10-Q 1 j3366_10q.htm 10-Q UNITED STATES

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q


 

ý  Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the period ended February 28, 2002

 

Commission file number:  33-83868

 

AMERICAN CRYSTAL SUGAR COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Minnesota

 

84-0004720

(State or other jurisdiction of

 

(I.R.S. Employer

incorporation or organization)

 

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  ý                                                                   NO  o

 

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

 

 

Outstanding at

Class of Common Stock

 

April 8, 2002

$10 Par Value

 

3,062

 

 

 


 

AMERICAN CRYSTAL SUGAR COMPANY

 

FORM 10-Q

 

INDEX

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 1.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 2.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

 

 

  OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND

 

 

 

  FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

 

 

 

 

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 1.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 4.

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE

 

 

 

OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 6.

EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

 

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

 

 

2



 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

AMERICAN CRYSTAL SUGAR COMPANY

Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

February 28

 

August 31,

 

 

 

2002

 

2001

 

2001*

 

Current Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

$

26

 

$

1,039

 

$

5,902

 

Accounts Receivable:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade

 

57,620

 

58,562

 

67,332

 

Members

 

 

3

 

3,300

 

Other

 

954

 

1,008

 

1,553

 

Advances to Related Parties

 

8,987

 

8,687

 

14,924

 

Inventories

 

341,295

 

346,944

 

104,269

 

Prepaid Expenses

 

8,342

 

4,829

 

5,989

 

Total Current Assets

 

417,224

 

421,072

 

203,269

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and Equipment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Land

 

32,935

 

31,035

 

32,511

 

Buildings and Equipment

 

841,157

 

825,785

 

839,431

 

Construction-in-Progress

 

3,152

 

11,490

 

1,453

 

Less: Accumulated Depreciation

 

(535,846

)

(501,299

)

(510,015

)

Net Property and Equipment

 

341,398

 

367,011

 

363,380

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments in CoBank, ACB

 

15,676

 

15,135

 

15,676

 

Investments in Marketing Cooperatives

 

1,630

 

3,346

 

1,638

 

Investments in ProGold Limited Liability Company

 

39,504

 

37,745

 

38,533

 

Investments in Crystech, LLC

 

1,456

 

1,538

 

1,545

 

Notes Receivable — Crystech, LLC

 

13,905

 

13,905

 

13,905

 

Other Assets

 

4,504

 

2,012

 

3,499

 

Total Other Assets

 

76,675

 

73,681

 

74,796

 

Total Assets

 

$

835,297

 

$

861,764

 

$

641,445

 

LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS’ INVESTMENTS

Current Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-Term Debt

 

$

132,129

 

$

128,335

 

$

13,963

 

Current Maturities of Long-Term Debt

 

19,070

 

18,925

 

19,070

 

Accounts Payable

 

17,125

 

15,384

 

19,775

 

Advances Due to Related Parties

 

5,768

 

5,801

 

3,568

 

Accrued Continuing Costs (see note 3)

 

76,541

 

64,755

 

 

Other Current Liabilities

 

16,677

 

18,076

 

15,555

 

Amounts Due Members

 

110,946

 

127,406

 

82,766

 

Total Current Liabilities

 

378,256

 

378,682

 

154,697

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-Term Debt, Net of Current Maturities

 

182,617

 

220,520

 

201,416

 

Other Liabilities

 

30,435

 

27,253

 

29,672

 

Total Liabilities

 

591,308

 

626,455

 

385,785

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Members’ Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred Stock

 

38,275

 

38,275

 

38,275

 

Common Stock

 

31

 

30

 

31

 

Additional Paid-in Capital

 

142,694

 

136,655

 

137,241

 

Unit Retains

 

100,170

 

97,309

 

116,480

 

Equity Retention

 

1,557

 

 

1,560

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)

 

(436

)

(655

)

(436

)

Retained Earnings/(Deficit)

 

(38,302

)

(36,305

)

(37,491

)

Total Members’ Investments

 

243,989

 

235,309

 

255,660

 

Total Liabilities and Members’ Investments

 

$

835,297

 

$

861,764

 

$

641,445

 


* Derived from audited financial statements.

