3
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(x) Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 For the quarterly period ended May 31, 2002 or
( ) Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition
period from to
------------------------ ------------------------
Commission File Number: 000-21788
Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter:
DELTA AND PINE LAND COMPANY
State of Incorporation: Delaware
I.R.S. Employer Identification Number: 62-1040440
Address of Principal Executive Offices (including zip code)
One Cotton Row, Scott, Mississippi 38772
Registrant's telephone number, including area code:
(662) 742-4500
Indicate by check mark whether 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 ( )
APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Common Stock, $0.10 Par Value - 38,296,405 shares outstanding as of July 9,
2002.
17
DELTA AND PINE LAND COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX
Page No.
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets - May 31, 2001,
August 31, 2001, and May 31, 2002 3
Consolidated Statements of Operations - Three Months
Ended May 31, 2001 and May 31, 2002 4
Consolidated Statements of Operations - Nine Months
Ended May 31, 2001 and May 31, 2002 5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Nine Months
Ended May 31, 2001 and May 31, 2002 6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 7
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations 13
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 17
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 17
Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds 20
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities 20
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 21
Item 5. Business 21
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 27
Signatures 28
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements
DELTA AND PINE LAND COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
May 31, August 31, May 31,
2001 2001 2002
----------------- ---------------- ----------------
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 75,434 $ 114,003 $ 87,577
Receivables, net 267,794 176,177 214,936
Inventories 39,468 36,745 43,060
Prepaid expenses 2,320 2,138 622
Deferred income taxes 7,420 8,674 8,674
----------------- ---------------- ----------------
Total current assets 392,436 337,737 354,869
PROPERTY, PLANT and EQUIPMENT, net 64,928 62,839 62,924
EXCESS OF COST OVER NET ASSETS OF
BUSINESS ACQUIRED, net 4,220 4,148 4,182
INTANGIBLES, net 4,275 4,383 4,125
OTHER ASSETS 2,303 2,414 2,338
----------------- ---------------- ----------------
----------------- ---------------- ----------------
$ 468,162 $ 411,521 $ 428,438
================= ================ ================
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Notes payable $ 2,570 $ 1,629 $ 146
Accounts payable 9,473 15,279 11,641
Accrued expenses 216,054 175,085 171,792
Income taxes payable 23,906 16,048 18,122
----------------- ---------------- ----------------
----------------- ---------------- ----------------
Total current liabilities 252,003 208,041 201,701
----------------- ---------------- ----------------
LONG-TERM DEBT, less current maturities 3,208 2,836 1,319
----------------- ---------------- ----------------
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES 4,975 4,706 4,706
----------------- ---------------- ----------------
MINORITY INTEREST IN SUBSIDIARIES 8,504 7,530 4,177
----------------- ---------------- ----------------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock, par value $0.10 per share; 2,000,000 shares authorized:
Series A Junior Participating Preferred, par value $0.10 per share;
456,989 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding - - -
Series M Convertible Non-Voting Preferred, par value $0.10 per
share; 1,066,667 shares authorized; issued and outstanding 107 107 107
Common stock, par value $0.10 per share; 100,000,000 shares authorized;
39,106,960; 39,111,233 and 39,278,071 issued: 3,911 3,911 3,928
38,538,994; 38,543,267 and 38,332,405 shares outstanding
Capital in excess of par value 48,130 48,406 51,146
Retained earnings 161,089 149,923 182,359
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (3,889) (4,063) (4,196)
Treasury stock at cost, 567,966; 567,966 and 945,666 shares (9,876) (9,876) (16,809)
----------------- ---------------- ----------------
Total stockholders' equity 199,472 188,408 216,535
----------------- ---------------- ----------------
$ 468,162 $ 411,521 $ 428,438
================= ================ ================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these balance sheets.
DELTA AND PINE LAND COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
May 31, May 31,
2001 2002
---------------- ----------------
NET SALES AND LICENSING FEES $ 139,331 $ 135,386
COST OF SALES 90,735 86,336
---------------- ----------------
GROSS PROFIT 48,596 49,050
---------------- ----------------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Research and development 5,081 4,796
Selling 3,082 2,700
General and administrative 3,524 3,837
---------------- ----------------
11,687 11,333
---------------- ----------------
OPERATING INCOME 36,909 37,717
---------------- ----------------
INTEREST EXPENSE, net (63) (62)
OTHER EXPENSE, net (230) (390)
MINORITY INTEREST IN
(EARNINGS) / LOSS OF SUBSIDIARIES (345) 1,594
---------------- ----------------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 36,271 38,859
INCOME TAX PROVISION 13,343 13,794
---------------- ----------------
NET INCOME 22,928 25,065
DIVIDENDS ON PREFERRED STOCK (43) (53)
---------------- ----------------
NET INCOME APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHARES $ 22,885 $ 25,012
================ ================
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE $ 0.59 $ 0.65
================ ================
NUMBER OF SHARES USED IN BASIC EARNINGS
PER SHARE CALCULATIONS 38,963 38,343
================ ================
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE $ 0.56 $ 0.63
================ ================
================ ================
NUMBER OF SHARES USED IN DILUTED EARNINGS
PER SHARE CALCULATIONS 40,667 39,769
================ ================
================ ================
DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE $ 0.04 $ 0.05
================ ================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
DELTA AND PINE LAND COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
May 31, May 31,
2001 2002
---------------- ----------------
NET SALES AND LICENSING FEES $ 299,179 $ 255,506
COST OF SALES 196,505 163,530
---------------- ----------------
GROSS PROFIT 102,674 91,976
---------------- ----------------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Research and development 14,213 13,438
Selling 9,571 8,168
General and administrative 11,497 10,463
---------------- ----------------
35,281 32,069
---------------- ----------------
OPERATING INCOME 67,393 59,907
---------------- ----------------
INTEREST INCOME, net 2,473 1,096
OTHER EXPENSE, net (2,535) (3,605)
MINORITY INTEREST IN
(EARNINGS) / LOSS OF SUBSIDIARIES (1,364) 2,066
---------------- ----------------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 65,967 59,464
INCOME TAX PROVISION 24,078 21,110
---------------- ----------------
NET INCOME 41,889 38,354
DIVIDENDS ON PREFERRED STOCK (117) (159)
---------------- ----------------
NET INCOME APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHARES $ 41,772 $ 38,195
================ ================
BASIC NET INCOME PER SHARE $ 1.09 $ 0.99
================ ================
NUMBER OF SHARES USED IN BASIC EARNINGS
PER SHARE CALCULATIONS 38,308 38,394
================ ================
DILUTED NET INCOME PER SHARE $ 1.04 $ 0.96
================ ================
================ ================
NUMBER OF SHARES USED IN DILUTED EARNINGS
PER SHARE CALCULATIONS 40,038 39,832
================ ================
================ ================
DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE $ 0.11 $ 0.15
================ ================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
DELTA AND PINE LAND COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
May 31, May 31,
2001 2002
---------------- ----------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income $ 41,889 $ 38,354
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 5,428 5,062
(Gain) loss on sale of property and equipment (22) 187
Minority interest in net income / (loss) of subsidiaries 1,364 (2,066)
Changes in current assets and liabilities:
Receivables (86,489) (40,091)
Inventories (4,226) (7,060)
Prepaid expenses (89) 1,417
Accounts payable (13,968) (2,937)
Accrued expenses 51,352 (3,269)
Income taxes payable (1,035) 2,469
Intangibles and other assets 483 (11)
---------------- ----------------
Net cash used in operating activities (5,313) (7,945)
---------------- ----------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property and equipment
(5,220) (5,082)
Sale of investments and property 38 43
Purchase of minority interest in subsidiary - (4,838)
---------------- ----------------
---------------- ----------------
Net cash used in investing activities (5,182) (9,877)
---------------- ----------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Payments of short-term debt (785) (2,268)
Payments of long-term debt (18,715) (73)
Dividends paid (4,352) (5,918)
Proceeds from long-term debt 19,441 672
Proceeds from short-term debt 1,355 693
Payments to acquire treasury stock - (6,933)
Minority interest in dividends by subsidiaries (594) (447)
Minority interest in investment in subsidiary - 1,000
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 2,819 2,251
---------------- ----------------
Net cash used in financing activities (831) (11,023)
---------------- ----------------
EFFECTS OF FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATES (707) 2,419
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (12,033) (26,426)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, as of August 31 87,467 114,003
---------------- ----------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, as of May 31 $ 75,434 $ 87,577
================ ================
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the nine months for:
Interest, net of capitalized interest $ 400 $ 700
Income taxes $ 24,100 $ 18,000
Noncash financing activities:
Tax benefit of stock option exercises $ 200 $ 500
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
DELTA AND PINE LAND COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
---------------------
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared
in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
(GAAP) for interim financial information and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.
Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required
by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all
adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for
the fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements have been
included. Due to the seasonal nature of Delta and Pine Land Company and
subsidiaries' ("D&PL") business, the results of operations for the three and
nine month periods ended May 31, 2001 and May 31, 2002 or for any quarterly
period, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the
full year. For further information reference should be made to the consolidated
financial statements and footnotes thereto included in D&PL's Annual Report to
Stockholders on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2001.
Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform with the current
year presentation.
Significant Accounting Policies
Intangible Assets and Deferred Charges
Intangible assets consist of trademarks, patents and other intangible assets and
are being amortized using the straight-line method over 5 to 40 years. Excess of
cost over net assets of businesses acquired was amortized using the
straight-line method over 40 years, until September 1, 2001 when amortization
was discontinued as discussed further in Note 5.
Derivative Financial Instruments
D&PL uses various derivative financial instruments to mitigate its risk to
variability in cash flows related to soybean purchases and to effectively fix
the cost of a significant portion of its soybean raw material inventory. The
terms of the hedging derivatives used by D&PL are negotiated to approximate the
terms of the forecasted transaction; therefore, D&PL expects the instruments
used in hedging transactions to be highly effective in offsetting changes in
cash flows of the hedged items. Realized and unrealized hedging gains and losses
are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income and are reclassified
into earnings in the period in which the forecasted transaction affects earnings
(i.e., is sold or disposed) which generally occurs during D&PL's second and
third fiscal quarters. Quantities hedged that do not exceed the forecasted
transactions are accounted for as cash flow hedges in the manner discussed
above. However, to the extent that the quantities hedged exceed the forecasted
transactions due to intra-season changes to the sales forecast where it is
probable that the originally forecasted transaction will no longer occur, D&PL
accounts for gains and losses on these derivative instruments as discontinued
cash flow hedges, whereby they are immediately recorded as a component of net
income. D&PL does not enter into any derivative instruments that extend beyond
the close of the following fiscal year.
During the six months ended February 28, 2002, a foreign subsidiary entered into
foreign currency forward exchange contracts to mitigate its risk associated with
currency fluctuations in foreign currency denominated debt. The terms of the
foreign currency forward exchange contracts used were negotiated to approximate
the terms of the forecasted transaction (i.e., debt maturity and interest
payments dates and amounts). The foreign currency forward exchange contracts
expired during the second quarter of fiscal 2002 and there were no foreign
currency forward exchange contracts outstanding as of May 31, 2002.
2. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
--------------------
Total comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2001 and
May 31, 2002, was (in thousands):
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
------------------ -----------------
May 31, May 31, May 31, May 31,
2001 2002 2001 2002
------------ ----------- ------------ -------------
Net income $ 22,928 $ 25,065 $41,889 $ 38,354
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency translation (losses)/gains (434) 333 (700) 42
Net unrealized gain/(losses) on
hedging instruments 346 131 (36) (175)
Income tax benefit (expense)
related to other comprehensive income 31 (165) 266 47
------------ ----------- ------------ -------------
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax (57) 299 (470) (86)
------------ ----------- ------------ -------------
Total comprehensive income $ 22,871 $ 25,364 $41,419 $ 38,268
============ =========== ============ =============
3. SEGMENT DISCLOSURES
-------------------
D&PL is in a single line of business and operates in two business segments,
domestic and international. D&PL's reportable segments offer similar products;
however, the business units are managed separately due to the geographic
dispersion of their operations. D&PL breeds, produces, conditions, and markets
proprietary varieties of cotton and soybean planting seed in the United States.
The international segment offers cottonseed in several foreign countries through
both export sales and in-country operations. D&PL develops its proprietary seed
products through research and development efforts in the United States and
certain foreign countries.
D&PL's chief operating decision maker utilizes revenue information in assessing
performance and making overall operating decisions and resource allocations.
Profit and loss information is reported by segment to the chief operating
decision maker and D&PL's Board of Directors. The accounting policies of the
segments are substantially the same as those described in the summary of
significant accounting policies in D&PL's Form 10-K filed for the year ended
August 31, 2001.
Information about D&PL's segments for the three and nine month periods ended May
31, 2001 and May 31, 2002 is as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
------------------ -----------------
May 31, May 31, May 31, May 31,
2001 2002 2001 2002
-------------- ------------- --------------- -----------------
Net sales and licensing fees
Domestic $ 129,365 $ 130,065 $ 257,743 $ 225,084
International 9,966 5,321 41,436 30,422
-------------- -------------- --------------- -----------------
$ 139,331 $ 135,386 $ 299,179 $ 255,506
============== ============== =============== =================
Operating income (loss)
Domestic $ 34,754 $ 38,428 $ 56,146 $ 52,669
International 2,155 (711) 11,247 7,238
-------------- -------------- --------------- -----------------
$ 36,909 $ 37,717 $ 67,393 $ 59,907
============== ============== =============== =================
4. SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN ASSETS FROM FISCAL YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2001
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Inventories increased approximately $6,315,000 to $43,060,000 at May 31, 2002
from $36,745,000 at August 31, 2001. This is primarily due to an increase in
bulk untreated cotton seed produced to fulfill anticipated sales based on early
season estimates of a 15 million acre cotton market in the U.S. that did not
materialize and higher inventory in China.
Accounts receivable increased approximately $38,759,000 to $214,936,000 at May
31, 2002 from $176,177,000 at August 31, 2001. This increase is primarily
related to fiscal year 2002 sales partially offset by the collection of
sublicense revenue for the 2001 season in September 2001.
5. RECENTLY ISSUED FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
----------------------------------------------
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 144, "Accounting for
the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," addresses the financial
accounting and reporting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets.
This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001,
and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early application
encouraged. Therefore, D&PL must adopt this statement no later than September 1,
2002. Management has not determined the impact, if any, that this statement will
have on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.
SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," addresses financial
accounting and reporting for obligations associated with the retirement of
tangible long-lived assets and the associated asset retirement costs. This
statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002.
Therefore, D&PL must adopt this statement no later than September 1, 2002.
Management has not determined the impact, if any, that this statement will have
on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.
SFAS No. 141, "Business Combinations," sets forth guidelines for applying the
purchase method of accounting in the determination of intangible assets,
including goodwill acquired in a business combination, and expands financial
disclosures concerning business combinations consummated after June 1, 2001. The
application of SFAS 141 did not affect D&PL's previously reported amounts for
goodwill or other intangible assets.
SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," addresses the financial
accounting and reporting for acquired goodwill and other intangible assets.
Effective September 1, 2001, D&PL adopted SFAS 142 at which time all goodwill
amortization ceased (third quarter 2002 goodwill amortization would have been
approximately $31,000, and $93,000 year-to-date). During the second quarter of
fiscal 2002, recorded goodwill attributable to the domestic segment was tested
for impairment by comparing the fair value to its carrying value. Based on
management's initial impairment test, management determined that none of the
goodwill recorded was impaired. Impairment adjustments recognized after
adoption, if any, generally are required to be recognized as operating expenses.
Excess of cost over net assets of business acquired at May 31, 2001 and May 31,
2002 was $4,220,000 and $4,182,000, respectively.
In connection with adopting SFAS 142, D&PL reassessed the useful lives and the
classification of its identifiable intangible assets and determined that they
continue to be appropriate. The components of amortized intangible assets follow
(in thousands):
May 31, 2001 August 31, 2001 May 31, 2002
--------------------------- -------------------------------- ------------------------------
Gross Gross Gross
Carrying Accumulated Carrying Accumulated Carrying Accumulated
Amount Amortization Amount Amortization Amount Amortization
Trademarks $ 3,182 $ (620) $ 3,182 $ (642) $ 3,182 $ (702)
Commercialization
agreements 200 (5) 400 (6) 400 (30)
Patents 281 (63) 284 (65) 295 (71)
Other 1,692 (392) 1,635 (405) 1,557 (506)
----------- --------------- -------------- ----------------- ------------- ----------------
----------- --------------- -------------- ----------------- ------------- ----------------
$ 5,355 $ (1,080) $ 5,501 $ (1,118) $ 5,434 $ (1,309)
=========== =============== ============== ================= ============= ================
Amortization expense for identifiable intangible assets during the three and
nine month periods ended May 31, 2002 was approximately $57,000 and $187,000,
respectively. Identifiable intangible asset amortization expense is estimated to
be $57,000 for the remainder of 2002 and $210,000 in each of the fiscal years
from fiscal 2003 through fiscal 2007.
Pro forma results of operations for the three and nine month periods ended May
31, 2001 had we applied the nonamortization provisions of SFAS 142 in those
periods would not have been materially different than actual results for those
periods.
6. INVENTORIES
Inventories consisted of the following (in thousands):
May 31, August 31, May 31,
2001 2001 2002
---------------- ----------------- ----------------
Finished goods $ 34,417 $ 31,835 $ 29,886
Raw materials 13,913 12,515 23,110
Growing crops 779 2,218 1,045
Supplies and other 1,615 1,162 1,206
---------------- ----------------- ----------------
50,724 47,730 55,247
Less reserves (11,256) (10,985) (12,187)
---------------- ----------------- ----------------
$ 39,468 $ 36,745 $ 43,060
================ ================= ================
Substantially all finished goods and raw material inventory is valued at the
lower of average cost or market. Growing crops are recorded at cost. See Note 8
for description of hedging activities.
7. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
-----------------------------
Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands):
May 31, August 31, May 31,
2001 2001 2002
-------------- --------------- ---------------
Land and improvements $ 4,414 $ 4,284 $ 4,808
Buildings and improvements 40,839 38,777 37,407
Machinery and equipment 50,795 48,279 52,870
Germplasm 7,500 7,500 7,500
Breeder and foundation seed 2,000 2,000 2,000
Construction in progress 1,263 1,529 2,469
-------------- ---------------- -------------
106,811 102,369 107,054
Less accumulated depreciation (41,883) (39,530) (44,130)
-------------- ---------------- -------------
$ 64,928 $ 62,839 $ 62,924
============== ================ =============
At May 31, 2002, excess of cost over net book value of net assets acquired of
approximately $3.0 million associated with the acquisition of the remaining 50%
interest in D&M International, LLC is included as machinery and equipment in
property, plant and equipment. See note 9 for a description of the acquisition.
8. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
--------------------------------
As of August 31, 2001, net unrealized gains of $210,000 related to soybean
hedging activities were recorded as a component of other comprehensive income.
During the nine month period ended May 31, 2002, $378,000 in unrealized losses
was recorded as a component of other comprehensive income. Also during the nine
month period ended May 31, 2002, a reclassification adjustment from other
comprehensive income to net income of $204,000 of net losses was made. Net
unrealized gains of $36,000 remain in other comprehensive income as of May 31,
2002. These gains will be recognized in earnings within the next twelve months,
however, the actual amount that will be charged to earnings may vary as a result
of changes in market conditions. There were no foreign currency forward exchange
contracts outstanding as of May 31, 2002.
For the three and nine month periods ended May 31, 2001, D&PL recorded no gains
or losses in earnings as a result of hedge ineffectiveness or discontinuance of
cash flow hedges. For the three and nine month periods ended May 31, 2002, D&PL
recorded $86,000 of losses in earnings as a result of the discontinuance of cash
flow hedges related to soybeans.
9. ACQUISITION & ESTABLISHMENT OF JOINT VENTURES
---------------------------------------------
On May 28, 2002, D&PL acquired the remaining 50% interest in D&M International,
LLC from Pharmacia Corporation for cash of approximately $4.8 million. D&PL and
Pharmacia Corporation, formerly known as Monsanto, formed D&M International, LLC
in 1995 to introduce cotton planting seed in international markets combining
D&PL's acid delinting technology and elite germplasm and Monsanto's Bollgard and
Roundup Ready gene technologies. Pharmacia activated a cross purchase provision
in the operating agreement for D&M International, LLC, and D&PL notified
Pharmacia Corporation that it elected to have D&M International, LLC redeem
Pharmacia Corporation's 50% interest in the company. As a result of the
redemption of Pharmacia's interest, D&PL now owns all of D&M International, LLC.
The allocation of the purchase price of the redeemed 50% interest in D&M
International LLC has not been completed. To complete the allocation of the
purchase price, the fair values of the international joint ventures that
comprise the primary assets of D&M International, LLC will have to be
determined. Therefore, at May 31, 2002, the excess of the cost over the net book
value of net assets acquired of approximately $3.0 million has been included as
a component of machinery and equipment in property, plant and equipment.
On May 22, 2002, D&PL established DeltaMax Cotton LLC ("DeltaMax"), a joint
venture with MaxyAg, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Maxygen, Inc. The
DeltaMax joint venture will create, develop and commercialize value-enhancing
traits for the cotton seed market. DeltaMax will create and develop traits that
will convey herbicide tolerance and insect resistance in cotton. D&PL has
licensed from DeltaMax the developed traits for commercialization in both the
U.S. and other cotton-producing countries in the world. D&PL and MaxyAg will
each own 50% of DeltaMax.
10. CONTINGENCIES
--------------
Product Liability Litigation
D&PL is named as a defendant in various lawsuits that allege, among other
things, that certain of D&PL's products (including Monsanto's technology) did
not perform as the farmer had anticipated or expected. In all cases where the
seed contained either or both of Monsanto's Bollgard and/or Roundup Ready gene
technologies, and a failure of such technology was alleged, D&PL has tendered
the defense of those cases to Monsanto and requested indemnity. In certain cases
where the seed sold contained either or both of Monsanto's Bollgard and Roundup
Ready gene technologies, but did not allege a failure of such technology, D&PL
has given Monsanto notice of the claims pursuant to the various gene licensing
agreements, but has not requested indemnity. Pursuant to the terms of the
February 2, 1996 Bollgard Gene License and Seed Services Agreement (the
"Bollgard Agreement") and the February 2, 1996 Roundup Ready Gene License and
Seed Services Agreement (the "Roundup Ready Agreement") (both as amended
December 8, 1999) D&PL has a right to be contractually indemnified by Monsanto
against all claims arising out of the failure of Monsanto's gene technology.
