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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

 

WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

_______________________________

 

FORM 10-Q

 

[X]  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2002

 

OR

 

[ ]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from________to________

 

Commission file number 0-25734; 1-13684

 

[f12310210q001.gif]

DIMON INCORPORATED

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

VIRGINIA

54-1746567

(State or other jurisdiction

(I.R.S. Employer

of incorporation or organization)

Identification No.)

   

512 Bridge Street, Danville, Virginia

24541

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code (434) 792-7511

 

Not Applicable

   (Former name, former address and former
fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

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 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 whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b –2 of the Exchange Act).

 

Yes [X]

No [ ]

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

Outstanding at

Class of Common Stock

February 4, 2003

NO par value

44,731,004

 
 

Table of Contents


Part I.

Financial Information

Item 1.

Consolidated Balance Sheet
Statement of Consolidated Income
Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Item 2.

Management's Discussion and Analysis

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures



Part II.

Other Information

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

Item 6.

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K


 
 

[f12310210q002.gif]

 
 

DIMON Incorporated and Subsidiaries

 

INDEX

 
 

Page No.

Part I. 

Financial Information

 
   
 

Item 1. 

Financial Statements

 
   
 

Consolidated Balance Sheet - December 31, 2002 and

 
 

June 30, 2002......…………………………………………………………………

3 - 4

   
 

Statement of Consolidated Income – Three Months and Six Months

 
 

Ended December 31, 2002 and 2001.........……………........................……

5

   
 

Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows – Six

 
 

Months Ended December 31, 2002 and 2001.........................……………

6

   
 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements………………….……………

 7 - 11

     
 

Item 2. 

Management's Discussion and Analysis

 
   

of Financial Condition and Results of Operations………………………..

12 - 15

       
 

Item 3. 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures

 
   

about Market Risk……………………………………………………………..…

15

       
 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures………………………………………………………..

15

   

Part II. 

Other Information

 
     
 

Item 1. 

Legal Proceedings…………………………………………………….…………

16

       
 

Item 6. 

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K………………………..……………….

17

 
 

-2-

 


 

Part I. Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements

 

DIMON Incorporated and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

 
   

December 31
2002       
(Unaudited)

 

June 30       
2002        

 

(in thousands)

 

______________________________________

ASSETS

         

Current assets

       

   Cash and cash equivalents…...........................................………….

$    53,211 

 

$    108,991 

 

   Notes receivable…......................................................……………..

4,925 

 

4,400 

 

   Trade receivables, net of allowances

145,438 

 

173,576 

 

   Inventories:

       

      Tobacco…..............................................................………………

480,474 

 

391,112 

 

      Other….................................................................……………….

14,524 

 

19,215 

 

   Advances on purchases of tobacco…................................………...

52,996 

 

67,769 

 

   Current deferred and recoverable income taxes….................……..

8,554 

 

9,736 

 

   Prepaid expenses and other assets….................................………..

17,621 

 

17,239 

 
 

____________________________________

 

         Total current assets…..........................................………………

777,743 

 

792,038 

 
 

____________________________________

 
     

Investments and other assets

       

   Equity in net assets of investee companies….......................………

693 

 

1,072 

 

   Other investments…....................................................…………….

2,977 

 

1,941 

 

   Notes receivable…......................................................…………….

2,661 

 

5,354 

 

   Other…....................................................................……………….

22,902 

 

24,566 

 
 

____________________________________

 
 

29,233 

 

32,933 

 
 

____________________________________

 
     

Intangible assets

       

   Goodwill…...................................…………………………………

151,772 

 

151,772 

 

   Production and supply contracts…...................................…………

9,823 

 

3,938 

 

   Pension asset…..........................................................……………...

1,664 

 

1,664 

 
 

____________________________________

 
 

163,259 

 

157,374 

 
 

____________________________________

 

Property, plant and equipment

       

   Land…....................................................................………………..

19,480 

 

18,676 

 

   Buildings…...............................................................………………

180,498 

 

178,987 

 

   Machinery and equipment…...........................................………….

207,607 

 

210,769 

 

   Allowances for depreciation…........................................………….

(156,220)

 

(151,148)

 
 

____________________________________

 
 

251,365 

 

257,284 

 
 

____________________________________

 
         

Deferred taxes and other deferred charges…..........................………

40,448 

 

37,461 

 
 

____________________________________

 
 

$1,262,048 

 

$1,277,090 

 
 

==================================== 

 
         
 
 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

 

-3-

 


 

Part I. Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements

 

DIMON Incorporated and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

 
   

December 31
2002       
(Unaudited)

 

June 30       
2002        

 

(in thousands)

 

______________________________________

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

       

Current liabilities

       

   Notes payable to banks…...............................................…………...

$    161,944 

 

$    181,629 

 

   Accounts payable:

       

      Trade….................................................................……………….

35,646 

 

55,277 

 

      Officers and employees…...........................................…………..

7,629 

 

13,553 

 

      Other….................................................................……………….

10,827 

 

7,964 

 

   Advances from customers…...........................................…………..

77,041 

 

67,616 

 

   Accrued expenses….....................................................…………….

20,243 

 

24,797 

 

   Income taxes…...........................................................……………..

10,633 

 

11,015 

 

   Long-term debt current…..............................................……………

2,013 

 

1,128 

 
 

____________________________________

 

         Total current liabilities…..........................................…………..

325,976 

 

362,979 

 
 

____________________________________

 

Long-term debt

       

   Revolving Credit Notes and Other….................................………...

12,626 

 

7,521 

 

   Convertible Subordinated Debentures….............................……….

73,328 

 

73,328 

 

   Senior Notes (Net of Fair Value Adjustment of

   $13,835 in FY 2003 and ($3,638) in FY 2002)...…………….……


338,835 

 


321,362 

 
 

____________________________________

 
 

424,789 

 

402,211 

 
 

____________________________________

 
     

Deferred credits:

       

   Income taxes…...........................................................……………...

