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 February 28, 2001 or
( ) Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 For the transition period from _________ to
___________
Commission File Number: 000-21788
Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter:
DELTA AND PINE LAND COMPANY
State of Incorporation: Delaware
I.R.S. Employer Identification Number: 62-1040440
Address of Principal Executive Offices (including zip code)
One Cotton Row, Scott, Mississippi 38772
Registrant's telephone number, including area code:
(662) 742-4500
Indicate by check mark whether Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to
be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.
YES (x) NO ( )
APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Common Stock, $0.10 Par Value - 38,530,916 shares outstanding as of March 30,
2001.
DELTA AND PINE LAND COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX
Page No.
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets - February 29, 2000,
August 31, 2000, and February 28, 2001 3
Consolidated Statements of Income - Three Months
Ended February 29, 2000 and February 28, 2001 4
Consolidated Statements of Income - Six Months
Ended February 29, 2000 and February 28, 2001 5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Six Months
Ended February 29, 2000 and February 28, 2001 6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 7
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations 12
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 15
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 17
Item 5. Business 17
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 23
Signatures 24
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements
DELTA AND PINE LAND COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
February 29, August 31, February 28,
2000 2000 2001
----------------- ------------ -----------------
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 17,345 $ 87,467 $ 26,404
Receivables, net 127,614 181,305 194,721
Inventories 74,118 35,278 66,005
Prepaid expenses 1,673 2,231 1,936
Deferred income taxes 12,865 7,420 7,420
----------------- ------------ -----------------
Total current assets 233,615 313,701 296,486
PROPERTY, PLANT and EQUIPMENT, net 64,644 65,044 65,316
EXCESS OF COST OVER NET ASSETS OF
BUSINESS ACQUIRED, net 4,647 4,514 4,263
INTANGIBLES, net 4,401 4,250 4,397
OTHER ASSETS 3,095 2,625 2,475
----------------- ------------ -----------------
$ 310,402 $ 390,134 $ 372,937
================= ============ =================
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Notes payable $ 663 $ 2,000 $ 2,612
Accounts payable 33,315 23,441 25,266
Accrued expenses 94,124 164,702 133,808
Income taxes payable 35,227 25,172 16,877
----------------- ------------ -----------------
Total current liabilities 163,329 215,315 178,563
----------------- ------------ -----------------
LONG-TERM DEBT, less current maturities - 2,482 2,916
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES 5,773 4,975 4,975
MINORITY INTEREST IN SUBSIDIARIES 8,825 7,734 8,521
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock, par value $0.10 per share; 2,000,000 shares authorized:
Series A Junior Participating Preferred, par value $0.10 per share;
456,989 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding - - -
Series M Convertible Non-Voting Preferred, par value $0.10 per
share; 1,066,667 shares authorized; issued and outstanding 107 107 107
Common stock, par value $0.10 per share; 100,000,000 shares authorized;
38,843,547; 38,945,725 and 39,090,449 shares issued; 3,884 3,895 3,909
38,376,781; 38,377,759 and 38,522,483 shares outstanding
Capital in excess of par value 43,718 45,096 47,871
Retained earnings 95,710 123,552 139,745
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (2,850) (3,146) (3,794)
Treasury stock at cost, 114,266; 567,966 and 567,966 shares (8,094) (9,876) (9,876)
----------------- ------------ -----------------
Total stockholders' equity 132,475 159,628 177,962
----------------- ------------ -----------------
$ 310,402 $ 390,134 $ 372,937
================= ============ =================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these balance sheets.
DELTA AND PINE LAND COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
February 29, February 28,
2000 2001
-------------- --------------
NET SALES AND LICENSING FEES $ 104,203 $ 150,154
COST OF SALES 73,162 98,372
-------------- --------------
GROSS PROFIT 31,041 51,782
-------------- --------------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Research and development 5,022 4,975
Selling 3,596 3,361
General and administrative 2,985 4,033
-------------- --------------
11,603 12,369
-------------- --------------
Special charges and unusual income item 74,694 -
-------------- --------------
OPERATING INCOME 94,132 39,413
-------------- --------------
INTEREST INCOME (EXPENSE), net (271) 545
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), net (4) (2,167)
MINORITY INTEREST IN (EARNINGS) / LOSS OF SUBSIDIARIES 43 (517)
-------------- --------------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 93,900 37,274
INCOME TAX PROVISION 35,265 13,388
-------------- --------------
NET INCOME 58,635 23,886
DIVIDENDS ON PREFERRED STOCK (40) (43)
-------------- --------------
NET INCOME APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHARES $ 58,595 $ 23,843
============== ==============
BASIC NET INCOME PER SHARE $ 1.52 $ 0.62
============== ==============
NUMBER OF SHARES USED IN BASIC EARNINGS
PER SHARE CALCULATIONS 38,644 38,425
============== ==============
DILUTED NET INCOME PER SHARE $ 1.46 $ 0.59
============== ==============
NUMBER OF SHARES USED IN DILUTED EARNINGS
PER SHARE CALCULATIONS 40,110 40,101
============== ==============
DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE $ 0.03 $ 0.04
============== ==============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
DELTA AND PINE LAND COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
February 29, February 28,
2000 2001
-------------- --------------
NET SALES AND LICENSING FEES $ 108,751 $ 159,848
COST OF SALES 77,410 105,770
-------------- --------------
GROSS PROFIT 31,341 54,078
-------------- --------------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Research and development 9,381 9,132
Selling 6,833 6,489
General and administrative 6,069 7,973
-------------- --------------
22,283 23,594
-------------- --------------
Special charges and unusual income item 74,227 -
-------------- --------------
OPERATING INCOME 83,285 30,484
-------------- --------------
INTEREST INCOME (EXPENSE), net (188) 2,536
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), net 78 (2,305)
MINORITY INTEREST IN (EARNINGS) / LOSS OF SUBSIDIARIES 159 (1,019)
-------------- --------------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF
ACCOUNTING CHANGE 83,334 29,696
INCOME TAX PROVISION 31,250 10,735
-------------- --------------
NET INCOME BEFORE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF
ACCOUNTING CHANGE 52,084 18,961
CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING FOR
STARTUP COSTS, NET 2,965 -
-------------- --------------
NET INCOME 49,119 18,961
DIVIDENDS ON PREFERRED STOCK (64) (75)
-------------- --------------
NET INCOME APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHARES $ 49,055 $ 18,886
============== ==============
BASIC NET INCOME PER SHARE $ 1.27 $ 0.49
============== ==============
NUMBER OF SHARES USED IN BASIC EARNINGS
PER SHARE CALCULATIONS 38,653 38,405
============== ==============
DILUTED NET INCOME PER SHARE $ 1.22 $ 0.47
============== ==============
NUMBER OF SHARES USED IN DILUTED EARNINGS
PER SHARE CALCULATIONS 40,186 40,124
============== ==============
DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE $ 0.06 $ 0.07
============== ==============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
DELTA AND PINE LAND COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
February 29, February 28,
2000 2001
---------------- ----------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income $ 49,119 $ 18,961
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 3,527 3,501
Loss on sale of equipment 57 23
Minority interest in net income of subsidiaries (159) 1,019
Noncash changes in other comprehensive income - (382)
Changes in current assets and liabilities:
Receivables 20,312 13,416
Inventories (26,391) 30,727
Prepaid expenses (200) 295
Accounts payable 13,325 1,825
Accrued expenses (46,025) (30,894)
Income taxes payable 27,145 (8,174)
Intangibles and other assets 852 29
---------------- ----------------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 41,562 (57,940)
---------------- ----------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property and equipment (3,008) (3,673)
Sale of investment property - 15
---------------- ----------------
Net cash used in investing activities (3,008) (3,658)
---------------- ----------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Payments of short-term debt (3,156) (539)
Payments of long-term debt (53,628) (889)
Dividends paid (2,379) (2,767)
Proceeds from long-term debt 36,628 1,323
Proceeds from short-term debt - 1,151
Minority interest portion of investment in subsidiaries 250 -
Minority interest in dividends paid by subsidiaries (2,807) (232)
Payments to acquire treasury stock (5,921) -
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 2,557 2,667
---------------- ----------------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (28,456) 714
---------------- ----------------
EFFECTS OF FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION LOSSES (305) (179)
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 9,793 (61,063)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, as of August 31 7,552 87,467
---------------- ----------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, as of February 29 and 28 $ 17,345 $ 26,404
================ ================
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the six months for:
Interest, net of capitalized interest $ 1,000 $ 100
Income taxes $ 400 $ 18,000
Noncash financing activities:
Tax benefit of stock option exercises $ 1,300 $ 100
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
DELTA AND PINE LAND COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except percentages and share amounts)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
---------------------
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared
in accordance with the generally accepted accounting principles for interim
financial information and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not
include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements. In
the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring
accruals) considered necessary for the fair presentation of the consolidated
financial statements have been included. Due to the seasonal nature of Delta and
Pine Land Company and subsidiaries' (the "Company") business, the results of
operations for the three and six month periods ended February 29, 2000 and
February 28, 2001 or for any quarterly period, are not necessarily indicative of
the results to be expected for the full year. For further information reference
should be made to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto
included in the Company's Annual Report to Stockholders on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended August 31, 2000.
Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to the current
year presentation.
Changes to Significant Accounting Policies - Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company uses various financial instruments that are considered derivatives
to mitigate its risk to variability in cash flows related to soybean purchases
and to effectively fix the cost of a significant portion of its soybean raw
material inventory. The terms of the hedging derivatives used by the Company are
negotiated to approximate the terms of the forecasted transaction; therefore,
the Company expects the instruments used in hedging transactions to be highly
effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of the hedged items. Hedging
realized and unrealized gains and losses are recorded as a component of other
comprehensive income and are reclassified into earnings in the period in which
the forecasted transaction effects earnings (i.e. is sold or disposed) and
generally occurs during the Company's second and third fiscal quarters. The
Company does not speculate in derivatives.
2. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/LOSS
-------------------------
Total comprehensive income for the three and six months ended February 29, 2000
and February 28, 2001, was (in thousands):
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
February 29, February 28, February 29, February 28,
2000 2001 2000 2001
------------ ----------- ------------ -------------
Net income $ 58,635 $ 23,886 $49,119 $ 18,961
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency translation gains/(losses) 181 176 (305) (179)
Unrealized gain/(losses) on
hedging instruments - (509) - (382)
Income tax benefit (expense)
related to other comprehensive income (68) 120 115 203
------------ ----------- ------------ -------------
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax 113 (213) (190) (358)
------------ ----------- ------------ -------------
Total comprehensive income $58,748 $ 23,673 $48,929 $ 18,603
============ =========== ============ =============
3. SEGMENT DISCLOSURES
-------------------
The Company is in a single line of business and operates in two business
segments, domestic and international. The Company's reportable segments offer
similar products; however, the business units are managed separately due to the
geographic dispersion of their operations. D&PL breeds, produces, conditions,
and markets proprietary varieties of cotton and soybean planting seed in the
United States. The international segment offers cottonseed in several foreign
countries through both export sales and in-country operations. The Company
develops its proprietary seed products through research and development efforts
in the United States and certain foreign countries.
The Company's chief operating decision maker utilizes revenue information in
assessing performance and making overall operating decisions and resource
allocations. Profit and loss information is reported by segment to the chief
operating decision maker and the Company's Board of Directors. The accounting
policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of
significant accounting policies in the Company's Form 10-K filed for the year
ending August 31, 2000 with significant changes described in Note 1 to the
financial statements.
Information about the Company's segments for the three and six months ended
February 29, 2000 and February 28, 2001 is as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
February 29, February 28, February 29, February 28,
2000 2001 2000 2001
-------------- ------------- --------------- -----------------
Net sales
Domestic $ 89,483 $ 128,297 $ 89,925 $ 128,378
International 14,720 21,857 18,826 31,470
-------------- -------------- --------------- -----------------
$ 104,203 $ 150,154 $ 108,751 $ 159,848
============== ============== =============== =================
Operating income
Domestic $ 88,650 $ 31,330 $ 78,617 $ 21,392
International 5,482 8,083 4,668 9,092
-------------- -------------- --------------- -----------------
$ 94,132 $ 39,413 $ 83,285 $ 30,484
============== ============== =============== =================
Material Changes in Assets:
Inventories increased approximately $30,727 to $66,005 at February 28, 2001
from $35,278 at August 31, 2000. This increase reflects the seasonal nature
of the Company's domestic production cycle. The Company's domestic segment
purchases bulk seed in its first and second fiscal quarters and begins
production for the current year's selling season. The increase at February
28, 2001 from August 31, 2000 in inventories and accounts payable is
primarily related to those events and is consistent with the Company's
historical experience.
Accounts receivable increased approximately $13,416 to $194,721 at February
28, 2001 from $181,305 at August 31, 2000. This increase is primarily
related to second quarter sales in both the domestic and international
segments partially offset by the collection of sublicense revenue for the
2000 season in September 2000. The decrease in accrued expenses from August
31, 2000 to February 28, 2001 is primarily attributable to the related
royalty payment for the Bollgard and Roundup Ready gene technologies for
the 2000 season.
4. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
--------------------------------
SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,"
establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments,
including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for
hedging activities. D&PL adopted SFAS 133 effective September 1, 2000. The
adoption of this statement did not have a material impact on D&PL's results of
operations, financial position or cash flows.
Effective September 1, 1999, the Company adopted the reporting requirements of
SOP 98-5 which resulted in a write-off, net of tax, of approximately $2,965
($0.08 per share). The adjustment of $2,965 after income tax benefits of $1,817
to apply retroactively the new method is included in income for the first fiscal
quarter of 2000.
In December 1999, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101, Revenue
Recognition in Financial Statements ("SAB 101"). SAB 101 provides guidance on
the recognition, presentation and disclosure of revenue in financial statements
filed with the SEC. In June 2000, the SEC issued an amendment to SAB 101 which
allows registrants to wait until the fourth quarter of their first fiscal year
beginning after December 15, 1999 to implement SAB 101. Therefore, D&PL must
adopt the requirements of SAB 101 no later than June 1, 2001. Management has
determined that the adoption of SAB 101 will not have a material impact on the
Company's annual financial statements.
5. INVENTORIES
-----------
Inventories consisted of the following (in thousands):
February 29, August 31, February 28,
2000 2000 2001
---------------- ------------------ --------------------
Finished goods $ 57,289 $ 28,649 $ 54,316
Raw materials 25,835 11,327 21,287
Growing crops 360 1,744 1,245
Supplies and other 537 1,165 721
---------------- ------------------ --------------------
84,021 42,885 77,569
Less reserves (9,903) (7,607) (11,564)
---------------- ------------------ --------------------
$ 74,118 $ 35,278 $ 66,005
================ ================== ====================
Substantially all finished goods and raw material inventory is valued at the
lower of average cost or market. Growing crops are recorded at cost. For the
three months ending February 28, 2001, the Company recorded no gains or losses
as a result of hedge ineffectiveness.
6. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
-----------------------------
Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands):
February 29, August 31, February 28,
2000 2000 2001
----------------- ------------------ -----------------
Land and improvements $ 4,119 $ 4 046 $ 4,014
Buildings and improvements 37,325 37,759 37,813
Machinery and equipment 46,378 46,239 47,709
Germplasm 7,500 7,500 7,500
Breeder and foundation seed 2,000 2,000 2,000
Construction in progress 2,057 4,444 6,350
----------------- ------------------ -----------------
99,379 101,988 105,386
Less accumulated depreciation (34,735) (36,944) (40,070)
----------------- ------------------ -----------------
$ 64,644 $ 65,044 $ 65,316
================= ================== =================
7. CONTINGENCIES
--------------
The Company is named as a defendant in various lawsuits that allege, among other
things, that certain of the Company's products (including Monsanto's technology)
did not perform as the farmer had anticipated or expected. In many of these
suits, Monsanto and, in some cases, the distributor/dealer who sold the seed
were also named. In all cases where the seed sold contained either or both of
Monsanto's Bollgard and Roundup Ready gene technologies, D&PL tendered the
defense of these cases to Monsanto and requested indemnity. Pursuant to the
terms of the February 6, 1996 Bollgard Gene License and Seed Services Agreement
(the "Bollgard Agreement") and the February 6, 1996 Roundup Ready Gene License
and Seed Services Agreement (the "Roundup Ready Agreement") (both as amended
December 8, 1999) D&PL has a right to be contractually indemnified by Monsanto
against all claims arising out of the failure of Monsanto's gene technology.
