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 February 28, 1998. [ ] 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 (612) 646-9433 (Address of principal executive offices and zip code) (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 February 28, 1998) INDEX PAGE NO. PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of May 31, 1997, February 28, 1997, and February 28, 1998 Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the three months and nine months ended February 28, 1997, and February 28, 1998 Consolidated Statement of Capital for the nine months ended February 28, 1998 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months and nine months ended February 28, 1997, and February 28, 1998 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, February 28, 1997, and February 28, 1998 Statements of Earnings for the three months and nine months ended February 28, 1997, and February 28, 1998 Statement of Defined Business Unit Equity for the nine months ended February 28, 1998 Statements of Cash Flows for the three months and nine months ended February 28, 1997, and February 28, 1998 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, February 28, 1997, and February 28, 1998 Statements of Earnings for the three months and nine months ended February 28, 1997, and February 28, 1998 Statement of Defined Business Unit Equity for the nine months ended February 28, 1998 Statements of Cash Flows for the three months and nine months ended February 28, 1997 and February 28, 1998 Notes to Financial Statements Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations PART 11. 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 1. 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 February 28, 1998. HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES AND SUBSIDIARIES ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS ASSETS May 31, February 28, February 28, 1997 1997 1998 -------------- -------------------------------- (unaudited) (unaudited) CURRENT ASSETS: Cash $ 38,064,191 $ 6,568,569 $ 4,600,425 Receivables 267,517,690 337,521,170 366,655,486 Inventories 248,373,247 161,564,581 156,050,736 Prepaid expenses and deposits 25,562,366 53,612,416 58,229,994 -------------- -------------------------------- Total current assets 579,517,494 559,266,736 585,536,641 OTHER ASSETS: Investments 126,547,616 123,967,470 142,076,842 Other 46,489,678 34,533,422 45,386,033 -------------- -------------------------------- Total other assets 173,037,294 158,500,892 187,462,875 PROPERTY PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 224,150,965 224,310,964 238,879,780 -------------- -------------------------------- $ 976,705,753 $ 942,078,592 $1,011,879,296 ============== ================================ LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL CURRENT LIABILITIES: Notes payable $ 98,000,000 $ 123,000,000 $ 112,000,000 Patron credit balances 25,190,513 39,668,949 112,166,457 Advances received on grain sales 125,071,207 136,573,747 108,992,354 Drafts outstanding 32,698,943 28,745,424 22,745,473 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 152,451,010 103,172,167 97,310,529 Patronage dividends payable 13,200,000 8,800,000 10,000,000 Current portion of long-term debt 21,094,774 17,746,083 16,505,486 -------------- -------------------------------- Total current liabilities 467,706,447 457,706,370 479,720,299 LONG-TERM DEBT 113,363,692 114,652,007 102,347,552 OTHER LIABILITIES 10,536,301 4,501,651 11,537,156 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES CAPITAL 385,099,313 365,218,564 418,274,289 -------------- -------------------------------- $ 976,705,753 $ 942,078,592 $1,011,879,296 ============== ================================ See notes to consolidated financial statements HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (UNAUDITED) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended February 28, February 28, -------------------------------- -------------------------------- 1997 1998 1997 1998 ---- ---- ---- ---- REVENUES: Sales: Grain and oilseed $1,347,181,612 $1,341,197,489 $4,895,823,810 $3,813,583,403 Processed grain and oilseed 170,619,575 164,490,780 566,997,937 457,430,021 Feed and farm supplies 35,252,183 33,723,383 149,076,530 146,242,394 -------------------------------- -------------------------------- 1,553,053,370 1,539,411,652 5,611,898,277 4,417,255,818 Patronage dividends 3,062,133 2,073,183 7,789,427 7,396,271 Other revenues 20,091,794 23,000,921 53,901,006 65,537,310 -------------------------------- -------------------------------- 1,576,207,297 1,564,485,756 5,673,588,710 4,490,189,399 COSTS AND EXPENSES: Cost of good sold 1,535,885,774 1,525,409,325 5,565,810,727 4,376,526,323 Marketing, general and administrative 15,716,213 18,604,077 52,643,909 53,824,262 Interest 4,797,141 4,567,229 13,215,390 12,209,300 -------------------------------- -------------------------------- 1,556,399,128 1,548,580,631 5,631,670,026 4,442,559,885 -------------------------------- -------------------------------- EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES 19,808,169 15,905,125 41,918,684 47,629,514 INCOME TAXES 2,350,000 1,700,000 4,950,000 5,300,000 -------------------------------- -------------------------------- NET EARNINGS $ 17,458,169 $ 14,205,125 $ 36,968,684 $ 42,329,514 ================================ ================================ See notes to consolidated financial statements HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CAPITAL OILSEED WHEAT PROCESSING & PATRONAGE NONPATRONAGE MILLING REFINING PATRONAGE CAPITAL TOTAL CERTIFICATES CERTIFICATES EPUS EPUS PAYABLE RESERVE ============ ============ ============ ============ ============ ============ ========== BALANCE AT MAY 31, 1997: Stated as capital $385,099,313 $267,384,011 $ 15,144,440 $ 9,574,000 $ 4,296,000 $ 30,800,000 $ 57,900,862 Stated as current liability 13,200,000 13,200,000 Distribution of patronage dividends payable for preceding year including cash payment of $13,388,479 (unaudited) (13,388,479) 31,239,625 6,540,942 (44,000,000) (7,169,046) Redemption of capital equity certificates (unaudited) (6,643,917) (6,133,713) (510,204) Equities issued (unaudited) 7,371,499 