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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K
X Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
--------Exchange Act of 1934 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1997
Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
Commission File Number: 000-21788
DELTA AND PINE LAND COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 62-1040440
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
One Cotton Row, Scott, Mississippi 38772
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (601) 742-4500
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Name of each exchange
Title of each class on which registered
Common Stock,$0.10 par value New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes X No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [ ]
The aggregate market value of Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the
Registrant, based upon the closing sale price of the Common Stock on November
10, 1997, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange, was approximately
$643,405,000. Shares of Common Stock held by each officer and director and by
each person who owns 5% or more of the outstanding Common Stock have been
excluded in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates. This determination
of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other
purposes.
As of November 20, 1997, Registrant had outstanding 37,720,978 shares of Common
Stock.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Registrant incorporates by reference portions of the Delta and Pine Land Company
Proxy Statement for the annual meeting of stockholders on February 26, 1998.
(Items 10, 11, 12 and 13 of Part III.)
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Delta and Pine Land Company and subsidiaries ("D&PL" or the "Company"), a
Delaware corporation, is 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. The Company 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 and in 1988 hybrid sorghum seed to its product
line. In 1988, D&PL also commenced distributing corn hybrids acquired from
others. In 1995, the Company sold its corn and sorghum business to Mycogen Plant
Science, Inc. ("Mycogen"). D&PL and Mycogen entered into a joint marketing
agreement whereby both companies sold D&PL's remaining corn and sorghum
varieties through 1997. The two parties will exchange certain operating
facilities in the future upon the satisfactory completion of environmental site
assessments and remediation procedures as necessary.
In the 1980's, as a component of its long-term growth strategy, the Company
began to market its products, primarily cotton seed, internationally. The
Company has strengthened and expanded its international staff in order to
support its expanding joint venture activities. 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 brand name recognition. Furthermore, in many
countries the Bollgard(TM) gene technology licensed from Monsanto Company
("Monsanto") would be effective and help farmers in those countries to control
certain lepidopteran cotton pests.
D&PL sells its products in foreign countries through (i) export sales from the
U.S., (ii) direct in-country operations and to a lesser degree (iii)
distributors or licensees. The method varies and evolves, depending upon the
Company'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. To date, a majority of the
Company's international sales have resulted from exports from the U.S. of the
Company's products rather than direct in-country operations.
In 1997, D&PL announced a production and cost optimization program aimed to
improve operating efficiencies. The Company expects this program will reduce its
unit cost of production and reduce the operating expense growth rate in future
years. As part of this program, the Company idled three of its higher cost
delinting facilities and reduced its work force at these facilities. The Company
plans to reduce its work force further with a voluntary early retirement plan.
D&PL believes its reconfigured production capabilities will allow it to continue
to meet the accelerating demand for its insect resistant and herbicide tolerant
transgenic products on a cost efficient basis to the farmer.
Employees
As of October 31, 1997, the Company employed a total of 580 full time employees
worldwide. Due to the seasonality of the business, the Company utilizes seasonal
employees in its delinting plants and its research and foundation seed programs.
The maximum number of seasonal employees approximates 260 and typically occurs
in October and November of each year. The Company considers its employee
relations to be good.
Acquisitions
In 1996, D&PL acquired Ellis Brothers Seed, Inc., Arizona Processing, Inc. and
Mississippi Seed, Inc., which own the outstanding common stock of Sure Grow
Seed, Inc., (the "Sure Grow Companies") in exchange for stock valued at
approximately $70 million on the day of closing. D&PL exchanged 2.8 million
shares of its common stock (after all stock splits effected through November
1997) for all outstanding shares of the three companies. The merger was
accounted for as a pooling-of-interests. The acquired companies have continued
to market upland picker cotton seed varieties under their existing brand, Sure
Grow. Additionally, the Sure Grow breeding program now has access to Monsanto's
Bollgard and Roundup Ready(R) gene technologies.
In 1996, the Company acquired Hartz Cotton, Inc. from Monsanto, which included
inventories of cotton planting seed of Hartz upland picker varieties, germplasm,
breeding stocks, trademarks, trade names and other assets, for approximately
$6.0 million. The consideration consisted primarily of 800,000 shares (after all
stock splits effected through November 1997) of the Company's Series M
Convertible Non-Voting Preferred Stock. Additional shares may be issued to
Monsanto depending on the sales and profitability levels achieved by the product
line acquired.
Since the 1940's, the Paymaster(R) and Lankart(R) upland stripper cotton seed
varieties have been developed for and marketed primarily in the High Plains of
Texas and Oklahoma ("High Plains"). In 1994, D&PL acquired the Paymaster and
Lankart cotton planting seed business ("Paymaster"), for approximately $14.0
million. Although the Paymaster varieties are planted on approximately 80% of
the estimated 4.0 to 5.0 million cotton acres in the High Plains, only a small
portion of that seed is actually sold by Paymaster. Farmer-saved seed accounted
for up to 85% of the seed needed to plant the acreage in this market area.
Through 1996 the seed needed to plant the remaining acreage was sold by
Paymaster and its 12 sales associates through a certified seed program. Under
this program, Paymaster sold parent seed to its contract growers who planted,
produced and harvested the progeny of the parent seed, which Paymaster then
purchased from the growers. The progeny of the parent seed was then sold by
Paymaster to the sales associates who in turn delinted, conditioned, bagged and
sold it to others as certified seed. The sales associates paid a royalty to
Paymaster on certified seed sales. Beginning in fiscal 1997, D&PL's operations
department, in addition to producing parent seed, commenced delinting,
conditioning and bagging unconditioned seed. Unconditioned seed is also supplied
by D&PL to a limited number of contract processors who delint, condition and bag
seed for a fee. This finished seed is sold by Paymaster as registered seed to
distributors and dealers.
The Company acquired in 1994 from the Supima Association of America ("Supima")
certain planting seed inventory, the right to use the Supima(R) trade name and
trademark and the right to distribute Pima extra-long staple (fiber-length)
cotton varieties. D&PL also entered into a research agreement with Supima's
university collaborator that allows D&PL the right of first refusal for any Pima
varieties developed under this program which D&PL partially funds. Pima seed is
produced, conditioned and sold by D&PL to distributors and dealers.
Biotechnology
Collaborative biotechnology licensing agreements which were executed with
Monsanto in 1992 and subsequently revised in 1993 and 1996, provide for the
commercialization of Monsanto's Bollgard ("Bacillus thuringiensis" or "Bt") gene
technology in D&PL's varieties. 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 causes the death of 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, exceeding the cost of seed. 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, Monsanto was
notified that the United States Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") had
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 NuCOTN varieties, which
contained the Bollgard gene, in accordance with the terms of the Bollgard Gene
License and Seed Services Agreement (the "Bollgard Agreement") between the
Company and Monsanto. This initial EPA registration expires on January 1, 2001,
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.
D&PL has also developed transgenic cotton and transgenic soybean varieties that
are tolerant to Roundup(R) , a herbicide sold by Monsanto. In 1996, such Roundup
Ready plants were approved by the Food and Drug Administration, the USDA, and
the EPA. In February 1996, the Company and Monsanto executed the Roundup Ready
Gene License and Seed Services Agreement (the "Roundup Ready Agreement") which
provides for the commercialization of Roundup Ready cotton seed. In February
1997, the Company and Monsanto executed the Roundup Ready Soybean License
Agreement (the "Roundup Ready Soybean Agreement") which provides for the
commercialization of Roundup Ready soybean seed.
Since 1987, D&PL has conducted research using genes provided by DuPont 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.
The Company has agreements with other providers of technology that the Company
is evaluating for potential commercial applications and/or introduction. The
Company also contracts with third parties to perform research on the Company's
behalf for germplasm protection techniques and enabling technologies that the
Company believes have potential commercial applications in varietal crops around
the world. The Company's aggregate research and development costs were $13.7
million, $9.8 million and $6.6 million during 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
Commercial Seed
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 owner. Some foreign countries provide
similar protection.
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 cotton seed requires
delinting 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.
In connection with its seed operations, the Company also farms approximately
2,600 acres, primarily for production of cotton and soybean foundation seed. The
Company has annual agreements with various growers to produce seed for cotton
and soybeans. The growers plant parent seed purchased from the Company 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, the Company
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. The Company then conditions the seed
for sale.
The majority of the Company'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 the Company's earnings between quarters. Thus, seed production,
distribution and sales are seasonal and interim results will not necessarily be
indicative of the Company's results for a fiscal year.
Revenues from domestic seed sales are generally recognized when seed is shipped.
Revenues from Bollgard and Roundup Ready licensing fees are recognized based on
the number of acres estimated to be planted with such seed when the seed is
shipped. Domestically, the Company promotes its cotton and soybean seed directly
to farmers and sells its seed through distributors and dealers. All of the
Company's domestic seed products 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 of other crops and
weather conditions occurring in the spring planting season during the Company's
third and fourth quarters. The Company provides for estimated returns as sales
occur. To the extent actual returns and actual acreage planted with seed
containing the Bollgard and Roundup Ready genes differ from estimates,
adjustments to the Company's operating results are recorded when such
differences become known, typically in the Company's fourth quarter. All
significant returns occur or are accounted for by fiscal year end. International
export seed revenues are recognized upon the date seed is shipped or the date
letters of credit are cleared, whichever is later. Generally, international
export sales are not subject to return.
Outlook
From time to time, the Company may make forward-looking statements relating to
such matters as anticipated financial performance, existing products, technical
developments, new products, 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, the Company notes that a variety of factors could cause the
Company's actual results and experience to differ materially from the
anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the Company's
forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties that may affect the
operations, performance, development and results of the Company's business
include those noted elsewhere in this Item and the following:
Domestic demand for D&PL's seed will be affected by government programs
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 varieties 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. The Company's
seed products may encounter substantial competition from technological
advances by others or products from new market entrants. Many of the
Company's competitors are, or are affiliated with, large diversified
companies that have substantially greater resources than the Company.
Overall profitability will depend on weather conditions, government
policies in all countries where the Company sells products, worldwide
commodity prices, the Company's ability to successfully open new
international markets, the Company'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 the
Company are working and the Company'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.
Due to the varying levels of agricultural and social development of the
international markets in which the Company operates and because of factors
within the particular international markets targeted by the Company,
international profitability and growth may be less stable than domestic
profitability and growth have been in the past.
See "Risks and Uncertainties" in Item 7.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
D&PL maintains facilities primarily used for research, delinting, conditioning,
storage and distribution. The Company's headquarters and other facilities are
located in Scott, Mississippi. This location is used for corporate offices,
quality assurance, research and greenhouse space, and storage.
The Company's other owned cotton seed delinting, conditioning and storage
facilities are in: Centre, Alabama; Chandler, Arizona (on leased land); Eloy,
Arizona; Hollandale, Mississippi; Shelby, Mississippi; Tunica, Mississippi;
Aiken, Texas and Lubbock, Texas. The Company has soybean processing plants in
Harrisburg, Arkansas and Centre, Alabama. The Company also owns cotton seed
delinting facilities in Narromine, New South Wales, Australia, and Groblersdal,
South Africa and through a Chinese joint venture, a delinting plant under
construction (scheduled completion is November 1997) in Shijiazhuang, Hebei,
China. The Company leases land in Catamarca, Argentina on which a delinting
plant is situated. The Company's delinting and conditioning facilities in Scott,
Mississippi, Centre, Alabama, and Tunica, Mississippi have been idled in
conjunction with the production and cost optimization program discussed in Item
1.
The Company's plant breeders conduct research at eight facilities in the United
States, five of which are owned by the Company and three of which are leased.
The Company also leases research facilities in Australia and Paraguay. In
connection with its foundation seed program, the Company leases land in the
United States, Argentina, and South Africa. All owned properties are free of
encumbrances except the Centre, Alabama site, which was mortgaged prior to being
acquired in the Sure Grow transaction.
Management believes that all of D&PL's facilities, including its conditioning,
storage and research facilities, are well maintained and generally adequate to
meet its needs for the foreseeable future. (See "Liquidity and Capital
Resources" in Item 7 and discussion of the production and cost optimization
program in Item 1.)