Some of the product liability lawsuits contain varietal claims which are aimed
solely at the Company. D&PL does not have a right to indemnification from
Monsanto, however, for any claims involving varietal characteristics separate
from or in addition to the failure of the Monsanto gene technology. The Company
believes that the resolution of these matters will not have a material impact on
its consolidated financial statements. The Company intends to vigorously defend
itself in these matters.
See Part II, Item I for a discussion of each case.
In October 1996, Mycogen Plant Science, Inc. and Agrigenetics, Inc.
(collectively "Mycogen") 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 patents have been infringed by the defendants by making, selling, and
licensing seed that contains the Bollgard gene. The suit, which went to trial in
January 1998, sought injunctions against alleged infringement, compensatory
damages, treble damages and attorney's fees and court costs. A jury found in
favor of D&PL and Monsanto on issues of infringement holding Mycogen's patents
invalid. Mycogen subsequently re-filed a motion for a new trial and for a
judgment in favor of Mycogen as a matter of law. The trial court has ruled in
these motions holding for Mycogen on certain issues but sustaining the jury
verdict in favor of D&PL and Monsanto. Mycogen then appealed. On March 14, 2001,
the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed the District Court's
judgment for D&PL and Monsanto. Mycogen now has the right to file a petition for
certiorari in the United States Supreme Court. The time for such a petition has
not expired, but there is no indication that Mycogen intends to do so. 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.
In December 1999, Mycogen filed a suit in the Federal Court of Australia
alleging that Monsanto Australia Ltd., Monsanto's wholly-owned Australian
subsidiary, and Deltapine Australia Pty. Ltd., D&PL's wholly-owned Australian
subsidiary, have been infringing two of Mycogen's Australian patents by making,
selling, and licensing cotton planting seed expressing insect resistance. The
suit seeks injunction against continued sale of seed containing Monsanto's
Ingard(R) gene and recovery of an unspecified amount of damages. The litigation
is currently in discovery. Consistent with its commitments, Monsanto has agreed
to defend D&PL in this suit and to indemnify D&PL against damages, if any are
awarded. Monsanto is providing separate defense counsel for D&PL. D&PL is
assisting Monsanto to the extent reasonably necessary.
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 Guatemalan
quetzales (approximately $678 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 a material impact on the Company's
consolidated financial statements. The Company continues to offer seed for sale
in Guatemala.
In November 1999, Bios Agrosystems S.A. ("Bios"), a former distributor of
SureGrow brand cotton seed in Greece, brought suit in the U.S. District Court in
Delaware against D&PL International Technology, D&PL's subsidiary, to enjoin the
termination of its distributorship which was to become effective at the end of
November 1999. The suit demanded a declaratory judgment that the termination is
not effective and compensatory and punitive damages for wrongful termination.
Bios also filed a request for arbitration and a parallel suit seeking injunctive
relief in a Greek court. In January 2000, the U. S. District Court denied the
request for an injunction to prevent termination of Bios' distributorship and
subsequently enjoined Bios from proceeding with parallel litigation in the Greek
courts. Bios appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Third
Circuit. In March 2001, Bios gave notice that it was dismissing its appeal. Bios
has not indicated whether or not it will continue to seek to arbitrate its
claims. D&PL believes this litigation will be resolved without material effect
on D&PL's combined financial condition and without interference with the
distribution of SureGrow brand cottonseed in Greece.
On July 18, 1996, the United States Department of Justice, Antitrust Division
("USDOJ"), served a Civil Investigative Demand (the "1996 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 were examined in
1997 by the USDOJ, and D&PL is committed to full cooperation with the USDOJ.
D&PL believes that it has demonstrated to the USDOJ that this acquisition did
not constitute a violation of the Clayton Act or any other anti-trust law.
On August 9, 1999, D&PL and Monsanto received Civil Investigative Demands from
the USDOJ, seeking to determine whether there had been any inappropriate
exchanges of information between Monsanto and D&PL or if any acquisitions are
likely to have substantially lessened competition in the sale or development of
cottonseed or cottonseed genetic traits. In September 1999, D&PL complied with
the USDOJ's request for information and documents in the 1999 CID. The USDOJ has
taken no further action directed toward D&PL in connection with the 1999 CID.
D&PL expects that both the 1996 CID and the 1999 CID will be closed, with
respect to D&PL, with no material effect to the Company's financial condition or
results of operations.
8. EARNINGS PER SHARE
------------------
For the Three Months Ended For the Six Months Ended
-------------------------- ------------------------
February 29, February 28, February 29, February 28,
2000 2001 2000 2001
------------- ------------- --------------- --------------
Basic Earnings per Share -
Net income per share before cumulative effect
of accounting change $ 1.52 $ 0.62 $ 1.35 $ 0.49
Cumulative effect of accounting change - - (0.08) -
-------------- ------------- --------------- --------------
Net income $ 1.52 $ 0.62 $ 1.27 $ 0.49
============== ============= =============== ==============
Number of shares used in per share calculations 38,644 38,425 38,653 38,405
============== ============= =============== ==============
Diluted Earnings per Share -
Net income per share before cumulative effect
of accounting change $ 1.46 $ 0.59 $ 1.29 $ 0.47
Cumulative effect of accounting change - - (0.07) -
-------------- ------------- --------------- --------------
Net income $ 1.46 $ 0.59 $ 1.22 $ 0.47
============== ============= =============== ==============
Number of shares used in per share calculations 40,110 40,101 40,186 40,124
============== ============= =============== ==============
Dividends per common share $ 0.03 $ 0.04 $ 0.06 $ 0.07
============== ============= =============== ==============
The table below reconciles the basic and diluted per share computations for
income before the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle:
For the Three Months Ended For the Six Months Ended
-------------------------- ------------------------
(in thousands, except per share amounts) February 29, February 28, February 29, February 28,
2000 2001 2000 2001
------------- ------------- --------------- --------------
Income:
Net income before cumulative effect of
accounting change $ 58,635 $ 23,886 $ 52,084 $ 18,961
Less: Preferred stock dividends (40) (43) (64) (75)
------------- ------------- -------------- --------------
Basic EPS:
Net income before cumulative effect of
accounting change 58,595 23,843 52,020 18,886
Effect of Dilutive Securities:
Convertible Preferred Stock Dividends 40 43 64 75
------------- ------------- -------------- --------------
Diluted EPS:
Net income before cumulative effect
of accounting change available
to common stockholders plus assumed $ 58,635 $ 23,886 $ 52,084 $ 18,961
conversions
Shares:
Basic EPS Shares 38,644 38,425 38,653 38,405
Effect of Dilutive Securities:
Options to purchase stock 399 609 466 652
Convertible preferred stock 1,067 1,067 1,067 1,067
-------------- ------------- --------------- --------------
Diluted EPS Shares 40,110 40,101 40,186 40,124
============== ============= =============== ==============
Per Share Amounts:
Basic $ 1.52 $ 0.62 $ 1.34 $ 0.49
============== ============= =============== ==============
Diluted $ 1.46 $ 0.59 $ 1.30 $ 0.47
============== ============= =============== ==============
PART I.
Item 2. Management's Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results
Of Operations
Overview
--------
Due to the seasonal nature of the Company's business, D&PL typically incurs
losses in its first and fourth fiscal quarters since the majority of the
Company's domestic sales are made in its second and third quarters. Sales in the
first and fourth quarters are generally limited to those made to smaller export
markets and those made by the Company's non-U.S. joint ventures and subsidiaries
located primarily in the Southern hemisphere.
Revenues from domestic seed sales are generally recognized when seed is shipped.
