<PAGE>
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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 PERIOD ENDED MAY 31, 1997
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 X NO
--------- ------
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 JULY 2, 1997
--------------------- ------------
$10 PAR VALUE 2,586
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<PAGE>
AMERICAN CRYSTAL SUGAR COMPANY
FORM 10-Q
INDEX
PAGE NO.
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
BALANCE SHEETS 1
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 3
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS 4
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 5
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND
FINANCIAL CONDITION 7
PART II OTHER INFORMATION 10
SIGNATURES 12
<PAGE>
AMERICAN CRYSTAL SUGAR COMPANY
Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in Thousands)
ASSETS
May 31
-------------- August 31,
1997 1996 1996
---- ---- ----
Current Assets: *
Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 43 $ 4,073 $ 3,807
Accounts Receivable:
Trade 52,685 47,945 50,915
Members 3,242 4,127 3,845
Other 3,811 3,321 1,399
Advances to Related Parties 18,892 19,730 10,308
Inventories (Note 2) 302,156 216,191 72,677
Prepaid Expenses 2,861 3,017 3,088
--------- --------- ---------
Total Current Assets 383,690 298,404 146,039
--------- --------- ---------
Property and Equipment:
Land 12,170 11,875 12,059
Buildings and Equipment 612,527 535,587 572,446
Construction-in-Progress 35,087 57,765 41,098
Less: Accumulated Depreciation (412,198) (392,780) (391,665)
--------- --------- ---------
Net Property and Equipment 247,586 212,447 233,938
--------- --------- ---------
Other Assets:
Investments in Banks for Cooperatives 15,795 15,044 15,177
Investments in Marketing Cooperatives 17,490 8,704 15,468
Investment in ProGold LLC 45,844 48,194 51,330
Other Assets 2,963 3,830 3,184
--------- --------- ---------
Total Other Assets 82,092 75,772 85,159
--------- --------- ---------
Total Assets $ 713,368 $ 586,623 $ 465,136
--------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- ---------
* Derived from audited financial statements.
The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of These Financial Statements.
1
<PAGE>
AMERICAN CRYSTAL SUGAR COMPANY
Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in Thousands)
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' INVESTMENTS
May 31
-------------- August 31,
1997 1996 1996
---- ---- ----
Current Liabilities: *
Short-Term Debt $ 184,056 $ 134,761 $ 13,643
Current Maturities of Long-Term Debt 14,300 14,300 13,525
Accounts Payable:
Trade 8,068 2,224 17,060
Other 2,701 7,124 7,490
Accrued Continuing Costs (Note 3) 72,723 50,122 -
Other Current Liabilities 17,815 15,224 15,132
Amounts Due Members 63,733 57,406 47,118
--------- --------- ---------
Total Current Liabilities 363,396 281,161 113,968
Long-Term Debt, Excluding Current
Maturities 160,300 145,519 177,394
Deferred Income Taxes - 1,029 -
Other Liabilities 23,638 26,519 21,638
Commitments and Contingencies - - -
--------- --------- ---------
Total Liabilities 547,334 454,228 313,000
--------- --------- ---------
Members' Investments (Note 4):
Preferred Stock 33,542 31,879 31,879
Common Stock 26 24 24
Additional Paid-in Capital 63,752 32,417 33,041
Unit Retains 88,954 81,278 97,191
Pension Liability Adjustment (4,519) (5,674) (4,518)
Retained Earnings (15,721) (7,529) (5,481)
--------- --------- ---------
Total Members' Investments 166,034 132,395 152,136
--------- --------- ---------
Total Liabilities and Members'
Investments $ 713,368 $ 586,623 $ 465,136
--------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- ---------
* Derived from audited financial statements.
The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of These Financial Statements.
