================================================================================ 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 MAY 31, 1999. [ ] 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 ----------------- CENEX HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) MINNESOTA 41-0251095 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification Number) 5500 CENEX DRIVE, (651) 451-5151 INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, MN 55077 (Registrant's telephone number including (Address of principal executive offices area code) and zip 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 May 31, 1999) ================================================================================ INDEX PAGE NO. ---- PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION CENEX HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 1. Financial Statements (unaudited) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of August 31, 1998 and May 31, 1998 and 1999 .......... 2 Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended May 31, 1998 and 1999 ............................................................................. 3 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three and nine months ended May 31, 1998 and 1999 ............................................................................. 4 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ........................................... 5 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ........................................................................ 6 OILSEED PROCESSING AND REFINING DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT (A DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT OF CENEX HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES) Item 1. Financial Statements Balance Sheets as of August 31, 1998, May 31, 1998 and May 31, 1999 (unaudited) ...... 14 Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended May 31, 1998 and 1999 (unaudited) ..................................................................... 15 Statements of Cash Flows for the three and nine months ended May 31, 1998 and 1999 (unaudited) ..................................................................... 16 Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) ............................................ 17 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ........................................................................ 18 WHEAT MILLING DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT (A DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT OF CENEX HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES) Item 1. Financial Statements Balance Sheets as of August 31, 1998, May 31, 1998 and May 31, 1999 (unaudited) ...... 22 Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended May 31, 1998 and 1999 (unaudited) ..................................................................... 23 Statements of Cash Flows for the three and nine months ended May 31, 1998 and 1999 (unaudited) ..................................................................... 24 Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) ............................................ 25 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ........................................................................ 26 PART II. OTHER INFORMATION Items 1 through 5 have been omitted since all items are inapplicable or answers are negative ......................................................................... 30 Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K ............................................. 30 SIGNATURE PAGE ........................................................................ 31 i 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 the following: SUPPLY AND DEMAND FORCES. The Company may be adversely affected by supply and demand relationships, both domestic and international. Supply may be 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. The current monetary crisis in Asia has impacted, and is expected to continue to impact exports of U.S. agricultural products. Reduced demand for U.S. agricultural products may also adversely affect the demand for fertilizer, chemicals, and petroleum products sold by the Company and used to produce crops. Demand may also be affected by changes in eating habits, population growth and increased or decreased per capita consumption of some products. PRICE RISKS. Upon purchase, the Company has risks of carrying grain and petroleum, including price changes and performance risks (including delivery, quality, quantity and shipment period), depending upon the type of purchase contract. The Company is exposed to risk of loss in the market value of positions held, consisting of grain and petroleum 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 commodity futures contracts (either a straight futures contract or an option futures contract) on regulated commodity futures exchanges. OILSEED PROCESSING AND REFINING BUSINESS COMPETITION. This 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 Oilseed 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. Commencing in June 1998, the Wheat Milling Defined Business Unit began conversion of a semolina line to bakery flour at the Huron mill. This conversion was operational in February 1999, and until the Wheat Milling Defined Business Unit increases its share of the bakery flour market, profits will be negatively impacted. YEAR 2000. Although the Company's management believes that the Company has in place an effective program to address the Year 2000 issue in a timely manner, it also recognizes that failure to sufficiently resolve all aspects of the Year 2000 issue in a timely fashion presents substantial risks for the Company, including disruption of normal business processes and additional costs or loss of revenue. Considerable work remains to be accomplished and unforeseen difficulties could arise which might adversely affect the Company's ability to complete its program on schedule. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that the systems of other companies on which this Company relies will be remediated in a timely fashion to avoid having a material adverse affect on the Company's operations or its financial results. 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 this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 1999. 1 CENEX HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES AND SUBSIDIARIES ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CENEX HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) ASSETS AUGUST 31, MAY 31, MAY 31, 1998 1998 1999 ---------- ---------- ---------- (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents .................................. $ 120,008 $ 83,532 $ 44,760 Receivables ................................................ 471,516 564,185 678,963 Inventories ................................................ 479,734 523,019 513,815 Other current assets ....................................... 37,707 36,996 86,231 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total current assets ...................................... 1,108,965 1,207,732 1,323,769 OTHER ASSETS: Investments ................................................ 347,334 346,214 367,369 Other ...................................................... 97,034 96,485 114,423 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total other assets ........................................ 444,368 442,699 481,792 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT ............................... 915,770 893,531 956,068 ---------- ---------- ---------- $2,469,103 $2,543,962 $2,761,629 ========== ========== ========== LIABILITIES AND EQUITIES CURRENT LIABILITIES: Notes payable .............................................. $ 475 $ 53,500 $ 170,000 Current portion of long-term debt .......................... 13,855 39,548 19,627 Patrons' credit balances ................................... 41,324 42,876 37,514 Patrons' advance payments .................................. 148,021 108,488 115,680 Drafts outstanding ......................................... 26,367 33,569 19,314 Accounts payable ........................................... 383,161 494,049 501,341 Book cash overdraft ........................................ 28,375 49,314 50,917 Accrued expenses ........................................... 119,373 98,417 103,226 Patronage dividends and equity retirements payable ......... 63,562 60,019 16,894 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total current liabilities ................................. 824,513 979,780 1,034,513 LONG-TERM DEBT .............................................. 442,986 375,200 466,281 OTHER LIABILITIES ........................................... 75,801 72,113 80,326 MINORITY INTERESTS IN SUBSIDIARIES .......................... 59,926 58,603 62,256 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES ............................... EQUITIES .................................................... 1,065,877 1,058,266 1,118,253 ---------- ---------- ---------- $2,469,103 $2,543,962 $2,761,629 ========== ========== ========== The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements (unaudited). 2 CENEX HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) FOR THE FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED NINE MONTHS ENDED MAY 31, MAY 31, ------------------------ -------------------------- 1998 1999 1998 1999 --------- --------- ---------- ---------- (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) REVENUES: Net sales: Grain and oilseed ............................ $ 824,878 $ 625,002 $3,617,773 $2,656,966 Energy ....................................... 336,905 323,590 1,151,196 908,224 Processed grain and oilseed .................. 157,619 137,548 484,279 409,358 Feed and farm supplies ....................... 202,340 176,145 414,330 383,679 Agronomy ..................................... 332,834 254,260 607,724 481,547 --------- --------- ---------- ---------- 1,854,576 1,516,545 6,275,302 4,839,774 Patronage dividends ........................... 3,851 4,108 39,494 8,010 Other revenues ................................ 20,290 29,177 78,476 82,165 --------- --------- ---------- ---------- 1,878,717 1,549,830 6,393,272 4,929,949 --------- --------- ---------- ---------- COSTS AND EXPENSES: Cost of goods sold ............................ 1,763,633 1,447,824 6,127,149 4,714,477 Marketing, general and administrative ......... 43,329 43,111 109,182 119,381 Interest ...................................... 10,361 11,509 28,499 31,481 Minority interests ............................ 3,322 4,411 143 3,655 --------- --------- ---------- ---------- 1,820,645 1,506,855 6,264,973 4,868,994 --------- --------- ---------- ---------- INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES ..................... 58,072 42,975 128,299 60,955 INCOME TAX EXPENSE ............................. 5,840 4,340 13,865 5,375 --------- --------- ---------- ---------- NET INCOME ..................................... $ 52,232 $ 38,635 $ 114,434 $ 55,580 ========= ========= ========== ========== The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements (unaudited). 3 CENEX HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) FOR THE FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED NINE MONTHS ENDED MAY 31, MAY 31, ----------------------- ------------------------ 1998 1999 1998 1999 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income ............................................ $ 52,232 $ 38,635 $ 114,434 $ 55,580 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Depreciation and amortization ....................... 18,360 20,377 55,052 60,523 Noncash income from joint ventures .................. (12,716) (15,728) (6,670) (16,995) Noncash portion of patronage dividends received ..... (1,681) (3,356) (32,830) (6,822) Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment ....... (1,293) (314) (2,609) (1,635) Adjustment of inventories to market value ........... 