-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, ERYKvIa2/T3fZ4YqVTkrUx1G5iOZZpy5hGcNAwv8kgkjh4/k1wCSyeiyX/hWs9SK PYrdXd5UDdqgZf9Hw2UstQ== 0000912057-02-011058.txt : 20020415 0000912057-02-011058.hdr.sgml : 20020415 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000912057-02-011058 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-Q/A PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 1 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20011130 FILED AS OF DATE: 20020322 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: AMERICAN CRYSTAL SUGAR CO /MN/ CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000004828 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: SUGAR & CONFECTIONERY PRODUCTS [2060] IRS NUMBER: 840004720 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MN FISCAL YEAR END: 0831 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-Q/A SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 033-83868 FILM NUMBER: 02582147 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 101 N 3RD ST CITY: MOORHEAD STATE: MN ZIP: 56560 BUSINESS PHONE: 6122028110 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 101 NORTH THIRD STREET CITY: MOORHEAD STATE: MN ZIP: 56560 10-Q/A 1 a2074148z10-qa.htm 10-Q/A
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q/A


ý

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the period ended November 30, 2001

Commission file number: 33-83868

AMERICAN CRYSTAL SUGAR COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Minnesota
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  84-0004720
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

101 North Third Street
Moorhead, Minnesota 56560
(Address of principal executive offices)

Telephone Number (218) 236-4400
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

YES X             NO

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

Class of Common Stock
  Outstanding at
January 9, 2002

$10 Par Value   3,131




AMERICAN CRYSTAL SUGAR COMPANY
FORM 10-Q
INDEX

 
   
  Page No.

PART I

 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 
 
ITEM 1.

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 

 

BALANCE SHEETS

 

3

 

 

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

5

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

6

 

 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

7
 
ITEM 2.

 

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

9

PART II

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

 
 
ITEM 1.

 

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

12
 
ITEM 4.

 

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

12
 
ITEM 6.

 

EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

 

13

SIGNATURES

 

17

2


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

AMERICAN CRYSTAL SUGAR COMPANY
Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in Thousands)

        ASSETS

 
  November 30
   
 
 
  August 31,
2001*

 
 
  2001
  2000
 
Current Assets:                    
  Cash and Cash Equivalents   $ 793   $ 24   $ 5,902  
  Accounts Receivable:                    
    Trade     47,001     53,210     67,332  
    Members     1,988     1,902     3,300  
    Other     940     3,926     1,553  
  Advances to Related Parties     4,721     80     14,924  
  Inventories     354,621     346,194     104,269  
  Prepaid Expenses     18,963     21,795     5,989  
   
 
 
 

Total Current Assets

 

 

429,027

 

 

427,131

 

 

203,269

 
   
 
 
 

Property and Equipment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Land     32,697     27,804     32,511  
  Buildings and Equipment     840,539     826,099     839,431  
  Construction-in-Progress     1,711     10,571     1,453  
  Less: Accumulated Depreciation     (523,092 )   (490,616 )   (510,015 )
   
 
 
 

Net Property and Equipment

 

 

351,855

 

 

373,858

 

 

363,380

 
   
 
 
 

Other Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Investments in CoBank, ACB     15,676     15,135     15,676  
  Investments in Marketing Cooperatives     1,654     3,267     1,638  
  Investments in ProGold Limited Liability Company     38,962     37,289     38,533  
  Investments in Crystech, LLC     1,501     1,584     1,545  
  Notes Receivable — Crystech, LLC     13,905     13,905     13,905  
  Other Assets     3,498     1,980     3,499  
   
 
 
 

Total Other Assets

 

 

75,196

 

 

73,160

 

 

74,796

 
   
 
 
 

Total Assets

 

$

856,078

 

$

874,149

 

$

641,445

 
   
 
 
 

*
Derived from audited financial statements.