8,941 

 

9,243 

 

   Compensation and other ………..........................………………….

59,397 

 

67,205 

 
 

____________________________________

 
 

68,338 

 

76,448 

 
 

____________________________________

 

Minority interest in subsidiaries….......................................…………

1,007 

 

789 

 
 

____________________________________

 
         

Commitments and contingencies…......................................………...

 

 
 

____________________________________

 
     

Stockholders' equity

Dec. 31  

 

June 30 

         

   Preferred Stock—no par value:

               

      Authorized shares….................……..

10,000  

 

10,000  

         

      Issued shares….......................………

 -  

 

 -  

 

 

-

 

   Common Stock—no par value:

               

      Authorized shares….................……..

125,000  

 

125,000  

         

      Issued shares….......................………

44,731  

 

44,640  

 

183,322 

 

182, 768 

 

   Retained earnings…..................................................………………

269,888 

 

264, 148 

 

   Accumulated other comprehensive income…....................……….

(11,272)

 

(12, 253)

 
 

____________________________________

 
 

441,938 

 

434,663 

 
 

____________________________________

 
 

$1,262,048 

 

$1,277,090 

 
 

==================================== 

 
 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

 

-4-


     
     
 

DIMON Incorporated and Subsidiaries

 
 

STATEMENT OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME

 
 

Three Months and Six Months Ended December 31, 2002 and 2001

 
 

(Unaudited)

 
     
     

Second Quarter          

 

First Six Months      

 
     

____________________________________________________

 
 

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

2003    

 

2002    

 

2003    

 

2002    

 
     

____________________________________________________

 
 

Sales and other operating revenues…………………………

 

$305,721 

 

$376,363 

 

$576,665 

 

$665,084 

 
 

Cost of goods and services sold…………………………….

 

261,549 

 

328,767 

 

476,907 

 

564,876 

 
     

____________________________________________________

 
 

Gross profit………………………………............................

 

44,172 

 

47,596 

 

99,758 

 

100,208 

 
 

Selling, administrative and general expenses……………….

 

25,128 

 

27,034 

 

51,019 

 

53,225 

 
     

____________________________________________________

 
 

Operating income………………………..................……….

 

19,044 

 

20,562 

 

48,739 

 

46,983 

 
 

Interest expense………………………………..................…

 

10,979 

 

12,400 

 

23,143 

 

23,729 

 
 

Current (recovery) charge derivative financial instruments...

 

(202)

 

(382) 

 

10,565 

 

9,220 

 
     

____________________________________________________

 
 

Income before income taxes and equity

                 
 

    in net loss of investee companies…………….…………..

 

8,267 

 

8,544 

 

15,031 

 

14,034 

 
 

Income tax expense………………………………………….

 

1,905 

 

2,311 

 

3,464 

 

3,770 

 
     

____________________________________________________

 
 

Income before equity in net

                 
 

    loss of investee companies……………………………….

 

6,362 

 

6,233 

 

11,567 

 

10,264 

 
 

Equity in net loss of investee

                 
 

    companies, net of income taxes………………………….

 

(90)

 

(32)

 

(237)

 

(145)

 
     

____________________________________________________

 
 

Net income……………………………….......……….…….

 

$    6,272 

 

$   6,201 

 

$  11,330 

 

$   10,119 

 
     

=====================================================

 
         
                     
 

Basic income per share …………………............………

 

$.14 

 

$.14 

 

$.25 

 

$.23 

 
     

=====================================================

 
                     
 

Diluted earnings per share …………….............…………

 

$.14 

*

$.14 

*

$.25 

*

$.22 

*

     

=====================================================

 
         
 

Average number of shares outstanding:

                 
 

    Basic………………………………...........................…..

 

44,531 

 

44,525 

 

44,528 

 

44,525 

 
 

    Diluted……………………………….........................….

 

45,055 

*

44,987 

*

45,031 

*

45,041 

*

     

=====================================================

 
                     
 

Cash dividends per share………………………………......

 

$.075  

 

$.05  

 

$.125 

 

$.10  

 
     

=====================================================

 
         
 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

     
         
 

*  Assumed conversion of Convertible Debentures at the beginning of the period has an antidilutive effect on earnings per share.

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 

-5-

 
     



 
 

DIMON Incorporated and Subsidiaries
STATEMENT OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS
Six Months Ended December 31, 2002 and 2001
(Unaudited)

 
 
     

December 31 
2002      

 

December 31 
2001      

 
 

(in thousands)

 

_____________________________________

 
 

Operating activities

         
 

   Net income …………......................................…………………………..

 

$   11,330 

 

$  10,119 

 
 

   Adjustments to reconcile net income

         
 

   to net cash used by operating activities:

         
 

      Depreciation and amortization…………………………...................…..

 

16,415 

 

20,636 

 
 

      Deferred items………………………...............................……………....

 

5,512 

 

(1,658)

 
 

      Loss on foreign currency transactions...............................………………

 

461 

 

4,548 

 
 

      Changes in operating assets and liabilities…………….….............…….

 

(54,414)

 

(10,963)

 
     

_____________________________________

 
 

      Net cash (used) provided by operating activities………………………

 

(20,696)

 

22,682 

 
     

_____________________________________

 
         
 

Investing activities

         
 

   Purchase of property and equipment…………………………..............….

 

(9,835)

 

(13,774)

 
 

   Proceeds from sale of property and equipment…………………………...

 

1,772 

 

3,128 

 
 

   Payments received on notes receivable and

         
 

      receivable from investees..................................................………………

 

2,315 

 

2,411 

 
 

   Receipts (payments) for other investments and other assets............………

 

(4,184)

 

1,469 

 
     

_____________________________________

 
 

   Net cash used by investing activities…….....................………………….

