10-Q 1 adm10kfy06q3.htm ADM 10-Q FY06 Q3 ADM 10-Q FY06 Q3


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 March 31, 2006

OR

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

For the transition period __________ To __________
Commission file number 1-44
ARCHER-DANIELS-MIDLAND COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
41-0129150
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I. R. S. Employer
Identification No.)
   
4666 Faries Parkway Box 1470
Decatur, Illinois
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
62525
(Zip Code)
   
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (217) 424-5200

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or 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 o.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer” and “large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large Accelerated Filer x   Accelerated Filer o  Non-accelerated Filer o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o  No x.

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

Common Stock, no par value - 654,437,610 shares
(April 30, 2006)

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Unaudited)

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company and Subsidiaries

   
THREE MONTHS ENDED
 
 
MARCH 31,
 
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
 
(In thousands, except
 
 
per share amounts)
               
Net sales and other operating income
 
$
9,122,841
 
$
8,484,171
 
Cost of products sold
   
8,352,109
   
7,909,315
 
Gross Profit
   
770,732
   
574,856
 
               
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
297,295
   
280,395
 
Other (income) expense - net
   
(19,526
)
 
(114,575
)
Earnings Before Income Taxes
   
492,963
   
409,036
 
               
Income taxes
   
145,167
   
139,941
 
               
Net Earnings
 
$
347,796
 
$
269,095
 
               
Average number of shares outstanding - basic
   
653,995
   
656,163
 
               
Average number of shares outstanding - diluted
   
657,130
   
658,904
 
               
Basic earnings per common share
 
$
.53
 
$
.41
 
               
Diluted earnings per common share
 
$
.53
 
$
.41
 
               
Dividends per common share
 
$
.10
 
$
.085
 
   
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 

 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Unaudited)

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company and Subsidiaries

   
NINE MONTHS ENDED
 
 
MARCH 31,
 
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
 
(In thousands, except
 
 
per share amounts)
               
Net sales and other operating income
 
$
27,048,775
 
$
26,520,108
 
Cost of products sold
   
24,911,864
   
24,613,112
 
Gross Profit
   
2,136,911
   
1,906,996
 
               
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
896,142
   
801,645
 
Other (income) expense - net
   
(32,630
)
 
(143,984
)
Earnings Before Income Taxes
   
1,273,399
   
1,249,335
 
               
Income taxes
   
371,588
   
400,434
 
               
Net Earnings
 
$
901,811
 
$
848,901
 
               
Average number of shares outstanding - basic
   
653,063
   
654,476
 
               
Average number of shares outstanding - diluted
   
655,469
   
656,365
 
               
Basic earnings per common share
 
$
1.38
 
$
1.30
 
               
Diluted earnings per common share
 
$
1.38
 
$
1.29
 
               
Dividends per common share
 
$
.27
 
$
.235
 
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 

 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company and Subsidiaries


     
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MARCH 31,
 
 
JUNE 30,
 
 
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
 
(In thousands)
ASSETS
             
Current Assets
             
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
918,228
 
$
522,420
 
Segregated cash and investments
   
1,139,969
   
908,001
 
Receivables
   
4,486,541
   
4,102,263
 
Inventories
   
4,456,077
   
3,906,698
 
Other assets
   
331,555
   
271,319
 
Total Current Assets
   
11,332,370
   
9,710,701
 
               
Investments and Other Assets
             
Investments in and advances to affiliates
   
1,974,747
   
1,879,501
 
Long-term marketable securities
   
1,120,788
   
1,049,952
 
Goodwill
   
318,978
   
325,167
 
Other assets
   
564,074
   
448,404
 
     
3,978,587
   
3,703,024
 
Property, Plant, and Equipment
             
Land
   
210,702
   
209,130
 
Buildings
   
2,716,715
   
2,660,267
 
Machinery and equipment
   
10,991,276
   
10,962,390
 
Construction in progress
   
403,769
   
298,963
 
     
14,322,462
   
14,130,750
 
Allowances for depreciation
   
(9,086,938
)
 
(8,946,370
)
               
     
5,235,524
   
5,184,380
 
               
   
$
20,546,481
 
$
18,598,105
 
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company and Subsidiaries
 
     
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MARCH 31,
 
 
JUNE 30,
 
 
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
 
(In thousands)
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
             
Current Liabilities
             
Short-term debt
 
$
624,120
 
$
425,808
 
Accounts payable
   
3,916,285
   
3,399,352
 
Accrued expenses
   
1,557,311
   
1,318,766
 
Current maturities of long-term debt
   
61,369
   
222,938
 
Total Current Liabilities
   
6,159,085
   
5,366,864
 
               
Long-Term Liabilities
             
Long-term debt
   
4,027,787
   
3,530,140
 
Deferred income taxes
   
681,671
   
779,427
 
Other
   
502,540
   
488,202
 
     
5,211,998
   
4,797,769
 
               
Shareholders' Equity
             
Common stock
   
5,471,070
   
5,385,840
 
Reinvested earnings
   
3,735,882
   
3,011,015
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
   
(31,554
)
 
36,617
 
               
     
9,175,398
   
8,433,472
 
               
   
$
20,546,481
 
$
18,598,105
 
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company and Subsidiaries

   
NINE MONTHS ENDED
 
 
MARCH 31,
 
   
2006
   
2005
 
   
(In thousands)
Operating Activities
             
Net earnings
 
$
901,811
 
$
848,901
 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by
             
operating activities
             
Depreciation
   
490,780
   
507,599
 
Asset abandonments
   
27,013
   
1,896
 
Deferred income taxes
   
(93,951
)
 
173,845
 
(Gain) loss on marketable securities transactions
   
(27,952
)
 
(113,261
)
Equity in (earnings) of affiliates, net of dividends
   
(32,331
)
 
(57,724
)
Stock contributed to employee benefit plans
   
18,652
   
17,581
 
Pension and postretirement payments in excess of accruals
   
(164,519
)
 
(4,241
)
Other - net
   
31,401
   
15,542
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
             
Segregated cash and investments
   
(236,627
)
 
(121,523
)
Receivables
   
(266,137
)
 
(50,074
)
Inventories
   
(519,857
)
 
762,976
 
Other assets
   
(41,852
)
 
(95,891
)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
   
813,249
   
158,126
 
Total Operating Activities
   
899,680
   
2,043,752
 
               
Investing Activities
             
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment
   
(533,494
)
 
