UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-QSB
QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 or 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For Quarter Ended Commission File
November 30, 1998 Number 0000927536
ALLIANCE FARMS COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Colorado 84-1270685
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
Incorporation or Organization)
503 East 8th Avenue, Yuma, Colorado 80759
(Address of principal executive offices)
970-848-3231
(Issuers telephone number)
Check whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section
13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 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 [ ]
At January 14, 1999, there were 155 shares of the issuers common stock
outstanding, of which 119 were shares of Class A common stock and 36 were
shares of Class B common stock.
Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format (check one): Yes [ ] No [X]
ALLIANCE FARMS COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION
BALANCE SHEETS
UNAUDITED
November 30, 1998 August 31, 1998
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Receivables, trade $3,085 $4,620
Receivables, non-trade (Note 3) 110,662 145,832
Inventory (Note 4) 3,588,688 3,591,665
Other current assets 40,814 50,160
Total current assets $3,743,249 $3,792,277
Property, plant and equipment, at cost $26,922,466 $25,140,867
Less accumulated depreciation 3,578,713 3,266,290
$23,343,753 $21,874,577
Breeding stock $4,198,573 $4,515,230
Less accumulated depreciation 1,079,839 1,027,749
$3,118,734 $3,487,481
Other assets, net of $118,410 and $109,218
accumulated amortization $363,133 $370,220
$30,568,869 $29,524,555
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Bank Overdraft $535,752 $279,069
Current maturities of long-term debt (Note 5) 1,812,000 1,812,000
Accounts payable (Note 3) 672,049 917,338
Patronage refund payable 433,115 433,115
Accrued property tax 510,623 332,587
Accrued payroll 138,465 145,118
Other accrued expenses 482,509 389,010
Total current liabilities $4,584,513 $4,308,237
Long-term debt (Note 5) $17,141,279 $15,996,775
Shareholders' equity:
Class A common stock of $.01 par value; authorized
5,000 shares, issued and outstanding 119 shares $1 $1
Class B common stock of $.01 par value; authorized
2,500 shares, issued and outstanding 36 shares, 0 0
Class C common stock of $.01 par value;
authorized 2,500 shares, none issued 0 0
Additional paid-in capital 10,751,324 10,751,324
Patronage refund for reinvestment 1,031,533 1,031,533
Accumulated deficit (2,939,781) (2,563,315)
Total shareholders' equity $8,843,077 $9,219,543
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 6) ------ ------
$30,568,869 $29,524,555
<F1>
See accompanying notes to financial statements
ALLIANCE FARMS COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
UNAUDITED
Three Month Periods Ended
November 30
1998 1997
Net sales (Notes 2 and 3) $4,301,907 $4,161,906
Cost of goods sold (Note 3) 3,688,814 2,708,172
Gross margin 613,093 1,453,734
Expenses related to start-up
of new production facilities 85,698 403,609
Administrative expenses 264,957 169,738
Loss on sale of breeding stock 248,651 63,101
Operating income $13,787 $817,286
Other income (expense):
Interest expense (400,241) (381,549)
Other 9,988 27,059
(390,253) (354,490)
Net income (loss) ($376,466) $462,796
<F1>
See accompanying notes to financial statements
ALLIANCE FARMS COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
UNAUDITED
Three Month Periods Ended
November 30
1998 1997
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss) ($376,466) $462,796
Adjustment to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Provision for depreciation and amortization 660,600 634,503
Loss on sale of breeding stock 248,651 63,101
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables 36,705 227,609
Inventory 2,977 (267,136)
Other current assets 9,346 (35,660)
Other assets (2,105) 0
Accounts payable (245,289) 1,048,540
Accrued expenses 264,880 90,890
Net cash provided by operating activities $599,299 $2,224,643
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures ($2,150,731) ($2,792,977)
Proceeds from sale of breeding stock 150,243 305,887
Net cash used in investing activities ($2,000,488) ($2,487,090)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long term debt $224,815 $443,872
Net decrease in revolving term credit (153,909) (283,369)
Payment on long term debt (453,000) (273,600)
Increase in note payable to Farmland 1,526,600 314,299
Issuance of common shares, net of offering cost 0 2,104,638
Increase in bank overdraft 256,683 116,607
Net cash provided by
financing activities: $1,401,189 $2,422,447
Change in cash $0 $2,160,000
Cash at beginning of period 0 0
Cash at end of period $0 $2,160,000
<F1>
See accompanying notes to financial statements
Alliance Farms Cooperative Association
Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
1. Interim Financial Statements
The accompanying condensed unaudited financial statements reflect all
adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) which in the
opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the
financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim
periods presented. Income taxes have not been provided because Alliance
Farms Cooperative Association (Alliance) expects to derive nearly 100% of
its net income from the sale of feeder and weaned pigs to its members
which will be apportioned and distributed to members of Alliance on a
patronage basis in accordance with its by-laws.
