4,296,000 $ 15,600,000 $62,960,101 ============ ============ =========== See notes to consolidated financial statements HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended November 30, November 30, ------------------------------------------------------------------- 1996 1997 1996 1997 ---- ---- ---- ---- CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net earnings $ 10,992,504 $ 16,915,908 $ 19,510,515 $ 28,124,389 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows: Depreciation and amortization 4,061,721 5,239,505 9,775,558 11,150,634 Noncash income from joint ventures (2,553,358) (4,134,017) (4,306,933) (7,286,418) Noncash portion of patronage dividends received (292,824) (18,447) (3,205,478) (3,562,753) Loss (gain) on sale of property, plant, and equipment 156,504 (106,158) 188,574 (206,209) Change in assets and liabilities: Receivables 43,193,921 (162,704,766) (6,914,154) (168,518,517) Inventories (47,234,295) (65,459,436) 213,976,059 15,229,503 Patron credit balances 49,882,979 22,232,293 100,880,153 35,323,693 Advances received on grain and oilseed sales 33,677,071 83,848,289 57,896,714 97,596,912 Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and drafts outstanding 33,332,287 21,462,485 24,595,349 4,185,902 Prepaid expenses, deposits, and other (4,634,110) 578,849 10,306,262 (540,744) ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- Total adjustments 109,589,896 (99,061,403) 403,192,104 (16,627,997) ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 120,582,400 (82,145,495) 422,702,619 11,496,392 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from disposition of property, plant, and equipment 916,051 11,469,798 1,005,267 11,968,907 Investments redeemed 4,377,730 3,775,363 5,900,025 5,384,630 Acquisition of property, plant, and equipment (13,939,249) (11,957,345) (25,347,024) (27,322,614) Payments on notes receivable 13,606 41,078 213,701 101,559 Investments (1,252,156) (545,000) (1,252,156) (550,000) Investments in joint ventures (1,300,000) (5,000) 7,215,059 (5,000) Other (621,747) (8,522) 381,976 (23,294) ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (11,805,765) 2,770,372 (11,883,152) (10,445,812) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net repayments under line of credit agreements (9,000,000) 90,000,000 (324,000,000) (8,000,000) Long-term debt borrowings 10,000,000 10,000,000 Principal payments on long-term debt (3,316,422) (3,640,045) (6,398,286) (6,944,261) Principal payments under capital lease obligations (7,964) (8,929) (542,881) (4,883,885) Redemption of capital equity certificates (1,602,892) (1,474,146) (3,242,136) (3,626,759) Cash patronage dividends paid (13,295,713) (13,414,713) (13,295,713) (13,414,713) ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (17,222,991) 71,462,167 (337,479,016) (36,869,618) ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH 91,553,644 (7,912,956) 73,340,451 (35,819,038) CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD 3,213,034 10,158,109 21,426,227 38,064,191 ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- CASH AT END OF PERIOD $ 94,766,678 $ 2,245,153 $ 94,766,678 $ 2,245,153 ============= ============= ============= ============= See notes to consolidated financial statements HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED MAY 31, 1997 AND THREE MONTHS AND SIX MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 1997 AND 1996 (UNAUDITED) NOTE 1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, such unaudited consolidated financial statements include all adjustments (consisting of only normal, recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation thereof. Operating results for the six-month period ended November 30, 1997 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending May 31, 1998. These statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and footnotes included in the Company's financial statements for the year ended May 31, 1997 included in the Company's Report on Form 10-K dated August 26, 1997, previously filed with the Commission. Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year's financial statements to conform to the current year presentation. NOTE 2. RECEIVABLES May 31, November 30, 1997 1997 ---------------- ------------------ Trade............................. $213,501,012 $368,640,510 Elevator accounts................. 56,172,256 71,604,143 Other............................. 8,819,422 7,588,987 ---------------- ------------------ 278,492,690 447,833,640 Less allowance for losses......... (10,975,000) (11,829,615) ---------------- ------------------ $267,517,690 $436,004,025 ================ ================== NOTE 3. INVENTORIES May 31, November 30, 1997 1997 ---------------- ------------------ Grain and oilseed.................... $176,605,333 $180,145,795 Processed grain and oilseed products. 35,139,534 36,647,015 Feed and Farm supplies............... 36,628,380 16,350,934 ================ ================== $248,373,247 $233,143,744 ================ ================== NOTE 4. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW STATEMENT INFORMATION Additional information concerning supplemental disclosures of cash flow activities are as follows: November 30, November 30, 1996 1997 ---------------- ------------------ Net cash paid during the six months ended: Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 10,632,954 $ 7,909,406 Income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,415,580 1,337,582 ITEM 2.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS On November 17, 1997 the boards of directors of the Company and Cenex, Inc. entered into a non-binding memorandum of intent which outlined the process and desired timetable for the regional cooperatives unification discussions. These discussions are still ongoing. Cenex, Inc. is a cooperative with operations centering on providing supplies and services to its members, including refined fuels, propane, lubricants, tires and accessories, plant food and crop protection products. In fiscal year ending September 30, 1997 Cenex had annual sales of approximately $3 billion and had equity of approximately $600 million. The Company already has close ties with Cenex, since it is one of Cenex's largest customers for agronomy products. The two cooperatives also have similar membership areas. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS COMPARISON OF THREE MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 1997 WITH 1996 The Company's consolidated net earnings for the three months ended November 30, 1997 and 1996 were $16,900,000 and $11,000,000, respectively, which represents a $5,900,000 (54%) increase for the period ended in 1997. This increase in net earnings is primarily the result of improved grain margins in the 1997 period compared to 1996. Consolidated net sales of $1,662,000,000 decreased $225,000,000 (12%) during the three-month period ended November 30, 1997 compared to the same period in 1996. Grain volume of approximately 306,000,000 bushels during the three months ended November 30, 1997 declined 68,000,000 bushels compared to 1996. This decline in grain volume was partially offset by a 23 cent a bushel weighted average price increase for all commodities sold during the current three-month period compared to the same period in 1996. Patronage dividends received for the three months ended November 30, 1997 and 1996 were $140,000 and $220,000, respectively, which represents an $80,000 (36%) decrease. Other revenue of $24,400,000 for the three months ended November 30, 1997 increased $5,400,000 (29%) compared to the same period in 1996. Earnings from the Company's nonconsolidated consumer products packaging joint venture increased approximately $1,400,000 for the three months ended November 30, 1997 compared to the same period in 1996. The balance of the 1997 change is attributable primarily to the increased service revenues at the Company's terminal facilities. Cost of goods sold of $1,650,000,000 decreased $230,000,000 (12%) for the three months ended November 30, 1997 compared to the same period in 1996. This decrease is primarily attributable to the decline in bushel volume discussed in the sales section of this analysis, partially offset by a 21 cent a bushel weighted average price increase for all commodities purchased during the current three-month period compared to the same period in 1996. Marketing and administrative expenses of $19,100,000 for the three months ended November 30, 1997 increased $1,800,000 (10%) compared to the same three months ended in 1996. $800,000 of this increase is attributable to additional staffing and system expansion within the Wheat Milling Defined Business Unit related to the Houston Mill and in anticipation of future volumes from Mt. Pocono. A significant portion of the balance of the change is related to the Farm Marketing & Supply Division, which has acquired a number of additional facilities within the past year. Interest expense of $4,500,000 for the three months ended November 30, 1997 represents an increase of $700,000 (19%) compared to the same period in 1996. This change is primarily the result of increased working capital requirements during the three months ended November 30, 1997 compared with the same period of 1996. Income tax expense of $2,200,000 and $1,450,000 for the three-month periods ended November 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively, result in effective tax rates of 11.5% and 11.7%. COMPARISON OF SIX MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 1997 WITH 1996 The Company's consolidated net earnings for the six months ended November 30, 1997 and 1996 were $28,100,000 and $19,500,000, respectively, which represents an $8,600,000 (44%) increase for the period ended in 1997. This increase in net earnings is primarily the result of improved grain and soybean processing margins in the 1997 period compared to 1996. Consolidated net sales of $2,878,000,000 decreased $1,181,000,000 (29%) during the six-month period ended November 30, 1997 compared to the same period in 1996. Grain volume of approximately 560,000,000 bushels during the six months ended November 30, 1997 declined 130,000,000 bushels compared to 1996. In addition to the volume decrease, the weighted average sales price for all commodities declined 70 cents a bushel for the six months ended November 30, 1997 compared to the same period a year ago. Patronage dividends received increased $600,000 (13%) for the six months ended November 30, 1997 compared to 1996 resulting from higher patronage earnings distributed by cooperative customers and suppliers. Other revenue of $42,500,000 for the six months ended November 30, 1997 increased $8,700,000 (26%) compared to the same period in 1996. This increase is primarily attributable to the recognition of approximately $3,500,000 of additional earnings from the Company's nonconsolidated consumer products packaging joint venture, and additional service income from both terminal facilities and grain marketing operations. Cost of goods sold of $2,851,000,000 decreased $1,179,000,000 (29%) for the six months ended November 30, 1997 compared to the same period in 1996. This decrease is primarily attributable to the decline in bushel volume discussed in the sales section of this analysis, as well as a 72 cent a bushel decline in weighted average purchase price for all commodities during the current six-month period compared to the same period in 1996. Marketing and administrative expenses declined $1,700,000 (5%), from $36,900,000 during the six months ended November 30, 1996 to $35,200,000 for the current six-month period. While some operations of the Company incurred additional marketing and administrative costs in 1997 due to expansion of operations, such costs of approximately $4,000,000 incurred in 1996 were eliminated as the result of transferring the Company's consumer products packaging operation to a nonconsolidated joint venture on August 30, 1996. Interest expense of approximately $7,600,000 for the six months ended November 30, 1997 represents a decrease of $800,000 (9%) compared to the same period of 1996. This reduced expense is the result of decreased grain volume and lower grain prices in 1997. Income tax expense of $3,600,000 and $2,600,000 for the six-month periods ended November 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively, result in effective tax rates of 11.3% and 11.8%. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATIONS Operating activities of the Company used net cash of $82,100,000 for the three months ended November 30, 1997. Net cash used by operations during this period is attributable to increased working capital requirements of approximately $100,000,000. Operating activities provided net cash of $120,600,000 during the three months ended November 30, 1996 as working capital requirements decreased for that period by approximately $104,000,000. For the six months ended November 30, 1997, operating activities provided net cash of $11,500,000. Net earnings of $28,100,000 and net noncash income and expenses of $300,000 were partially offset by increased working capital requirements of approximately $16,900,000 during that period. Operating activities for the six months ended November 30, 1996 provided net cash of $422,700,000, primarily the result of reduced working capital requirements. CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING Investing activities during the three months ended November 30, 1997 provided net cash of $2,800,000. This net cash provided is primarily attributable to a sale-leaseback transaction of certain processing equipment within the Oilseed Processing and Refining Defined Business Unit which generated $10,300,000, the receipt of $3,800,000 from several joint ventures and investments, partially offset by spending for the acquisition of property, plant, and equipment of approximately $12,000,000. Investing activities during the three months ended November 30, 1996 used net cash of $11,800,000. Expenditures for the acquisition of property, plant, and equipment during that period totaled $13,900,000. Investing activities for the six months ended November 30, 1997 used net cash of $10,400,000. Expenditures for the acquisition of plant, property, and equipment during that period of $27,300,000 was partially offset by the $10,300,000 in proceeds from the sale-leaseback transaction described above, and by approximately $5,400,000 received from joint ventures and investments. Investing activities during the six months ended November 30, 1996 used net cash of approximately $11,900,000. Expenditures for the acquisition of plant, property, and equipment of $25,300,000 were partially offset by incoming cash from joint ventures and investments of approximately $13,100,000. On August 30, 1996 the Company formed a joint venture with a regional consumer products packaging company, and contributed substantially all of the net assets of the consumer products packaging division then owned by the Company as its capital investment in the joint venture. In return for these assets, the Company received $9,000,000 and a 40% interest in the joint venture and the joint venture assumed debt to the Company of approximately $33,700,000. CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING The Company finances its working capital needs through short-term lines of credit with the banks for cooperatives and commercial banks. The Company entered into a new loan agreement in October 1997, and as of November 30, 1997 the Company had short-term lines of credit totaling $525,000,000, all of which is committed, with $90,000,000 outstanding. On May 31, 1997, the Company had $98,000,000 of this credit line outstanding. The Company has financed its long-term capital needs, primarily for the acquisition of property, plant, and equipment, with long-term agreements through the banks for cooperatives with maturities through the year 2007. Total indebtedness of these agreements totaled $118,000,000 and $125,000,000 on November 30, 1997 and May 31, 1997, respectively. The Company had no new long-term debt borrowings during the three months ended November 30, 1997, while in 1996, for the same three-month period, the Company incurred $10,000,000 of additional long-term debt. During the three months ended November 30, 1997 and 1996, the Company repaid long-term debt of $3,650,000 and $3,325,000, respectively. The Company had no new long-term debt borrowings during the six months ended November 30, 1997 while in 1996, for the same six-month period, the Company incurred $10,000,000 of additional long-term debt. During the six months ended November 30, 1997 and 1996, the Company repaid long-term debt of $11,830,000 and $6,940,000, respectively. The Company has announced intentions to construct a flour mill in central Florida and a soybean crushing and refining plant in either southwestern Minnesota or in southeastern South Dakota. Plans are subject to due diligence, routine regulatory review and cost verification. Projected cost for the mill is approximately $35,000,000. Projected cost for the crushing and refining plant is approximately $90,000,000. These projects may be financed with additional long-term borrowing, equity, including additional equity participation units or with a combination of these financing alternatives. In accordance with the bylaws and by action of the Board of Directors, annual net earnings from patronage sources are distributed to consenting patrons following the close of each year and are based on amounts reportable for federal income tax purposes as adjusted in accordance with the bylaws. Cash patronage for fiscal year 1997 distributed in November, 1997 totaled approximately $13,400,000. The Board of Directors authorized the redemption of patronage certificates held by patrons who were 72 years of age and those held by estates of deceased patrons during the three months ended November 30, 1997 and 1996. These amounts totaled $1,475,000 and $1,600,000, respectively. Redemptions made during the six months ended November 30, 1997 and 1996 were $3,625,000 and $3,240,000, respectively. During the year ended May 31, 1997, the Company offered registered securities in the form of Equity Participation Units in its Wheat Milling and Oilseed Processing and Refining divisions. These equity participation units give the holder the right and the obligation to deliver to Harvest States a stated number of bushels in return for a prorata share of the undiluted grain based patronage earnings of these respective divisions. The offering resulted in the issuance of such equity with a stated value of $13,870,000 and generated additional capital and cash of $10,836,690, after issuance cost and conversion privileges. Holders of the Units will not be entitled to payment of dividends by virtue of holding such Units. However, holders of the Units will be entitled to receive patronage refunds attributable to the patronage sourced income from operations of the applicable Defined Business Unit on the basis of wheat or soybeans delivered pursuant to the Marketing Agreement. The Board of Directors' goal is to distribute patronage refunds attributable to the Units in the form of 75% cash and 25% Patrons' Equities, and to retire those Patron Equities on a revolving basis seven years after declaration. However, the decision as to the percentage of cash patronage will be made each fiscal year by the Board of Directors and will depend upon the cash and capital needs of the respective Defined Business Units and is subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors. The redemption policy will also be subject to change at the discretion of the Board of Directors. OILSEED PROCESSING AND REFINING DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OILSEED PROCESSING AND REFINING DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT (A DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT OF HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES) BALANCE SHEETS ASSETS MAY 31, NOVEMBER 30, 1997 1997 ----------- ----------- (Unaudited) CURRENT ASSETS: Receivables $34,169,676 $35,711,060 Inventories 22,850,699 19,136,896 Prepaid expenses and deposits 2,310,163 1,831,311 ----------- ----------- Total current assets 59,330,538 56,679,267 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 33,085,560 33,551,687 ----------- ----------- $92,416,098 $90,230,954 =========== =========== LIABILITIES AND DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Due to Harvest States Cooperatives $25,584,178 $28,200,816 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 13,440,922 8,639,140 ----------- ----------- Total current liabilities $39,025,100 $36,839,956 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT EQUITY 53,390,998 53,390,998 ----------- ----------- $92,416,098 $90,230,954 =========== =========== See notes to financial statements OILSEED PROCESSING AND REFINING DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT (A DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT OF HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES) STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (UNAUDITED) THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, NOVEMBER 30, 1996 1997 1996 1997 ---- ---- ---- ---- REVENUES: Processed oilseed sales $ 96,206,403 $108,181,066 $209,352,293 $194,530,213 Other revenue (22,934) 212,119 576,487 1,416,274 ------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ 96,183,469 108,393,185 209,928,780 195,946,487 COSTS AND EXPENSES: Cost of goods sold 87,471,703 95,871,302 195,305,454 178,332,487 Marketing, general, and administrative 1,246,593 1,343,052 2,441,463 2,590,331 Interest 16,400 154,829 35,500 164,280 ------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ 88,734,696 97,369,183 197,782,417 181,087,098 ------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES 7,448,773 11,024,002 12,146,363 14,859,389 INCOME TAXES 850,000 125,000 1,200,000 800,000 ------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ NET EARNINGS $ 6,598,773 $ 10,899,002 $ 10,946,363 $ 14,059,389 ============= ============ ============ ============ See notes to financial statements OILSEED PROCESSING AND REFINING DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT (A DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT OF HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES) STATEMENT OF DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT EQUITY BALANCE AT MAY 31, 1997 $53,390,998 Net earnings (unaudited) 14,059,389 Defined Business Unit equity distributed (unaudited) (14,059,389) --------------------- BALANCE AT NOVEMBER 30, 1997 (UNAUDITED) $53,390,998 ===================== See notes to financial statements OILSEED PROCESSING AND REFINING DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT (A DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT OF HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES) STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, NOVEMBER 30, 1996 1997 1996 1997 ---- ---- ---- ---- CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net earnings $ 6,598,773 $ 10,899,002 $ 10,946,363 $ 14,059,389 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows: Depreciation and amortization 411,917 466,349 823,957 938,168 Gain on disposal of property, plant, and equipment (11,732) (202,188) (11,732) (658,290) Changes in assets and liabilities: Receivables (8,708,453) (8,474,711) (11,132,731) (1,541,384) Inventories (17,628,190) (10,539,185) (3,807,124) 3,713,803 Prepaid expenses and deposits (210,678) 858,034 (1,585,073) 478,852 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 8,821,466 (2,018,324) 9,383,114 (4,801,782) ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Total adjustments (17,325,670) (19,910,025) (6,329,589) (1,870,633) Net cash (used in) provided by ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ operating activities (10,726,897) (9,011,023) 4,616,774 12,188,756 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Proceed from disposition of property, plant, and equipment 10,266,854 10,722,956 Acquistion of property, plant, and equipment (4,454,946) (3,241,903) (7,168,676) (11,468,961) ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Net cash used in investing activities (4,454,946) 7,024,951 (7,168,676) (746,005) ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net borrowings from Harvest States Cooperatives 21,780,616 12,885,074 13,498,265 2,616,638 Defined business unit equity distributed (6,598,773) (10,899,002) (10,946,363) (14,059,389) Net cash provided by (used in) ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ financing activities 15,181,843 1,986,072 2,551,902 (11,442,751) ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH 0 0 0 0 CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD -- -- -- -- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ CASH AT END OF PERIOD -- -- -- -- ============ ============ ============ ============ See notes to financial statements OILSEED PROCESSING AND REFINING DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT (A DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT OF HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES) NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) NOTE 1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES The accompanying unaudited Defined Business Unit financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, such unaudited Defined Business Unit financial statements include all adjustments (consisting of only normal, recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation thereof. Operating results for the six-month period ended November 30, 1997 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year end May 31, 1998. These statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and footnotes included in the Defined Business Unit financial statements for the year ended May 31, 1997 which is included in the Harvest States Cooperatives' Report on Form 10-K dated August 26, 1997, previously filed with the Commission. NOTE 2. INVENTORIES May 31, November 30, 1997 1997 ---------------- --------------------- Oilseed..................... $11,740,227 $ 8,566,680 Processed Oilseed Products.. 11,110,472 10,570,216 ---------------- --------------------- $22,850,699 $19,136,896 ================ ===================== ITEM 2.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Patronage refunds to the Oilseed Processing and Refining Defined Business Unit holders will be calculated on the basis of tax earnings per bushel. Because of this, the Company believes that the calculation below is an important measure of the Defined Business Unit's performance. THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, NOVEMBER 30, -------------------------------------------------------------- 1996 1997 1996 1997 ---- ---- ---- ---- Pretax Earnings $ 7,448,773 $ 11,024,002 $ 12,146,363 $ 14,859,389 Earnings from purchased oil (2,058,432) 113,344 (3,298,357) (1,815,475) Nonpatronage joint venture income (4,651) (571,744) (737,836) Book to tax differences ----------- ------------ ------------ ------------ Tax basis earnings $ 5,385,690 $ 11,137,346 $ 8,276,262 $ 12,306,078 =========== ============ ============ ============ Bushels Processed 7,655,836 9,253,464 15,983,653 13,860,830 Earnings per Bushel $ 0.70 $ 1.20 $ 0.52 $ 0.89 =========== ============ ============ ============ Certain operating information pertaining to the Oilseed Processing and Refining Defined Business Unit is set forth below, as a percentage of sales. THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, NOVEMBER 30, --------------------------------- 1996 1997 1996 1997 ---- ---- ---- ---- Gross Margin percentage 9.08% 11.38% 6.71% 8.33% Marketing and Administrative 1.30% 1.24% 1.17% 1.33% Interest 0.14% 0.08% COMPARISON OF THREE MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 1997 AND 1996 The Oilseed Processing and Refining Defined Business Unit's net earnings of $10,900,000 for the three months ended November 30, 1997 represents a $4,300,000 increase (65%) compared to the same period in 1996. This increase is primarily attributable to improved gross margins on soymeal. Net sales of $108,200,000 for the three-month period ended November 30, 1997 increased by $12,000,000 (12%) compared to the same period in 1996. Improved soymeal volume for