 

3



 

AMERICAN CRYSTAL SUGAR COMPANY

Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

 

 

For the Six Months Ended

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

 

 

February 28

 

February 28

 

 

 

2002

 

2001

 

2002

 

2001

 

Net Revenue

 

$

346,464

 

$

416,242

 

$

173,809

 

$

173,387

 

Cost of Product Sold

 

(63,050

)

13,484

 

(43,213

)

(35,700

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Proceeds

 

409,514

 

402,758

 

217,022

 

209,087

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, General & Administrative Expenses

 

76,305

 

82,593

 

37,075

 

39,225

 

Accrued Continuing Costs (see note 3)

 

76,541

 

64,755

 

41,789

 

28,297

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Proceeds

 

256,668

 

255,410

 

138,158

 

141,565

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Income/(Expense)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Income

 

1,019

 

1,888

 

338

 

564

 

Interest Expense

 

(8,085

)

(10,932

)

(4,833

)

(6,508

)

Other, Net

 

888

 

667

 

559

 

223

 

Other (Expense)

 

(6,178

)

(8,377

)

(3,936

)

(5,721

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds before Income Taxes

 

250,490

 

247,033

 

134,222

 

135,844

 

Income Tax Expense

 

(5

)

(39

)

(5

)

(19

)

Net Proceeds Resulting from Member and Non-Member Business

 

$

250,485

 

$

246,994

 

$

134,217

 

$

135,825

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distribution of Net Proceeds:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credited/(Charged) to Members’ Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-Member Business (Loss)

 

$

(811

)

$

(698

)

$

(363

)

$

(249

)

Unit Retains Declared to Members

 

 

 

 

 

Equity Retention Declared to Members

 

 

 

 

 

Net (Charge) to Members’ Investments

 

(811

)

(698

)

(363

)

(249

)

Payments to/due Members for Sugarbeets, Net of Unit Retains Declared

 

240,626

 

220,209

 

123,910

 

108,591

 

Payment to/due Members for PIK Certificates, Net of Equity Retention Declared

 

10,670

 

27,483

 

10,670

 

27,483

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

250,485

 

$

246,994

 

$

134,217

 

$

135,825

 

 

 

4



 

American Crystal Sugar Company

Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

(In Thousands)

 

 

For the Six Months Ended

 

 

 

February 28

 

 

 

2002

 

2001

 

Cash Provided By (Used In) Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

Net Proceeds Resulting from Member and Non-Member Business

 

$

250,485

 

$

246,994

 

Payments To/Due Members for Sugarbeets, Net of Unit Retains Declared

 

(240,626

)

(220,209

)

Payments To/Due Members for PIK Certificates, Net of Equity Rentention Declared

 

(10,670

)

(27,483

)

Add (Deduct) Non-Cash Items:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

27,178

 

26,406

 

(Income) from Equity Method Investees

 

(910

)

(947

)

Loss on the Disposition of Property and Equipment

 

229

 

614

 

Deferred Gain Recognition

 

(99

)

(99

)

Changes in Assets and Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Receivables

 

13,611

 

(5,791

)

Inventories

 

(237,026

)

(304,054

)

Prepaid Expenses

 

(2,353

)

(466

)

Advances To/Due to Related Parties

 

8,137

 

(2,512

)

Accounts Payable

 

(2,650

)

(10,907

)

Accrued Continuing Costs

 

76,541

 

64,755

 

Other Liabilities

 

1,885

 

485

 

Amounts Due Members

 

28,180

 

73,740

 

Net Cash (Used In) Operations

 

(88,088

)

(159,474

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Provided By (Used In) Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of Property and Equipment

 

(5,370

)

(12,392

)

Proceeds from the Sale of Property and Equipment

 

119

 

3

 

Changes in Other Assets

 

(1,044

)

19

 

Net Cash (Used In) Investing Activities

 

(6,295

)