Some of the product liability lawsuits contain varietal claims, which are aimed
solely at D&PL. D&PL does not have a right to indemnification, however, from
Monsanto for any claims involving varietal characteristics separate from or in
addition to the failure of the Monsanto technology. D&PL believes that the
resolution of these matters will not have a material impact on the consolidated
financial statements. D&PL intends to vigorously defend itself in these matters.
See Part II, Item I for a discussion of each case.
Other Litigation
In May 2002, Pharmacia Corporation filed a suit in state court in Missouri
against D&PL International Technology Corp. ("DITC"), D&PL's subsidiary, seeking
a declaratory judgment that it was entitled to invoke the cross purchase
provision in the Operating Agreement for D&M International, LLC, a joint venture
between Pharmacia and DITC. In the alternative, Pharmacia sought a declaratory
judgment that DITC was deemed to have consented to Pharmacia's transfer of the
Operating Agreement to Monsanto Company and its issuance and transfer of shares
of Monsanto's stock. DITC moved to dismiss on June 6, 2002, because the case was
moot and did not present a justiciable controversy, because DITC had already
invoked its rights under the cross purchase provision and had caused Pharmacia's
interest in D&M International, LLC to be redeemed. Instead of answering DITC's
motion, on or about June 13, 2002, Pharmacia filed an amended petition, dropping
all of its prior claims, and seeking a declaratory judgment that DITC has no
contractual rights to enjoin Pharmacia from selling its shares of Monsanto
Company or to seek damages for Pharmacia's prior initial public offering of
Monsanto Company's shares to the public. DITC must answer the Petition or move
to dismiss it by July 17, 2002. Given the relief sought, D&PL does not believe
that this litigation will have a material effect on D&PL.
On May 15, 2000, several farmers and a seller of farm supplies filed suit in the
United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, against
Monsanto, D&PL, and D&M International, LLC (then jointly owned by Monsanto and
D&PL) under federal antitrust laws and requested class certification. Plaintiffs
claim that defendants have: (1) unlawfully attempted to monopolize the U.S.
cotton seed and herbicide market in violation of ss. 2 of the Sherman Act; (2)
monopolized the U.S. cotton seed and herbicide market in violation of ss. 2 of
the Sherman Act; (3) conspired to unreasonably restrain trade in the U.S. cotton
seed and herbicide market in violation of ss. 1 of the Sherman Act; and (4)
engaged in unlawful tying of cotton seed and herbicide in violation of ss. 3 of
the Clayton Act. Plaintiffs demand unspecified antitrust damages, including
treble and compensatory damages, plus costs of litigation, including attorneys'
fees. In July 2000, D&PL answered the complaint and in October 2000, moved for
dismissal of the action on the ground that plaintiffs had failed to allege any
conduct or action by D&PL that violates the federal antitrust laws. On December
6, 2001, the United States District Judge, acting on the recommendation of the
Magistrate Judge, granted Monsanto's and D&PL's motions to dismiss the complaint
without prejudice. The plaintiffs were granted 30 days from the District Court's
Order to file an Amended Complaint. On January 7, 2002, plaintiffs filed an
Amended Complaint against Monsanto and D&PL; however, plaintiffs did not assert
in their Amended Complaint any claims against D&M International, LLC. Monsanto
and D&PL moved to dismiss the amended complaint. On May 30, 2002, these motions
were granted in part and denied in part. On June 26, 2002, D&PL answered the
amended complaint. The parties are now in discovery.
In December 1999, Mycogen Plant Science, Inc. ("Mycogen") filed a suit in the
Federal Court of Australia alleging that Monsanto Australia Ltd., Monsanto's
wholly-owned Australian subsidiary, and Deltapine Australia Pty. Ltd., D&PL's
wholly-owned Australian subsidiary, have been infringing two of Mycogen's
Australian patents by making, selling, and licensing cotton planting seed
expressing insect resistance. The suit seeks injunction against continued sale
of seed containing Monsanto's Ingard(R) gene and recovery of an unspecified
amount of damages. The litigation is currently in discovery and pretrial
proceedings. Consistent with its commitments, Monsanto has agreed to defend D&PL
in this suit and to indemnify D&PL against damages, if any are awarded. Monsanto
is providing separate defense counsel for D&PL. D&PL is assisting Monsanto to
the extent reasonably necessary.
In November 1999, Bios Agrosystems S.A. ("Bios"), a former distributor of
SureGrow brand cottonseed in Greece, brought suit in the U.S. District Court in
Delaware against D&PL International Technology Corp., D&PL's subsidiary, to
enjoin the termination of its distributorship which was to become effective at
the end of November 1999. The suit demanded a declaratory judgment that the
termination is not effective and compensatory and punitive damages for wrongful
termination. Bios also filed a request for arbitration and a parallel suit
seeking injunctive relief in a Greek court. In January 2000, the U. S. District
Court denied the request for an injunction to prevent termination of Bios'
distributorship and subsequently enjoined Bios from proceeding with parallel
litigation in the Greek courts. Bios appealed to the United States Court of
Appeals for the Third Circuit. In March 2001, Bios gave notice that it was
dismissing its appeal. On March 14, 2002, the case was finally dismissed by the
U. S. District Court for failure to prosecute. Bios has not appealed this
dismissal nor indicated that it will now seek to arbitrate its claims. D&PL
believes this claim has now been resolved without material effect on D&PL's
combined financial condition and without interference with the distribution of
SureGrow brand cottonseed in Greece.
In 1989, a corporation owned by the son of D&PL's former Guatemalan distributor
filed suit asserting that D&PL violated an agreement with it by granting to
another entity an exclusive license in certain areas of Central America and
southern Mexico. The suit seeks damages of 5,300,000 Guatemalan quetzales
(approximately $670,000 at current exchange rates) and an injunction preventing
D&PL from distributing seed through any other licensee in that region. The
Guatemalan court, where this action is proceeding, has twice declined to approve
the injunction sought. Management believes that the resolution of the matter
will not have a material impact on D&PL's consolidated financial statements.
D&PL continues to offer seed for sale in Guatemala.
11. EARNINGS PER SHARE
------------------
Dilutive common share equivalents consist of both D&PL's Series M Convertible
Non-Voting Preferred shares and the outstanding options to purchase D&PL's
common stock that have been issued under the 1993 Stock Option Plan and the 1995
Long-Term Incentive Plan. Approximately 800,000 and 2,300,000 outstanding stock
options were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share for
the three and nine months ended May 31, 2001 and 2002, respectively, because the
exercise price exceeded the average market price of D&PL's common stock for each
respective reporting date. These options expire at various dates from 2006 to
2011.
The table below reconciles the basic and diluted per share computations:
For the Three Months Ended For the Nine Months Ended
-------------------------- -------------------------
(in thousands, except per share amounts) May 31, May 31, May 31, May 31,
2001 2002 2001 2002
------------- ------------- --------------- --------------
------------- ------------- --------------- --------------
Income:
Net income $ 22,928 $ 25,065 $ 41,889 $ 38,354
Less: Preferred stock dividends (43) (53) (117) (159)
------------- ------------- --------------- --------------
Basic EPS:
Net income 22,885 25,012 41,772 38,195
Effect of Dilutive Securities:
Convertible Preferred Stock Dividends 43 53 117 159
------------- ------------- --------------- --------------
Diluted EPS:
Net income available to common stockholders
plus assumed conversions $ 22,928 $ 25,065 $ 41,889 $ 38,354
============= ============= =============== ==============
============== ============= =============== ==============
Shares:
Basic EPS Shares 38,963 38,343 38,308 38,394
Effect of Dilutive Securities:
Options to purchase stock 637 359 663 371
Convertible preferred stock 1,067 1,067 1,067 1,067
-------------- ------------- --------------- --------------
Diluted EPS Shares 40,667 39,769 40,038 39,832
============== ============= =============== ==============
Per Share Amounts:
Basic $ 0.59 $ 0.65 $ 1.09 $ 0.99
============== ============= =============== ==============
Diluted $ 0.56 $ 0.63 $ 1.04 $ 0.96
============== ============= =============== ==============
PART I.
Item 2. Management's Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And
Results Of Operations
Overview
On May 16, 2002, D&PL announced updated guidance for the 2002 fiscal year based
on the enactment on May 13, 2002 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act
of 2002. This revised guidance primarily resulted from management's belief that
acreage planted to cotton in the U.S. in the spring of 2002 would fall to
between 13.5 million acres and 14 million acres. Previously stated guidance for
the 2002 fiscal year had assumed U.S. planted acreage would remain consistent
with 2001, during which approximately 15.7 million acres were planted to cotton
in the U.S. Management believes that the reduction in acres planted to cotton
during the 2002 fiscal year from previous estimates was based on the fact that
the farm bill passage occurred too late in the spring to alter many cropping
plans. In the May 16, 2002 announcement, for the 2002 fiscal year, D&PL
estimated it would report sales in the range of $255 million to $270 million and
EPS in the range of $0.81 to $0.87, excluding legal expenses of approximately
$0.05 related to the ongoing Monsanto litigation. In addition, D&PL announced a
series of transactions during the third quarter that were executed as a part of
D&PL's near term and long term strategy to incorporate new traits into D&PL's
elite germplasm which would potentially provide a higher technology fee share to
D&PL. These transactions are summarized below.
In May 2002, D&PL announced that it had reached a product development agreement
with Syngenta pursuant to which D&PL will introgress, test and evaluate
Syngenta's insect resistance technology in D&PL's elite cotton germplasm. Under
the development agreement, Syngenta will pay D&PL for development work,
including introgression, testing and evaluation. When appropriate testing
indicates that Syngenta technology combined with D&PL germplasm is competitive
and once a commercialization agreement is reached, D&PL elite varieties
containing Syngenta's technology may be available for introduction to growers in
2004.
Also in May 2002, D&PL announced the establishment of DeltaMax Cotton LLC, a
joint venture with MaxyAg, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Maxygen, Inc.
DeltaMax Cotton LLC will create, develop and commercialize value-enhancing
traits for the cotton seed market that will complement and/or compete with
traits available today. D&PL and MaxyAg each own 50% of DeltaMax Cotton LLC and
D&PL expects to invest in aggregate up to $15 to $20 million over the next five
or more years to fund its portion of DeltaMax Cotton LLC.
Again in May 2002, D&PL acquired the remaining 50% interest in D&M
International, LLC from Pharmacia Corporation for approximately $4.8 million.
Pharmacia activated a cross-purchase provision in the operating agreement for
D&M International, LLC, and D&PL elected to have D&M International, LLC redeem
Pharmacia Corporation's 50% interest in the company.
In June 2002, D&PL announced that Murray Robinson will retire as President and
Chief Executive Officer effective August 31, 2002, and W.T. Jagodinski, who was
named Executive Vice President effective June 3, 2002, will succeed Robinson as
President and Chief Executive Officer, effective September 1, 2002. In addition,
Rick Greene, D&PL Vice President of Business Development, was named Vice
President Finance and Treasurer, effective June 3, 2002.