the three months ended November 30, 1997 compared to the same period of a year ago contributed $8,100,000 to this increase. A higher average sales price for refined soyoil during the three months ended November 30, 1997 contributed approximately $7,700,000 to the increase. These favorable variances were partially offset by a lower average price per ton for processed soybean products during the three-month period ended November 30, 1997 when compared to the same three-month period of a year ago. Other revenues increased $235,000 for the three-month period ended November 30, 1997 compared to the same period ended November 30, 1996. The primary cause of this increase was the sale of equipment which produced a gain of about $200,000. Cost of goods sold for the three months ended November 30, 1997 increased $8,400,000 (10%) compared to the same period ended November 30, 1996. During the three-month period ended November 30, 1997, the Defined Business Unit crushed approximately 9,250,000 bushels of soybeans compared to 7,650,000 bushels during the same period a year ago. This increase in volume contributed approximately $11,100,000 in additional cost, which was partially offset by a decline in the average price for soybeans, from $7.39 for the three-month period ended November 30, 1996 to $6.70 for the same period during the current fiscal year. On the refinery portion of the business, a four cent a pound increase in the cost of crude soybean oil during the three months ended November 30, 1997 compared to the same period in 1996 contributed an additional $5,400,000 in costs, which was partially offset by a decline in refined oil volume for the three months ended November 30, 1997, down 12% from the 153,400,000 pounds produced during the three months ended November 30, 1996. Marketing and administrative expenses increased $100,000 (8%) for the three-month period ended November 30, 1997 compared to 1996. Interest expense increased $138,000 for the three months ended November 30, 1997 compared to the same three-month period of a year ago. This increase is primarily attributable to the increase in crush volume which creates higher levels of inventory and receivables which must be financed with debt. Income taxes for the three-month period ended November 30, 1997 of $125,000 decreased $725,000 compared to the three-month period ended November 30, 1996. This decrease is primarily attributable to a decline in the purchase of nonpatronage eligible crude soybean oil during the current three-month period compared to the same period of a year ago. Effective tax rates were 1.1% and 11.4% for the three months ended November 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively. COMPARISON OF SIX MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 1997 AND 1996 The Oilseed Processing and Refining Defined Business Unit's net earnings of $14,100,000 for the six months ended November 30, 1997 represents a $3,100,000 increase (28%) compared to the same period in 1996. This increase is primarily attributable to improved gross margins on both processed soybean products and refined oils. Net sales of $194,500,000 for the six-month period ended November 30, 1997 decreased by $14,800,000 (7%) compared to the same period in 1996. This decrease is primarily attributable to the crushing plant shutdown for 41 days during the first quarter of the current fiscal year to allow for the installation of new equipment. Other revenues increased $800,000 for the six-month period ended November 30, 1997 compared to 1996, primarily the result of a gain of $450,000 on replaced equipment sold for salvage value, a gain of $200,000 on the other equipment sold, and an increase of about $150,000 in income from an oilseed joint venture. Cost of goods sold for the six months ended November 30, 1997 decreased $17,000,000 (9%) compared to the same period ended November 30, 1996. The primary cause of this decrease was the crushing plant shutdown to allow for the installation of new equipment. During the six months ended November 30, 1997, the Defined Business Unit crushed approximately 13,900,000 bushels of soybeans, compared with about 16,000,000 bushels for the same period in 1996. Also contributing to this reduction in costs was a lower average cost per bushel for soybeans in 1997, from $7.58 per bushel for the first six months last fiscal year to $7.19 per bushel for the first six months of the current fiscal year. Marketing and administrative expenses increased $150,000 (6%) for the six-month period ended November 30, 1997 compared to 1996. Interest expense increased $129,000 for the six months ended November 30, 1997 compared to the same six-month period of a year ago. This increase is primarily attributable to somewhat higher capital spending during the current fiscal year and increased working capital requirements during the second quarter of the fiscal year. Income tax expense of $800,000 and $1,200,000 for the six months ended November 30, 1997 and 1996 respectively, results in effective tax rates of 5.4% and 9.9%. This decrease in the effective tax rate is the result of a higher percentage of patronage eligible crude oil purchases during the current fiscal year, compared to similar purchases during the first six months of the prior fiscal year. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES The Oilseed Processing and Refining Defined Business Unit's cash requirements result from capital improvements and from a need to finance additional inventories and receivables based on increased raw material costs or levels. These cash needs are expected to be fulfilled by the Company. CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATIONS Operating activities for the three months ended November 30, 1997 and 1996, used net cash of $9,000,000 and $10,700,000, respectively. Net earnings of $10,900,000 and $6,600,000 for the three-month periods ended November 30, 1997 and 1996 were offset by increases in working capital requirements of $20,200,000 and $17,700,000 during these periods, respectively. Operating activities for the six months ended November 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively, provided net cash of $12,200,000 and $4,600,000 due to net earnings of $14,100,000 and $10,900,000, partially offset by increases in working capital requirements of $2,200,000 and $7,100,000. CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING Investing activities for the three months ended November 30, 1997 provided net cash of $7,000,000. During this period, the Defined Business Unit entered into a sale and operating leaseback of certain equipment purchased and installed within the past twelve months. Proceeds received in this transaction were approximately $10,300,000 and were partially offset by additions to property, plant and equipment of $3,300,000 during the period. The Defined Business Unit used $4,500,000 for the addition of property, plant and equipment during the three months ended November 30, 1996. Investing activities during the six-month period ended November 30, 1997 used net cash of $750,000. Additions to