(12,370

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Provided By (Used In) Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds (Payments) on Short-Term Debt, Net

 

118,166

 

126,467

 

Proceeds from Long-Term Debt

 

1

 

8,415

 

Long-Term Debt Repayment

 

(18,800

)

(18,800

)

Issuance of Stock

 

5,453

 

5,584

 

Payment of Unit Retains

 

(16,313

)

(18,907

)

Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities

 

88,507

 

102,759

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Decrease) In Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

(5,876

)

(69,085

)

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year

 

5,902

 

70,124

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period

 

$

26

 

$

1,039

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental Schedule of Non-Cash Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

On September 30, 2000, the Company forfeited sugar in satisfaction of the Commodity Credit Corporation loans of $105.3 million including accrued interest of $3.8 million

 

 

 

 

 

.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5



 

AMERICAN CRYSTAL SUGAR COMPANY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 2002 AND 2001

 

 

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 six month period ended February 28, 2002 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) and PIK certificates 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, the PIK 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 as amended for the year ended August 31, 2001.

 

Certain reclassifications have been made to the February 28, 2001 financial statements to conform with the February 28, 2002 presentation.

 

 

Note 2:  Inventories

 

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

 

 

 

02/28/02

 

02/28/01

 

8/31/01

 

Refined Sugar, Pulp, Molasses, OtherAgri-Products and Sugar Beet Seed

 

$

273 ,955

 

$

246,618

 

$

86,367

 

Unprocessed Sugarbeets

 

49,329

 

82,980

 

 

Maintenance Parts & Supplies

 

18,011

 

17,346

 

17,902

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Inventories

 

$

341,295

 

$

346,944

 

$

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 (i) the forecasted gross 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 and (ii) on the forecasted gross PIK payment and the percentage of the hundredweight of sugar received to the total hundredweight of sugar to be received. 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.

 

6



 

Note 4:  Members’ Investments

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Shares Issued

 

 

 

Par Value

 

Authorized

 

& Outstanding

 

Preferred Stock:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 8, 2002

 

$

76.77

 

600,000

 

498,570

 

February 28, 2002

 

$

76.77

 

600,000

 

498,570

 

August 31, 2001

 

$

76.77

 

600,000

 

498,570

 

February 28, 2001

 

$

76.77

 

600,000

 

498,570

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 8, 2002

 

$

10.00

 

4,000

 

3,062

 

February 28, 2002

 

$

10.00

 

4,000

 

3,115

 

August 31, 2001

 

$

10.00

 

4,000

 

3,134

 

February 28, 2001

 

$

10.00

 

4,000

 

3,004

 

 

 

Note 5:  Interest Paid

 

Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized, was $8.2 million and $11.0 million for the six months ended February 28, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

 

Note 6: Short-Term Debt

 

As of February 28, 2002, the Company had outstanding commercial paper of $117.1 million at an average interest rate of 2.56% and maturity dates between March 1, 2002 and May 31, 2002. The Company also had $15.0 million of outstanding short-term debt with CoBank, ACB with an average interest rate of 2.61% and a maturity of March 27, 2002.

 

As of February 28, 2001, the Company had outstanding commercial paper of $94.1 million at an average interest rate of 6.52% and maturity dates between March 1, 2001 and August 31, 2001. The Company also had a non-recourse loan with the CCC of $34.2 million, against which 1.5 million hundredweight of sugar was pledged as collateral.  The loan carried an interest rate of 6.0% with a maturity date of September 30, 2001.

 

Item 2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition for the Six Months Ended February 28, 2002 and 2001

 

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 annual report as amended.