Results
Due to the seasonal nature of its business, D&PL typically incurs losses in its
first and fourth fiscal quarters since the majority of D&PL's domestic sales are
made in its second and third quarters. Sales in the first and fourth quarters
are generally limited to those made to export markets and those made by D&PL's
non-U.S. joint ventures and subsidiaries located primarily in the Southern
hemisphere.
Revenues from domestic seed sales are recognized when seed is shipped. Revenues
from Bollgard and Roundup Ready licensing fees are recognized when the seed is
shipped. The licensing fees charged to farmers are based on pre-established
planting rates for eight geographic regions and considers the estimated number
of seed contained in each bag which may vary by variety, location grown, and
other factors. International export revenues are recognized upon the later of
seed shipment or confirmation of letters of credit. Generally, international
export sales are not subject to return. All other international revenues from
the sale of planting seed, less estimated reserves for returns, are recognized
upon shipment of seed.
Domestically, D&PL promotes its cotton and soybean seed directly to farmers and
sells its seed through distributors and dealers. All of D&PL's domestic seed
products (including those that contain the Bollgard and Roundup Ready
technologies) are subject to return or credit, which vary from year to year. The
annual level of returns and, ultimately, net sales are influenced by various
factors, principally commodity prices and weather conditions occurring in the
spring planting season during D&PL's third and fourth quarters. D&PL provides
for estimated returns as sales occur. To the extent actual returns differ from
estimates, adjustments to D&PL's operating results are recorded when such
differences become known, typically in D&PL's fourth quarter. All significant
returns occur or are accounted for by fiscal year end.
Although sales for this quarter were approximately flat compared to last year's
quarter, net income for this quarter exceeded that reported in the comparable
prior year quarter, due primarily to higher margins earned on both cotton and
soybean seed sales and to reduced operating expenses. The effect on sales volume
of the expected reduction in cotton acreage was partially offset by the higher
margins. The decrease in operating expenses is primarily attributable to, in
part, savings resulting from D&PL's August 2001 corporate realignment and, in
part, to other cost savings steps taken in 2002.
Results of Operations
The following sets forth selected operating data of D&PL (in thousands):
For the Three Months Ended For the Nine Months Ended
-------------------------- -------------------------
May 31, May 31, May 31, May 31,
2001 2002 2001 2002
------------- ------------- -------------- ---------------
Operating results -
Net sales and licensing fees $139,331 $135,386 $299,179 $255,506
Gross profit 48,596 49,050 102,674 91,976
Operating expenses 11,687 11,333 35,281 32,069
Operating income 36,909 37,717 67,393 59,907
Income before income taxes 36,271 38,859 65,967 59,464
Net income applicable to common shares 22,885 25,012 41,772 38,195
The following sets forth selected balance sheet data of D&PL as of the following
periods (in thousands):
May 31, August 31, May 31,
2001 2001 2002
------------- -------------- --------------
Balance sheet summary-
Current assets $ 392,436 $ 337,737 $ 354,869
Current liabilities 252,003 208,041 201,701
Working capital 140,433 129,696 153,168
Property, plant and equipment, net 64,928 62,839 62,924
Total assets 468,162 411,521 428,438
Outstanding borrowings 5,778 4,465 1,465
Stockholders' equity 199,472 188,408 216,535
Three months ended May 31, 2002, compared to three months ended May 31, 2001:
Net sales and licensing fees decreased approximately $3.9 million to $135.4
million from $139.3 million. This decrease reflects the decline in planted
cotton acreage in the U.S. as well as lower international sales due to lower
plantings in certain international markets resulting from lower prices received
by farmers for their cotton fiber than in the previous year.
Gross profit increased approximately $0.5 million to $49.1 million from $48.6
million. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales and licensing fees increased
to 36.2% in the current year quarter compared to 34.9% in the prior year period.
This increase was primarily due to price increases for cotton seed implemented
during the 2002 crop year.
Quarterly operating expenses decreased from $11.7 million to $11.3 million due,
in part, to savings resulting from D&PL's August 2001 corporate realignment
partially offset by increases in legal fees related primarily to strategic
transactions completed during the quarter and an increase in bad debt reserves
in Argentina.
Income before income taxes for the quarter rose from $36.3 million in the prior
year quarter to $38.9 million in the current year quarter. This increase is due
to improved gross profit margins and the reduction in operating expenses
discussed above, as well as a change in minority interest in earnings/loss of
subsidiaries. For the current quarter, minority interest in the loss of
subsidiaries of $1.6 million is primarily related to a change in estimate
related to the allocation of the subsidiaries' net losses resulting from the
impact of foreign exchange rates on assets and liabilities of the international
joint ventures.
Nine months ended May 31, 2002, compared to nine months ended May 31, 2001:
Net sales and licensing fees decreased approximately $43.7 million to $255.5
million from $299.2 million. This decrease is primarily the result of the
reduction in planted acreage in the U.S. and key international markets as
discussed above.
Operating expenses decreased from $35.3 million through the third quarter of
2001 to $32.1 million for the same period in 2002. This decrease is primarily
attributable to, in part, savings resulting from D&PL's August 2001 corporate
realignment and, in part, to decreased advertising costs, lower health insurance
claims, and a lower discretionary bonus accrual due to lower earnings.
D&PL reported net interest income of $1.1 million during the nine months ended
May 31, 2002 compared to $2.5 million for the same period of the prior year due
to lower interest rates earned on cash investments.
D&PL reported net other expense of approximately $3.6 million for the nine
months ended May 31, 2002 compared to net other expense of approximately $2.5
million for the same period of the prior year. The increase is primarily
attributable to additional legal fees related to the Monsanto litigation and net
foreign exchange losses in Argentina.
Minority interest in earnings of subsidiaries was approximately $1.4 million
through the third quarter of 2001 compared to minority interest in loss of
subsidiaries of approximately $2.1 million through the third quarter of 2002.
This change is mainly attributable to the foreign exchange losses incurred by
the joint venture in Argentina.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
In the United States, D&PL purchases seed from contract growers in its first and
second fiscal quarters. Seed conditioning, treating and packaging commence late
in the first fiscal quarter and continue through the third fiscal quarter.
Seasonal cash needs normally begin to increase in the first fiscal quarter and
cash needs peak in the third fiscal quarter. Cash is generated and loan
repayments normally begin in the middle of the third fiscal quarter and are
typically completed by the first fiscal quarter of the following year. D&PL also
offers customers financial incentives to make early payments. To the extent D&PL
attracts early payments from customers, bank borrowings are reduced.
In the United States, D&PL records revenue for licensing fees on Bollgard and
Roundup Ready seed sales upon shipment, usually in D&PL's second and third
quarters. D&PL has contracted the billing and collection activities for Bollgard
and Roundup Ready licensing fees to Monsanto. In September, the licensing fees
are due at which time D&PL receives payment from Monsanto. D&PL then pays
Monsanto its royalty, which is recorded as a component of cost of sales, for the
Bollgard and Roundup Ready licensing fees. As a result of the timing of these
events, licensing fees receivable and royalties payable peak at fiscal year end.
The seasonal nature of D&PL's business significantly impacts cash flow and
working capital requirements. D&PL has maintained credit facilities, and used
early payments by customers and cash from operations to fund working capital
needs. For more than 18 years D&PL has borrowed on a short-term basis to meet
seasonal working capital needs. However, cash generated from operations and
available cash has been used to meet working capital needs. D&PL is currently
evaluating potential uses of its cash for purposes other than for working
capital needs. One potential such use is the acquisition or funding of
alternative technologies (such as the DeltaMax Cotton LLC joint venture) that
could be used to enhance D&PL's product portfolio and ultimately D&PL's
long-term earnings potential. Another potential use is the repurchase in the
open market of D&PL's shares pursuant to its previously announced share
repurchase program. For the nine months ended May 31, 2002, D&PL repurchased
approximately 378,000 shares at a cost of approximately $6.9 million. Once the
evaluation of certain transactions that are currently being considered is
brought to conclusion, D&PL may reconsider other potential uses of the remaining
cash, including repurchasing shares more aggressively depending on market
considerations and other factors.
In April 1998, D&PL entered into a syndicated credit facility with three
lenders, which provided for aggregate borrowings of $110 million. This agreement
provided a base commitment of $55 million and a seasonal commitment of $55
million. The base commitment was a long-term loan that could be borrowed upon at
any time and was due April 1, 2001. The seasonal commitment was a working
capital loan that could be drawn upon from September 1 through June 30 of each
fiscal year. Each commitment offered variable and fixed interest rate options
and required D&PL to pay facility or commitment fees and to comply with certain
financial covenants. This agreement expired on April 1, 2001. D&PL and the
lenders are currently negotiating a replacement facility that will provide for
aggregate borrowings of $100 million plus a $25 million overline and will
contain terms and conditions similar to the 1998 facility.
Capital expenditures for the nine months ended May 31, 2002 were $5.1 million
($5.2 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2001). D&PL anticipates that
capital expenditures will approximate $8.9 million in 2002, exclusive of capital
expenditures of $2.0 million for DeltaMax Cotton LLC. Cash from operations,
borrowings as necessary, or investments from joint venture partners will fund
capital expenditures.
The Board of Directors reviews D&PL's dividend policy quarterly. In the third
quarter of 2002, the Board authorized a quarterly dividend of $0.05 per share
paid on June 14, 2002, to shareholders of record on May 31, 2002.
In the second quarter of 2000, the Board of Directors approved a Stock
Repurchase Plan pursuant to which D&PL may repurchase up to $50 million of its
outstanding common stock. The shares repurchased will be available for use under
D&PL's stock option plans, an expected conversion of outstanding convertible
Preferred Stock and for other corporate purposes. During the quarter ended May
31, 2002, D&PL purchased 169,900 shares for $3.0 million. D&PL has repurchased
stock aggregating approximately $14.6 million under the $50 million repurchase
plan. Subsequent to the third quarter end, D&PL purchased 60,000 shares for $1.2
million bringing the total shares purchased in fiscal 2002 to 437,700 shares at
an aggregate amount of $8.1 million.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
D&PL has exposure relative to fluctuations in the price of soybean raw material
inventory, foreign currency fluctuations and interest rate changes. For more
information about market risk and how D&PL manages specific risk exposures, see
Notes 1 and 12 to D&PL's consolidated financial statements contained in D&PL's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2001. Also see Note 8
of the Notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 1 for further details
about D&PL's exposure to market risk.
The fair value of derivative commodity instruments outstanding as of May 31,
2002 was $50,000. A 10% adverse change in the underlying commodity prices upon
which these contracts are based would not result in a material impact on
earnings.
D&PL's earnings are also affected by fluctuations in the value of the U.S.
dollar compared to foreign currencies as a result of transactions in foreign
markets. D&PL conducts non-U.S. operations primarily through subsidiaries and
joint ventures in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, South Africa and others.
At May 31, 2002, the result of a uniform 10% strengthening in the value of the
dollar relative to the currencies in which D&PL's transactions are denominated
would not cause a material impact on earnings.