3



AMERICAN CRYSTAL SUGAR COMPANY
Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in Thousands)

        LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' INVESTMENTS

 
  November 30
   
 
 
  August 31,
2001*

 
 
  2001
  2000
 
Current Liabilities:                    
  Short-Term Debt   $ 133,087   $ 134,486   $ 13,963  
  Current Maturities of Long-Term Debt     19,070     18,925     19,070  
  Accounts Payable     19,466     25,878     19,775  
  Advances Due to Related Parties     7,225     7,680     3,568  
  Accrued Continuing Costs (see note 3)     34,752     36,458      
  Other Current Liabilities     17,924     17,258     15,555  
  Amounts Due Members     135,448     142,093     82,766  
   
 
 
 

Total Current Liabilities

 

 

366,972

 

 

382,778

 

 

154,697

 

Long-Term Debt, Net of Current Maturities

 

 

200,417

 

 

229,905

 

 

201,416

 
Other Liabilities     30,160     28,339     29,672  
   
 
 
 

Total Liabilities

 

 

597,549

 

 

641,022

 

 

385,785

 
   
 
 
 

Members' Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Preferred Stock     38,275     38,275     38,275  
  Common Stock     31     30     31  
  Additional Paid-in Capital     140,600     134,197     137,241  
  Unit Retains     116,441     97,336     116,480  
  Equity Retention     1,557         1,560  
  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)     (436 )   (655 )   (436 )
  Retained Earnings/(Deficit)     (37,939 )   (36,056 )   (37,491 )
   
 
 
 

Total Members' Investments

 

 

258,529

 

 

233,127

 

 

255,660

 
   
 
 
 

Total Liabilities and Members' Investments

 

$

856,078

 

$

874,149

 

$

641,445

 
   
 
 
 

*
Derived from audited financial statements.

4



AMERICAN CRYSTAL SUGAR COMPANY
Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in Thousands)

 
  For the Three Months Ended
November 30

 
 
  2001
  2000
 
Net Revenue   $ 172,655   $ 242,855  
Cost of Product Sold     (19,837 )   49,184  
   
 
 

Gross Proceeds

 

 

192,492

 

 

193,671

 

Selling, General & Administrative Expenses

 

 

39,230

 

 

43,368

 
Accrued Continuing Costs (see note 3)     34,752     36,458  
   
 
 

Operating Proceeds

 

 

118,510

 

 

113,845

 
   
 
 

Other Income/(Expense)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Interest Income     681     1,324  
  Interest Expense     (3,252 )   (4,424 )
  Other, Net     329     444  
   
 
 
Other (Expense)     (2,242 )   (2,656 )
   
 
 

Proceeds before Income Taxes

 

 

116,268

 

 

111,189

 
Income Tax Expense         (20 )
   
 
 
Net Proceeds Resulting from              
  Member and Non-Member Business   $ 116,268   $ 111,169  
   
 
 

Distribution of Net Proceeds:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Credited/(Charged) to Members' Investments:              
    Non-Member Business (Loss)   $ (448 ) $ (449 )
    Unit Retains Declared to Members          
    Equity Retention Declared to Members          
   
 
 
  Net (Charge) to Members' Investments     (448 )   (449 )
  Payments to/due Members for Sugarbeets, Net of Unit Retains Declared     116,716     111,618  
  Payment to/due Members for PIK Certificates,              
  Net of Equity Retention Declared          
   
 
 

Total

 

$

116,268

 

$

111,169

 
   
 
 

5



American Crystal Sugar Company
Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
(Dollars In Thousands)

 
  For the Three Months Ended
November 30

 
 
  2001
  2000
 
Cash Provided By (Used In) Operations:              
  Net Proceeds Resulting from Member and Non-Member Business   $ 116,268   $ 111,169  
  Payments to Members for Sugarbeets, Net of Unit Retains Declared     (116,716 )   (111,618 )
  Payments to Members for PIK Certificates, Net of Equity Rentention Declared          
  Add (Deduct) Non-Cash Items:              
    Depreciation and Amortization     13,586     13,147  
    (Income) from Equity Method Investees     (419 )   (441 )
    Loss on the Disposition of Property and Equipment     162     286  
    Non-Cash Portion of Patronage Dividend from CoBank, ACB          
    Deferred Gain Recognition     (49 )   (49 )
  Changes in Assets and Liabilities:              
    Receivables     22,256     (5,256 )
    Inventories     (250,352 )   (303,304 )
    Prepaid Expenses     (12,974 )   (17,431 )
    Advances To/Due to Related Parties     13,860     7,974  
    Accounts Payable     (309 )   (412 )
    Accrued Continuing Costs     34,752     36,458  
    Other Liabilities     2,857     753  
    Amounts Due Members     52,682     88,427  
   
