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, 2003 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) 742-4000
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 ( )
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as
defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).
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 - 38,022,289 shares outstanding as of March 31,
2003.
31
DELTA AND PINE LAND COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX
Page No.
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets - February 28, 2002,
August 31, 2002, and February 28, 2003 3
Consolidated Statements of Operations - Three Months
Ended February 28, 2002 and February 28, 2003 4
Consolidated Statement of Operations - Six Months
Ended February 28, 2002 and February 28, 2003 5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Six Months
Ended February 28, 2002 and February 28, 2003 6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 7
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations 13
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 17
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 18
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 18
Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds 21
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities 21
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 21
Item 5. Business 21
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 28
Signatures 29
Certifications 30
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 28, August 31, February 28,
2002 2002 2003
----------------- ---------------- ----------------
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 57,613 $ 109,091 $ 60,316
Receivables, net 141,038 145,876 128,152
Inventories 67,991 40,021 54,914
Prepaid expenses 1,438 2,266 1,365
Deferred income taxes 8,456 11,214 11,219
----------------- ---------------- ----------------
Total current assets 276,536 308,468 255,966
PROPERTY, PLANT and EQUIPMENT, net 60,436 63,401 62,476
EXCESS OF COST OVER NET ASSETS OF
BUSINESS ACQUIRED, net 4,184 4,187 4,187
INTANGIBLES, net 4,225 4,032 4,993
INVESTMENT IN AFFILIATE - 695 354
OTHER ASSETS 2,316 2,359 2,025
----------------- ---------------- ----------------
$ 347,697 $ 383,142 $ 330,001
================= ================ ================
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Notes payable $ 96 $ 1,763 $ 173
Accounts payable 18,565 16,447 7,786
Accrued expenses 108,862 143,533 97,691
Income taxes payable 11,079 12,381 12,351
----------------- ---------------- ----------------
Total current liabilities 138,602 174,124 118,001
----------------- ---------------- ----------------
LONG-TERM DEBT, less current maturities 1,624 1,176 1,973
----------------- ---------------- ----------------
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES 4,732 3,121 3,129
----------------- ---------------- ----------------
MINORITY INTEREST IN SUBSIDIARIES 7,058 2,514 3,832
----------------- ---------------- ----------------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock, par value $0.10 per share; 2,000,000 shares authorized:
Series A Junior Participating Preferred, par value $0.10 per share;
456,989 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding - - -
Series M Convertible Non-Voting Preferred, par value $0.10 per
share; 1,066,667 shares authorized, issued and outstanding 107 107 107
Common stock, par value $0.10 per share; 100,000,000 shares authorized;
39,252,099, 39,311,571 and 39,391,105 issued;
38,476,333, 38,204,405 and 38,030,939 shares outstanding 3,925 3,931 3,939
Capital in excess of par value 50,776 51,563 52,662
Retained earnings 159,265 172,381 176,774
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (4,660) (5,939) (5,689)
Treasury stock at cost, 775,766, 1,107,166 and 1,360,166 shares (13,732) (19,836) (24,727)
----------------- ---------------- ----------------
Total stockholders' equity 195,681 202,207 203,066
----------------- ---------------- ----------------
$ 347,697 $ 383,142 $ 330,001
================= ================ ================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
DELTA AND PINE LAND COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
February 28, February 28,
2002 2003
---------------- ----------------
NET SALES AND LICENSING FEES $ 111,867 $ 107,537
COST OF SALES 71,745 65,376
---------------- ----------------
GROSS PROFIT 40,122 42,161
---------------- ----------------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Research and development 4,560 4,646
Selling 2,934 2,802
General and administrative 3,354 4,330
---------------- ----------------
10,848 11,778
SPECIAL CHARGES - -
---------------- ----------------
OPERATING INCOME 29,274 30,383
---------------- ----------------
INTEREST INCOME, net 477 194
OTHER EXPENSE, net (3,129) (4,357)
EQUITY IN NET LOSS OF AFFILIATE - (481)
MINORITY INTEREST IN LOSS/ (EARNINGS) OF SUBSIDIARIES 936 (861)
---------------- ----------------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 27,558 24,878
INCOME TAX PROVISION 9,784 8,746
---------------- ----------------
NET INCOME 17,774 16,132
DIVIDENDS ON PREFERRED STOCK (53) (64)
---------------- ----------------
NET INCOME APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHARES $ 17,721 $ 16,068
================ ================
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE $ 0.46 $ 0.42
================ ================
NUMBER OF SHARES USED IN BASIC EARNINGS
PER SHARE CALCULATIONS 38,454 38,124
================ ================
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE $ 0.44 $ 0.41
================ ================
NUMBER OF SHARES USED IN DILUTED EARNINGS
PER SHARE CALCULATIONS 39,991 39,556
================ ================
DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE $ 0.05 $ 0.06
================ ================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
DELTA AND PINE LAND COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
February 28, February 28,
2002 2003
---------------- ----------------
NET SALES AND LICENSING FEES $ 120,120 $ 113,136
COST OF SALES 77,194 69,215
---------------- ----------------
GROSS PROFIT 42,926 43,921
---------------- ----------------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Research and development 8,642 8,652
Selling 5,468 5,221
General and administrative 6,626 7,897
---------------- ----------------
20,736 21,770
SPECIAL CHARGES - (500)
---------------- ----------------
OPERATING INCOME 22,190 21,651
---------------- ----------------
INTEREST INCOME, net 1,158 582
OTHER EXPENSE, net (3,215) (6,484)
EQUITY IN NET LOSS OF AFFILIATE - (941)
MINORITY INTEREST IN LOSS/ (EARNINGS) OF SUBSIDIARIES 472 (1,318)
---------------- ----------------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 20,605 13,490
INCOME TAX PROVISION 7,316 4,789
---------------- ----------------
NET INCOME 13,289 8,701
DIVIDENDS ON PREFERRED STOCK (106) (117)
---------------- ----------------
NET INCOME APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHARES $ 13,183 $ 8,584
================ ================
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE $ 0.34 $ 0.23
================ ================
NUMBER OF SHARES USED IN BASIC EARNINGS
PER SHARE CALCULATIONS 38,420 38,150
================ ================
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE $ 0.33 $ 0.22
================ ================
NUMBER OF SHARES USED IN DILUTED EARNINGS
PER SHARE CALCULATIONS 39,871 39,551
================ ================
DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE $ 0.10 $ 0.11
================ ================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
DELTA AND PINE LAND COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
February 28, February 28,
2002 2003
---------------- ----------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income $ 13,289 $ 8,701
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 3,364 3,755
Loss/(gain) on sale of property and equipment 23 (11)
Equity in net loss of affiliate - 941
Minority interest in net (loss)/income of subsidiaries (472) 1,318
Change in deferred income taxes 244 -
Changes in current assets and liabilities:
Receivables 35,139 18,385
Inventories (31,552) (14,971)
Prepaid expenses 700 1,268
Intangibles and other assets (115) (295)
Accounts payable 3,286 (8,702)
Accrued expenses (66,223) (46,143)
Income taxes payable (4,547) 230
---------------- ----------------
Net cash used in operating activities (46,864) (35,524)
---------------- ----------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property and equipment (3,435) (2,358)
Sale of investments and property 22 33
Investment in affiliate - (600)
---------------- ----------------
Net cash used in investing activities (3,413) (2,925)
---------------- ----------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Payments of short-term debt (2,951) (1,887)
Payments of long-term debt (103) -
Dividends paid (3,947) (4,308)
Proceeds from long-term debt 620 -
Proceeds from short-term debt 1,263 410
Payments to acquire treasury stock (3,856) (4,891)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 1,962 815
---------------- ----------------
Net cash used in financing activities (7,012) (9,861)
---------------- ----------------
EFFECTS OF FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATES ON CASH 899 (465)
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (56,390) (48,775)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, as of August 31 114,003 109,091
---------------- ----------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, as of February 28 $ 57,613 $ 60,316
================ ================
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the six months for:
Interest, net of capitalized interest $ 100 $ 20
Income taxes $ 13,000 $ 4,800
Noncash financing activities:
Tax benefit of stock option exercises $ 400 $ 300
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
DELTA AND PINE LAND COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared
in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
(GAAP) for interim financial information and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.
Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required
by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all
adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for
the fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements have been
included. The business of Delta and Pine Land Company and its subsidiaries
("D&PL") is seasonal in nature; thus, the results of operations for the three
and six month periods ended February 28, 2002 and February 28, 2003 or for any
quarterly period, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected
for the full year. D&PL's investment in 50%-owned affiliate DeltaMax Cotton, LLC
is accounted for using the equity method. For further information, reference
should be made to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto
included in D&PL's Annual Report to Stockholders on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended August 31, 2002.
Special Charges
During the six months ended February 28, 2003, D&PL closed its facility in
Centre, Alabama and reduced the number of employees at its joint venture in
Hebei Province, People's Republic of China. D&PL recorded a $0.5 million charge
for severance related to this closing and staff reduction. This charge is
included in "SPECIAL CHARGES" in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of
Income.
2. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Total comprehensive income for the three and six months ended February 28, 2002
and February 28, 2003, was (in thousands):
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
------------------ ----------------
February 28, February 28, February 28, February 28,
2002 2003 2002 2003
------------ ------------ ------------- ------------
Net income $ 17,774 $ 16,132 $ 13,289 $ 8,701
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation gains/(losses) 200 214 (291) 274
Net unrealized losses on hedging
instruments (20) (142) (306) (24)
Income tax (expense) benefit
related to other comprehensive income (64) (26) 212 (87)
------------ ------------ ------------- ------------
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 116 46 (385) 163
------------ ------------ ------------- ------------
Total comprehensive income $ 17,890 $ 16,178 $ 12,904 $ 8,864
============ ============ ============= ============
3. SEGMENT DISCLOSURES
D&PL is in a single line of business and operates in two business segments,
domestic and international. D&PL's reportable segments offer similar products;
however, the business units are managed separately due to the geographic
dispersion of their operations. D&PL breeds, produces, conditions, and markets
proprietary varieties of cotton and soybean planting seed in the United States.
The international segment offers cottonseed in several foreign countries through
both export sales and in-country operations. D&PL develops its proprietary seed
products through research and development efforts in the United States and
certain foreign countries.
D&PL's chief operating decision maker utilizes revenue information in assessing
performance and making overall operating decisions and resource allocations.
Profit and loss information is reported by segment to the chief operating
decision maker and D&PL's Board of Directors. The accounting policies of the
segments are substantially the same as those described in the summary of
significant accounting policies in D&PL's Form 10-K filed for the year ended
August 31, 2002.
Information about D&PL's segments for the three and six month periods ended
February 28, 2002 and February 28, 2003 is as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
February 28, February 28, February 28, February 28,
2002 2003 2002 2003
-------------- ------------- --------------- -----------------
Net sales and licensing fees
Domestic $ 94,896 $ 92,714 $ 95,019 $ 93,140
International 16,971 14,823 25,101 19,996
-------------- -------------- --------------- -----------------
$ 111,867 $ 107,537 $ 120,120 $ 113,136
============== ============== =============== =================
Operating income
Domestic $ 22,818 $ 27,044 $ 14,241 $ 18,169
International 6,456 3,339 7,949 3,482
-------------- -------------- --------------- -----------------
$ 29,274 $ 30,383 $ 22,190 $ 21,651
============== ============== =============== =================
4. SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN ASSETS AND LIABILITIES FROM AUGUST 31, 2002
Accounts receivable decreased approximately $17,724,000 to $128,152,000 at
February 28, 2003 from $145,876,000 at August 31, 2002. This decrease is
primarily related to the collection of 2002 technology sublicense fees in
September 2002. The corresponding royalty payments made by the Company for the
Bollgard and Roundup Ready licensing fees is reflected in the decrease of
accrued expenses from August 31, 2002 to February 28, 2003.