(451,223
)
Proceeds from sales of property, plant, and equipment
   
42,025
   
29,072
 
Net assets of businesses acquired
   
(168,520
)
 
(4,670
)
Investments in and advances to affiliates
   
(111,426
)
 
(96,967
)
Distributions from affiliates, excluding dividends
   
51,158
   
125,357
 
Purchases of marketable securities
   
(636,896
)
 
(1,320,069
)
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities
   
491,702
   
1,595,263
 
Other - net
   
(18,856
)
 
18,567
 
Total Investing Activities
   
(884,307
)
 
(104,670
)
               
Financing Activities
             
Long-term debt borrowings
   
603,874
   
8,547
 
Long-term debt payments
   
(262,042
)
 
(174,018
)
Net borrowings (payments) under lines of credit agreements
   
196,982
   
(1,520,661
)
Purchases of treasury stock
   
(74
)
 
(3,514
)
Cash dividends
   
(176,433
)
 
(153,967
)
Proceeds from exercises of stock options
   
18,128
   
26,207
 
Total Financing Activities
   
380,435
   
(1,817,406
)
               
Increase In Cash and Cash Equivalents
   
395,808
   
121,676
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents-Beginning of Period
   
522,420
   
540,207
 
               
Cash and Cash Equivalents-End of Period
 
$
918,228
 
$
661,883
 
               
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company and Subsidiaries


Note 1. Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, these statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the quarter and nine months ended March 31, 2006 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending June 30, 2006. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2005.

Last-in, First-out (LIFO) Inventories

Interim period LIFO calculations are based on interim period costs and management’s estimates of year-end inventory levels. Because the availability and price of agricultural commodity-based LIFO inventories are unpredictable due to factors such as weather, government farm programs and policies, and changes in global demand, quantities of LIFO-based inventories at interim periods may vary significantly from management’s estimates of year-end inventory levels.

Asset Abandonments and Write-downs

The Company recorded a $4 million and $27 million charge in cost of products sold for the quarter and nine months ended March 31, 2006, respectively, related to the abandonment and write-down of certain long-lived assets. In addition, the Company recorded a $9 million loss in equity in earnings of affiliates for the nine months ended March 31, 2006 representing the Company’s share of a charge for abandonment and write-down of certain long-lived assets reported by an unconsolidated affiliate of the Company. These assets were principally related to underperforming product lines and the decision to abandon was finalized after consideration of the ability to utilize the assets for their intended purpose, employ the assets in alternative uses, or sell the assets to recover the carrying value. After the write-downs, the carrying value of these assets is immaterial.

Note 2. New Accounting Standards

In March 2005, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Interpretation Number 47, Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations, an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143 (FIN 47). FIN 47 clarifies that the term, conditional asset retirement obligation, as used in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) Number 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations, refers to a legal obligation to perform an asset retirement activity in which the timing and/or method of settlement are conditional on a future event that may or may not be within the control of the entity. However, the obligation to perform the asset retirement activity is unconditional even though uncertainty exists about the timing and/or method of settlement. FIN 47 clarifies when an entity would have sufficient information to reasonably estimate the fair value of an asset retirement obligation. The Company has adopted FIN 47 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2006, and is in the process of assessing the impact of adoption on the Company’s financial statements.

 

 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company and Subsidiaries

Note 3. Stock Compensation

Effective July 1, 2004, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS Number 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, for stock-based employee compensation. Prior to July 1, 2004, the Company accounted for stock-based employee compensation under the recognition and measurement provisions of APB Opinion Number 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related interpretations. Under the modified prospective method of adoption selected by the Company under the provisions of SFAS Number 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure, stock-based employee compensation expense recognized during the quarter and nine months ended March 31, 2005 was the same as the expense which would have been recognized had the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS Number 123 been applied to all options granted after July 1, 1995. Effective July 1, 2005, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS Number 123(R), Share-Based Payment, using the modified prospective transition method. Under the modified prospective transition method, compensation expense recognized for the quarter and nine months ending March 31, 2006 includes: (a) compensation expense for all share-based payments granted prior to, but not yet vested as of, July 1, 2005 based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS Number 123, and (b) compensation expense for all share-based payments granted subsequent to July 1, 2005, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS Number 123(R). Results of prior periods have not been restated.

As a result of adopting SFAS Number 123(R) on July 1, 2005, the Company’s earnings before income taxes and net earnings for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, were $3 million and $2 million higher, respectively, than if the Company had continued to account for share-based compensation under SFAS Number 123. The Company’s earnings before income taxes and net earnings for the nine months ended March 31, 2006, were $25 million and $16 million lower, respectively, than if the Company had continued to account for share-based compensation under SFAS Number 123. SFAS Number 123(R) required the acceleration of share-based compensation expense into the quarter in which the grants were issued to retirement eligible employees pursuant to the Company’s 2002 Incentive Compensation Plan. Basic and diluted earnings per share for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 were not impacted by the adoption of SFAS Number 123(R). Basic and diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended March 31, 2006 would have been $1.41 and $1.40, respectively, if the Company had not adopted SFAS Number 123(R), compared to reported basic and diluted earnings per share of $1.38.

Stock Compensation Plans

The Company’s employee stock compensation plans provide for the granting of options to employees to purchase common stock of the Company at market value on the date of grant pursuant to the Company’s 1996 Stock Option Plan, 1999 Incentive Compensation Plan, and 2002 Incentive Compensation Plan. Options expire five to ten years after the date of grant, and the vesting requirements of awards under the plans range from four to nine years based upon the terms of each option grant.

The Company’s 1999 and 2002 Incentive Compensation Plans provide for the granting of restricted stock awards at no cost to certain officers and key employees. The awarded shares are made in common stock and vest at the end of a three-year restriction period. During the quarters ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, there were no common shares granted as restricted stock awards. During the nine months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, 2.3 million and 2.5 million common shares, respectively, were granted as restricted stock awards. At March 31, 2006, there were 0.4 million, 1.1 million, and 13.2 million shares available for future grants pursuant to the 1996, 1999, and 2002 plans, respectively.

 

 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company and Subsidiaries

Note 3. Stock Compensation (Continued)

Compensation expense for option grants and restricted stock awards granted to employees is generally recognized on a straight-line basis during the service period of the respective grant. Certain of the Company’s option grants and restricted stock awards continue to vest upon the recipient’s retirement from the Company and compensation expense related to option grants and restricted stock awards granted to retirement eligible employees is recognized in earnings on the date of grant. Total compensation expense recognized during the quarters ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 was $8 million and $7 million, respectively. Total compensation expense recognized during the nine months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, was $58 million and $21 million, respectively.