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial
statements presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles have been condensed or omitted. The accompanying unaudited
condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the
financial statements and notes in Alliance's August 31, 1998 Annual Report
on Form 10-KSB.
2. Sales
Alliance sold 100% of its feeder and weaned pigs to its members for the
three month periods ended November 30, 1998 and 1997 respectively, at a
contractual price which is based on Alliance's operating costs, debt
service and an additional amount of $0 to $4.50 per pig sold. Prior to
September 1, 1998 the contractual price for feeder pigs was based on a
twelve month rolling average for operating costs and the additional fixed
amount of $4.50 per pig. Effective September 1, 1998 the contractual price
for feeder pigs is based on a five month rolling average for operating
costs and an additional amount of $0 to $4.50 as determined periodically by
the Board of Directors at its discretion. The contractual price for weaned
pigs is based on a five month rolling average for operating costs and an
additional amount of $0 to $4.50 as determined periodically by the Board of
Directors at its discretion. For the quarter ended November 30, 1998 $0
margin per pig was charged in addition to the operating costs and debt
service.
Because the contractual price for the sale of a feeder or weaned pig is
determined based upon, among other things, a five month historical rolling
average of operating costs (twelve month historical rolling average prior
to September 1, 1998) and to the extent that current operating costs per
pig exceed the historical average operating costs, Alliance may incur a
negative gross margin on the sale of its feeder pigs during periods of
rising costs.
Alliance's average net sales price and the average industry market price
were as follows:
Three Months Ended
November 30
1998 1997
Feeder Pig Average Net Sales Price 50.19 59.76
Feeder Pig Average Industry Market* 29.75 41.08
Weaned Pig Average Net Sales Price 37.12 N/A
Weaned Pig Average Industry Market* 17.01 N/A
*Provided by the USDA - Iowa Department of Ag Market News
3. Transactions with Farmland and Yuma
Alliance purchased feed from Yuma Farmers' Milling and Mercantile
Cooperative (Yuma), and animal health supplies and breeding stock from
Farmland Industries, Inc. (Farmland) based on market prices. Yuma and
Farmland are members of Alliance. Alliance also sold feeder and weaned
pigs to Farmland and Yuma. Such purchases and sales were as follows:
Three Months Ended
November 30
1998 1997
...................................
Feed Purchases .... $740,270 $ 983,953
Animal Health Purchases........... 97,351 45,548
Breeding Stock .... 396,418 597,739
Feeder Pig Sales .... 2,224,164 2,753,453
Farmland also pays Alliance a royalty for any pigs raised by Alliance and
sold to a Farmland finisher that are then selected as breeding stock for
Farmland's contract herds pursuant to the swine production services
agreement. The royalty, which is $10 per head selected, paid to Alliance
under such agreement was as follows:
Three Months Ended
November 30
1998 1997
...............................
Royalty Income .....$ 3,540 $ 6,370
Farmland provided Alliance with an administrative office in Yuma, Colorado
at no cost. As of August 1, 1998 Alliance and Farmland equally share the
office rent. Farmland also performs administrative, advisory and
consulting services on behalf of Alliance pursuant to a contractual
agreement. The agreement provides that Farmland will be compensated for
such services in an amount equal to one dollar per pig shipped adjusted
annually for inflation for a term of ten years commencing July 13, 1994.