Inventories increased approximately $14,893,000 to $54,914,000 at February 28,
2003 from $40,021,000 at August 31, 2002. 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 in inventories at
February 28, 2003 from August 31, 2002 is primarily related to those events and
is consistent with the Company's historical experience.
Accounts payable decreased approximately $8,661,000 to $7,786,000 at February
28, 2003 from $16,447,000 at August 31, 2002. This decrease is primarily
attributable to payments made on accounts payable related to customer returns
offset by lower raw material purchases.
5. RECENTLY ISSUED FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 148, "Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure -- an Amendment of FASB
Statement No. 123," amends SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation," to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary
change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee
compensation. In addition, this statement amends the disclosure requirements of
SFAS 123. SFAS No. 148 disclosure requirements are effective for annual reports
for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002 and for reports for interim
periods beginning after December 15, 2002. Therefore, D&PL must adopt the
disclosure requirements of this statement in its interim report for the quarter
ending May 31, 2003 and management anticipates that the adoption of the other
requirements will have no impact on D&PL's consolidated financial position or
results of operations.
SFAS No. 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal
Activities," addresses financial accounting and reporting for costs associated
with exit or disposal activities. This statement is effective for exit or
disposal activities that are initiated after December 31, 2002. Therefore, D&PL
adopted this statement January 1, 2003. The adoption of this statement did not
have a material impact on D&PL's consolidated financial position or results of
operations.
SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,"
addresses financial accounting and reporting for the impairment or disposal of
long-lived assets. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2001, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Therefore,
D&PL adopted this statement September 1, 2002. The adoption of this statement
did not have a material impact on D&PL's consolidated financial position or
results of operations.
SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," addresses financial
accounting and reporting for obligations associated with the retirement of
tangible long-lived assets and the associated asset retirement costs. This
statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002.
Therefore, D&PL adopted this statement September 1, 2002. The adoption of this
statement did not have a material impact on D&PL's consolidated financial
position or results of operations.
6. INVENTORIES
Inventories consisted of the following as of (in thousands):
February 28, August 31, February 28,
2002 2002 2003
---------------- ----------------- ----------------
Finished goods $ 45,633 $ 26,263 $ 36,163
Raw materials 29,431 20,961 28,641
Growing crops 129 878 138
Supplies and other 1,369 1,141 657
---------------- ----------------- ----------------
76,562 49,243 65,599
Less reserves (8,571) (9,222) (10,685)
---------------- ----------------- ----------------
$ 67,991 $ 40,021 $ 54,914
================ ================= ================
Finished goods and raw material inventory is valued at the lower of average cost
or market. Growing crops are recorded at cost. Inventory reserves relate to
estimated excess and obsolete inventory. See Note 10 for description of hedging
activities.
7. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following as of (in thousands):
February 28, August 31, February 28,
2002 2002 2003
---------------- ----------------- ------------------
Land and improvements $ 4,742 $ 5,038 $ 5,070
Buildings and improvements 37,719 37,117 37,898
Machinery and equipment 49,575 52,565 55,754
Germplasm 7,500 7,500 7,500
Breeder and foundation seed 2,000 2,000 2,000
Construction in progress 1,268 4,478 3,431
---------------- ----------------- ------------------
102,804 108,698 111,653
Less accumulated depreciation (42,368) (45,297) (49,177)
---------------- ----------------- ------------------
$ 60,436 $ 63,401 $ 62,476
================ ================= ==================
8. INTANGIBLES AND EXCESS OF COST OVER NET ASSETS OF BUSINESS ACQUIRED
The components of identifiable intangible assets follow as of (in thousands):
February 28, 2002 August 31, 2002 February 28, 2003
----------- --------------- -------------- ---------------- ------------- ------------
Gross Gross Gross
Carrying Accumulated Carrying Accumulated Carrying Accumulated
Amount Amortization Amount Amortization Amount Amortization
Trademarks $ 3,182 $ (682) $ 3,182 $ (721) $ 3,182 $ (761)
Commercialization
agreements 400 (23) 400 (37) 400 (51)
Licenses - - - - 1,100 -
Patents 295 (69) 295 (74) 322 (78)
Other 1,646 (524) 1,492 (505) 1,410 (531)
----------- --------------- -------------- ---------------- ------------- --------------
$ 5,523 $ (1,298) $ 5,369 $ (1,337) $ 6,414 $ (1,421)
=========== =============== ============== ================ ============= ==============
Amortization expense for identifiable intangible assets during the three- and
six-month periods ended February 28, 2003 was approximately $50,000 and
$100,000, respectively. Identifiable intangible asset amortization expense is
estimated to be $100,000 for the remainder of 2003 and $250,000 in each of the
fiscal years from 2004 through 2008.
During the second quarter of 2002, "EXCESS OF COST OVER NET ASSETS OF BUSINESS
ACQUIRED" ("goodwill") attributable to the domestic segment was tested for
impairment by comparing its implied fair value to its carrying value. Based on
management's initial impairment test, management determined that none of the
goodwill recorded was impaired.
9. INVESTMENT IN AFFILIATE
D&PL owns a 50% interest in DeltaMax Cotton, LLC ("DeltaMax"), a limited
liability company jointly owned with Verdia, Inc. (formerly known as MaxyAg,
Inc.), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Maxygen, Inc. Established on May 22, 2002,
the DeltaMax joint venture was formed to create, develop and commercialize
herbicide tolerant and insect resistant traits for the cotton seed market. D&PL
has licensed from DeltaMax the developed traits for commercialization in both
the U.S. and other cotton-producing countries in the world. For the quarter and
six months ended February 28, 2003, D&PL's equity in the net loss of DeltaMax
was $481,000 and $941,000, respectively.
10. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Other comprehensive loss includes the following related to the Company's soybean
hedging program for the six months ended February 28, 2003 (in thousands):
Deferred net gain at August 31, 2002 $ 304
-------------
Net losses on hedging instruments arising
during the six months (171)
Reclassification adjustment of gains on
hedging instruments to earnings 147
-------------
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive
loss (24)
-------------
Deferred net gain on derivative instruments
included in accumulated other
comprehensive loss at February 28, 2003 $ 280
=============
The net gain of $280,000 included in accumulated other comprehensive loss at
February 28, 2003 consists of net realized gains of $268,000 and net unrealized
gains of $12,000. The realized gains of $268,000 will be reclassified into
earnings in the third quarter of 2003. The unrealized gains of $12,000 will be
recognized in earnings within the next twelve months; however, the actual amount
that will be charged to earnings may vary as a result of changes in market
conditions.
For the six-month periods ended February 28, 2002 and 2003, D&PL recorded no
gains or losses in earnings as a result of hedge ineffectiveness or
discontinuance of cash flow hedges related to soybeans.
11. ACQUISITION OF D&M INTERNATIONAL, LLC
On May 28, 2002, D&PL acquired the 50% interest in D&M International, LLC it did
not own from Pharmacia for cash of approximately $4.8 million. D&PL and
1
Monsanto formed D&M International, LLC in 1995 to introduce cotton planting
seed in international markets combining D&PL's acid delinting technology and
elite germplasm and Monsanto's Bollgard(R) and Roundup Ready(R) gene
technologies. In April 2002, Pharmacia activated a cross purchase provision in
the operating agreement for D&M International, LLC and D&PL notified Pharmacia
that it elected to have D&M International, LLC redeem Pharmacia's 50% interest
in the company. As a result of the redemption of Pharmacia's interest, D&PL now
owns all of D&M International, LLC.
The acquisition of the 50% interest in D&M International, LLC has been accounted
for as a purchase, and the results of operations and all of its earnings
(losses) have been included from the date of acquisition. A preliminary
allocation of the purchase price resulted in no goodwill. To complete the
allocation of the purchase price, the fair values of the international joint
ventures that comprise the primary assets of D&M International, LLC will have to
be determined. Pro forma results of operations for the quarter and six months
ended February 28, 2002 had the acquisition occurred at the beginning of the
period would not have been materially different than reported results for the
period.
________________________________
1. On March 31, 2000, Monsanto Company consummated a merger with Pharmacia &
Upjohn Inc. and changed its name to Pharmacia Corporation. On February 9, 2000,
Monsanto Company formed a new subsidiary corporation, Monsanto Ag Company,
which, on March 31, 2000, changed its name to Monsanto Company. On August 31,
2002, Pharmacia distributed to its shareholders its remaining interest in the
new Monsanto Company.
In this document, with respect to events occurring on or before March 31, 2000,
the term "Monsanto" refers to the entity then designated Monsanto Company and
renamed Pharmacia Corporation (NYSE: PHA) on that date. With respect to events
occurring after March 31, 2000, this entity is referred to as "Pharmacia", and
the entity formed as Monsanto Ag Company and renamed Monsanto Company (NYSE:
MON) on that date is referred to as "Monsanto".
12. CONTINGENCIES
Product Liability Litigation
D&PL is named as a defendant in various lawsuits that allege, among other
things, that certain of D&PL's products (including those containing Monsanto's
technology) did not perform as the farmer had anticipated or expected. In some
of these cases, Monsanto and/or the dealer or distributor who sold the seed are
also named as defendants. In all cases where the seed sold contained either or
both of Monsanto's Bollgard and/or Roundup Ready gene technologies, and where
the farmer alleged a failure of one or more of those technologies, D&PL has
tendered the defense of the case to Monsanto and requested indemnity. Pursuant
to the terms of the February 2, 1996 Bollgard Gene License and Seed Services
Agreement (the "Bollgard Agreement") and the February 2, 1996 Roundup Ready Gene
License and Seed Services Agreement (the "Roundup Ready Agreement") (both as
amended December 8, 1999) D&PL has a right to be contractually indemnified by
Monsanto against all claims arising out of the failure of Monsanto's gene
technology. Pharmacia remains liable for Monsanto's performance under these
indemnity agreements. Some of the product liability lawsuits contain varietal
claims which are aimed solely at D&PL. D&PL does not have a right to
indemnification from Monsanto for any claims involving varietal characteristics
separate from or in addition to the failure of the Monsanto technology. D&PL
believes that the resolution of these matters will not have a material impact on
the consolidated financial statements. D&PL intends to vigorously defend itself
in these matters. See Part II, Item 1 for additional discussion of each case.
Other Litigation
In July 2002, Syngenta Biotechnology, Inc. ("SBI") brought suit in the U.S.
District Court in Delaware alleging that D&PL's making, using, selling and
offering to sell cotton planting seed containing Monsanto's Bt genes, being sold
under the trade name Bollgard, infringes U.S. Patent 6,051,757 entitled
"Regeneration Of Plants Containing Genetically Engineered T-DNA". The suit seeks
a preliminary and permanent injunction against D&PL and Monsanto against further
acts of alleged infringement, contributory infringement and inducement of
infringement of SBI's patent and recovery of damages for an unspecified amount
including treble damages on account of the defendants' alleged willful
infringement. D&PL has demanded that Pharmacia and Monsanto each agree to defend
D&PL in this suit and to indemnify D&PL against damages, if any, which may be
awarded. Monsanto has assumed the defense of D&PL and has filed an answer
generally denying infringement and other claims made in the litigation. D&PL is
assisting Monsanto to the extent reasonably necessary for the conduct of the
litigation. This suit is still in the initial pretrial phase. D&PL management
has not determined the effect this litigation will have on D&PL.