 

(9,932)

 

(6,766)

 
     

_____________________________________

 
         
 

Financing activities

         
 

   Net change in short-term borrowings…………………………...........…..

 

(22,300)

 

(28,338)

 
 

   Proceeds from long-term borrowings………………………….............…

 

3,693 

 

265,639 

 
 

   Repayment of long-term borrowings…………………………............…..

 

(579)

 

(182,762)

 
 

   Cash dividends paid to DIMON Incorporated stockholders…………...…

 

(5,591)

 

(4,464)

 
     

_____________________________________

 
 

   Net cash (used) provided by financing activities……..………….......….

 

(24,777)

 

50,075 

 
     

_____________________________________

 
         
 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash…………………………...........…

 

(375)

 

905 

 
     

_____________________________________

 
         
 

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents……………………………

 

(55,780)

 

66,896 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year……………………….……

 

108,991 

 

14,594 

 
     

_____________________________________

 
         
 

   Cash and cash equivalents at end of period………………………….......

 

$ 53,211 

 

$ 81,490 

 
     

======================================

 
   
 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

   
   
 

-6-

   


   
   

DIMON Incorporated and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

1.

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 
   
 

The accompanying interim unaudited consolidated financial statements of DIMON Incorporated and Subsidiaries (the “Company” or “DIMON”) include all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.  For additional information regarding accounting principles and other financial data, see Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002.  The Company's operations are seasonal. Therefore, the results of operations for the six months ended December 31, 2002 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

 
   

2.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

 
   
 

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing earnings by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.  The diluted earnings per share calculation assumes that all of the outstanding Convertible Subordinated Debentures outstanding during the periods presented were converted into Common Stock at the beginning of the reporting period or as of the date of issue, thereby increasing the weighted average number of shares considered outstanding during each period and reducing the after-tax interest expense.  The weighted average number of shares outstanding are further increased by common stock equivalents on employee stock options and restricted shares outstanding.

 
     
 

The following information reconciles the basic weighted average number of shares outstanding to diluted shares outstanding and diluted earnings per share:

 
     

Second Quarter      

 

First Six Months  

 
 

_________________________________________

 
 

(in thousands)

 

2003  

 

2002   

 

2003   

2002 

 
 

_________________________________________

 
 

Shares

               
 

   Weighted average number of common shares outstanding…

 

44,531 

 

44,525  

 

44,528   

44,525 

 
 

   Restricted shares issued and shares applicable to stock

               
 

      options, net of shares assumed to be purchased from

               
 

      proceeds at average market price…….…………………...

 

524 

 

462   

 

503   

516 

 
 

   Assuming conversion of 6.25% Convertible Debentures at

               
 

      the beginning of the period………………………………

 

      - 

*

   - *

 

      -  *

   - 

*

     

_________________________________________

 
     
 

   Average diluted shares outstanding...…....………………..

 

45,055 

*

44,987 *

 

45,031 *

45,041 

*

 

===========================================

 

*

Assumed conversion of Convertible Debentures at the beginning of the period has an antidilutive effect on earnings per share.

 
   

3.

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The components of comprehensive income were as follows:

     

Three Months Ended    

 

Six Months Ended  

 
     

December 31       

 

December 31    

 
 

_________________________________________

 
 

(in thousands)

 

2002  

 

2001   

 

2002   

2001  

 
 

_________________________________________

 
 

Net income………………….………………………………….

 

$6,272 

 

$6,201 

 

$11,330 

$10,119 

 
 

Equity currency conversion adjustment………….……….…...

 

114 

 

(602)

 

592 

(317)

 
 

Derivative financial instruments adjustment..………………..

 

96 

 

1,002 

 

389 

414 

 
     

_________________________________________

 
 

Total comprehensive income….………………………….….

 

$  6,482 

 

 $  6,601 

 

$  12,311 

$10,216 

 
 

===========================================

 
 
 

-7-

 


 

DIMON Incorporated and Subsidiaries

 
 
 

4.

CONTINGENCIES

 
   
 

In 1993, the Company received notices from Brazilian tax authorities of proposed adjustments to the income tax returns of the Company's entities located in Brazil for the calendar years ending 1988 through 1992.  In August 1996, the Company also received notices of adjustments from Brazilian tax authorities proposing adjustments to the income taxes for calendar year 1992 based on the Company's recalculation of monetary correction as allowed under Law 8200.  The company successfully defeated many of the proposed adjustments in litigation and settled the other issues under REFIS and Tax Amnesty programs.  During the six months ended December 31, 2002, the Company resolved an additional $2,000 of tax, penalties and interest.  As of December 31, 2002, tax, penalties and interest relating to still unresolved issues is approximately $1,600, before related tax benefits for future deductions, and deduction of interest if the Company failed to prevail on these issues.    

 
   
 

On October 31, 2002, the Company received an assessment from the tax authorities in Germany regarding the taxable gain from the sale of its flower operations, Florimex, in September 1998.  The report concluded the values of the real estate located in Germany were greater than those arrived at with the buyer of the flower operation.  The proposed adjustment to income tax is equivalent to approximately $4,000.  The Company has challenged this finding with valuations that support the values used in the original filings and is currently discussing the issue with the tax officials in Germany.

 
   
 

In September 2002, the Company’s Tanzanian operation received an assessment for income taxes equivalent to approximately $1,000.  The company has filed a protest and an appeal and is awaiting a reply.

 
   
 

The Company believes it has properly reported its income and paid its taxes in Brazil, Germany and Tanzania in accordance with applicable laws and intends to vigorously contest the proposed adjustments. The Company expects the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated balance sheet or results of operations.