The fair value of each option grant is estimated as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes single option pricing model. The volatility assumption used in the Black-Scholes single option pricing model is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock. The volatility of the Company’s stock was calculated based upon the monthly closing price of the Company’s stock for the eight year period immediately prior to the date of grant. The average expected life represents the period of time that option grants are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free rate is based on the rate of U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with a remaining term equal to the expected life of option grants. The assumptions used in the Black-Scholes single option pricing model are as follows.

   
March 31,
     
2006
   
2005
 
               
Dividend yield
   
   2%
 
 
   2%
 
Risk-free interest rate
   
   4%
 
 
   4%
 
Stock volatility
   
   31%
 
 
  27%
 
Average expected life (years)
   
 8
   
 9
 

A summary of option activity under the plans as of March 31, 2006, and changes during the nine months then ended is presented below:

 
 
Options
   
Shares
   
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
   
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term
   
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
 
     
(In thousands)
 
       
(In years)
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Shares under option at June 30, 2005
   
10,523
 
$
13.19
             
Granted
   
3,071
   
20.89
             
Exercised
   
(1,886
)
 
12.33
             
Forfeited or expired
   
(801
)
 
15.30
             
Shares under option at March 31, 2006
   
10,907
 
$
15.35
   
6
 
$
199,574
 
Exercisable at March 31, 2006
   
2,429
 
$
12.42
   
3
 
$
51,570
 

 

 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company and Subsidiaries

Note 3. Stock Compensation (Continued)

The weighted-average grant-date fair values of options granted during the nine months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 were $7.22 and $4.34, respectively. The total intrinsic values of options exercised during the nine months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, were $27 million and $28 million, respectively.

As of March 31, 2006, there was $34 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to option grants. Amounts to be recognized as compensation expense during the remainder of fiscal 2006 and the next five fiscal years are $3 million, $9 million, $8 million, $7 million, $4 million, and $2 million, respectively.

The fair value of restricted shares is determined based on the market value of the Company’s shares on the grant date. The weighted-average grant-date fair values of shares granted during the nine months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 were $20.90 and $15.73, respectively. A summary of the status of the Company’s restricted shares as of March 31, 2006, and changes during the nine months then ended is presented below:

 
Restricted Shares
   
Shares
   
Weighted-Average
Grant-Date Fair Value
 
     
(In thousands)
 
     
               
Nonvested at June 30, 2005
   
4,434
 
$
14.35
 
Granted
   
2,266
   
20.90
 
Vested
   
(929
)
 
11.32
 
Forfeited
   
(326
)
 
15.93
 
Nonvested at March 31, 2006
   
5,445
 
$
17.50
 

As of March 31, 2006 there was $32 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted shares. Amounts to be recognized as compensation expense during the remainder of fiscal 2006 and the next three fiscal years are $6 million, $18 million, $7 million, and $1 million, respectively. The total fair value of restricted shares vested during the nine months ended March 31, 2006 was $10 million. No restricted shares vested during the quarter ended March 31, 2006, nor in the quarter and nine months ended March 31, 2005.
 
 

 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company and Subsidiaries

Note 4. Comprehensive Income

The components of comprehensive income, net of related tax, are as follows:

   
THREE MONTHS ENDED
NINE MONTHS ENDED
 
 
MARCH 31,
MARCH 31,
 
   
2006
   
2005
   
2006
   
2005
 
   
(In thousands)
(In thousands)
                           
Net earnings
 
$
347,796
 
$
269,095
 
$
901,811
 
$
848,901
 
                           
Net change in unrealized gain
                         
(loss) on investments
   
(13,700
)
 
(68,771
)
 
(72,142
)
 
(15,948
)
Deferred gain (loss) on hedging
                         
activities
   
(16,410
)
 
7,401
   
8,350
   
(59,467
)
Minimum pension
                         
liability adjustment
   
(936
)
 
(1,566
)
 
(553
)
 
(4,020
)
Foreign currency translation
                         
adjustment
   
35,879
   
(126,998
)
 
(3,826
)
 
198,093
 
                           
Comprehensive income
 
$
352,629
 
$
79,161
 
$
833,640
 
$
967,559
 


Note 5.  Other (Income) Expense - Net
 
   
THREE MONTHS ENDED
NINE MONTHS ENDED
 
 
MARCH 31,
MARCH 31,
 
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
 
(In thousands)
(In thousands)
                           
Interest expense
 
$
90,446
 
$
80,293
 
$
263,344
 
$
241,903
 
Investment income
   
(48,295
)
 
(36,300
)
 
(146,143
)
 
(91,756
)
Net (gain) loss on marketable
securities transactions
   
282
   
(113,820
)
 
(27,952
)
 
(113,261
)
Equity in earnings of affiliates
   
(54,930
)
 
(36,611
)
 
(113,604
)
 
(173,409
)
Other
   
(7,029
)
 
(8,137
)
 
(8,275
)
 
(7,461
)
   
$
(19,526
)
$
(114,575
)
$
(32,630
)
$
(143,984
)

 

 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company and Subsidiaries
Note 6.  Retirement Plan Expense

The Company provides substantially all domestic employees and employees at certain international subsidiaries with pension benefits. The Company also provides substantially all domestic salaried employees with postretirement health care and life insurance benefits. Retirement plan expense for these pension and postretirement benefits for the quarter and nine months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 is as follows:

 
 
Pension Benefits
 
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED
NINE MONTHS ENDED
 
 
MARCH 31,
MARCH 31,
 
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
   
(In thousands)
(In thousands)
                           
Service cost (benefits earned during the period)
 
$
13,465
 
$
13,361
 
$
51,714
 
$
40,084
 
Interest cost
   
19,405
   
19,297
   
62,262
   
57,891
 
Expected return on plan assets
   
(17,756
)
 
(17,067
)
 
(57,907
)
 
(51,199
)
Actuarial loss
   
8,054
   
8,143
   
25,552
   
24,427
 
Net amortization
   
1,313
   
1,140
   
3,923
   
3,419
 
Net periodic defined benefit plan expense
 
$
24,481
 
$
24,874
 
$
85,544
 
$
74,622
 
                           
 
 
Postretirement Benefits 
 
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED 
NINE MONTHS ENDED
 
 
MARCH 31, 
MARCH 31,
     
2006
   
2005
   
2006
   
2005
 
 
 