PRINCIPAL COMPANY LOCATIONS, AFFILIATES AND SUBSIDIARIES:
World Headquarters ........................Operations Facilities
Scott, Mississippi, USA ............. . Scott, Mississippi, USA
Hollandale, Mississippi, USA
Research Centers ....................... Shelby, Mississippi, USA
Scott, Mississippi, USA ................ Tunica, Mississippi, USA
Leland, Mississippi, USA ............... Centre, Alabama, USA
Casa Grande, Arizona, USA .............. Chandler, Arizona, USA
Chandler, Arizona, USA ................. Eloy, Arizona, USA
Stuttgart, Arkansas, USA ............... Harrisburg, Arkansas, USA
Hartsville, South Carolina, USA ........ Aiken, Texas, USA
Hale Center, Texas, USA ...................Lubbock, Texas, USA
Lubbock, Texas, USA .......................Catamarca, Argentina
Goondiwindi, Queensland, Australia ........Narromine, New South Wales, Australia
Asuncion, Paraguay .............. Shijiazhuang, Hebei, People's
Republic of China
Groblersdal, South Africa
Foreign Offices
Catamarca, Argentina
Narrabri, New South Wales, Australia
Beijing, People's Republic of China
Shijiazhuang, Hebei, People's
Republic of China
Larissa, Greece
Mexicali, Mexico
Mexico City, Mexico
Zoetermeer, The Netherlands
Asuncion, Paraquay
Groblersdal, South Africa
Seville, Spain
Adana, Turkey
Izmir, Turkey
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Between August 1997 and October 1997, numerous farmers filed arbitration claims
against the Company and Monsanto Company ("Monsanto") with state agencies,
primarily Mississippi. The complainants allege that Roundup Ready seed marketed
by the Company failed to perform as anticipated resulting in deformed or missing
bolls and some further assert substantial yield losses in their 1997 crops. The
Company and Monsanto are presently investigating these claims to determine the
cause or causes of the problems alleged. Pursuant to the terms of the Roundup
Ready Gene License and Seed Services Agreement (the "Roundup Agreement") between
D&PL and Monsanto, Monsanto has assumed responsibility for the defense of these
claims. Pursuant to the Roundup Agreement, Monsanto is contractually obligated
to defend and indemnify the Company against all claims arising out of failure of
the Roundup Ready glyphosate tolerance gene. D&PL will not have a right to
indemnification from Monsanto, however, for any claims involving defective
varietal characteristics separate from or in addition to failure of the
herbicide-tolerance gene. D&PL believes that these claims will be resolved
without any material impact on the Company's financial statements.
The Company, Monsanto and other third parties were named as defendants in a
lawsuit filed in the District Court of Falls County, Texas, in August 1996.
Another lawsuit was filed in October 1996, in the District Court for
Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana. A second Texas lawsuit brought in 1996 was
settled in 1997 with no material impact on the Company or its financial
statements. In the two remaining cases, the plaintiffs allege, among other
things, that D&PL's NuCOTN varieties, which contain Monsanto's Bollgard(TM)
gene, did not perform as these farmers had anticipated and, in particular, did
not fully protect their cotton crops from certain lepidopteran insects. Pursuant
to the terms of the Bollgard Gene License and Seed Services Agreement (the
"Bollgard Agreement") between D&PL and Monsanto, Monsanto has assumed
responsibility for the defense of these claims. Some of these claims for failure
of the Bollgard gene are subject to a duty of defense by Monsanto and prorata
indemnification under the Bollgard Agreement. Under the applicable indemnity
provisions of the Bollgard Agreement, defense costs and liability to the
plaintiffs on any failure of the technology would be apportioned 71% to Monsanto
and 29% to D&PL. Some of the claims in this litigation concern failure of
Monsanto's express warranties relating to insect resistance and those claims may
not be within the scope of D&PL's indemnity obligation to Monsanto. On the other
hand, some of the claims made in the litigation concern the quality of seed and
seed coat treatments, or other varietal aspects of NuCOTN, not involving failure
of performance of the Bollgard gene or express representations with respect
thereto and, therefore, may not be within the scope of Monsanto's indemnity
obligation to D&PL. D&PL intends to cooperate with Monsanto in its anticipated
vigorous defense of these suits. D&PL believes that these suits will be resolved
without any material impact on the Company's financial statements.
In October 1996, Mycogen Plant Science, Inc. ("Mycogen") and Agrigenetics, Inc.
filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Delaware naming D&PL, Monsanto and
DeKalb Genetics as defendants alleging that two of Mycogen's recently issued
patents have been infringed by the defendants by making, selling, and licensing
seed that contains the Bollgard gene. The suit seeks injunctions against alleged
infringement, compensatory damages, treble damages and attorney's fees and court
costs. Pursuant to the terms of the Bollgard Agreement, Monsanto is required to
defend D&PL against patent infringement claims and indemnify D&PL against
damages from any patent infringement claims and certain other losses and costs.
Due to Monsanto's obligation to indemnify D&PL, the Company believes that the
resolution of this matter will not have a material impact on the Company or its
financial statements.
A corporation owned by the son of the Company's former Guatemalan distributor
sued in 1989 asserting that the Company 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 $900,000 at current exchange rates) and an injunction
preventing the Company 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 material impact on the Company or its
financial statements. The Company continues to offer seed for sale in Guatemala.
The Company is involved in various other claims arising in the normal course of
business. Management believes such matters will be resolved without any material
effect on the Company's financial position or its results of operations.
On July 18, 1996, the United States Department of Justice, Antitrust Division
("USDOJ"), served a Civil Investigative Demand ("CID") on D&PL seeking
information and documents in connection with its investigation of the
acquisition by D&PL of the stock of Arizona Processing, Inc., Ellis Brothers
Seed, Inc. and Mississippi Seed, Inc. (which own the outstanding common stock of
Sure Grow Seed, Inc). The CID states that the USDOJ is investigating whether
these transactions may have violated the provisions of Section 7 of the Clayton
Act, 15 USC ss. 18. D&PL has responded to the CID, employees have been examined
by the USDOJ, and D&PL is committed to full cooperation with the USDOJ. At the
present time, the ultimate outcome of the investigation cannot be predicted.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
No matters were submitted to the vote of security holders during the fourth
quarter of 1997.
PART II
ITEM 5.MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
From June 1993 through December 15, 1995, the stock of the Company was traded on
the NASDAQ National Market under the trading symbol COTN. On December 18, 1995,
the Company's stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the
trading symbol DLP. The range of closing prices for these shares for the last
two fiscal years, as reported by the respective markets after adjustment for all
stock splits, was as follows:
Common Stock Data* 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr
- ------------------ ------- ------- ------- -------
1997
Market Price Range - Low $ 15.25 $ 17.44 $ 16.31 $ 16.03
- High 22.36 22.79 22.79 29.63
1996
Market Price Range - Low $ 8.37 $ 10.76 $ 17.95 $ 13.36
- High 11.32 17.61 27.42 24.47
* Amounts have been adjusted for all stock splits through November 20, 1997.
In October 1995, the Board of Directors authorized a 4 for 3 stock split for
common shares outstanding effected in the form of a dividend, with no change in
the par value per share, distributed on December 15, 1995, to the stockholders
of record on December 1, 1995. In March 1996, the Board of Directors authorized
a 3 for 2 stock split for common and preferred shares outstanding effected in
the form of a dividend, with no change in par value per share, distributed on
April 15, 1996, to stockholders of record on March 29, 1996. In February 1997,
the Board of Directors authorized a 4 for 3 stock split for common and preferred
shares outstanding effected in the form of a dividend, with no change in par
value per share, distributed on April 11, 1997 to stockholders of record on
March 31, 1997. In October 1997, the Board of Directors authorized a 4 for 3
stock split for common and preferred shares outstanding effected in the form of
a dividend, with no change in the par value per share, distributed on
November 20, 1997 to the stockholders of record on November 10, 1997. All stock
splits described above have been reflected in the accompanying financial
statements and elsewhere in this Annual Report.
Dividends of $0.062 per share (after effect of stock splits) were paid in 1996
and dividends of $0.078 per share were paid in 1997. The Board of Directors
maintained the quarterly dividend rate of $0.03 per share after each of the
above splits which in effect increased the dividend paid by approximately 75%
between 1995 and 1997. It is anticipated that quarterly dividends of $0.03 per
share will continue to be paid in the future, although the Board of Directors
reviews this policy quarterly. Aggregate dividends paid in 1996 were $2.3
million. Aggregate dividends paid in 1997 were $3.0 million and should
approximate $4.5 million in 1998.
On November 20, 1997, there were approximately 5,000 shareholders of the
Company's 37,720,978 outstanding shares.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (In thousands, except percentages and per share amounts)
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YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
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Operating Results :
Net sales and licensing fees $77,605 $80,602 $98,950 $153,271 $183,249
Special charges and unusual charges
related to acquisitions(1) - - - 1,418 20,700
Net income applicable to common
shares 8,618 7,827 10,935 15,237 6,850
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Balance Sheet Summary:
Current assets $23,979 $29,269 $36,296 $111,940 $145,449
Current liabilities 17,634 18,833 24,695 75,966 112,524
Working capital 6,345 10,436 11,601 35,974 32,925
Total assets 50,958 72,394 87,542 179,660 220,656
Long-term debt 1,104 14,047 12,814 31,465 30,572
Stockholders' equity 31,593 38,024 47,860 69,341 72,531
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Per Share Data:
Net income applicable to
common shares - Primary $ 0.25 $ 0.21 $ 0.29 $ 0.39 $ 0.18
Book value 0.92 1.03 1.27 1.80 1.86
Cash dividends - 0.045 0.045 0.062 0.078
Weighted average number of shares
used in per share
calculations - Primary (2) 34,497 37,065 37,540 38,592 38,896
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) In 1997 the Company announced a production and cost optimization program
which resulted in the Company taking a special charge of $19.0 million along
with $1.7 million related to nonrecurring charges related to acquisitions.
(2) Weighted average number of shares data adjusted to reflect 4 for 3 stock
split in April 1997 and 4 for 3 split announced in October 1997 to the
shareholders of record on November 10, 1997 distributed November 20, 1997.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Increased second year sales of the Company's transgenic cotton varieties
containing the Bollgard gene technology, the first commercial sales of D&PL
cotton varieties containing the Roundup Ready gene technology, and the
commencement of the conversion of sales of Paymaster stripper varieties from a
certified seed program to direct sales by the Company are the major causes of
D&PL reporting record sales despite the fact that acreage planted in cotton in
the U.S. declined to 13.9 million acres from 1996 levels of 14.7 million acres.
The cold wet weather during the cotton planting season contributed to the
reduction in cotton acreage planted well below initial USDA and Company
estimates. The Company sold sufficient quantities of seed containing the
Bollgard gene to plant 2.5 million acres of which about 100,000 acres were
ultimately plowed down or replanted resulting in final net billable Bollgard
acres of 2.4 million, a 33% increase over 1996 levels. Net billable Roundup
Ready acres in 1997 were 800,000. International cotton seed sales and domestic
soybean unit sales also increased 18% and 41%, respectively.
In 1997, D&PL announced a program to optimize production and cost operating
efficiencies which will include the idling of three of its less efficient
delinting plants, the write down of assets whose value has been impaired as a
result of implementing the plan, plant consolidation costs relating to
implementation of a new process manufacturing system and costs to phase out
certain products. Two plants acquired in the 1996 Sure Grow merger and the
Scott, Mississippi delinting plant (the Company's oldest, least efficient plant)
have been idled. The Company plans to reduce its domestic work force in total by
up to 15%, including those affected by the plant closings, by offering an early
retirement program to all employees who meet certain age and years of service
criteria. The Company expects the production and cost optimization plan, after
its full implementation in fiscal 1998, to result in moderate savings in 1998
and up to $9,000,000 in savings in fiscal 1999 and annually thereafter.