 
   
 

On April 3, 2002, the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina issued an opinion and order certifying a class in Deloach, et al. v. Philip Morris Companies Inc., et al., a lawsuit pending in the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina (Case No. 00-CV-1235) (the "Deloach Suit").  As certified, the class consists of persons who, at any time from February 1996 to the present, held a quota to grow or produced and sold U.S. flue-cured and burley tobacco. The plaintiffs allege that the defendants, which include cigarette manufacturers and leaf tobacco dealers, including the Company, violated the antitrust laws by conspiring to rig bids at auction and undermine the federal government quota and price support program.  The plaintiffs seek injunctive relief, treble damages in an unspecified amount, pre- and p ost-judgment interest, attorneys' fees and costs of litigation. The Company will defend the lawsuit vigorously.  Because the lawsuit is still in its initial stages, the Company cannot estimate the amount or range of loss that could result if the lawsuit is resolved in a manner unfavorable to the Company.

 
   
 

The Directorate General for Competition (DGCOMP) of the European Commission (EC) is conducting an administrative investigation into certain tobacco buying and selling practices alleged to have occurred within the leaf tobacco industry in Spain and Italy. The Company believes that the DGCOMP may be conducting similar investigations in other countries.  The Company's subsidiaries in Spain (Agroexpansion) and Italy (DIMON Italia) are cooperating with the DGCOMP.  Based on the Company's understanding of the facts pertaining to the activities of Spanish and Italian tobacco processors, including Agroexpansion and DIMON Italia, respectively, the Company believes there have been infringements of EU law.  Agroexpansion and DIMON Italia believe that there are mitigating circumstances in the structure and traditional operation of tobacco production and processing in these markets.  The EC is not expected to issue a ruling (Statement of Objection) concerning either of these investigations until sometime in 2003 at the earliest.  The Company expects that administrative penalties will be assessed, and those penalties could be material to the Company's earnings.  However, the Company is not able to make an assessment of the amount of any such penalties at this time.  The Company understands that the cooperation of its subsidiaries with the DGCOMP during its investigations could result in a reduction of the amount of penalties imposed.

 
   

-8-

 


 

DIMON Incorporated and Subsidiaries

 
 
 

4.

CONTINGENCIES (Continued)

 
     
 

An administrative inquiry is being conducted by the Argentina National Commission for Defense of Competition ("NCDC") into the tobacco and cigarette industry in Argentina.  The Company's subsidiary in Argentina, DIMON Argentina S.A., is cooperating with the NCDC. The Company cannot predict whether the inquiry will result in any further action by the NCDC.

 
     
 

The Company and certain of its foreign subsidiaries guarantee bank loans to growers to finance their crop.  Under longer-term arrangements, the Company may also guarantee financing on growers' construction of curing barns or other tobacco production assets.  The Company also guarantees bank loans to certain tobacco cooperatives to assist with the financing of their growers' crops.  Guaranteed loans are generally repaid concurrent with the delivery of tobacco to the Company.  The Company is obligated to repay any guaranteed loan should the grower or tobacco cooperative default.  If default occurs, the Company has recourse against the grower or cooperative.  At December 31, 2002, the Company is guarantor of an amount not to exceed $84,509 with $60,444 outstanding under these guarantees.  The majority of the current outstanding guarantees expire within the respective annual crop cycle.  The Company considers the risk of significant loss under these guarantees to be remote.  

 
     
 

The Company's other off balance sheet risks are not material.

 
     
 

On August 21, 2001, the Company's subsidiary in Brazil won a claim related to certain excise taxes ("IPI credit bonus") for the years 1983 through 1990 and is now pursuing collection.  The collection procedures are not clear and the total realization process could potentially be over many years.  The Company is unable to estimate the realizable value of this claim as of December 31, 2002.

 
 

          

 
 

Zimbabwe remains in a period of civil unrest in combination with a deteriorating economy.  Should the current political situation continue, the Company could experience disruptions and delays associated with its Zimbabwe operations.  If the political and economic situation in Zimbabwe continues to deteriorate, or if tobacco crop volumes continue declining at a significant rate, the Company’s ability to recover its assets there could be impaired.  The Company’s Zimbabwe subsidiary has long-lived assets of approximately $48.1 million as of December 31, 2002.

 
     

5.

ISSUANCE OF SENIOR NOTES AND BANK CREDIT FACILITY

 
     
 

On October 30, 2001, the Company completed a private issuance of $200 million principal amount of 9 5/8% Senior Notes due 2011 pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933.  The financial covenants of the Senior Notes are substantially similar to those for the existing $125 million principal amount of 8 7/8% Senior Notes due 2006.  

 
 


 
 

On October 31, 2001, the Company closed on a three-year $165 million syndicated bank credit facility with a group of five banks.  The credit facility is subject to certain commitment fees and covenants that, among other things, require DIMON to maintain minimum working capital and tangible net worth amounts, require specific liquidity and long-term solvency ratios, including certain borrowing base restrictions, and restrict acquisitions. The Company continuously monitors its compliance with these covenants. The credit facility's initial term expires on October 31, 2004, and, subject to approval by the lenders, may be extended. The rates of interest are based on the Company’s published credit rating and vary according to the type of loan requested by the Company. During the life of the agreement, the interest rate could be the prime rate or the LIBOR rate adjusted. The primary advance rate is the agent bank's base lending rate (4.25% at December 31, 2002). The Company pays a commitment fee of 1% per annum on any unused portion of the facility.

 
 
 

-9-

 


 

DIMON Incorporated and Subsidiaries

 
 

6.

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 
   


 

Fixed to Floating Rate Interest Swaps

 
 

Concurrent with the private issuance of $200 million principal amount of 9 5/8% Senior Notes on October 30, 2001, discussed in Note 5, the Company entered into a derivative financial instrument to swap the entire $200 million notional amount of the Senior Notes to a floating interest rate equal to LIBOR plus 4.11%, set six months in arrears.   Also, effective November 25, 2002, the Company entered into a derivative financial instrument to swap $100 million notional amount of the $125 million principal amount of the 8 7/8% Senior Notes due 2006, to a floating interest rate equal to LIBOR plus 5.11%, set six months in arrears.  The effective interest rates at December 31, 2002 were 5.49% and 6.49% for the $200 million and $100 million instruments, respectively.  