In May 2002, Pharmacia Corporation filed a suit in state court in Missouri
against D&PL International Technology Corp. ("DITC"), D&PL's subsidiary, seeking
a declaratory judgment that it was entitled to invoke the cross purchase
provision in the Operating Agreement for D&M International, LLC, a limited
liability company jointly owned by Pharmacia and DITC. In the alternative,
Pharmacia sought a declaratory judgment that DITC was deemed to have consented
to Pharmacia's transfer of the Operating Agreement to Monsanto and its issuance
and transfer of shares of Monsanto's stock. DITC moved to dismiss on June 6,
2002, because the case was moot and did not present a justiciable controversy,
in that DITC had already invoked its rights under the cross purchase provision
and had caused Pharmacia's interest in D&M International, LLC to be redeemed.
Instead of answering DITC's motion, on or about June 13, 2002, Pharmacia filed
an amended petition, dropping all of its prior claims, and seeking a declaratory
judgment that DITC has no contractual rights to enjoin Pharmacia from selling
its shares of Monsanto or to seek damages for Pharmacia's prior initial public
offering of Monsanto's shares to the public. DITC moved to dismiss the suit,
since it had never threatened to enjoin the spin-off, and, in the alternative,
moved for a more definite statement. On October 12, 2002, the Court denied
DITC's motion to dismiss but granted DITC's motion for a more definite
statement. Pharmacia filed a Second Amended Petition on October 30, 2002, and
DITC filed a motion to dismiss the Second Amended Petition on November 19, 2002.
On January 14, 2003 the Court denied DITC's motion to dismiss, and the case is
now in discovery.
The litigation originally filed against D&PL, D&M International LLC, and
Monsanto on May 15, 2000, in the United States District Court for the Northern
District of Alabama was dismissed on February 28, 2003.
In December 1999, Mycogen Plant Science, Inc. ("Mycogen") filed a suit in the
Federal Court of Australia alleging that Monsanto Australia Ltd., Monsanto's
wholly-owned Australian subsidiary, and Deltapine Australia Pty. Ltd., D&PL's
wholly-owned Australian subsidiary, have been infringing two of Mycogen's
Australian patents by making, selling, and licensing cotton planting seed
expressing insect resistance. The suit seeks injunction against continued sale
of seed containing Monsanto's Ingard(R) gene and recovery of an unspecified
amount of damages. The litigation is currently in discovery and pretrial
proceedings. Consistent with its commitments, Monsanto has agreed to defend D&PL
in this suit and to indemnify D&PL against damages, if any are awarded. Monsanto
is providing separate defense counsel for D&PL. D&PL is assisting Monsanto to
the extent reasonably necessary.
A corporation owned by the son of D&PL's former Guatemalan distributor sued in
1989 asserting that D&PL violated an agreement with it by granting to another
entity an exclusive license in certain areas of Central America and southern
Mexico. The suit seeks damages of 5,292,459 Guatemalan quetzales (approximately
$684,000 at March 31, 2003, exchange rates) and an injunction preventing D&PL
from distributing seed through any other licensee in that region. The Guatemalan
court, where this action is proceeding, has twice declined to approve the
injunction sought. D&PL continues to make seed available for sale in Guatemala.
13. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Dilutive common share equivalents consist of both D&PL's Series M Convertible
Non-Voting Preferred shares and the outstanding options to purchase D&PL's
common stock that have been issued under the 1993 Stock Option Plan and the 1995
Long-Term Incentive Plan. Approximately 1,220,000 and 1,130,000 outstanding
stock options were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share
for the three months ended February 28, 2002 and 2003, respectively, and
approximately 1,220,000 and 2,223,000 outstanding stock options were not
included in the computation of diluted earnings per share for the six months
ended February 28, 2002 and 2003, respectively, because the exercise price
exceeded the average market price of D&PL's common stock for each respective
reporting date. These excluded options expire at various dates from 2006 to
2013.
The table below reconciles the basic and diluted per share computations:
For the Three Months Ended For the Six Months Ended
(in thousands, except per share amounts) February 28, February 28, February 28, February 28,
2002 2003 2002 2003
------------- ------------- --------------- --------------
Income:
Net income $ 17,774 $ 16,132 $ 13,289 $ 8,701
Less: Preferred stock dividends (53) (64) (106) (117)
------------- ------------- --------------- --------------
Net income for basic EPS 17,721 16,068 13,183 8,584
Effect of Dilutive Securities:
Convertible Preferred Stock Dividends 53 64 106 117
------------- ------------- --------------- --------------
Net income available to common stockholders
plus assumed conversions - for diluted EPS $ 17,774 $ 16,132 $ 13,289 $ 8,701
============== ============= =============== ==============
Shares:
Basic EPS Shares 38,454 38,124 38,420 38,150
Effect of Dilutive Securities:
Options to purchase stock 470 365 384 334
Convertible preferred stock 1,067 1,067 1,067 1,067
-------------- ------------- --------------- --------------
Diluted EPS Shares 39,991 39,556 39,871 39,551
============== ============= =============== ==============
Per Share Amounts:
Basic $ 0.46 $ 0.42 $ 0.34 $ 0.23
============== ============= =============== ==============
Diluted $ 0.44 $ 0.41 $ 0.33 $ 0.22
============== ============= =============== ==============
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations
Overview/Outlook
During the second quarter, we began shipping cotton and soybean seed units to
customers in the U.S. market. Sales of cottonseed products were lower than
prior years due to an expected shift of shipments from the second quarter to the
third quarter as a result of a new inventory management strategy. This inventory
strategy should more closely relate shipments to distributors with farmer
orders. In future years, we also anticipate this inventory strategy, which
results in the creation of fewer higher-cost finished goods, may result in
overall lower product cost and better cash flow from a reduction in working
capital needs.
Second quarter results benefited from the introduction of new and higher priced
products as well as strong soybean seed sales. However, production costs were
higher than expected primarily due to higher raw material and freight costs
associated with sourcing products from the western part of the U.S. Generally,
a higher percentage of products are produced in the Mid-South, but inclement
weather destroyed most of the 2002 Mid-South cottonseed production.
The USDA and some industry analysts are projecting a slight increase in 2003
U.S. cotton plantings over 2002 levels. Because a majority of U.S.
cotton plantings occur in late April and during the month of May, it is too
early to accurately predict U.S. cotton plantings since many factors including
weather, farmer financing, commodity prices, alternative crop plantings and
other factors affect planted acreage.
International sales and operating income are lower than prior year because of a
significant reduction in acreage in Australia due to an ongoing drought, poor
economic conditions in Argentina, especially in the farm sector, and currency
devaluation in Brazil. In addition, sales to Greece were below prior year due
to high levels of inventory at our distributor. On a positive note, our
international business is benefiting from strong early season sales in China
at Hebei Ji Dai Cotton Seed Technology Company and higher sales in Spain. In
addition, early indications suggest an increase in cotton plantings in Mexico
may occur, which could result in higher export sales.
1
We are continuing to pursue the litigation against Pharmacia/Monsanto, which is
scheduled for trial in January 2004. Depositions are underway in the case and
the discovery process is ongoing.
On January 24, 2003 and March 26, 2003, we announced that our Board of Directors
had declared a $0.06 per share dividend for each of the second and third
quarters, respectively, which represented a 20% increase over the first quarter
dividend of $0.05 per share. We also noted that this dividend increase would not
negatively impact our ongoing stock repurchase program. The third quarter
dividend, payable to shareholders of record on May 30, 2003, will be paid on
June 13, 2003.
We continue to develop, test and evaluate elite cotton varieties containing
insect resistant traits under our previously announced collaboration agreements
with Dow AgroSciences LLC ("Dow") and Syngenta. If appropriate testing indicates
that either or both Dow or Syngenta technology combined with our germplasm is
competitive and if commercialization agreements are reached, our elite varieties
containing Dow's and/or Syngenta's technology could be available for
introduction to growers as early as 2004, subject to Dow and/or Syngenta
obtaining U.S. government regulatory approval and other factors.
In October 2002, we announced that our joint venture with Verdia, Inc., DeltaMax
Cotton LLC, has initiated cotton transformation of a proprietary glyphosate
tolerant gene. We expect this product will eventually compete in the glyphosate
tolerant cotton seed market, which made up more than 70% of the cotton planted
in the U.S. in 2002 according to USDA data. We expect commercialization of this
product in 2007 or later.
Pursuant to our previously announced share repurchase program, we repurchased in
the open market 273,000 shares of our stock from September 1, 2002 to March 31,
2003.
________________________
1. On March 31, 2000, Monsanto Company consummated a merger with Pharmacia &
Upjohn Inc. and changed its name to Pharmacia Corporation. On February 9, 2000,
Monsanto Company formed a new subsidiary corporation, Monsanto Ag Company,
which, on March 31, 2000, changed its name to Monsanto Company. On August 31,
2002, Pharmacia distributed to its shareholders its remaining interest in the
new Monsanto Company.
In this document, with respect to events occurring on or before March 31, 2000,
the term "Monsanto" refers to the entity then designated Monsanto Company and
renamed Pharmacia Corporation (NYSE: PHA) on that date. With respect to events
occurring after March 31, 2000, this entity is referred to as "Pharmacia", and
the entity formed as Monsanto Ag Company and renamed Monsanto Company (NYSE:
MON) on that date is referred to as "Monsanto".
Results of Operations
Due to the seasonal nature of our business, we typically incur losses in our
first and fourth fiscal quarters since the majority of our domestic sales are
made in our second and third quarters. Sales in the first and fourth quarters
are generally limited to those made to export markets and those made by our
non-U.S. joint ventures and subsidiaries located primarily in the Southern
hemisphere.
The following sets forth selected operating data of D&PL (in thousands):
For the Three Months Ended For the Six Months Ended
February 28, February 28, February 28, February 28,
2002 2003 2002 2003
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Operating results -
Net sales and licensing fees $ 111,867 $ 107,537 $ 120,120 $ 113,136
Gross profit 40,122 42,161 42,926 43,921
Operating expenses 10,848 11,778 20,736 21,770
Special charges - - - (500)
Operating income 29,274 30,383 22,190 21,651
Income before income taxes 27,558 24,878 20,605 13,490
Net income applicable to common shares 17,721 16,068 13,183 8,584
The following sets forth selected balance sheet data of D&PL at the following
dates (in thousands):
February 28, August 31, February 28,
2002 2002 2003
--------------- --------------- ---------------
Balance sheet summary-
Current assets $ 276,536 $ 308,468 $ 255,966
Current liabilities 138,602 174,124 118,001
Working capital 137,934 134,344 137,965
Property, plant and equipment, net 60,436 63,401 62,476
Total assets 347,697 383,142 330,001
Outstanding borrowings 1,720 2,939 2,146
Stockholders' equity 195,681 202,207 203,066
Three months ended February 28, 2003, compared to three months ended February
28, 2002:
For the quarter ended February 28, 2003, we reported net income of $16.1
million, compared to net income of $17.8 million reported in the comparable
prior year quarter. Net income was lower primarily because of legal expenses
related to the Pharmacia/Monsanto litigation. Legal expenses related to the
Pharmacia/Monsanto litigation were $4.1 million for the quarter ended February
28, 2003, compared to $1.0 million for the prior year quarter. Excluding the
effects of these legal expenses, domestic quarterly results improved in the
current year, primarily due to an increase in our gross margin percentage.