Amounts paid by Alliance to Farmland under such agreement were as follows:
Three Months Ended
November 30
1998 1997
...............................
Management Fee $ 102,351 $ 77,842
Alliance had $110,662 and $145,832 of non-trade receivables at November 30,
1998 and August 31, 1998, respectively. The $110,662 due Alliance at
November 30, 1998 was due from Farmland for royalty fees incurred and for
items received out of Alliance's shop stock inventory, and the remainder
was due from Pig Producers I, LP ("Pig Producers"), a limited partnership
in which Farmland holds a 12.5% interest, for the reimbursement of wages,
benefits and other costs attributable to Alliance employees that are
assigned to perform various duties at Pig Producers, as well as for items
received out of Alliance's shop stock inventory. The $145,832 due Alliance
at August 31, 1998 was due from Farmland for royalty fees incurred and the
remainder was due from Pig Producers I, LP for the reimbursement of wages,
benefits and other costs attributable to Alliance employees that are
assigned to perform various duties at Pig Producers, as well as for items
received out of Alliance's shop stock inventory.
Alliance owed $257,152 and $134,269 at November 30, 1998 and $278,650 and
$87,389 at August 31, 1998 to Farmland and Yuma Cooperative ,respectively,
for goods and services. Alliance is also obligated to Farmland in the
amount of $2,493,172 at November 30, 1998. This consists of $333,172 to
purchase land for future expansion and $2,160,000 to finance construction
of the 5,000-sow pig production facility in Yuma County, Colorado, prior to
receiving the equity from share sales. See note 5.
4. Inventories
Major components of inventories as of November 30, 1998 and August 31, 1998
are as follows:
November 30 August 31
1998 1998
Feeder and Weaned Pigs.$ 3,477,313 $ 3,467,308
Other.................. 111,375 124,357
$ 3,588,688 $ 3,591,665
5. Long-Term Debt
Long term debt at November 30, 1998 and August 31, 1998 consisted of the
following:
November 30 August 31
1998 1998
CoBank Term Loan $11,370,800 $11,823,800
CoBank Construction Loan 3,849,922 3,625,107
CoBank Revolving
Term Credit 1,239,385 1,393,296
Note Payable to Farmland 2,493,172 966,572
$18,953,279 $17,808,775
Less Current Maturities 1,812,000 1,812,000
$17,141,279 $15,996,775
On March 18, 1998, the Company entered into various loan agreements with
CoBank, ACB ("CoBank") related to a secured credit facility which provides
for up to $26,846,700 of non-revolving term debt, $7,660,000 of revolving
term credit and $18,400,00 of construction financing. Proceeds from the
term debt were used for refinancing the then existing non-revolving term
debt, and will be used to finance the construction or acquisition of
additional pig production facilities. Proceeds from the revolving term
credit were used for refinancing the existing revolving term credit, and
will be used to provide working capital. Proceeds from the construction
loan may be used for the construction or acquisition of pig production
facilities and are advanced by CoBank as construction costs are incurred by
Alliance. The actual advance of funds under this credit facility is
subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions precedent and may be
withdrawn or terminated by CoBank under certain circumstances. The unused
portion of the credit facility expires August 31, 2001 with the unpaid
balance on that date due by September 30, 2011 with respect to the
revolving term credit, December 31, 2001 with respect to the non-revolving
term debt and September 30, 2001 with respect to the construction
financing.
The availability of non-revolving term debt, revolving term credit and
construction debt under the CoBank credit facility is subject to specified
equity investment levels in the Company being satisfied. As of November
30, 1998, $6,930,593 was immediately available to Alliance under its credit
facility. The availability of $15,475,900 of unused term loans and
$4,280,000 of revolving term credit and $9,760,000 of construction loans
under the CoBank credit facility is restricted and may be available only as
additional shares of common stock are sold ($2,110,000 of term loans and
$610,000 of revolving term credit for every $1,360,000 of Class A common
stock sold and $1,675,000 of term loans and $485,000 of revolving term
credit for every $1,080,000 of Class B or Class C common stock sold).