 
     
 

The maturity, payment dates, and other fundamental terms of these derivative financial instruments match those of the related Senior Notes.  In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133 (SFAS No. 133), "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," these derivatives qualify for hedge accounting treatment.  They are accounted for as fair value hedges.  Changes in the fair value of these derivative financial instruments, as well as offsetting changes in the fair value of the Senior Notes, are being recognized in current period earnings.  As of December 31, 2002 and June 30, 2002, the fair value of the debt increased the Senior Notes liability by $13,835 and decreased the liability by $3,638, respectively, with a corresponding change in the fair value of the derivative financial instruments reflected in Deferred Credits – Compensation and Other.   

 
     
 

Floating to Fixed Rate Interest Swaps

 
 

Prior to the implementation of SFAS No. 133, the Company entered into multiple interest swaps to convert a portion of its worldwide debt portfolio from floating to fixed interest rates, to reduce its exposure to interest rate volatility.  At December 31, 2002, the Company held instruments of this type with an aggregate notional value of $265 million, bearing interest at rates between 4.29% and 6.22%, and with maturity dates ranging from September 15, 2003 to September 15, 2008.  The implementation of SFAS No. 133 eliminated hedge accounting treatment for these instruments because they do not meet certain criteria.  Accordingly, the Company is required to reflect the full amount of all changes in their fair value, without offset, in its current earnings.  These fair value adjustments have caused substantial volatility in the Company’s reported earnings.  For the three months ended December 31, 2002 and 2001, the Company recognized non-cash recoveries before income taxes of $(202) and $(382), respectively, from the change in the fair value of these derivative financial instruments.  For the six months ended December 31, 2002 and 2001, the Company recognized non-cash charges before income taxes of $10,565 and $9,220, respectively, from the change in the fair value of these derivative financial instruments.  With the recognition of each charge or recovery relating to these instruments, a corresponding amount is recognized in Deferred Credits — Compensation and Other.  At December 31, 2002, there was an aggregate credit of $26,040 relating to these instruments accumulated in this balance sheet classification, all of which will reverse through future earnings over the remaining life of the instruments.

 
     
 

Forward Currency Contracts

 
 

The Company periodically enters into forward currency contracts to protect against volatility associated with certain non-U.S. dollar denominated forecast transactions.  In accordance with SFAS No. 133, these derivatives qualify for hedge accounting treatment.  They are accounted for as cash flow hedges.  Changes in the fair value of these derivative financial instruments, net of deferred taxes, are recognized in Other Comprehensive Income and do not affect current period earnings.

 
     
     
 

-10-

 
     


 

DIMON Incorporated and Subsidiaries

 
 
 

6.

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Continued)

 
 
 

Fair Value of Derivative Financial Instruments

 
 

As noted, and in accordance with SFAS No. 133, the Company recognizes all derivative financial instruments at fair value, regardless of the purpose or intent for holding the instrument.  Fair value estimates are based on information available to management at December 31, 2002, and were determined using quoted market prices when available.  For the six months ended December 31, 2002 and 2001 accumulated other comprehensive income increased by $389 (net of deferred taxes of $194) and $414 (net of deferred taxes of $250), respectively, related specifically to accumulated unrealized net losses on forward contracts accounted for as cash flow hedges.  For the three months ended December 31, 2002 and 2001 accumulated other comprehensive income increased by $96 (net of deferred taxes of $50) and $1,002 (net of deferred taxes of $538), respectively, related specifically to accumulated unrealized net losses on forward contracts accounted for as cash flow hedges.

 
 

7.

ADOPTION OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARD

 
     
 

Effective July 1, 2002, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142 (SFAS No. 142), "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets."  This new standard eliminates the amortization of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives.  Instead these assets must be tested at least annually for impairment.  In the year of adoption, SFAS No. 142 also requires the Company to perform an initial assessment of its reporting units to determine whether there is any indication that the goodwill carrying value may be impaired.  This transitional assessment is made by comparing the fair value of each reporting unit, as determined in accordance with the new standard, to its book value.  To the extent the fair value of any reporting unit is less than its book value, which would indicate that potential impairment of goodwill exists, a second transitional test is required to determine the amount of impairment.

 
 


 
 

The Company completed the initial transitional assessment during the first quarter and has determined that no potential goodwill impairment exists as of July 1, 2002.  A goodwill impairment review will be conducted at least annually and any impairment charges that are required to be recorded would be charged to operating income.

 
     
 

In accordance with SFAS No. 142, prior period amounts were not restated.  The following table adjusts the reported net income for the three months and six months ended December 31, 2001 and the income per share amounts to exclude amortization of goodwill:

 
     

  Three Months Ended

    December 31, 2001      

 


Six Months Ended

     December 31,2001 

 
 

(in thousands, except for per share data)

 

_____________________________________________________

 
             
 

Reported net income.................…………………………..

 

$   6,201 

 

$  10,119 

 
 

Amortization of goodwill (net of tax of $10 and $20)……

 

1,691 

 

3,381 

 
     

______ 

 

_______

 
 

Adjusted net income ..……………………...................…..