D&PL utilizes fixed and variable-rate debt to maintain liquidity and fund its
business operations, with the terms and amounts based on business requirements,
market conditions and other factors. At May 31, 2002, a 100 basis point change
to interest rates (with all other variables held constant) on the portion of
D&PL's debt with variable interest rates would not result in a material change
to D&PL's interest expense or cash flow.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Product Claims
D&PL was named as a defendant, along with a local seed distributor in a lawsuit
filed in the Superior Court of the County of Colquit, Georgia on October 5,
2001. This lawsuit was removed to the United States District Court for the
Middle District of Georgia. The lawsuit alleges that certain cottonseed
varieties sold by D&PL suffered from a disease or malady known as bronze wilt.
Although this lawsuit involves a cotton variety which contains the Roundup
Ready(R) gene, no claim against Monsanto was alleged, nor is there an allegation
that Monsanto technology caused or contributed to Plaintiff's claims. Thus, it
does not presently appear that Monsanto is contractually obligated to defend or
indemnify D&PL in this case. D&PL is presently investigating this claim to
determine the causes of the alleged problems.
D&PL, along with Monsanto, were named in two additional cases filed in the State
of Georgia. One was filed in the United States District Court for the Middle
District of Georgia, Albany Division, on April 5, 2002; and the other case was
filed in the Superior Court of Fulton County, Georgia, on April 29, 2002. The
case filed in Fulton County was removed to the United States District Court on
May 28, 2002. Both suits allege that seed purchased by Plaintiffs from D&PL, and
technology purchased from Monsanto, failed to perform as represented and seek
damages for crop losses during the 1998 growing season. Pursuant to the terms of
the Roundup Ready(R) Grower License Agreement, D&PL has tendered the defense of
these claims to Monsanto and requested indemnity. Pursuant to the terms of the
Roundup Ready(R) Grower License Agreement, Monsanto is contractually obligated
to defend and indemnify D&PL against all claims arising out of the failure of
the Roundup glysophate tolerance gene. D&PL will have no right of
indemnification from Monsanto, however, for any claim involving varietal
characteristics separate from or in addition to the herbicide tolerance gene and
such claims are contained in this litigation.
D&PL was named in three lawsuits filed in the State of Mississippi. One lawsuit
was filed in the Circuit Court of Lowndes County, Mississippi on July 11, 2001.
That suit alleges that certain cottonseed sold by D&PL did not germinate
properly or at the rate stated on the label causing the farmer to incur losses
during the 1998 growing season. The second suit was filed in the Circuit Court
of Webster County on August 10, 2001. That suit alleges that the seed purchased
by plaintiff failed to perform as represented and seeks damages for crop losses
incurred during the 1999 growing season. The third lawsuit was filed in the
Circuit Court of Holmes County on March 14, 2002. The suit has now been amended
to include fifty-seven individual Plaintiffs who allege that certain cotton seed
sold by D&PL was improperly mixed or blended and failed to perform as
advertised. D&PL is presently investigating all of these claims to determine the
cause or causes of the alleged problems. None of the Mississippi lawsuits allege
that the Monsanto gene technology failed, and accordingly, it does not appear
that D&PL has a claim for indemnity or defense under the Roundup Ready(R) Gene
Licensing and Seed Services Agreement (the "Roundup Ready Agreement").
On June 7, 2001, D&PL was named in a lawsuit filed in the Circuit Court of the
County of Crockett, Tennessee. This case was subsequently removed to the United
Sates District Court for the Western District of Tennessee, Eastern Division.
This lawsuit alleges that a specific cotton variety did not perform as promised
and that the plaintiff farmers suffered lower than expected yields as a result
of the allegedly defective variety. The Plaintiff recently, through their
proferred expert, has alleged that a portion of their damages are attributable
to Roundup glysophate; accordingly, pursuant to the terms of the Roundup
Ready(R) Gene Licensing Agreement, D&PL has tendered the defense of this claim
to Monsanto and requested indemnity. Pursuant to Roundup Ready (R) Gene
Licensing Agreement, Monsanto is contractually obligated to defend and indemnify
D&PL against all claims arising out of the failure of the Roundup Ready(R)
glysophate gene. D&PL will not have a right of indemnification, however, for any
claim involving defective varietal characteristics separate from or in addition
to the herbicide tolerance gene and such claims are contained in this
litigation. D&PL is presently investigating this claim to determine the cause or
causes of the alleged problem.
D&PL and Monsanto were named as defendants in a lawsuit filed in the 106th
Judicial District Court of Gaines County, Texas, on April 27, 2000. In this case
the plaintiff alleges, among other things, that certain cottonseed acquired from
D&PL that contained the Roundup Ready(R) gene did not perform as the farmer had
anticipated. D&PL and Monsanto are investigating the claims to determine the
cause or causes of the alleged problem. Pursuant to the terms of the Roundup
Ready Agreement, D&PL has tendered the defense of this claim to Monsanto and
requested indemnity. Pursuant to the Roundup Ready Agreement, Monsanto is
contractually obligated to defend and indemnify D&PL against all claims arising
out of the failure of the Roundup(R) glyphosate tolerance gene and Monsanto has
agreed to do so. D&PL will not have a right of indemnification from Monsanto,
however, for any claim involving defective varietal characteristics separate
from or in addition to the herbicide tolerance gene and such claims are
contained in this litigation.
D&PL and Monsanto are named as defendants, along with local seed or technology
distributors in twenty-three lawsuits filed in Alabama. Four were filed in
Autauga County, three on March 23, 2000 and one on March 27, 2000; three were
filed in Barbour County, two on October 19, 2000, and one on November 7, 2000;
three were filed in Chilton County on March 22, 2000; one was filed in Dallas
County on March 22, 2000; one was filed in Elmore County on March 22, 2000; two
were filed in Lowndes County, one on March 14 and one on March 22, 2000; and one
was filed in Wilcox County on March 22, 2000; six were filed in Limestone
County, one on April 25, 2001, one on May 17, 2001, and four on September 14,
2001; and two were filed in Lauderdale County, one on April 6, 2001 and one on
April 20, 2001. In each case the plaintiff alleges, among other things, that
certain cottonseed acquired from D&PL, which contained either the Roundup
Ready(R) gene, the Bollgard(R) gene or both of such genes, did not perform as
the farmers had anticipated or as allegedly represented to them. These lawsuits
also include varietal claims aimed solely at D&PL. Eleven of these lawsuits were
earlier filed as seed arbitration claims with the Alabama Department of
Agriculture, all of which were dismissed by that entity for lack of
jurisdiction. D&PL and Monsanto have investigated the claims, and are continuing
to investigate the claims, to determine the cause or causes of the alleged
problem. Pursuant to the terms of the Roundup Ready(R) Agreement between D&PL
and Monsanto and the Bollgard(R) Gene License and Seed Services Agreement ("the
Bollgard Agreement") between D&PL and Monsanto, D&PL has a right to be
contractually indemnified against all claims arising out of the failure of
Monsanto's gene technology. D&PL will not have a right to indemnification,
however, from Monsanto for any claim involving varietal characteristics separate
from or in addition to the failure of the Monsanto technology and such claims
are contained in each of these lawsuits.
D&PL and Monsanto and various retail seed suppliers were named in three pending
lawsuits in the State of South Carolina. One lawsuit was filed November 15,
1999, in the Beaufort Division of the United States District Court, District of
South Carolina; both of the other cases were filed on November 15, 1999, in the
Court of Common Pleas of Hampton County, South Carolina. The two state court
lawsuits were removed to the United States District Court for the District of
South Carolina but were subsequently remanded back to the state court in which
they were filed. In each of these cases the plaintiff alleges, among other
things, that certain seed acquired from D&PL which contained the Roundup
Ready(R) gene and/or the Bollgard(R) gene did not perform as the farmer had
anticipated. These lawsuits also include varietal claims aimed solely at D&PL.
Of these cases, one filed in Hampton County and the other filed in the United
States District Court seek class action treatment for all purchasers of certain
D&PL varieties, which contain the Monsanto technology. D&PL and Monsanto are
continuing to investigate the claims to determine the cause or causes of the
alleged problem. Pursuant to the terms of the Roundup Ready Agreement and the
Bollgard(R) Agreement between D&PL and Monsanto, D&PL has a right to be
contractually indemnified against all claims arising out of the failure of
Monsanto's gene technology. D&PL will not have a right to indemnification,
however, from Monsanto for any claim involving varietal characteristics separate
from or in addition to the failure of the Monsanto technology and such claims
are contained in each of these lawsuits.
D&PL and Monsanto are named as defendants in three pending lawsuits filed in the
State of Texas. One lawsuit was filed in Lamb County, Texas on April 5, 1999;
one lawsuit was filed in Lamb County, Texas on April 14, 1999; and one lawsuit
was filed in Hockley County, Texas, on April 21, 1999. These lawsuits were
removed to the United States District Court, Lubbock Division, but subsequently
were remanded back to the state court where they were filed. In each case the
plaintiff alleges, among other things, that certain cottonseed acquired from
D&PL did not perform as the farmers had anticipated or as allegedly represented
to them. This litigation is identical to seed arbitration claims previously
filed in the State of Texas, which were concluded in D&PL's favor. D&PL and
Monsanto have investigated the claims to determine the cause or causes of the
alleged problems and they appear to be caused entirely by environmental factors.
Other Litigation
In May 2002, Pharmacia Corporation filed a suit in state court in Missouri
against D&PL International Technology Corp. ("DITC"), D&PL's subsidiary, seeking
a declaratory judgment that it was entitled to invoke the cross purchase
provision in the Operating Agreement for D&M International, LLC, a joint venture
between Pharmacia and DITC. In the alternative, Pharmacia sought a declaratory
judgment that DITC was deemed to have consented to Pharmacia's transfer of the
Operating Agreement to Monsanto Company and its issuance and transfer of shares
of Monsanto's stock. DITC moved to dismiss on June 6, 2002, because the case was
moot and did not present a justiciable controversy, because DITC had already
invoked its rights under the cross purchase provision and had caused Pharmacia's
interest in D&M International, LLC to be redeemed. Instead of answering DITC's
motion, on or about June 13, 2002, Pharmacia filed an amended petition, dropping
all of its prior claims, and seeking a declaratory judgment that DITC has no
contractual rights to enjoin Pharmacia from selling its shares of Monsanto
Company or to seek damages for Pharmacia's prior initial public offering of
Monsanto Company's shares to the public. DITC must answer the Petition or move
to dismiss it by July 17, 2002. Given the relief sought, D&PL does not believe
that this litigation will have a material effect on D&PL.