(In thousands) 
(In thousands)
                           
Service cost (benefits earned during the period)
 
$
1,665
 
$
1,616
 
$
4,995
 
$
4,849
 
Interest cost
   
2,130
   
1,925
   
6,392
   
5,775
 
Actuarial loss
   
107
   
22
   
321
   
67
 
Net amortization
   
(279
)
 
(279
)
 
(837
)
 
(837
)
Net periodic defined benefit plan expense
 
$
3,623
 
$
3,284
 
$
10,871
 
$
9,854
 


Note 7. Guarantees

The Company has entered into debt guarantee agreements, primarily related to equity-method investees, which could obligate the Company to make future payments if the primary entity fails to perform its contractual obligation. The Company has not recorded a liability for payment of these contingent obligations, as the Company believes the fair value of these contingent obligations is immaterial. Should the Company be required to make any payments pursuant to these guarantees, the Company has, for a majority of these agreements, a security interest in the underlying assets of the primary entity. These debt guarantees totaled $409 million at March 31, 2006. Outstanding borrowings under these guarantees were $156 million at March 31, 2006.
 

 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company and Subsidiaries

Note 8. Segment Information

The Company is principally engaged in procuring, transporting, storing, processing, and merchandising agricultural commodities and products. The Company’s operations are classified into three reportable business segments: Oilseeds Processing, Corn Processing, and Agricultural Services. Each of these segments is organized based upon the nature of products and services offered. The Company’s remaining operations are aggregated and classified as Other.

The Oilseeds Processing segment includes activities related to processing oilseeds such as soybeans, cottonseed, sunflower seeds, canola, peanuts, and flaxseed into vegetable oils and meals principally for the food and feed industries. In addition, oilseeds may be resold into the marketplace as a raw material for other processors. Crude vegetable oil is sold "as is" or is further processed by refining, bleaching, and deodorizing into salad oils. Salad oils can be further processed by hydrogenating and/or interesterifying into margarine, shortening, and other food products. Partially refined oil is sold for use in chemicals, paints, and other industrial products. Refined oil can be further processed for use in the production of biodiesel. Oilseed meals are primary ingredients used in the manufacture of commercial livestock and poultry feeds.

The Corn Processing segment includes activities related to the production of sweeteners, starches, dextrose, and syrups for the food and beverage industry as well as activities related to the production, by fermentation, of bioproducts such as alcohol, amino acids, and other specialty food and feed ingredients.

The Agricultural Services segment utilizes the Company’s extensive grain elevator and transportation network to buy, store, clean, and transport agricultural commodities, such as oilseeds, corn, wheat, milo, oats, and barley, and resells these commodities primarily as feed ingredients and as raw materials for the agricultural processing industry. Agricultural Services’ grain sourcing and transportation network provides reliable and efficient services to the Company’s agricultural processing operations. Also included in Agricultural Services are the activities of A.C. Toepfer International, a global merchandiser of agricultural commodities and processed products.

Other includes the Company’s remaining operations, consisting principally of food and feed ingredient businesses and financial activities. Food and feed ingredient businesses include Wheat Processing with activities principally related to the production of wheat flour; Cocoa Processing with activities related to the production of chocolate and cocoa products; the production of natural health and nutrition products; and the production of other specialty food and feed ingredients. Financial activities include banking, captive insurance, private equity fund investments, and futures commission merchant activities.

Intersegment sales have been recorded at amounts approximating market. Operating profit for each segment is based on net sales less identifiable operating expenses, including an interest charge related to working capital usage. Also included in operating profit are the related equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates based on the equity method of accounting. General corporate expenses, investment income, unallocated interest expense, marketable securities transactions, and FIFO to LIFO inventory adjustments have been excluded from segment operations and classified as Corporate.

For detailed information regarding the Company’s reportable segments, see Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2005.

 

 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company and Subsidiaries

Note 8.  Segment Information (Continued)

   
THREE MONTHS ENDED
NINE MONTHS ENDED
 
 
MARCH 31,
MARCH 31,
 
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
 
(In thousands)
(In thousands)
Sales to external customers
                         
Oilseeds Processing
 
$
2,808,375
 
$
2,620,693
 
$
8,730,503
 
$
8,614,395
 
Corn Processing
   
1,111,734
   
1,093,949
   
3,414,335
   
3,291,771
 
Agricultural Services
   
4,114,818
   
3,654,129
   
11,535,958
   
11,137,261
 
Other
   
1,087,914
   
1,115,400
   
3,367,979
   
3,476,681
 
Total
 
$
9,122,841
 
$
8,484,171
 
$
27,048,775
 
$
26,520,108
 
                           
Intersegment sales
                         
Oilseeds Processing
 
$
36,388
 
$
43,897
 
$
117,567
 
$
119,556
 
Corn Processing
   
91,199
   
75,354
   
283,313
   
214,202
 
Agricultural Services
   
352,206
   
269,531
   
945,980
   
828,825
 
Other
   
28,991
   
26,997
   
85,920
   
81,434
 
Total
 
$
508,784
 
$
415,779
 
$
1,432,780
 
$
1,244,017
 
                           
Net sales
                         
Oilseeds Processing
 
$
2,844,763
 
$
2,664,590
 
$
8,848,070
 
$
8,733,951
 
Corn Processing
   
1,202,933
   
1,169,303
   
3,697,648
   
3,505,973
 
Agricultural Services
   
4,467,024
   
3,923,660
   
12,481,938
   
11,966,086
 
Other
   
1,116,905
   
1,142,397
   
3,453,899
   
3,558,115
 
Intersegment elimination
   
(508,784
)
 
(415,779
)
 
(1,432,780
)
 
(1,244,017
)
Total
 
$
9,122,841
 
$
8,484,171
 
$
27,048,775
 
$
26,520,108
 
                           
Segment operating profit
                         
Oilseeds Processing
 
$
176,550
 
$
60,734
 
$
403,742
 
$
270,789
 
Corn Processing
   
218,692
   
177,873
   
591,482
   
412,954
 
Agricultural Services
   
78,601
   
54,644
   
192,216
   
193,779
 
Other
   
75,649
   
83,336
   
236,465
   
322,422
 
Total segment operating profit
   
549,492
   
376,587
   
1,423,905
   
1,199,944
 
Corporate
   
(56,529
)
 
32,449
   
(150,506
)
 
49,391
 
Earnings before income taxes
 
$
492,963
 
$
409,036
 
$
1,273,399
 
$
1,249,335
 

 

 
ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

COMPANY OVERVIEW

The Company is principally engaged in procuring, transporting, storing, processing and merchandising agricultural commodities and products. The Company’s operations are classified into three reportable business segments: Oilseeds Processing, Corn Processing, and Agricultural Services. Each of these segments is organized based upon the nature of products and services offered. The Company’s remaining operations are aggregated and classified as Other.