 

$   7,892 

 

$  13,500 

 
     

=======

 

=======

 
 

Reported basic earnings per share................………………

 

$.14 

 

$.23 

 
             
 

Amortization of goodwill (net of tax).........………………

 

$.04 

 

$.07 

 
     

_______

 

_______

 
 

Adjusted basic earnings per share…………………………

 

$.18 

 

$.30 

 
     

======= 

 

=======

 
     
 
 

-11-

 


 

DIMON Incorporated and Subsidiaries

 
 
 
 

Item 2.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
               Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES:

     
 

The purchasing and processing activities of our business are seasonal.  Our need for working capital fluctuates.  At any of several seasonal peaks, our outstanding indebtedness may be significantly greater or less than at year end.  We historically have needed working capital in excess of cash flow from operations to finance inventory and accounts receivable.  We also prefinance tobacco crops in certain foreign countries by making advances of crop materials and cash to farmers prior to and during the growing season. We have historically financed our operations through a combination of short-term lines of credit, customer advances, cash from operations, debt securities and equity and equity-linked securities.

 
     
 

Working capital at December 31, 2002 was $452 million compared to $429 million at June 30, 2002. Our current ratio was 2.4 to 1 at December 31, 2002 compared to 2.2 to 1 at June 30, 2002.  The increase in working capital is the result of a decrease in current assets of $14 million and a decrease of $37 million in current liabilities.  The decrease in current assets is primarily a result of decreased cash, trade receivables and advances on purchases of tobacco partially offset by an increase in inventory.  The decrease in current liabilities is primarily a result of decreases in notes payable to banks and accounts payable partially offset by increases in advances from customers.

 
     
 

Cash flows used by operating activities were $20.7 million in 2002 compared to cash provided of $22.7 million in 2001.  This increase in usage is primarily due to more cash used for inventories and advances on purchases of tobacco and more cash used for the payment of accounts payable offset partially by increased collections of accounts receivable.

 
     
 

Cash used by investing activities was $9.9 million in 2002 compared to $6.7 million in 2001.  The increase in usage by investing activities relates primarily to payments for investments and other assets, decreased receipts from sales of property and equipment and other assets, offset partially by decreases in purchases of property and equipment.

 
     
 

Cash flows used by financing activities were $24.7 million in 2002 compared to a provision of cash of $50.0 million in 2001.  This change relates primarily to our proceeds from our Senior Note issuance and credit facility refinance in October 2001.  

 
     
 

At December 31, 2002, we had seasonally adjusted lines of credit of $337.1 million, with $161.9 million in borrowings with a weighted average interest rate of 4.9%.  At December 31, 2002, unused lines of credit amounted to $129.5 million.  Total maximum outstanding borrowings, excluding the long-term credit agreements, during the six months ended December 31, 2002 were $289.4 million.  At December 31, 2002, we had $32.9 million of letters of credit outstanding and an additional $12.8 million of letters of credit lines available.

 
     
 

On October 30, 2001 we completed an issuance of $200 million principal amount of 9 5/8% Senior Notes due 2011 pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933. The financial covenants of the Senior Notes are substantially similar to those for the existing $125 million principal amount of 8 7/8% Senior Notes due 2006.  Concurrent with the completion of the Senior Note issuance, we entered into a derivative financial instrument to swap the entire $200 million notional amount of Senior Notes to a floating interest rate equal to LIBOR plus 4.11%, set six months in arrears.  The effective rate at December 31, 2002 was 5.49%.  See also Note 6 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”

 
     
     

-12-

 


 

DIMON Incorporated and Subsidiaries

 
 
 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES:  (Continued)

 

In addition, on October 31, 2001, we closed on a three-year $165 million syndicated bank credit facility with a group of five banks.  The credit facility is subject to certain commitment fees and covenants that, among other things, require us to maintain minimum working capital and tangible net worth amounts, require specific liquidity and long-term solvency ratios, including certain borrowing base restrictions, and restrict acquisitions. We continuously monitor our compliance with these covenants. The credit facility's initial term expires on October 31, 2004, and, subject to approval by the lenders, may be extended. The rates of interest are based on our published credit rating and vary according to the type of loan requested.  During the life of the agreement, the interest rate could be the prime rate or the LIBOR rate adjusted. The primary advance rate is the agent bank's base lending rate (4.25% at December 31, 2002). We pay a commitment fee of 1% per annum on any unused portion of the facility. Decisions relative to drawings and repayments are made based on circumstances then existing, including our judgment as to the most effective utilization of funds. Based on forecast working capital needs, we do not anticipate making significant draws on this facility in the near term.

 
   

We have historically financed our operations through a combination of short-term lines of credit, revolving credit arrangements, customer advances, cash from operations and equity and equity-linked securities.  At December 31, 2002, we had no material capital expenditure commitments.  We believe that these sources of funds will be sufficient to fund our anticipated needs for fiscal 2003.  There can be no assurance, however, that these sources of capital will be available in the future or, if available, that any such sources will be available on favorable terms.

 
   

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:

 
   

Three Months Ended December 31, 2002 Compared to Three Months Ended December 31, 2001

 
   

Our sales and other operating revenue were $306 million, a decrease of $70 million or 18.7% from $376 million in 2001.  This decrease is primarily attributable to temporary delays in shipments of Zimbabwean tobacco as well as reduced sales volumes of U.S. tobacco.   The delayed shipments from Zimbabwe resulted from a combination of late delivery at customer request and, to a lesser extent, a current shortage of shipping containers available in the country.

 
   

The cost of sales and expenses decreased $69 million or 19.4% from $356 million in 2001 to $287 million in 2002.  Gross margin as a percentage of sales increased from 12.6% in 2001 to 14.4% in 2002 primarily reflecting the overall mix of product shipped.

 
   

Gross profit decreased $3.4 million or 7.2% from $47.6 million in 2001 to $44.2 million in 2002.  The decreased margin relates primarily to delays in shipment of Zimbabwean tobacco as well as reduced sales of U.S. tobacco.  In 2001 we recognized a $2.7 million charge related to the devaluation of the Argentine Peso and a gain of $1.7 million related to the sale of unutilized Zimbabwe assets.  