2
<PAGE>
AMERICAN CRYSTAL SUGAR COMPANY
Statement of Operations
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in Thousands)
Nine Months Ended Three Months Ended
May 31 May 31
-------------------- ------------------
1997 1996 1997 1996
-------------------- ------------------
Net Revenue $489,557 $511,592 $189,092 $187,448
Cost of Product Sold (60,081) 41,833 22,041 46,518
-------- -------- -------- --------
Gross Proceeds 549,638 469,759 167,051 140,930
Selling, General & Administrative
Expenses 108,242 110,009 43,078 38,934
Accrued Continuing Costs (Note 3) 72,723 50,122 27,056 22,958
-------- -------- -------- --------
Operating Proceeds 368,673 309,628 96,917 79,038
-------- -------- -------- --------
Other Income (Expenses)
Interest Income 1,201 319 (12) 119
Interest Expense (13,025) (11,703) (5,393) (4,737)
Other Income (Loss) 8,377 4,210 11,707 2,473
Other Expenses (9,669) (48) (11,937) (3)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Other Income (Expense) (13,116) (7,222) (5,635) (2,148)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Proceeds before Income Taxes 355,557 302,406 91,282 76,890
Income Taxes Provision/(Benefit) - - - -
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net Proceeds Resulting from
Member and Non-Member Business $355,557 $302,406 $ 91,282 $ 76,890
-------- -------- -------- --------
-------- -------- -------- --------
Distribution of Net Proceeds:
Credited/(Charged) to Member's
Investments:
Member Tax Accounting
Adjustment, Net $ - $ - $ - $ -
Non-Member Business Income/(Loss) (10,240) (2,444) (5,709) (897)
Unit Retains Declared to Members - - - -
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net Credit/(Charge) to Members'
Investments (10,240) (2,444) (5,709) (897)
Payments to/due Members for
Sugarbeets, Net of Unit Retains
Declared 365,797 304,850 96,991 77,787
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total $355,557 $302,406 $ 91,282 $ 76,890
-------- -------- -------- --------
-------- -------- -------- --------
The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of These Financial Statements.
3
<PAGE>
AMERICAN CRYSTAL SUGAR COMPANY
Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
(Dollars In Thousands)
Nine Months Ended
May 31
--------------------
1997 1996
Cash Provided by/(Used for) Operations:
Net Proceeds Resulting from Member and Non-
Member Business $ 355,557 $ 302,406
Payments to/due Members for Sugarbeets,
Including Unit Retains (365,797) (304,850)
Add/(Deduct) Noncash Items:
Depreciation and Amortization 21,157 19,482
Loss on Investment Activities 9,204 -
Deferred Income Taxes - -
(Gain)/loss on the Disposition of Property
and Equipment (146) (143)
Noncash Portion of Patronage Dividend from
Banks for Cooperatives (618) (1,884)
Deferred Gain Recognition (142) (168)
Changes in Certain Elements of Working Capital
Accounts Receivable:
Trade (1,770) 169
Members 603 79
Other (2,412) 1,594
Inventories (229,479) (112,900)
Prepaid Expenses 227 1,098
Advances to Related Parties (8,584) (13,928)
Accounts Payable:
Trade (8,992) (18,806)
Other (4,789) 2,260
Other Current Liabilities 72,842 51,428
Amount Due Growers 16,615 17,169
--------- --------
Net Cash Used In Operations (146,524) (56,994)
--------- --------
Cash Used In Investing Activities:
Purchases of Property and Equipment (34,181) (20,831)
Proceeds from the Sale of Property and Equipment 146 143
Investment in Banks for Cooperatives (0) 773
Investment in Marketing Coops (1,880) (2,992)
Investment in ProGold LLC (1,153) (35,742)
Changes in Other Assets (399) 175
--------- --------
Net Cash Used In Investing Activities (37,467) (58,474)
--------- --------
Cash Provided by/(Used In) Financing Activities:
Net Proceeds (Payments) on Short-Term Debt 170,413 80,829
Proceeds from Long-Term Debt 12,866 52,900
Long-Term Debt Repayment (29,190) (12,115)
Changes in Other Long-Term Liabilities 1,999 1,715
Changes in Preferred Stock 1,663 -
Changes in Common Stock 2 1
Changes in Additional Paid-In Capital 30,711 -
Payment of Unit Retains (8,237) (7,209)
--------- --------
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities 180,227 116,121
--------- --------
Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents (3,764) 653
Cash and Cash Equivalents Beginning of Period 3,807 3,420
--------- --------
Cash and Cash Equivalents End of Period $ 43 $ 4,073
--------- --------
--------- --------
The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of These Financial Statements.
4
<PAGE>
AMERICAN CRYSTAL SUGAR COMPANY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED MAY 31, 1997 AND 1996
NOTE 1: BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The unaudited financial statements contained herein have been prepared pursuant
to the rules and regulations of the Security 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 nine month period ended May 31, 1997 are not
necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended
August 31, 1997.
The amount paid to growers for sugarbeets (beet payment) depends on the future
selling prices of sugar and by-products as well as processing and other costs to
be incurred during the remainder of the fiscal year. For the purposes of this
report, the amount of the beet payment, future revenues and costs have been
estimated. Therefore, adjustments with respect to these estimates may be
necessary in the future as additional information becomes available.
These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements and notes included in the company's annual report for the year ended
August 31, 1996.