The Oilseeds Processing segment includes activities related to processing oilseeds such as soybeans, cottonseed, sunflower seeds, canola, peanuts, and flaxseed into vegetable oils and meals principally for the food and feed industries. In addition, oilseeds may be resold into the marketplace as a raw material for other processors. Crude vegetable oil is sold "as is" or is further processed by refining, bleaching, and deodorizing into salad oils. Salad oils can be further processed by hydrogenating and/or interesterifying into margarine, shortening, and other food products. Partially refined oil is sold for use in chemicals, paints, and other industrial products. Refined oil can be further processed for use in the production of biodiesel. Oilseed meals are primary ingredients used in the manufacture of commercial livestock and poultry feeds.

The Corn Processing segment includes activities related to the production of syrups, starches, dextrose, and sweeteners for the food and beverage industry as well as activities related to the production, by fermentation, of bioproducts such as alcohol, amino acids, and other specialty food and feed ingredients.

The Agricultural Services segment utilizes the Company’s extensive grain elevator and transportation network to buy, store, clean, and transport agricultural commodities, such as oilseeds, corn, wheat, milo, oats, and barley, and resells these commodities primarily as feed ingredients and as raw materials for the agricultural processing industry. Agricultural Services’ grain sourcing and transportation network provides reliable and efficient services to the Company’s agricultural processing operations. Also included in Agricultural Services are the activities of A.C. Toepfer International, a global merchandiser of agricultural commodities and processed products.

Other includes the Company’s remaining operations, consisting principally of food and feed ingredient businesses and financial activities. Food and feed ingredient businesses include Wheat Processing with activities related principally to the production of wheat flour; Cocoa Processing with activities related to the production of chocolate and cocoa products; the production of natural health and nutrition products; and the production of other specialty food and feed ingredients. Financial activities include banking, captive insurance, private equity fund investments, and futures commission merchant activities.

Operating Performance Indicators and Risk Factors

The Company is exposed to certain risks inherent to an agricultural-based commodity business. These risks are further described in the “Critical Accounting Policies” and “Market Risk Sensitive Instruments and Positions” sections of “Management’s Discussion of Operations and Financial Condition,” included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2005.

The Company’s Oilseeds Processing, Agricultural Services, and Wheat Processing operations are principally agricultural commodity-based businesses where changes in segment selling prices move in relationship to changes in prices of the commodity-based agricultural raw materials. Therefore, agricultural commodity price changes have relatively equal impacts on both net sales and cost of products sold and minimal impact on the gross profit of underlying transactions. As a result, changes in net sales amounts of these business segments do not necessarily correspond to the changes in gross profit realized by these businesses.

 

 
ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
  
The Company’s Corn Processing operations and certain other food and feed processing operations also utilize agricultural commodities (or products derived from agricultural commodities) as raw materials. In these operations, agricultural commodity price changes can result in significant fluctuations in cost of products sold and such price changes cannot necessarily be passed directly through to the selling price of the finished products. For products such as ethanol, selling prices bear no direct relationship to the raw material cost of the agricultural commodity from which it is produced.

The Company conducts its business in many foreign countries. For many of the Company’s subsidiaries located outside the United States, the local currency is the functional currency. Revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the weighted average exchange rates for the applicable periods. Fluctuations in the exchange rates of foreign currencies, primarily the euro and British pound as compared to the U.S. dollar will result in corresponding fluctuations in the relative U.S. dollar value of the Company’s revenues and expenses. The impact of these currency exchange rate changes, where significant, is discussed below.

The Company measures the performance of its business segments using key operating statistics such as segment operating profit and return on fixed capital investment. The Company’s operating results can vary significantly due to changes in unpredictable factors such as weather conditions, plantings, government (domestic and foreign) farm programs and policies, changes in global demand resulting from population growth and changes in standards of living, and global production of similar and competitive crops. Due to these factors, the Company does not provide forward-looking information in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Additionally, the Company’s operating results for the current quarter and nine months are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending June 30, 2006.

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2006 COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2005

As an agricultural-based commodity business, the Company is subject to a variety of market factors which affect the Company’s operating results. During the quarter ended March 31, 2006, strong biodiesel demand in Europe continued to positively impact rapeseed crushing margins in Europe. Abundant oilseed supplies positively impacted oilseed crushing margins in North America. Increased sweetener and ethanol average selling prices favorably impacted corn processing operations. Higher energy costs have adversely affected manufacturing costs.

Net earnings for the quarter increased principally due to improved Oilseeds Processing, Corn Processing, and Agricultural Services operating results. Oilseeds Processing results increased principally due to improved operating results in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. Corn Processing operating results improved due primarily to higher average sweetener and ethanol selling prices, partially offset by increased energy costs and lower ethanol sales volumes. Ethanol sales volumes declined versus year-ago levels as last year’s volumes included a draw-down of ethanol stocks which were built up in anticipation of new markets. Agricultural Services results increased due primarily to improved transportation operating results. These increases were partially offset by costs associated with exiting the European animal feed business. In addition, last year’s results included $114 million of realized securities gain from the sale of Tate & Lyle plc shares.

ANALYSIS OF STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

Net sales and other operating income increased 8% for the quarter to $9.1 billion principally due to higher average selling prices.