Net sales and licensing fees decreased approximately $4.4 million to $107.5
million from $111.9 million. Gross profit increased approximately $2.1 million
to $42.2 million from $40.1 million. The decrease in net sales and licensing
fees is primarily due to an expected shift of sales into the third quarter as a
result of a new inventory management strategy whereby inventory shipments to
distributors are more closely timed to farmer orders. The increase in gross
profit is attributable to increased margins on cottonseed sales resulting
primarily from the introduction of higher priced products. An increase in cost
per unit caused by higher raw materials costs and freight related to sourcing
seed production from the western United States somewhat offset the increase in
gross margins. International sales and operating income were lower than prior
year due to a reduction in export sales to Greece and a delay in shipments to
Mexico.
Quarterly operating expenses increased from $10.8 million to $11.8 million,
primarily due to an increase in general and administrative expenses. This
increase was mainly due to increased compensation and benefits costs, as well as
increased legal fees related to potential technology agreements.
Other expense (net) increased approximately $1.2 million in the second fiscal
quarter of 2003 compared to the same quarter of the prior year. This increase is
primarily attributable to additional legal fees related to the
Pharmacia/Monsanto litigation, offset by the absence of foreign exchange losses
in Argentina, which were present in the prior year quarter.
Six months ended February 28, 2003, compared to six months ended February 28,
2002:
For the six-month period ended February 28, 2003, we reported net income of $8.6
million, compared to net income of $13.2 million reported in the comparable
prior year period. Net income was lower primarily because of legal expenses
related to the Pharmacia/Monsanto litigation. Legal expenses related to the
Pharmacia/Monsanto litigation were $6.1 million for the six months ended
February 28, 2003, compared to $1.1 million in the comparable prior year period.
Excluding the effects of these legal expenses, results were still lower in the
current six-month period compared to the year ago period, primarily due to an
expected shift of some U.S. cottonseed sales from the second quarter to the
third quarter and a reduction in international sales. Overall, net sales and
licensing fees were reduced approximately $7.0 million to $113.1 million from
$120.1 million in the same period of the prior year. Results for the current
six-month period were improved due to a higher gross margin percentage as
discussed above. International results were lower in the six-month period ended
February 28, 2003 than in the comparable prior year period due to lower sales
attributable to the drought in Australia, poor economic conditions in Argentina,
reduced export sales to Greece, and a devaluation of the Brazilian Real, which
caused lower revenues and profits in Brazil.
During the six months ended February 28, 2003, we reported special charges of
$0.5 million associated with severance costs associated with the closing of our
facility in Centre, Alabama as well as a headcount reduction at our joint
venture in Hebei Province, People's Republic of China.
We reported other expense (net) of approximately $6.5 million for the six months
ended February 28, 2003 compared to net other expense of approximately $3.2
million for the same period in the prior year. The increase is attributable to
additional legal fees related to the Pharmacia/Monsanto litigation, partially
offset by the absence of foreign exchange losses in Argentina, which were
present in the prior year period.
Application of Critical Accounting Policies
Overview
Management's discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of
operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial
statements and related notes appearing in Item 8 of our Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2002. The preparation of these
financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
We have identified below the accounting policies that involve those estimates
and assumptions that we believe are critical to an understanding of our
financial statements. Our management has discussed the development and selection
of each critical accounting estimate with the Audit Committee of our Board of
Directors, and the Audit Committee has reviewed the related disclosures below.
Since application of these accounting policies involves the exercise of judgment
and use of estimates, actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition
Revenues from domestic seed sales are recognized when seed is shipped. Revenues
from Bollgard(R) and Roundup Ready(R) licensing fees are recognized when the
seed is shipped. Domestically, the licensing fees charged to farmers for
Bollgard and Roundup Ready cottonseed are based on pre-established planting
rates for each of nine geographic regions and consider the estimated number of
seed contained in each bag which may vary by variety, location grown, and other
factors.
International export revenues are recognized upon the later of when seed is
shipped or the date letters of credit (or instruments with similar security
provisions) are confirmed. Generally, international export sales are not subject
to return. Generally, all other international revenues from the sale of planting
seed, less estimated reserves for returns, are recognized when the seed is
shipped.
All of our domestic seed products (including those containing Bollgard and
Roundup Ready technologies) are subject to return and credit risk, the effects
of 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 our third and
fourth quarters. We provide for estimated returns as sales occur. To the extent
actual returns differ from estimates, adjustments to our operating results are
recorded when such differences become known, typically in our fourth quarter.
All significant returns occur or are accounted for by fiscal year end.
Therefore, the application of this estimate primarily affects our quarterly
information.
Domestically, we promote our cotton and soybean seed directly to farmers and
sell our seed through distributors and dealers. We also offer various sales
incentive programs for seed and participate in such programs related to the
Bollgard and Roundup Ready technology fees offered by Monsanto. Generally, under
these programs, if a farmer plants his seed and the crop is lost (usually due to
weather by a certain date), a portion of the price of the seed and the
technology fees is forgiven or rebated to the farmer. The amount of the refund
and the impact to D&PL depends on whether the farmer can replant the crop that
was destroyed. We record estimates monthly to account for these events, the
majority of which occur during the second and third quarters. Essentially, all
material claims under these programs have occurred or are accounted for by
fiscal year end.
Provision for Damaged, Obsolete and Excess Inventory
Each year, we record a provision related to inventory based on our estimate of
seed that will not pass our quality assurance ("QA") standards at year end, or
is deemed excess based on our desired seed stock level for a particular variety
("dump seed"). Seed can fail QA standards based on physical defects (i.e., cut
seed, moisture content, discoloration, etc.), germination rates, or transgenic
purities. The amount recorded as inventory provision in a given year is
calculated based on the total quantity of inventory that has not passed QA
standards at any fiscal year end, any seed that is expected to deteriorate
before it can be sold and seed deemed to be excess. In establishing the
provision, we consider the scrap value of the seed to be disposed. An initial
estimate of the needed provision is made at the beginning of each year and
recorded over the course of the year. Adjustments are made monthly, as
necessary.
See Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item I for
further details about inventory reserves.
Deferred Income Taxes
Deferred income taxes are estimated based upon temporary differences between the
income and losses that we report in our financial statements and our taxable
income and losses as determined under applicable tax laws. We estimate the value
of deferred income taxes based upon existing tax rates and laws, and our
expectations of future earnings. For deferred income taxes, we applied a
composite statutory income tax rate of 38%.
We are required to evaluate the likelihood of our ability to generate sufficient
future taxable income that will enable us to realize the value of our deferred
tax assets. If, in our judgment, we determine that we will not realize deferred
tax assets, then valuation allowances are recorded. As of February 28, 2003, we
had recorded deferred tax assets of approximately $8.1 million. We estimate that
our deferred tax assets will be realized, therefore we have not recorded any
valuation allowances as of February 28, 2003.
We use management judgment and estimates when estimating deferred taxes. If our
judgments and estimates prove to be inadequate, or if certain tax rates and laws
should change, our financial results could be materially adversely impacted in
future periods.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
In the United States, we purchase seed from contract growers in our first and
second fiscal quarters. Seed conditioning, treating and packaging commence late
in the first fiscal quarter and continue through the third fiscal quarter.
Seasonal cash needs normally begin to increase in the first fiscal quarter and
cash needs peak in the third fiscal quarter. Cash is generated and loan
repayments, if necessary, normally begin in the middle of the third fiscal
quarter and are typically completed by the first fiscal quarter of the following
year. In some cases, we offer customers financial incentives to make early
payments. To the extent we attract early payments from customers, bank
borrowings, if any, are reduced.
In the U.S., we record revenue and accounts receivable for licensing fees on
Bollgard and Roundup Ready seed sales upon shipment, usually in our second and
third quarters. Receivables from seed sales are generally due from May to July.
The licensing fees are due in September, at which time we receive payment. We
then pay Monsanto its royalty for the Bollgard and Roundup Ready licensing fees,
which is recorded as a component of cost of sales. As a result of the timing of
these events, licensing fees receivable and royalties payable peak at fiscal
year end.
The seasonal nature of our business significantly impacts cash flow and working
capital requirements. Historically, we have maintained credit facilities, and
used early payments by customers and cash from operations to fund working
capital needs. In the past, we have borrowed on a short-term basis to meet
seasonal working capital needs. However, in fiscal 2002 and the first six months
of fiscal 2003, we used cash generated from operations and other available cash
to meet working capital needs. We continue to evaluate potential uses of our
cash for purposes other than for working capital needs. One potential such use
is the acquisition or funding of alternative technologies (such as DeltaMax
Cotton, LLC) that could be used to enhance our product portfolio and ultimately
our long-term earnings potential. Another potential use is the repurchase in the
open market of our shares pursuant to our previously announced share repurchase
program. Once the evaluation of certain transactions that are currently being
considered is brought to conclusion, we may consider other potential uses of the
remaining cash, including repurchasing shares more aggressively depending on
market considerations and other factors.
In April 1998, we entered into a syndicated credit facility with three lenders,
which provided for aggregate borrowings of $110 million. This agreement provided
a base commitment of $55 million and a seasonal commitment of $55 million. The
base commitment was a long-term loan that could be borrowed upon at any time and
was due April 1, 2001. The seasonal commitment was a working capital loan that
could be drawn upon from September 1 through June 30 of each fiscal year. Each
commitment offered variable and fixed interest rate options and required D&PL to
pay facility or commitment fees and to comply with certain financial covenants.
This agreement expired on April 1, 2001. D&PL and the lenders are negotiating a
replacement facility that will provide for aggregate borrowings sufficient to
meet working capital needs that will contain terms and conditions similar to the
1998 facility.
Capital expenditures for the six months ended February 28, 2003 were $2.4
million ($3.4 million for the six months ended February 28, 2002). We anticipate
that capital expenditures will approximate $6.0 to $8.0 million in 2003.
In January 2003, the Board increased the quarterly dividend to $0.06 per share
(a 20% increase) effective for the second quarter dividend, which was paid on
March 14, 2003, to shareholders of record on February 28, 2003. On March 26,
2003, we announced that our Board of Directors had declared a $0.06 per share
dividend for the third quarter. The third quarter dividend, payable to
shareholders of record on May 30, 2003, will be paid on June 13, 2003. The Board
of Directors anticipates that quarterly dividends of $0.06 per share will
continue to be paid in the future; however, the Board of Directors reviews this
policy quarterly. Aggregate preferred and common dividends should approximate
$9.0 million in 2003.
In February 2000, the Board of Directors authorized a program for the repurchase
of up to $50 million of our common stock. The shares repurchased under this
program are to be used to provide for option exercises, conversion of our Series
M Convertible Non-Voting Preferred shares and for other general corporate
purposes. At August 31, 2002, we had repurchased 992,900 shares at an aggregate
purchase price of approximately $17.7 million under this program. During the
year ended August 31, 2002, we purchased 539,200 shares at an aggregate purchase
price of $9.96 million under this plan. Between September 1, 2002 and March 31,
2003, we repurchased 273,000 shares at an aggregate purchase price of $5.3
million.
Cash provided from operations, cash on hand, early payments from customers and
borrowings under a loan agreement, if necessary, should be sufficient to meet
the Company's 2003 working capital needs.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We have exposure relative to fluctuations in the price of soybean raw material
inventory, foreign currency fluctuations and interest rate changes. For more
information about market risk and how we manage specific risk exposures, see
Notes 1 and 8 to our consolidated financial statements contained in our Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2002. Also see Note 10 of the
Notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 1 for further details about
our exposure to market risk.