Revenues from Bollgard and Roundup Ready licensing fees are based on the number
of acres expected to be planted with such seed and are recognized when the seed
is shipped. The licensing fees charged to farmers is based on pre-established
planting rates for eight regions and the estimated number of seed contained in
each bag which may vary by variety, location grown, and other factors. Revenue
is recognized based on the established technology fee per unit shipped to each
geographic region. International export revenues are recognized upon the later
of when seed is shipped or the date letters of credit are confirmed. Generally,
international export sales are not subject to return. All other international
revenues from the sale of planting seed, less estimated reserves for returns,
are recognized when the seed is shipped.
All of the Company's domestic seed products (including Bollgard and Roundup
Ready technologies) are subject to return or credit, which vary from year to
year. The annual level of returns and, ultimately, net sales are influenced by
various factors, principally commodity prices and weather conditions occurring
in the spring planting season during the Company's third and fourth quarters.
The Company provides for estimated returns as sales occur. To the extent actual
returns 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.
Net income for the quarter ended February 28, 2001 of $23,886,000 was less than
the net income of $58,635,000 reported in the comparable prior year quarter.
This is due primarily to the recognition of the $81 million merger termination
fee, net of related expenses of $6 million, in the prior year ($46.6 million
after tax). Sales and net income in 2001 were favorably affected by 1) an
acceleration of orders and shipments into the Company's second quarter from the
third quarter in the current year; 2) increased sales by the Company's non-U.S.
subsidiaries and joint ventures and 3) an increase in interest income earned.
Results of Operations
---------------------
The following sets forth selected operating data of the Company (in thousands):
For the Three Months Ended For the Six Months Ended
------------------------- ------------------------
February 29, February 28, February 29, February 28,
2000 2001 2000 2001
------------- ------------- -------------- ---------------
Operating results -
Net sales and licensing fees $ 104,203 $150,154 $108,751 $159,848
Gross profit 31,041 51,782 31,341 54,078
Operating expenses:
Research and development 5,022 4,975 9,381 9,132
Selling 3,596 3,361 6,833 6,489
General and administrative 2,985 4,033 6,069 7,973
Special charges and unusual income item (74,694) - (74,227) -
Operating income 94,132 39,413 83,285 30,484
Income before income taxes and cumulative
effect of accounting change 93,900 37,274 83,334 29,696
Net income applicable to common shares 58,595 23,843 49,055 18,886
The following sets forth selected balance sheet data of the Company as of the
following periods (in thousands):
February 29, August 31, February 28,
2000 2000 2001
----------------- ----------------- ------------------
Balance sheet summary-
Current assets $ 233,615 $ 313,701 $ 296,486
Current liabilities 163,329 215,315 178,563
Working capital 70,286 98,386 117,923
Property, plant and equipment, net 64,644 65,044 65,316
Total assets 310,402 390,134 372,937
Outstanding borrowings 663 4,482 5,528
Stockholders' equity 132,475 159,628 177,962
Three months ended February 29, 2000, compared to three months ended February
28, 2001:
Net sales and licensing fees increased approximately $46.0 million to $150.2
million from $104.2 million. This increase is primarily the result of a shift of
domestic orders and shipments from the Company's third fiscal quarter into the
second fiscal quarter. Additionally, the International segment experienced
increased export sales to Greece, increased sales at the Company's Australian
subsidiary, and continued market penetration by the Company's joint ventures in
China.
Operating expenses increased from $11.6 million in the second quarter of 2000 to
$12.4 million in the second quarter of 2001. This increase is primarily
attributable to higher property and casualty insurance premiums and higher
professional fees.
The Company reported net interest income of $0.5 million compared to net
interest expense of $0.3 million in the same quarter of the prior year due to
higher average available funds.
Other expense increased approximately $2.2 million in the second quarter of 2001
compared to the same quarter of the prior year and is primarily attributable to
additional contingency reserves and related costs as well as foreign exchange
losses.
Six months ended February 29, 2000, compared to six months ended February 28,
2001:
Net sales and licensing fees increased approximately $51.0 million to $159.8
million from $108.8 million. This increase is primarily the result of a shift of
domestic orders and shipments from the Company's third fiscal quarter into the
second fiscal quarter. Additionally, the International segment experienced
increased export sales to Greece, increased sales at the Company's Australian
subsidiary, and continued market penetration by the Company's joint ventures in
China.
Operating expenses increased from $22.3 million through the second quarter of
2000 to $23.6 million for the same period in 2001. This increase is primarily
attributable to higher property and casualty insurance premiums and higher
professional fees the effects of which were partially offset by lower contract
research expense.
The Company reported net interest income of $2.5 million compared to net
interest expense of $0.2 million for the same period of the prior year due to
higher average available funds.
The Company reported net other expense of approximately $2.3 million for the six
months ended February 28, 2001 compared to net other income of approximately
$0.1 million for the same period of the prior year and is primarily attributable
to additional contingency reserves and related costs as well as foreign exchange
losses.
On May 8, 1998, the Company entered into a merger agreement with Monsanto
Company ("Monsanto"), pursuant to which the Company would be merged with and
into Monsanto. On December 20, 1999, Monsanto withdrew its pre-merger
notification filed pursuant to the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act
of 1976 ("HSR Act") effectively terminating Monsanto's efforts to gain
government approval of the merger. On December 30, 1999, the Company filed suit
(the "December 30 suit") in the First Judicial District of Bolivar County,
Mississippi, seeking, among other things, the payment of the $81 million
termination fee due pursuant to the merger agreement, compensatory damages of $1
billion and punitive damages in an amount to be proved at trial for Monsanto's
breach of contract. On January 2, 2000, the Company and Monsanto reached an
agreement whereby the Company would withdraw the December 30 suit, and Monsanto
would immediately pay the $81 million. The parties agreed to negotiate in good
faith over the following two weeks and Monsanto agreed to make members of its
senior management available to conduct such negotiations. It was also agreed
that if no consensual resolution was reached, the lawsuit brought by the Company
would be re-filed. On January 3, 2000, Monsanto paid to the Company a
termination fee of $81 million as required by the merger agreement. On January
18, 2000, the Company re-filed a suit restating essentially all of the
allegations contained in the December 30 suit.
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 18 years D&PL has borrowed on a short-term basis to
meet seasonal working capital needs.
In the United States, D&PL purchases seed from contract growers in its first and
second fiscal quarters. Seed conditioning, treating and packaging commence late
in the first fiscal quarter and continue through the third fiscal quarter.
Seasonal 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 customers financial incentives to make
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 licensing 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 licensing 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 related royalty.
The Company maintains a syndicated credit facility with its primary lender and
two other financial institutions which provides for aggregate borrowings of $110
million. This agreement provides a base commitment of $55 million and a seasonal
commitment of $55 million. The base commitment is a long-term loan that may be
borrowed upon at any time and was due April 1, 2001. The seasonal commitment is
a working capital loan that may be drawn upon from September 1 through June 30
of each fiscal year and expired April 1, 2001. In addition, the lead lender
approved a $25.0 million credit line that can be activated by the Company as
needed. 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 Company had $55.0 million available for
borrowing under the base commitment and $55.0 million available for borrowing
under the seasonal commitment at February 28, 2001.
The financial covenants under the loan agreements require the Company to: (a)
maintain a ratio of total liabilities to tangible net worth at August 31, of
less than or equal to 2.25 to 1 (4.0 to 1.0 at the Company's other quarter ends)
(b) maintain a fixed charge ratio at the end of each quarter greater than or
equal to 2.0 to 1.0 and (c) maintain at all times tangible net worth of not less
than the sum of (i) $40 million plus (ii) 50% of net income (but not losses)
determined on the last day of each fiscal quarter, commencing with August 31,
1998. At February 28, 2001, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.
The lead lender and the Company have executed a commitment letter to renew the
existing facility with terms and conditions substantially similar to the newly
expired facility. The lead lender has also provided a bridge facility for $30
million which the Company will utilize until the syndicated facility is
finalized, which is expected to occur by May 31, 2000. Management believes that
the bridge facility, along with cash on hand and cash generated from operations,
will be sufficient to meets its working capital needs until the renewed facility
is executed.
Capital expenditures for the second quarter of 2001 were $2.3 million ($3.7
million for the six months ended February 28, 2001). The Company anticipates
that domestic capital expenditures will approximate $8.0 million in 2001.