NOTE 2: INVENTORIES
The major components of inventories are as follows (In Thousands):
5/31/97 5/31/96 8/31/96
------- ------- -------
Refined Sugar, Pulp, Molasses,
CSB and Beet Seed $279,870 $191,197 $ 46,155
Maintenance Parts & Supplies 22,286 24,994 26,522
-------- -------- --------
Total Inventories $302,156 $216,191 $ 72,677
-------- -------- --------
-------- -------- --------
Sugar, pulp, molasses and CSB inventories are valued at estimated net realizable
value. Maintenance parts & supplies and beet seed inventories are valued the
lower of average cost or market.
NOTE 3: ACCRUED CONTINUING COSTS
For interim reporting, the Net Proceeds from Member Business is determined based
on the forecasted beet payment and the percentage of the tons of sugarbeets
processed to the total estimated tons of sugarbeets to process for a given crop
year. Accrued continuing costs represents 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.
5
<PAGE>
NOTE 4: MEMBERS' INVESTMENTS
Shares Shares Issued
Par Value Authorized & Outstanding
--------- ---------- -------------
Preferred Stock:
July 2, 1997 $76.77 600,000 436,915
May 31, 1997 $76.77 600,000 436,915
August 31, 1996 $76.77 600,000 415,255
May 31, 1996 $76.77 600,000 415,255
Common Stock:
July 2, 1997 $10.00 4,000 2,586
May 31, 1997 $10.00 4,000 2,562
August 31, 1996 $10.00 4,000 2,444
May 31, 1996 $10.00 4,000 2,428
6
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED MAY 31, 1997 AND 1996
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
COMPARISON OF THE NINE MONTHS ENDED MAY 31, 1997 AND 1996
Revenue for the nine months ended May 31, 1997, was $489.6 million, a decrease
of $22 million from 1996. Revenue from total sugar sales decreased 5.2 percent
reflecting a 10.6 percent decrease in hundredweight sold partially offset by a
6.1 percent increase in the average selling price per hundredweight. Revenue
from pulp sales increased 22.3 percent due to a 16.1 percent increase in the
volume of pulp sold and a 5.3 percent increase in the average selling price per
ton. Revenue from molasses sales decreased 21.6 percent due to a 21.7 percent
decrease in the volume of molasses sold partially offset by a .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
desugarization process, increased 15.6 percent due to a 23.4 percent increase in
the average selling price per ton partially offset by a 6.3 percent decrease in
the volume of CSB sold.
Cost of product sold, exclusive of payments for sugarbeets, decreased $101.9
million due to the amount of product sold compared to the prior year which was
partially offset by increased direct processing costs. Fixed and committed
expenses decreased 5.5 percent reflecting lower maintenance costs. Changes in
product inventory levels between 1997 and 1996, decreased the cost of product
sold by $125.0 million. The cost associated with sugar purchased to meet
customer needs was up $13.4 million due to the short supply of inventory at the
beginning of the 1997 fiscal year.
Selling expenses decreased $3.3 million due primarily to the decreases in
volumes of sugar and by-products sold. General and Administrative expenses
increased $1.5 million reflecting higher personnel costs and other general cost
increases.
The increase in accrued continuing costs was due primarily to changes in the
volume of sugar sales and production, differences in the timing of incurring
processing costs and the amount of unsold inventory on hand.
Interest expense increased $1.3 million due to higher average borrowing levels
for short and long-term debt.
Non-member activities resulted in the loss of $10.2 million for the nine months
ended May 31, 1997 as compared to a loss of $2.4 million for the same period
last year. The majority of this loss is related to American Crystal's
investment in ProGold Limited Liability Company (ProGold). American Crystal has
invested $52.1 million as a 46% partner in ProGold. ProGold is operating a corn
wet milling plant, which produces high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) sweetener.
Initial operation of the plant started October 25, 1996. The company originally
anticipated ProGold would incur a $28 million loss during its initial year of
operation. The current anticipated loss is in the range of $28 million to $32
million. American Crystal's share of the current projected loss is in the range
of $12.9 million to $14.7 million. The additional loss is attributable to
significantly lower market prices of HFCS, which is partially offset by lower
than expected operating expenses. Future changes in the market price of corn
sweetener will significantly affect the future earnings of ProGold.
7
<PAGE>
Due to the unpredictable nature of the HFCS market, the future impact of the
investment in ProGold on American Crystal's financial condition and results of
operations is uncertain, although that impact could be adverse. The remainder
of the loss from non-member activities was primarily attributable to lower
profits from the sale of beet seed.
Net payments to/due members for sugarbeets increased by $60.9 million from
$304.9 million for the first nine months in 1996, to $365.8 million for the
first nine months in 1997. This increase is due to a higher projected per ton
beet payment this year and more tons harvested.