7,371,499 Other (unaudited) 306,359 83,808 (18,325) 240,876 Net earnings (unaudited) 42,329,514 33,300,000 9,029,514 Patronage dividends payable in cash, stated as a current liability (unaudited) (10,000,000) (10,000,000) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BALANCE AT FEBRUARY 28, 1998 (unaudited) $418,274,289 $299,945,230 $ 21,156,853 $ 9,574,000 $ 4,296,000 $ 23,300,000 $ 60,002,206 ============================================================================================= See notes to consolidated financial statements HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended February 28, February 28, ---------------------------- ---------------------------- 1997 1998 1997 1998 ---- ---- ---- ---- CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net earnings $ 17,458,169 $ 14,205,125 $ 36,968,684 $ 42,329,514 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows: Depreciation and amortization 4,601,860 5,148,148 18,377,418 16,298,782 Noncash income from joint ventures (3,421,698) (3,260,193) (7,728,631) (10,546,611) Noncash portion of patronage dividends received (3,185,553) (1,831,770) (6,391,031) (5,394,523) Gain (loss) on sale of property, plant, and equipment (138,355) (129,853) 50,219 (336,062) Change in assets and liabilities: Receivables 56,307,761 69,476,969 49,393,607 (99,041,548) Inventories 58,966,478 77,093,008 272,942,537 92,322,511 Patron credit balances (90,218,623) 51,652,252 10,661,530 86,975,945 Advances received on grain and oilseed sales (123,148,157) (113,675,764) (65,251,443) (16,078,852) Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and drafts outstanding (74,789,136) (68,241,953) (54,193,787) (64,056,051) Prepaid expenses, deposits, and other (40,336,526) (35,065,163) (30,030,264) (35,605,907) ---------------------------- ---------------------------- Total adjustments (215,361,949) (18,834,319) 187,830,155 (35,462,316) ---------------------------- ---------------------------- Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities (197,903,780) (4,629,194) 224,798,839 6,867,198 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from disposition of property, plant, and equipment 223,962 558,208 1,229,229 12,527,115 Investments redeemed 414,766 1,168,796 6,314,791 6,553,426 Acquisition of property, plant, and equipment (8,791,362) (7,537,527) (34,138,386) (34,860,141) Payments on notes receivable (28,926) 54,670 184,775 156,229 Investments (124,962) (2,500,000) (1,377,118) (3,050,000) Investments in joint ventures 7,215,059 (5,000) Other (418,874) (1,475) (36,898) (24,769) ---------------------------- ---------------------------- Net cash used in investing activities (8,725,396) (8,257,328) (20,608,548) (18,703,140) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net repayments under line of credit agreements 123,000,000 22,000,000 (201,000,000) 14,000,000 Long-term debt borrowings 10,000,000 Principal payments on long-term debt (2,869,961) (3,729,523) (9,268,247) (10,673,784) Principal payments under capital lease obligations (711,430) (37,759) (1,254,311) (4,921,644) Redemption of capital equity certificates (1,088,985) (3,017,158) (4,331,121) (6,643,917) Cash patronage dividends paid 101,443 26,234 (13,194,270) (13,388,479) ---------------------------- ---------------------------- Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 118,431,067 15,241,794 (219,047,949) (21,627,824) ---------------------------- ---------------------------- INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH (88,198,109) 2,355,272 (14,857,658) (33,463,766) CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD 94,766,678 2,245,153 21,426,227 38,064,191 ---------------------------- ---------------------------- CASH AT END OF PERIOD $ 6,568,569 $ 4,600,425 $ 6,568,569 $ 4,600,425 ============================ ============================ 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 NINE MONTHS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1997 AND 1998 (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 nine-month period ended February 28, 1998 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, February 28, February 28, 1997 1997 1998 ------------- ---------------------------- Trade ............................. $ 213,501,012 $ 253,081,516 $ 269,687,559 Elevator accounts ................. 56,172,256 75,965,289 102,605,780 Other ............................. 8,819,422 15,959,351 6,379,209 ------------- ---------------------------- 278,492,690 345,006,156 378,672,548 Less allowance for losses ....... (10,975,000) (7,484,986) (12,017,062) ------------- ---------------------------- $ 267,517,690 $ 337,521,170 $ 366,655,486 ============= ============= ============= NOTE 3. INVENTORIES May 31, February 28, February 28, 1997 1997 1998 ------------ ------------- ------------ Grain and oilseed .................... $176,605,333 $100,496,448 $ 77,589,015 Processed grain and oilseed products . 35,139,534 32,888,542 45,867,023 Feed and Farm supplies ............... 36,628,380 28,179,591 32,594,698 ------------ -------------------------- $248,373,247 $161,564,581 $156,050,736 ============ ============ ============ NOTE 4. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW STATEMENT INFORMATION Additional information concerning supplemental disclosures of cash flow activities are as follows: February 28, February 28, 1997 1998 ------------------------- Net cash paid during the nine months ended: Interest .............................. $14,972,873 $11,437,097 Income taxes .......................... 3,684,510 1,589,490 Significant noncash transactions: Noncash patronage refunds issued from prior year's earnings ................. $30,877,406 $31,239,625 Noncash nonpatronage certificates issued from prior year's earnings ............ 6,115,487 6,540,942 Capital equity certificates issued in exchange for elevator properties ...... 4,193,985 7,371,499 ITEM 2.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS On January 29, 1998 the boards of directors of the Company and Cenex, Inc. signed documents to merge the two companies. A two-thirds favorable vote from each company's membership is needed to go forward with the merger. The vote will be concluded on April 15, 1998 and if approved, the merger is expected to be effective June 1, 1998. 