================================================================================
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 quarterly period ended May 31, 1997
OR
______ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
----------------------
Commission File Number : 0-7908
PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Iowa 42-0470520
- --------------------------------------------- ---------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation (I.R.S. Employer
or organization) Identification No.)
700 Capital Square, 400 Locust, Des Moines, Iowa 50309
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (515) 248-4800
-------------------------
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
----- -----
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class Outstanding at June 27, 1997
- ------------------------------ ----------------------------
Common Stock ($1.00 par value) 82, 222, 935
================================================================================
<PAGE>
PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
<S> <C>
Item 1. Financial Statements
Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets -- May 31, 1997,
August 31, 1996, and May 31, 1996.............................. 3-4
Consolidated Condensed Statements Of Operations-- Three Months
and Nine Months Ended May 31, 1997 and May 31, 1996............ 5
Consolidated Condensed Statements Of Cash Flows-- Nine Months
Ended May 31, 1997 and May 31, 1996............................ 6
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements............. 7
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations...................................... 8-13
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K................................. 14
Signatures................................................................ 15
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited, in millions)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
May 31, August 31, May 31,
ASSETS 1997 1996 1996
---------- ----------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents........... $ 183 $ 99 $ 227
Accounts and notes receivable, net.. 489 243 407
Inventories:
Finished seed..................... 288 209 262
Unfinished seed................... 94 163 77
Other............................. 7 10 7
Deferred income taxes............... 59 58 47
Prepaid expenses and other current
assets............................ 11 2 10
--------- -------- -------
Total current assets $ 1,131 $ 784 $ 1,037
LONG-TERM ASSETS........................ 87 81 90
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net of
accumulated depreciation and allowances
May 31, 1997 - $499
August 31, 1996 - $484
May 31, 1996 - $474................. 542 510 500
INTANGIBLES............................. 66 47 44
-------- -------- --------
$ 1,826 $ 1,422 $ 1,671
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
See Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.
<PAGE>
PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited, in millions)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' May 31, August 31, May 31,
EQUITY 1997 1996 1996
----------- ---------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Short-term borrowings................. $ 28 $ 13 $ 15
Current maturities of long-term debt.. 5 12 8
Accounts payable, trade............... 167 89 182
Accrued compensation.................. 52 65 47
Income taxes payable.................. 181 63 154
Other accruals........................ 49 46 51
-------- -------- --------
Total current liabilities........... $ 482 $ 288 $ 457
-------- -------- --------
LONG-TERM DEBT............................ $ 32 $ 25 $ 30
-------- -------- --------
DEFERRED ITEMS
Postretirement benefits............... $ 42 $ 40 $ 39
Other................................. 46 44 43
-------- -------- --------
$ 88 $ 84 $ 82
-------- -------- --------
MINORITY INTEREST IN SUBSIDIARIES........ $ 7 $ 7 $ 7
-------- -------- --------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock, no par value......... $ -- $ -- $ --
Common stock, $1 par value............ 93 93 93
Additional paid-in capital............ 41 23 20
Retained earnings..................... 1,499 1,272 1,326
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale
securities, net..................... 17 11 16
Cumulative translation adjustment..... (13) (3) (5)
-------- -------- --------
$ 1,637 $ 1,396 $ 1,450
Less: Cost of common shares
acquired for the treasury........... (393) (364) (339)
Unearned compensation............... (27) (14) (16)
-------- -------- --------
$ 1,217 $ 1,018 $ 1,095
-------- -------- --------
$ 1,826 $ 1,422 $ 1,671
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
See Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.
<PAGE>
PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited, in millions)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
May 31, May 31, May 31, May 31,
1997 1996 1997 1996
-------------------------- ----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales.......................... $ 1,288 $ 1,168 $ 1,642 $ 1,541
-------- -------- -------- --------
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold............... $ 513 $ 442 $ 700 $ 638
Research and product development. 40 35 103 97
Selling.......................... 189 187 305 306
General and administrative....... 31 26 96 93
-------- -------- -------- --------
$ 773 $ 690 $ 1,204 $ 1,134
-------- -------- -------- --------
Operating income................. $ 515 $ 478 $ 438 $ 407
Investment income.................. 7 7 16 16
Interest expense................... (2) (3) (6) (10)
Net exchange and other gains (losses) (1) -- -- (1)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Income before items shown
below.......................... $ 519 $ 482 $ 448 $ 412
Provision for income taxes......... (187) (178) (161) (10)
Minority interest and other........ -- (1) (2) (3)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net income....................... $ 332 $ 303 $ 285 $ 258
======== ======== ======== ========
Income per common share*........... $ 4.04 $ 3.64 $ 3.46 $ 3.10
Dividends per common share*........ $ .23 $ .20 $ .69 $ .60
Weighted average number of common
shares outstanding................ 82.2 83.1 82.3 83.3
* Not in millions
</TABLE>
See Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.