 

Comparison of the Six Months Ended February 28, 2002 and 2001

 

Revenue for the six months ended February 28, 2002, was $346.5 million, a decrease of $69.8 million as compared to the same period last year. Revenue from total sugar sales decreased 19.2 percent which reflects the proceeds from the forfeiture of sugar to the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) last year and a 4.1 percent decrease in hundredweight sold partially offset by a 2.6 percent increase in the average selling price per hundredweight.  Revenue from pulp sales increased 31.7 percent due to a 40.1 percent increase in the volume of pulp sold partially offset by a 6.0 percent decrease in the average selling price per ton.  Revenue from molasses sales decreased 14.7 percent due to a 42.0 percent decrease in the volume of molasses sold partially offset by a 47.2 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

 

7



 

desugarization process, increased 15.1 percent due to a 21.6 percent increase in the average selling price per ton partially offset by a 5.3 percent decrease in sales volume.

 

Cost of product sold, for the six months ended February 28, 2002, exclusive of payments for sugarbeets and PIK certificates, decreased $76.5 million as compared to the same period last year. Direct processing costs for sugar and pulp decreased 13.2 percent due to harvesting 16.3 percent fewer sugarbeets and processing 2.8 percent less sugarbeets. Fixed and committed expenses decreased 2.5 percent reflecting lower maintenance costs. The change in product inventories impacted the cost of product sold favorably by $66.3 million. This was primarily due to two factors. First, the value of the carryover product inventories as of August 31, 2000, which were sold in first quarter of fiscal 2001, was approximately $40.0 million higher than the value of the carryover product inventories as of August 31, 2001, which were sold in 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. Secondly, the value of product inventories as of February 28, 2002 was approximately $26.3 million more than the value of the product inventories as of February 28, 2001 due primarily to a higher sugar inventory level and a slight increase in the net realizable value per hundredweight of sugar.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the six months ended February 28, 2002 decreased $6.3 million from 2001. Selling expenses decreased $5.3 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 $1.0 million due to lower personnel costs and other general cost reductions.

 

As of February 28, 2002, 83.2 percent of the 2001 crop had been processed resulting in the recognition of net proceeds from member business of $240.6 million. This represented 83.2 percent of the $289.2 million projected gross beet payment for the 2001 crop. In addition, $10.7 million, representing 50 percent of the $21.3 million projected gross PIK payment, had also been recognized as net proceeds from member business. The actual net proceeds from member business, for the six months ended February 28, 2002, were $327.8 million. The difference between the actual net proceeds from member business and the amounts recognized as of February 28, 2002, resulted in the recognition of $76.5 million of accrued continuing costs. In comparison, as of February 28, 2001, 72.8 percent of the 2000 crop had been processed resulting in the recognition of net proceeds from member business of $220.2 million. This represented 72.8 percent of the $302.4 million projected gross beet payment for the 2000 crop. In addition, $27.5 million, representing 100 percent of the projected gross PIK payment, had also been recognized as net proceeds from member business. The actual net proceeds from member business, for the six months ended February 28, 2001, were $312.4 million. The difference between the actual net proceeds from member business and the amounts recognized as of February 28, 2001, resulted in the recognition of $64.8 million of accrued continuing costs.

 

Interest income decreased $ .9 million for the six months ended February 28, 2002 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 $2.8 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 $ .8 million for the six months ended February 28, 2002 as compared to a loss of $.7 million for the same period last year.  The losses in both fiscal years were comprised mainly of activities related to the investment in ProGold Limited Liability Company.

 

 

Comparison of the Three Months Ended February 28, 2002 and 2001

 

Revenue for the three months ended February 28, 2002, was $173.8 million, an increase of $ .4 million as compared to the same period last year. Revenue from total sugar sales decreased 1.5 percent reflecting an 8.6 percent decrease in the hundredweight sold partially offset by a 7.7 percent increase in the average selling price per hundredweight. Revenue from pulp sales increased 26.4 percent due to a 36.9 percent increase in the volume of pulp sold partially offset by a 7.7 percent decrease in the average selling price

 

8



 

per ton. Revenue from molasses sales increased 141.2 percent due to a 44.4 percent increase in the volume of molasses sold and a 67.1 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 26.1 percent due to a 26.2 percent increase in the average selling price per ton partially offset by a .1 percent decrease in sales volume.