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. The Year 2000 issue is the result of computer systems being written using two digits rather than four to define the applicable year. Any of the computer programs used by the Company that have date-sensitive software may recognize a date using "00" for the year 1900 rather than the year 2000, or vice versa. This could result in a system failure or miscalculations causing disruptions of operations including an inability to process transactions or engage in similar normal business activities. Based on its assessment, the Company's management presently believes that all essential computer systems and programs are Year 2000 compliant, and that any problems will not have a material effect on operations or financial results. The Company continues to bear some risk related to the Year 2000 issue if other entities not affiliated with the Company do not appropriately address their own Year 2000 compliance issues. The Commpany has not yet evaluated the full impact of the Year 2000 issue if third-party vendors and/or customers do not resolve this issue on a timely basis. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS COMPARISON OF THREE MONTHS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1998 WITH 1997 The Company's consolidated net earnings for the three months ended February 28, 1998 and 1997 were $14,200,000 and $17,500,000, respectively, which represents a $3,300,000 (19%) decrease for the period ended in 1998. While the company has increased its fixed cost structure through acquisitions and expansion during the past year, volume activity during the three-month period ended February 28, 1998 did not increase proportionately to those increased costs. Consolidated net sales of $1,539,000,000 decreased $14,000,000 (1%) during the three-month period ended February 28, 1998 compared to the same period in 1997. Grain volume of approximately 294,000,000 bushels during the three months ended February 28, 1998 declined 15,000,000 bushels compared to 1997. This decline in grain volume was partially offset by a 19 cent a bushel weighted average price increase for all commodities sold during the current three-month period compared to the same period in 1997. Patronage dividends received for the three months ended February 28, 1998 and 1997 were $2,100,000 and $3,100,000, respectively, which represents a $1,000,000 (32%) decrease. Other revenue of $23,000,000 for the three months ended February 28, 1998 increased $2,900,000 (14%) compared to the same period in 1997. Earnings from the Company's nonconsolidated consumer products packaging joint venture increased approximately $700,000 for the three months ended February 28, 1998 compared to the same period in 1997. The balance of the 1998 change is primarily attributable to the increased service revenues at the Company's country elevator facilities and grain marketing operations. Cost of goods sold of $1,525,000,000 decreased $11,000,000 (1%) for the three months ended February 28, 1998 compared to the same period in 1997. This decrease is primarily attributable to the decline in bushel volume discussed in the sales section of this analysis, partially offset by increased facility expenses and an 18 cent a bushel weighted average price increase for all commodities purchased during the current three-month period compared to the same period in 1997. Marketing and administrative expenses of $18,600,000 for the three months ended February 28, 1998 increased $2,900,000 (18%) compared to the same three months ended in 1997. $900,000 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 $4,600,000 for the three months ended February 28, 1998 represents a decrease of $200,000 (4%) compared to the same period in 1997. Income tax expense of $1,700,000 and $2,350,000 for the three-month periods ended February 28, 1998 and 1997, respectively, result in effective tax rates of 10.7% and 11.9%. COMPARISON OF NINE MONTHS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1998 WITH 1997 The Company's consolidated net earnings for the nine months ended February 28, 1998 and 1997 were $42,300,000 and $37,000,000, respectively, which represents a $5,300,000 (14%) increase for the period ended in 1998. This increase in net earnings is primarily the result of improved grain margins in the 1998 period compared to 1997. Consolidated net sales of $4,417,000,000 decreased $1,195,000,000 (21%) during the nine-month period ended February 28, 1998 compared to the same period in 1997. Grain volume of approximately 860,000,000 bushels during the nine months ended February 28, 1998 declined 140,000,000 bushels compared to 1997. In addition to the volume decrease, the weighted average sales price for all commodities declined 42 cents a bushel for the nine months ended February 28, 1998 compared to the same period a year ago. Patronage dividends received decreased $400,000 (5%) for the nine months ended February 28, 1998 compared to 1997 resulting from lower patronage earnings distributed by cooperative customers and suppliers. Other revenue of $65,500,000 for the nine months ended February 28, 1998 increased $11,600,000 (22%) compared to the same period in 1997. This increase is primarily attributable to the recognition of approximately $4,200,000 of additional earnings from the Company's nonconsolidated consumer products packaging joint venture, and additional service income from both country elevators and grain marketing operations. Cost of goods sold of $4,377,000,000 decreased $1,189,000,000 (21%) for the nine months ended February 28, 1998 compared to the same period in 1997. This decrease is primarily attributable to the decline in bushel volume discussed in the sales section of this analysis, as well as a 44 cent a bushel decline in weighted average purchase price for all commodities during the current nine-month period compared to the same period in 1997. Marketing and administrative expenses increased $1,200,000 (2%), from $52,600,000 during the nine months ended February 28, 1997 to $53,800,000 for the current nine-month period. While such costs of approximately $4,100,000 incurred in the 1997 period were eliminated as a result of transferring the Company's consumer products packaging operation to a nonconsolidated joint venture on August 30, 1996, other areas of the Company, specifically country elevators and wheat milling incurred increased costs due to expansion of their respective businesses. Interest expense of approximately $12,200,000 for the nine months ended February 28, 1998 represents a decrease of $1,000,000 (8%) compared to the same period of 1997. This reduced expense is the result of decreased grain volume and lower grain prices in 1997. Income tax expense of $5,300,000 and $4,950,000 for the nine-month periods ended February 28, 1998 and 1997, respectively, result in effective tax rates of 11.1% and 11.8%. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATIONS Operating activities of the Company used net cash of $4,600,000 and $197,900,000 for the three months ended February 28, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Net cash used is attributable to increased working capital requirements of $18,800,000 and $213,200,000 for the three months ended February 28, 1998 and 1997, respectively. For the nine months ended February 28, 1998, net earnings of $42,300,000 were partially offset by increased working capital needs to provide net cash of $6,900,000. During the same nine-month period of a year ago, net earnings of $37,000,000, net noncash revenues and expenses of $4,300,000 and reduced working capital requirements of $183,500,000 provided net cash of $224,800,000. CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING Investing activities during the three months ended February 28, 1998 used net cash of $8,300,000. Primary uses of cash for investing purposes during this three-month period included the acquisition of property, plant and equipment totaling $7,500,000, and the investment of $2,500,000 for convertible preferred stock of Sparta Foods, Inc., a tortilla manufacturing firm based in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. This investment represents an 18% ownership in that company. These uses of cash for investing purposes were partially offset by proceeds from the sale of fixed assets and redemptions of various investments. Investing activities during the same three-month period of a year ago used net cash of $8,700,000 essentially all of which was for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment. Investing activities for the nine months ended February 28, 1998 used net cash of $18,700,000. Expenditures for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment during that period of $34,800,000 and equity investments of $3,000,000 were partially offset by proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment of $12,500,000 and by approximately $6,600,000 received from joint ventures and redemptions of investments. $10,300,000 of the $12,500,000 proceeds from the sale of fixed assets resulted from a sales-leaseback transaction of manufacturing equipment within the Oilseed Processing and Refining Defined Business Unit. Investing activities during the nine months ended February 28, 1997 used net cash of approximately $20,600,000. Expenditures for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment of $34,100,000 were partially offset by incoming cash from joint ventures, investments and fixed asset proceeds totaling approximately $14,800,000 during the nine-month period of a year ago. 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 a 40% interest in the joint venture and the joint venture assumed debt to the Company of approximately $33,700,000. Of this debt transfer, $9,000,000 was related to non-current assets transferred and is reflected as a source of cash from investing activities for the six-month period ended November 30, 1996. 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 February 28, 1998 the Company had short-term lines of credit totaling $525,000,000, all of which is committed, with $112,000,000 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 $114,700,000 and $125,000,000 on February 28, 1998 and May 31, 1997, respectively. The Company had no new long-term debt borrowings during the three months ended February 28, 1998, and 1997, respectively. During the three months ended February 28, 1998, and 1997, the Company repaid long-term debt of $3,770,000 and $3,580,000, respectively. The Company had no new long-term debt borrowings during the nine months ended February 28, 1998 while in 1997, for the same nine-month period, the Company incurred $10,000,000 of additional long-term debt. During the nine months ended February 28, 1998 and 1997, the Company repaid long-term debt of $15,600,000 and $10,525,000, 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 February 28, 1998 and 1997. These amounts totaled $3,000,000 and $1,100,000, respectively. Redemptions made during the nine months ended February 28, 1998 and 1997 were $6,600,000 and $4,300,000, 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, FEBRUARY 28, FEBRUARY 28, 1997 1997 1998 ----------- -------------------------- (Unaudited) (Unaudited) CURRENT ASSETS: Receivables $34,169,676 $31,769,322 $31,327,604 Inventories 22,850,699 21,629,586 30,384,745 Prepaid expenses and deposits 2,310,163 1,826,008 558,586 ----------- -------------------------- Total current assets 59,330,538 55,224,916 62,270,935 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 33,085,560 31,922,758 34,314,008 ----------- -------------------------- $92,416,098 $87,147,674 $96,584,943 =========== ========================== LIABILITIES AND DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Due to Harvest States Cooperatives $25,584,178 $19,693,173 $34,029,248 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 13,440,922 14,063,503 9,164,697 ----------- -------------------------- Total current liabilities $39,025,100 $33,756,676 $43,193,945 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT EQUITY 53,390,998 53,390,998 53,390,998 ----------- -------------------------- $92,416,098 $87,147,674 $96,584,943 =========== ========================== 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 NINE MONTHS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, FEBRUARY 