 
   

Selling, administrative and general expenses, exclusive of amortization of goodwill, remained relatively constant at $25.0 million in 2002 compared to $25.2 million in 2001.  Amortization expense was $1.8 million in 2001 and $0.1 million in 2002 due to the adoption of SFAS No. 142.  Also see Note 7 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements."

 
   

Interest expense decreased $1.4 million or 11.5% from $12.4 million in 2001 to $11.0 million in 2002.  This decrease was primarily due to lower average borrowings.

 
   

Non-cash recoveries of $0.2 million and $0.4 million were recognized in 2002 and 2001, respectively, for the change in fair value of non-qualifying interest rate swap instruments.  Also see Note 6 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements."

 
   

The effective tax rate was 23% in 2002 compared to 27% in 2001.  The change in tax rates relates to the non-amortization of goodwill in 2002 and the distribution of taxable income among various taxing jurisdictions.

 
 
 

-13-

 


 

DIMON Incorporated and Subsidiaries

 
 
 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: (Continued)

 

Six Months Ended December 31, 2002 Compared to Six Months Ended December 31, 2001:

 
  

Our sales and other operating revenue were $577 million, a decrease of $88 million or 13.3% from $665 million in 2001.  This decrease is primarily attributable to temporary delays in shipments of Zimbabwean tobacco, reduced sales volumes of U.S. tobacco and non-recurring sales in 2001 of U.S. prior crop tobacco.  The delayed shipments from Zimbabwe resulted from a combination of late delivery at customer request and, to a lesser extent, a current shortage of shipping containers available in the country.

 
  

The cost of sales and expenses decreased $90 million or 14.6% from $618 million in 2001 to $528 million in 2002.  Gross margin as a percentage of sales increased from 15.1% in 2001 to 17.3% in 2002 primarily reflecting the overall mix of product shipped.

 
  

Gross profit remained relatively constant at $100.2 million in 2001 and $99.8 million in 2002.  The comparable margin levels relate to higher margins on foreign grown tobacco offset substantially by delayed shipments from Zimbabwe, reduced U.S. tobacco sales volumes as well as the non-recurring sale of old crop U.S. tobacco in 2001.  In 2001 we recognized a $2.7 million charge related to the devaluation of the Argentine Peso and a gain of $1.7 million related to the sale of unutilized Zimbabwe assets.  

 
  

Selling, administrative and general expenses, exclusive of amortization of goodwill, increased $1.7 million or 3.4% to $50.8 million in 2002 compared to $49.1 million in 2001.  This increase relates primarily to personnel related expenses. Amortization expense was $4.1 million in 2001 and $0.2 million in 2002 due to the adoption of SFAS No. 142.  Also see Note 7 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements."

 
  

Interest expense decreased $0.6 million or 2.5% from $23.7 million in 2001 to $23.1 million in 2002.  This decrease was due to lower average rates as well as lower average borrowings.

 
  

Non-cash charges of $10.6 million and $9.2 million were recognized in 2002 and 2001, respectively, for the change in fair value of non-qualifying interest rate swap instruments.  Also see Note 6 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements."

 
  

The effective tax rate was 23% in 2002 compared to 27% in 2001.  The change in tax rates relates to the non-amortization of goodwill in 2002 and the distribution of taxable income among various taxing jurisdictions.

 
  

OUTLOOK AND OTHER INFORMATION:

 
  

We believe that global supply and demand for leaf tobacco is now substantially balanced, and that the raw material inventories held by our customers  are largely in equilibrium with their production forecasts.  However, the political and economic situations in both Zimbabwe and Argentina present uncertainties that may adversely impact future results.

 
  

Zimbabwe remains in a period of civil unrest in combination with a deteriorating economy.  Should the current political situation continue, we could experience disruptions and delays associated with our Zimbabwe operations.  The government’s forced land resettlement program has caused disruptions to both tobacco and food farm production in Zimbabwe.  The volume of the current year tobacco crop declined by approximately 19% in comparison to the prior year crop.  Further volume declines of as much as 60% have been forecast by some industry sources in connection with next year’s tobacco crop.  If the political situation continues to deteriorate, our ability to recover  our assets there could be impaired.

 
  

Argentina is in a period of political and economic uncertainty.  We purchase Argentine tobacco for export. We do not own any processing assets there and do not foresee any additional material effects on our operations.  However, we do continue to closely monitor events associated with the instability in Argentina and their possible impact on future results.

 
  

See “Factors That May Affect Future Results,” below, for important warnings about the forward-looking statements included in this section.

 

-14-

 


 

DIMON Incorporated and Subsidiaries

 
 
   

FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS:

 
   

Readers are cautioned that the statements contained herein regarding expectations for our performance are "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from our expectations and projections. Risks and uncertainties include changes in the timing of anticipated shipments, changes in anticipated geographic product sourcing, political instability in sourcing locations, currency and interest rate fluctuations, shifts in the global supply and demand position for our tobacco products, and the impact of regulation and litigation on our customers.  A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments, except as required by law.

 
   

Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 
   

In accordance with SFAS No. 133, we recognize all derivative financial instruments, such as interest rate swap contracts and forward currency contracts, in the consolidated financial statements at fair value, regardless of the purpose or intent for holding the instrument. We use forward currency contracts to mitigate exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on forecasted transactions. Generally, the effective portion of unrealized gains and losses associated with forward currency contracts, and the intrinsic value of option contracts, are deferred as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income net of deferred taxes until the underlying hedge transactions are reported on the consolidated statement of earnings. We have traditionally used interest rate swaps to mitigate our exposure to changes in interest rates related to certain debt agreements. The swaps convert floating-rate debt to fixed-rate debt, and fixed-rate debt to floating-rate debt.  For interest rate swaps deemed to be effective that are accounted for as cash flow hedges, the changes in the fair values of the instruments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of deferred taxes. For interest rate swaps deemed to be effective that are accounted for as fair value hedges, both the fair value of the hedged item and the offsetting interest rate swap are marked to market through earnings in the current period.  Changes in the fair values of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment are reported in income. As a result of fluctuations in interest rates, and volatility in market expectations, the fair market value of interest rate swap instruments can be expected to appreciate or depreciate over time. Swap instruments entered into by us prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 133, which do not qualify as hedges, have created and may continue to create significant volatility in reported earnings.