The fair value of derivative commodity instruments outstanding as of February
28, 2003, was $12,000. A 10% adverse change in the underlying commodity prices
upon which these contracts are based would not result in a material impact on
future earnings.
Our earnings are also affected by fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar
compared to foreign currencies as a result of transactions in foreign markets.
We conduct non-U.S. operations through subsidiaries and joint ventures in,
primarily, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, South Africa and Turkey. At
February 28, 2003, the result of a uniform 10% strengthening in the value of the
dollar relative to the currencies in which our transactions are denominated
would not cause a material impact on earnings.
We utilize fixed and variable-rate debt to maintain liquidity and fund our
business operations, with the terms and amounts based on business requirements,
market conditions and other factors. At February 28, 2003, a 100 basis point
change in interest rates (with all other variables held constant) on the portion
of our debt with variable interest rates would not result in a material change
to our interest expense or cash flow.
For the six months ended February 28, 2003, a 10% adverse change in the interest
rate that we earned on our excess cash that we invested would not have resulted
in a material change to our interest expense or cash flow.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.
D&PL's chief executive officer and chief financial officer have evaluated the
effectiveness of the design and operation of D&PL's disclosure controls and
procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(c)) as of a date within 90
days of the filing date of this quarterly report. Based on that evaluation, the
chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded that D&PL's
disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that material
information relating to D&PL and D&PL's consolidated subsidiaries is made known
to such officers by others within these entities, particularly during the period
this quarterly report was prepared, in order to allow timely decisions regarding
required disclosure.
(b) Changes in Internal Controls.
There have not been any significant changes in D&PL's internal controls or in
other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the
date of their evaluation.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Product Claims
D&PL and Monsanto are named as defendants in a lawsuit filed in the State of
Texas. The lawsuit was filed in Hockley County, Texas, on April 14, 1999. This
lawsuit was removed to the United States District Court, Lubbock Division, but
subsequently remanded back to the state court. This case was tried to a jury in
August of 2002, and an adverse verdict was returned against D&PL and Monsanto.
There are presently post-trial motions pending and D&PL intends to appeal the
jury's decision. In this case the Plaintiff alleges that certain cottonseed
acquired from the Paymaster division of D&PL did not perform as the farmer had
anticipated and as allegedly represented to him.
D&PL and Monsanto were named as defendants in a lawsuit filed in the 106th
Judicial District Court of Gaines County, Texas, on April 27, 2000. In this case
the plaintiff alleges, among other things, that certain cottonseed acquired from
D&PL that contained the Roundup Ready(R) gene did not perform as the farmer had
anticipated. D&PL and Monsanto are investigating the claims to determine the
cause or causes of the alleged problem. Pursuant to the terms of the February 2,
1996 Roundup Ready Gene License and Seed Service Agreement (the "Roundup Ready
Agreement"), D&PL has tendered the defense of this claim to Monsanto and
requested indemnity. Pursuant to the Roundup Ready Agreement, Monsanto is
contractually obligated to defend and indemnify D&PL against all claims arising
out of the failure of the Roundup(R) glyphosate tolerance gene and Monsanto has
agreed to do so. D&PL will not have a right of indemnification from Monsanto,
however, for any claim involving defective varietal characteristics separate
from or in addition to the herbicide tolerance gene and such claims are
contained in this litigation.
D&PL was also named as a Defendant in two lawsuits filed in the 110th Judicial
District Court of Floyd County, Texas; one suit was filed October 16, 2002, and
the other November 21, 2002. In each of these cases the Plaintiffs allege that
the seed purchased from D&PL failed to perform as represented and seek
compensatory damages for crop losses incurred during the 2002 growing season.
Although these lawsuits involve a cotton variety which contain the Roundup Ready
gene, no claim against Monsanto was alleged, nor was there any allegation that
Monsanto technology caused or contributed to Plaintiffs' claims. Thus, it does
not presently appear that Monsanto is contractually obligated to defend and/or
indemnify D&PL in the Floyd County cases. D&PL is presently investigating these
claims to determine the causes of the alleged problems.
D&PL and Monsanto and various retail seed suppliers were named in six 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; two of the other cases were filed on November 15, 1999, in the
Court of Common Pleas of Hampton County, South Carolina. The two 1999 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. The remaining three lawsuits were filed July 29, 2002, in
the Court of Common Pleas of Hampton County, South Carolina. The 2002 state
court filing of one of those cases was removed to United States District Court
for the District of South Carolina, Beaufort Division, but has now been remanded
back to Hampton County. In each of these cases the plaintiff alleges, among
other things, that certain seed acquired from D&PL which contained the Roundup
Ready gene and/or the Bollgard(R) gene did not perform as the farmer had
anticipated. These lawsuits also include varietal claims aimed solely at D&PL.
One of the 1999 cases filed in Hampton County as well as the 1999 case filed in
the United States District Court seek class action treatment for all purchasers
of certain D&PL varieties which contain the Monsanto technology. D&PL and
Monsanto are continuing to investigate the claims to determine the cause or
causes of the alleged problem. Pursuant to the terms of the Roundup Ready
Agreement and the February 2, 1996 Bollgard Gene License and Seed Service
Agreement (the "Bollgard Agreement") between D&PL and Monsanto, D&PL has a right
to be contractually indemnified against all claims arising out of the failure of
Monsanto's gene technology. D&PL will not have a right to indemnification,
however, from Monsanto for any claim involving varietal characteristics separate
from or in addition to the failure of the Monsanto technology and such claims
are contained in each of these lawsuits.
D&PL was named in five lawsuits filed in the State of Mississippi. One lawsuit
was filed in the Circuit Court of Lowndes County, Mississippi, on July 11, 2001.
That suit alleges that certain cottonseed sold by D&PL did not germinate
properly or at the rate stated on the label causing the farmer to incur losses
during the 1998 growing season. Another suit was filed in the Circuit Court of
Webster County on August 10, 2001. That suit alleges that the seed purchased by
plaintiff failed to perform as represented and seeks damages for crop losses
incurred during the 1999 growing season. Two lawsuits were filed in the Circuit
Court of Holmes County, Mississippi; one was filed March 14, 2002, and the
second on August 19, 2002. Both cases include numerous plaintiffs who allege
that certain cotton seed sold by D&PL was improperly mixed or blended and failed
to perform as advertised. In the second Holmes County lawsuit, D&PL has filed a
Third Party Complaint which seeks a declaration that its insurers are
responsible for the cost of defending the action and for full indemnification of
D&PL in the event a judgment is rendered against it. Another lawsuit was filed
in the Circuit Court of Noxubee County on August 12, 2002, and involves a
third-party complaint filed by a local seed distributor who was sued by a local
farmer in a complaint which alleges that certain seed sold by the complaining
distributor failed to comply with federal and state seed law requirements. D&PL
is presently investigating all of these claims to determine the cause or causes
of the alleged problems. None of the Mississippi lawsuits allege that the
Monsanto gene technology failed, and accordingly, it does not appear that D&PL
has a claim for indemnity or defense under the terms of any Gene Licensing
Agreement with Monsanto.
D&PL, along with Monsanto, were named in two companion cases filed in the State
of Georgia. One was filed in the United States District Court for the Middle
District of Georgia, Albany Division, on April 5, 2002; and the other case was
filed in the Superior Court of Fulton County, Georgia, on April 29, 2002. The
case filed in Fulton County was removed to the United States District Court on
May 28, 2002. Both suits allege that seed purchased by Plaintiffs from D&PL, and
technology purchased from Monsanto, failed to perform as represented and seek
damages for crop losses during the 1998 growing season; the lawsuit further
alleges that certain cotton varieties sold by D&PL suffered from a disease or
malady known as "bronze wilt." Pursuant to the terms of the Roundup Ready
Agreement, D&PL has tendered the defense of these claims to Monsanto and
requested indemnity. Pursuant to the terms of the Roundup Ready Agreement,
Monsanto is contractually obligated to defend and indemnify D&PL against all
claims arising out of the failure of the Roundup glyphosate tolerance gene. D&PL
will have no right of indemnification from Monsanto, however, for any claim
involving varietal characteristics separate from or in addition to the herbicide
tolerance gene and such claims are contained in this litigation.
D&PL was named as a defendant, along with a local seed distributor in a lawsuit
filed in the Superior Court of the County of Colquit, Georgia on October 5,
2001. This lawsuit was removed to the United States District Court for the
Middle District of Georgia. The lawsuit alleges that certain cottonseed
varieties sold by D&PL suffered from a disease or malady known as bronze wilt.
Although this lawsuit involves a cotton variety which contains the Roundup Ready
gene, no claim against Monsanto was alleged, nor is there an allegation that
Monsanto technology caused or contributed to Plaintiff's claims. Thus, it does
not presently appear that Monsanto is contractually obligated to defend or
indemnify D&PL in this case. D&PL is presently investigating this claim to
determine the causes of the alleged problems.
The litigation originally filed against D&PL on June 7, 2001 in the Circuit
Court of the County of Crockett, Tennessee, and subsequently removed to the
United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee, Eastern
Division, has now been concluded. That case was resolved without a material
financial impact on the Company.
Other Litigation
On December 11, 2002, D&PL filed a suit in the Circuit Court of Holmes County,
Mississippi, against Nationwide Agribusiness and other insurance companies
seeking a declaration that the allegations of the Holmes County, Mississippi
lawsuits referenced under Part II, Item 1 Product Claims above are covered by
D&PL's comprehensive general liability and umbrella liability policies. This
case was removed by the Defendants to the United States District Court for the
Southern District of Mississippi where a Motion to Remand the case to state
court is now pending. In this litigation, D&PL seeks a declaration that its
insurers are responsible for the cost of defending such actions, and full
indemnification of D&PL in the event a judgment is rendered against it based
upon the seed mix claim alleged by Plaintiffs. D&PL alleges in this litigation
that the allegations of Plaintiffs' Complaint are covered by one or more of
D&PL's insurance policies issued by the defendant insurance companies.
On November 20, 2002, D&PL filed suit in the Circuit Court of Washington County,
Mississippi, against its fire insurance carrier, Reliance Insurance Company of
Illinois. That suit seeks recovery of seed inventory lost, damaged or destroyed
during a fire that occurred in November 1999 at D&PL's Hollandale, Mississippi
facility.
In July 2002, Syngenta Biotechnology, Inc. ("SBI") brought suit in the U.S.
District Court in Delaware alleging that D&PL's making, using, selling and
offering to sell cotton planting seed containing Monsanto's Bt genes, being sold
under the trade name Bollgard, infringes U.S. Patent 6,051,757 entitled
"Regeneration Of Plants Containing Genetically Engineered T-DNA." The suit seeks
a preliminary and permanent injunction against D&PL and Monsanto against further
acts of alleged infringement, contributory infringement and inducement of
infringement of SBI's patent and recovery of damages for unspecified amount
including treble damages on account of the defendants' alleged willful
infringement. D&PL has demanded that Pharmacia Corporation and Monsanto each
agree to defend D&PL in this suit and to indemnify D&PL against damages, if any,
which may be awarded. Monsanto has assumed the defense of D&PL and has filed an
answer generally denying infringement and other claims made in the litigation.
D&PL is assisting Monsanto to the extent reasonably necessary for the conduct of
the litigation.