 

 
ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

Net sales and other operating income by segment for the quarter are as follows:

   
THREE MONTHS ENDED
 
 
 
 
 
MARCH 31,
 
 
 
 
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
Change
 
 
 
(In thousands)
Oilseeds Processing
 
$
2,808,375
 
$
2,620,693
 
$
187,682
 
Corn Processing
                   
Sweeteners and Starches
   
500,712
   
450,111
   
50,601
 
Bioproducts
   
611,022
   
643,838
   
(32,816
)
Total Corn Processing
   
1,111,734
   
1,093,949
   
17,785
 
                     
Agricultural Services
   
4,114,818
   
3,654,129
   
460,689
 
Other
                   
Food and Feed Ingredients
   
1,068,926
   
1,098,255
   
(29,329
)
Financial
   
18,988
   
17,145
   
1,843
 
Total Other
   
1,087,914
   
1,115,400
   
(27,486
)
Total
 
$
9,122,841
 
$
8,484,171
 
$
638,670
 
 
Oilseeds Processing sales increased 7% to $2.8 billion primarily due to higher average selling prices. Corn Processing sales increased 2% to $1.1 billion due to increases of both sales volumes and average selling prices of Sweeteners and Starches, partially offset by decreased sales of Bioproducts. Bioproducts sales decreased primarily due to lower ethanol sales volumes and to lower average selling prices of lysine. These decreases were partially offset by increased ethanol average selling prices. Agricultural Services sales increased 13% to $4.1 billion principally due to higher average selling prices of agricultural commodities and, to a lesser extent, increased sales volumes of agricultural commodities. Other sales decreased 2% primarily due to lower average selling prices of cocoa products and to lower sales volumes of cocoa and formula feed products. These decreases were partially offset by increased average selling prices and increased sales volumes of wheat flour products and increased average selling prices of formula feed products.

Cost of products sold increased 6% to $8.4 billion for the quarter primarily due to higher average costs of agricultural commodities and increased manufacturing costs. Manufacturing costs for the quarter increased $67 million from the comparable period of a year ago primarily due to higher energy costs.

Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased $17 million to $297 million for the quarter due primarily to increased employee benefits costs, including $5 million of severance costs associated with the closure of a citric acid plant, and increased provisions for doubtful accounts.

Other income decreased $95 million due primarily to last year’s $114 million realized securities gain from the sale of Tate & Lyle plc shares, partially offset by increased equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates. The increase in equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates is principally due to improved earnings of the Company’s Asian oilseed crushing ventures, partially offset by lower valuations of the Company’s private equity fund investments. Interest expense increased due to higher borrowing levels and increased interest rates. Investment income increased due to higher average investment levels and increased interest rates.
 

 
ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

Operating profit by segment for the quarter is as follows:

   
THREE MONTHS ENDED
 
 
 
 
 
MARCH 31,
 
 
 
 
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
Change
 
 
 
(In thousands)
Oilseeds Processing
 
$
176,550
 
$
60,734
 
$
115,816
 
Corn Processing
                   
Sweeteners and Starches
   
113,223
   
79,817
   
33,406
 
Bioproducts
   
105,469
   
98,056
   
7,413
 
Total Corn Processing
 
   
218,692
   
177,873
   
40,819
 
Agricultural Services
   
78,601
   
54,644
   
23,957
 
Other
                   
Food and Feed Ingredients
   
34,764
   
43,544
   
(8,780
)
Financial
   
40,885
   
39,792
   
1,093
 
Total Other
 
   
75,649
   
83,336
   
(7,687
)
Total Segment Operating Profit
   
549,492
   
376,587
   
172,905
 
Corporate
   
(56,529
)
 
32,449
   
(88,978
)
Earnings Before Income Taxes
 
$
492,963
 
$
409,036
 
$
83,927
 

Oilseeds Processing operating profit increased $116 million to $177 million for the quarter due to improved processing results in North America, South America, Europe and Asia. North American processing results improved principally due to abundant oilseed supplies in the United States which improved oilseed crushing margins. European processing results improved principally due to strong demand for biodiesel and abundant rapeseed supplies in Europe. Improved results of South American origination activities also contributed to the improvement in operating profits. Operating profits for the quarter include a $4 million charge for abandonment and write-down of long-lived assets.

Corn Processing operating profits increased $41 million to $219 million for the quarter. Sweeteners and Starches operating profits increased $33 million due principally to higher average selling prices and sales volumes, partially offset by increased energy costs. Bioproducts operating profits increased $7 million primarily due to higher average selling prices of ethanol. These increases were partially offset by increased energy costs, lower ethanol sales volumes, and lower lysine average selling prices.

Agricultural Services operating profits increased $24 million to $79 million for the quarter due to improved North American origination and transportation results, partially offset by a decline in global grain merchandising operating results. The improvement in transportation operating results is principally due to increased barge freight rates.

Other operating profits decreased $8 million to $76 million for the quarter. Other - Food and Feed Ingredients operating profits decreased $9 million primarily due to costs associated with exiting the European animal feed business, partially offset by improved Wheat Processing operating results. Other - Financial operating profits increased $1 million for the quarter as improvements in the Company’s captive insurance operations more than offset lower valuations of the Company’s private equity fund investments.

Corporate decreased $89 million for the quarter due primarily to last year’s $114 million realized securities gain from the sale of Tate & Lyle plc shares, partially offset by a $23 million reduction in unallocated interest expense.
 

 
ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
 
Income taxes increased for the quarter due principally to higher pretax earnings, partially offset by a decrease in the Company’s effective tax rate. The Company’s effective tax rate for the quarter was 29.4% as compared to 34.2% for the comparable period of a year ago. The decrease in the Company’s effective tax rate is principally due to changes in the jurisdictional mix of pretax earnings.
 
NINE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2006 COMPARED TO NINE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31, 2005

As an agricultural-based commodity business, the Company is subject to a variety of market factors which affect the Company’s operating results. During the first quarter of fiscal 2006, hurricanes in the gulf coast region of the United States disrupted North American grain origination and agricultural commodity export operations. This disruption in operations negatively impacted export volumes. Strong biodiesel demand in Europe continued to positively impact rapeseed crushing margins in Europe and abundant oilseed supplies positively impacted oilseed crushing margins in North America. Lower commodity price levels for corn favorably impacted corn processing operations. Ethanol experienced good demand due to gasoline refiners replacing MTBE with ethanol.
 
Net earnings for the nine months increased principally due to improved operating results of Oilseeds Processing and Corn Processing and a $36 million reduction in income tax expense related to the recognition of federal and state income tax credits and adjustments resulting from the reconciliation of filed tax returns to the previously estimated tax provision. Net earnings for the nine months include a $31 million charge as a result of the Company’s adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) Number 123(R), a $27 million charge for abandonment and write-down of long-lived assets, a $9 million charge representing the Company’s share of a charge for abandonment and write-down of long-lived assets reported by an unconsolidated affiliate of the Company, and $20 million of severance costs associated with the closure of a citric acid plant. Last year’s net earnings include $122 million in income from the effect of changing commodity prices on LIFO inventory valuations and $114 million of realized securities gain from the sale of Tate & Lyle plc shares. In addition, last year’s earnings include a $45 million gain representing the Company’s equity share of the gain reported by the Company’s unconsolidated affiliate, Compagnie Industrielle et Financiere des Produits Amylaces SA, upon the sale of its interest in Tate and Lyle plc (the “CIP Gain”).