The CoBank credit facility provides for the monthly payment of principal
and interest. Principal payments pursuant to the existing non-revolving
term debt are to be made in equal monthly installments of $151,000, with
the remaining unpaid balance being due and payable on that date which is
ninety-nine months after the final advance under the non-revolving term
loan. Principal payments pursuant to each $2,110,000 of new non-revolving
term loans are to be made in monthly installments of $21,800 each,
beginning on the 20th day of the eighteenth month following the date of the
initial advance of such $2,110,000 loan. For each $2,720,000 of new
construction loans, payment of the entire outstanding principal balance is
to be made on that date that is sixteen (16) months after the date of the
initial advance for construction of the proposed facility. The revolving
loan commitment will be reduced in 40 equal payments commencing on August
31, 2001, such that after the fortieth reduction, the revolving loan
commitment will be zero. To the extent that the outstanding principal
balance under the revolving loan exceeds the revolving loan commitment, the
Company will be required to immediately make a principal payment in an
amount sufficient to reduce the outstanding principal balance under the
revolving loan to an amount not exceeding the revolving loan commitment.
Interest accrues on the outstanding principal balance of the loan at a rate
equal to either (i) a variable rate equal to CoBank's then national
variable rate plus a base rate margin of 1.25% for non-revolving term loans
and for revolving loans or 2.25% for construction loans, or (ii) CoBank's
then quoted rates for fixed rate loans, as may be elected from time to time
by the Company, and is payable monthly in arrears by the 20th day of the
following month. During the period in which principal under the loan is
outstanding, portions of such principal may bear interest at such variable
rate while other portions may bear interest at such fixed rate. As of
November 30, 1998, interest accrued on the outstanding principal balance on
the respective loan portions under variable rates at 9.00% per annum for
non-revolving term loans, 9.00% per annum for revolving term loans and
10.00% per annum for construction loans and between 8.26% and 9.39% for
those portions under fixed rates. The interest rates applicable to the
loan are subject to reduction at specified times upon the Company's
satisfaction of certain conditions relating to the Company's equity level
and debt service coverage ratio. As of November 30, 1998, no reductions in
the Company's interest rate had been made. The Company is permitted to
prepay the loan at any time without penalty, except that in the event that
fixed rate balances are prepaid, the Company is required to pay CoBank a
surcharge in an amount equal to CoBank's funding losses with respect
thereto. Alliance capitalized $34,710 and $5,564 of interest on
construction for the three months ended November 30, 1998 and 1997
respectively.
In obtaining the secured credit facility, and for each year in which the
credit facility is effective, the Company is required to pay a commitment
fee equal to 0.5% on the outstanding revolving loan commitment and 0.25% on
the unadvanced amount of the construction loan commitment. In addition,
the Company will be required to pay an activation fee equal to 1% on the
amount withdrawn under the construction loan, along with a $6,000 fee with
respect to the origination of each $2,110,000 of new non-revolving term
loans. During the course of the loan, the Company may be required to make
additional equity investments at a rate not to exceed 1% of the average
five-year principal loan balance (which additional equity investments may
be satisfied out of CoBank's non-cash patronage distributions) until the
Company meets CoBank's target level of equity investment, which currently
is 11.5% of the Company's average five-year principal loan balance. In
addition, the Company was required to grant a first perfected lien and
security interest on substantially all of its properties and assets to
CoBank and to assign to CoBank all of the Company's rights in and to the
existing and future Pig Purchase Agreements. The Company is required to
comply with various affirmative and negative covenants, including but not
limited to (i) maintenance of at least a 0.25 ratio of total equity to
total assets for the period ending August 31, 1998 and thereafter a 0.35
ratio of total equity to total assets (for purposes of this covenant equity
includes the loan from Farmland of $2,160,000 as described below), (ii)
maintenance of a debt service coverage ratio (calculated by dividing
average annual cash flow by the current debt) of not less than one, (iii)
provision of monthly financial statements and audited annual financial
statements to CoBank, (iv) restrictions on the incurrence of additional
indebtedness, (v) restrictions on certain liens, mergers, sales of assets,
investments, guaranties, loans, advances and business activities unrelated
to existing operations, and (vi) restrictions on the declaration and
payment of the cash portion of patronage distributions and other
distributions or allocations of the Company's earnings, surplus or assets.