 
 
Net Cash (Used In) Operations     (124,396 )   (180,297 )
   
 
 

Cash Provided By (Used In) Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Purchases of Property and Equipment     (2,253 )   (5,736 )
  Proceeds from the Sale of Property and Equipment     117     1  
  Changes in Other Assets     (19 )   68  
   
 
 
Net Cash (Used In) Investing Activities     (2,155 )   (5,667 )
   
 
 

Cash Provided By (Used In) Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Proceeds (Payments) on Short-Term Debt, Net     119,124     132,618  
  Proceeds from Long-Term Debt     1      
  Long-Term Debt Repayment     (1,000 )   (1,000 )
  Proceeds from Sale of Stock     3,359     3,126  
  Payment of Unit Retains     (42 )   (18,880 )
   
 
 
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities     121,442     115,864  
   
 
 
(Decrease) In Cash and Cash Equivalents     (5,109 )   (70,100 )
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year     5,902     70,124  
   
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period   $ 793   $ 24  
   
 
 
Supplemental Schedule of Non-Cash Financing Activities:              
On September 30, 2000, the Company forfeited sugar in satisfaction of Commodity Credit Corporation loans of $105.3 million including accrued interest of $3.8 million.              

6



AMERICAN CRYSTAL SUGAR COMPANY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000

Note 1: Basis of Presentation

        The unaudited financial statements contained herein have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles. However, in the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.

        The operating results for the three month period ended November 30, 2001 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended August 31, 2002.

        The amount paid to growers for sugarbeets (beet payment) depends on the future selling prices of sugar and agri-products as well as processing and other costs to be incurred during the remainder of the fiscal year. For the purposes of this report, the amount of the beet payment, future revenues and costs have been estimated. Therefore, adjustments with respect to these estimates may be necessary in the future as additional information becomes available.

        These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in the Company's annual report for the year ended August 31, 2001.

        Certain reclassifications have been made to the November 30, 2000 financial statements to conform with the November 30, 2001 presentation.

Note 2: Inventories

        The major components of inventories are as follows (In Thousands):

 
  11/30/01
  11/30/00
  8/31/01
Refined Sugar, Pulp, Molasses, Other Agri-Products and Sugar Beet Seed   $ 163,636   $ 137,165   $ 86,367
Unprocessed Sugarbeets     173,239     191,572    
Maintenance Parts & Supplies     17,746     17,457     17,902
   
 
 
Total Inventories   $ 354,621   $ 346,194   $ 104,269
   
 
 

        Sugar, pulp, molasses and other agri-products inventories are valued at estimated net realizable value. Unprocessed sugarbeets are valued at the estimated gross beet payment. Maintenance parts & supplies and beet seed inventories are valued at the lower of average cost or market.

Note 3: Accrued Continuing Costs

        For interim reporting, the Net Proceeds from Member Business is based on the forecasted beet payment and the percentage of the tons of sugarbeets processed to the total estimated tons of sugarbeets to process for a given crop year. Accrued continuing costs represent the difference between the Net Proceeds from Member Business as determined above and actual member business crop year revenues realized and expenses incurred through the end of the reporting period. Accrued continuing costs are reflected in the Financial Statements as a cost on the Statements of Operations and as a current liability on the Balance Sheets.

7



Note 4: Members' Investments

 
  Par Value
  Shares
Authorized

  Shares Issued
& Outstanding

Preferred Stock:              
  January 9, 2002   $ 76.77   600,000   498,570
  November 30, 2001   $ 76.77   600,000   498,570
  August 31, 2001   $ 76.77   600,000   498,570
  November 30, 2000   $ 76.77   600,000   498,570

Common Stock:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  January 9, 2002   $ 10.00   4,000   3,131
  November 30, 2001   $ 10.00   4,000   3,133
  August 31, 2001   $ 10.00   4,000   3,134
  November 30, 2000   $ 10.00   4,000   3,006

Note 5: Interest Paid

        Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized, was $2.1 million and $3.6 million for the three months ended November 30, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

Note 6: Short-Term Debt

        As of November 30, 2001, the Company had outstanding commercial paper of $103.1 million at an average interest rate of 3.06% and maturity dates between December 3, 2001 and April 30, 2002. The Company also had $30.0 million of outstanding short-term debt with CoBank, ACB with an average interest rate of 2.83% and maturity dates between February 21, 2002 and February 28, 2002.