ANALYSIS OF STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

Net sales and other operating income increased 2% to $27.0 billion for the nine months due primarily to higher average selling prices and, to a lesser extent, increased sales volumes.

ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

Net sales and other operating income by segment for the nine months are as follows:

   
NINE MONTHS ENDED
 
 
 
 
 
MARCH 31,
 
 
 
 
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
Change
 
 
 
(In thousands)
Oilseeds Processing
 
$
8,730,503
 
$
8,614,395
 
$
116,108
 
Corn Processing
                   
Sweeteners and Starches
   
1,485,631
   
1,412,269
   
73,362
 
Bioproducts
   
1,928,704
   
1,879,502
   
49,202
 
Total Corn Processing
   
3,414,335
   
3,291,771
   
122,564
 
                     
Agricultural Services
   
11,535,958
   
11,137,261
   
398,697
 
Other
                   
Food and Feed Ingredients
   
3,316,151
   
3,424,093
   
(107,942
)
Financial
   
51,828
   
52,588
   
(760
)
Total Other
   
3,367,979
   
3,476,681
   
(108,702
)
Total
 
$
27,048,775
 
$
26,520,108
 
$
528,667
 

Oilseeds Processing sales increased 1% to $8.7 billion for the nine months due to higher sales volumes of oilseed products and oilseed exports. Corn Processing sales increased 4% to $3.4 billion for the nine months primarily due to increased sales of Sweeteners and Starches and, to a lesser extent, increased Bioproducts sales. Sweeteners and Starches sales increased due to higher average selling prices and sales volumes. Bioproducts sales increased primarily due to increased sales volumes and average selling prices of ethanol, partially offset by lower average selling prices of lysine. The increase in ethanol sales volumes was principally due to increased demand from gasoline refiners as refiners used ethanol to replace MTBE as a gasoline additive. Agricultural Services sales increased 4% to $11.5 billion for the nine months primarily due to increased commodity prices in North America and, to a lesser extent, increased sales volumes and average selling prices of global grain merchandising activities. These increases were partially offset by decreased commodity sales volumes in North America. The decreased sales volumes were primarily due to disruptions in North American grain origination and export activities caused by the hurricanes in the gulf coast region. Other sales decreased 3% to $3.4 billion primarily due to decreased average selling prices of cocoa products and lower sales volumes of formula feed products.

Cost of products sold increased 1% to $24.9 billion for the nine months due primarily to increased manufacturing costs. Manufacturing costs for the nine months increased $281 million from the comparable period of a year ago primarily due to increased energy costs, a charge for abandonment and write-down of long-lived assets, and increased employee-related costs.

Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased $94 million to $896 million for the nine months principally due to increased employee-related costs, including a $31 million charge related to the adoption of SFAS 123(R), $20 million of severance costs associated with the closure of a citric acid plant, and increased provisions for doubtful accounts.
 

 
ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

Other income decreased $111 million due primarily to an $85 million decrease in realized securities gains, a $60 million decrease in equity in earnings of affiliates, and a $21 million increase in interest expense. These decreases were partially offset by a $54 million increase in investment income. The decrease in realized securities gains is primarily due to last year’s $114 million realized securities gain from the sale of Tate & Lyle plc shares, partially offset by $29 million of realized securities gains during the nine months. The decrease in equity in earnings of affiliates is primarily due to last year’s CIP Gain and lower valuations of the Company’s private equity fund investments, partially offset by improved earnings of the Company’s Asian oilseed crushing ventures. Interest expense increased primarily due to higher average borrowing levels and interest rates. Investment income increased primarily due to the reversal of Brazilian transactional taxes previously assessed on investment income upon positive resolution in the Brazilian Supreme Court and increased average investment levels and interest rates.
 
Operating profit by segment for the nine months is as follows:

   
NINE MONTHS ENDED
 
 
 
 
 
MARCH 31,
 
 
 
 
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
Change
 
 
 
(In thousands)
Oilseeds Processing
 
$
403,742
 
$
270,789
 
$
132,953
 
Corn Processing
                   
Sweeteners and Starches
   
319,747
   
179,455
   
140,292
 
Bioproducts
   
271,735
   
233,499
   
38,236
 
Total Corn Processing
 
   
591,482
   
412,954
   
178,528
 
Agricultural Services
   
192,216
   
193,779
   
(1,563
)
Other
                   
Food and Feed Ingredients
   
138,895
   
203,591
   
(64,696
)
Financial
   
97,570
   
118,831
   
(21,261
)
Total Other
 
   
236,465
   
322,422
   
(85,957
)
Total Segment Operating Profit
   
1,423,905
   
1,199,944
   
223,961
 
Corporate
   
(150,506
)
 
49,391
   
(199,897
)
Earnings Before Income Taxes
 
$
1,273,399
 
$
1,249,335
 
$
24,064
 

Oilseeds Processing operating profits increased $133 million to $404 million for the nine months primarily due to improved global market conditions. European processing results improved principally due to strong demand for biodiesel and abundant rapeseed supplies in Europe. North American processing results improved principally due to abundant oilseed supplies in the United States which improved oilseed crushing margins. South American operating results increased primarily due to improved origination activities. Operating profits for the nine months include a $4 million charge for abandonment and write-down of long-lived assets.

Corn Processing operating profits increased $179 million to $591 million for the nine months primarily due to lower net corn costs, partially offset by increased energy costs. Sweeteners and Starches operating profits increased $140 million due primarily to decreased net corn costs and, to a lesser extent, higher average sales prices and sales volumes. These increases were partially offset by increased energy costs. Bioproducts operating profits increased $38 million primarily due to decreased net corn costs and higher ethanol sales volumes and average selling prices, partially offset by increased energy costs, lower lysine average selling prices, and $20 million of severance costs related to the closure of a citric acid plant.

ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

Agricultural Services operating profits decreased 1% to $192 million for the nine months as improved results from transportation operations were partially offset by a decline in global grain merchandising operations and the negative impact of hurricanes on North American origination and export operating results.