property, plant, and equipment of $11,500,000 were partially offset by sales proceeds of $10,700,000, of which $10,300,000 were related to the sales-leaseback transaction described in the cash flow analysis of investing activities for the three-month period. During the six months ended November 30, 1996, cash of approximately $7,200,000 was used for the acquisition of property, plant, and equipment. CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING The Defined Business Unit's financing activities are coordinated through the Company's cash management department. Cash from all of the Company's operations are deposited with the Company's cash management department and disbursements are made centrally. As a result, the Defined Business Unit has a zero cash position. Financing is available from the Company to the extent the Company's working capital position and corporate loan agreements with various banks, and cash requirements of all other Company operations. Working capital requirements for each division and Defined Business Unit of the Company are reviewed on a periodic basis, and could potentially be restricted based upon management's evaluation of the prevailing business conditions and availability of funds. The Defined Business Unit has announced intentions to construct a soybean crushing and refining plant in southwestern Minnesota or southeastern South Dakota. Plans are subject to due diligence, routine regulatory review and cost verification. Anticipated cost is approximately $90,000,000 and may be financed with additional debt, open member capital from the Company, additional equity participation units, or a combination of these financing alternatives. Debt outstanding and payable to the Company on November 30, 1997 was $28,200,000, an increase from May 31, 1997 of $2,600,000, which reflects working capital requirements and fixed asset financing requirements. Debt outstanding to the Company on May 31, 1997 was $25,600,000 which represents working capital and fixed asset financing requirements through that date. WHEAT MILLING DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS WHEAT MILLING DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT (A DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT OF HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES) BALANCE SHEETS ASSETS MAY 31, NOVEMBER 30, 1997 1997 ------------ ------------ (Unaudited) CURRENT ASSETS: Receivables $ 26,860,772 $ 43,626,838 Due from Harvest States Cooperatives Inventories 12,271,615 17,510,119 Prepaid expenses and deposits 840,730 491,705 ------------ ------------ Total current assets 39,973,117 61,628,662 OTHER ASSETS 11,814,555 11,281,215 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 69,130,520 74,033,852 ------------ ------------ $120,918,192 $146,943,729 ============ ============ LIABILITIES AND DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Due to Harvest States Cooperatives $ 22,413,445 $ 7,771,194 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 9,493,405 16,488,692 Current portion of long-term debt 10,005,000 10,005,000 ------------ ------------ Total current liabilities 41,911,850 34,264,886 LONG-TERM DEBT 51,209,270 46,081,771 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT EQUITY 27,797,072 66,597,072 ------------ ------------ $120,918,192 $146,943,729 ============ ============ See notes to financial statements WHEAT MILLING DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT (A DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT OF HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES) STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (UNAUDITED) THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, NOVEMBER 30, --------------------------- --------------------------- 1996 1997 1996 1997 ---- ---- ---- ---- REVENUES: Processed grain sales $55,778,511 $ 53,988,519 $111,426,460 $98,409,027 Other income 83,527 370,294 ----------- ------------ ------------ ----------- 55,778,511 54,072,046 111,426,460 98,779,321 COSTS AND EXPENSES: Cost of goods sold 51,052,202 49,211,588 102,375,248 89,781,884 Marketing, general, and administrative 1,399,469 2,184,212 2,503,655 3,825,795 Interest 1,414,846 959,686 2,825,979 2,039,098 ----------- ------------ ------------ ----------- 53,866,517 52,355,486 107,704,882 95,646,777 ----------- ------------ ------------ ----------- EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES 1,911,994 1,716,560 3,721,578 3,132,544 INCOME TAXES 125,000 150,000 250,000 275,000 ----------- ------------ ------------ ----------- NET EARNINGS $ 1,786,994 $ 1,566,560 $ 3,471,578 $ 2,857,544 =========== ============ ============ =========== See notes to financial statements WHEAT MILLING DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT (A DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT OF HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES) STATEMENT OF DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT EQUITY BALANCE AT MAY 31, 1997 $27,797,072 Harvest States capital contributed (unaudited) 38,800,000 Net earnings (unaudited) 2,857,544 Defined Business Unit equity distributed (unaudited) (2,857,544) -------------- BALANCE AT NOVEMBER 30, 1997 (UNAUDITED) $66,597,072 ============== See notes to financial statements WHEAT MILLING DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT (A DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT OF HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES) STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, NOVEMBER 30, 1996 1997 1996 1997 ---- ---- ---- ---- CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net earnings $ 1,786,994 $ 1,566,560 $ 3,471,578 $ 2,857,544 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows: Depreciation and amortization 1,029,531 919,792 2,027,064 2,138,134 Changes in assets and liabilities: Receivables 4,304,473 (5,347,514) 4,733,785 (16,766,066) Inventories 4,939,251 (3,960,608) (869,926) (5,238,504) Prepaid expenses and deposits 9,424 (188,150) (101,287) 349,025 Accounts payable and accrued expenses (5,898,628) (1,380,158) 1,523,701 6,995,288 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Total adjustments 4,384,051 (9,956,638) 7,313,337 (12,522,123) Net cash provided by (used in) ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ operating activities 6,171,045 (8,390,078) 10,784,915 (9,664,579) ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Acquistion of property, plant, and equipment (5,037,098) (4,214,677) (9,122,234) (6,508,126) ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Net cash used in investing activities (5,037,098) (4,214,677) (9,122,234) (6,508,126) ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net borrowings from (repayments to) Harvest States Cooperatives (6,074,661) 16,610,065 (4,918,811) (14,642,251) Capital from Harvest States Cooperatives 38,800,000 Long term debt borrowings 10,000,000 10,000,000 Principal payments on long-term debt (3,272,292) (2,438,750) (3,272,292) (5,127,500) Defined business unit equity distributed (1,786,994) (1,566,560) (3,471,578) (2,857,544) Net cash (used