D&M International, LLC, is a venture formed in 1995 through which D&PL (the
managing member) and Monsanto plan to introduce in combination D&PL's acid
delinting technology and Monsanto's Bollgard gene technology. In November 1995,
D&M International, LLC formed a subsidiary, D&PL China Pte Ltd. ("D&PL China").
In November 1996, D&PL China concluded negotiations with parties in Hebei
Province, one of the major cotton producing regions in the People's Republic of
China, to form Hebei Ji Dai Cotton Seed Technology Company Ltd. ("Ji Dai"), a
joint venture controlled by D&PL China. In June 1997, Ji Dai commenced
construction of a new cotton seed conditioning and storage facility in Hebei,
China, under terms of the joint venture agreement. The new facility is expected
to be completed in November 1997. During the 1997 growing season, the joint
venture harvested sufficient seed (assuming normal production runs) to produce
seed sufficient to plant up to 500,000 acres of Bollgard cotton in Hebei in
1998.
The Company reached an agreement with parties in Zimbabwe to form a joint
venture that will provide high quality acid delinted seed to farmers in
Zimbabwe. Initially, the plant will continue to process and sell locally
developed and owned varieties which will be genetically transformed so they
contain the Bollgard gene technology and potentially other technologies
developed in the future. The introduction of these technologies into locally
developed germplasm is expected to provide both large commercial growers as well
as the small communal growers a significant economic advantage over those who
don't use these technologies. This project is presently on hold pending
Zimbabwean government approval.
The Company and parties in Latin America are negotiating to form joint ventures
that will process locally, and/or form distributorships that will import, acid
delinted cotton seed for sale in certain Latin America countries. Initial plans
call for the introduction of D&PL transgenic varieties which have already
performed well in these countries as well as the transformation of locally
developed germplasm into varieties that contain the Bollgard gene technology and
potentially other new technologies. The ventures will also evaluate for
suitability D&PL germplasm developed in the Southern Hemisphere and elsewhere.
The Company's recently completed delinting plants in South Africa and Argentina
processed for the first time foundation seed grown in these countries. Such seed
was exported to the U.S. for sale in the Spring of 1997. The use of Southern
Hemisphere winter nurseries and seed production programs such as these can
dramatically accelerate the introduction of new varieties since D&PL can raise
at least two crops per year by taking advantage of the Southern Hemisphere
growing season. Through these locations, the Company is also evaluating local
market opportunities for the Company's cotton and, where feasible, soybean seed
varieties.
The results of operations of D&PL's wholly owned Australian subsidiary continue
to be disappointing. Although the Company began selling seed containing the
Bollgard gene (Ingard(TM) in Australia) in 1997, operating results and product
market share remain at unacceptable levels. The Company, through its Australian
operations, is identifying smaller potential export markets for the Company's
products throughout Southeast Asia. The adaptability of the Company's germplasm
must be evaluated before such sales can be made and the recent instability of
the economies in some of the countries in this region will make successful
market development a challenge.
The Company's 1996 reorganization of its business among its key operating units
including Deltapine, Paymaster (which includes the stripper varieties acquired
in 1994 and the Hartz varieties acquired in 1996), Sure Grow and International,
has been in effect for over one year now. This new structure has created healthy
competition among the brands, particularly in the sales and research and
development areas.
In 1997, the Company's total operating expenses increased to $34.8 million
before special charges, from $28.6 million, before special charges, in 1996 and
$23.8 million in 1995. International operating expenses are expected to increase
about $4.0 million in 1998 due to new international ventures and domestic
operating expenses are expected to increase about $5.0 million. The Company's
ability to achieve its 1998 domestic financial targets will be dependent on the
total planted acres of cotton, the number of acres planted with cotton seed
containing the Bollgard and Roundup Ready technologies (either in a single gene
construct or in a stacked gene combination), the successful conversion of the
stripper markets in the High Plains and additional soybean seed sales of
conventional and Roundup Ready varieties.
The major capital improvement program started in 1994 to more efficiently and
effectively process and handle the Company's products is now complete. The major
projects completed in fiscal 1997 include the purchase and implementation of a
fully integrated process manufacturing system that will process data for all
functional areas of the Company, a major computer hardware upgrade in 1997 with
another planned in the first quarter of 1998, as well as precision electronic
seed treating equipment at three locations and a new international and
administrative office building at the Company headquarters in Scott,
Mississippi. In 1998, domestic capital investment is expected to return to about
$7.5 million. Offshore investments, which will be financed in part by D&PL's
technology and joint venture partners, are expected to range from $6.0 million
to $8.0 million (although this range could change depending on the outcome and
timing of various projects).
The Company is currently addressing its "Year 2000" computer software issues and
has formulated a plan to resolve these matters. Management believes the
Company's applications on operating systems software will be Year 2000 compliant
before 2000. The Company expects no material costs or interruptions to its
operations because a significant portion of the Company's software was replaced
by the purchase of computer software that is already Year 2000 compliant.
NET SALES AND LICENSING FEES
In 1997, D&PL's consolidated net sales and licensing fees increased 19.5% to
$183.2 million, from 1996 sales of $153.3 million. This increase is primarily
the result of increased Bollgard licensing fees over 1996 and licensing fees
received from the first sale of commercial quantities of Roundup Ready cotton
seed. Domestic picker cotton seed unit sales decreased by 4.5% while domestic
stripper cotton seed units increased 279.6% (due to the conversion of the High
Plains market) despite a 5.4% reduction in the total number of cotton acres
planted in the U.S. to 13.9 million from 14.7 million. Net billable Bollgard
acres increased to 2.4 million in 1997 from 1.8 million in 1996. Net billable
Roundup Ready acres were 0.8 million in 1997. Soybean unit sales also increased
40.9% over 1996 primarily due to an increase in planted acres which resulted in
part from cold, wet weather during early in the planting season when cotton is
typically planted and higher soybean prices.
International sales increased to $14.9 million in 1997 from $12.6 million in
1996, primarily attributable to licensing fees received from sales in Australia
and Mexico of D&PL's NuCOTN varieties containing Monsanto's Bt gene, the
positive effects of which were partly offset by reduced export sales.
In 1996, consolidated net sales and licensing fees increased 55.0% to $153.3
million, from 1995 sales of $98.9 million. This increase is primarily the result
of Bollgard licensing fees received from the first year of commercial sales of
NuCOTN. There was also an increase in soybean sales of 35% and an increase in
commercialization fees of $3.4 million in 1996 over the $1.2 million received in
1995. The effects of these positive developments were partially offset by a
14.5% decrease in domestic cotton seed unit sales resulting from a 13.0%
reduction in the number of total cotton acres planted in the U.S. to 14.7
million from 16.9 million. In 1996, the dynamics of the Freedom to Farm Bill
coupled with higher corn prices contributed to the decline in cotton acreage.
International sales increased to $12.6 million in 1996 from $7.1 million in
1995. Sales in Mexico, in 1996, increased $1.8 million as a result of the
Mexican government's favorable agricultural policy toward cotton, and the growth
of its textile industry as a result of the North American Free Trade Agreement.
In 1996, sales in Greece increased $1.9 million due to the continued success of
D&PL's cotton varieties in the northern growing areas of that country. Sales in
Turkey were essentially unchanged from 1995 levels.
GROSS PROFIT
D&PL's consolidated gross profit after special charges was $55.5 million in 1997
compared to $55.8 million in 1996. Special charges of $11.5 million were
recorded in 1997 as a result of the optimization program discussed in Item 1,
the negative impact of which was offset by increased unit sales and increased
licensing fees. Gross margin (expressed as a percentage of sales) before special
charges was consistent between 1997 and 1996.
Consolidated gross profit increased 29.8% in 1996 to $55.8 million from $43.0
million in 1995. This increase is primarily attributable to NuCOTN sales and the
related Bollgard licensing fees. Gross margin decreased to 36.4% in 1996 from
43.5% in 1995. The decline in gross margin results from recording the Bollgard
licensing fees charged to the grower as a component of sales, net of estimated
distributor and dealer commissions, coupled with recording the 71% due to D&PL's
technology partner as a component of cost of sales with the residual 29%
included as gross profit.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES
Research and development expenses increased 39.8% to $13.7 million in 1997 from
$9.8 million in 1996. The increase was primarily the result of additional
transgenic costs associated with evaluation of new technologies, transformation
of the Company's Sure Grow and Paymaster product lines, increased Technical
Service Department costs, increased varietal testing in certain international
markets and further expansion of research programs related to international
activities.
Research and development expenses increased 48.5% to $9.8 million in 1996 from
$6.6 million in 1995. The increase in research and development costs was
primarily the result of the addition of the Hartz research program, added
Technical Service Department costs, additional transgenic costs and increased
international activities.
SELLING EXPENSES
Selling expenses increased 18.1% to $11.1 million in 1997 from $9.4 million in
1996. The increase was primarily due to the expansion of sales and marketing
departments for the Paymaster Division and the International Division, primarily
Australia.
Selling expenses increased 24.0% to $9.4 million in 1996 from $7.6 million in
1995. The increase was primarily due to the addition of a telemarketing
department, the development and maintenance of a farmer database, and the
formation and/or expansion of sales and marketing departments in Australia, at
Paymaster and in the International division.
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
General and administrative expenses increased 7.4% to $10.1 million in 1997 from
$9.4 million in 1996. The increase is primarily attributable to the expansion of
the Company's information systems department, and additional staff for the
International and Paymaster Divisions.
General and administrative expenses for 1996 decreased by 2.0% to $9.4 million
as compared to $9.6 million in 1995.
SPECIAL CHARGES AND UNUSUAL CHARGES RELATED TO ACQUISITIONS
In connection with the production and cost optimization program discussed in
Item 1, the Company recorded a special charge of $19.0 million in 1997 of which
$11.5 million was included in cost of sales and $7.5 million was included in
operating expenses. These charges include costs associated with the plan to
optimize operating efficiencies, plant consolidation costs, costs to phase out
certain products, the write down of assets whose value has been impaired as a
result of the plan and, to a lesser extent, severance costs. In connection with
the merger with the Sure Grow Companies and the acquisition of Hartz Cotton,
Inc., the Company recorded one-time charges of approximately $1.7 million and
$1.4 million during fiscal 1997 and 1996, respectively, for costs associated
with these transactions including legal costs incurred in connection with the U.
S. Department of Justice's review.
INTEREST EXPENSE
Interest expense decreased 8.3% to $2.2 million in 1997 from $2.4 million in
1996 due primarily to lower interest rates partially offset by higher
outstanding borrowings.
Interest expense increased 20.0% to $2.4 million in 1996 from $2.0 million
in 1995 due primarily to higher average outstanding borrowings.
OTHER
In 1997 and 1996, other income was comprised primarily of gains on sales of
fixed assets and accounts payable discounts received for early payments. In
1995, the Company recorded special reserves of approximately $2.7 million for
the disposal of its remaining corn and sorghum inventories and recognized a gain
of approximately $1.6 million on the sale of certain corn and sorghum assets.
NET INCOME AND EARNINGS PER SHARE
Net income applicable to common shares decreased by 55.3% in 1997 to $6.8
million from $15.2 million in 1996, and decreased by 37.6% from 1995 net income
of $10.9 million. Primary earnings per share before special charges were $0.51,
$0.42, and $0.29 in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Primary earnings per
share after special charges were $0.18, $0.39, and $0.29 in 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively. The number of shares deemed outstanding for those periods
increased because of additional stock option grants and/or the exercise of such
options pursuant to the 1993 Stock Option Plan and the 1995 Long-Term Incentive
Plan. Furthermore, the effect of all stock splits through November 20, 1997 are
included in these earnings per share calculations.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The seasonal nature of the Company's business significantly impacts cash flow
and working capital requirements. The Company maintains credit facilities, uses
early payments by customers and uses cash from operations to fund working
capital needs. For more than 16 years D&PL has borrowed on a short-term basis to
meet seasonal working capital needs.
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
borrowings normally commence in the first fiscal quarter and peak in the third
fiscal quarter. 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 distributors, dealers and farmers financial incentives to
make early payments. In fiscal 1997, D&PL received approximately $4.0 million in
early payments. To the extent D&PL attracts early payments from customers, bank
borrowings under the credit facility are reduced.