1,236 (14,946) 20,845 (10,117) Other ............................................... (227) 3,593 (3,193) 2,603 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Receivables ........................................ 10,225 (136,791) (16,027) (207,880) Inventories ........................................ (54,938) 7,450 (66,344) (23,964) Other current assets and other assets .............. 103,029 38,265 17,457 (70,572) Patrons' credit balances ........................... (78,755) (15,557) (2,313) (3,810) Patrons' advance payments .......................... (77,027) (45,828) (45,520) (32,341) Accounts payable and accrued expenses .............. 156,592 179,236 58,874 102,033 Drafts outstanding and other liabilities ........... 12,232 (719) 9,239 (2,517) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total adjustments ................................ 75,037 15,682 (14,039) (211,494) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities ...................................... 127,269 54,317 100,395 (155,914) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Acquisition of property, plant and equipment .......... (42,917) (23,782) (101,104) (94,725) Proceeds from disposition of property, plant and equipment ............................................ 3,061 1,496 19,559 6,348 Investments ........................................... 2,482 6,702 (5,746) (4,510) Investments redeemed .................................. 11,367 3,707 15,335 9,131 Changes in notes receivable ........................... (7,102) (176) 1,802 2,475 Other investing activities, net ....................... (3,053) 18 (2,067) (47) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net cash used in investing activities ............ (36,162) (12,035) (72,221) (81,328) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Changes in notes payable .............................. (110,020) (77,000) 24,731 169,525 Long-term debt borrowings ............................. 44,993 30,000 68,583 40,565 Principal payments on long-term debt .................. (7,029) (4,514) (20,080) (11,771) Changes in book cash overdraft ........................ 38,818 14,923 28,783 22,542 Retirements of equity ................................. (20,144) (4,518) (39,158) (15,117) Cash patronage dividends paid ......................... (29,117) (67) (42,505) (43,750) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities ...................................... (82,499) (41,176) 20,354 161,994 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ...................................... 8,608 1,106 48,528 (75,248) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD ................................... 74,924 43,654 35,004 120,008 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD ............................................. $ 83,532 $ 44,760 $ 83,532 $ 44,760 ========== ========== ========== ========== The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements (unaudited). 4 CENEX HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) NOTE 1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES The unaudited consolidated statements of operations and cash flows for the three and nine months ended May 31, 1998 and 1999, reflect, in the opinion of management of Cenex Harvest States Cooperatives (the Company), all normal, recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods. The results of operations and cash flows for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. The consolidated balance sheet data as of May 31, 1998 and August 31, 1998 were derived from audited consolidated financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles. The unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Reclassifications have been made to the prior year's financial statements to conform to the current year presentation. NOTE 2. RECEIVABLES AUGUST 31, MAY 31, MAY 31, 1998 1998 1999 ---------- ---------- ---------- Trade ........................................ $474,454 $564,737 $689,535 Other ........................................ 20,376 23,635 12,672 -------- -------- -------- 494,830 588,372 702,207 Less allowance for doubtful accounts ......... 23,314 24,187 23,244 -------- -------- -------- $471,516 $564,185 $678,963 ======== ======== ======== NOTE 3. INVENTORIES AUGUST 31, MAY 31, MAY 31, 1998 1998 1999 ---------- ---------- ---------- Energy products .............................. $178,792 $208,055 $202,322 Grain and oilseed ............................ 171,099 166,925 135,463 Agronomy ..................................... 80,030 82,168 85,626 Feed and farm supplies ....................... 30,064 46,871 75,594 Processed grain and oilseed products ......... 19,749 19,000 14,810 -------- -------- -------- $479,734 $523,019 $513,815 ======== ======== ======== NOTE 4. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME As of June 1, 1998 the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130 (SFAS 130), "Reporting of Comprehensive Income". SFAS 130 establishes new rules for the reporting of comprehensive income and its components. The adoption of SFAS 130 had no impact on the Company's net income. SFAS 130 requires unrealized gains and losses on the Company's available-for- sale securities as well as the Company's charge to equity related to its pension liability to be included as components of other comprehensive income. During the three months ended May 31, 1998 and 1999, total comprehensive income amounted to $52,146 and $37,549 respectively. Total comprehensive income was $114,348 and $55,810 for the nine months ended May 31, 1998 and 1999, respectively. Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income at August 31, 1998, May 31, 1998 and May 31, 1999 was $(99), $1,195 and $130, respectively. 5 ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Pursuant to a Plan of Combination dated May 29, 1998 (the Plan of Combination), CENEX, Inc. (Cenex) and Harvest States Cooperatives (Harvest States) combined through merger on June 1, 1998 (the Combination) with Harvest States the surviving corporation. In accordance with the Plan of Combination, the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of Harvest States Cooperatives were restated and the name Harvest States Cooperatives was changed to "Cenex Harvest States Cooperatives" (the Company). This Combination has been accounted for as a pooling of interests and as a result all comparative financial information has been restated to include the financial statements of Harvest States and Cenex. In addition, the Company changed its fiscal year to August 31, and is filing this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q representing the first nine months and third quarter of the Company's new fiscal year. In February 1999, the Company announced that it had entered into discussions with Farmland Industries, Inc., a farm supply, grain marketing and food processing cooperative headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri for the purpose of exploring potential joint ventures in petroleum refining and grain marketing. In May 1999, the Company and Farmland Industries, Inc. announced the intention to work towards a merger of the two companies. This transaction is subject to due diligence, development of a definitive merger agreement and a favorable vote by the memberships of both companies. In June 1999, the Cenex/Land O'Lakes Agronomy Company, of which the Company owns 50%, purchased approximately 310 retail agronomy facilities from Terra International, Inc. at a price of approximately $350 million. The Company contributed capital of $55 million in cash to partially finance this transaction. Financing arrangements for this business, to be managed by the Cenex/Land O'Lakes Agronomy Company, are without recourse to the Company. Thomas F. Baker, Executive Vice President of Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer of the Company announced his retirement effective May 31, 1999. John Schmitz, previously Vice President, Finance has been appointed as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective June 1, 1999. Debra Thornton, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, has assumed some additional administrative duties effective June 1, 1999. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 131, Disclosure about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information, which relates to financial reporting of operating or business segments of a company. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. Disclosures relative to SFAS No.131 are not required for interim periods in the initial year of application. Management is currently evaluating this new standard and has not yet determined its applicability or impact on the presentation of the Company's financial statements. In June 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, which relates to the accounting for derivative transactions and hedging activities. This new standard is effective for years beginning after June 15, 1999. In July 1999, the FASB issued SFAS No. 137 which defers the effective date of SFAS No. 133 to all fiscal quarters of all fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000. While management does not believe this standard will materially impact the financial position and results of operations of the Company, it is currently evaluating the reporting requirements under this new standard. YEAR 2000 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 as the Year 2000. 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. Furthermore, should other companies or entities with whom the Company has a supplier or a customer relationship 6 encounter business disruption because of the Year 2000 issue, the Company in turn could experience disruption of normal business processes and as a result incur additional costs or loss of revenue. In preparation for the Year 2000, the Company reviewed the primary internally-developed software programs used within the divisions and defined business units comprising Harvest States before the June 1, 1998 merger with Cenex. Appropriate changes were made to that software to accommodate the Year 2000. In addition, the Company has engaged an information technology consulting firm for the purpose of appraising the Company's Year 2000 readiness, identifying critical software applications which are not Year 2000 compliant, remediating such applications, testing corrections to software, developing contingency plans in the event that all software problems are not corrected by the Year 2000, and assisting with certifications of key supplier's Year 2000 readiness. This Year 2000 plan and action program encompasses all areas of the Company. The Company will also assess, to the extent practical, embedded technology in its processing equipment. The Company has completed the assessment phase of the project, and has identified software deemed mission critical which must be remediated or replaced. In addition to this corrective activity, software previously remediated is currently under testing for Year 2000 compliance. The Company has also identified mission critical operations of the Company which may depend upon embedded technology and has collected or is in the process of collecting certification of Year 2000 compliance from equipment manufacturers. It is anticipated that the remediation phase of the project for mission critical systems will be substantially completed by August 31, 1999. Management believes that the total cost to the Company to review and correct its own computer systems will not exceed $2 million, of which approximately $1.3 million was expended through May 31, 1999. The Company's management believes that the Company has in place an effective program to address the Year 2000 issue in a timely manner and that it is taking the steps reasonably necessary to resolve this issue with respect to matters within its control. However, it also recognizes that failure to sufficiently resolve all aspects of the Year 2000 issue in a timely fashion presents substantial risks to the Company. Considerable work remains to be accomplished and unforeseen difficulties could arise which might adversely affect the Company's ability to complete its program on schedule. Furthermore, while the Company has taken, and will continue to take, steps to determine the extent of remediation efforts being undertaken by key customers and suppliers, there is no guarantee that the systems of other companies on which this Company relies will be remediated in a timely fashion to avoid having a material adverse effect on the Company's operations or its financial results. Contingency plans are being discussed, but have not been completed as of this time. Such plans will be developed as the Company fully identifies those systems requiring remediation and works toward completion of its remediation efforts. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS During the last 18 months there has been a decline in U.S. exports due to the Asian monetary crisis which has resulted in lower grain prices. This in turn, has affected the farmer producers' ability and willingness to purchase crop inputs such as fertilizer, chemicals and petroleum products. In addition, the increased production capacity of nitrogen fertilizer, flour and processed oilseed products has depressed prices and gross margins for those products. COMPARISON OF THREE MONTHS ENDED MAY 31, 1999 AND 1998 The Company's consolidated net income for the three months ended May 31, 1999 and 1998 was $38.6 million and $52.2 million, respectively, which represents a $13.6 million (26%) decrease during the current three-month period. This decrease for the quarter is related to the decline in income from wholesale agronomy and food processing operations and an investment impairment, offset by a patronage dividend received by the farm supply operations and increases in income from grain operations and the Company's consumer products packaging joint venture. In wholesale agronomy operations timing differences resulted in the recognition of chemical rebates for the three-month period in 1998 that were not recognized in the current three-month period, resulting in a decrease in income of $7.7 million. In addition, the gross margin for plant food declined $1.30 per ton for the current quarter ended May 31, 1999 compared to the same period a year ago. Within the Wheat Milling Defined Business Unit reduced volume at the Huron mill produced a $2.0 million dollar decrease in income for the three months ended May 31, 1999. In addition, bad debt 7 expense of $1.1 million was recognized during the current quarter due to the notification of bankruptcy received from two customers of which recovery is unlikely. The balance of the decline in income for the quarter ended May 31, 1999 is primarily attributable to a decline in average gross margins of approximately 33 cents per hundred-weight for all products. Within the Oilseed Processing and Refining Defined Business Unit, the decrease in income is primarily attributable to lower gross margins for soymeal and other processed soybean products. The average gross margin for such products declined approximately $12 per ton during the three months ended May 31, 1999 compared to the same three-month period of a year ago. During the three months ended May 31, 1999 the Company recorded an impairment to its St. Paul Bank for Cooperatives investment in the amount of $3.1 million due to losses incurred by the bank. Income for the current three-month period included a patronage dividend received by farm supply operations in the amount of $3.2 million dollars. In the prior three-month period the patronage dividend was not received until the following quarter. Included in income from grain operations for the three months ended May 31, 1999 was a harbor maintenance tax refund of approximately $1.0 million which was the result of a Supreme Court ruling that the tax was unconstitutional. The Company's share of income from its consumer products packaging joint venture increased approximately $6.5 million during the current three-month period compared to the same period ended in 1998. Net operating results produced by the Company's energy operations for the three months ended May 31, 1999 were not significantly different in total from the results produced during the same period ended a year ago. Consolidated net sales of $1.5 billion decreased approximately $338 million (18%) during the three-month period ended May 31, 1999 compared to the same period ended in 1998. The average sales price for all grain and oilseeds marketed by the Company declined $.83 per bushel, which was the primary factor in a reduction in grain sales during the 1999 period of approximately $200 million (24%). Grain volume of approximately 231 million bushels for the three-month period ended May 31, 1999 was essentially unchanged compared to the same period in 1998. Sales of energy products declined approximately $13 million (4%) during the three-month period ended May 31, 1999 compared with the same period in 1998. Although the average price for refined fuels was 8 cents per gallon higher during the current three-month period than that of a year ago, the primary reason for the decline was a 6% reduction in refined fuel volume. Processed grain and oilseed sales decreased approximately $20 million (13%) during the three months ended May 31, 1999 compared to the same period in 1998. This decrease is primarily attributable to a $19 per ton reduction in the average sales price of soymeal, a decline of approximately 6 cents per pound for refined oil partially offset by a 12% increase in refining volume and a reduction of approximately $2.85 per hundred-weight for milled wheat products partially offset by an 829 thousand hundred-weight volume increase. Sales of feed and farm supplies decreased approximately $26 million (13%) for the three-month period ended May 31, 1999, and is primarily attributable to a decline in volume of approximately 10% due to wet weather conditions during the current quarter. Wholesale agronomy product sales decreased $78.6 million (24%) during the current three-month period ended May 31, 1999. This was primarily the result of a 19% decline in plant food volume at an average price of approximately $22 per ton less than that of a year ago. Patronage dividends received increased $.3 million (7%) during the three months ended May 31, 1999 compared to the same period in 1998. A patronage dividend in the amount of $3.2 million was received during the current three-month period, but a year ago it was received in the following quarter. 8 Offsetting this was a patronage dividend received from the St. Paul Bank for Cooperatives in the three-month period ended May 31, 1998, but not in the current three-month period due to the bank's losses. Other revenues of $29.2 million increased $8.9 million (44%) for the three months ended May 31, 1999 compared to the same period in 1998. While there were some changes in revenue volumes among the recurring categories of divisional service income, the primary reason for the change was an increase in the Company's share of income from its consumer products packaging joint venture and grain marketing joint ventures of approximately $6.5 million and $1.7 million, respectively, during the current three-month period. Cost of goods sold of $1.4 billion decreased approximately $316 million (18%) during the three months ended May 31, 1999 compared to the same period in 1998. During the three months ended May 31, 1999, the average cost per bushel for all grains and oilseeds procured by the Company through its grain marketing and country elevator system decreased $1.12 compared to the same period ended in 1998. The average cost per gallon for refined fuels increased 1/2 a cent during the three-month period ended May 31, 1999 compared to 1998. Within the Company's food processing operations, the average cost for wheat declined $1.51 per bushel, and the average cost for soybeans declined $1.50 per bushel, both compared to purchases made during the same three-month period ended in the previous year. Marketing, general and administrative expenses of $43.1 million for the three months ended May 31, 1999 decreased $0.2 million (1%) compared to the same three months ended in 1998. During the three-month period ended in 1999, the Company expended approximately $0.7 million as part of its Year 2000 computer compliance program. Interest expense of $11.5 million increased $1.1 million (11%) for the three months ended May 31, 1999 compared to the same period in 1998. Long-term borrowings since May 31, 1998 to finance the acquisition of property, plant and equipment generated most of this additional expense. Minority interests in operations for the three-month period ended May 31, 1999 increased approximately $1.1 million compared to the same period in 1998. Substantially all of the minority interest is related to National Cooperative Refinery Association (NCRA), which operates a refinery near McPherson, Kansas. The Company owns approximately 75% of NCRA. This change in minority interests during the current three-month period is reflective of more profitable operations within the partially owned subsidiaries compared to the same period a year ago. Income tax expense of $4.3 million and $5.8 million for the three months ended May 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively, resulted in an effective tax rate of 10.1% for both periods. Non-patronage income as a percentage of total income was approximately the same for both periods. COMPARISON OF NINE MONTHS ENDED MAY 31, 1999 AND 1998 The Company's consolidated net income for the nine months ended May 31, 1999 and 1998 was $55.6 million and $114.4 million, respectively, which represents a $58.8 million (51%) decrease during the current nine-month period. This decline in profitability is primarily attributable to the absence of an agronomy product patronage refund of approximately $32.9 million which the Company had received during the previous year's nine-month period, and depressed gross margins in the Company's food processing and energy operations. During the nine-month period ended May 31, 1998, the Company received a patronage dividend of approximately $32.9 million on plant food purchases from its primary supplier of such products. During the current nine-month period, the Company did not receive a patronage dividend due to depressed earnings in that particular industry. Grain volume of approximately 830 million bushels was essentially unchanged during the nine months ended May 31, 1999 when compared with the same period in 1998. The average sales price for all grain and oilseeds marketed by the Company, however, declined $1.12 per bushel, which was the primary factor in a reduction in grain and oilseed sales during the 1999 period of approximately $961 million (27%). 