The Company was in compliance with each of these covenants as of November
30, 1998.
As of November 30, 1998, Alliance has borrowed $2,493,172 from Farmland.
This consists of $333,172 to purchase land for future expansion and
$2,160,000 to begin construction of the 5,000-sow pig production facility
in Yuma County, Colorado, prior to receiving the equity from share sales.
The loan agreement with Farmland for the purchase of land is evidenced by a
promissory note providing for amortization over a ten-year period, at a
variable rate of interest equal to CoBank's prime rate (7.75% at November
30, 1998). The payment schedule for this loan requires the Company to make
interest-only payments for the life of the loan, with a final balloon
payment of all principal to be made upon the expiration of the ten-year
term on September 30, 2005. The loan agreement with Farmland for the
construction of the 5,000-sow pig production facility provides for interest
at CoBank's national variable rate plus 1.25% and requires repayment on the
closing dates of the first and second issuance and sale of share blocks.
Any remaining indebtedness shall be payable in 2008.
Long-term debt as of November 30, 1998 matures during the fiscal years
ending August 31 in the following amounts:
1999 $ 1,359,000
2000 2,227,200
2001 2,258,187
2002 2,351,148
Thereafter 10,757,744
$ 18,953,279
6. Commitments and Contingencies
As of November 30, 1998 Alliance Farms was operating five 2,450-sow feeder
pig production facilities in Yuma County, Colorado, two 2,450-sow feeder
pig production facilities in Wayne County, Illinois, one 2,450-sow weaned
pig production facility in Yuma County, Colorado, and one 2,450-sow weaned
pig production facility in Wayne County, Illinois. A 5,000-sow unit is
under construction at November 30, 1998. At November 30, 1998, commitments
for construction of such facilities totaled $3,111,911. These commitments
will be funded through bank borrowings.
In the November 1998 general election, Colorado voters adopted amendments
to the Colorado Revised Statutes concerning the regulation of housed
commercial swine feeding operations. Such amendments may have material and
adverse consequences to Alliance Farms and its business. These amendments
mandate certain water and air quality control measures that must be
implemented by commercial swine feeding operations housing at lease 800,000
pounds of swine or which are deemed commercial under local law. Although
regulations implementing the amendments have not yet been promulgated, the
amendments almost certainly are applicable to Alliance's Colorado
operations.
Although Alliance has begun to evaluate the impact that the amendments
would have, Alliance presently is unable to estimate the costs that
reasonably could be expected to be incurred to comply with the amendments
and any related regulations that may be promulgated.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OR PLAN OF OPERATION
EXCEPT FOR THE HISTORICAL INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN, THE STATEMENTS MADE IN
THIS REPORT ON FORM 10-QSB ARE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS THAT INVOLVE RISKS AND
UNCERTAINTIES. ALLIANCE'S ACTUAL RESULTS, FINANCIAL CONDITION OR BUSINESS COULD
DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM ITS HISTORICAL RESULTS, FINANCIAL CONDITION OR BUSINESS,
OR THE RESULTS OF OPERATIONS, FINANCIAL CONDITION OR BUSINESS CONTEMPLATED BY
SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. FACTORS THAT COULD CAUSE OR CONTRIBUTE TO SUCH
DIFFERENCES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, THOSE DISCUSSED IN ALLIANCE FARMS'
AUGUST 31, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-KSB UNDER THE CAPTION "FACTORS THAT MAY
AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS OF OPERATIONS, FINANCIAL CONDITION OR BUSINESS", AS WELL
AS THOSE DISCUSSED ELSEWHERE IN ALLIANCE'S REPORTS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION.
FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
At November 30, 1998, Alliance reported a working capital deficit of
$841,262 and total assets of $30,568,869. Alliance issued 36 shares of Class B
common stock in November 1997 for net proceeds of $2,032,087. Alliance used
these funds to repay the balance owed Farmland pursuant to another $1,360,000
loan agreement, and for the development, population, and start-up of one weaned
pig facility in Yuma County, Colorado and one in Wayne County, Illinois.
As of the date of this report, Alliance has 119 shares of Class A Common
Stock issued and outstanding, 36 shares of Class B Common Stock issued and
outstanding, no issued and outstanding shares of Class C Common Stock and is
offering an additional 34 shares of Class A Common Stock, 18 shares of Class B
Common Stock, and 72 shares of Class C Common Stock to qualified prospective
investors. As of November 30, 1998, Alliance had $6,930,593 immediately
available under its credit facility with CoBank, consisting of $4,790,078 of
construction loans and $2,140,515 of revolving term credit. The availability of
non-revolving term debt and revolving term credit under the CoBank credit
facility is subject to specified equity investment levels in the Company being
satisfied.
As of November 30, 1998, Alliance has borrowed $2,493,172 from Farmland.
This consists of $333,172 to purchase land for future expansion and $2,160,000
to begin construction of the 5,000-sow pig production facility in Yuma County,
Colorado, prior to receiving the equity from share sales. During the three
month period ended November 30, 1998, Alliance incurred capital expenditures of
$141,041 for construction of its first weaned pig production facility in Yuma
County, Colorado and $1,685,710 for construction of the 5,000-sow pig production
facility in Yuma County, Colorado currently under construction. The remaining
capital expenditures were for replacement breeding stock and building
construction for the first eight production facilities.
Major uses of cash during the three months ended November 30, 1998 include
$2,150,731 for capital expenditures on new and existing facilities, $153,909
decrease in revolving term credit, and $453,000 of principal payments on long
term debt. Major sources of cash include $224,815 of proceeds from the
issuance of long term debt and $599,299 in cash provided by operating
activities.
THREE MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 1998 AND 1997
Shipments of feeder pigs and weaned pigs were higher for the three months
ended November 30, 1998 than in the prior year. Alliance shipped 71,000 feeder
pigs and 19,896 weaned pigs for the quarter ended November 30, 1998 compared to
69,644 feeder pigs and no weaned pigs shipped for the quarter ended November 30,
1997 for an increase in the number of feeder pigs shipped of approximately 2%.
Net sales for the quarter ended November 30, 1998 increased to $4,301,907 from
$4,161,906 for the prior year period, an increase of $140,001 or 3%. Although
there is a slight increase in volume and sales dollars, seven feeder pig units
were operating for the quarter ended November 30, 1998, whereas only six feeder
pig units were operating for the quarter ended November 30, 1997. One weaned
pig unit was in operation for three months of the quarter ended November 30,
1998 and one was in operation for only two months. No weaned pig units were in
operation for the quarter ended November 30, 1997. The sales price per pig
pursuant to Alliance's Pig Purchase Agreements was lower due to the five month
rolling average of operating costs for the quarter ended November 30, 1998 being
less than the twelve month rolling average of operating costs for the quarter
ended November 30, 1997. Also, during the quarter ended November 30, 1997, an
additional $4.50 margin was charged on every feeder pig sold. Effective
September 1, 1998, the margin was changed to $0 to $4.50, as determined
periodically by the Board of Directors at its discretion. For the quarter ended
November 30, 1998 $0 margin per pig was charged in addition to the operating
costs and debt service. Average net sales price for feeder and weaned pigs
were $50.19 and $37.12 during the quarter ended November 30, 1998 and $59.76 and
$0 during the quarter ended November 30, 1997, respectively. Net sales for the
quarter ended November 30, 1998 consisted of $3,563,402 feeder pig sales and
$738,505 weaned pig sales.
Alliance earned positive gross margins of $613,093 and $1,453,734 for the
three month periods ended November 30, 1998 and 1997, respectively. This
decline in gross margin is partially due to the $4.50 additional margin per pig
no longer being charged. As previously described, the selling price for
Alliance's feeder and weaned pigs is based on, among other things, the twelve-
month (five-month effective September 1, 1998) and five-month rolling average of
operating costs per pig for feeder and weaned pigs, respectively. For the first
quarter of fiscal 1999, Alliance's net sales price exceeded then current
production costs by $6.75 per pig sold. For the first quarter of fiscal 1998,
the net sales price exceeded then current production costs by $20.87 per pig
sold.