The Company records receivables for technology fees on Bollgard and Roundup
Ready seed sales as the seed is shipped, usually in the Company's second and
third quarters. The Company has contracted the billing and collection activities
for Bollgard and Roundup Ready seed technology fees to Monsanto. In September,
the technology fees are due at which time D&PL receives payment from Monsanto.
D&PL then pays Monsanto its royalty for the Bollgard and Roundup Ready
technology fees.
The Company borrows funds from a financial institution to meet its working
capital needs. This agreement provides a core commitment of $50 million and a
seasonal commitment of $25 million. The core commitment is a long-term loan that
may be borrowed upon at any time and is due January 1, 2000. The seasonal
commitment is a working capital loan that may be drawn upon from September 1
through June 30 of each fiscal year and expires January 1, 2000. Each commitment
offers variable and fixed interest rate options and requires the Company to pay
facility or commitment fees and to comply with certain financial covenants. At
August 31, 1997, the Company had $20,634,000 available for borrowing under both
facilities.
The financial covenants under the loan agreements require the Company to: (a)
maintain minimum tangible net worth in an amount not less than $20.0 million
increased by 50% of net income each fiscal year ($31,095,000 at August 31,
1997); (b) not allow the ratio of total liabilities to tangible net worth, as
defined, to exceed 2.25 to 1; and (c) maintain a cash flow coverage ratio of at
least 2 to 1. At August 31, 1997, the Company's ratio of total liabilities to
tangible net worth exceeded the permitted ratio. The financial institution
waived compliance with this covenant. See Note 4 of the Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements.
Capital expenditures were $17.1 million, $16.0 million and $10.7 million in
fiscal 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively and increased due to a capital
improvement program commenced in 1995. The 1996 expenditures exclude
acquisitions which aggregated $2.2 million. This investment strategy included
the commencement in 1995 of a special $13.0 million upgrade of D&PL's bulk seed
stabilization, storage, handling and processing facilities at three of its
cotton seed plants. In addition, a cotton seed processing plant acquired in the
Paymaster acquisition has been technologically upgraded. Projects completed in
1997 include a new fully integrated computer system, the commencement of
construction of seed storage conditioning and delinting facilities in China,
expansion of facilities in Argentina and South Africa and construction of a new
international and administrative office building. Management believes that
domestic capital expenditures will approximate $7.5 million in 1998, excluding
expected capital expenditures for foreign joint ventures which will be funded by
cash from operations, borrowings or investments from joint venture partners, as
necessary. Capital expenditures for international ventures are expected to range
from $6.0 million to $8.0 million depending on the timing and outcome of such
projects.
Cash provided from operations, early payments from customers and borrowings
under the loan agreement should be sufficient to meet the Company's 1998 working
capital needs.
The Company is currently negotiating a $110 million Senior Credit Facility with
its existing lender and two participating institutions. The planned facility
will include a $55 million core facility due in 2001 and a $55 million seasonal
facility available September 1 through June 30 each year, also due in 2001. The
new agreement will have covenants and pricing structures similar to the existing
agreements.
RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
From time to time, the Company may publish forward-looking statements relating
to such matters as anticipated financial performance, existing products,
technical developments, new products, 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, the Company notes that a variety of factors could cause the
Company's actual results and experience to differ materially from the
anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the Company's
forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties that may affect the
operations, performance, development and results of the Company's business
include those noted elsewhere in this Item and the following:
Domestic demand for D&PL's seed will continue to be affected by government
programs 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 varieties 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. The Company's
seed products may encounter substantial competition from technological
advances by others or products from new market entrants. Many of the
Company's competitors are, or are affiliated with, large diversified
companies that have substantially greater resources than the Company.
Overall profitability will depend on weather conditions, government
policies in all countries where the Company sells products, worldwide
commodity prices, the Company's ability to successfully open new
international markets, the Company's ability to successfully continue
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 the Company are
working and the Company'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.
Due to the varying levels of agricultural and social development of the
international markets in which the Company operates and because of factors
within the particular international markets targeted by the Company,
international profitability and growth may be less stable than domestic
profitability and growth have been in the past.
ITEM 8. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
INDEX
Financial Statements Page(s)
The following consolidated financial statements of Delta and Pine Land Company
and subsidiaries are submitted in response to Part II, Item 8:
Report of Independent Public Accountants.....................................22
Consolidated Statements of Income - for each of the three years in the
period ended August 31, 1997.............................................23
Consolidated Balance Sheets - August 31, 1996 and 1997.......................24
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - for each of the three years in the
period ended August 31, 1997.............................................25
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - for each of the three years
in the period ended August 31, 1997......................................26
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...................................27
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
TO DELTA AND PINE LAND COMPANY:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of DELTA AND PINE
LAND COMPANY (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries as of August 31, 1996 and
1997, and the related consolidated statements of income, cash flows and
stockholders' equity for each of the three years in the period ended August 31,
1997. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Delta and Pine Land Company and
subsidiaries as of August 31, 1996 and 1997, and the results of its operations
and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended August 31,
1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
Arthur Andersen LLP
Memphis, Tennessee,
October 24, 1997.
MANAGEMENT'S REPORT:
The Company is responsible for preparing the financial statements and related
information appearing in this report. Management believes that the financial
statements present fairly the Company's financial position, its results of
operations and its cash flows in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles. In preparing its financial statements, the Company is required to
include amounts based on estimates and judgments that it believes are reasonable
under the circumstances.
The Company maintains accounting and other systems designed to provide
reasonable assurance that financial records are reliable for purposes of
preparing financial statements and that assets are properly accounted for and
safeguarded. Compliance with these systems and controls is reviewed by executive
management and the accounting staff. Limitations exist in any internal control
system, recognizing that the system's cost should not exceed the benefits
derived.
The Board of Directors pursues its responsibility for the Company's financial
statements through its Audit Committee, which is composed solely of directors
who are not Company officers or employees. The Audit Committee meets from
time-to-time with the independent public accountants and management. The
independent public accountants have direct access to the Audit Committee, with
and without the presence of management representatives.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
- ------------------------------------------------ --------------- ---------------
FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1995 1996 1997
- -------------------------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
NET SALES AND LICENSING FEES $ 98,950 $ 153,271 $ 183,249
COST OF SALES (55,946) (97,477) (116,289)
SPECIAL CHARGES - - (11,500)
- -------------------------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
GROSS PROFIT 43,004 55,794 55,460
- -------------------------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Research and development 6,631 9,794 13,651
Selling 7,611 9,435 11,053
General and administrative 9,602 9,383 10,136
Special charges and unusual
charges related to acquisitions - 1,418 9,200
- ----------------------------- -- --------------- --------------- ---------------
23,844 30,030 44,040
- -------------------------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
OPERATING INCOME 19,160 25,764 11,420
INTEREST EXPENSE, net (2,038) (2,418) (2,204)
OTHER 539 383 463
- -------------------------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 17,661 23,729 9,679
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES (6,726) (8,453) (2,766)
- -------------------------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
NET INCOME 10,935 15,276 6,913
DIVIDENDS ON PREFERRED STOCK - (39) (63)
- ------------------------------------------------ --------------- ---------------
NET INCOME APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHARES $10,935 $15,237 $6,850
- ------------------------------------------------ --------------- ---------------
NET INCOME PER SHARE - PRIMARY $ 0.29 $ 0.39 $ 0.18
- ------------------------------------------------ --------------- ---------------
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES
USED IN PER SHARE
CALCULATIONS - PRIMARY 37,540 38,592 38,896
- -------------------------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
NET INCOME PER SHARE - FULLY DILUTED $ 0.29 $ 0.39 $ 0.17
- ------------------------------------------------ --------------- ---------------
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES
USED IN PER SHARE
CALCULATIONS - FULLY DILUTED 37,589 39,264 39,863
- -------------------------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AS OF AUGUST 31,
- ------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------
(In thousands, except share amounts)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS 1996 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 560 $1,890
Receivables, net of allowance of
$379 and $281 66,650 95,437
Inventories 41,460 42,886
Prepaid expenses 1,363 2,167
Deferred income taxes 1,907 3,069
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total current assets 111,940 145,449
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net 55,058 63,022
EXCESS OF COST OVER NET ASSETS OF
BUSINESSES ACQUIRED, net of accumulated
amortization of $149 and $243 4,950 4,589
INTANGIBLES, net of accumulated amortization
of $576 and $705 3,214 3,674
OTHER ASSETS 4,498 3,922
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$179,660 $220,656
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Notes payable $ 2,595 $ 259
Accounts payable 14,954 19,113
Accrued expenses 55,079 91,196
Income taxes payable 3,338 1,956
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total current liabilities 75,966 112,524
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LONG-TERM DEBT 31,465 30,572
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES 2,888 4,038
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Notes 7 and 11)
MINORITY INTEREST IN SUBSIDIARIES - 991
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;
429,319 shares authorized; no shares
issued or outstanding - -
Series M Convertible Non-Voting Preferred, par
value $0.10 per share; 800,000 shares authorized;
800,000 shares issued and outstanding 80 80
Common stock, par value $0.10 per share;
50,000,000 shares authorized; 37,563,787
and 37,724,116 shares issued;
37,563,787 and 37,609,849
shares outstanding 3,756 3,772
Capital in excess of par value 20,746 22,865
Retained earnings 45,004 48,894
Cumulative foreign currency translation
adjustments (245) (907)
Treasury stock at cost (114,267 shares
in 1997) - (2,173)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total stockholders' equity 69,341 72,531
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$179,660 $220,656
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these balance sheets.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1995 1996 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income $ 10,935 $ 15,276 $ 6,913
Adjustments to reconcile net income
to net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 3,150 4,026 5,060
Noncash items associated with
special charges - - 12,242
Minority interest in subsidiaries - - 991
Loss on disposition of business
unit, net 1,183 - -
Increase (decrease) in deferred
income taxes 103 (220) (12)
Changes in current assets and liabilities:
Receivables (1,846) (62,161) (28,787)
Inventories (2,391) (20,984) (5,255)
Prepaid expenses 34 (207) (804)
Accounts payable 413 6,828 4,159
Accrued expenses 3,103 43,675 31,195
Income taxes payable 2,143 (3,283) (1,382)
Decrease in intangible and other
assets 105 321 416
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities 16,932 (16,729) 24,736
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property and equipment (10,674) (15,960) (17,116)
Proceeds from the sale of property
and equipment 1,460 44 -
Acquisition of business - (1,035) -
(Purchase) sale of investments (555) 563 -
Other, net 140 - -
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash used in investing
activities (9,629) (16,388) (17,116)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Payments of short-term debt (24,025) (30,133) (31,226)
Payments of long-term debt (3,854) (11,300) (20,893)
Dividends paid (1,544) (2,332) (3,023)
Proceeds from long-term debt 3,575 32,433 20,000
Proceeds from short-term debt 24,025 32,190 28,890
Purchase of common stock - - (2,173)
Proceeds from exercise of stock
options and tax benefit of stock
option exercises 55 4,984 2,135
Other, net 205 - -
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash (used in) provided
by financing activities (1,563) 25,842 (6,290)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH
AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 5,740 (7,275) 1,330
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,
beginning of year 2,452 8,192 560
NET DECREASE IN CASH IN TRANSITION
PERIOD (Notes 1 and 12) - (357) -
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of year $ 8,192 $ 560 $ 1,890
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Interest paid, net of capitalized
interest $ 1,900 $ 2,400 $ 2,000
Income taxes paid $ 3,900 $ 9,400 $ 4,600
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands, except share data)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cumulative
Foreign
Capital in Currency
Preferred Common Excess of Retained Translation Treasury
Stock Stock Par Value Earnings Adjustments Stock
- ------------------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Balance at August 31, 1994 ............... $ -- $ 3,707 $ 10,949 $ 23,360 $ 8 $ --
Cash dividends, $0.045 per share ......... -- -- -- (1,544) -- --
Net income ............................... -- -- -- 10,935 -- --
Exercise of stock options and tax benefit
of stock option exercises ............. -- 1 55 -- -- --
Foreign currency translation adjustment .. -- -- -- -- 389 --
- ------------------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Balance at August 31, 1995 ............... -- 3,708 11,004 32,751 397 --
Cash dividends, $0.062 per share ......... -- -- -- (2,332) -- --
Net income ............................... -- -- -- 15,276 -- --
Exercise of stock options and tax benefit
of stock option exercises ............. -- 48 4,936 -- -- --
Series M Convertible preferred stock ..... 80 -- 4,806 -- -- --
issuance
Net loss applicable to transition
period of acquired companies (Notes 1 . -- -- -- (691) -- --
and 12)
Foreign currency translation adjustment .. -- -- -- -- (642) --
- ------------------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Balance at August 31, 1996 ............... 80 3,756 20,746 45,004 (245) --
Cash dividends, $0.078 per share ......... -- -- -- (3,023) -- --
Net income ............................... -- -- -- 6,913 -- --
Exercise of stock options and tax benefit
of stock option exercises ............. -- 16 2,119 -- -- --
Foreign currency translation adjustment .. -- -- -- -- (662) --
Purchase of common stock ................. -- -- -- -- -- (2,173)
- ------------------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Balance at August 31, 1997 ............... $ 80 $ 3,772 $ 22,865 $ 48,894 $ (907) $ (2,173)
- ------------------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Nature of Operations
Delta and Pine Land Company and subsidiaries (the "Company") breed, produce,
condition and market cotton and soybean planting seed. In connection with its
seed operations, the Company farms approximately 2,600 acres, largely for the
production of cotton and soybean foundation seed.