Capital expenditures in 2001 for international ventures are expected to range
from $2.0 million to $3.0 million depending on the timing and outcome of such
projects. Capital expenditures will be funded by cash from operations,
borrowings or investments from joint venture partners, as necessary.
The Board of Directors reviews the Company's dividend policy quarterly. In the
second quarter of 2001, The Board of Directors increased the quarterly dividend
to $0.04 per share (a 33% increase) effective for the second and subsequent
fiscal quarters. This dividend was paid on March 12, 2001, to the shareholders
of record on February 28, 2001.
In the second quarter of 2000, the Board of Directors approved a Stock
Repurchase Plan pursuant to which the Company may spend up to $50 million to
repurchase its outstanding common stock. The shares repurchased will be used for
stock issuances pursuant to the Company's stock option plans, the expected
conversion of the outstanding convertible Preferred Stock and for other
corporate purposes. During the quarter ended February 28, 2001, no shares were
repurchased by D&PL.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
The Company and Monsanto are named as defendants in four pending lawsuits filed
in the State of Texas. Two lawsuits were filed in Lamb County, Texas on April 5,
1999; one lawsuit was filed in Lamb County, Texas on April 14, 1999; and one
lawsuit was filed in Hockley County, Texas, on April 21, 1999. These lawsuits
were removed to the United States District Court, Lubbock Division, but
subsequently were remanded back to the state court where they were filed. In
each case the plaintiff alleges, among other things, that certain cottonseed
acquired from Paymaster did not perform as the farmers had anticipated or as
allegedly represented to them. This litigation is identical to seed arbitration
claims previously filed in the State of Texas, which were concluded in the
Company's favor. The Company and Monsanto have investigated the claims to
determine the cause or causes of the alleged problems and they appear to be
totally caused by environmental factors.
The Company and Monsanto were also named as defendants in one additional lawsuit
filed in the State of Texas. That lawsuit was filed in the 106th Judicial
District Court of Gaines County, Texas, on April 27, 2000. In this case the
plaintiff alleges, among other things, that certain cottonseed acquired from
D&PL that contained the Roundup Ready(R) gene did not perform as the farmer had
anticipated. The Company and Monsanto are investigating the claim to determine
the cause or causes of the alleged problem. Pursuant to the terms of the Roundup
Ready(R) Agreement between D&PL and Monsanto, D&PL has tendered the defense of
this claim to Monsanto and requested indemnity. Pursuant to the Roundup Ready(R)
Agreement, Monsanto is contractually obligated to defend and indemnify the
Company against all claims arising out of the failure of the Roundup(R)
glyphosate tolerance gene. D&PL will not have a right of indemnification from
Monsanto, however, for any claim involving defective varietal characteristics
separate from or in addition to the herbicide tolerance gene and such claims are
contained in this litigation.
The Company and Monsanto are named as defendants, along with local seed or
technology distributors in sixteen lawsuits filed in Alabama. Four were filed in
Autauga County, three on March 23, 2000 and one on March 27, 2000; three were
filed in Barbour County, two on October 19, 2000, and one on November 7, 2000;
three were filed in Chilton County on March 22, 2000; one was filed in Dallas
County on March 22, 2000; one was filed in Elmore County on March 22, 2000; one
was filed in Escambia County on April 5, 2000; two were filed in Lowndes County,
one on March 14 and one on March 22, 2000; and one was filed in Wilcox County on
March 22, 2000. These lawsuits, with the exception of the Escambia and Barbour
County cases, were removed to the United States District Court for the Middle
District of Alabama, but subsequently remanded back to the state court in which
they were filed. In each case the plaintiff alleges, among other things, that
certain cottonseed acquired from D&PL, which contained either the Roundup
Ready(R) gene, the Bollgard(R) gene or both of such genes, did not perform as
the farmers had anticipated or as allegedly represented to them. These lawsuits
also include varietal claims based solely at the Company. Twelve of these
lawsuits were earlier filed as seed arbitration claims with the Alabama
Department of Agriculture. Eleven were dismissed for lack of jurisdiction by
that entity, the case in Escambia County was heard and the Company was
exonerated from liability. The Company and Monsanto have investigated the
claims, and are continuing to investigate the claims, to determine the cause or
causes of the alleged problem. Pursuant to the terms of the Roundup Ready(R)
Agreement between D&PL and Monsanto and the Bollgard(R) Gene Licensing Agreement
between D&PL and Monsanto, D&PL has a contractual right to be indemnified
against all claims arising out of the failure of Monsanto's gene technology.
D&PL will not have a right to indemnification, however, from Monsanto for any
claim involving varietal characteristics separate from or in addition to the
failure of the Monsanto technology and such claims are contained in each of
these lawsuits.
The Company and Monsanto and various retail seed suppliers were named in three
pending lawsuits in the State of South Carolina. One lawsuit was filed November
15, 1999, in the Beaufort Division of the United States District Court, District
of South Carolina; both other cases were filed on November 15, 1999, in the
Court of Common Pleas of Hampton County, South Carolina. The two state court
lawsuits were removed to the United States District Court for the District of
South Carolina but were subsequently remanded back to the state court in which
they were filed. In each of these cases the plaintiff alleges, among other
things, that certain seed acquired from D&PL which contained the Roundup
Ready(R) gene and/or the Bollgard(R) gene did not perform as the farmer had
anticipated. These lawsuits also include varietal claims aimed solely at the
Company. of these cases, one filed in Hampton County and the other filed in the
United States District Court seek class action treatment for all purchasers of
certain D&PL varieties which contain the Monsanto technology. The Company and
Monsanto are continuing to investigate the claims to determine the cause or
causes of the alleged problem. Pursuant to the terms of the Roundup Ready(R)
Agreement between D&PL and Monsanto and the Bollgard(R) Gene Licensing Agreement
between D&PL and Monsanto, D&PL has a contractual right to be indemnified
against all claims arising out of the failure of Monsanto's gene technology.
D&PL will not have a right to indemnification, however, from Monsanto for any
claim involving varietal characteristics separate from or in addition to the
failure of the Monsanto technology and such claims are contained in each of
these lawsuits.
On July 18, 2000, the Company and Monsanto were named in a lawsuit filed in the
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas. This lawsuit
alleges that certain cottonseed varieties containing the Roundup Ready(R) gene
did not perform as promised and that the farmer suffered damages as a result of
a lack of tolerance of his growing cotton crop to applications of Roundup
herbicide. This case was the subject of an earlier claim filed before the Seed
Arbitration Council of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture which was
dismissed. The Company and Monsanto are investigating these claims to determine
the cause or causes of the alleged problem. Pursuant to the terms of the Roundup
Ready(R) Agreement between D&PL and Monsanto, D&PL has tendered the defense of
this claim to Monsanto and requested indemnity. Pursuant to the Roundup Ready(R)
Agreement, Monsanto is contractually obligated to defend and indemnify the
Company against all claims arising out of the failure of the Roundup(R) Ready
gene. D&PL will not have a right to indemnification from Monsanto, however, for
any claim involving defective varietal characteristics separate from or in
addition to the failure of the herbicide tolerance gene, and such claims are
contained in this complaint.
The Company was named in five lawsuits filed in the State of Mississippi. Three
lawsuits were filed in the Circuit Court of Coahoma County on September 19,
2000; one lawsuit was filed in Circuit Court of Leflore County on September 25,
2000; and one lawsuit was filed in the Circuit Court of Coahoma County on
October 26, 2000. These lawsuits allege that certain cottonseed sold by the
Company was defective and that as a result of the defect the farmers suffered
lower than expected yields. The Company is presently investigating these claims
to determine the cause or causes of the alleged problems.
On March 7, 2001, the Company and Monsanto and local distributors were named in
a lawsuit filed in Bladen County, North Carolina. This lawsuit alleges that
certain cottonseed varieties containing the Roundup Ready(R) gene did not
perform as promised and that the farmer suffered as a result of lack of
tolerance of his growing crop to applications of Roundup(R). The Company and
Monsanto are investigating this claim to determine the cause or causes of the
alleged problem. Pursuant to the terms of the Roundup Ready(R) Agreement between
D&PL and Monsanto, D&PL has tendered the defense of this claim to Monsanto and
requested indemnity. Pursuant to the Roundup Ready(R) Agreement, Monsanto is
contractually obligated to defend and indemnify the Company against all claims
arising out of the failure of the Roundup Ready(R) gene. D&PL will not have a
right to indemnification from Monsanto, however, for any claim involving
defective varietal characteristics separate from or in addition to the failure
of the herbicide tolerance gene and such claims are contained in this complaint.