28, ------------ ------------ 1997 1998 1997 1998 ---- ---- ---- ---- REVENUES: Processed oilseed sales $ 117,617,535 $ 110,443,756 $ 326,969,828 $ 304,973,969 Other revenue (430,661) 289,336 145,826 1,705,610 ------------------------------- ------------------------------ 117,186,874 110,733,092 327,115,654 306,679,579 COSTS AND EXPENSES: Cost of goods sold 107,203,129 102,395,809 302,508,583 280,728,296 Marketing, general, and administrative 1,291,563 1,290,652 3,733,026 3,880,983 Interest 173,700 146,350 209,200 310,630 ------------------------------- ------------------------------ 108,668,392 103,832,811 306,450,809 284,919,909 ------------------------------- ------------------------------ EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES 8,518,482 6,900,281 20,664,845 21,759,670 INCOME TAXES 850,000 100,000 2,050,000 900,000 ------------------------------- ------------------------------ NET EARNINGS $ 7,668,482 $ 6,800,281 $ 18,614,845 $ 20,859,670 =============================== ============================== 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) 20,859,670 Defined Business Unit equity distributed (unaudited) (20,859,670) ------------ BALANCE AT FEBRUARY 28, 1998 (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 NINE MONTHS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, FEBRUARY 28, ------------ ------------ 1997 1998 1997 1998 ----- ----- ----- ---- CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net earnings $ 7,668,482 $ 6,800,281 $ 18,614,845 $ 20,859,670 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows: Depreciation and amortization 467,265 467,080 1,291,222 1,405,248 Gain on disposal of property, plant, and equipment (458,024) (469,756) (658,290) Changes in assets and liabilities: Receivables 2,159,021 4,383,456 (8,973,710) 2,842,072 Inventories 8,412,758 (11,247,849) 4,605,634 (7,534,046) Prepaid expenses and deposits 69,757 1,272,725 (1,515,316) 1,751,577 Accounts payable and accrued expenses (6,559,199) 525,556 2,823,915 (4,276,226) ----------------------------- ----------------------------- Total adjustments 4,091,578 (4,599,032) (2,238,011) (6,469,665) Net cash provided by operating activities ----------------------------- ----------------------------- 11,760,060 2,201,249 16,376,834 14,390,005 ----------------------------- ----------------------------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Proceed from disposition of property, plant, and equipment 10,722,956 Acquistion of property, plant, and equipment (804,135) (1,229,400) (7,972,811) (12,698,361) ----------------------------- ----------------------------- Net cash used in investing activities (804,135) (1,229,400) (7,972,811) (1,975,405) ----------------------------- ----------------------------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net borrowings from Harvest States Cooperatives (3,287,443) 5,828,432 10,210,822 8,445,070 Defined business unit equity distributed (7,668,482) (6,800,281) (18,614,845) (20,859,670) Net cash used in financing activities ----------------------------- ----------------------------- (10,955,925) (971,849) (8,404,023) (12,414,600) ----------------------------- ----------------------------- 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 nine-month period ended February 28, 1998 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, February 28, February 28, 1997 1997 1998 ----------- -------------------------- Oilseed .................... $11,740,227 $15,082,519 $13,052,817 Processed Oilseed Products . 11,110,472 6,547,067 17,331,928 ----------- -------------------------- $22,850,699 $21,629,586 $30,384,745 =========== ========================== 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 NINE MONTHS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, FEBRUARY 28, --------------------------------------------------------------- 1997 1998 1997 1998 ---- ---- ---- ---- Pretax Earnings $ 8,518,482 $ 6,900,281 $ 20,664,845 $ 21,759,670 Earnings from purchased oil (2,148,388) (866,736) (5,446,745) (2,682,211) Nonpatronage joint venture income (571,744) (737,836) Book to tax differences --------------------------------------------------------------- Tax basis earnings $ 6,370,094 $ 6,033,545 $ 14,646,356 $ 18,339,623 =============================================================== Bushels Processed 8,026,767 9,848,521 24,010,420 23,709,351 Earnings per Bushel $ 0.79 $ 0.61 $ 0.61 $ 0.77 =============================================================== 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 NINE MONTHS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, FEBRUARY 28, -------------------------------------------------------- 1997 1998 1997 1998 ---- ---- ---- ---- Gross Margin percentage 8.85% 7.29% 7.48% 7.95% Marketing and Administrative 1.10% 1.17% 1.14% 1.27% Interest 0.15% 0.13% 0.06% 0.10% COMPARISON OF THREE MONTHS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1998 AND 1997 The Oilseed Processing and Refining Defined Business Unit's net earnings of $6,800,000 for the three months ended February 28, 1998 represents a $900,000 decrease (12%) compared to the same period in 1997. This decrease is primarily attributable to lower gross margins on refined soybean oil products, partially offset by a $750,000 decrease in income tax expense. Net sales of $110,400,000 for the three-month period ended February 28, 1998 decreased by $7,200,000 (6%) compared to the same period in 1997. Lower sales prices for both soymeal and refined oil products negatively impacted current quarter sales by $17,700,000. This price variance was partially offset by improved sales volume, particulary for soymeal. Other revenues increased $700,000 for the three-month period ended February 28, 1998 compared to the same period ended February 28, 1997. During the quarter ended February 28, 1997, the Defined Business Unit recognized losses on equipment totaling approximately $450,000, which is the primary factor in the favorable variance for the current three-month period compared to the same period of a year ago. Cost of goods sold for the three months ended February 28, 1998 decreased $4,800,000 (4%) compared to the same period ended February 28, 1997. Although the Defined Business Unit crushed almost 1.8 million more bushels during the quarter ended February 28, 1998 than during the quarter ended February 28, 1997, declining average costs for crude soybean oil resulted in reduced costs of goods sold for the quarter ended February 28, 1998 versus February 28, 1997. Marketing and administrative expenses remained unchanged for the three-month period ended February 28, 1998 compared to the same period ended in 1997. Interest expense decreased $28,000 for the three months ended February 28, 1998 compared to the same three-month period of a year ago. Income taxes for the three-month period ended February 28, 1998 of $100,000 decreased $750,000 compared to the three-month period ended February 28, 1997. 