9 Sales of energy products declined approximately $243 million (21%) during the nine-month period ended May 31, 1999 compared with the same period in 1998. This was primarily the result of an 8% decline in refined fuel volume at an average price 10 cents per gallon less than that of a year ago. Processed grain and oilseed sales decreased approximately $75 million (15%) during the nine months ended May 31, 1999 compared to the same period in 1998. This decrease is primarily attributable to a decline in processing volume of 43 thousand tons and a $63 per ton reduction in the average sales price of soymeal in addition to a reduction of approximately $2.79 per hundred-weight for milled wheat products partially offset by a 1.2 million hundred-weight volume increase. Feed and farm supply sales of approximately $384 million decreased approximately $31 million (7%) during the nine months ended May 31, 1999 compared to the same period in 1998. The decrease in the current nine-month period is primarily attributable to a 10% decline in volume due to wet weather conditions. Wholesale agronomy product sales declined approximately $126 million (21%) during the nine months ended May 31, 1999 compared to the same period in 1998. This was primarily the result of a 15% decline in plant food volume at an average price of $16 per ton less than that of a year ago. Patronage dividends received decreased approximately $31.5 million (80%) during the nine months ended May 31, 1999 compared to the same period in 1998. This decline in patronage dividends was the primarily the result of reduced earnings generated by the Company's primary fertilizer supplier. Other revenues of $82.2 million increased $3.7 million (5%) for the nine months ended May 31, 1999 compared to the same period in 1998. Increases in the Company's share of income from its consumer products packaging joint venture and grain marketing joint ventures of approximately $1.1 million and $2.0 million, respectively, during the current nine-month period were the most significant factors affecting this change. Cost of goods sold of approximately $4.7 billion decreased approximately $1.4 billion (23%) during the nine months ended May 31, 1999 compared to the same period in 1998. During the nine months ended May 31, 1999, the average cost per bushel for all grains and oilseed procured by the Company though it's grain marketing and country elevator system decreased $1.12 compared to the same period ended in 1998. The average cost per gallon for refined fuels decreased 9 cents during the nine-month period ended May 31, 1999 compared to 1998, in addition to an 8% decline in volume for refined fuels. Fertilizer costs declined an average of approximately $16 per ton, and volume for that product line declined 15% compared to activity during the nine months ended May 31, 1998. In the Company's food processing operations, the average cost of wheat and soybeans declined $1.47 and $1.50 per bushel, respectively. Marketing, general, and administrative expenses of $119.4 million increased $10.2 million (9%) for the nine months ended May 31, 1999 compared to the same period in 1998. Approximately $1.8 million of the increase is within the Wheat Milling Defined Business Unit operations from the recognition of $1.1 million of uncollectable accounts receivable and also increased costs at the new mill at Mount Pocono. Within the energy operations approximately $3.0 million of this increase is due to commission expense related to Country Energy, LLC, a 50/50 joint venture with Farmland Industries, Inc. that started operations in September 1998. This commission expense includes marketing programs and expenses which had previously been included in cost of goods sold. Approximately $1.5 million of the change is from credits to expenses produced as a result of the divestiture of a petroleum exploration project during the nine-month period ended May 31, 1998. During the nine-month period ended May 31, 1999, the Company has recorded one-time costs related to the consolidation of the business units pursuant to the merger of Cenex, Inc. and Harvest States Cooperatives of approximately $1.9 million. In addition, the Company has expended approximately $1.3 million during the nine-month period ended May 31, 1999 for the purpose of assessing and remediating issues related to Year 2000 computer compliance. Interest expense of $31.5 million increased $3.0 million (10%) during the nine months ended May 31, 1999 compared to the same period in 1998. Long-term borrowings since May 31, 1998 to finance the acquisition of property, plant and equipment generated most of this additional expense. 10 Minority interests in operations for the nine-month period ended May 31, 1999 increased approximately $3.5 million compared to the same period in 1998. Substantially all of the minority interest is in NCRA, which operates a refinery near McPherson, Kansas. The Company owns approximately 75% of NCRA. This change in minority interests during the current nine-month period is reflective of more profitable operations within the partially owned subsidiaries compared to the same period of a year ago. Income tax expense of $5.4 million and $13.9 million for the nine months ended May 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively, resulted in effective tax rates of 8.8% and 10.8%. The reduced 1999 effective tax rate is reflective of reduced nonpatronage earnings in several operations of the Company. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATIONS Operating activities of the Company provided net cash of $54.3 million and $127.3 million for the three months ended May 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively. For the period ended in 1999, net income of $38.6 million and decreased working capital requirements of approximately $26.1 million were offset by net non-cash income and expenses of approximately $10.4 million. For the three-month period ending May 31, 1998, net cash provided by operating activities comprised of net income of $52.2 million, net non-cash income and expenses of approximately $3.7 million and decreased working capital requirements of approximately $71.4 million. Operating activities of the Company used net cash of $155.9 million and provided net cash of $100.4 million for the nine months ended May 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively. For the period ended in 1999, net income of $55.6 million and net non-cash income and expenses of approximately $27.6 million were offset by increased working capital requirements of approximately $239.1 million. For the nine-month period ended May 31, 1998, net income of $114.4 million and net non-cash income and expenses of $30.6 million were offset by increased working capital requirements of approximately $44.6 million. CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING Investing activities of the Company used net cash of $12.0 million during the three-month period ended May 31, 1999. Expenditures for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment of $23.8 million and the net changes in notes receivable were partially offset by proceeds from the disposition of property, plant and equipment, the net change in investments of $6.7 million and proceeds from the redemption of prior investments. The Company projects total expenditures for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment for the fiscal year ending August 31, 1999 to be approximately $196 million. Investing activities of the Company used net cash of $36.2 million during the three-month period ended May 31, 1998. Expenditures for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment of $42.9 million, and $7.1 million net changes in notes receivable were partially offset by proceeds from the disposition of property, plant and equipment, the net change in investments and proceeds from the redemption of prior investments of $11.4 million. Investing activities of the Company used net cash of $81.3 million during the nine-month period ended May 31, 1999. Expenditures for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment of $94.7 million and additional investments of $4.5 million were partially offset by proceeds from the disposition of property, plant and equipment of $6.3 million, proceeds from the redemption of prior investments of $9.1 million and net changes of notes receivable. Investing activities of the Company used net cash of $72.2 million during the nine-month period ended May 31, 1998. Expenditures for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment of $101.1 million and additional investments of $5.7 million, were partially offset by proceeds from the disposition of property, plant and equipment of $19.6 million, proceeds from the redemption of prior investments of $15.3 million and net changes of notes receivable. The single largest source of cash partially offsetting capital expenditures and investments was the proceeds of a sale-leaseback transaction for equipment within the Oilseed Processing and Refining Defined Business Unit. 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. In June 1998, the Company established a 364-day credit facility 11 of $400 million and a five-year revolving facility of $200 million, all of which is committed. This facility was renewed as of May 31, 1999. In addition to these credit lines, the Company has a 364-day credit facility dedicated to NCRA, a subsidiary of which the Company owns 75%, with the St. Paul Bank for Cooperatives in the amount of $52 million, all of which is committed, and a 364-day credit facility dedicated to Swiss Valley Cooperative, a subsidiary of which the Company owns 60%, with CoBank in the amount of $0.75 million, all of which is committed. On May 31, 1999 the Company had total short-term indebtedness on these various facilities totaling $170 million. On August 31, 1998 and May 31, 1998, respectively, the Company had $0.5 million and $53.5 million outstanding on its short-term lines of credit. The increase in short-term borrowings in the nine-month period ended May 31, 1999 is primarily attributable to the cash grain activity and the payment of deferred grain contracts after the beginning of the new tax year starting January 1999, and also receivables related to crop inputs during the spring season. The Company has financed its long-term capital needs in the past, primarily for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment, with long-term loan agreements through the banks for cooperatives. On May 31, 1998, the Company had total indebtedness related to these long-term lines of credit of $373.8 million, of which approximately $36.0 million represented long-term borrowings by NCRA. In June 1998, the Company established a new long-term credit agreement through the banks for cooperatives whereby the Company repaid $279.6 million of the loan balance, and borrowed $134 million on the new long-term facility with the banks for cooperatives. This facility committed $200 million of long-term borrowing capacity to the Company, with repayments through the year 2009. On May 28, 1999, the company borrowed an additional $30 million on this facility, which expired on May 31, 1999. The amount outstanding on this credit agreement was $134 million on August 31, 1998 and $164 million on May 31, 1999. Also in June 1998, as part of the refinancing program for the merged operations, the Company entered into a private placement with several insurance companies for long-term debt in the amount of $225 million. Repayments will be made in equal installments of $37.5 million each in the years 2008 through 2013. In addition, the Company had long-term indebtedness on August 31, 1998, May 31, 1998 and May 31, 1999, of $39.8 million, $41.0 million and $32.2 million, respectively, in the form of Industrial Revenue Bonds, capitalized leases and other notes and contracts. The Company incurred additional long-term debt of $30.0 million during the three months ended May 31, 1999. During that same period, the Company repaid long-term debt totaling approximately $4.5 million. During the three months ended May 31, 1998 the Company incurred additional long-term debt of $45.0 million, and repaid $7.0 million of long-term debt. During the nine-month periods ended May 31, 1999 and 1998, the Company incurred additional long-term debt of $40.6 million and $68.6 million, respectively. Repayments of long-term debt totaled $11.8 million and $20.1 million during the nine months ended May 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively. In accordance with the bylaws and by action of the Board of Directors, annual net income 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. In September 1998, the Company distributed patronage dividends to patrons based upon the operating results of the former Harvest States portion of the business for its year ended May 31, 1998. The cash portion of this distribution, deemed by the Board of Directors to be 80% for Equity Participation Units and 30% for regular patronage, was approximately $15.1 million. In January 1999, the Company distributed the patronage income generated by the former