COMPARISON OF THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MAY 31, 1997 AND 1996
Revenue for the three months ended May 31, 1997, was $189.1 million, an increase
of $1.6 million from 1996. Revenue from total sugar sales decreased .4 percent
reflecting a 7.2 percent increase in the average selling price per hundredweight
mostly offset by a 7.1 percent decrease in hundredweight sold. Revenue from
pulp sales increased 66.1 percent due to a 70.4 percent increase in the volume
of pulp sold partially offset by a 2.5 percent decrease in the average selling
price per ton. Revenue from molasses sales decreased 23.9 percent due to a 2.8
percent decrease in the average selling price per ton and a 21.8 percent
decrease in the volume of molasses sold. Revenue from the sales of Concentrated
Separated By-Product (CSB), a by-product of the molasses desugarization process,
decreased 42.3 percent due to a 50.6 percent decrease in the volume of CSB sold
partially offset by a 17 percent increase in the average selling price per ton.
Cost of product sold, exclusive of payments for sugarbeets, decreased $24.5
million due to the amount of product sold compared to the prior year which was
partially offset by increased direct processing costs. Fixed and committed
expenses decreased 18.3 percent due to lower maintenance costs. Changes in
product inventory levels between 1997 and 1996, decreased the cost of product
sold by $29 million. The cost associated with sugar purchased to meet customer
needs was up $2.0 million due to increased sales volume of purchased sugar
during this quarter.
Selling expenses increased $2.2 million due primarily to the increased personnel
costs and increased sales volume of purchased sugar and by-products. General
and Administrative expenses increased $2.0 million due to higher personnel costs
and other general cost increases.
The increase in accrued continuing costs was due primarily to changes in the
volume of sugar sales and production, differences in the timing of incurring
processing costs and the amount of unsold inventory on hand.
Interest expense increased slightly due to higher average borrowing levels for
short and long-term debt.
Non-member activities resulted in the loss of $5.7 million for the three months
ended May, 31, 1997 as compared to a loss of $.9 million for the same period
last year. The majority of this loss is related to American Crystal's
investment in ProGold according to the terms of the financial investment as
described above. The remainder of the loss from non-member activities was
primarily attributable to lower profits from the sale of beet seed.
Net payments to/due members for sugarbeets increased by $19.2 million from $77.8
million for the third quarter of 1996, to $97.0 million for the same period in
1997. This increase is due to higher projected per ton beet payment this year
and more tons harvested.
8
<PAGE>
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Because American Crystal operates as a cooperative, 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, actual cash payments to members are spread over a period of
approximately one year following delivery of their sugarbeet crops to American
Crystal and are net of unit retains allocated to them, both of which remain
available to meet American Crystal's capital requirements. This member financing
arrangement may result in an additional source of liquidity and reduced outside
financing requirements in comparison to a similar business operated on a
non-cooperative basis.
However, 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, American Crystal 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 the St.
Paul Bank for Cooperatives ("Bank"). American Crystal has a short-term line of
credit with the Bank in 1997 of $240 million.
The various loan agreements between the Bank and American Crystal obligate
American Crystal to maintain or achieve certain amounts of working capital and
certain financial ratios and impose restrictions on American Crystal. As of May
31, 1997, American Crystal was in compliance with its loan agreements. American
Crystal anticipates that the funds required to maintain compliance with the
banks working capital requirements will be derived from depreciation and unit
retains.
The primary factor for the changes in American Crystal's financial condition for
the nine months ended May 31, 1997 was due to financing higher inventory levels,
reducing investing activities and proceeds from stock sales. The cash used in
operations of $146.5 million and investing activities of $37.5 million was
funded through the cash provided by financing activities and reduction in cash.
The net cash provided by financing activities was primarily comprised of the net
proceeds from short-term debt of $170.4 million and proceeds from long-term debt
of $12.9 million, partially offset by the repayment on long-term debt of $29.2
million and the payment of the unit retains of $8.2 million. Working capital
has decreased $11.8 million from $32.1 million at the beginning of the year to
$20.3 million as of May 31, 1997 primarily due to increased short-term debt, and
higher amounts due growers, partially offset by increased inventories.
Capital expenditures for the nine months ended May 31, 1997 were $34.2 million.
These capital expenditures are a continuation of American Crystal's strategy of
expanding capacity and improving operating efficiencies. American Crystal
expects to obtain funds for future capital expenditures derived from
depreciation, unit retains and long-term borrowing.