The Company has annual agreements with various growers to produce seed for
cotton and soybeans. The growers plant seed purchased from the Company 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 quality standards upon harvest, the
Company may be obligated to purchase specified minimum quantities of seed at
prices equal to the commodity market price of the seed, plus a grower premium.
The Company then conditions the seed for sale as planting seed.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying financial statements include the accounts of Delta and Pine
Land Company and its subsidiaries. The reported results for 1995, 1996 and 1997
include the results of operations of Arizona Processing, Inc., Ellis Brothers
Seed, Inc. and Mississippi Seed, Inc., which own Sure Grow Seed, Inc. (the "Sure
Grow Companies" or "Sure Grow"), with which the Company merged in May 1996 in a
pooling-of-interests transaction. The acquired companies were on a fiscal year
ending June 30. As of August 31, 1996, the fiscal year end of the acquired
companies was changed to August 31. The net loss in the two-month transition
period from July 1, 1996 to August 31, 1996 is shown as a single line in the
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity.
Significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in
consolidation.
In connection with the 1996 acquisitions of the Sure Grow Companies and Hartz
Cotton, Inc., (See Note 12), the Company recorded charges anticipated to be
nonrecurring of approximately $1.4 million and $1.7 million for transaction
costs in 1996 and 1997, respectively. These costs primarily include professional
fees (including costs related to the U.S. Department of Justice review of the
Sure Grow acquisition) and are included in "Special Charges and Unusual Charges
Related to Acquisitions" in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.
In 1997, D&PL announced a production and cost optimization program aimed to
improve plant operating efficiencies. The Company recorded a $19.0 million
charge in its fourth quarter for the estimated costs associated with this plan,
of which $11.5 million is recorded as component of cost of sales and $7.5
million is included in special charges and unusual charges related to
acquisitions. This special charge includes costs associated with the idling of
three plants, the write down of fixed assets, plant consolidation costs and
costs associated with the phase out of certain products.
Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents include overnight repurchase agreements and other short-term
investments having an original maturity of less than three months.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization
are provided for financial reporting purposes using the straight-line method
over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Accelerated methods are used for
income tax purposes. The estimated useful lives of the various classes of
property, in years, are as follows:
Land improvements 5-20
Buildings and improvements 10-35
Machinery and equipment 3-15
Germplasm, breeder and
foundation seed 10-40
The germplasm, breeder and foundation seed was purchased as part of the
Paymaster and Hartz acquisitions and includes amounts for specifically
identified varieties and for breeding stocks. The amounts associated with
specific varieties are amortized over the expected commercial life of those
varieties. Breeding stocks are amortized over 40 years.
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 are being amortized using the
straight-line method over 40 years. Organization costs for foreign ventures are
amortized over five years.
Foreign Currency Translation
Financial statements of foreign operations where the local currency is the
functional currency are translated using exchange rates in effect at period end
for assets and liabilities and average exchange rates during the period for
results of operations. Financial statements of foreign entities in
highly-inflationary economies are translated as though the functional currency
is United States currency. Translation adjustments are reported as a separate
component of stockholders' equity.
Gains and losses from foreign transactions are included in earnings.
Income Taxes
The Company uses the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this
method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences
between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are
measured using enacted tax rates and laws.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The fair value of the Company's financial instruments at August 31, 1997
approximates their carrying value.
Revenue Recognition
Domestic revenues from the sale of planting seed, less estimated reserves for
returns, are recognized when the seed is shipped. International revenues are
recognized upon the later of either when the seed is shipped or when letters of
credit are cleared. Revenues from farm operations are recognized at the time
crops are harvested and sold. Costs incurred in producing crops are included as
inventory until these two events occur. Revenues from commercialization
agreements and royalties are recognized when earned and are included in net
sales and licensing fees. Revenues from Bollgard and Roundup Ready licensing
fees (net of estimated distributor and dealer commissions) are recognized based
on the number of acres estimated to be planted with such seed when the seed is
shipped and are recorded as sales. Royalties due to licensors of technology are
recorded as cost of sales.
Research and Development
All research and development costs incurred to breed and produce experimental
seed are expensed. Costs incurred to produce sufficient quantities of planting
seed needed for commercialization are carried as inventory until such seed is
sold. Cotton lint and other by-products of seed production are also carried as
inventory until sold.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company uses futures and option contracts for its soybean hedging program to
effectively fix the cost of its soybeans. These contracts are accounted for on a
settlement basis, with the net amounts paid or received under such contracts
included in the cost of soybeans. Open futures contracts and the underlying
soybean inventory are marked to market. The Company does not terminate contracts
prior to their expiration. The amount of deferred losses associated with the
soybean hedging program at August 31, 1997 was not material. The Company does
not speculate in derivatives.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions
that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications
Certain 1995 and 1996 balances have been reclassified to conform to the 1997
presentation.
Implementation of Financial Accounting Standards
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 128, "Earnings per
Share", was issued effective for both interim and annual periods ending after
December 15, 1997. This statement requires, among other things, the presentation
of basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share. Earlier adoption is
prohibited. Basic earnings per share excludes dilution and is computed by
dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number
of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects
the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to
issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in
the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the entity.
Diluted earnings per share is computed similarly to fully diluted earnings per
share. The proforma effects of this accounting change for the years ended August
31, were as follows:
Per share amounts 1995 1996 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Primary EPS as reported $ 0.29 $ 0.39 $ 0.18
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basic EPS $ 0.29 $ 0.40 $ 0.18
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fully diluted EPS as reported $ 0.29 $ 0.39 $ 0.17
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diluted EPS $ 0.29 $ 0.39 $ 0.17
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income", establishes new standards for
reporting comprehensive income and its components (revenues, expenses, gains and
losses) in financial statements. This statement is effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 1997. The Company does not expect the adoption of
SFAS No. 130 to have a material effect on its financial statements.
2. INVENTORIES
Inventories at August 31, consisted of the following:
1996 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Finished goods $28,634,000 $ 28,114,000
Raw materials 13,367,000 16,121,000
Growing crops 579,000 300,000
Supplies 814,000 876,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
43,394,000 45,411,000
Less reserves (1,934,000) (2,525,000)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$41,460,000 $ 42,886,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Substantially all finished goods and raw material inventory is valued at the
lower of average cost or market. Growing crops and supplies are recorded at
cost.
3. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment at August 31, consisted of the following:
1996 1997
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Land and improvements $ 3,881,000 $ 4,360,000
Buildings and improvements 24,877,000 32,425,000
Machinery and equipment 31,409,000 32,734,000
Germplasm, breeder and foundation seed 9,500,000 9,500,000
Construction in progress 5,840,000 8,276,000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
75,507,000 87,295,000
Less accumulated depreciation (20,449,000) (24,273,000)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 55,058,000 $ 63,022,000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The special charge described in Note 1 includes a pre-tax charge of $3,500,000
to record asset impairments in conjunction with the optimization program. Such
amounts are reflected in the above table.
4. NOTES PAYABLE AND LONG-TERM DEBT
The Company has available from a financial institution a core commitment of $50
million and a seasonal commitment of $25 million. The core commitment is a
long-term loan that may be borrowed upon at any time and is due January 1, 2000.
The seasonal commitment is a working capital loan that may be drawn upon from
September 1 through June 30 of each fiscal year and expires January 1, 2000.
Each commitment offers variable and fixed interest rate options and requires the
Company to pay facility or commitment fees and to comply with certain financial
covenants. The interest rate charged for each loan is based on LIBOR plus 45 to
70 basis points depending on the achievement of certain financial ratios. The
combined average interest rate was 6.5% and 6.1% during 1996 and 1997,
respectively.
The financial covenants require the Company to: (a) maintain minimum tangible
net worth in an amount not less than $20.0 million increased by 50% of net
income each fiscal year ($31,095,000 at August 31, 1997); (b) not allow the
ratio of total liabilities to tangible net worth as defined to exceed 2.25 to 1;
and (c) maintain a cash flow coverage ratio of at least 2 to 1. At August 31,
1997, the Company's ratio of total liabilities to tangible net worth was 2.4 to
1.0, which exceeds the permitted ratio. The lender has waived compliance with
this covenant.
5. ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accrued expenses at August 31, consisted of the following:
1996 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales returns and allowances $ 5,650,000 $ 6,268,000
Payroll 2,004,000 2,484,000
Bollgard and Roundup Ready
royalties due Monsanto 43,403,000 71,619,000
Special charges related to optimization program - 5,122,000
Other accrued expenses 4,022,000 5,703,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$55,079,000 $ 91,196,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accrued special charges related to the optimization program include costs
associated with the idling of three plants, plant consolidation costs and costs
associated with certain terminated contracts.
6. INCOME TAXES
The provisions for income taxes for the years ended August 31, consisted of the
following:
1995 1996 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current-
Federal $5,734,000 $7,520,000 $2,622,000
State 889,000 1,153,000 65,000
Deferred 103,000 (220,000) 79,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$6,726,000 $8,453,000 $2,766,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The differences between the statutory Federal income tax rate and the effective
rate are as follows:
1995 1996 1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statutory rate 34.4% 35.0% 35.0%
Increases (decreases) in tax resulting from:
State taxes, net of federal tax benefit 3.1 3.1 2.0
Research and development tax credits (.5) - (3.4)
Tax effects resulting from acquisitions
and foreign activities - - (2.2)
Other 1.1 (2.5) (2.8)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Effective rate 38.1% 35.6% 28.6%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The components of deferred income taxes at August 31, are as follows:
Deferred tax assets:
1996 1997
--------------- ---------
Inventory $ 1,293,000 $1,818,000
Charitable contributions 769,000 403,000
Self-insurance and other reserves 324,000 550,000
Other 404,000 298,000
------------ ------------
2,790,000 3,069,000
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred inventory - (393,000)
Property (2,679,000) (2,407,000)
Intangibles (429,000) (590,000)
Other (663,000) (648,000)
------------- ------------
(3,771,000) (4,038,000)
Net deferred income taxes $ (981,000) $ (969,000)
============ ============
7. LEASES
The Company leases real estate and machinery and equipment used in its
operations. Substantially all rent expense is recorded as cost of sales. The
Company has no capital leases. Future minimum rental payments after 1997 under
operating leases with initial or remaining noncancellable terms in excess of one
year are as follows:
1998 $ 131,000
1999 128,000
2000 95,000
2001 60,000
2002 12,000
Rent expense including land rent approximated $1,288,000, $1,382,000 and
$2,265,000 in 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
8. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Defined Benefit Plan -
Substantially all full-time employees are covered by a noncontributory defined
benefit plan (the "Plan"). Benefits are paid to employees, or their
beneficiaries, upon retirement, death or disability based on their final average
compensation over the highest consecutive five years. Plan assets consist
primarily of U.S. government securities and common stock and are managed by an
independent portfolio manager. The Company's funding policy is to make
contributions to the Plan that are at least equal to the minimum amounts
required to be funded in accordance with the provisions of ERISA.