Cenex portion of the business for the period ended May 31, 1998, and the patronage income resulting from the combined operations of the Company for the three months ended August 31, 1998. The cash portion of that distribution, deemed by the Board of Directors to be 80% for Equity Participation Units and 30% for regular patronage, was approximately $28.6 million. Beginning June 1, 1998, inactive direct members and patrons and active direct members and patrons age 61 and older on that date continue to be eligible for patronage certificate redemptions at the age of 72 or death. For active direct members and patrons who were age 60 or younger on June 1, 1998, and 12 member cooperatives, equities will be redeemed annually based on a prorata formula where the numerator is dollars available for such purpose as determined by the Board of Directors, and the denominator is the sum of the patronage certificates held by such eligible members and patrons. Total equity redemptions, related to the May 31, 1998 fiscal year end of the former Harvest States operating units, the eight-month reporting period of the former Cenex operating units ended on May 31, 1998, and the three-month period ended August 31, 1998 for the combined operations of Cenex Harvest States Cooperatives, is expected to be approximately $24.3 million, of which approximately $4.5 million was redeemed during the three months ended August 31, 1998. Redemptions made during the three months ended May 31, 1999 and 1998 were approximately $4.5 million and $20.1 million, respectively. During the nine months ended May 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively, the Company redeemed approximately $15.1 million and $39.2 million of equity. EFFECT OF INFLATION AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS The Company believes that inflation and foreign currency fluctuations have not had a significant effect on its operations. 13 OILSEED PROCESSING AND REFINING DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OILSEED PROCESSING AND REFINING DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT (A DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT OF CENEX HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES) BALANCE SHEETS ASSETS AUGUST 31, MAY 31, MAY 31, 1998 1998 1999 ---------- --------- --------- (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) (UNAUDITED) CURRENT ASSETS: Receivables ...................................... $28,703 $32,585 $28,915 Inventories ...................................... 18,569 23,759 17,221 Other current assets ............................. 185 ------- ------- ------- Total current assets ............................ 47,272 56,529 46,136 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT ..................... 35,596 34,953 38,345 ------- ------- ------- $82,868 $91,482 $84,481 ======= ======= ======= LIABILITIES AND DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Due to Cenex Harvest States Cooperatives ......... $15,071 $22,890 $17,270 Accounts payable ................................. 7,547 8,868 4,478 Accrued expenses ................................. 1,773 1,660 4,256 ------- ------- ------- Total current liabilities ....................... 24,391 33,418 26,004 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES ..................... DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT EQUITY ...................... 58,477 58,064 58,477 ------- ------- ------- $82,868 $91,482 $84,481 ======= ======= ======= The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements (unaudited) 14 OILSEED PROCESSING AND REFINING DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT (A DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT OF CENEX HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES) STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) FOR THE FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED NINE MONTHS ENDED MAY 31, MAY 31, --------------------- ---------------------- 1998 1999 1998 1999 -------- ------- -------- -------- (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) REVENUES: Processed oilseed sales ....................... $105,412 $93,021 $324,037 $279,794 Other revenues ................................ 41 160 542 232 -------- ------- -------- -------- 105,453 93,181 324,579 280,026 -------- ------- -------- -------- COSTS AND EXPENSES: Cost of goods sold ............................ 98,544 88,801 296,811 265,688 Marketing, general and administrative ......... 848 1,435 3,482 4,084 Interest ...................................... 70 100 371 694 -------- ------- -------- -------- 99,462 90,336 300,664 270,466 -------- ------- -------- -------- INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES ..................... 5,991 2,845 23,915 9,560 INCOME TAX EXPENSE ............................. 925 50 1,150 325 -------- ------- -------- -------- NET INCOME ..................................... $ 5,066 $ 2,795 $ 22,765 $ 9,235 ======== ======= ======== ======== The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements (unaudited) 15 OILSEED PROCESSING AND REFINING DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT (A DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT OF CENEX HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES) STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) FOR THE FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED NINE MONTHS ENDED MAY 31, MAY 31, ---------------------- ----------------------- 1998 1999 1998 1999 --------- -------- --------- -------- (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income .................................................. $ 5,066 $ 2,795 $ 22,765 $ 9,235 --------- -------- --------- -------- Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation .............................................. 616 388 1,549 1,500 Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment ......... (202) Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Receivables .............................................. (1,258) 318 (5,349) (212) Inventories .............................................. 6,626 9,210 (15,161) 1,348 Other current assets ..................................... 373 2,504 Accounts payable and accrued expenses .................... 1,363 (4,947) (130) (586) --------- -------- --------- -------- Total adjustments ...................................... 7,720 4,969 (16,789) 2,050 --------- -------- --------- -------- Net cash provided by operating activities .............. 12,786 7,764 5,976 11,285 --------- -------- --------- -------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Acquisition of property, plant and equipment ................ (1,255) (752) (5,726) (4,252) Proceeds from disposition of property, plant and equipment .................................................. 10,267 3 --------- -------- --------- -------- Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities .................................. (1,255) (752) 4,541 (4,249) --------- -------- --------- -------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Change in due to Cenex Harvest States Cooperatives .......... (11,138) (4,217) 7,575 2,199 Defined business unit equity distributed .................... (393) (2,795) (18,092) (9,235) --------- -------- --------- -------- Net cash used in financing activities .................. (11,531) (7,012) (10,517) (7,036) --------- -------- --------- -------- INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH .................................. -- -- -- -- CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD .................................. -- -- -- -- --------- -------- --------- -------- CASH AT END OF PERIOD ........................................ -- -- -- -- ========= ======== ========= ======== The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements (unaudited) 16 OILSEED PROCESSING AND REFINING DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT (A DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT OF CENEX HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES) NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) NOTE 1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES The unaudited statements of operations and cash flows for the three and nine months ended May 31, 1998 and 1999, reflect, in the opinion of management of Cenex Harvest States Cooperatives (the Company), all normal, recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods. The results of operations and cash flows for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. The balance sheet data as of May 31, 1998 and August 31, 1998 was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles. These statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and footnotes included in the Oilseed Processing and Refining Defined Business Unit financial statements for the year ended May 31, 1998, and for the three months ended August 31, 1998, which are included in the Cenex Harvest States Cooperatives Report on Form 10-K and Transition Report on Form 10-Q previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 27, 1998 and October 14, 1998, respectively. NOTE 2. RECEIVABLES AUGUST 31, MAY 31, MAY 31, 1998 1998 1999 ---------- --------- --------- (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) Trade ........................................ $29,098 $32,980 $29,310 Less allowance for doubtful accounts ......... 395 395 395 ------- ------- ------- $28,703 $32,585 $28,915 ======= ======= ======= NOTE 3. INVENTORIES AUGUST 31, MAY 31, MAY 31, 1998 1998 1999 ---------- --------- --------- (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) Oilseed ...................................... $ 712 $ 6,926 $ 5,418 Processed oilseed products ................... 17,857 16,833 11,803 ------- ------- ------- $18,569 $23,759 $17,221 ======= ======= ======= 17 ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Pursuant to a Plan of Combination dated May 29, 1998 (the Plan of Combination), CENEX, Inc. (Cenex) and Harvest States Cooperatives (Harvest States) combined through merger on June 1, 1998 (the Combination) with Harvest States the surviving corporation. In accordance with the Plan of Combination, the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of Harvest States Cooperatives were restated and the name Harvest States Cooperatives was changed to "Cenex Harvest States Cooperatives" (the Company). In addition, the Company changed its fiscal year end to August 31, and is filing this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q representing the first nine months and third quarter of the Company's new fiscal year. See management's discussion for the Company in regard to new accounting pronouncements and also the Year 2000. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Patronage refunds to the Oilseed Processing and Refining Defined Business Unit holders are 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 MAY 31, MAY 31, --------------------- ----------------------- 1998 1999 1998 1999 --------- --------- ---------- ---------- (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER BUSHEL INFORMATION) Income before income taxes ............... $5,991 $2,845 $ 23,915 $ 9,560 Income from purchased oil ................ (583) (523) (1,336) (1,396) Book to tax differences .................. (384) 1 (384) 5 ------ ------ -------- -------- Taxable income ........................... $5,024 $2,323 $ 22,195 $ 8,169 ------ ------ -------- -------- Bushels processed ........................ 8,917 9,166 28,019 26,784 Income per bushel ........................ $ 0.56 $ 0.25 $ 0.79 $ 0.30 ------ ------ -------- -------- Certain operating information pertaining to the Oilseed Processing and Refining Defined Business Unit is set forth below, as a percentage of processed oilseed sales. THREE MONTHS ENDED NINE MONTHS ENDED MAY 31, MAY 31, ---------------------- ---------------------- 1998 1999 1998 1999 ---------- --------- ---------- --------- Gross margin ............................. 