In May 2002, Pharmacia Corporation filed a suit in state court in Missouri
against D&PL International Technology Corp. ("DITC"), D&PL's subsidiary, seeking
a declaratory judgment that it was entitled to invoke the cross purchase
provision in the Operating Agreement for D&M International, LLC, a limited
liability company jointly owned by Pharmacia and DITC. In the alternative,
Pharmacia sought a declaratory judgment that DITC was deemed to have consented
to Pharmacia's transfer of the Operating Agreement to Monsanto and its issuance
and transfer of shares of Monsanto's stock. DITC moved to dismiss on June 6,
2002, because the case was moot and did not present a justiciable controversy,
in that DITC had already invoked its rights under the cross purchase provision
and had caused Pharmacia's interest in D&M International, LLC to be redeemed.
Instead of answering DITC's motion, on or about June 13, 2002, Pharmacia filed
an amended petition, dropping all of its prior claims, and seeking a declaratory
judgment that DITC has no contractual rights to enjoin Pharmacia from selling
its shares of Monsanto or to seek damages for Pharmacia's prior initial public
offering of Monsanto's shares to the public. DITC moved to dismiss the suit,
since it had never threatened to enjoin the spin-off, and, in the alternative,
moved for a more definite statement. On October 12, 2002, the Court denied
DITC's motion to dismiss but granted DITC's motion for a more definite
statement. Pharmacia filed a Second Amended Petition on October 30, 2002, and
DITC filed a motion to dismiss the Second Amended Petition on November 19, 2002.
On January 14, 2003, the Court denied DITC's motion to dismiss, and the case in
now in discovery.
The litigation originally filed against D&PL, D&M International LLC, and
Monsanto on May 15, 2000, in the United States District Court for the Northern
District of Alabama was dismissed on February 28, 2003.
In December 1999, Mycogen Plant Science, Inc. ("Mycogen") filed a suit in the
Federal Court of Australia alleging that Monsanto Australia Ltd., Monsanto's
wholly-owned Australian subsidiary, and Deltapine Australia Pty. Ltd., D&PL's
wholly-owned Australian subsidiary, have been infringing two of Mycogen's
Australian patents by making, selling, and licensing cotton planting seed
expressing insect resistance. The suit seeks injunction against continued sale
of seed containing Monsanto's Ingard(R) gene and recovery of an unspecified
amount of damages. The litigation is currently in discovery and pretrial
proceedings. Consistent with its commitments, Monsanto has agreed to defend D&PL
in this suit and to indemnify D&PL against damages, if any are awarded. Monsanto
is providing separate defense counsel for D&PL. D&PL is assisting Monsanto to
the extent reasonably necessary.
A corporation owned by the son of D&PL's former Guatemalan distributor sued in
1989 asserting that D&PL violated an agreement with it by granting to another
entity an exclusive license in certain areas of Central America and southern
Mexico. The suit seeks damages of 5,292,459 Guatemalan quetzales (approximately
$684,000 at March 31, 2003, exchange rates) and an injunction preventing D&PL
from distributing seed through any other licensee in that region. The Guatemalan
court, where this action is proceeding, has twice declined to approve the
injunction sought. D&PL continues to make seed available for sale in Guatemala.
D&PL vs. Monsanto Company and Pharmacia Corp.
On December 20, 1999, Monsanto withdrew its pre-merger notification filed
pursuant to the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 ("HSR Act")
effectively terminating Monsanto's efforts to gain government approval of the
merger of Monsanto with D&PL under the May 8, 1998, Merger Agreement. On
December 30, 1999, D&PL filed suit (the "December 30 Suit") in the First
Judicial District of Bolivar County, Mississippi, seeking among other things,
the payment of the $81 million termination fee due pursuant to the merger
agreement, compensatory damages and punitive damages. On January 2, 2000, D&PL
and Monsanto reached an agreement whereby D&PL would withdraw the December 30
Suit, and Monsanto would immediately pay the $81 million. On January 3, 2000,
Monsanto paid to D&PL a termination fee of $81 million as required by the merger
agreement. On January 18, 2000, D&PL filed a suit (the "January 18 Suit")
reinstating essentially all of the allegations contained in the December 30
Suit. The January 18 Suit by D&PL against Monsanto seeks in excess of $1 billion
in compensatory and $1 billion in punitive damages for breach of contract under
the merger agreement between the parties. D&PL alleges that Monsanto failed to
make its best efforts, commercially reasonable efforts, and/or reasonable best
efforts to obtain antitrust approval from the U.S. Department of Justice, as
required under the terms of the merger agreement. D&PL also seeks damages for
breach of the January 2, 2000 agreement pursuant to which the parties were to
negotiate for two weeks to resolve the dispute over failure of the merger to
close.
The parties litigated for several months over the appropriate forum to hear the
case. A Delaware Court of Chancery ruling rejected Monsanto's attempt to
maintain the action in Delaware and returned the parties to the Circuit Court
for the First Judicial District of Bolivar County, Mississippi. Monsanto filed a
motion for summary judgment on the breach of contract claims alleging that D&PL
suffered no cognizable damages as a result of the failed merger. On December 18,
2000, D&PL amended its complaint to include a claim for tortious interference
with prospective business relations on the grounds that Monsanto's unreasonable
delay prevented the consummation of the merger and kept D&PL from being in a
position to enter into transactions and relationships with others in the
industry. In light of the merger of Monsanto into Pharmacia & Upjohn, Inc.,
after the filing of the original complaint, D&PL named both Pharmacia Corp. (the
renamed existing defendant) and Monsanto Company (a newly spun-off subsidiary)
as defendants in the amended complaint. D&PL filed two motions to compel
additional discovery from Monsanto. Pharmacia and Monsanto filed a motion for
summary judgment and a motion to dismiss the added claim of tortious
interference contained in the amended complaint. Pharmacia and Monsanto alleged
that they were entitled to 1) dismissal of the action on the grounds that D&PL's
amended complaint did not satisfy any of the elements of a tortious interference
claim and, thus, did not state a viable claim; and 2) summary judgment because
D&PL has not suffered any injury as a result of Monsanto's actions. On November
15, 2001, the Circuit Court denied the defendants' motion for summary judgment
on the breach of contract claims, holding that the case presents issues for
trial by jury. The Court also denied defendants' motion to dismiss or for
summary judgment on D&PL's claim for tortious interference with business
relationships. The Court also granted substantially all of the discovery sought
by D&PL in its motion to compel. The parties are in discovery and the taking of
depositions has commenced. The judge in the case has ruled that all discovery,
depositions, and pre-trial motions must be completed by September 2003 with a
trial date set for January 2004.
Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Not applicable
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
The Annual Meeting of the Shareholders of Delta and Pine Land Company was held
on January 22, 2003. The following matters were brought to a vote with the noted
results:
Item For Against Abstain Non-Voted
1. Re-elect Class I Director
Nam-Hai Chua 32,871,178 0 1,731,696 0
2. Elect Class I Director
W. Thomas Jagodinski 27,915,313 0 6,687,561 0
2. Re-elect Class I Director
Stanley P. Roth 32,863,247 0 1,739,627 0
3. Ratify appointment of KPMG LLP as the
independent public accountants for
the fiscal year ending August 31,
2003 (subject to Audit Committee discretion) 34,575,834 19,004 8,036 0
Item 5. Business
Domestic
Delta and Pine Land Company, a Delaware corporation, and subsidiaries ("D&PL")
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. We also breed, produce, condition and distribute
soybean planting seed in the United States.
Since 1915, we have 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. We have used our 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, we added soybean seed to our product line. In 1996, we 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 pests. Since 1997, we have 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, we commenced
commercial sales in the U.S. of soybean planting seed that contains a gene that
provides tolerance to glyphosate-based herbicides ("Roundup Ready Soybeans"). In
1998, we commenced sales of cottonseed of varieties containing both the Bollgard
and Roundup Ready genes.
International
During the 1980's, as a component of our long-term growth strategy, we began to
market our products, primarily cottonseed, internationally. Over a period of
years, we have strengthened and expanded our international staff in order to
support our expanding international business. 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. We believe that we have an attractive
opportunity to penetrate foreign markets because of our widely adaptable,
superior cotton varieties, technological know-how in producing and conditioning
high-quality seed and our brand name recognition. Furthermore, Monsanto's
Bollgard and Roundup Ready gene technologies (that we either have licensed or
have options to license) are effective in many countries and could bring value
to farmers.
We sell our products in foreign countries through (i) export sales to
distributors, (ii) direct in-country operations through either joint ventures or
wholly-owned subsidiaries and to a lesser degree (iii) licensees. The method
varies and evolves, depending on our 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. In
2002, the majority of international sales came from direct in-country operations
(primarily Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, South Africa and Turkey).
See Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1
for further details about business segments.
Joint Ventures
In March 1995, D&PL and Monsanto formed D&M International, LLC to introduce
cotton planting seed in international markets combining our acid delinting
technology and elite germplasm (cottonseed varieties) with 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"). D&PL China is 80% owned by D&M International, LLC and 20%
owned by a Singaporean entity. In November 1996, D&PL China formed Hebei Ji Dai
Cottonseed Technology Company Ltd. ("Ji Dai") with parties in Hebei Province,
one of the major cotton producing regions in the People's Republic of China. Ji
Dai is 67% owned by D&PL China and 33% owned by Chinese parties. In June 1997,
Ji Dai commenced construction of a cottonseed conditioning and storage facility
in Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China, pursuant to the terms of the joint venture
agreement. The new facility was completed in December 1997 and seed processing
and sales of seed of a D&PL cotton variety containing Monsanto's Bollgard
technology commenced in 1998.
In December 1997, D&M International, LLC formed a joint venture with Ciagro
S.R.L. ("Ciagro"), a distributor of agricultural inputs in the Argentine cotton
region, for the production and sale of genetically improved cottonseed. CDM
Mandiyu S.R.L. ("CDM") is owned 60% by D&M International, LLC, and 40% by
Ciagro. In September 1998, CDM began construction of a cottonseed conditioning
and storage facility in Avia Terai, Chaco, Argentina. Construction was completed
in June 1999. CDM has been licensed to sell our cotton varieties containing
Monsanto's Bollgard gene technology. Sales of such varieties commenced in 1999.
CDM has also been licensed to sell Roundup Ready cottonseed varieties, which
received government approval in 2001. Roundup Ready cottonseed has been
available for sale in Argentina since October 2002.
In July 1998, D&PL China and the Anhui Provincial Seed Corporation formed a
joint venture, Anhui An Dai Cotton Seed Technology Company, Ltd. ("An Dai")
which is located in Hefei City, Anhui, China. An Dai is 49% owned by D&PL China.
Under the terms of the joint venture agreement, An Dai produces, conditions and
sells our acid delinted varieties of cottonseed, which contain Monsanto's
Bollgard gene. Commercial sales of our cotton varieties containing the Bollgard
gene technology began in 2000. In January 2002, An Dai began construction of a
cottonseed conditioning and storage facility in Hefei City, Anhui, China.
Construction is expected to be completed in July 2003, when the plant will be
operational.
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 joint venture, MDM Maeda Deltapine Monsanto Algodao
Ltda. ("MDM"), produces, conditions and sells our acid-delinted varieties of
cotton planting seed. In 2000, we began selling our conventional cotton
varieties. MDM will introduce transgenic cottonseed varieties containing both
Bollgard and Roundup Ready gene technologies in the Brazilian market as soon as
government approvals are obtained, which Monsanto has announced may not occur
until 2005. MDM is 51% owned by D&M International, LLC and 49% owned by Maeda
Administracao e Participacoes Ltda.