On May 15, 2000, several farmers and a seller of farm supplies filed suit in the
United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, against
Monsanto, D&PL, and D&M International, LLC (then jointly owned by Monsanto and
D&PL) under federal antitrust laws and requested class certification. Plaintiffs
claim that defendants have: (1) unlawfully attempted to monopolize the U.S.
cotton seed and herbicide market in violation of ss. 2 of the Sherman Act; (2)
monopolized the U.S. cotton seed and herbicide market in violation of ss. 2 of
the Sherman Act; (3) conspired to unreasonably restrain trade in the U.S. cotton
seed and herbicide market in violation of ss. 1 of the Sherman Act; and (4)
engaged in unlawful tying of cotton seed and herbicide in violation of ss. 3 of
the Clayton Act. Plaintiffs demand unspecified antitrust damages, including
treble and compensatory damages, plus costs of litigation, including attorneys'
fees. In July 2000, D&PL answered the complaint and in October 2000, moved for
dismissal of the action on the ground that plaintiffs had failed to allege any
conduct or action by D&PL that violates the federal antitrust laws. On December
6, 2001, the United States District Judge, acting on the recommendation of the
Magistrate Judge, granted Monsanto's and D&PL's motions to dismiss the complaint
without prejudice. The plaintiffs were granted 30 days from the District Court's
Order to file an Amended Complaint. On January 7, 2002, plaintiffs filed an
Amended Complaint against Monsanto and D&PL; however, plaintiffs did not assert
in their Amended Complaint any claims against D&M International, LLC. Monsanto
and D&PL moved to dismiss the amended complaint. On May 30, 2002, these motions
were granted in part and denied in part. On June 26, 2002, D&PL answered the
amended complaint. The parties are now in discovery.
In December 1999, Mycogen Plant Science, Inc. ("Mycogen") filed a suit in the
Federal Court of Australia alleging that Monsanto Australia Ltd., Monsanto's
wholly-owned Australian subsidiary, and Deltapine Australia Pty. Ltd., D&PL's
wholly-owned Australian subsidiary, have been infringing two of Mycogen's
Australian patents by making, selling, and licensing cotton planting seed
expressing insect resistance. The suit seeks injunction against continued sale
of seed containing Monsanto's Ingard(R) gene and recovery of an unspecified
amount of damages. The litigation is currently in discovery and pretrial
proceedings. Consistent with its commitments, Monsanto has agreed to defend D&PL
in this suit and to indemnify D&PL against damages, if any are awarded. Monsanto
is providing separate defense counsel for D&PL. D&PL is assisting Monsanto to
the extent reasonably necessary.
In November 1999, Bios Agrosystems S.A. ("Bios"), a former distributor of
SureGrow brand cottonseed in Greece, brought suit in the U.S. District Court in
Delaware against D&PL International Technology Corp., D&PL's subsidiary, to
enjoin the termination of its distributorship which was to become effective at
the end of November 1999. The suit demanded a declaratory judgment that the
termination is not effective and compensatory and punitive damages for wrongful
termination. Bios also filed a request for arbitration and a parallel suit
seeking injunctive relief in a Greek court. In January 2000, the U.S. District
Court denied the request for an injunction to prevent termination of Bios'
distributorship and subsequently enjoined Bios from proceeding with parallel
litigation in the Greek courts. Bios appealed to the United States Court of
Appeals for the Third Circuit. In March 2001, Bios gave notice that it was
dismissing its appeal. On March 14, 2002, the case was finally dismissed by the
U.S. District Court for failure to prosecute. Bios has not appealed this
dismissal nor indicated that it will now seek to arbitrate its claims.
In 1989, a corporation owned by the son of D&PL's former Guatemalan distributor
filed suit asserting that D&PL violated an agreement with it by granting to
another entity an exclusive license in certain areas of Central America and
southern Mexico. The suit seeks damages of 5,300,000 Guatemalan quetzales
(approximately $670,000 at current exchange rates) and an injunction preventing
D&PL from distributing seed through any other licensee in that region. The
Guatemalan court, where this action is proceeding, has twice declined to approve
the injunction sought. D&PL continues to offer seed for sale in Guatemala.
D&PL vs. Monsanto Company and Pharmacia Corp.
On December 20, 1999, Monsanto withdrew its pre-merger notification filed
pursuant to the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 ("HSR Act")
effectively terminating Monsanto's efforts to gain government approval of the
merger of Monsanto with D&PL under the May 8, 1998, Merger Agreement. On
December 30, 1999, D&PL filed suit (the "December 30 Suit") in the First
Judicial District of Bolivar County, Mississippi, seeking among other things,
the payment of the $81 million termination fee due pursuant to the merger
agreement, compensatory damages and punitive damages. On January 2, 2000, D&PL
and Monsanto reached an agreement whereby D&PL would withdraw the December 30
Suit, and Monsanto would immediately pay the $81 million. On January 3, 2000,
Monsanto paid to D&PL a termination fee of $81 million as required by the merger
agreement. On January 18, 2000, D&PL filed a suit (the "January 18 Suit")
reinstating essentially all of the allegations contained in the December 30
Suit. The January 18 Suit by D&PL against Monsanto seeks in excess of $1 billion
in compensatory and $1 billion in punitive damages for breach of contract under
the merger agreement between the parties. D&PL alleges that Monsanto failed to
make its best efforts, commercially reasonable efforts, and/or reasonable best
efforts to obtain antitrust approval from the U.S. Department of Justice, as
required under the terms of the merger agreement. D&PL also seeks damages for
breach of the January 2, 2000 agreement pursuant to which the parties were to
negotiate for two weeks to resolve the dispute over failure of the merger to
close.
The parties litigated for several months over the appropriate forum to hear the
case. A Delaware Court of Chancery ruling rejected Monsanto's attempt to
maintain the action in Delaware and returned the parties to the Circuit Court
for the First Judicial District of Bolivar County, Mississippi. Monsanto filed a
motion for summary judgment on the breach of contract claims alleging that D&PL
suffered no cognizable damages as a result of the failed merger. On December 18,
2000, D&PL amended its complaint to include a claim for tortious interference
with prospective business relations on the grounds that Monsanto's unreasonable
delay prevented the consummation of the merger and kept D&PL from being in a
position to enter into transactions and relationships with others in the
industry. In light of the merger of Monsanto into Pharmacia & Upjohn, Inc.,
after the filing of the original complaint, D&PL named both Pharmacia Corp. (the
newly formed corporation and existing defendant) and Monsanto Company (a newly
spun-off majority-owned subsidiary) as defendants in the amended complaint. D&PL
filed two motions to compel additional discovery from Monsanto. Monsanto filed a
motion for summary judgment and a motion to dismiss the added claim of tortious
interference contained in the amended complaint. Monsanto alleged that it was
entitled to 1) dismissal of the action on the grounds that D&PL's amended
complaint did not satisfy any of the elements of a tortious interference claim
and, thus, did not state a viable claim; and 2) summary judgment because D&PL
has not suffered any injury as a result of Monsanto's actions. On November 15,
2001, the Circuit Court denied Monsanto's motion for summary judgment on the
breach of contract claims, holding that the case presents issues for trial by
jury. The Court also denied Monsanto's motion to dismiss or for summary judgment
on D&PL's claim for tortious interference with business relationships. The Court
also granted substantially all of the discovery sought by D&PL in its motion to
compel. The parties are in discovery.
Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Not applicable
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
The Annual Meeting of the Shareholders of Delta and Pine Land Company was held
on April 25, 2002. The following matters were brought to a vote with the noted
results:
Item For Against Abstain Non-Voted
1. Re-elect of Class III Director
Jon. E. M. Jacoby 35,014,148 0 602,957 0
2. Re-elect of Class III Director
F. Murray Robinson 32,725,692 0 2,891,413 0
3. Ratify appointment of Arthur
Andersen LLP as the independent public
accountants for the fiscal year ending
August 31, 2002 32,625,716 2,576,381 415,008 0
Item 5. Business
Domestic
Delta and Pine Land Company ("D&PL"), a Delaware corporation, and subsidiaries
are primarily engaged in the breeding, production, conditioning and marketing of
proprietary varieties of cotton planting seed in the United States and other
cotton producing nations. D&PL also breeds, produces, conditions and distributes
soybean planting seed in the United States.
Since 1915, D&PL has bred, produced and/or marketed upland picker varieties of
cotton planting seed for cotton varieties that are grown primarily east of Texas
and in Arizona. D&PL has used its extensive classical plant breeding programs to
develop a gene pool necessary for producing cotton varieties with improved
agronomic traits important to farmers, such as crop yield, and to textile
manufacturers, such as enhanced fiber characteristics.
In 1980, D&PL added soybean seed to its product line. In 1996, D&PL commenced
commercial sales in the United States of cotton planting seed containing
Bollgard(R) gene technology licensed from Monsanto Company ("Monsanto") which
expresses a protein toxic to certain lepidopteran cotton pests. in 1997, D&PL
commenced sales in the U.S. cotton planting seed that contains a gene that
provides tolerance to glyphosate-based herbicides ("Roundup Ready(R) Cotton").
In 1997, D&PL commenced commercial sales in the U.S. of soybean planting seed
that contains a gene that provides tolerance to glyphosate-based herbicides
("Roundup Ready Soybeans"). In 1998, D&PL commenced sales of cottonseed of
varieties containing both the Bollgard and Roundup Ready genes.
International
During the 1980's, as a component of its long-term growth strategy, D&PL began
to market its products, primarily cottonseed, internationally. Over a period of
years, D&PL has strengthened and expanded its international staff in order to
support its expanding international business, primarily through joint ventures.
In foreign countries, cotton acreage is often planted with farmer-saved seed
which has not been delinted or treated and is of low overall quality. Management
believes that D&PL has an attractive opportunity to penetrate foreign markets
because of its widely adaptable, superior cotton varieties, technological
know-how in producing and conditioning high-quality seed and its brand name
recognition. Furthermore, in many countries the Bollgard gene technology and
Roundup Ready gene technology licensed from Monsanto are effective and could
bring value to farmers.
D&PL sells its products in foreign countries through (i) export sales, (ii)
direct in-country operations through either joint ventures or wholly owned
subsidiaries and to a lesser degree (iii) distributors or licensees. The method
varies and evolves, depending upon D&PL's assessment of the potential size and
profitability of the market, governmental policies, currency and credit risks,
sophistication of the target country's agricultural economy, and costs (as
compared to risks) of commencing physical operations in a particular country.
Prior to 1999, a majority of D&PL's international sales resulted from exports
from the U.S. of D&PL's products rather than direct in-country operations. In
2001 and year to date 2002, the majority of international sales came from
in-country operations.
See Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1
for further details about business segments.
Joint Ventures
In March 1995, D&PL and Monsanto formed D&M International, LLC to introduce
cotton planting seed in international markets combining D&PL's acid delinting
technology and elite germplasm and Monsanto's Bollgard and Roundup Ready gene
technologies. In May 2002, D&PL acquired the remaining 50% interest in D&M
International, LLC from Pharmacia, formerly known as Monsanto. Pharmacia
activated a cross purchase provision in the operating agreement for D&M
International, LLC, and D&PL notified Pharmacia Corporation that it elected to
have D&M International, LLC redeem Pharmacia Corporation's 50% interest in the
company. As a result of the redemption of Pharmacia's interest, D&PL now owns
all of D&M International.
In November 1995, D&M International, LLC formed a subsidiary, D&PL China Pte
Ltd. ("D&PL China") and in November 1996, D&PL China formed with parties in
Hebei Province, one of the major cotton producing regions in the People's
Republic of China, Hebei Ji Dai Cottonseed Technology Company Ltd. ("Ji Dai"), a
joint venture controlled by D&PL China. D&PL China is 80% owned by D&M
International, LLC and 20% owned by a Singaporean entity. Ji Dai is 67% owned by
D&PL China and 33% by Chinese parties. In June 1997, Ji Dai commenced
construction of a cottonseed conditioning and storage facility in Shijiazhuang,
Hebei, China, pursuant to the terms of the joint venture agreement. The new
facility was completed in December 1997 and seed processing and sales of seed of
a D&PL cotton variety containing Monsanto's Bollgard technology commenced in
1998.