in) provided by ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ financing activities (1,133,947) 12,604,755 (1,662,681) 16,172,705 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH 0 0 0 0 CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD -- -- -- -- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ CASH AT END OF PERIOD -- -- -- -- ============ ============ ============ ============ See notes to financial statements WHEAT MILLING DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT (A DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT OF HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES) NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) NOTE 1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES The accompanying unaudited Defined Business Unit Financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, such unaudited Defined Business Unit financial statements include all adjustments (consisting of only normal, recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation thereof. Operating results for the six-month period ended November 30, 1997 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year end May 31, 1998. These statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and footnotes included in the Defined Business Unit's financial statements for the year ended May 31, 1997 which is included in the Harvest States Cooperatives' Report on Form 10-K dated August 26, 1997, previously filed with the Commission. ITEM 2.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Patronage refunds to the Wheat Milling Defined Business Unit holders will be calculated on the basis of tax earnings per bushel. Because of this, the Company believes that the calculation below is an important measure of the Defined Business Unit's performance. THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, NOVEMBER 30, ----------------------------------------------------- 1996 1997 1996 1997 ---- ---- ---- ---- Pretax Earnings $1,911,994 $1,716,560 $ 3,721,578 $ 3,132,544 Book to tax differences ---------- ---------- ----------- ----------- Tax basis earnings $1,911,994 $1,716,560 $ 3,721,578 $ 3,132,544 ========== ========== =========== =========== Bushels Milled 7,732,922 7,924,825 14,704,395 14,934,510 Earnings per Bushel $ 0.25 $ 0.22 $ 0.25 $ 0.21 ========== ========== =========== =========== Certain operating information pertaining to the Wheat Milling Defined Business Unit is set forth below, as a percentage of sales. THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, NOVEMBER 30, ----------------------------- 1996 1997 1996 1997 ---- ---- ---- ---- Gross Margin percentage .... 8.47% 8.85% 8.12% 8.77% Marketing and Administrative 2.51% 4.05% 2.25% 3.89% Interest ................... 2.54% 1.78% 2.54% 2.07% COMPARISON OF THREE MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 1997 WITH 1996 The Wheat Milling Defined Business Unit's net earnings of $1,600,000 for the three-month period ended November 30, 1997 decreased $200,000 (12%) compared to the same period in 1996. While total volume and resulting gross margin remained essentially unchanged between the two periods, the Houston mill, which commenced operations in June, operated at only 36% of its production capacity during the three months ended November 30, 1997. Total gross margins generated from this mill were inadequate to cover increased expenses related to its operation and this situation resulted in a deterioration of net earnings for the Defined Business Unit. Net sales for the three months ended November 30, 1997 of $54,000,000 decreased $1,800,000 (3%) compared to the same period in 1996. Essentially all of this decrease is attributable to declining prices, as overall volumes were nearly the same as a year ago. Interest income of $80,000 was generated during the three months ended November 30, 1997 on the Wheat Milling Defined Business Unit's working capital account with Harvest States. This income was primarily the result of the additional capital of $38,800,000 contributed by Harvest States on June 1, 1997 for the purpose of constructing the mill at Mt. Pocono, Pennsylvania. Construction at Mt. Pocono commenced in early September, 1997, and as disbursements are made for that purpose, interest generating funds have declined so that as of November 30, the Defined Business Unit is in a payable position to Harvest States on the working capital account. Cost of goods sold of $49,200,000 for the three months ended November 30, 1997, decreased $1,800,000 (4%) compared to the same period in 1996. This change is primarily the result of reduced cost per bushel for raw material during the three months ended November 30, 1997 compared to 1996. The mill expense component of cost of goods sold remained essentially unchanged in total, although the components of that total did change considerably. While Houston incurred new milling expenses during the three months ended November 30, 1997 of $700,000, the other three mills, particularly Rush City because of reduced run time, operated with approximately the same amount of reduced milling costs. Marketing and administrative expenses were $2,200,000 during the three months ended November 30, 1997, an increase of $800,000 (56%) compared to 1996. This increase is primarily attributable to additional staffing and system expansion costs related to the Houston mill, and in anticipation of future volumes from the Mt. Pocono mill. The Wheat Milling Defined Business Unit incurred interest expense of $1,000,000 and $1,400,000 during the three months ended November 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively. This decrease of approximately $400,000 (32%) in 1997 is primarily the result of additional capital contributed by Harvest States on June 1, which decreased short term borrowing requirements. Income tax expenses of $150,000 and $125,000 for the three months ended November 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively, result in effective tax rates of 8.7% and 6.5%. COMPARISON OF SIX MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 1997 WITH 1996 The Wheat Milling Defined Business Unit's net earnings of $2,900,000 for the six-month period ended November 30, 1997 decreased $600,000 (18%) compared to the same period in 1996. The primary cause of this decrease in net earnings is the under-utilization of the Houston, Texas mill, which commenced operations in June. For the six months ended November 30, 1997, the Houston mill has operated at approximately 31% of its production capacity. Gross margins generated from this limited volume have been inadequate to cover related expenses and has resulted in a deterioration of net earnings for the Defined Business Unit. Net sales for the six months ended November 30, 1997 of $98,400,000 decreased $13,000,000 (12%) compared to the same period in 1996. Essentially all of this decrease is attributable to declining prices, as overall volumes were nearly the same as a year ago. Interest income of $370,000 was generated during the six months ended November 30, 1997 on the Wheat Milling Defined Business Unit's