In October 2001, we announced that we had signed Letters of Intent with two
parties in China to form two new joint ventures there, one each in Hubei and
Henan provinces. These two new potential markets contain approximately 4.5
million acres of cotton planted in 2001 which is almost 2.5 times the size of
the combined Hebei and Anhui markets. A joint venture agreement was negotiated
and agreed to with the parties in Henan province and the agreement was submitted
to the Chinese government authorities for approval. However, in April 2002,
China announced rules prohibiting new foreign investment in seed companies that
intend to sell genetically modified seed which will restrict the ability of
non-Chinese companies, including us, from investing in such joint ventures. We
have, however, signed a distribution agreement with a party in the Henan
province and will be distributing seed there in fiscal 2003 from our joint
venture in Hebei province, Ji Dai. We expect to continue to expand our business
in China through our existing joint ventures, Ji Dai and An Dai.
In May 2002, we acquired from Pharmacia the 50% interest in D&M International,
LLC that we did not own. Pharmacia activated a cross purchase provision in the
operating agreement for D&M International, LLC, and we elected to have D&M
International, LLC redeem Pharmacia's 50% interest in D&M International, LLC. As
a result of the redemption of Pharmacia's interest, we now own all of D&M
International, LLC.
In May 2002, we established DeltaMax Cotton, LLC, a limited liability company
jointly owned with Verdia, Inc. ("Verdia"; formerly known as MaxyAg, Inc.), a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Maxygen, Inc. DeltaMax Cotton, LLC was formed to
create, develop and commercialize value-enhancing traits for the cottonseed
market that will complement and/or compete with traits available today.
Commercialization of new traits developed by this venture is not expected until
after 2007. DeltaMax Cotton, LLC will contract research and development
activities to Verdia, third parties and D&PL when appropriate, and license its
products to D&PL and potentially to others. D&PL and Verdia each own 50% of
DeltaMax Cotton, LLC.
Subsidiaries
D&PL South Africa, Inc. ("D&PL South Africa"), our wholly-owned subsidiary,
through a South African branch, commercializes cottonseed varieties containing
Monsanto's Bollgard and Roundup Ready technologies in South Africa. In addition,
D&PL South Africa conducts winter nursery activities, produces cottonseed
varieties for export to other countries and processes foundation seed grown in
that country. We also maintain a winter nursery and foundation seed operation in
Canas, Costa Rica and have 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. The use of Southern Hemisphere winter nurseries
and seed production programs such as these can accelerate the introduction of
new varieties because we can raise at least two crops per year by taking
advantage of the Southern Hemisphere growing season.
Deltapine Australia Pty. Ltd., our wholly-owned Australian subsidiary, breeds,
produces, conditions and markets cotton planting seed in Australia. Certain
varieties developed in Australia are well adapted to other major cotton
producing countries and Australian-developed varieties are exported to those
areas. We sell seed of both conventional and transgenic varieties in Australia.
Through our Australian operations, we are identifying smaller potential export
markets throughout Southeast Asia for our products. The adaptability of our
germplasm must be evaluated in the target markets before such sales can be made.
Turk DeltaPine, Inc. ("Turk DeltaPine"), our wholly-owned subsidiary, through a
Turkish branch, produces, conditions and markets cotton planting seed in Turkey.
In addition, Turk DeltaPine produces conventional cottonseed varieties for sale
in Turkey and Europe.
Employees
As of March 31, 2003, we employed a total of 528 full time employees worldwide
excluding approximately 107 employees of joint ventures. Due to the nature of
the business, we utilize seasonal employees in our delinting plants and our
research and foundation seed programs. The maximum number of seasonal employees
approximates 175 and typically occurs in October and November of each year. We
consider our employee relations to be good.
Biotechnology
Insect Resistance for Cotton
Collaborative biotechnology licensing agreements, which were executed with
Monsanto in 1992 and subsequently revised in 1993, 1996, 1999, and March 2003,
provide for the commercialization of Monsanto's Bollgard ("Bacillus
thuringiensis" or "Bt") gene technology in our varieties in the United States.
The selected Bt gene is from 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. The resulting 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 us for use under the trade name Bollgard. In our primary markets,
the cost of insecticides is a major expenditure for many cotton growers. The
insect resistant capabilities of transgenic cotton containing the Bollgard gene
may reduce the amount of insecticide required to be applied by cotton growers
using planting seed containing the Bollgard gene. In October 1995, the United
States Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") completed its initial
registration of the Bollgard gene technology, thus clearing the way for
commercial sales of seed containing the Bollgard gene. In 1996, we sold
commercially for the first time two Deltapine varieties, which contained the
Bollgard gene, in accordance with the terms of the Bollgard Gene License and
Seed Services Agreement (the "Bollgard Agreement") between D&PL and Monsanto.
This initial EPA registration had been set to expire on January 1, 2001 but was
updated to expire January 1, 2002. In September 2001, the EPA renewed the
registration for an additional five years, at which time the EPA will, among
other things, reevaluate the effectiveness of the insect resistance management
plan and decide whether to convert the registration to a non-expiring (and/or
unconditional) registration.
Pursuant to the terms of the Bollgard Agreement, farmers must buy a limited use
sublicense for the technology from D&M Partners, a partnership of D&PL (90%) and
Monsanto (10%), in order to purchase seed containing the Bollgard gene
technology. D&M Partners contracts the billing and collection activities for
Bollgard and Roundup Ready licensing fees to Monsanto. The distributor/dealers
who coordinate the farmer licensing process receive a portion of the technology
sublicensing fee, presently approximately 15%. After the dealers and
distributors are compensated, D&M Partners pays Monsanto a royalty equal to 71%
of the net sublicense fee (technology sublicensing fees less distributor/dealer
payments) and we retain the remainder of 29% for our services. The expiration
date of the Bollgard Agreement is determined by the last to expire of the patent
rights licensed under that agreement. On that basis (unless we terminate sooner,
as is permitted after October 11, 2008), the expiration date of the Bollgard
Agreement will be September 28, 2016.
Pursuant to the Bollgard Agreement, Monsanto must defend and indemnify us
against claims of patent infringement, including all damages awarded or amounts
paid in settlements. Monsanto must also indemnify us 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. The
indemnity from Monsanto only covers performance claims involving failure of
performance of the Bollgard gene and not claims arising from other causes.
Pharmacia remains liable for Monsanto's performance under these defense and
indemnity agreements.
In December 2000, D&PL and Monsanto executed the Bollgard II Gene License and
Seed Services Agreement (the "Bollgard II Agreement") for Monsanto's subsequent
insect resistance product. The Bollgard II Agreement contains essentially the
same terms as the Bollgard Agreement. On December 23, 2002, Monsanto announced
that it had received U.S. regulatory clearance for Bollgard II. We may
commercialize limited quantities of our Bollgard II cotton varieties in the U.S.
during fiscal 2003.
In May 2002, we signed a product development agreement with Syngenta Seed AG
("Syngenta") whereby Syngenta will pay us for development work, including
introgression, testing and evaluation, of Syngenta's insect resistance
technology in our elite cotton germplasm. If appropriate testing indicates that
Syngenta technology combined with our germplasm is competitive and if a
commercialization agreement is reached, our elite varieties containing
Syngenta's technology could potentially be available for introduction to growers
as early as 2004, subject to Syngenta obtaining U.S. government regulatory
approval and other factors.
In January 2003, we announced a collaboration agreement with Dow AgroSciences
LLC ("DAS") under which we will develop, test and evaluate elite cotton
varieties containing DAS insect resistance traits. When appropriate testing
indicates that DAS technology combined with our germplasm is competitive and
when a commercialization agreement is reached, our elite varieties containing
DAS technology may be available for introduction to growers in 2004. DAS has
previously announced it expects to introduce its insect resistance traits in the
U.S. market in 2004, pending regulatory approval.
Herbicide Tolerance for Cotton
In February 1996, D&PL and Monsanto executed the Roundup Ready Gene License and
Seed Services Agreement (the "Roundup Ready Agreement"), which provides for the
commercialization of Roundup Ready cottonseed. Pursuant to the collaborative
biotechnology licensing agreements executed in 1996 and amended in July 1996,
December 1999, and March 2003, we have also developed transgenic cotton
varieties that are tolerant to Roundup(R), 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 our affiliates the right in the United States to
sell cottonseed of our varieties that contain Monsanto's Roundup Ready gene. The
Roundup Ready gene makes cotton plants tolerant to contact with Roundup
herbicide applications made during a finite early season growth period. 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. Our portion of the Roundup Ready technology fee varies
depending on the technology fee per acre established by Monsanto. In 2001 and
2002, D&M Partners paid Monsanto approximately 70% of the Roundup Ready
technology fees and we retained the remaining 30%. The expiration date of the
Roundup Ready Agreement is determined by the last to expire of the patent rights
licensed under that agreement. On that basis (unless we terminate sooner, as is
permitted after October 11, 2008), the expiration date of the Roundup Ready
Agreement will be May 27, 2014.
Pursuant to the Roundup Ready Agreement, Monsanto must defend and indemnify us
against claims of patent infringement, including all damages awarded or amounts
paid in settlements. Monsanto will also indemnify us against the cost of
inventory that becomes unsaleable because of patent infringement claims, but
Monsanto is not required to indemnify us against lost profits on such unsaleable
seed. In contrast with the Bollgard Agreement, 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. Pharmacia remains liable for
Monsanto's performance under these defense and indemnity agreements. In both
agreements, generally, we are responsible for varietal/seed performance issues,
and Monsanto is responsible for failure of the genes.
Herbicide Tolerance for Soybeans
In February 1997, D&PL and Monsanto executed a Roundup Ready Soybean License
Agreement which provided for commercialization of Roundup Ready soybean seed.
Effective September 1, 2001, D&PL and Monsanto executed a new Roundup Ready
Soybean License and Seed Services Agreement (the "Roundup Ready Soybean
Agreement") for 2001 and future years. The Roundup Ready Soybean Agreement
grants a non-exclusive license to D&PL to produce and to sell in the United
States soybean seed containing Monsanto's Roundup Ready gene. The Roundup Ready
gene makes soybean plants tolerant to contact with Roundup herbicide
applications when used in accordance with product instructions. Similar to the
Bollgard Agreement and the Roundup Ready Agreement for cotton, farmers must
execute limited use sublicenses in order to purchase soybean seed containing the
Roundup Ready gene. The royalty charged to the seed partners, including D&PL, is
set annually by Monsanto. We receive a portion of the royalty for our services
under the Roundup Ready Soybean Agreement and may receive additional incentives
based on a separate licensee incentive agreement. We have the right to terminate
the Roundup Ready Soybean Agreement at our option upon 90 days notice to
Monsanto; Monsanto may terminate the agreement only for cause. Unless terminated
sooner, the Roundup Ready Soybean Agreement will expire December 31, 2012.
Since 1987, we have conducted research to develop soybean plants that are
tolerant to certain DuPont Sulfonylurea 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 STS(R)
herbicide-tolerant trait is not genetically engineered, sale of this seed does
not require government approval, although the herbicide to which they express
tolerance must be EPA approved.