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 1.4% and 10.0% for the three months ended February 28, 1998 and 1997, respectively. COMPARISON OF NINE MONTHS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1998 AND 1997 The Oilseed Processing and Refining Defined Business Unit's net earnings of $20,900,000 for the nine months ended February 28, 1998 represents a $2,300,000 increase (12%) compared to the same period in 1997. This increase is primarily attributable to gains of $650,000 on the sale of replaced equipment and a reduction of $1,150,000 in income tax expense. Net sales of $305,000,000 for the nine-month period ended February 28, 1998 decreased by $22,000,000 (7%) compared to the same period in 1997. 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, and also to a reduction in the average sales price of both soymeal and refined oil products during the current nine-month period compared to the same period of a year ago. Other revenues increased $1,600,000 for the nine-month period ended February 28, 1998 compared to 1997. Primary components of other revenues for 1998 include gains on disposal of plant, property and equipment of approximately $650,000 and income from an oilseed processing joint venture totaling $738,000. Primary components of other revenues for the 1997 period included net losses on the disposal of fixed assets of approximately $450,000 and income from the oilseed processing joint venture of approximately $600,000. Cost of goods sold for the nine months ended February 28, 1998 decreased $21,800,000 (7%) compared to the same period ended February 28, 1997. The primary cause of this decrease was the crushing plant shutdown to allow for the installation of new equipment, and a decline in the cost of both soybeans and crude soybean oil. The Defined Business Unit crushed approximately 23,700,000 bushels of soybeans during the current nine-month period, compared with about 24,000,000 bushels for the same period ended in 1997. Average soybean costs of $7.01 per bushel during the current period declined from $7.36 during the same period of a year ago. Crude soybean oil costs of 22.3 cents per pound also declined from 24.5 cents per pound for the same period a year ago. Marketing and administrative expenses increased $150,000 (4%) for the nine-month period ended February 28, 1998 compared to 1997. Interest expense increased $100,000 (50%) for the nine months ended February 28, 1998 compared to the same nine-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 $900,000 and $2,050,000 for the nine months ended February 28, 1998 and 1997 respectively, results in effective tax rates of 4.1% 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 nine 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 Net earnings of $6,800,000, noncash expenses of approximately $500,000, and an increase in working capital requirements of $5,100,000 resulted in net cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended February 28, 1998 of $2,200,000. For the same three-month period ended a year ago, net earnings of $7,700,000, noncash expenses of $500,000 and reduced working capital requirements of $3,600,000 provided $11,800,000 in net cash from operating activities. Operating activities for the nine months ended February 28, 1998 and 1997, respectively, provided net cash of $14,400,000 and $16,400,000 due to net earnings of $20,900,000 and $18,600,000, noncash income and expenses of $700,000 and $800,000, partially offset by increased working capital requirements of $7,200,000 and $3,000,000, respectively. CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING Investing activities for the three months ended February 28, 1998 and 1997 used net cash of $1,200,000 and $800,000, respectively. All such usage during these periods was for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment. Investing activities during the nine-month period ended February 28, 1998 used net cash of $2,000,000. Additions to property, plant, and equipment of $12,700,000 during the period then ended were partially offset by proceeds from the sale of such fixed assets totaling $10,700,000. During that period, the Defined Business Unit entered into a sale and operating leaseback of certain equipment purchased and installed within the past twelve months. Proceeds from that transaction were approximately $10,300,000. Investing activities during the nine months ended February 28, 1997 used approximately $8,000,000, all of which was 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 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. 