Sales to Farmland for the three month periods ended November 30, 1998 and
1997 were $2,224,164 and $2,573,453, respectively. The average feeder pig net
sales price per head was $50.19 and $59.76 and the average feeder pig industry
market price per head was $29.75 and $41.08 during the quarters ended November
30, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The average weaned pig net sales price per
head was $37.12 and the average weaned pig industry market price per head was
$17.01 during the quarter ended November 30, 1998.
Alliance recorded $85,698 of start-up costs relating primarily to the
operation of the 5,000-sow pig production facility under construction in Yuma
County, Colorado during the three months ended November 30, 1998 and $403,609 of
start-up costs relating to the operation of the second feeder pig production
facility in Wayne County, Illinois under construction during the three months
ended November 30, 1997. All costs for the three month period ended November
30, 1998 and 1997 were comprised of utilities, feed, labor and other general
expenses prior to the operation of the new pig production facilities.
Administrative expenses were $264,957 for the three months ended November
30, 1998 compared to $169,738 for the prior year period. This increase reflects
the increased operations and includes higher administrative, payroll and
professional fees.
Interest expense of $400,241 for the three months ended November 30, 1998
as compared to $381,549 for the prior year period, was incurred in financing the
development of eight existing and two new pig production facilities. This
increase is primarily due to the increase in the outstanding loan balance. As
of November 30, 1998, Alliance had borrowed $16,460,107 from CoBank for
construction and start up costs and $2,493,172 from Farmland for construction
and start-up costs and for the purchase of land which is intended to be used for
future expansion.
Alliance incurred a net loss of $376,466 for the three months ended
November 30, 1998 compared to a net income of $462,796 for the prior year
period. The net loss for the first quarter of fiscal 1999 was due primarily to
the elimination of the additional $4.50 margin charged on every feeder pig sold
as well as a decline in production and approximately $249,000 of losses incurred
on the sale of breeding stock due to market conditions. These losses are
somewhat offset by the per pig sales price exceeding current operating costs, as
previously discussed. The net income for the first quarter of fiscal 1998 was
attributable to improved gross margins resulting from the per pig sales price
exceeding current operating costs, as previously discussed. In addition to
operating risks and uncertainties associated with any business, Alliance's
ability to generate net income is limited by any start-up expenses that are
incurred with respect to facilities development and the Company's selling price
formula that contains a production margin.
YEAR 2000. The Company has completed an assessment of the changes needed
to make its financial system, operational system and equipment year 2000
compliant. A plan has been developed to implement such changes. A software
application that will meet the financial and reporting needs of the Company and
that is year 2000 compliant has been purchased. Installation, testing and
training are anticipated to occur in early 1999. The cost of replacement
software is approximately $20,000. Currently, the Company is reviewing the non-
information technology related systems. At this time, no equipment that is date
sensitive has been identified. The time frame and cost associated with becoming
year 2000 compliant is based on management's best estimates, although no
assurances can be given in this regard. The Company intends to evaluate its
reliance on third parties to determine and minimize the extent to which its
operations may be dependent on such third parties to remediate year 2000 issues
in their systems. In addition, as systems are tested the Company intends to
develop a contingency backup plan for systems which exhibit possible year 2000
problems.
Item 6. Exhibits and Report on Form 8-K
(a) Exhibits
The exhibits listed below are filed as part of Form 10-QSB for the quarter
ended November 30, 1998.
27 Financial Data Schedule
(b) No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the quarter ended November 30,
1998.
SIGNATURES
In accordance with the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned
thereunto duly authorized.
ALLIANCE FARMS COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION
(Registrant)
/s/ WAYNE SNYDER
Wayne Snyder
Chairman of the Board, President
and Director
(Principal Executive Officer and Principal
Financial and Accounting Officer)
Dated: January 14, 1999