Effective January 15, 1992, the Company adopted a Supplemental Executive
Retirement Plan (the "SERP"), which will pay supplemental pension benefits to
certain employees whose benefits from the Plan were decreased as a result of
certain changes made to the Plan. The benefits from the SERP will be paid in
addition to any benefits the participants may receive under the Plan and will be
paid from Company assets, not Plan assets. The annual cost of the SERP for 1995
and 1996 approximated $100,000 while the cost for 1997 approximated $60,000. In
May 1995, the Company funded $250,000 to an irrevocable trust established to
make payments to the SERP participants. The SERP's unfunded accumulated benefit
obligation at June 30, 1996 and 1997 was $216,000 and $277,000, respectively.
The measurement of Plan and SERP assets and obligations was performed as of June
30. The following sets forth the Plan's and SERP's funded status and amounts
recognized in the Company's financial statements as of August 31:
1996 1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Actuarial present value of accumulated benefit obligation,
including vested benefits of $5,714,000 in 1996 and
$6,457,000 in 1997 $5,847,000 $6,643,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Plan assets at fair value $7,237,000 $8,342,000
Projected benefit obligations for service rendered to date (6,239,000) (7,257,000)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Plan assets in excess of projected benefit obligation 998,000 1,085,000
Unrecognized prior service cost 65,000 62,000
Unrecognized net gain (900,000) (1,174,000)
Unrecognized net obligation 673,000 554,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prepaid pension expense $ 836,000 $ 527,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net periodic pension expense and Company contributions for the years ended
August 31, were as follows:
1995 1996 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Service cost $ 425,000 $ 462,000 $ 380,000
Interest cost on projected benefit
obligation 362,000 401,000 459,000
Actual return on assets (1,035,000) (1,064,000) (1,471,000)
Amortization of transitional obligation 119,000 119,000 119,000
Net unrecognized loss and amortization 566,000 511,000 822,000
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net periodic pension expense $ 437,000 $ 429,000 $ 309,000
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Company contributions $ 250,000 $ - $ -
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The actuarial present value of the projected benefit obligation of the Plan and
the SERP was determined using a discount rate of 7.5% in 1996 and 1997, with
assumed salary increases of 4% in 1996 and 1997. The expected long-term rate of
return on assets was 9% in both 1996 and 1997. Prior service cost is amortized
over 15 years.
Defined Contribution Plan -
D&PL sponsors a defined contribution plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal
Revenue Code which covers substantially all full-time employees of the Company.
The Company, at its option, may elect to make matching contributions to the
Plan. No matching contributions were made in 1995, 1996 or 1997.
9. MAJOR CUSTOMERS, EXPORT SALES AND FOREIGN OPERATIONS
In fiscal 1995, 1996, and 1997 seed sales to each of three customers and the
related licensing fees ultimately billed to the farmers by these customers for
transgenic products comprised more than 10% of total sales and licensing fees.
The approximate amount of annual sales including technology fees to each of the
customers were as follows:
Customer 1995 1996 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A $14,700,000 $22,400,000 $27,100,000
B 10,500,000 16,200,000 26,200,000
C 13,900,000 27,900,000 31,800,000
International sales (including export sales) approximated
$7,100,000, $12,600,000 and $14,900,000 in 1995, 1996 and 1997,
respectively.
10. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
A partner of a law firm that represents the Company is also a stockholder and
serves as corporate secretary. The Company paid legal fees to that firm of
approximately $300,000, $575,000 and $645,000 in 1995, 1996 and 1997,
respectively.
During 1995, 1996 and 1997, a director of the Company provided consulting
services associated with the development and negotiation on behalf of the
Company of certain international joint ventures. Such fees approximated $10,000,
$6,000 and $17,000 in 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively. The Company paid
approximately $230,000 in 1996 and $350,000 in 1997 for certain research
projects conducted by the Institute of Molecular Agrobiology ("IMA"), an
affiliate of IMAGEN Holdings Pte.
Ltd. A director of the Company is also a director of IMA.
11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Between August 1997 and October 1997, numerous farmers filed arbitration claims
against the Company and Monsanto Company ("Monsanto") with state agencies,
primarily Mississippi. The complainants allege that Roundup Ready seed marketed
by the Company failed to perform as anticipated resulting in deformed or missing
bolls and some further assert substantial yield losses in their 1997 crops. The
Company and Monsanto are presently investigating these claims to determine the
cause or causes of the problems alleged. Pursuant to the terms of the Roundup
Ready Gene License and Seed Services Agreement (the "Roundup Agreement") between
D&PL and Monsanto, Monsanto has assumed responsibility for the defense of these
claims. Pursuant to the Roundup Agreement, Monsanto is contractually obligated
to defend and indemnify the Company against all claims arising out of failure of
the Roundup Ready glyphosate tolerance gene. D&PL will not have a right to
indemnification from Monsanto, however, for any claims involving defective
varietal characteristics separate from or in addition to failure of the
herbicide-tolerance gene. D&PL believes that these claims will be resolved
without any material impact on the Company's financial statements.
The Company, Monsanto and other third parties were named as defendants in a
lawsuit filed in the District Court of Falls County, Texas, in August 1996.
Another lawsuit was filed in October 1996, in the District Court for
Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana. A second Texas lawsuit brought in 1996 was
settled in 1997 with no material impact on the Company or its financial
statements. In the two remaining cases, the plaintiffs allege, among other
things, that D&PL's NuCOTN varieties, which contain Monsanto's Bollgard(TM)
gene, did not perform as these farmers had anticipated and, in particular, did
not fully protect their cotton crops from certain lepidopteran insects. Pursuant
to the terms of the Bollgard Gene License and Seed Services Agreement (the
"Bollgard Agreement") between D&PL and Monsanto, Monsanto has assumed
responsibility for the defense of these claims. Some of these claims for failure
of the Bollgard gene are subject to a duty of defense by Monsanto and prorata
indemnification under the Bollgard Agreement. Under the applicable indemnity
provisions of the Bollgard Agreement, defense costs and liability to the
plaintiffs on any failure of the technology would be apportioned 71% to Monsanto
and 29% to D&PL. Some of the claims in this litigation concern failure of
Monsanto's express warranties relating to insect resistance and those claims may
not be within the scope of D&PL's indemnity obligation to Monsanto. On the other
hand, some of the claims made in the litigation concern the quality of seed and
seed coat treatments, or other varietal aspects of NuCOTN, not involving failure
of performance of the Bollgard gene or express representations with respect
thereto and, therefore, may not be within the scope of Monsanto's indemnity
obligation to D&PL. D&PL intends to cooperate with Monsanto in its anticipated
vigorous defense of these suits. D&PL believes that these suits will be resolved
without any material impact on the Company's financial statements.
In October 1996, Mycogen Plant Science, Inc. ("Mycogen") and Agrigenetics, Inc.
filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Delaware naming D&PL, Monsanto and
DeKalb Genetics as defendants alleging that two of Mycogen's recently issued
patents have been infringed by the defendants by making, selling, and licensing
seed that contains the Bollgard gene. The suit seeks injunctions against alleged
infringement, compensatory damages, treble damages and attorney's fees and court
costs. Pursuant to the terms of the Bollgard Agreement, Monsanto is required to
defend D&PL against patent infringement claims and indemnify D&PL against
damages from any patent infringement claims and certain other losses and costs.
Due to Monsanto's obligation to indemnify D&PL, the Company believes that the
resolution of this matter will not have a material impact on the Company or its
financial statements.
A corporation owned by the son of the Company's former Guatemalan distributor
sued in 1989 asserting that the Company 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 $900,000 at current exchange rates) and an injunction
preventing the Company 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 material impact on the Company or its
financial statements. The Company continues to offer seed for sale in Guatemala.
The Company is involved in various other claims arising in the normal course of
business. Management believes such matters will be resolved without any material
effect on the Company's financial position or its results of operations.
On July 18, 1996, the United States Department of Justice, Antitrust Division
("USDOJ"), served a Civil Investigative Demand ("CID") on D&PL seeking
information and documents in connection with its investigation of the
acquisition by D&PL of the stock of Arizona Processing, Inc., Ellis Brothers
Seed, Inc. and Mississippi Seed, Inc. (which own the outstanding common stock of
Sure Grow Seed, Inc). The CID states that the USDOJ is investigating whether
these transactions may have violated the provisions of Section 7 of the Clayton
Act, 15 USC ss. 18. D&PL has responded to the CID, employees have been examined
by the USDOJ, and D&PL is committed to full cooperation with the USDOJ. At the
present time, the ultimate outcome of the investigation cannot be predicted.
12. MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS
In February 1996 the Company acquired Hartz Cotton, Inc. from Monsanto Company,
which included cotton planting seed inventories, germplasm, breeding stocks,
trademarks, trade names and other assets, for approximately $6.0 million. The
consideration consisted primarily of 800,000 shares of the Company's Series M
Convertible Non-Voting Preferred Stock. Pro forma financial data is not
presented because the impact of this acquisition (accounted for as a purchase)
was not material to the Company's results of operations for any period
presented. The acquisition also included contingent consideration in the form of
rights to receive 266,667 shares of the Company's Series M Convertible
Non-Voting Preferred Stock once certain unit sales levels of Hartz cotton seed
are achieved. In addition, Monsanto also has the right to receive shares of D&PL
common stock in fiscal 2000 based on the gross profits earned from September 1,
1996 through August 31, 1999 on the sale of varieties developed from the
germplasm acquired.
The Company merged with the Sure Grow Companies in May 1996 in a
pooling-of-interests transaction valued at approximately $70.0 million. D&PL
exchanged approximately 2.8 million shares of its common stock, which were
subsequently registered in December 1996, for all outstanding shares of the Sure
Grow Companies. The acquired companies were on a fiscal year ending June 30. As
of August 31, 1996, the fiscal year ends of the acquired companies were changed
to August 31. The following summarizes income statement data of the Sure Grow
Companies for the period beginning July 1, 1996 and ending August 31, 1996:
Sales $ 574,000
Cost of sales (1,043,000)
Operating expenses (207,000)
Other (15,000)
--------------
Net loss $ (691,000)
============
The combined net loss of $(691,000) in the transition period is included as a
separate item in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Stockholders'
Equity. The net change in cash during the transition period was a decrease of
$357,000 and this amount is included as a single item in the accompanying
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
13. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred Stock
The Board of Directors of the Company is authorized, subject to certain
limitations prescribed by law, without further stockholder approval, to issue up
to an aggregate of 2,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, in one or more series,
and to determine or alter the designations, preferences, rights and any
qualifications, limitations or restrictions on the shares of each such series
thereof, including dividend rights, dividend rates, conversion rights, voting
rights, terms of redemption (including sinking fund provisions), redemption
price or prices, liquidation preferences and the number of shares constituting
any series or designations of such series.
In August 1996, the Board of Directors adopted a Stockholder Rights Plan and
declared a dividend of one preferred stock purchase right ("right") for each
outstanding share of the Company's Common Stock. Similar rights have been, and
generally will be, issued in respect of Common Stock subsequently issued. Each
right becomes exercisable, upon the occurrence of certain events, for one
one-hundredth of a share of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, $0.10
par value, at a purchase price of $175 per one one-hundredth of a Preferred
Share, subject to adjustment. In the event that the Company is acquired in a
merger or other business combination transaction not approved by the Board of
Directors, each holder of a right shall have the right to receive that number of
shares of common stock of the surviving company which would have a market value
of two times the exercise price of the right. Under the Stockholder Rights Plan,
429,319 shares of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock have been
reserved. The rights currently are not exercisable and will be exercisable only
if a person or group acquires beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the
Company's outstanding shares of Common Stock. The rights, which expire on August
30, 2006, are redeemable in whole, but not in part, at the Company's option at
any time for a price of $0.01 per right.