Other operating profits decreased $86 million for the nine months. Other - Food and Feed Ingredient operating results decreased $65 million due primarily to a $23 million charge for abandonment and write-down of long-lived assets and a $9 million charge representing the Company’s share of a charge for abandonment and write-down of long-lived assets reported by an unconsolidated affiliate of the Company. In addition, cocoa processing, natural health and nutrition, and formula feed operating results declined from prior year levels. Formula feed operating results declined due to costs associated with exiting the European animal feed business. Other - Financial decreased $21 million due primarily to lower valuations of the Company’s private equity fund investments, partially offset by improved results of the Company’s captive insurance operations.

Corporate decreased $200 million for the nine months due primarily to a $122 million decrease in income from the effect of changing commodity prices on LIFO inventory valuations, last year’s $114 million realized securities gain from the sale of Tate & Lyle plc shares, last year’s CIP Gain, and a $22 million charge upon the adoption of SFAS 123(R), partially offset by the aforementioned $19 million reversal of Brazilian transactional taxes and an $80 million reduction in unallocated interest expense.

Income taxes decreased due principally to a $36 million reduction in income tax expense related to the recognition of federal and state income tax credits and adjustments resulting from the reconciliation of filed tax returns to the previously estimated tax provision. The Company’s effective tax rate for the nine months was 29.2% as compared to 32.1% for the comparable period of a year ago. Excluding the effect of the $36 million tax credit, the Company’s effective tax rate was 32.0% for the nine months and, after excluding the effect of the CIP Gain, was 33.3% for the prior year. No tax was provided on the CIP Gain in the prior year as CIP is a corporate joint venture of the Company, and permanently reinvested the proceeds from the sale. The decrease in the Company’s effective tax rate for the nine months is primarily due to changes in the geographic mix of pretax earnings.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At March 31, 2006, the Company continued to show substantial liquidity with working capital of $5.2 billion and a current ratio, defined as current assets divided by current liabilities, of 1.8. Working capital increased $829 million during the nine months due principally to the Company issuing $600 million of debentures which are due in 2035 and bear interest at a rate of 5.375%. Capital resources remained strong as reflected in the Company’s net worth of $9.2 billion. The Company’s ratio of long-term debt to total capital (the sum of the Company’s long-term debt and shareholders’ equity) at March 31, 2006, was 31% compared to 30% at June 30, 2005. This ratio is a measure of the Company’s long-term liquidity and is an indicator of financial flexibility.


Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

Except for the Company’s issuance of $600 million of debentures as described above, there were no material changes in the Company’s contractual obligations and commercial commitments during the nine months ended March 31, 2006.
 

 
ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

Critical Accounting Policies

There were no material changes in the Company’s critical accounting policies during the nine months ended March 31, 2006.

ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
There were no material changes in the Company’s market risk sensitive instruments and positions during the nine months ended March 31, 2006.

ITEM 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 As of March 31, 2006, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rules 13a - 15(e) and 15d - 15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)). Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms. There was no change in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the Company’s most recently completed fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.
 

 
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (“USEPA”) issued a Finding of Violation on March 3, 2005, regarding alleged violations of the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Pharmaceutical Production relating to the operation of the Company’s Vitamin E Plant in Decatur, Illinois. The alleged violations relate to compliance demonstrations for equipment testing and monitoring, recordkeeping and reporting, but do not allege any violations of applicable air emissions limitations. The Company met with representatives of the USEPA on April 12, 2005, to discuss the allegations, and USEPA has indicated that it is seeking a civil penalty of approximately $1.2 million. The Company has been working cooperatively with the USEPA and now has a program in place that meets all applicable requirements. In management’s opinion, the civil penalty imposed will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
 
The Company is involved in approximately 20 administrative and judicial proceedings in which it has been identified as a potentially responsible party (“PRP”) under the federal Superfund law and its state analogs for the study and clean-up of sites contaminated by material discharged into the environment. In all of these matters, there are numerous PRPs. Due to various factors such as the required level of remediation and participation in the clean-up effort by others, the Company’s future clean-up costs at these sites cannot be reasonably estimated. In management’s opinion, these proceedings will not, either individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

 
ITEM 2.
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
 
                 
Total Number of
 
Number of Shares
     
Total Number
 
 
Average
   
Shares Purchased as
 
Remaining that May be
     
of Shares
   
Price Paid
   
Part of Publicly
 
Purchased Under the
Period
   
Purchased (1)
 
 
per Share
   
Announced Program (2)
 
Program (2)
                           
January 1, 2006 to
                         
January 31, 2006
   
13,015
 
$
29.27
   
  386
   
92,905,702
 
                           
February 1, 2006 to
                         
February 28, 2006
   
48,589
   
30.96
   
  645
   
92,905,057
 
                           
March 1, 2006 to
                         
March 31, 2006
   
29,673
   
32.43
   
  555
   
92,904,502
 
                           
Total
   
91,277
 
$
31.20
   
1,586
   
92,904,502
 

(1) Total shares purchased represents those shares purchased as part of the Company’s publicly announced share repurchase program described below and shares received as payment of the exercise price for stock option exercises.

(2) On November 4, 2004, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program authorizing the Company to repurchase up to 100,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock during the period commencing January 1, 2005 and ending December 31, 2009.

 

 
ITEM 6.
EXHIBITS
 
(3)(i)
Composite Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, filed on November 13, 2001 as Exhibit 3(i) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2001 (File No. 1-44), is incorporated herein by reference. 
 
(ii)  
Bylaws, as amended and restated, filed on May 12, 2000 as Exhibit 3(ii) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2000 (File No. 1-44), are incorporated herein by reference.

 
(10.1)
Separation Agreement between Archer-Daniels-Midland Company and Paul B. Mulhollem dated September 29, 2005, filed on September 30, 2005 as Exhibit 10 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-44), is incorporated herein by reference.
 
(10.2)
Agreement Regarding Terms of Employment dated April 27, 2006 with Patricia A. Woertz, filed on May 1, 2006 as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-44), is incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
(10.3)
Transition Agreement between Archer-Daniels-Midland Company and G. Allen Andreas dated May 5, 2006 filed on May 8, 2006 as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-44), is incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
(31.1)
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended.

 
(31.2)
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended.

 
(32.1)
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 
(32.2)
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.


SIGNATURES

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


   
ARCHER-DANIELS-MIDLAND COMPANY
     
   
/s/ D. J. Schmalz
   
D. J. Schmalz
   
Senior Vice President
   
  and Chief Financial Officer
     
   
/s/ D. J. Smith
   
D. J. Smith
   
Executive Vice President, Secretary and
   
  General Counsel

Dated: May 9, 2006