Transformation, Enabling and Other Technologies
In March 1998, D&PL and the United States of America, as represented by the
Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) were granted United States Patent No. 5,723,765,
entitled "Control Of Plant Gene Expression". Subsequently, two other patents
(United States Patent Nos. 5,925,808 and 5,977,441) were granted under the same
title. The patents for the Technology Protection System resulted from a concept
developed by research scientists employed by both D&PL and the U.S. Department
of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service ("USDA-ARS"). The patents broadly
cover all species of plants and seed, both transgenic and conventional, for a
system designed to allow control of progeny seed viability without harming the
crop. One application of the technology could be to control unauthorized
planting of seed of proprietary varieties (sometimes called "brown bagging") by
making such a practice non-economic since unauthorized saved seed will not
germinate, and, therefore, would be useless for planting. Another application of
the technology would be to prevent the unlikely possibility of transfer of
transgenes, through pollen, to closely related species of plants. These patents
have the prospect of opening significant worldwide seed markets to the sale of
transgenic technology in varietal crops in which crop seed currently is saved
and used in subsequent seasons as planting seed. D&PL and the USDA executed a
commercialization agreement on July 6, 2001 for this technology giving us the
exclusive right to market this technology. Once developed, we intend licensing
of this technology to be widely available to other seed companies.
In July 1999, United States Patent No. 5,929,300, entitled "Pollen Based
Transformation System Using Solid Media," was issued to the United States of
America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA). This patent
covers transformation of plants. The patent for the Pollen Transformation System
resulted from a research program conducted pursuant to a Cooperative Research
and Development Agreement between D&PL and the USDA-ARS in Lubbock, Texas. D&PL
and the USDA executed on December 18, 2000 a commercialization agreement,
providing us exclusive rights to market this technology to third parties,
subject to certain rights reserved to the USDA. This transformation method uses
techniques and plant parts that are not covered by currently issued plant
transformation U.S. patents held by others. It is a method which should be more
efficient and effective than many other plant transformation techniques
currently available. This patent and the marketing rights apply to all plant
species on which this method of transformation is effective.
The technologies described above resulted from basic research and will require
further development in order to be used in commercial seed. We estimate that it
will be several years before either of these technologies could be available
commercially. In addition, we have rights to other transformation, enabling and
other technologies that are useful to our research and commercial efforts and,
in some cases, may be sublicensed to others.
Other
We have licensing, research and development, confidentiality and material
transfer agreements with providers of technology that we are evaluating for
potential commercial applications and/or introduction. We also contract with
third parties to perform research on our behalf for enabling and other
technologies that we believe have potential commercial applications in varietal
crops around the world.
Commercial Seed
The following table presents the number of commercial cottonseed and soybean
seed varieties we sold in the years ended August 31,:
2001 2002
--------------- ---------------
Cotton
Conventional 24 24
Bollgard 6 6
Roundup Ready 16 16
Bollgard/Roundup Ready 16 16
--------------- ---------------
62 62
=============== ===============
Soybeans
Conventional 2 2
Roundup Ready 10 10
STS 2 2
--------------- --------------
14 14
=============== ==============
In addition to the above, in 2002, we had 59 experimental cotton varieties and
11 experimental soybean varieties in late stage development prior to
commercialization. In 2001, we had 52 experimental cotton varieties and 11
experimental soybean varieties in late stage development prior to
commercialization.
Seed of all commercial plant species is either varietal or hybrid. Our 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 our primary domestic markets
purchase seed from commercial sources each season because cottonseed requires
delinting prior to seed treatment with chemicals and in order to be sown by
modern planting equipment. Delinting and conditioning may be done either by a
seed company on its proprietary seed or by independent delinters for farmers.
Modern cotton farmers in upland picker areas generally recognize the greater
assurance of genetic purity, quality and convenience that professionally grown
and conditioned seed offers compared to seed they might save. Additionally, U.S.
patent laws make unlawful any unauthorized planting of seed containing patented
technology, such as Bollgard and Roundup Ready, saved from prior crops.
We farm approximately 2,000 acres in the U.S., primarily for research purposes
and for production of cotton and soybean foundation seed. We have annual
agreements with various growers to produce seed for cotton and soybeans. The
growers plant parent seed purchased from us and follow quality assurance
procedures required for seed production. If the grower adheres to our
established quality assurance standards throughout the growing season and if the
seed meets our standards upon harvest, we may be obligated to purchase specified
minimum quantities of seed, usually in our first and second fiscal quarters, at
prices equal to the commodity market price of the seed plus a grower premium. We
then condition the seed for sale.
The majority of our 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
our earnings between quarters. Thus, seed production, distribution and sales are
seasonal and interim results will not necessarily be indicative of our results
for a fiscal year.
Revenues from domestic seed sales are recognized when seed is shipped. Revenues
from Bollgard and Roundup Ready licensing fees are recognized when the seed is
shipped. Domestically, the licensing fees charged to farmers for Bollgard and
Roundup Ready cottonseed are based on pre-established planting rates for nine
geographic regions and consider the estimated number of seed contained in each
bag which may vary by variety, location grown, and other factors.
International export revenues are recognized upon the later of when seed is
shipped or the date letters of credit (or instruments with similar security
provisions) are confirmed. Generally, international export sales are not subject
to return. Generally, all other international revenues from the sale of planting
seed, less estimated reserves for returns, are recognized when the seed is
shipped.
Domestically, we promote our cotton and soybean seed directly to farmers and
sell our seed through distributors and dealers. All of our domestic seed
products (including those containing Bollgard and Roundup Ready technologies)
are subject to return and credit risk, the effects of 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 our third and fourth quarters. We provide
for estimated returns as sales occur. To the extent actual returns differ from
estimates, adjustments to our operating results are recorded when such
differences become known, typically in our fourth quarter. All significant
returns occur and are accounted for by fiscal year end.
Availability of Information on Our Website
Additional information (including our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly
reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those
reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) and 15(d) of the Exchange
Act) is available at our website at www.deltaandpine.com under Investor
Relations, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such
material with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
From time to time, we may publish forward-looking statements relating to such
matters as anticipated financial performance, existing products, technical
developments, new products, new technologies, research and development
activities, and similar matters. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements. In order to comply
with the terms of the safe harbor, we note that a variety of factors could cause
our actual results and experience to differ materially from the anticipated
results or other expectations expressed in our forward-looking statements. The
risks and uncertainties that may affect the operations, performance, development
and results of our business include those noted elsewhere in this filing and the
following:
Demand for our seed will be affected by government programs and policies
and 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, cottonseed
oil, 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 our products face
competition from a number of seed companies, diversified chemical
companies, agricultural biotechnology companies, governmental agencies and
academic and scientific institutions. A number of chemical and
biotechnology companies have seed production and/or distribution
capabilities to ensure market access for new seed products and new
technologies that may compete with the Bollgard and Roundup Ready gene
technologies. Our seed products and technologies contained therein may
encounter substantial competition from technological advances by others or
products from new market entrants. Many of our competitors are, or are
affiliated with, large diversified companies that have substantially
greater resources than we.
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 our domestic and international
operations include the use of and the acceptance of products that were
produced from plants that have been 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 our international operations.
The publicity related to genetically modified organisms ("GMOs") or
products made from plants that contain GMOs may have an effect on our sales
in the future. In 2002, approximately 93% of our cottonseed that was sold
in the United States contained either or both of Monsanto's Bollgard and
Roundup Ready gene technologies, and 89% of our soybean seed sales
contained the Roundup Ready gene technology. Although many farmers have
rapidly adopted these technologies, the concern of some customers and
governmental entities over finished products that contain GMOs could impact
demand for crops (and ultimately seed) raised from seed containing such
traits.
Due to the varying levels of agricultural and social development of the
international markets in which we operate and because of factors within the
particular international markets we target, international profitability and
growth may be less stable and predictable than domestic profitability and
growth. Furthermore, recent action taken by the U.S. government, including
that taken by the U.S. military in the aftermath of the tragic events of
September 11, 2001, the war in Iraq, and conflicts between major cotton
producing nations may serve to further complicate our ability to execute
our long range ex-U.S. business plans because those plans include future
expansion into Uzbekistan, Pakistan and India.
Overall profitability will depend on the factors noted above as well as
weather conditions, government policies in all countries where we sell
products and operate, worldwide commodity prices, our ability to
successfully open new international markets, our ability to successfully
continue the development of the High Plains market, the technology
partners' ability to obtain timely government approval (and maintain such
approval) for existing and for additional biotechnology products on which
they and D&PL are working, our technology partners' ability to successfully
defend challenges to proprietary technologies licensed to us and our
ability to produce sufficient commercial quantities of high quality
planting seed of these products. Any delay in or inability to successfully
complete these projects may affect future profitability.
The risks and uncertainties that may affect the operations, performance,
development and results of D&PL's business include those noted elsewhere in this
Item and in "Risks and Uncertainties" in Item 7 of D&PL's Form 10-K filed for
the year ended August 31, 2002.
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
Exhibits.
99.01 Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Periodic Financial Report
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
99.02 Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Periodic Financial Report
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
Reports on Form 8-K.
On March 26, 2003, D&PL filed a report on Form 8-K dated March 26, 2003 under
Items 5 and 7 announcing a press release of Delta and Pine Land Company dated
March 26, 2003, reporting Delta and Pine Land Company's results of operations
and financial condition for the quarter and six months ended February 28, 2003.
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 14, 2003 /s/ W. THOMAS JAGODINSKI
-------------------------
W. Thomas Jagodinski
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Date: April 14, 2003 /s/ R. D. GREENE
--------------------
R. D. Greene
Vice President - Finance, Treasurer and Assistant
Secretary
Certification of Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
I, W. Thomas Jagodinski, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Delta and
Pine Land Company;
2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the
circumstances under which such statements were made, not
misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly
report; and
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other
financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly
present in all material respects the financial condition, results
of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the
periods presented in this quarterly report.
4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible
for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and
procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14)
for the registrant and we have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures to
ensure that material information relating to the
registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries,
is made known to us by others within those entities,
particularly during the period in which this
quarterly report is being prepared;
b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's
disclosure controls and procedures as of a date
within 90 days prior to the filing date of this
quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and
c) Presented in this quarterly report our conclusions
about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls
and procedures based on our evaluation as of the
Evaluation Date;
5. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed,
based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors
and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or
persons performing the equivalent function):
a) All significant deficiencies in the design or
operation of internal controls which could adversely
affect the registrant's ability to record, process,
summarize and report financial data and have
identified for the registrant's auditors any material
weaknesses in internal controls; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves
management or other employees who have a significant
role in the registrant's internal controls; and
6. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in
this quarterly report whether or not there were significant
changes in internal controls or in other factors that could
significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of
our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with
regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.
Date: April 14, 2003 /s/ W. THOMAS JAGODINSKI
-------------------------
W. Thomas Jagodinski
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Certification of Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
I, R. D. Greene, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Delta and
Pine Land Company;
2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the
circumstances under which such statements were made, not
misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly
report; and
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other
financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly
present in all material respects the financial condition, results
of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the
periods presented in this quarterly report.
4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible
for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and
procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14)
for the registrant and we have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures to
ensure that material information relating to the
registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries,
is made known to us by others within those entities,
particularly during the period in which this
quarterly report is being prepared;
b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's
disclosure controls and procedures as of a date
within 90 days prior to the filing date of this
quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and
c) Presented in this quarterly report our conclusions
about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls
and procedures based on our evaluation as of the
Evaluation Date;
5. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed,
based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors
and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or
persons performing the equivalent function):
a) All significant deficiencies in the design or
operation of internal controls which could adversely
affect the registrant's ability to record, process,
summarize and report financial data and have
identified for the registrant's auditors any material
weaknesses in internal controls; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves
management or other employees who have a significant
role in the registrant's internal controls; and
6. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in
this quarterly report whether or not there were significant
changes in internal controls or in other factors that could
significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of
our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with
regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.
Date: April 14, 2003 /s/ R. D. GREENE
-----------------
R. D. Greene
Vice President-Finance, Treasurer and Assistant
Secretary