        As of November 30, 2000, the Company had outstanding commercial paper of $111.5 million at an average interest rate of 6.93% and maturity dates between December 1, 2000 and April 30, 2001. The Company also had $23.0 million of outstanding short-term debt with CoBank, ACB with an average interest rate of 7.32% and maturity dates between December 1, 2000 and December 21, 2000.

8



Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition for the Three Months Ended November 30, 2001 and 2000

        This report contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements include, among others, those statements including the words "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "may" and similar expressions. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those indicated. Important factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, without limitation, market factors, weather and general economic conditions, farm and trade policy, available quantity and quality of sugarbeets. For a more complete discussion of "Important Factors", please refer to the Company's 2001 Form 10-K.

Comparison of the Three Months Ended November 30, 2001 and 2000

        Revenue for the three months ended November 30, 2001, was $172.7 million, a decrease of $70.2 million as compared to the same period last year. Revenue from total sugar sales decreased 31.4 percent which reflects the proceeds from the forfeiture of sugar to the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) last year, a 2.3 percent decrease in the average selling price per hundredweight partially offset by a 0.6 percent increase in hundredweight sold. Revenue from pulp sales increased 38.7 percent due to a 44.3 percent increase in the volume of pulp sold partially offset by a 3.9 percent decrease in the average selling price per ton. Revenue from molasses sales decreased 50.7 percent due to a 64.5 percent decrease in the volume of molasses sold partially offset by a 38.8 percent increase in the average selling price per ton. Revenue from the sales of Concentrated Separated By-Product (CSB), a by-product of the molasses desugarization process, increased 6.4 percent due to a 17.6 percent increase in the average selling price per ton partially offset by a 9.5 percent decrease in sales volume.

        Cost of product sold, for the three months ended November 30, 2001, exclusive of payments for sugarbeets, decreased $69.0 million as compared to the same period last year. Direct processing costs for sugar and pulp decreased 12.0 percent due to harvesting 16.3 percent fewer sugarbeets and processing 7.0 percent less sugarbeets. Fixed and committed expenses increased 2.0 percent reflecting higher maintenance costs. The change in product inventories impacted the cost of product sold favorably by $66.0 million. This was primarily due to two factors. First, The value of the carryover sugar inventory as of August 31, 2000, which was sold during the first quarter of fiscal 2001, was approximately $43.0 million higher than the value of the carryover sugar inventory as of August 31, 2001, which was sold during the first quarter of fiscal 2002. The higher inventory level as of August 31, 2000 consisted largely of sugar pledged to the CCC, which was forfeited during the first quarter of fiscal 2001. Second, the value of the sugar inventory as of November 30, 2001 was approximately $23.0 million more than the value of the sugar inventory as of November 30, 2000 due primarily to a higher sugar inventory level.

        Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended November 30, 2001 decreased $4.1 million from 2001. Selling expenses decreased $2.7 million primarily due to lower sugar storage costs partially offset by the reinstatement of the marketing assessment fee this year. General and Administrative expenses decreased $1.5 million due to lower personnel costs and other general cost reductions.

        As of November 30, 2001, 40.4 percent of the 2001 crop had been processed, resulting in the recognition of net proceeds from member business of $116.3 million. This represents 40.4 percent of the projected gross beet payment of $289.2 million for the 2001 crop. The actual net proceeds from member business for the three months ended November 30, 2001 was $151.5 million. The difference between the actual net proceeds from member business and the amount recognized resulted in the recognition of $34.8 million of accrued continuing costs as of November 30, 2001. In comparison, as of November 30, 2000, 36.8 percent of the 2000 crop had been processed resulting in the recognition of net proceeds from member business of $111.6 million, which represented 36.8 percent of the

9



$300 million projected gross beet payment for the 2000 crop. The actual net proceeds from member business for the three months ended November 30, 2000 was $148.1 million. The difference between the actual net proceeds from member business and the amount recognized resulted in the recognition of $36.5 million of accrued continuing costs as of November 30, 2000.