On February 5, 2001, D&PL and Monsanto and a local seed distributor were named
in a lawsuit filed in the Sixth Judicial Court, Parish of East Carroll,
Louisiana. This lawsuit alleges that certain cottonseed varieties sold by D&PL
which contained Monsanto's licensed gene technology suffered from a disease or
malady known as bronze wilt. The Company and Monsanto are presently
investigating this claim to determine the cause or causes of the alleged
problem. The lawsuit does not allege that the Monsanto gene technology failed
and, accordingly, it does not appear that D&PL has a claim for indemnity or
defense under the Roundup Ready(R) Gene Agreement as the claim alleges defective
varietal characteristics only.
In October 1996, Mycogen Plant Science, Inc. and Agrigenetics, Inc.
(collectively "Mycogen") 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 patents have been infringed by the defendants by making, selling, and
licensing seed that contains the Bollgard gene. The suit, which went to trial in
January 1998, sought injunctions against alleged infringement, compensatory
damages, treble damages and attorney's fees and court costs. A jury found in
favor of D&PL and Monsanto on issues of infringement holding Mycogen's patents
invalid. Mycogen subsequently re-filed a motion for a new trial and for a
judgment in favor of Mycogen as a matter of law. The trial court has ruled in
these motions holding for Mycogen on certain issues but sustaining the jury
verdict in favor of D&PL and Monsanto. Mycogen then appealed. On March 14, 2001,
the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed the District Court's
judgment for D&PL and Monsanto. Mycogen now has the right to file a petition for
certiorari in the United States Supreme Court. The time for such a petition has
not expired, but there is no indication that Mycogen intends to do so. 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.
In December 1999, Mycogen filed a suit in the Federal Court of Australia
alleging that Monsanto Australia Ltd., Monsanto's wholly-owned Australian
subsidiary, and Deltapine Australia Pty. Ltd., D&PL's wholly-owned Australian
subsidiary, have been infringing two of Mycogen's Australian patents by making,
selling, and licensing cotton planting seed expressing insect resistance. The
suit seeks injunction against continued sale of seed containing Monsanto's
Ingard(R) gene and recovery of an unspecified amount of damages. The litigation
is currently in discovery. Consistent with its commitments, Monsanto has agreed
to defend D&PL in this suit and to indemnify D&PL against damages, if any are
awarded. Monsanto is providing separate defense counsel for D&PL. D&PL is
assisting Monsanto to the extent reasonably necessary.
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 Guatemalan
quetzales (approximately $678 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 a material impact on the Company's
consolidated financial statements. The Company continues to offer seed for sale
in Guatemala.
In November 1999, Bios Agrosystems S.A. ("Bios"), a former distributor of
SureGrow brand cotton seed in Greece, brought suit in the U.S. District Court in
Delaware against D&PL International Technology, D&PL's subsidiary, to enjoin the
termination of its distributorship which was to become effective at the end of
November 1999. The suit demanded a declaratory judgment that the termination is
not effective and compensatory and punitive damages for wrongful termination.
Bios also filed a request for arbitration and a parallel suit seeking injunctive
relief in a Greek court. In January 2000, the U. S. District Court denied the
request for an injunction to prevent termination of Bios' distributorship and
subsequently enjoined Bios from proceeding with parallel litigation in the Greek
courts. Bios appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Third
Circuit. In March 2001, Bios gave notice that it was dismissing its appeal. Bios
has not indicated whether or not it will continue to seek to arbitrate its
claims. D&PL believes this litigation will be resolved without material effect
on D&PL's combined financial condition and without interference with the
distribution of SureGrow brand cottonseed in Greece.
On July 18, 1996, the United States Department of Justice, Antitrust Division
("USDOJ"), served a Civil Investigative Demand (the "1996 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 were examined in
1997 by the USDOJ, and D&PL is committed to full cooperation with the USDOJ.
D&PL believes that it has demonstrated to the USDOJ that this acquisition did
not constitute a violation of the Clayton Act or any other anti-trust law.
On August 9, 1999, D&PL and Monsanto received Civil Investigative Demands from
the USDOJ, seeking to determine whether there had been any inappropriate
exchanges of information between Monsanto and D&PL or if any acquisitions are
likely to have substantially lessened competition in the sale or development of
cottonseed or cottonseed genetic traits. In September 1999, D&PL complied with
the USDOJ's request for information and documents in the 1999 CID. The USDOJ has
taken no further action directed toward D&PL in connection with the 1999 CID.
D&PL expects that both the 1996 CID and the 1999 CID will be closed, with
respect to D&PL, with no material effect to the Company's financial condition or
results of operations.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
The Annual Meeting of the Shareholders of Delta and Pine Land Company was held
on December 29, 2000. The following matters were brought to a vote with the
noted results:
Item For Against Abstain Non-Voted
---- --- ------- ------- ---------
1. Re-elect of Class I Directors 28,589,920 0 214,057 9,589,127
Stanley P. Roth
Nam-Hai Chua
2. Approve Arthur Andersen,
LLP as principal independent certified
public accountants for the fiscal year 28,507,627 0 296,350 9,589,127
ending August 31, 2001
Item 5. Business
Domestic
--------
Delta and Pine Land Company, a Delaware corporation, and subsidiaries ("D&PL" or
the "Company") 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 to its product line. In 1996, D&PL commenced
commercial sales in the United States of cotton planting seed containing
Bollgard(R) gene technology licensed from Monsanto which expresses a protein
toxic to certain lepidopteran insects. Since 1997, D&PL has marketed in the U.S.
cotton planting seed that contains a gene that provides tolerance to
glyphosate-based herbicides ("Roundup Ready(R) Cotton"). In 1997, D&PL commenced
commercial sales in the U.S. of soybean planting seed that contains a gene that
provides tolerance to glyphosate-based herbicides ("Roundup Ready(R) Soybeans").
In 1998, D&PL commenced sales of cottonseed of varieties containing both the
Bollgard and Roundup Ready gene technologies.
International
-------------
During the 1980's, as a component of its long-term growth strategy, the Company
began to market its products, primarily cottonseed, internationally. Over a
period of years, the Company has strengthened and expanded its international
staff in order to support its expanding international business, primarily
through joint ventures. In foreign countries, cotton acreage is often planted
with farmer-saved seed which has not been delinted or treated and is of low
overall quality. Management believes that D&PL has an attractive opportunity to
penetrate foreign markets because of its widely adaptable, superior cotton
varieties, technological know-how in producing and conditioning high-quality
seed and brand name recognition. Furthermore, in many countries the Bollgard
gene technology and Roundup Ready gene technology licensed from Monsanto is
effective and could bring value to farmers.
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. Prior to 1999, a majority of the
Company's international sales resulted from exports from the U.S. of the
Company's products rather than direct in-country operations. Since 1999, direct
in-country operations through joint ventures or subsidiaries (primarily
Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, and South Africa) have comprised over
one-half of total international sales (which have represented approximately 10%
of consolidated sales). In 2000 and the first half of 2001, the majority of
international sales came from sales in China, Australia, Greece, and South
Africa.
Joint Ventures
--------------
D&M International, LLC, is a venture through which D&PL (the managing member)
and Monsanto plan to introduce, in combination, cotton planting seed in
international markets combining D&PL's acid delinting technology and elite
germplasm and Monsanto's Bollgard and Roundup Ready gene technologies. In
November 1995, D&M International, LLC formed a subsidiary, D&PL China Pte Ltd.
("D&PL China"). In November 1996, D&PL China formed with parties in Hebei
Province, one of the major cotton producing regions in the People's Republic of
China, Hebei Ji Dai Cottonseed Technology Company Ltd. ("Ji Dai"), a joint
venture controlled by D&PL China. In June 1997, Ji Dai commenced construction of
a cottonseed conditioning and storage facility in Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China,
under terms of the joint venture agreement. The new facility was completed in
December 1997 and seed processing and sales commenced in 1998.