In December 1997, D&M International, LLC, formed a joint venture with Ciagro
S.R.L. ("Ciagro"), a distributor of agricultural inputs in the Argentine cotton
region, for the production and sale of genetically improved cottonseed. CDM
Mandiyu S.R.L., is owned 60% by D&M International, LLC, and 40% by Ciagro. CDM
Mandiyu S.R.L. has been licensed to sell D&PL cotton varieties containing
Monsanto's Bollgard gene technology. Sales of such varieties commenced in 1999.
CDM Mandiyu S.R.L. plans to sell Roundup Ready cottonseed varieties, which
received government approval in 2001, beginning in October 2002.
In July 1998, D&PL China and the Anhui Provincial Seed Corporation formed a
joint venture, Anhui An Dai Cotton Seed Technology Company, Ltd. ("An Dai")
which is located in Hefei City, Anhui, China. An Dai is 49% owned by D&PL China.
Under the terms of the joint venture agreement, the newly formed entity will
produce, condition and sell acid delinted D&PL varieties of cottonseed, which
contain Monsanto's Bollgard gene. Commercial sales of D&PL cotton varieties
containing the Bollgard gene technology began in 2000.
In November 1998, D&M International LLC and Maeda Administracao e Participacoes
Ltda, an affiliate of Agropem - Agro Pecuria Maeda S.A., formed a joint venture
in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The new company, MDM Maeda Deltapine Monsanto Algodao
Ltda. ("MDM"), produces, conditions and sells acid-delinted D&PL varieties of
cotton planting seed. In 2000, D&PL began selling D&PL conventional cotton
varieties and first year sales accounted for more than 20% of cotton acreage
planted in Brazil. MDM will introduce transgenic cottonseed varieties containing
both Bollgard and Roundup Ready gene technologies in the Brazilian market as
soon as government approvals are obtained. MDM is 51% owned by D&M International
LLC and 49% by a Brazilian entity.
In October 2001, D&PL announced that it had recently signed Letters of Intent
with two parties in China to form two new joint ventures there, one each in
Hubei and Henan provinces. These two new potential markets contain 1.2 million
acres, which is almost 1.5 times the size of the combined Hebei and Anhui
markets. A joint venture agreement was negotiated and agreed to with the parties
in Henan province and the agreement was submitted to the Chinese government
authorities for approval. However, in April, 2002, China announced rules
prohibiting new foreign investment in genetically-modified seed companies which
will restrict the ability of non-Chinese companies, including D&PL, from
investing in such joint ventures. D&PL expects to continue to expand its
business in China through its existing joint ventures, JiDai and AnDai, which
are unaffected by the new investment rules.
In May 2002, D&PL established DeltaMax Cotton LLC, a joint venture with MaxyAg,
Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Maxygen, Inc. DeltaMax Cotton LLC will
create, develop and commercialize value-enhancing traits for the cotton seed
market that will complement and/or compete with traits available today.
Commercialization of new traits developed by this venture is not expected until
after 2007. DeltaMax Cotton LLC will contract research and development
activities to MaxyAg, D&PL and third parties when appropriate, and license its
products to D&PL and potentially to others. D&PL and MaxyAg each own 50% of
DeltaMax Cotton LLC.
Subsidiaries
D&PL's operations in Groblersdal, South Africa and Catamarca, Argentina process
foundation seed grown in these countries. The use of Southern Hemisphere winter
nurseries and seed production programs such as these can accelerate the
introduction of new varieties because D&PL can raise at least two crops per year
by taking advantage of the Southern Hemisphere growing season. D&PL maintains a
winter nursery in Canas, Costa Rica and has completed construction of a
delinting plant there to process foundation seed for export to the United
States. Multiple winter nursery locations are used to manage seed production
risks.
Deltapine Australia Pty. Ltd., a wholly owned Australian subsidiary of D&PL,
conducts breeding, production, conditioning and marketing of cotton planting
seed in Australia. Certain varieties developed in Australia are well adapted to
other Southern Hemisphere cotton producing countries and Australian developed
varieties are exported to these areas. D&PL sells seed of both conventional and
transgenic varieties in Australia. D&PL, through its Australian operations, is
identifying smaller potential export markets for D&PL's products throughout
Southeast Asia. The adaptability of D&PL's germplasm must be evaluated in the
target markets before such sales can be made.
Employees
As of June 28, 2002, D&PL employed a total of 537 full time employees worldwide
excluding an estimated 149 employees of joint ventures. Due to the nature of the
business, D&PL utilizes seasonal employees in its delinting plants and its
research and foundation seed programs. The maximum number of seasonal employees
approximates 175 and typically occurs in October and November of each year. D&PL
considers its employee relations to be good.
Biotechnology
Insect Resistance for Cotton
Collaborative biotechnology licensing agreements, which were executed with
Monsanto in 1992 and subsequently revised in 1993 and amended and restated in
1996 and further amended in December 1999, provide for the commercialization of
Monsanto's Bollgard ("Bacillus thuringiensis" or "Bt") gene technology in D&PL's
varieties in the United States. The selected Bt is a bacterium found naturally
in soil and produces proteins toxic to certain lepidopteran larvae, the
principal cotton pests in many cotton growing areas. Monsanto created a
transgenic cotton plant by inserting Bt genes into cotton plant tissue. This
transgenic plant tissue is lethal to certain lepidopteran larvae that consume
it. The gene and related technology were patented or licensed from others by
Monsanto and were licensed to D&PL for use under the trade name Bollgard. In
D&PL's primary markets, the cost of insecticides is the largest single
expenditure for many cotton growers. The insect resistant capabilities of
transgenic cotton containing the Bollgard gene may reduce the amount of
insecticide required to be applied by cotton growers using planting seed
containing the Bollgard gene. In October 1995, the United States Environmental
Protection Agency ("EPA") completed its initial registration of the Bollgard
gene technology, thus clearing the way for commercial sales of seed containing
the Bollgard gene. In 1996, D&PL sold commercially for the first time two
Deltapine varieties, which contained the Bollgard gene, in accordance with the
terms of the Bollgard Gene License and Seed Services Agreement (the "Bollgard
Agreement") between D&PL and Monsanto. This initial EPA registration had been
set to expire on January 1, 2001 but was updated to expire January 1, 2002. In
September 2001, the EPA renewed the registration for an additional five years,
at which time the EPA will, among other things, reevaluate the effectiveness of
the insect resistance management plan and decide whether to convert the
registration to a non-expiring (and/or unconditional) registration.
Pursuant to the terms of the Bollgard Agreement, farmers must buy a limited use
sublicense for the technology from D&M Partners, a partnership of D&PL (90%) and
Monsanto (10%), in order to purchase seed containing the Bollgard gene
technology. D&M Partners contracts the billing and collection activities for
Bollgard and Roundup Ready licensing fees to Monsanto. The distributor/dealers
who coordinate the farmer licensing process receive a portion of the technology
sublicensing fee, presently approximately 15%. After the dealers and
distributors are compensated, D&M Partners pays Monsanto a royalty equal to 71%
of the net sublicense fee (technology sublicensing fees less distributor/dealer
payments) and D&PL retains 29% for its services. The expiration date of the
Bollgard Agreement is determined by the last to expire of the patent rights
licensed under that agreement. Unless sooner terminated by D&PL, as is permitted
after October 11, 2008, the expiration date of the Bollgard Agreement based on
the last to expire of the patents currently licensed thereunder will be
September 28, 2016.
Pursuant to the Bollgard Agreement, Monsanto must defend and indemnify D&PL
against claims of patent infringement, including all damages awarded or amounts
paid in settlements. Monsanto must also indemnify D&PL against a) costs of
inventory and b) lost profits on inventory which becomes unsaleable because of
patent infringement claims. Monsanto must defend any claims of failure of
performance of a Bollgard gene. Monsanto and D&PL share the cost of any product
performance claims in proportion to each party's share of the royalty. Indemnity
from Monsanto only covers performance claims involving failure of performance of
the Bollgard gene and not claims arising from other causes.
In May 2002, D&PL reached a product development agreement with Syngenta pursuant
to which D&PL will introgress, test and evaluate Syngenta's insect resistance
technology in D&PL's elite cotton germplasm. Under the development agreement,
Syngenta will pay D&PL for development work, including introgression, testing
and evaluation. When appropriate testing indicates that Syngenta technology
combined with D&PL germplasm is competitive and once a commercialization
agreement is reached, D&PL elite varieties containing Syngenta's technology may
be available for introduction to growers in 2004.
Herbicide Tolerance for Cotton
In February 1996, D&PL and Monsanto executed the Roundup Ready Gene License and
Seed Services Agreement (the "Roundup Ready Agreement"), which provides for the
commercialization of Roundup Ready cottonseed. Pursuant to the collaborative
biotechnology licensing agreements executed in 1996 and amended in December
1999, D&PL has also developed transgenic cotton varieties that are tolerant to
Roundup, a glyphosate-based herbicide sold by Monsanto. In 1996, such Roundup
Ready plants were approved by the Food and Drug Administration, the USDA, and
the EPA. The Roundup Ready Agreement grants a license to D&PL and certain of its
affiliates the right in the United States to sell cottonseed of D&PL's varieties
that contain Monsanto's Roundup Ready gene. The Roundup Ready gene makes cotton
plants tolerant to contact with Roundup herbicide. Similar to the Bollgard
Agreement, farmers must execute limited use sublicenses in order to purchase
seed containing the Roundup Ready Gene. The distributors/dealers who coordinate
the farmer licensing process receive a portion of the technology sublicensing
fee. D&PL's portion of the Roundup Ready technology fee varies depending on the
technology fee per acre established by Monsanto. In 2000 and 2001, D&M Partners
paid Monsanto approximately 70% of the Roundup Ready technology fees and D&PL
retained the remaining 30%. The expiration date of the Roundup Ready Agreement
is determined by the last to expire of the patent rights licensed under that
agreement. Unless sooner terminated by D&PL, as is permitted after October 11,
2008, the expiration date of the Roundup Ready Agreement based on the last to
expire of the patents currently licensed thereunder will be May 27, 2014.
Pursuant to the Roundup Ready Agreement, Monsanto must defend and indemnify D&PL
against claims of patent infringement, including all damages awarded or amounts
paid in settlements. Monsanto will also indemnify D&PL against the cost of
inventory that becomes unsaleable because of patent infringement claims, but
Monsanto is not required to indemnify D&PL against lost profits on such
unsaleable seed. In contrast with the Bollgard Gene License where the cost of
gene performance claims will be shared in proportion to the division of
sublicense revenue, Monsanto must defend and must bear the full cost of any
claims of failure of performance of the Roundup Ready Gene. In both agreements,
generally, D&PL is responsible for varietal/seed performance issues, and
Monsanto is responsible for failure of the genes.