        Interest income decreased $.6 million for the three months ended November 30, 2001 as compared to the same period last year primarily due to a lower average balance of investments and slightly lower interest rates.

        Interest expense decreased $1.2 million from last year primarily due to lower long-term and short-term interest rates and lower average borrowing levels.

        Non-member activities resulted in a loss of $.4 million in each of the three months ended November 30 2001 and 2000. The losses in both fiscal years were comprised mainly of activities related to the investment in ProGold Limited Liability Company.

2001 Payment-In-Kind Program

        In September 2001, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a Payment-In-Kind (PIK) program for the 2001 crop year. Under this program, the Company's shareholders were paid to destroy a portion of their 2001 sugarbeet crop. Payments to the Company's shareholders were made by the USDA in the form of certificates to be exchanged for sugar held by the USDA. The Company has entered into contracts with its shareholders to purchase the sugar certificates they received from the USDA and reduce the shareholders' delivery obligation to the Company to the extent sugarbeets were destroyed. As a result of the PIK program, the number of acres of the 2001 sugarbeet crop harvested by the shareholders was reduced by approximately 29,000 acres. At this time, the Company does not believe that the reduction in sugarbeets available to process as a result of the PIK program will materially affect the results of operations for fiscal 2002. On December 3, 2001, the CCC finalized the amount of sugar to be exchanged for the PIK certificates. As a result, the Company received approximately 588,673 hundredweight of sugar in exchange for the PIK certificates on December 3, 2001 and will receive an additional 588,673 hundredweight of sugar on March 1, 2002.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

        Under the Company's Bylaws and Grower Contracts, payments for member delivered sugarbeets, the principal raw material used in producing the sugar and agri-products it sells, are subordinated to all member business expenses. In addition, the beet payments made to members are paid in three payments over the course of a year, and the payments are made net of any anticipated unit retain for the crop. These procedures have the effect of providing the Company with an additional source of short-term financing. This member financing arrangement may result in an additional source of liquidity and reduced need for outside financing in comparison to a similar business operated on a non-cooperative basis.

        Because sugar is sold throughout the year (while sugarbeets are processed primarily in the fall and winter) and because substantial amounts of equipment are required for its operations, the Company has utilized substantial outside financing on both a seasonal and long-term basis to fund such operations. The majority of such financing has been provided by a consortium of lenders lead by CoBank, ACB. The Company has a long-term debt commitment with CoBank, ACB of $158.3 million, of which $118.3 million is currently outstanding. In addition, the Company has long-term debt outstanding of $50 million from a private placement of Senior Notes that occurred in September of 1998; $43.8 million from nine separate issuances of Pollution Control and Industrial Development Revenue Bonds; a term loan with Bank of North Dakota of $6.4 million; and $1 million from US Bank. The Company also has a seasonal line of credit with a consortium of lenders lead by CoBank, ACB of $180 million, of which $30.0 million is currently outstanding, and a line of credit with Wells Fargo Bank

10



for $3 million. The Company's commercial paper program provides short-term borrowings of up to $150 million of which approximately $103.1 million is currently outstanding. Any borrowings under the commercial paper program will act to reduce the available credit under the CoBank, ACB seasonal line of credit by a commensurate amount.

        The change in the Company's financial condition from August 31, 2001 to November 30, 2001 is primarily due to normal business seasonality. The first three months of the Company's fiscal year includes the completion of the sugarbeet harvest, start of the processing campaign, and the initial payments to members for delivered sugarbeets. The cash used in operations of $124.4 million and investing activities of $2.2 million was funded primarily through the cash provided by financing activities. The net cash provided by financing activities was primarily comprised of the net proceeds from short-term debt of $119.1 million, and proceeds from the installment sale of stock of $3.4 million.

        Working capital has increased $13.5 million from $48.6 million at the beginning of the year to $62.1 million as of November 30, 2001 primarily due to increased inventories partially offset by additional short-term debt, increases in payables and the amounts due growers and a decrease in receivables. Working capital as of November 30, 2001 was $62.1 million, an increase of $17.7 million when compared to $44.4 million of working capital as of November 30, 2000.

        Capital expenditures for the three months ended November 30, 2001 were $2.3 million as compared to $5.7 million for the same period in 2000. The Company had outstanding commitments totaling $1.8 million as of November 30, 2001, for equipment and construction contracts related to various capital projects.