In December 1997, D&M International, LLC, formed a joint venture with Ciagro
S.R.L. ("Ciagro"), a distributor of agricultural inputs in the Argentine cotton
region, for the production and sale of genetically improved cottonseed. CDM
Mandiyu S.R.L., is owned 60% by D&M International, LLC, and 40% by Ciagro. CDM
Mandiyu S.R.L. has been licensed to sell D&PL cotton varieties containing
Monsanto's Bollgard gene technology. Sales of such varieties commenced in 1999.
Future plans include the production and sale of Roundup Ready cottonseed
varieties pending government approval.
In July 1998, D&PL China and the Anhui Provincial Seed Corporation formed a
joint venture, Anhui An Dai Cotton Seed Technology Company, Ltd. ("An Dai")
which is located in Hefei City, Anhui, China. Under the terms of the joint
venture agreement, the newly formed entity will produce, condition and sell acid
delinted D&PL varieties of cottonseed which contain Monsanto's Bollgard gene.
The joint venture did not receive authority to operate from the Chinese
government until after the 1999 selling season was completed; therefore,
commercial sales of D&PL cotton varieties containing the Bollgard gene
technology began in 2000.
In November 1998, D&M International LLC and Maeda Administracao e Participacoes
Ltda, an affiliate of Agropem - Agro Pecuria Maeda S.A., formed a joint venture
in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The new company, MDM Maeda Deltapine Monsanto Algodao
Ltda. ("MDM"), produces, conditions and sells acid-delinted D&PL varieties of
cotton planting seed. In 2000, the Company began selling D&PL conventional
cotton varieties and first year sales accounted for more than 20% of cotton
acreage planted in Brazil. The newly formed company will introduce transgenic
cottonseed varieties containing both Bollgard and Roundup Ready gene
technologies in the Brazilian market as soon as government approvals are
obtained.
Subsidiaries
------------
The Company's operations in Groblersdal, South Africa and Catamarca, Argentina
process foundation seed grown in these countries. The use of Southern Hemisphere
winter nurseries and seed production programs such as these can accelerate the
introduction of new varieties because D&PL can raise at least two crops per year
by taking advantage of the Southern Hemisphere growing season. The Company
maintains a winter nursery in Canas, Costa Rica and has completed construction
of a delinting plant there to process foundation seed for export to the United
States. Multiple winter nursery locations are used to manage seed production
risks.
Deltapine Australia Pty. Ltd., a wholly-owned Australian subsidiary of D&PL,
conducts breeding, production, conditioning and marketing of cotton planting
seed in Australia. Certain varieties developed in Australia are well adapted to
other Southern Hemisphere cotton producing countries and Australian developed
varieties are exported to these areas. The Company sells seed of both
conventional and transgenic varieties in Australia. 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 in the target markets before such sales can be made.
The recent instability of the economies in some of the countries in this region
will make rapid market development more difficult.
Employees
---------
As of February 28, 2001, the Company employed in the United States a total of
532 full time, non-seasonal, employees plus an estimated 86 employees of ex-US
joint ventures. Due to the nature 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 300 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) for all outstanding shares
of the three companies. The merger was accounted for as a pooling-of-interests.
The Company continues to market upland picker cottonseed varieties under the
Sure Grow brand. Additionally, the Sure Grow breeding program has full access to
Monsanto's Bollgard and Roundup Ready 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 1,066,667 shares (after
all stock splits) of the Company's Series M Convertible Non-Voting Preferred
Stock.
In 1994, D&PL acquired the Paymaster and Lankart cotton planting seed business
("Paymaster"), for approximately $14.0 million. Since the 1940's, the
Paymaster(R) and Lankart(R) upland stripper cottonseed varieties have been
developed for and marketed primarily in the High Plains of Texas and Oklahoma
(the "High Plains"). 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 portion of that seed is actually sold by Paymaster. Farmer-saved
seed accounts for a significant portion of the seed needed to plant the acreage
in this market area. Prior to 1997, 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, the certified seed program was discontinued and the Company, in
addition to producing parent seed, commenced delinting, conditioning and bagging
finished seed. Unconditioned seed is also supplied by D&PL to two contract
processors who delint, condition and bag seed for a fee. This finished seed is
sold by Paymaster 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 a third party
to develop Pima varieties that allows D&PL the right of first refusal for any
Pima varieties developed under this program. 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 amended and restated in
1996 and further amended in December 1999, provide for the commercialization of
Monsanto's Bollgard ("Bacillus thuringiensis" or "Bt") gene technology in D&PL's
varieties in the United States. The selected Bt is a bacterium found naturally
in soil and produces proteins toxic to certain lepidopteran larvae, the
principal cotton pests in many cotton growing areas. Monsanto created a
transgenic cotton plant by inserting Bt genes into cotton plant tissue. This
transgenic plant tissue is lethal to certain lepidopteran larvae that consume
it. The gene and related technology were patented or licensed from others by
Monsanto and were licensed to D&PL for use under the trade name Bollgard. In
D&PL's primary markets, the cost of insecticides is the largest single
expenditure for many cotton growers. The insect resistant capabilities of
transgenic cotton containing the Bollgard gene may reduce the amount of
insecticide required to be applied by cotton growers using planting seed
containing the Bollgard gene. In October 1995, 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 Deltapine varieties, which contained the
Bollgard gene, in accordance with the terms of the Bollgard Gene License and
Seed Services Agreement (the "Bollgard Agreement") between the Company and
Monsanto. This initial EPA registration had been set to expire on January 1,
2001 but has been updated to expire January 1, 2002, at which time the EPA will,
among other things, reevaluate the effectiveness of the insect resistance
management plan and decide whether to convert the registration to a non-expiring
(and/or unconditional) registration.
Pursuant to the terms of the Bollgard Agreement, farmers must buy a limited use
sublicense for the technology from D&M Partners, a partnership of D&PL (90%) and
Monsanto (10%), in order to purchase seed containing the Bollgard gene
technology. The distributor/dealers who coordinate the farmer licensing process
receive a service payment not to exceed 20% of the technology sublicensing fee.
After the dealers and distributors are compensated, D&M Partners pays Monsanto a
royalty equal to 71% of the net sublicense fee (technology sublicensing fees
less distributor/dealer payments) and D&PL retains 29% for its services. The
license agreement continues until the later of the expiration of all patent
rights or October 2008. D&M Partners contracts the billing and collection
activities for Bollgard and Roundup Ready licensing fees to Monsanto.
Pursuant to the Bollgard Agreement, Monsanto must defend and indemnify D&PL
against claims of patent infringement, including all damages awarded or amounts
paid in settlements. Monsanto must also indemnify D&PL against a) costs of
inventory and b) lost profits on inventory which becomes unsaleable because of
patent infringement claims. Monsanto must defend any claims of failure of
performance of a Bollgard gene. Monsanto and D&PL share the cost of any product
performance claims in proportion to each party's share of the royalty. Indemnity
from Monsanto only covers performance claims involving failure of performance of
the Bollgard gene and not claims arising from other causes.
In 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 cottonseed. Pursuant to the
collaborative biotechnology licensing agreements executed in 1996 and amended in
December 1999, D&PL has also developed transgenic cotton varieties that are
tolerant to Roundup, a glyphosate-based herbicide sold by Monsanto. In 1996,
such Roundup Ready plants were approved by the Food and Drug Administration, the
USDA, and the EPA. The Roundup Ready Agreement grants a license to D&PL and
certain of its affiliates the right in the United States to sell cottonseed of
D&PL's varieties that contain Monsanto's Roundup Ready gene. The Roundup Ready
gene makes cotton plants tolerant to contact with Roundup herbicide. Similar to
the Bollgard Agreement, farmers must execute limited use sublicenses in order to
purchase seed containing the Roundup Ready Gene. The distributors/dealers who
coordinate the farmer licensing process receive a portion of the technology
sublicensing fee. D&PL's portion of the Roundup Ready technology fee varies
depending on the technology fee per acre established by Monsanto. In 1999 and
2000, D&M Partners paid Monsanto approximately 70% of the Roundup Ready
technology fees and D&PL retained the remaining 30%.