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 February 28, 1998 was $34,000,000, an increase from May 31, 1997 of $8,400,000, 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, FEBRUARY 28, FEBRUARY 28, 1997 1997 1998 ------------ ---------------------------- (Unaudited) (Unaudited) CURRENT ASSETS: Receivables $ 26,860,772 $ 47,651,612 $ 34,486,394 Due from Harvest States Cooperatives Inventories 12,271,615 11,258,956 15,482,278 Prepaid expenses and deposits 840,730 201,768 331,967 ------------ ---------------------------- Total current assets 39,973,117 59,112,336 50,300,639 OTHER ASSETS 11,814,555 12,081,225 11,014,545 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 69,130,520 70,244,648 77,472,390 ------------ ---------------------------- $120,918,192 $141,438,209 $138,787,574 ============ ============================ LIABILITIES AND DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Due to Harvest States Cooperatives $ 22,413,445 $ 39,646,885 $ 7,199,778 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 9,493,405 15,523,263 11,342,704 Current portion of long-term debt 10,005,000 9,330,000 10,005,000 ------------ ---------------------------- Total current liabilities 41,911,850 64,500,148 28,547,482 LONG-TERM DEBT 51,209,270 49,140,989 43,643,020 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT EQUITY 27,797,072 27,797,072 66,597,072 ------------ ---------------------------- $120,918,192 $141,438,209 $138,787,574 ============ ============================ 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 NINE MONTHS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, FEBRUARY 28, ------------ ------------ 1997 1998 1997 1998 ---- ---- ---- ---- REVENUES: Processed grain sales $ 48,878,729 $ 54,047,025 $160,305,189 $152,456,052 Other income 370,294 ---------------------------- ---------------------------- 48,878,729 54,047,025 160,305,189 152,826,346 COSTS AND EXPENSES: Cost of goods sold 44,206,167 49,754,699 146,154,554 139,536,583 Marketing, general, and administrative 1,804,218 2,202,385 4,734,734 6,028,180 Interest 1,472,690 858,385 4,298,669 2,897,483 ---------------------------- ---------------------------- 47,483,075 52,815,469 155,187,957 148,462,246 ---------------------------- ---------------------------- EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES 1,395,654 1,231,556 5,117,232 4,364,100 INCOME TAXES 150,000 100,000 400,000 375,000 ---------------------------- ---------------------------- NET EARNINGS $ 1,245,654 $ 1,131,556 $ 4,717,232 $ 3,989,100 ============================ ============================ 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) 3,989,100 Defined Business Unit equity distributed (unaudited) (3,989,100) ------------ BALANCE AT FEBRUARY 28, 1998 (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 NINE MONTHS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, FEBRUARY 28, ------------ ------------ 1997 1998 1997 1998 ---- ---- ---- ---- CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net earnings $ 1,245,654 $ 1,131,556 $ 4,717,232 $ 3,989,100 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows: Depreciation and amortization 1,045,636 1,523,532 3,072,700 3,661,666 Changes in assets and liabilities: Receivables (8,636,263) 9,140,444 (3,902,478) (7,625,622) Inventories (1,080,755) 2,027,841 (1,950,681) (3,210,663) Prepaid expenses and deposits 49,392 159,738 (51,895) 508,763 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 1,519,220 (5,145,989) 3,042,921 1,849,299 ----------------------------- ----------------------------- Total adjustments (7,102,770) 7,705,566 210,567 (4,816,557) Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities ----------------------------- ----------------------------- (5,857,116) 8,837,122 4,927,799 (827,457) ----------------------------- ----------------------------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Acquistion of property, plant, and equipment (4,162,057) (4,695,400) (13,284,291) (11,203,526) ----------------------------- ----------------------------- Net cash used in investing activities (4,162,057) (4,695,400) (13,284,291) (11,203,526) ----------------------------- ----------------------------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net borrowings from (repayments to) Harvest States Cooperatives 13,521,546 (571,416) 8,602,735 (15,213,667) Capital from Harvest States Cooperatives 38,800,000 Long term debt borrowings 10,000,000 Principal payments on long-term debt (2,256,719) (2,438,750) (5,529,011) (7,566,250) Defined business unit equity distributed (1,245,654) (1,131,556) (4,717,232) (3,989,100) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities ----------------------------- ----------------------------- 10,019,173 (4,141,722) 8,356,492 12,030,983 ----------------------------- ----------------------------- 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 nine-month period ended February 28, 1998 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. NOTE 2. RECLASSIFICATIONS Certain reclassifications have been made to the 1997 consolidated financial statements to conform to the 1998 presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the operating results as previously reported. 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 NINE MONTHS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, FEBRUARY 28, -------------------------------------------------------- 1997 1998 1997 1998 ---- ---- ---- ---- Pretax Earnings $ 1,395,654 $ 1,231,556 $ 5,117,232 $ 4,364,100 Book to tax differences ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Tax basis earnings $ 1,395,654 $ 1,231,556 $ 5,117,232 $ 4,364,100 =========== =========== =========== =========== Bushels Milled 7,261,415 7,893,141 21,865,810 22,827,651 Earnings per Bushel $ 0.19 $ 0.16 $ 0.23 $ 0.19 =========== =========== =========== =========== Certain operating information pertaining to the Wheat Milling Defined Business Unit is set forth below, as a percentage of sales. THREE MONTHS ENDED NINE MONTHS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, FEBRUARY 28, -------------------------------------------------- 1997 1998 1997 1998 ---- ---- ---- ---- Gross Margin percentage 9.56% 7.94% 8.83% 8.47% Marketing and Administrative 3.69% 4.07% 2.95% 3.95% Interest 3.01% 1.59% 2.68% 1.90% COMPARISON OF THREE MONTHS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1998 AND 1997 The Wheat Milling Defined Business Unit's net earnings of $1,100,000 for the three-month period ended February 28, 1998 decreased $100,000 (8%) compared to the same period in 1997. 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 45% of its production capacity during the three months ended February 28, 1998. 