        The Company anticipates that the funds necessary for working capital requirements and future capital expenditures will be derived from operations, short-term borrowings, depreciation, unit retains and long-term borrowings.

11



PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

        From time to time and in the ordinary course of its business, the Company is named as a defendant in legal proceedings related to various issues, including worker's compensation claims, tort claims and contractual disputes. The Company is currently involved in certain legal proceedings, which have arisen in the ordinary course of the Company's business. The Company is also aware of certain other potential claims, which could result in the commencement of legal proceedings. The Company carries insurance, which provides protection against certain types of claims. With respect to current litigation and potential claims of which the Company is aware, the Company's management believes that (i) the Company has insurance protection to cover all or a portion of any judgments which may be rendered against the Company with respect to certain claims or actions and (ii) any judgments which may be entered against the Company and which may exceed such insurance coverage or which may arise in actions involving potential liabilities not covered by insurance policies are not likely to have a material adverse effect upon the Company, or its assets or operations.


Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

        The Company held meetings in November 2001 with its shareholders from the five geographical districts where the Company's factories are located.

        At the Moorhead Factory District Meeting held on November 12, 2001, David J. Kragnes was re-elected as a Director, receiving 83 of the 85 votes cast with 4 abstentions. His three-year term expires in December 2004. Michael A. Astrup and Richard Borgen will continue as Directors for the Moorhead Factory District.

        At the Hillsboro Factory District Meeting held on November 13, 2001, Jeff McInnes was elected as a Director, receiving 48 of the 89 votes cast with 1 abstention. His three-year term expires in December 2004. Jerry D. Bitker and Francis L. Kritzberger will continue as Directors for the Hillsboro Factory District. Court G. Hanson did not seek re-election as a Director at the end of his term for reasons unrelated to the company.

        At the East Grand Forks Factory District Meeting held on November 14, 2001, Curtis Haugen was elected as a Director, receiving 122 of the 177 votes cast with 2 spoiled ballots. His three-year term expires in December 2004. Paul Driscoll and G. Terry Stadstad will continue as Directors for the East Grand Forks Factory District. Steven M. Goodwin did not seek re-election as a Director at the end of his term for reasons unrelated to the company.

        At the Drayton Factory District Meeting held on November 15, 2001, Robert Vivatson was re-elected as a Director, receiving 114 of the 114 votes cast with 2 abstentions. His three-year term expires in December 2004. Patrick D. Mahar and Neil Widner will continue as Directors for the Drayton Factory District.

        At the Crookston Factory District Meeting held on November 16, 2001, Jim A. Ross was re-elected as a Director, receiving 64 of the 65 votes cast with 2 abstentions. His three-year term expires in December 2004. Lonn M. Kiel and Ronald E. Reitmeier will continue as Directors for the Crookston Factory District.

12




Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a)

        Exhibits

Item No.

   
  Method of Filing

3.1

 

Restated Articles of Incorporation of American Crystal Sugar Company

 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 from the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 1998.

3.2  

 

Restated By-laws of American Crystal Sugar Company

 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 from the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 1998.

4.1  

 

Restated Articles of Incorporation of American Crystal Sugar Company

 

See Exhibit 3.1

4.2  

 

Restated By-laws of American Crystal Sugar Company

 

See Exhibit 3.2

10.1  

 

Trademark License Agreement between Registrant and United Sugars Corporation, dated November 1, 1993

 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(l) from the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-83868), declared effective November 23, 1994.

10.2  

 

Amended and Restated Loan Agreement between Registrant and US Bank, formerly First Bank National Association, dated November 22, 1993

 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(q) from the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-83868), declared effective November 23, 1994.

10.3  

 

Pension Contract and Amendments

 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(r) from the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-83868), declared effective November 23, 1994.

10.4  

 

Form of Operating Agreement between Registrant and ProGold Limited Liability Company

 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(u) from the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-83868), declared effective November 23, 1994.

10.5  

 

Form of Member Control Agreement between Registrant and ProGold Limited Liability Company

 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(v) from the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-83868), declared effective November 23, 1994.