American Crystal does not guarantee the debt for United Sugars Corporation or
ProGold Limited Liability Company. Under the terms of the ProGold Member
Control Agreement, the ProGold Board of Governors can require American Crystal
to provide additional capital contributions not to exceed $2.3 million per year.
Any additional capital contributions can only be obtained by written consent of
American Crystal. American Crystal guarantees debt totaling $3.2 million as of
May 31, 1997 for Midwest Agri-Commodities.
9
<PAGE>
The growth in the market for refined sugar in the late 1980's and the mid 1990's
is a reversal of trends in the 1970's and early 1980's which resulted in a
reduced market for refined sugar. During the 1970's and early 1980's, high
fructose corn syrup was increasingly used as a replacement for refined sugar in
certain food products. (The prime example of this trend was the use of high
fructose corn syrup in beverages such as soft drinks.) In addition,
non-nutritive sweeteners such as aspartame were developed and used in food
products. While high fructose corn syrup and non-nutritive sweeteners
constitute a large portion of the overall sweetener market, the Company believes
that the recent trend of increased use of refined sugar results from population
growth and, more importantly, increased acceptance of the use of sugar as a
desirable natural ingredient in a normal diet.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
American Crystal is subject to various lawsuits and claims which arise in the
ordinary course of its business. While the results of such litigation and
claims cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes the disposition
of all such proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, should not have a
material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, results of
operations or cash flows. Management is not aware of any threatened claims which
could result in the commencement of legal proceedings.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
At the Hillsboro Factory District Meeting on November 12, 1996, an election of
two (2) members of the Board of Directors was held. Jerry Bitker received 150
of the 248 votes cast. His three year term expires in December, 1999. Mr.
Bitker replaces Thomas Bryl who received 93 of the 248 votes cast for the
three-year term. Francis Kritzberger received 102 of the 248 votes cast to
replace Michael Warner who resigned in August, 1996, after serving eight (8)
years. Mr. Kritzberger's term expires in one year, December, 1997, as he fills
a vacant one-year unexpired term.
At the Crookston Factory District Meeting on November 12, 1996, an election of a
member of the Board of Directors was held. Ronald Reitmeier received 96 of the
182 votes cast. His three year term expires in December, 1999. Mr. Reitmeier
replaces Duane Lien whose term expired on December 5, 1996. Mr. Lien was not
eligible to stand for re-election due to the provisions of the company By-Laws
which prohibit any person from serving more than four (4) consecutive terms.
At the Drayton Factory District Meeting on November 11, 1996, an election of a
member of the Board of Directors was held. Patrick Mahar who sought re-election
received 190 of the 198 votes cast. His three year term expires in December,
1999.
At the East Grand Forks Factory District Meeting on November 11, 1996, an
election of a member of the Board of Directors was held. G. Terry Stadstad who
sought re-election was unanimously re-elected. His three year term expires in
December, 1999.
10
<PAGE>
At the Moorhead Factory District Meeting on November 13, 1996, an election of a
member of the Board of Directors was held. Michael Astrup received 113 of the
214 votes cast. His three year term expires in December, 1999. Mr. Astrup
replaces Robert Nyquist who was unable to stand for re-election due to the
provisions of the Company By-Laws which prohibit a person from serving more than
four (4) consecutive terms as a Director.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
American Crystal has invested $52.1 million as a 46% partner in ProGold Limited
Liability Company (ProGold). ProGold operates a corn wet milling plant which
produces high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) sweetener. The plant started operation
on October 25, 1996 with saleable product being produced on January 1, 1997.
The company originally anticipated ProGold would incur a $28 million loss during
its initial year of operation. The current anticipated loss is in the range of
$28 million to $32 million. American Crystal's share of the current projected
loss is in the range of $12.9 million to $14.7 million. The additional loss is
attributable to significantly lower market prices of HFCS, which is partially
offset by lower than expected operating expenses.
Future changes in the market price of HFCS will significantly affect the future
earnings of ProGold. Due to the unpredictable nature of the HFCS market, the
future impact of the investment in ProGold on American Crystal's financial
condition and results of operations is uncertain although that impact could be
adverse.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
No exhibits are included herein.
The Company did not file any reports on Form 8-K during the nine months ended
May 31, 1997.
11
<PAGE>
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: July , 1997 -------------------------------
---------------------- Samuel S. M. Wai
Corporate Controller
Duly Authorized Officer and
Principal Financial Officer
12
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<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> AUG-31-1997
<PERIOD-START> SEP-01-1996
<PERIOD-END> MAY-31-1997
<CASH> 43
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 78,630
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 302,156
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 383,690
<PP&E> 648,204
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<BONDS> 160,300
0
33,542
<COMMON> 26
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