6.52% 4.54% 8.40% 5.04% Marketing, general and administrative .... 0.80% 1.54% 1.07% 1.46% Interest ................................. 0.07% 0.11% 0.11% 0.25% COMPARISON OF THREE MONTHS ENDED MAY 31, 1999 AND 1998 The Oilseed Processing and Refining Defined Business Unit net income of $2.8 million for the three months ended May 31, 1999 represents a $2.3 million decrease (45%) compared to the same period in 1998. This decrease is primarily attributable to lower gross margins for soymeal and other processed soybean products. The average gross margin for such products declined approximately $12 per ton during the three months ended May 31, 1999 compared to the same three-month period of a year ago. Processed oilseed sales of $93.0 million for the three-month period ended May 31, 1999 decreased by $12.4 million (12%) compared to the same period in 1998. A reduction in the sale price for processed soybean products, primarily soymeal, of approximately $19 per ton and a decline of about $.06 per pound for refined oil, partially offset by a 12% increase in refining volume produced this change in sales dollars. Other revenues increased $0.1 million during the three months ended May 31, 1999 compared to the same period in 1998. During the 1999 period, the Defined Business Unit received a patronage refund from a cooperative soymeal customer totaling approximately $0.1 million, accounting for most of this increase. 18 Cost of goods sold of $88.8 million for the three months ended May 31, 1999 decreased $9.7 million (10%) compared to the same period in 1998. A reduced cost for soybeans of $1.28 per bushel during the three months ended May 31, 1999 compared to the same period in 1998 reduced cost of goods sold by approximately $11.8 million. This price variance was partially offset by a 3% increase in crush volume compared to the same three months of a year ago, which had the affect of increasing cost by approximately $1.6 million. A decline in the price of crude soybean oil of approximately $.06 per pound was almost entirely offset by an increase in volume refined during the three month period of 1999 compared with the same three month period ended on May 31, 1998. Marketing, general and administrative expenses of $1.4 million for the three months ended May 31, 1999 increased approximately $0.6 million (69%) compared to the same period ended in 1998. Most of this change is attributable to adjustments to expense accruals during the 1998 period. Prior to the Harvest States Cooperative's merger with Cenex, Inc. on June 1, 1998, the Defined Business Unit operated on a May 31 fiscal year end. For year-end closing, various expenses were adjusted from estimated accruals to accruals that were calculated based upon actuarial or other more precise measurements. Interest expense for the three months ended May 31, 1999 was $0.1 million, compared with approximately $0.07 million for the same period of a year ago. This increase is primarily attributable to capital expenditures made since the 1998 period. Income tax expense of $0.05 million and $0.9 million for the three-month periods ended May 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively, resulted in effective tax rates of 1.8% and 15.4%. The significantly higher effective tax rate during the 1998 period recognized actual non patronage soybean purchases, as recorded for the patronage distribution, exceeding the volume projected for the tax provision of the prior quarters. COMPARISON OF NINE MONTHS ENDED MAY 31, 1999 AND 1998 The Oilseed Processing and Refining Defined Business Unit's net income of $9.2 million for the nine months ended May 31, 1999 represents a $13.5 million decrease (59%) compared to the same period in 1998. This decrease is attributable to reduced gross margins for both soymeal and other processed soybean products. The average gross margin for such products declined approximately $18 per ton during the nine months ended May 31, 1999 compared to the same nine-month period of a year ago. Processed oilseed sales of $279.8 million for the nine-month period ended May 31, 1999 decreased $44.2 million (14%) compared to the same period in 1998. A decline in processing volumes of approximately 43,000 tons, a reduction in sales price of approximately $63 per ton for such products and a decrease in the average sales price for refined oil of approximately $.01 per pound was partially offset by a 6% increase in refining volumes. Other revenues declined $0.3 million (57%) during the nine months ended May 31, 1999 compared to the same period in 1998. During the 1998 period, the Oilseed Processing and Refining Defined Business Unit recognized gains on disposal of replaced equipment sold at salvage value of approximately $0.2 million, and also received insurance proceeds related to a business interruption claim of approximately $0.3 million. During the 1999 period the Oilseed Processing and Refining Defined Business Unit received a patronage refund from a cooperative soymeal customer totaling $0.1 million. Cost of goods sold of $265.7 million for the nine months ended May 31, 1999 decreased $31.1 million (10%) compared to same period ended in 1998. During the 1999 period, a decline in soybeans processed of approximately 1.2 million bushels reduced such costs almost $8.1 million. A reduced cost for soybeans of $1.50 per bushel during the nine months ended May 31, 1999 compared to the same period in 1998 resulted in a decline cost of goods sold by approximately $40.3 million. These reductions were partially offset by a 1.1 cent per pound increase in the cost of crude soybean oil, as well as by a 13% increase in crude soybean oil purchases. Marketing, general, and administrative expenses of $4.1 million for the nine months ended May 31, 1999 increased approximately $0.6 million (17%) during the nine months ended May 31, 1999 compared to the same period in 1998. Most of this change is attributable to adjustments of expense accruals during the period ended on May 31, 1998. 19 Interest expense for the nine months ended May 31, 1999 was $0.7 million compared with $0.4 million for the same period of a year ago. This increase of $0.3 million (87%) is primarily attributable to capital expenditures made since the 1998 period. Income tax expense of $0.3 million and $1.2 million for the nine-month periods ended May 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively, resulted in effective tax rates of 3.4% and 4.8%. The decrease in the effective tax rate in the 1999 period is the result of reduced non-patronage earnings as a percentage of total earnings. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES The Oilseed Processing and Refining Defined Business Unit's cash requirements relate primarily to capital improvements and a need to finance additional inventories and receivables based on increased raw material costs and levels. These cash needs are expected to be fulfilled by the Company. CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATIONS Operating activities for the three months ended May 31, 1999 provided net cash of $7.8 million. Net income of $2.8 million, non-cash expenses of $0.4 million and a reduction in working capital requirements of $4.6 million generated this net cash. For the same three-month period of a year ago, net income of $5.1 million, non-cash expenses of approximately $0.6 million and decreased working capital requirements of approximately $7.1 million provided net cash of approximately $12.8 million. Operating activities for the nine months ended May 31, 1999 provided net cash of $11.3 million. Net income of $9.2 million, non-cash expenses of $1.5 million and decreased working capital requirements of approximately $0.6 million generated this net cash from operating activities. For the same nine-month period a year ago, net income of $22.8 million and non-cash expenses and income of approximately $1.3 million were offset by increased working capital requirements totaling approximately $18.1 million, thereby providing net cash from operating activities of $6.0 million. CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING The Oilseed Processing and Refining Defined Business Unit used cash of approximately $0.8 million and $1.3 million during the three-month periods ended May 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively, for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment. During the nine-month period ended May 31, 1999, the Oilseed Processing and Refining Defined Business Unit used approximately $4.3 million for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment. During the nine-months ended May 31, 1998, the Oilseed Processing and Refining Defined Business Unit received cash of approximately $10.3 million from the sale of soybean processing equipment and entered into a sale / leaseback transaction for such equipment. During the same period, the Oilseed Processing and Refining Defined Business Unit expended approximately $5.7 million for the purchase of property, plant and equipment. Total expenditures for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment for the fiscal year ending August 31, 1999 are projected to be approximately $6.3 million. CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING The Oilseed Processing and Refining 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 Oilseed Processing and Refining 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 Oilseed Processing and Refining Defined Business Unit had debt outstanding to the Company of $17.3 million as of May 31, 1999 compared with $15.1 million as of August 31, 1998 and $22.9 million as of May 31, 1998. These interest bearing balances reflect working capital and fixed asset financing requirements. 20 In July 1998, the Company announced its site selection for the construction of a new soybean processing and refining plant in southwestern Minnesota. The facility, to be constructed near the city of Fairmont, Minnesota, is expected to cost between $60.0 million and $90.0 million. The precise configuration and size of the facility has yet to be determined. Since that announcement, the Company has acquired the plant site at a cost of approximately $1.3 million with construction tentatively scheduled to begin in the year 2001. The new facility may be financed with debt, open membership equity, additional equity participation units, or a combination of these financing alternatives. 21 WHEAT MILLING DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS WHEAT MILLING DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT (A DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT OF CENEX HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES) BALANCE SHEETS ASSETS AUGUST 31, MAY 31, MAY 31, 1998 1998 1999 ---------- ---------- --------- (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) (UNAUDITED) CURRENT ASSETS: Receivables ...................................... $ 35,228 $ 35,757 $ 32,579 Inventories ...................................... 18,895 13,785 15,910 Other current assets ............................. 430 394 93 -------- -------- -------- Total current assets ............................ 54,553 49,936 48,582 INTANGIBLE ASSETS ................................. 10,481 10,748 9,681 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT ..................... 97,428 85,627 111,254 -------- -------- -------- $162,462 $146,311 $169,517 ======== ======== ======== LIABILITIES AND DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Due to Cenex Harvest States Cooperatives ......... $ 33,238 $ 16,739 $ 45,597 Accounts payable ................................. 11,003 8,836 12,236 Accrued expenses ................................. 1,667 1,569 2,447 Current portion of long-term debt ................ 10,005 10,005 10,005 -------- -------- -------- Total current liabilities ....................... 55,913 37,149 70,285 LONG-TERM DEBT .................................... 38,516 41,204 31,199 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT EQUITY ...................... 