 

Cost of product sold, for the three months ended February 28, 2002, exclusive of payments for sugarbeets and PIK certificates, decreased $7.5 million as compared to the same period last year. Direct processing costs for sugar and pulp decreased 14.4 percent due to lower coal, coke, limerock and natural gas expense.  Fixed and committed expenses decreased 6.6 percent reflecting lower maintenance costs. The change in product inventories impacted the cost of product sold favorably by $ .3 million.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended February 28, 2002 decreased $2.2 million from 2001. Selling expenses decreased $2.6 million primarily due to lower sugar storage costs partially offset by the reinstatement of the marketing assessment fee this year. General and Administrative expenses increased $ .4 million due to general cost increases.

 

During the three months ended February 28, 2002, 42.8 percent of the 2001 crop was processed resulting in the recognition of net proceeds from member business of $123.9 million. This represented 42.8 percent of the $289.2 million projected gross beet payment for the 2001 crop. In addition, $10.7 million, representing 50 percent of the $21.3 million projected gross PIK payment, had also been recognized as net proceeds from member business. The actual net proceeds from member business, for the three months ended February 28, 2002, were $176.4 million. The difference between the actual net proceeds from member business and the amounts recognized for the three months ended February 28, 2002, resulted in the recognition of $41.8 million of accrued continuing costs. In comparison, during the three months ended February 28, 2001, 36 percent of the 2000 crop had been processed resulting in the recognition of net proceeds from member business of $108.6 million. This represented 36 percent of the $302.4 million projected gross beet payment for the 2000 crop. In addition, $27.5 million, representing 100 percent of the projected gross PIK payment, had also been recognized as net proceeds from member business. The actual net proceeds from member business, for the three months ended February 28, 2001, were $164.4 million. The difference between the actual net proceeds from member business and the amounts recognized for the three months ended February 28, 2001, resulted in the recognition of $28.3 million of accrued continuing costs.

 

Interest income decreased $ .2 million for the three months ended February 28, 2002 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 $1.7 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 the three months ended February 28, 2002 compared to a loss of $ .2 million for the same period last year. 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

 

 

9



 

be exchanged for the PIK certificates. As a result, the Company received 588,673 hundredweight of sugar in exchange for the PIK certificates on December 3, 2001 and received an additional 588,802 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 $101.3 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 $5.6 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 $15.0 million is currently outstanding, and a line of credit with Wells Fargo Bank for $3 million. The Company’s commercial paper program provides short-term borrowings of up to $150 million of which approximately $117.1 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 February 28, 2002 is primarily due to normal business seasonality.  The first six 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 $88.1 million and investing activities of $6.3 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 $118.2 million, and proceeds from the installment sale of stock of $5.5 million partially offset by the payment of unit retains of $16.3 million and long-term debt repayment of $18.8 million.

 

Working capital decreased $9.6 million from $48.6 million at the beginning of the year to $39.0 million as of February 28, 2002 primarily due to additional short-term debt, increases in payables and the amounts due growers and a decrease in receivables partially offset by increased inventories.  Working capital as of February 28, 2002 decreased $3.4 million when compared to the $42.4 million of working capital as of February 28, 2001.

 

Capital expenditures for the six months ended February 28, 2002 were $5.4 million as compared to $12.4 million for the same period in 2001. The Company had outstanding commitments totaling $1.5 million as of February 28, 2002, 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.

 

10



 

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

 

None

 

11



 

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.

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.

 

12



 

+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

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

 

13



 

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 as filed on November 21, 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 as filed on January 10, 2002

 

14



 

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 as 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 as filed on November 21, 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 Report on Form 8-K during this quarter.

 

(i)                                     Current Report on Form 8-K, dated December 7, 2001, under item 9 reporting positive trends in the selling price of sugar and the resultant positive impact on the projected gross beet payment for the 2001 crop.

 

 

 

15



 

 

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:  April 8, 2002

/s/ Brian Ingulsrud

 

Brian Ingulsrud

 

Corporate Controller,

 

Chief Accounting Officer

 

Duly Authorized Officer