working capital account with Harvest States. This income was primarily the result of additional capital of $38,800,000 contributed by Harvest States on June 1, 1997 for the purpose of constructing the mill at Mt. Pocono, Pennsylvania. Construction at Mt. Pocono commenced in early September, 1997, and as disbursements have been made for that purpose, interest generating funds have declined so that as of November 30, the Defined Business Unit is in a payable position to Harvest States on the working capital account. Cost of goods sold of $89,800,000 for the six months ended November 30, 1997, decreased $12,600,000 (12%) compared to the same period in 1996. The raw material component of cost of goods sold decreased $13,200,000 compared with 1996, primarily because of a favorable price variance. The plant expense component of cost of goods sold increased approximately $600,000 in 1997, which was primarily the result of additional run time at Kenosha, the commencement of operations at Houston in June, offset partially by reduced variable costs at Rush City. The Rush City, Minnesota mill was closed throughout the month of June and early July, operated at approximately one-third of its normal production capacity from mid July through October, and at about two-thirds normal production capacity in November. Marketing & administrative expenses were $3,800,000 during the six months ended November 30, 1997, an increase of $1,300,000 (53%) compared to 1996. This increase is primarily attributable to additional staffing and system expansion costs related to the Houston mill, and in anticipation of future volumes from the Mt. Pocono mill. The Wheat Milling Defined Business Unit incurred interest expense of $2,000,000 and $2,800,000 during the six months ended November 30,1997 and 1996, respectively. This decrease of approximately $800,000 (28%) in 1997 is primarily the result of additional capital contributed by Harvest States on June 1, which decreased short term borrowings. Income tax expenses of $275,000 and $250,000 for the six months ended November 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively, result in effective tax rates of 8.8% and 6.7%. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES The Wheat Milling Defined Business Unit's cash requirements result from capital improvements and from a need to finance additional inventories and receivables based on increased raw material cost and levels. These cash needs are expected to be fulfilled by the Company. CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATIONS Operating activities used net cash of $8,400,000 during the three-month period ended November 30, 1997. Net earnings of $1,600,000 and noncash expenses of $900,000 were offset by increased working capital requirements of approximately $10,900,000. Operating activities for the three-month period ended November 30, 1996 provided net cash of $6,200,000. Net earnings of $1,800,000, noncash expenses of $1,000,000, and a decrease in working capital of approximately $3,400,000 generated that net cash change. Operating activities used net cash of $9,700,000 during the six-month period ended November 30, 1997. Net earnings of $2,900,000 and noncash expenses of $2,100,000 were offset by increased working capital requirements of approximately $14,700,000. Operating activities for the six-month period ended November 30, 1996 provided net cash of $10,800,000. Net earnings of $3,500,000, noncash expenses of $2,000,000, and a decrease in working capital of approximately $5,300,000 generated that net cash change. CASH FLOWS USED FOR INVESTING Cash expended for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment during the three-month periods ended November 30, 1997 and 1996 totaled $4,200,000 and $5,000,000, respectively. Cash expended for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment during the six-month periods ended November 30, 1997 and 1996 totaled $6,500,000 and $9,100,000, respectively. CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING The Wheat Milling Defined Business Unit's Financing activities are coordinated through the Company's cash management department. Cash from all of the Company's operations is deposited with the Company's cash management department and disbursements are made centrally. As a result, the Wheat Milling Defined Business Unit has a zero cash position. Financing is available from the Company to the extent of the Company's working capital position and corporate loan agreements with various banks and cash requirements of all other Company operations. Working capital requirements for each division and Defined Business Unit of the Company are reviewed on a periodic basis, and could potentially be restricted based upon management's evaluation of the prevailing business conditions and availability of funds. On November 30, 1997, the Wheat Milling Defined Business Unit had short-term debt to Harvest States of $7,800,000, compared with short-term debt of $22,400,000 due to Harvest States on May 31, 1997. This change is primarily the result of $38,800,000 in additional capital contributed by Harvest States for the construction of the Mt. Pocono plant. On May 31, 1997 the Wheat Milling Defined Business Unit had long-term debt of $61,200,000 which was incurred for the acquisition, expansion and construction of its various plants since 1990. During the six months ended November 30, 1997, this balance was reduced by repayments of $5,127,500. Construction of the Mt. Pocono, Pennsylvania mill commenced during the month of September. Total cost for this mill is expected to be $41,350,000. Approximately $4,900,000 of these costs have been expended through November 30, 1997. The Defined Business Unit has announced intentions to construct a mill in central Florida. Plans are subject to due diligence, routine regulatory review and cost verification. Anticipated cost is approximately $35,000,000 and may be financed with additional debt, open member capital from the Company, additional equity participation units, or a combination of these financing alternatives. PART II. OTHER INFORMATION ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K (a) Exhibits EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION ------- ---------------------------------------------------- 10.17 Amended and Restated Fourth Supplement dated July 25, 1997 to Master Syndicated Loan Agreement by and among Harvest States Cooperatives, CoBank, ACB (successor to the National Bank for Cooperatives) and the St. Paul Bank for Cooperatives dated October 28, 1996. 10.18 First Amendment dated October 31, 1997 to Revolving Credit Agreement by and among Harvest States Cooperatives, Banque Nationale de Paris et al., the St. Paul Bank for Cooperatives and CoBank, ACB dated November 1, 1996. 99 Cautionary Statement 27 Financial Data Schedule (b) Reports on Form 8-K None. 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. HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES --------------------------- (Registrant) /s/ T. F. Baker 1/12/98 --------------- (Date) T. F. Baker Group Vice-President - Finance