68,033 67,958 68,033 -------- -------- -------- $162,462 $146,311 $169,517 ======== ======== ======== The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements (unaudited) 22 WHEAT MILLING DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT (A DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT OF CENEX HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES) STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) FOR THE FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED NINE MONTHS ENDED MAY 31, MAY 31, ------------------------ ------------------------ 1998 1999 1998 1999 ---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) REVENUES: Processed grain sales ......................... $52,825 $44,528 $160,861 $129,565 Other revenues ................................ 1,451 1,533 ------- ------- -------- -------- 54,276 44,528 162,394 129,565 ------- ------- -------- -------- COSTS AND EXPENSES: Cost of goods sold ............................ 50,079 43,356 149,044 125,193 Marketing, general and administrative ......... 2,042 3,580 6,430 8,259 Interest ...................................... 225 1,522 2,043 3,601 Other ......................................... 162 162 ------- ------- -------- -------- 52,508 48,458 157,679 137,053 ------- ------- -------- -------- INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES ......................................... 1,768 (3,930) 4,715 (7,488) INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT) ................... 100 (325) 350 (600) ------- ------- -------- -------- NET INCOME (LOSS) .............................. $ 1,668 ($ 3,605) $ 4,365 ($ 6,888) ======= ======= ======== ======== The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements (unaudited) 23 WHEAT MILLING DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT (A DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT OF CENEX HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES) STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) FOR THE FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED NINE MONTHS ENDED MAY 31, MAY 31, -------------------------- ------------------------- 1998 1999 1998 1999 ---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income (loss) .......................................... $ 1,668 ($ 3,605) $ 4,365 ($ 6,888) -------- ------- --------- -------- Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization ............................ 1,056 1,528 3,499 4,146 Loss on impairment ....................................... 162 162 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Receivables ............................................. (1,271) 186 2,522 2,649 Inventories ............................................. 1,698 7,227 (235) 2,985 Other current assets .................................... (61) 72 (89) 337 Accounts payable and accrued expenses ................... (938) (842) (7,464) 2,013 -------- ------- --------- -------- Total adjustments ..................................... 646 8,171 (1,605) 12,130 -------- ------- --------- -------- Net cash provided by operating activities ............. 2,314 4,566 2,760 5,242 -------- ------- --------- -------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Acquisition of property, plant and equipment ............... (9,107) (1,937) (18,017) (17,172) -------- ------- --------- -------- Net cash used in investing activities ................. (9,107) (1,937) (18,017) (17,172) -------- ------- --------- -------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Change in due to Cenex Harvest States Cooperatives ......... 9,540 (3,795) 25,578 12,359 Principal payments on long-term debt ....................... (2,439) (2,439) (7,316) (7,317) Defined business unit equity distributed ................... (308) 3,605 (3,005) 6,888 -------- ------- --------- -------- Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities ................................. 6,793 (2,629) 15,257 11,930 -------- ------- --------- -------- INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH ................................. -- -- -- -- CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD ................................. -- -- -- -- -------- ------- --------- -------- CASH AT END OF PERIOD ....................................... -- -- -- -- ======== ======= ========= ======== The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements (unaudited) 24 WHEAT MILLING DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT (A DEFINED BUSINESS UNIT OF CENEX HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES) NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) NOTE 1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES The unaudited statements of operations and cash flows for the three and nine months ended May 31, 1998 and 1999, reflect, in the opinion of management of Cenex Harvest States Cooperatives (the Company), all normal, recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods. The results of operations and cash flows for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. The balance sheet data as of May 31, 1998 and August 31, 1998 was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles. These statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and footnotes included in the Wheat Milling Defined Business Unit financial statements for the year ended May 31, 1998, and for the three months ended August 31, 1998, which are included in the Cenex Harvest States Cooperatives Report on Form 10-K and Transition Report on Form 10-Q previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 27, 1998 and October 14, 1998, respectively. NOTE 2. RECEIVABLES AUGUST 31, MAY 31, MAY 31, 1998 1998 1999 ---------- --------- --------- (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) Trade ........................................ $34,825 $35,703 $33,471 Other ........................................ 1,074 738 1,088 ------- ------- ------- 35,899 36,441 34,559 Less allowance for doubtful accounts ......... 671 684 1,980 ------- ------- ------- $35,228 $35,757 $32,579 ======= ======= ======= NOTE 3. INVENTORIES AUGUST 31, MAY 31, MAY 31, 1998 1998 1999 ---------- --------- --------- (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) Grain ........................................ $17,003 $11,618 $12,903 Processed grain products ..................... 1,270 1,395 2,114 Other ........................................ 622 772 893 ------- ------- ------- $18,895 $13,785 $15,910 ======= ======= ======= 25 ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Pursuant to a Plan of Combination dated May 29, 1998 (the Plan of Combination), CENEX, Inc. (Cenex) and Harvest States Cooperatives (Harvest States) combined through merger on June 1, 1998 (the Combination) with Harvest States the surviving corporation. In accordance with the Plan of Combination, the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of Harvest States Cooperatives were restated and the name Harvest States Cooperatives was changed to "Cenex Harvest States Cooperatives" (the Company). In addition, the Company changed its fiscal year end to August 31, and is filing this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q representing the first nine months and third quarter of the Company's new fiscal year. See management's discussion for the Company in regard to new accounting pronouncements and also the Year 2000. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Patronage refunds to the Wheat Milling Defined Business Unit holders are 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. FOR THE FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED NINE MONTHS ENDED MAY 31, MAY 31, -------------------------- ------------------------- 1998 1999 1998 1999 ----------- ----------- ---------- ----------- (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER BUSHEL INFORMATION) Income (loss) before income taxes ............. $ 1,768 $ (3,930) $ 4,715 $ (7,488) Book to tax differences ....................... 689 96 689 289 ------- -------- -------- -------- Taxable income (loss) ......................... $ 2,457 $ (3,834) $ 5,404 $ (7,199) ======= ======== ======== ======== Bushels processed ............................. 8,446 9,719 24,264 26,278 Income (loss) per bushel ...................... $ 0.29 $ (0.39) $ 0.22 $ (0.27) ======= ======== ======== ======== Certain operating information pertaining to the Wheat Milling Defined Business Unit is set forth below, as a percentage of processed grain sales. THREE MONTHS ENDED NINE MONTHS ENDED MAY 31, MAY 31, ----------------------- ----------------------- 1998 1999 1998 1999 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Gross margin .................................. 5.20% 2.63% 7.35% 3.37% Marketing, general and administrative ......... 3.87% 8.04% 4.00% 6.37% Interest ...................................... 0.43% 3.42% 1.27% 2.78% COMPARISON OF THREE MONTHS ENDED MAY 31, 1999 AND 1998 The Wheat Milling Defined Business Unit incurred a net loss of $3.6 million for the three months ended May 31, 1999 compared to net income of $1.7 million for the same period in 1998, for a decrease of $5.3 million. Approximately $2.0 million of this decrease was due to a volume reduction at the Huron mill. In June 1998, the Wheat Milling Defined Business Unit began a conversion at the Huron mill of a semolina flour line to hard wheat bakery flour. During February 1999, production of bakery flour commenced at Huron and the Wheat Milling Defined Business Unit has attempted to grow its share of the bakery flour market in that region. Despite those efforts, volume from the Huron mill during the three months ended May 31, 1999 declined 25% compared to the same period of a year ago, with essentially the same fixed costs applied against the lower volume. In addition, during the three-month period ended May 31, 1999, the Wheat Milling Defined Business Unit received notification that two customers, with outstanding accounts receivable balances totaling approximately $1.1 million, had filed for bankruptcy. It is management's assessment that any recovery of this amount is unlikely, and therefore recognized a bad debt expense for the full amount due during the quarter ended May 31, 1999. The 26 balance of the decline in income is primarily attributable to a decline in average gross margins of approximately $0.33 per hundred-weight for all products, and increased marketing, administrative and interest expense. Processed grain sales for the three-month period ended May 31, 1999 of $44.5 million decreased $8.3 million (16%) compared to the same period in 1998. A reduction in the average sales price of $2.85 per hundred weight, partially offset by a 829,000 hundred weight volume increase resulted in the decline in sales revenue. Cost of goods sold of $43.4 million for the three months ended May 31, 1999 decreased $6.7 million (13%) compared to the same period in 1998. This decrease was due primarily to a $1.51 per bushel decline in the cost of raw material during the three months ended May 31, 1999, compared to that same period in 1998. This price variance was partially offset by an increase in volume of approximately 1.2 million bushels. The mill expense component of cost of goods sold increased approximately $1.6 million, of which approximately $1.0 million was incurred at the Mount Pocono mill, which commenced operations in January 1999. Marketing, general and administrative expenses of $3.6 million for the three months ended May 31, 1999 increased approximately $1.5 million (75%) compared to the same period in 1998. $1.1 million of this increase is attributable to the loss recognized on uncollectable accounts receivable. Interest expense of $1.5 million during the three months ended May 31, 1999 increased $1.3 million compared to the same period in 1998. During the three-month period ended May 31, 1998, the Wheat Milling Defined Business Unit received credit for cooperative bank patronage refunds received by Cenex Harvest States