 
   

We plan to continue the practice of economically hedging various components of our debt.  However, wherever practical, it is our intent that future interest rate swap transactions will match the notional amounts, maturities, and payment dates of the derivative financial instrument with those of the underlying debt in order to qualify for hedge accounting treatment under SFAS No. 133.

 
   

See Note 5 and Note 6 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for a description of all of our derivative financial instruments.

 
   

Item 4.    Controls and Procedures

 
   

Based on their most recent evaluation, which was completed within 90 days of the filing of this Form 10-Q, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(c)) are effective to ensure that the information required to be disclosed in our filings with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 
   

There were no significant changes in our internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation.

 
 
 

-15-

 


 

DIMON Incorporated and Subsidiaries

 
 
 

Part II.  Other Information

 

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings

   

On April 3, 2002, the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina issued an opinion and order certifying a class in Deloach, et al. v. Philip Morris Companies Inc., et al., a lawsuit pending in the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina (Case No. 00-CV-1235) (the "Deloach Suit").  As certified, the class consists of persons who, at any time from February 1996 to the present, held  a quota to grow or produced and sold U.S. flue-cured and burley tobacco. The plaintiffs allege that the defendants, which include cigarette manufacturers and leaf tobacco dealers, including DIMON, violated the antitrust laws by conspiring to rig bids at auction and undermine the federal government quota and price support program.  The plaintiffs seek injunctive relief, treble damages in an unspecified amount, pre- and post-judgment interest, attorneys' fees and costs of litigation. DIMON will defend the lawsuit vigorously.  Because the lawsuit is still in its initial stages, we cannot estimate the amount or range of loss that could result if the lawsuit is resolved in a manner unfavorable to us.

 
   

The Directorate General for Competition (DGCOMP) of the European Commission (EC) is conducting an administrative investigation into certain tobacco buying and selling practices alleged to have occurred within the leaf tobacco industry in Spain and Italy. We believe that the DGCOMP may be conducting similar investigations in other countries.  Our subsidiaries in Spain (Agroexpansion) and Italy (DIMON Italia) are cooperating with the DGCOMP.  Based on our understanding of the facts pertaining to the activities of Spanish and Italian tobacco processors, including Agroexpansion and DIMON Italia, respectively, we believe there have been infringements of EU law.  Agroexpansion and DIMON Italia believe that there are mitigating circumstances in the structure and traditional operation of tobacco production and processing in these markets.  The EC is not expected to issue a ruling (Statement of Objection) concerning either of these investigations until sometime in 2003 at the earliest.  We expect that administrative penalties will be assessed, and those penalties could be material to our earnings.  However, we are not able to make an assessment of the amount of any such penalties at this time.  We understand that the cooperation of our subsidiaries with the DGCOMP during its investigations could result in a reduction of the amount of penalties imposed.

 
   

An administrative inquiry is being conducted by the Argentina National Commission for Defense of Competition ("NCDC") into the tobacco and cigarette industry in Argentina.  Our subsidiary in Argentina, DIMON Argentina S.A., is cooperating with the NCDC.  We cannot predict whether the inquiry will result in any further action by the NCDC.

 
   
   

-16-

 


 

DIMON Incorporated and Subsidiaries

 
 
   

Item 6.    Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

 
         

(a)

Exhibits

-

None

 
         

(b)

Current Reports on Form 8-K

-

October 30, 2002 - Item 5, DIMON Announces 50% Increase in Quarterly Dividend

 
   

-

October 30, 2002 – Item 5, DIMON Holds Annual Shareholder Meeting

 
   

-

November 5, 2002 - Item 9, Regulation FD Disclosure

 
   

-

November 5, 2002 - Item 9, Regulation FD Disclosure –

A.  906 Certification Statements

 
         
 

-17-

 


 

DIMON Incorporated and Subsidiaries

 
 

SIGNATURES

 
 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 
 

DIMON Incorporated

 
 
 

/s/  Thomas G. Reynolds

 

__________________________________________

Date: February 4, 2003

 

Thomas G. Reynolds
Vice President - Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)

 
 

-18-

 



 
 
 

CERTIFICATION

 

I, Brian J. Harker, Principal Executive Officer, certify that:

 
 

1.

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of DIMON Incorporated;

 
    
 

2.

Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

 
    
 

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

 
    
 

4.

The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

 
    
  

a.

designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

 
     
  

b.

evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and

 
     
  

c.

presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

 
     
 

5.

The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

 
    
  

a.

all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

 
     
  

b.

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and

 
     
 

6.

The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

 
 

/s/ Brian J. Harker

_____________________________________________

Brian J. Harker

President and Chief Executive Officer

February 4, 2003

 
 
 
 
 

-19-

 


 
 

CERTIFICATION

 

I, James A. Cooley, Principal Financial Officer, certify that:

 
 

1.

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of DIMON Incorporated;

 
       
 

2.

Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

 
       
 

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

 
       
 

4.

The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

 
       
   

a.

designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

 
         
   

b.

evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and

 
         
   

c.

presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

 
         
 

5.

The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

 
       
   

a.

all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

 
         
   

b.

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and

 
         
 

6.

The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

 
 

/s/ James A. Cooley

_____________________________________________

James A. Cooley

Senior Vice President-Chief Financial Officer

 

February 4, 2003

 
 

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