The Company issued 800,000 shares (after effect of stock splits) of Series M
Convertible Non-voting Preferred Stock in February 1996, as consideration for
the purchase of Hartz Cotton, Inc. from Monsanto. The holders of Series M
Preferred Stock are entitled to receive dividends at the same rate per share as
is paid from time to time on each share of the Common Stock of the Company, and
no more, when and as declared by the Board of Directors. In the event of any
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, either voluntary or
involuntary, the holders of Series M Preferred Stock shall be entitled to
receive, prior to and in preference to any distribution to holders of Common
Stock or any other class of security of the Company, $13.936 per share of Series
M Preferred Stock. The Series M Preferred Stock is convertible beginning upon
the seventh anniversary of the date on which the Series M Preferred Stock was
issued or the occurrence of other specified events, whichever occurs first.
Stock Option Plans
In April, 1993, the Board of Directors and stockholders approved the 1993 Stock
Option Plan. Options to purchase up to 2,560,000 shares (after effect of stock
splits through November 1997) of Common Stock were authorized at an option price
not less than the market price on the date of grant.
On October 17, 1995, the Company's Board of Directors adopted the 1995 Long-Term
Incentive Plan (the "Incentive Plan") pursuant to which stock options, stock
appreciation rights, restricted shares of Common Stock and performance units may
be awarded to officers, key employees and directors. Under the Incentive Plan,
2,560,000 shares (after effect of stock splits through November 1997) of Common
Stock of the Company are available for grant. Shares subject to options and
awards which expire unexercised are available for new option grants and awards.
The Company's stockholders ratified the adoption of the Incentive Plan at the
1996 annual meeting. Future members of the Board of Directors receive automatic
grants of 62,223 shares upon being named to the Board. On February 27, 1997,
stockholders amended this plan to provide additional one time grants of 8,444
shares in February 1997 and 2,667 each year thereafter for the next five years
to directors of the Company. Such options are exercisable ratably over five
years commencing after one year from the date of grant.
Stock Options Number of Shares Price Range
- ------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------- --------------- ----------------
Outstanding at August 31, 1993 - -
Granted 2,053,333(a) $ 4.67 - $ 4.96
Exercised - -
Lapsed or canceled - -
- ------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------- --------------- ----------------
Outstanding at August 31, 1994 2,053,333 $ 4.67 - $ 4.96
Granted - -
Exercised (11,733) $ 4.67 - $ 4.96
Lapsed or canceled - -
- ------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------- --------------- ----------------
Outstanding at August 31, 1995 2,041,600 $ 4.67 - $ 4.96
Granted 759,999 $ 10.69 - $ 15.70
Exercised (487,733) $ 4.67 - $ 4.96
Lapsed or canceled (36,623) $ 4.67 - $ 10.69
- ------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------- --------------- ----------------
Outstanding at August 31, 1996 2,277,243 $ 4.67 - $ 15.70
Granted 1,412,217 $ 15.61 - $ 28.90
Exercised (160,548) $ 4.67 - $ 15.70
Lapsed or canceled (72,533) $ 4.67 - $ 22.36
- ------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------- --------------- ----------------
Outstanding at August 31, 1997 3,456,379 $ 4.67 - $ 28.90
- ------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------- --------------- ----------------
(a) Includes options for 320,000 shares (after effect of stock splits) granted
to the members of the Board of Directors in June 1994 which were subject to
final stockholder approval at the 1995 Annual Meeting. Prior to such grant,
holders of a majority of shares approved an Amendment to the 1993 Stock Option
Plan that provided for an automatic grant of options for 53,333 shares (after
effect of stock splits) to each current and all future members of the Board of
Directors. This Amendment was formally approved at the 1995 annual stockholders
meeting.
During fiscal 1997, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation", which requires companies to estimate the fair value
of stock options on date of grant. This pronouncement requires the Company to
record the estimated fair value of stock options issued as compensation expense
in its income statements over the related service periods or, alternatively,
continue to apply accounting methodologies as prescribed by Accounting
Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees," and disclose the pro forma effects of the estimated fair value of
stock options issued in the accompanying footnotes to its financial statements.
In adopting this pronouncement, the Company elected to continue to follow the
accounting methodologies as prescribed by APB Opinion No. 25. The determination
of fair value is only required for stock options issued beginning in fiscal
1996. The weighted average fair values of options granted in fiscal 1996 and
1997 were $5.02 and $11.08 per share, respectively.
The proforma effects of the total compensation expense that would have been
recognized under SFAS No. 123 are as follows:
August 31
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 1996 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income, as reported $ 15,237 $ 6,850
Proforma net income $ 14,857 $ 4,792
Primary earnings per share, as reported $ 0.39 $ 0.18
Proforma earnings per share $ 0.38 $ 0.12
In adopting SFAS No. 123, the Company utilized the Black-Scholes Option Pricing
Model to estimate the fair value of stock options granted using the following
assumptions:
1996 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expected dividend yield 3% 3%
Expected option lives 5 years 5 years
Expected volatility 33.88% to 47.23% 47.00% to 48.70%
Risk-free interest rates 5.66% to 6.51% 6.15% to 6.90%
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at
August 31, 1997:
Weighted Average Weighted Average
Exercise Price Range Options Outstanding Remaining Contractual Life Exercise Price
- ------------------------- ---------------------- ------------------------------ ---------------------
$10.69 - $15.79 706,937 8.2 $12.47
$15.89 - $23.06 1,202,663 9.2 $21.44
$26.37 - $28.92 114,888 9.8 $27.94
Common Stock
In October 1995, the Board of Directors authorized a 4 for 3 stock split for
common shares outstanding effected in the form of a dividend, with no change in
the par value per share, distributed on December 15, 1995 to the stockholders of
record on December 1, 1995. In March 1996, the Board of Directors authorized a 3
for 2 stock split for common and preferred shares outstanding effected in the
form of a dividend, with no change in par value per share, distributed on April
15, 1996 to stockholders of record on March 29, 1996. In February 1997, the
Board of Directors authorized a 4 for 3 stock split for common and preferred
shares outstanding effected in the form of a dividend, with no change in par
value per share, distributed on April 11, 1997 to stockholders of record on
March 31, 1997. In October 1997, the Board of Directors authorized a 4 for 3
stock split for common and preferred shares outstanding effected in the form of
a dividend, with no change in the par value per share, distributed on November
20, 1997 to the stockholders of record on November 10, 1997. All stock splits
described above have been reflected in the accompanying financial statements.
Treasury Stock
In April 1997, the Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase plan of up
to 10% of the Company's outstanding common stock. At August 31, 1997, the
Company had purchased 114,267 shares with an aggregate purchase price of
$2,173,000.
14. UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA
All of the Company's domestic seed products are subject to return or credits,
which vary from year to year. The annual level of returns and ultimately net
sales and net income are influenced by various factors, principally weather
conditions occurring in the spring planting season (spanning the Company's third
and fourth fiscal quarters). The Company provides for estimated returns as sales
are made. To the extent actual returns and actual acreage planted with seed
containing the Bollgard and Roundup Ready genes differ from estimates,
adjustments to the Company's operating results are recorded when such
differences become known. All significant returns occur or are accounted for by
fiscal year end. Generally, international sales are not subject to return.
Substantially all Company sales are concentrated in the second and third fiscal
quarters. As a result, the Company generally incurs losses in the first and
fourth quarters. Management believes that such seasonality is common throughout
the seed industry.
Summarized unaudited quarterly financial data is as follows:
(In thousands, except per share data)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal 1995: Three months ended
November 30 February 28 May 31 August 31
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net sales and licensing fees $ 2,295 $ 46,049 $ 49,189 $ 1,417
Gross profit 544 20,249 22,182 29
Net income (loss) (3,370) 8,418 9,278 (3,391)
Net income (loss) per share-primary(1) (0.09) 0.23 0.25 (0.09)
Weighted average number of shares
used in quarterly per share
calculations-primary(2) 37,065 37,065 37,596 37,073
Net income (loss) per share-fully
diluted(1) (0.09) 0.23 0.25 (0.09)
Weighted average number of shares used in
quarterly per share
calculations-fully diluted(2) 37,065 37,065 37,743 37,073
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal 1996: Three months ended
November 30 February 29 May 31 August 31
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net sales and licensing fees $ 5,326 $ 63,404 $ 82,650 $ 1,891
Gross profit 298 24,868 29,735 893
Net income (loss) applicable to
common shares (3,740) 10,404 13,353 (4,780)
Net income (loss) per share-primary(1) (0.10) 0.27 0.34 (0.13)
Weighted average number of shares
used in quarterly per share
calculations -primary(2) 37,087 38,571 39,104 37,455
Net income (loss) per
share-fully diluted(1) (0.10) 0.27 0.33 (0.13)
Weighted average number of shares used
in quarterly per share
calculations-fully diluted(2) 37,087 39,111 40,081 37,455
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal 1997: Three months ended
November 30 February 28 May 31 August 31
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net sales and licensing fees(3) $ 6,317 $ 66,425 $ 116,425 $ (5,918)
Gross profit(4) 1,188 25,325 42,721 (13,774)
Net income (loss) applicable to
common shares(4) (4,381) 9,299 20,544 (18,612)
Net income (loss) per share-primary(1)(4) (0.12) 0.24 0.53 (0.50)
Weighted average number of shares used
in quarterly per share
calculations -primary(2) 37,573 38,949 38,815 37,573
Net income (loss) per share-fully
diluted(1) (0.12) 0.23 0.51 (0.50)
Weighted average number of shares used
in quarterly per share
calculations-fully diluted(2) 37,573 39,828 39,989 37,573
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1)The sum of the quarterly net income (loss) per share amounts may
not equal the annual amount reported since per share amounts are
computed independently for each quarter, whereas annual earnings per
share are based on the annual weighted average shares deemed
outstanding during the year.
(2)After adjustment for 4 for 3 stock split effected in April 1997
and 4 for 3 stock split effected in November 1997.
(3)Seed returns were higher in the fourth quarter than the level of
returns anticipated at the end of the third quarter. A change in the
accounting estimate for these returns was recorded in the fourth
quarter. The new provision for returns was greater than the amount of
sales recorded in the fourth quarter, and as a result, reported net
sales in the fourth quarter were negative.
(4)The fourth quarter includes the effect of recording a $19.0 million
special charge of which $11.5 million is recorded as Cost of Sales and
$7.5 million is recorded in Operating Expenses related to the
production and cost optimization program.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING
AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Reference is made to registrant's definitive proxy statement to be filed with
the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14(a) not later than December 29, 1997;
the information responsive to the foregoing items 10 - 13 is incorporated herein
by reference.
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) 1. Financial Statements - the following consolidated financial
statements of Delta and Pine Land Company and subsidiaries are
submitted in response to Part II, Item 8:
Report of Independent Public Accountants
Consolidated Statements of Income - for each of the three
years in the period ended August 31, 1997
Consolidated Balance Sheets - August 31, 1996 and 1997
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - for each of the three
years in the period ended August 31, 1997
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - for each of
the three years in the period ended August 31, 1997
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(a) 2. Financial Statement Schedule - the following financial
statement schedule of Delta and Pine Land Company and
subsidiaries are submitted in response to Part IV, Item 14:
Report of Independent Public Accountants....................47
Schedule II - Consolidated Valuation and Qualifying Accounts....48
All other schedules have been omitted as not required, not
applicable or because all the data is included in the
financial statements.
(a) 3. Exhibits
The exhibits to the Annual Report of the Delta and Pine Land Company filed
herewith are listed on Page 49.
(b) 4. Reports on Form 8-K
No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the quarter ended August
31, 1997.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on November 24, 1997.