attributable to the Wheat Milling Defined Business Unit's borrowing which totaled approximately $0.6 million. The comparable amount received during the three months ended May 31, 1999 was $0.1 million. On June 1, 1997, the Company contributed $38.8 million of additional capital to the Wheat Milling Defined Business Unit for the purpose of constructing the Mount Pocono mill. Throughout the construction phase of this project, the unexpended balance of this cash contribution reduced borrowing requirements to finance inventories and receivables, and consequently reduced interest expense. As cash has been expended for Mount Pocono construction, additional borrowings have been required to finance working capital. The balance of the increase in interest expense during the three-month period ended May 31, 1999 compared to the same period ended in 1998 is primarily attributable to this activity. Other expenses of $0.2 million during the period ended on May 31, 1998 represents the recognition of a loss on certain equipment. An income tax benefit of $0.3 million for the three months ended May 31, 1999 is based upon an effective tax rate of 8.3% applied to the pretax operating loss of $3.9 million for the period. For the three months ended May 31, 1998, income tax expense of $0.1 million resulted in an effective tax rate of 5.7%. COMPARISON OF NINE MONTHS ENDED MAY 31, 1999 AND 1998 The Wheat Milling Defined Business Unit incurred a net loss of $6.9 million for the nine months ended May 31, 1999 compared to net income of $4.4 million for the same period in 1998, for a decrease of $11.3 million. Approximately $4.5 million of this decrease was due to a reduction in production at the Huron mill, where the conversion of a semolina flour line to a hard wheat bakery flour line reduced volumes by 30% compared to the same period in 1998, with essentially the same fixed costs applied against the lower volumes. The Huron conversion was operational in February 1999 and the Wheat Milling Defined Business Unit is currently attempting to grow its share of the bakery flour market from this mill's production. A general deterioration in gross margins of approximately $0.52 per hundred-weight for all products, along with increased marketing, administrative and interest expenses of $3.4 million caused the remaining decline in income. Processed grain sales for the nine-month period ended May 31, 1999 of $129.6 million decreased $31.3 million (19%) compared to the same period in 1998. A reduction in the average sales price of $2.79 per hundred weight, partially offset by a 1.2 million hundred weight volume increase resulted in the decline in sales revenue. 27 Cost of goods sold of $125.2 million for the nine months ended May 31, 1999 decreased by $23.9 million (16%) compared to the same period in 1998. This decrease was due primarily to a $1.47 per bushel decline in the cost of raw material during the nine months ended May 31, 1999, compared to the same period in 1998. This price variance was partially offset by an increase in volume of approximately 2,000,000 bushels and a $3.5 million increase in plant expenses, primarily attributable to the Mount Pocono mill which commenced operations in January 1999, the Houston mill, which was operating in a startup phase during much of the 1998 period, and Rush City, where 1999 volume exceeded 1998 volume by 23%. Marketing, general and administrative expenses of $8.3 million for the nine months ended May 31, 1999 increased approximately $1.8 million (28%) compared to the same period in 1998. $1.1 million of this increased expense is attributable to the recognition of uncollectable accounts receivable during the current three-month period. The balance of the increase is primarily related to additional administrative costs incurred at the new mill at Mount Pocono. Interest expense of $3.6 million during the nine months ended May 31, 1999 increased $1.6 million (76%) compared to the same period in 1998. During the nine-month period ended May 31, 1998, the Wheat Milling Defined Business Unit received credit for cooperative bank patronage refunds received by Cenex Harvest States attributable to the Wheat Milling Defined Business Unit's borrowing totaling approximately $0.6 million. The comparable amount received during the nine months ended May 31, 1999 was $0.1 million. On June 1, 1997, the Company contributed $38.8 million of additional capital to the Wheat Milling Defined Business Unit for the purpose of constructing the Mount Pocono mill. Throughout the construction phase of this project, the unexpended balance of this cash contribution reduced borrowing requirements to finance inventories and receivables, and consequently reduced interest expense. As cash has been expended for Mount Pocono construction, additional borrowings have been required to finance working capital. The balance of the increase in interest expense during the nine-month period ended May 31, 1999 compared to the same period ended in 1998 is primarily attributable to this activity. Other expenses of $0.2 million during the period ended on May 31, 1998 represents the recognition of loss on certain equipment. An income tax benefit of $0.6 million for the nine months ended May 31, 1999 is based upon an effective tax rate of 8.0% applied to the pretax operating loss of $7.5 million for the period. For the nine months ended May 31, 1998, income tax expense of $0.4 million resulted in an effective tax rate of 7.4%. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES The Wheat Milling Defined Business Unit's cash requirements relate primarily to capital improvements and a need to finance additional inventories and receivables based on increased raw material costs and levels. In September 1997, the Wheat Milling Defined Business Unit began construction of a mill at Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania. As committed in the registration statement for the original equity participation unit offering, this mill is to be financed with equity from the Company. The total anticipated cost of construction is $41.4 million, of which $37.7 million has been expended through May 31, 1999. This mill began partial operations during the second quarter of the current fiscal year. The Cenex Harvest States Cooperatives Board of Directors has authorized the purchase of land near Orlando, Florida as the site for a new mill. The Board has authorized expenditures up to $1.8 million for the cost of the land and an access road. The land was purchased during the second quarter of 1999 at a cost of approximately $1.2 million. Plans for this mill are subject to due diligence, routine regulatory review and cost verification. The total anticipated costs for this mill are approximately $35.0 million, and may be financed with debt, open member equity, additional equity participation units, or a combination of these financing alternatives. No determination has been made at this time as to when construction will commence. Commencement of operations at a particular facility involves increased working capital to fund required inventories and receivables related to increased sales. New facilities may not be immediately profitable, which would then have a negative impact on cash flows and, as a result, may require 28 additional financing. In addition, increased carrying value of inventories and receivables due to higher prices, increased receivables due to slow collections or increased inventories above historical levels require additional financing. CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATIONS Operating activities for the three months ended May 31, 1999 provided net cash of approximately $4.5 million. Non-cash expenses of $1.5 million and reduced working capital requirements of approximately $6.6 million offset the net loss of $3.6 million. For the same three-month period ended a year ago, net income of $1.7 million and non-cash expenses of $1.2 million were partially offset by increased working capital requirements of approximately $0.6 million, thereby providing cash from operating activities totaling approximately $2.3 million. Operating activities for the nine months ended May 31, 1999 provided net cash of approximately $5.2 million. Non-cash expenses of $4.1 million and reduced working capital requirements of approximately $8.0 million offset the net loss of $6.9 million for that period. For the same nine-month period ending in 1998, net income of $4.4 million and non-cash expenses of $3.7 million were partially offset by increased working capital requirements of $5.3 million, thereby providing net cash from operating activities of approximately $2.8 million. CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING Cash expended for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment during the three-month periods ended May 31, 1999 and 1998, totaled approximately $1.9 million and $9.1 million, respectively. During the nine month periods ended May 31, 1999 and 1998, the Wheat Milling Defined Business Unit expended approximately $17.2 million and $18.0 million, respectively, for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment. Total expenditures for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment for the fiscal year ending August 31, 1999 are projected to be approximately $21.9 million, most of which is related to the construction of the Mount Pocono mill. 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 prevailing business conditions and availability of funds. Short-term debt outstanding and payable to the Company on May 31, 1999 was $45.6 million compared to $33.2 million and $16.7 million as of August 31, 1998 and May 31, 1998, respectively. This increase is primarily due to payments for Mount Pocono capital expenditures, for which the Company had contributed $38.8 million of capital to this account on June 1, 1997. On May 31, 1999 the Wheat Milling Defined Business Unit had long-term debt of $41.2 million which was incurred for the acquisition, expansion and construction of its various plants since 1990. The balance of such long-term debt was $48.5 million and $51.2 million as of August 31, 1998 and May 31, 1998 respectively. Approximately $10.0 million of the amount outstanding as of May 31, 1999 is payable within the next twelve months. 29 PART II. OTHER INFORMATION ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K (a) Exhibits EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION - ------- --------------------------------------------------------------------- 10.28 Employment Agreement between Cenex Harvest States and Noel Estenson 10.29 Employment Agreement between Cenex Harvest States and John D. Johnson 10.30 First Amendment to Credit Agreement (Term Loan), effective as of May 31, 1999 among Cenex Harvest States Cooperatives, CoBank, ACB, and St. Paul Bank for Cooperatives 10.31 First Amendment to Credit Agreement (Revolving Loan), effective as of May 31, 1999 among Cenex Harvest States Cooperatives, CoBank, ACB, NationsBank, N.A. and St. Paul Bank for Cooperatives 10.32 Benefit Plan dated June 9, 1999 99 Cautionary Statement 27.1 Financial Data Schedule (EDGAR filing only) 27.2 Restated Financial Data Schedule due to the merger of Harvest States Cooperatives and Cenex, Inc. accounted for as a pooling of interests, and also the change in fiscal year end from May 31 to August 31 (EDGAR filing only) (b) Reports on Form 8-K Form 8-K filed May 7, 1999 referencing the press release issued to the public on May 6, 1999 relating to the discussions between Cenex Harvest States Cooperatives and Farmland Industries, Inc. for establishing a timetable and framework for the combination of the respective assets and business operations of each entity into a single entity. 30 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. CENEX HARVEST STATES COOPERATIVES -------------------------------------------- (Registrant) NAME TITLE DATE ---- ----- ---- /S/ JOHN SCHMITZ Senior Vice-President--Chief Financial Officer July 13, 1999 - ---------------- John Schmitz 31