Herbicide Tolerance for Soybeans
In February 1997, D&PL and Monsanto executed the Roundup Ready Soybean License
Agreement (the "Roundup Ready Soybean Agreement"), which provides for the
commercialization of Roundup Ready soybean seed. D&PL and Monsanto renegotiated
the terms of sale of Roundup Ready Soybeans for 2001 and future years and
executed a new agreement in September 2001.
Since 1987, D&PL has conducted research to develop soybean plants that are
tolerant to certain DuPont ALS(R) herbicides. Such plants enable farmers to
apply these herbicides for weed control without significantly affecting the
agronomics of the soybean plants. Since soybean seed containing the ALS
herbicide-tolerant trait was not genetically engineered, sale of this seed does
not require government approval, although the herbicide to which they express
tolerance must be EPA approved.
Transformation, Enabling and Other Technologies
On July 27, 1999, United States Patent No. 5,929,300, entitled POLLEN BASED
TRANSFORMATION SYSTEM USING SOLID MEDIA, was issued to the United States of
America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA). This patent
covers transformation of plants. D&PL and the USDA executed on December 18, 2000
a commercialization agreement, providing D&PL exclusive rights to market this
technology, subject to certain rights reserved to the USDA.
In March 1998, D&PL was granted United States Patent No. 5,723,765, entitled
CONTROL OF PLANT GENE EXPRESSION. This patent is owned jointly by D&PL and the
United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture. The
patent broadly covers all species of plants and seed, both transgenic and
conventional, for a system designed to allow control of progeny seed viability
without harming the crop. One application of the technology could be to control
unauthorized planting of seed of proprietary varieties (sometimes called "brown
bagging") by making such a practice non-economic since unauthorized saved seed
will not germinate, and, therefore, would be useless for planting. The patent
has the prospect of opening significant worldwide seed markets to the sale of
transgenic technology in varietal crops in which crop seed currently is saved
and used in subsequent seasons as planting seed. D&PL and the USDA executed a
commercialization agreement on July 6, 2001 for this technology. D&PL intends
licensing of this technology to be widely available to other seed companies.
The patents were developed from a research program conducted pursuant to a
Cooperative Research and Development Agreement between D&PL and the U.S.
Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service ("USDA-ARS") in
Lubbock, Texas. The technologies resulted from basic research and will require
further development, currently underway, in order to be used in commercial seed.
D&PL estimates that it will be several years before these technologies could be
available commercially.
D&PL also has exclusive rights to market to third parties a method of plant
transformation that was developed by the USDA-ARS under a research contract
(funded by D&PL). This patent and the marketing rights apply to all plant
species on which the method of transformation is effective. This transformation
method uses techniques and plant parts that are not covered by currently issued
plant transformation U.S. patents held by others. It is a method, which should
be more efficient and effective than many other plant transformation techniques
currently available.
Other
D&PL has licensing, research and development, confidentiality and material
transfer agreements with providers of technology that D&PL is evaluating for
potential commercial applications and/or introduction. D&PL also contracts with
third parties to perform research on D&PL's behalf for enabling and other
technologies that D&PL believes have potential commercial applications in
varietal crops around the world.
Commercial Seed
In 2002, D&PL had available for sale 89 varieties as cotton planting seed for
either commercial or experimental purposes. Of those varieties, 18 contained the
Bollgard gene technology, 24 contained the Roundup Ready gene technology, 22
contained both gene technologies, and 25 were conventional varieties.
Seed of all commercial plant species is either varietal or hybrid. D&PL's cotton
and soybean seed are varietals. Varietal plants can be reproduced from seed
produced by a parent plant, with the offspring exhibiting only minor genetic
variations. The Plant Variety Protection Act of 1970, as amended in 1994, in
essence prohibits, with limited exceptions, purchasers of varieties protected
under the amended Act from selling seed harvested from these varieties without
permission of the plant variety protection certificate owner. Some foreign
countries provide similar legal protection for breeders of crop varieties.
Although cotton is varietal and, therefore, can be grown from seed of parent
plants saved by the growers, most farmers in D&PL's primary domestic markets
purchase seed from commercial sources each season because cottonseed requires
delinting prior to seed treatment with chemicals and in order to be sown by
modern planting equipment. Delinting and conditioning may be done either by a
seed company on its proprietary seed or by independent delinters for farmers.
Modern cotton farmers in upland picker areas generally recognize the greater
assurance of genetic purity, quality and convenience that professionally grown
and conditioned seed offers compared to seed they might save. Additionally, U.S.
patent laws make unlawful any unauthorized planting of seed containing patented
technology saved from prior crops.
D&PL farms approximately 2,500 acres in the U.S., primarily for research
purposes and for production of cotton and soybean foundation seed. D&PL has
annual agreements with various growers to produce seed for cotton and soybeans.
The growers plant parent seed purchased from D&PL and follow quality assurance
procedures required for seed production. If the grower adheres to established
Company quality assurance standards throughout the growing season and if the
seed meets Company standards upon harvest, D&PL may be obligated to purchase
specified minimum quantities of seed, usually in its first and second fiscal
quarters, at prices equal to the commodity market price of the seed plus a
grower premium. D&PL then conditions the seed for sale.
The majority of D&PL's sales are made from early in the second fiscal quarter
through the beginning of the fourth fiscal quarter. Varying climatic conditions
can change the quarter in which seed is delivered, thereby shifting sales and
D&PL's earnings between quarters. Thus, seed production, distribution and sales
are seasonal and interim results will not necessarily be indicative of D&PL's
results for a fiscal year.
Revenues from domestic seed sales are recognized when seed is shipped. Revenues
from Bollgard and Roundup Ready licensing fees are recognized when the seed is
shipped. The licensing fees charged to farmers are based on pre-established
planting rates for eight geographic regions and considers the estimated number
of seed contained in each bag which may vary by variety, location grown, and
other factors.
International export revenues are recognized upon the later of when seed is
shipped or the date letters of credit are confirmed. Generally, international
export sales are not subject to return. All other international revenues from
the sale of planting seed, less estimated reserves for returns, are recognized
when the seed is shipped.
Domestically, D&PL promotes its cotton and soybean seed directly to farmers and
sells its seed through distributors and dealers. All of D&PL's domestic seed
products (including Bollgard and Roundup Ready technologies) are subject to
return or credit, which vary from year to year. The annual level of returns and,
ultimately, net sales are influenced by various factors, principally commodity
prices and weather conditions occurring in the spring planting season during
D&PL's third and fourth quarters. D&PL provides for estimated returns as sales
occur. To the extent actual returns differ from estimates, adjustments to D&PL's
operating results are recorded when such differences become known, typically in
D&PL's fourth quarter. All significant returns occur or are accounted for by
fiscal year end.
Euro Currency Conversion
On January 1, 1999, the euro became the common legal currency of 11 of the 15
member countries of the European Union.. To date, D&PL has not been affected by
the euro currency conversion, nor does it expect to be adversely affected by
these changes due to the nature of D&PL's activities there. For the foreseeable
future, D&PL does not expect a material amount of its transactions to be
denominated in the euro.
Risks and Uncertainties
From time to time, D&PL may publish forward-looking statements relating to such
matters as anticipated financial performance, existing products, technical
developments, new products, new technologies, research and development
activities, and similar matters. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements. In order to comply
with the terms of the safe harbor, D&PL notes that a variety of factors could
cause D&PL's actual results and experience to differ materially from the
anticipated results or other expectations expressed in D&PL's forward-looking
statements. The risks and uncertainties that may affect the operations,
performance, development and results of D&PL's business include those noted
elsewhere in this Item and filing and the following:
Demand for D&PL's seed will be affected by government programs and policies
and, most importantly, by weather. Demand for seed is also influenced by
commodity prices and the demand for a crop's end-uses such as textiles,
animal feed, food and raw materials for industrial use. These factors,
along with weather, influence the cost and availability of seed for
subsequent seasons. Weather impacts crop yields, commodity prices and the
planting decisions that farmers make regarding both original planting
commitments and, when necessary, replanting levels.
The planting seed market is highly competitive, and D&PL products face
competition from a number of seed companies, diversified chemical
companies, agricultural biotechnology companies, governmental agencies and
academic and scientific institutions. A number of chemical and
biotechnology companies have seed production and/or distribution
capabilities to ensure market access for new seed products and new
technologies that may compete with the Bollgard and Roundup Ready gene
technologies. D&PL's seed products and technologies contained therein may
encounter substantial competition from technological advances by others or
products from new market entrants. Many of D&PL's competitors are, or are
affiliated with, large diversified companies that have substantially
greater resources than D&PL.
The production, distribution or sale of crop seed in or to foreign markets
may be subject to special risks, including fluctuations in foreign
currency, exchange rate controls, expropriation, nationalization and other
agricultural, economic, tax and regulatory policies of foreign governments.
Particular policies which may affect the domestic and international
operations of D&PL include the use of and the acceptance of products that
were produced from plants that were genetically modified, the testing,
quarantine and other restrictions relating to the import and export of
plants and seed products and the availability (or lack thereof) of
proprietary protection for plant products. In addition, United States
government policies, particularly those affecting foreign trade and
investment, may impact D&PL's international operations.
The publicity related to genetically modified organisms ("GMOs") or
products made from plants that contain GMOs may have an effect on D&PL's
sales in the future. In 2001, approximately 90% of D&PL's cottonseed that
was sold contained either the Bollgard, Roundup Ready, or both gene
technologies and 86% of D&PL's soybean seed sales contained the Roundup
Ready gene technology. Although many farmers have rapidly adopted these
technologies, the concern of some customers and governmental entities over
finished products that contain GMOs could impact demand for crops (and
ultimately seed) raised from seed containing such traits.
Due to the varying levels of agricultural and social development of the
international markets in which D&PL operates and because of factors within
the particular international markets targeted by D&PL, international
profitability and growth may be less stable and predictable than domestic
profitability and growth. Furthermore, recent action taken by the U.S.
government, including that taken by the U.S. Military in the aftermath of
the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and conflicts between major cotton
producing nations may serve to further complicate D&PL's ability to execute
its long range ex-U.S. business plans because those plans include future
expansion into Uzbekistan, Pakistan and India.
Overall profitability will depend on the factors noted above as well as
weather conditions, government policies in all countries where D&PL sells
products and operates, worldwide commodity prices, D&PL's ability to
successfully open new international markets, D&PL's ability to successfully
continue the development of the High Plains market, the technology
partners' ability to obtain timely government approval (and maintain such
approval) for existing and for additional biotechnology products on which
they and D&PL are working and D&PL's ability to produce sufficient
commercial quantities of high quality planting seed of these products. Any
delay in or inability to successfully complete these projects may affect
future profitability.
The risks and uncertainties that may affect the operations, performance,
development and results of D&PL's business include those noted elsewhere in this
Item and in "Risks and Uncertainties" in Item 7 of D&PL's Form 10K filed for the
year ending August 31, 2001.
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
Reports on Form 8-K.
On May 17, 2002, D&PL filed a report on Form 8-K dated May 15, 2002 under item 4
announcing a change in D&PL's certifying accountant.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
DELTA AND PINE LAND COMPANY
Date: July 15, 2002 /s/ W.T. Jagodinski
--------------------------------
W. T. Jagodinski, Executive Vice President
Date: July 15, 2002 /s/ R.D. Greene
--------------------------------
R. D. Greene,
Vice President - Finance and Treasurer