DELTA AND PINE LAND COMPANY
(Registrant)
/s/ Roger D. Malkin
By: Roger D. Malkin, Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, this
Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature Title Date
/s/ Roger D. Malkin Chairman of the Board November 24, 1997
Roger D. Malkin and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ W. Thomas Jagodinski Vice President-Finance and November 24, 1997
W. Thomas Jagodinski Treasurer (Principal Financial
and Accounting Officer)
/s/ Nam-Hai Chua Director November 17, 1997
Nam-Hai Chua
/s/ Jon E.M. Jacoby Director November 17, 1997
- ---- ---------------- -----------------
Jon E.M. Jacoby
/s/ Joseph M. Murphy Director November 18, 1997
- --------------------- -----------------
Joseph M. Murphy
/s/ Stanley P. Roth Director November 17, 1997
- --------------------- -----------------
Stanley P. Roth
/s/ Rudi E. Scheidt Director November 18, 1997
- -------------------- -----------------
Rudi E. Scheidt
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
TO DELTA AND PINE LAND COMPANY:
We have audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, the
financial statements of Delta and Pine Land Company included in this Form 10-K.
Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic
financial statements taken as a whole. The schedules listed in the Index of Part
IV, Item 14(a)2, are the responsibility of the Company's management and are
presented for purposes of complying with the Securities and Exchange
Commission's rules and are not part of the basic financial statements. The
schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of
the basic financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly states in all
material respects the financial data required to be set forth therein in
relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole.
Arthur Andersen LLP
Memphis, Tennessee,
October 24, 1997
SCHEDULE II
DELTA AND PINE LAND COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
ADDITIONS
Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E
(In thousands)
Balance at Charged to Charged Balance
Beginning of Costs and to Other at end of
Description Period Expenses Accounts Deductions Period
Fiscal year ended August 31, 1995
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 153 $ 66 $ - $ - (a) $ 219
Inventory valuation reserve $ 288 $ 2,643 (b) $ - $ (109) $ 2,822
Fiscal year ended August 31, 1996
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 219 $ 200 $ - $ (40) (a) $ 379
Inventory valuation reserve $ 2,822 $ 850 $ - $ (1,738) (c) $ 1,934
Fiscal year ended August 31, 1997
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 379 $ - $ - $ (98) (a) $ 281
Inventory valuation reserve $ 1,934 $ 3,829 (d) $ - $ (3,238) (e) $ 2,525
(a) Write off of uncollectible accounts, net of recoveries
(b) Primarily the result of the Company's sale of its corn and sorghum
operations
(c ) Primarily the disposal of excess corn and sorghum inventory
(d) Reserve of cotton seed as a result of production and cost optimization
program
(e) Disposal of corn and sorghum inventory ($1,409) and write off of cotton
seed inventory ($1,829)
INDEX
EXHIBITS TO ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997
DELTA AND PINE LAND COMPANY
Exhibits1 Description
3.01 Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant dated September 20, 1978,
as amended by Certificate of Amendment dated October 23, 1978,Certificate
of Ownership dated June 19, 1985, Certificate of Amendment dated
June 18, 1986, Certificate of Change of Address of Registered Agent dated
February 14, 1986 and Certificate of Change of Address of
Registered Agent dated October 27, 1989.
3.02 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant dated June 11,
1993.
3.03 Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Registrant dated April 26, 1993.
3.04 Certificate of Designation,Convertible Preferred Stock of Delta and Pine
Land Company.3
4.01 Specimen Certificate representing the Common Stock, par value $.10 per
share.
4.02 Letter from Registrant to John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company
regarding certain registration rights dated June 28, 1993.
4.03 Rights Agreement, dated as of August 13, 1996, between Delta and Pine
Land Company and Harris Trust and Savings Bank, including the form of
Right Certificate and related form of Election to Purchase as Exhibit A
and the Summary of Rights to Purchase Preferred Shares as Exhibit B.4
4.04 Certificate of Designations of the rights and privileges of the shares of
junior participating preferred stock created on August 13, 1996, to be
filed pursuant to Section 151 of the Delaware General Corporation Law.4
10.01 Lease dated March 25, 1995, between Registrant, as Lessee, and The
Prudential Insurance Company of America ("Prudential"), as Lessor
regarding approximately 2,500-acre farm, certain grain bins, and a
certain research facility in Scott, Mississippi.2
10.02 License Agreement dated February 1, 1990, between Registrant, as
Licensor, and Semillas Deltacol, Ltd., as Licensee, regarding operations
in Columbia.
10.03 License Agreement dated March 5, 1990, between Registrant, as Licensor
and Helena Chemical Company d/b/a HyPerformer Seed Company, as Licensee.
10.04 License Agreement dated March 16, 1992, between Registrant and
Monsanto Company, as amended by the Agreement on Modified Terms for
License Agreement Dated October 11, 1993 (confidential treatment has
been requested for portions of this exhibit pursuant to Rule 24b-2 under
the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934). 1,7
10.05 Incentive Bonus Program.1,5
10.06 Retirement Plan of the Company, dated January 2, 1992, Amendment No.1 to
the Plan dated April 30, 1992, Amendment No. 2 to the Plan dated
December 20,1992,and Amendment No.3 to the Plan dated October 6, 1994.1,2
10.07 Agreement between Educo, Inc. and Southwide dated June 1, 1975, relating
to employer-sponsored college scholarships and medical expense plan for
children of certain employees of Registrant.
10.08 Supplemental Executive Retirement plan dated May 22, 1992, and effective
January 1, 1992.1,5
10.09 Tax Sharing Agreement dated May 24, 1993, between Southwide and
Registrant.
10.10 1993 Stock Option Plan of Registrant, as adopted on June 11, 1993.1,5
10.11 Asset Purchase agreement between Delta and Pine Land Company and Cargill,
Inc.6
10.12 Herbicide-Tolerant Cotton License Agreement dated August 22,
1994, between the Company and E.I. Dupont De Nemours and Company
(confidential treatment has been requested for portions of this exhibit
pursuant to the Rule 24b-2 under the Securities and
Exchange Act of 1934).7
10.13 1994 Saving Plan of Registrant, as adopted on April 1, 1994, Amendment
No. 1 dated May 1, 1994.2,5
10.14 $50,000,000 Revolving Credit Agreement between Registrant and Nations
Bank dated November 15, 1995.2
10.15 Hartz Cotton Acquisition Agreement dated February 2, 1996 among Monsanto
Company ("Monsanto"), Hartz Cotton, Inc. ("Hartz CotDelta and Pine Land
Company (the "Company") and Paymaster Technology Corp.("PTC").3
10.16 Trademark License Agreement dated February 2, 1996 between Monsanto
and the Company.3
10.17 Registration Rights Agreement between the Company and Monsanto dated
February 2, 1996.3
10.18 Temporary Services Agreement dated February 2, 1996 between Monsanto, the
Company, and PTC. 3
10.19 Research Facility Lease with Option to Purchase dated February 2, 1996
between Monsanto and PTC.3
10.20 Greenhouse Lease dated February 2, 1996 between Monsanto and PTC. 3
10.21 Research Agreement dated February 2, 1996 between Monsanto and PTC.3
10.22 Partnership Agreement dated February 2, 1996 between the Company and
Monsanto.3
10.23 Marketing Services Agreement dated February 2, 1996 between the Company,
Monsanto and D&M Partners.3
10.24 Bollgard(TM)Gene License and Seed Services Agreement dated
February 2, 1996 between Monsanto, D&M Partners, and the Company.3
10.25 Roundup Ready(R) Gene License and Seed Services Agreement
dated February 2, 1996 between Monsanto, D&M Partners and the
Company.3
10.26 Option Agreement dated February 2, 1996 between Monsanto and
the Company.3,5
10.27 Agreement between the D&PL Companies and The Sure Grow Companies, Sure
Grow Shareholders and Sure Grow Principals dated May 20, 1996.8
10.28 Delta and Pine Land Company 1995 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as adopted on
February 6, 1996.5,9
11.01 Statement Re: Computation of Earnings per Share.10
21.01 Subsidiaries of the Registrant. 10
23.01 Consent of Independent Public Accountants10
27.01 Financial Data Schedule. 10
EXHIBIT 11.01
COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED
August 31, August 31, August 31,
1995 1996 1997
--------------- --------------- ---------------
PRIMARY EARNINGS PER SHARE:
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OF
COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING
DURING THE PERIOD 37,077 37,292 37,579
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES
ATTRIBUTED TO OPTIONS 463 1,300 1,317
--------------- --------------- ---------------
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES
OF COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING
DURING THE PERIOD FOR COMPUTATION
OF PRIMARY EARNINGS PER SHARE 37,540 38,592 38,896
=============== =============== ===============
FULLY DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE:
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES
OF COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING
DURING THE PERIOD 37,077 37,292 37,579
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES
ATTRIBUTED TO CONVERTIBLE
PREFERRED STOCK - 467 800
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES
ATTRIBUTED TO OPTIONS 512 1,505 1,484
--------------- --------------- ---------------
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES
OF COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING
DURING THE PERIOD FOR COMPUTATION
OF FULLY DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE 37,589 39,264 39,863
=============== =============== ===============
NET INCOME APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHARES $10,935 $15,237 $ 6,850
=============== =============== ===============
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE:
PRIMARY $ 0.29 $ 0.39 $ 0.18
=============== =============== ===============
FULLY DILUTED $ 0.29 $ 0.39 $ 0.17
=============== =============== ===============
EXHIBIT 21.01
SUBSIDIARIES OF REGISTRANT
SUBSIDIARY PLACE OF INCORPORATION
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATLED CORPORATION USA
D&M INTERNATIONAL LLC USA
D&M PARTNERS USA
D&PL ARGENTINA, INC. USA
D&PL CHINA, INC. USA
D&PL CHINA PTE, LTD. SINGAPORE
D&PL INVESTING CORP. USA
D&PL INVESTMENTS, INC. USA
D&PL MEXICO, INC. USA
DELTAPINE PARAGUAY, INC. USA
D&PL SOUTH AFRICA, INC. USA
D&PL INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGY CORP. USA
DELTA AND PINE LAND INTERNATIONAL, LTD. VIRGIN ISLANDS
DELTA PINE DE MEXICO, S.A. MEXICO
DELTAPINE AUSTRALIA PTY. LIMITED AUSTRALIA
GREENFIELD SEED COMPANY USA
HEBEI JI DAI COTTON SEED TECHNOLOGY COMPANY, LTD. USA
PAYMASTER TECHNOLOGY CORP. USA
TURK DELTAPINE, INC. USA
SURE GROW SEED, INC. USA
ELLIS BROTHERS SEED, INC. USA
ARIZONA PROCESSING, INC. USA
MISSISSIPPI SEED, INC. USA
EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our
report, dated October 24, 1997, included in this Form 10-K, into Delta and Pine
Land's previously filed Registration Statement File No. 333-21049.
Arthur Andersen LLP
Memphis, Tennessee,
November 24, 1997.
- --------
1 All incorporated by reference from Registration Statement on Form S-1, File
No. 33-61568, filed June 29, 1993, except as otherwise noted herein.
3 Incorporated by reference from Form 8-K filed February 19, 1996. 4
Incorporated by reference from Form 8-A filed September 3, 1996.
1 All incorporated by reference from Registration Statement on Form S-1, File
No. 33-61568. filed June 29, 1993, except as otherwise noted herein.
2 Incorporated by reference from Form 10-K filed November 22, 1995. 5 Represents
management contract or compensatory plan. 7 Incorporated by reference from Form
10-Q filed July 14, 1995.
2 Incorporated by reference from Form 10-K filed November 22, 1995. 3
Incorporated by reference from Form 8-K filed February 19, 1996. 5 Represents
management contract or compensatory plan. 6 Incorporated by reference from Form
8-K filed May 16, 1994. 7 Incorporated by reference from Form 10-Q filed July
14, 1995.
3 Incorporated by reference from Form 8-K filed February 19, 1996. 5 Represents
management contract or compensatory plan. 8 Incorporated by reference from Form
8-K filed June 4, 1996 9 Incorporated by reference from Form 10-K filed November
27, 1996.
10 Filed herewith.