Pursuant to the Roundup Ready Agreement, Monsanto must defend and indemnify D&PL
against claims of patent infringement, including all damages awarded or amounts
paid in settlements. Monsanto will also indemnify D&PL against the cost of
inventory that becomes unsaleable because of patent infringement claims, but
Monsanto is not required to indemnify D&PL against lost profits on such
unsaleable seed. In contrast with the Bollgard Gene License where the cost of
gene performance claims will be shared in proportion to the division of
sublicense revenue, Monsanto must defend and must bear the full cost of any
claims of failure of performance of the Roundup Ready Gene. In both agreements,
generally, D&PL is responsible for varietal/seed performance issues, and
Monsanto is responsible for failure of the genes.
In 2000, the Company had for sale 107 varieties as cotton planting seed for
either commercial or experimental purposes. Of those varieties, 16 contain the
Bollgard gene technology, 20 contain the Roundup Ready gene technology, 21
contain both gene technologies, and 50 are conventional varieties.
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 and has provisions similar to
the Roundup Ready Agreement for cottonseed. D&PL and Monsanto are currently
renogotiating terms of sale for Round Up Ready (R) soybeans for the 2001 and
future selling seasons.
On July 27, 1999, United States Patent No. 5,929,300 was issued to the United
States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) entitled
POLLEN BASED TRANSFORMATION SYSTEM USING SOLID MEDIA. D&PL has an option to
obtain a license for pollen transformation, subject to certain rights reserved
to the USDA. D&PL and the USDA have executed a commercialization agreement. The
patent covers transformation of plants.
In March 1998, D&PL was granted United States Patent No. 5,723,765, entitled
CONTROL OF PLANT GENE EXPRESSION as well as two subsequently issued patents.
These patents are owned jointly by D&PL and the United States of America, as
represented by the Secretary of Agriculture. The patents broadly cover plants
and seed, both transgenic and conventional, of all species for a system designed
to allow control of progeny seed viability without harming the crop. One
application of the technology could be to control unauthorized planting of seed
of proprietary varieties (sometimes called "brown bagging") by making such
practice non-economic since unauthorized saved seed will not germinate, and
would be useless for planting. The patent has the prospect of opening
significant worldwide seed markets to the sale of transgenic technology in
varietal crops in which crop seed currently is saved and used in subsequent
seasons as planting seed. D&PL has stated it intends that licensing of this
technology will be made widely available to other seed companies.
These patents were developed from a research program conducted pursuant to a
Cooperative Research and Development Agreement between D&PL and the U.S.
Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service in Lubbock, Texas. The
technologies resulted from basic research and will require further development,
which is already underway, in order to be used in commercial seed. The Company
estimates that it will be several years before these technologies could be
available commercially.
Since 1987, D&PL has conducted research to develop soybean plants that are
tolerant to certain DuPont ALS(R) herbicides. Such plants enable farmers to
apply these herbicides for weed control without significantly affecting the
agronomics of the soybean plants. Since soybean seed containing the ALS
herbicide-tolerant trait was not genetically engineered, sale of this seed does
not require government approval, although the herbicide to which they express
tolerance must be EPA approved.
The Company has license, research and development, confidentiality and material
transfer agreements with 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
enabling and other technologies that the Company believes have potential
commercial applications in varietal crops around the world.
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 certificate owner. Some foreign
countries provide similar legal protection for breeders of crop varieties.
Although cotton is varietal and, therefore, can be grown from seed of parent
plants saved by the growers, most farmers in D&PL's primary domestic markets
purchase seed from commercial sources each season because cottonseed requires
delinting prior to seed treatment with chemicals and in order to be sown by
modern planting equipment. Delinting and conditioning may be done either by a
seed company on its proprietary seed or by independent delinters for farmers.
Modern cotton farmers in upland picker areas generally recognize the greater
assurance of genetic purity, quality and convenience that professionally grown
and conditioned seed offers compared to seed they might save. Additionally,
Federal patent law makes unlawful any unauthorized planting of seed containing
patented genetic technology saved from prior crops.
In connection with its seed operations, the Company farms approximately 2,600
acres in the U.S., primarily for research purposes and 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 expected to be planted with such seed when the seed is
shipped. The licensing fee charged to farmers is based on pre-established
planting rates for eight geographic regions and the estimated number of seed
contained in each bag which may vary by variety, location grown, and other
factors. Revenue is recognized based on the established technology fee per unit
shipped to each geographic region. International export revenues are recognized
upon the later of when seed is shipped or the date letters of credit are
confirmed. Generally, international export sales are not subject to return. All
other international revenues from the sale of planting seed, less estimated
reserves for returns, are recognized when the seed is shipped.
Domestically, 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 (including Bollgard and Roundup Ready
technologies) are subject to return or credit, which vary from year to year. The
annual level of returns and, ultimately, net sales are influenced by various
factors, principally commodity prices and weather conditions occurring in the
spring planting season during the Company's third and fourth quarters. The
Company provides for estimated returns as sales occur. To the extent actual
returns 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.
Euro Currency Conversion
------------------------
On January 1, 1999, the euro became the common legal currency of 11 of the 15
member countries of the European Union. On that date, the participating
countries fixed conversion rates between their sovereign currencies ("legacy
currencies") and the euro. On January 4, 1999, the euro began trading on
currency exchanges and became available for non-cash transactions. The legacy
currencies will remain legal tender through December 31, 2001. Beginning January
2, 2002, euro-denominated bills and coins will be introduced, and by July 1,
2002, legacy currencies will no longer be legal tender. To date, D&PL has not
been affected by the euro currency conversion.
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 filing and the following:
Demand for D&PL's seed will be affected by government programs and policies
and, most importantly, by weather. Demand for seed is also influenced by
commodity prices and the demand for a crop's end-uses such as textiles,
animal feed, food and raw materials for industrial use. These factors,
along with weather, influence the cost and availability of seed for
subsequent seasons. Weather impacts crop yields, commodity prices and the
planting decisions that farmers make regarding both original planting
commitments and, when necessary, replanting levels.
The planting seed market is highly competitive, and D&PL 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 and new
technologies that may compete with the Bollgard and Roundup Ready gene
technologies. The Company's seed products and technologies contained
therein 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.
The production, distribution or sale of crop seed in or to foreign markets
may be subject to special risks, including fluctuations in foreign
currency, exchange rate controls, expropriation, nationalization and other
agricultural, economic, tax and regulatory policies of foreign
governments. Particular policies which may affect the domestic and
international operations of D&PL include the use of and the acceptance of
products that were produced from plants that were genetically modified,
the testing, quarantine and other restrictions relating to the import and
export of plants and seed products and the availability (or lack thereof)
of proprietary protection for plant products. In addition, United States
government policies, particularly those affecting foreign trade and
investment, may impact the Company's international operations.
The recent publicity related to genetically modified organisms ("GMOs") or
products made from plants that contain GMOs may have an effect on the
Company's sales in the future. In 2000, approximately 89% of the Company's
cottonseed that was sold in the United States contained either the
Bollgard, Roundup Ready, or both gene technologies and 80% of the Company's
soybean seed sales contained the Roundup Ready gene technology. Although
many farmers have rapidly adopted these technologies, the alleged concern
over finished products that contain GMOs could impact demand for crops (and
ultimately seed) raised from seed containing such traits.
Due to the varying levels of agricultural and social development of the
international markets in which the Company operates and because of factors
within the particular international markets targeted by the Company,
international profitability and growth may be less stable and predictable
than domestic profitability and growth.
Overall profitability will depend on the factors noted above as well as
weather conditions, government policies in all countries where the Company
sells products and operates, 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.
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 in "Risks and Uncertainties" in Item 7 of the Company's Form
10K filed for the year ending August 31, 2000.
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) 27.01 Financial Data Schedule
(b) Reports on Form 8-K.
No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the quarter ended February 28,
2001.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
DELTA AND PINE LAND COMPANY
Date: April 16, 2001 /s/ F. Murray Robinson
----------------------
F. Murray Robinson,
Vice Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer
Date: April 16, 2001 /s/ W. Thomas Jagodinski
------------------------
W. Thomas Jagodinski,
Senior Vice President -
Finance and Treasurer