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 February 28, 1998 of $54,000,000 increased $5,100,000 (10%) compared to the same period in 1997. Increased sales volume for all products of approximately 400 hundred weights along with a slight increase in overall sales prices produced this increase in sales dollars for the current quarter. Cost of goods sold of $49,800,000 for the three months ended February 28, 1998, increased $5,600,000 (13%) compared to the same period in 1997. This change is primarily the result of increased bushel grind during the current three-month period of 7.9 million bushels compared to 7.3 million bushels during the three months ended February 28, 1997. In addition to greater volume, the average cost per bushel for grain increased 16 cents during the current quarter compared to the same period ended on February 28, 1997. The mill expense component of cost of goods sold increased $300,000 for the three-month period ended February 28, 1998 compared to the same period ended in 1997. While Houston incurred new milling expenses during the three months ended February 28, 1998 of $800,000, the other three mills, particularly Rush City because of reduced run time, incurred lower costs during the current three month-period than that of a year ago. Marketing and administrative expenses were $2,200,000 during the three months ended February 28, 1998, an increase of $400,000 (22%) compared to 1997. 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 $900,000 and $1,500,000 during the three months ended February 28, 1998 and 1997, respectively. This decrease of approximately $600,000 (40%) in 1998 is primarily the result of additional capital contributed by Harvest States on June 1, which decreased short term borrowing requirements. Income tax expenses of $100,000 and $150,000 for the three months ended February 28, 1998 and 1997, respectively, result in effective tax rates of 8.1% and 10.75%. COMPARISON OF NINE MONTHS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1998 WITH 1997 The Wheat Milling Defined Business Unit's net earnings of $4,000,000 for the nine-month period ended February 28, 1998 decreased $700,000 (14%) compared to the same period in 1997. 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 nine months ended February 28, 1998, the Houston mill has operated at approximately 39% 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 nine months ended February 28, 1998 of $152,500,000 decreased $7,800,000 (5%) compared to the same period in 1997. Lower prices during the current nine-month period resulted in a decrease in net sales of $12,400,000, while increased sales volume contributed $4,600,000 in sales to partially offset this price variance. Interest income of $370,000 was generated during the nine months ended February 28, 1998 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 February 28, 1998, the Defined Business Unit is in a payable position to Harvest States on the working capital account. Cost of goods sold of $139,500,000 for the nine months ended February 28, 1998, decreased $6,700,000 (5%) compared to the same period in 1997. The raw material component of cost of goods sold decreased $8,400,000 compared with 1997. Lower per bushel grain prices produced a reduction of $13,700,000 of such costs, partially offset in the amount of $5,300,000 by additional costs resulting from increased volume. The mill expense component of cost of goods sold increased approximately $800,000 during the current nine months compared to the same period of a year ago. This increase is 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 mill, which was closed throughout the month of June and early July, has operated during the current nine-month period at approximately 50% of the production level of the same nine-month period ended a year ago. Marketing & administrative expenses were $6,000,000 during the nine months ended February 28, 1998, an increase of $1,300,000 (28%) compared to 1997. 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 $2,900,000 and $4,300,000 during the nine months ended February 28, 1998 and 1997, respectively. This decrease of approximately $1,400,000 (33%) 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 $375,000 and $400,000 for the nine months ended February 28, 1998 and 1997, respectively, result in effective tax rates of 8.6% and 7.8%. 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 provided net cash of $8,800,000 during the three-month period ended February 28, 1998. Net earnings of $1,100,000, noncash expenses of $1,500,000 and decreased working capital requirements of approximately $6,200,000 accounted for this change. Operating activities for the three-month period ended February 28, 1997 used net cash of $5,900,000. Net earnings of $1,200,000 and noncash expenses of $1,000,000 were offset by increased working capital requirements of $8,100,000 during the three-month period ended February 28, 1997. Operating activities used net cash of $800,000 during the nine-month period ended February 28, 1998. Net earnings of $4,000,000 and noncash expenses of $3,700,000 were offset by increased working capital requirements of approximately $8,500,000. Operating activities for the nine-month period ended February 28, 1997 provided net cash of $4,900,000. Net earnings of $4,700,000 and noncash expenses of $3,100,000 were partially offset by increased working capital requirements of approximately $2,900,000. CASH FLOWS USED FOR INVESTING Cash expended for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment during the three-month periods ended February 28, 1998 and 1997 totaled $4,700,000 and $4,200,000, respectively. Cash expended for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment during the nine-month periods ended February 28, 1998 and 1997 totaled $11,200,000 and $13,300,000, 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 February 28, 1998, the Wheat Milling Defined Business Unit had short-term debt to Harvest States of $7,200,000, 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 nine months ended February 28, 1998, this balance was reduced by repayments of $7,566,250. 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 $8,100,000 of these costs have been expended through February 28, 1998. The Defined Business Unit has announced intentions to construct a mill in central Florida. 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 ------- ----------------------- 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 ------------------ --------------- (Date) T. F. Baker Group Vice-President - Finance