 

 

 

 

 

13



10.6  

 

Administrative Services Agreement between Registrant and ProGold Limited Liability Company

 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(w) from the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-83868), declared effective November 23, 1994.

+10.7  

 

Coal Supply Agreement between Registrant and Spring Creek Coal Company, dated August 25, 1995

 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(y) from the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-11693), declared effective November 13, 1996.

+10.8  

 

Coal Transportation Agreement between Registrant and Northern Coal Transportation Company, dated August 25, 1995

 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(z) from the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-11693), declared effective November 13, 1996.

+10.9  

 

Trademark License Agreement between Registrant and The Pillsbury Company, dated as of April 9, 1997

 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(dd) from the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-32251), declared effective October 24, 1997.

10.10

 

Pledge Agreement between Registrant and First Union Trust Company, NA

 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(ee) from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 1998.

10.11

 

Indemnity Agreement between Registrant, Newcourt Capital USA Inc., Crystech, LLC and Crystech Senior Lender Trust

 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(ff) from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 1998.

10.12

 

Tolling Services Agreement between Crystech, LLC and Registrant

 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(gg) from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 1998.

10.13

 

Operations and Maintenance Agreement between Crystech, LLC and Registrant

 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(hh) from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 1998.

++10.14

 

Limited Liability Company Agreement of Crystech, LLC

 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(ii) from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 1998.

10.15

 

Master Agreement between the Registrant and Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers & Grain Millers AFL-CIO, CLC

 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 1999

 

 

 

 

 

14



10.16

 

Registrant's Senior Note Purchase Agreement

 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 1999

10.17

 

Registrant's Senior Note Intercreditor and Collateral Agency Agreement

 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 1999

10.18

 

Registrant's Senior Note Restated Mortgage and Security Agreement

 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 1999

10.19

 

Employment Agreement between the Registrant and James J. Horvath

 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K form the year ended August 31, 1999

10.20

 

Stipulation Agreement between Registrant and State of Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, dated April 4, 2000

 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 from the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2000

10.21

 

Board of Directors Deferred Compensation Plan, dated June 30, 1994

 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10K for the year ended August 31, 2000

10.22

 

Long Term Incentive Plan, dated June 23, 1999

 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10K for the year ended August 31, 2000

10.23

 

Growers' Contract (5-year Agreement) for the crop years 1998 through 2002.

 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 from the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 2001

10.24

 

Growers' Contract (Annual Contract) for crop year 2001.

 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 from the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 2001

10.25

 

Term and Seasonal Loan Agreements between the Registrant and CoBank, ACB dated March 31, 2001

 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 from the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2001

10.26

 

Addendum to Master Agreement between the Registrant and Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers & Grain Millers AFL-CIO, CLC dated July 10, 2001.

 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10K for the year ended August 31, 2001

10.27

 

Uniform Member Sugar Marketing Agreement between the Registrant and United Sugars Corporation dated September 1, 2001.

 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 from the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 30, 2001 filed on January 10, 2002

 

 

 

 

 

15



10.28

 

Uniform Member Marketing Agreement between the Registrant and Midwest Agri-Commodities Company dated September 1, 2001.

 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 from the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 30, 2001 filed on January 10, 2002

21.1  

 

List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant

 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21.1 from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10K for the year ended August 31, 1999

23.1  

 

Consent of Eide Bailly LLP

 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 23.1 from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10K for the year ended August 31, 2001

+
Portions of the Exhibit have been granted confidential treatment by the Commission. The omitted portions have been filed separately with the Commission.

++
Portions of the Exhibit have been deleted from the publicly filed document and have been filed separately with the Commission pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

(b) Reports on Form 8-K

        The Company filed the following Current Reports on Form 8-K during this quarter.

    (i)
    Current Report on Form 8-K, dated October 2, 2001, under item 9 reporting projected gross beet payment increase for the 2000 crop.

    (ii)
    Current Report on Form 8-K, dated November 8, 2001, under item 9 reporting the final gross beet payment for the 2000 crop and the projected gross beet payment for the 2001 crop

16



SIGNATURES

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

    AMERICAN CRYSTAL SUGAR COMPANY
(Registrant)
Date: March 20, 2002   /s/ Joseph J. Talley
Joseph J. Talley
Vice President-Finance
Duly Authorized Officer

17




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