<PAGE>
PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited, in millions)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine Months Ended
May 31, May 31,
1997 1996
----------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income....................................... $ 285 $ 258
Noncash items included in net income:
Depreciation and amortization.................. 64 55
Gain on sale of available-for-sale securities.. (7) --
Other.......................................... 1 8
Net change in assets and liabilities............. (75) 130
-------- --------
Net cash provided by operating activities...... $ 268 $ 451
-------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures............................. $ (85) $ (76)
Proceeds on sale of available-for-sale securities 17 --
Other............................................ (31) (48)
-------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities.......... $ (99) $ (124)
-------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net (payments) proceeds on short-term borrowings. $ 17 $ (39)
Purchase of treasury stock....................... (24) (37)
Dividends paid................................... (57) (50)
Principal payments on long-term borrowings....... (11) (54)
-------- --------
Net cash used in financing activities.......... $ (75) $ (180)
-------- --------
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on
cash and cash equivalents........................ $ (10) $ (4)
-------- --------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents....... $ 84 $ 143
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning............... 99 84
-------- --------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, ENDING.................. $ 183 $ 227
======== ========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH
FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid for:
Interest................................ $ 5 $ 12
======== ========
Income taxes............................ $ 54 $ 16
======== ========
</TABLE>
See Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. In the opinion of the Company, the accompanying unaudited consolidated
condensed financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only
normal recurring accruals) necessary to fairly present the financial
position as of May 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results of operations and cash
flows for the nine months ended May 31, 1997 and 1996. Because of the
seasonal nature of the Company's business, the results of operations for the
nine months ended May 31, 1997, may not be indicative of the results to be
expected for the full year.
2. The Company has guaranteed the repayment of principal and interest on
certain obligations of Village Court Associates, an affiliated real estate
venture. At May 31, 1997, such guarantees totaled approximately $23 million.
3. Since April 1996, Dekalb Genetics Corporation ("DeKalb") has filed five
lawsuits against Pioneer. The lawsuits allege that insect-resistant corn
products that use a Bt gene, and corn products resistant to glufosinate
herbicide, infringe on certain DeKalb patents.
After reviewing the Company's intellectual property position, all of
DeKalb's patent filings, and DeKalb's lawsuits, Pioneer believes DeKalb's
claims are without merit. Pioneer has denied DeKalb's allegations and raised
defenses that, if successful, would render DeKalb's patents invalid. Pioneer
believes that disposition of the lawsuits will not have a materially adverse
affect on the consolidated financial position and results of operations of
the Company. Pioneer also does not expect delays in the introductions of
advanced corn hybrids with insect and herbicide resistance because of these
lawsuits.
4. In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No.
128, "Earnings Per Share" (SFAS 128), which is intended to simplify the
earnings per share computation and increase comparability of earnings per
share on an international basis. SFAS 128 is effective for financial
statements issued for periods ending after December 15, 1997, and requires
restatement of all prior period earnings per share data presented. The
adoption of SFAS 128 is not expected to have a significant impact on the
Company's financial statements.
<PAGE>
PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the attached
unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes, and with the
Company's audited financial statements and notes for the fiscal year ended
August 31, 1996.
MATERIAL CHANGES IN FINANCIAL CONDITION:
Due to the seasonal nature of the agricultural seed business, the Company
generates most of its cash from operations during the second and third quarters
of the fiscal year. Cash generated during this time is used to meet the cash
needs of the period and to pay the commercial paper and accounts payable which
are the Company's primary sources of financing during the first and fourth
quarters of the fiscal year. Any excess funds are invested, primarily in
short-term commercial paper.
Most of the Company's financing is done through the issuance of commercial
paper in the U.S., backed by revolving and seasonal lines of credit. In
addition, foreign lines of credit and direct borrowing agreements are relied
upon to support overseas financing needs. Short-term debt at May 31, 1997,
consisted of $28 million in direct borrowings from foreign banks.
During fiscal 1997, the Company has the following domestic lines of credit
available:
(in millions)
....... Revolving Seasonal Total
.......
First quarter.. $200 $100 $300
Second quarter. $200 $100 $300
Third quarter.. $200 $ -- $200
Fourth quarter. $200 $ -- $200
Increased credit sales at May 31, 1997, contributed to the current year
increase in accounts receivable when compared to prior year results.
Property and equipment at May 31, 1997, increased over the same period a
year earlier mainly due to the construction of additional production capacity in
Latin America combined with other newly constructed facilities in Johnston,
Iowa.
At May 31 1997, intangibles increased from prior year levels due to payments
associated with an agreement for the right to develop and produce elite Bt
transgenic corn hybrids.
<PAGE>
MATERIAL CHANGES IN RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:
Due to the seasonality of the seed business, partial-year results and
quarter-to-quarter comparisons are not always meaningful. Accordingly, such
quarterly comparisons are not emphasized. Typically, most of the Company's
revenue and operating profit are generated in the third quarter.
Net income for the nine months ended May 31, 1997, was $285 million, or
$3.46 per share, on sales of $1.642 billion, compared to net income of $258
million, or $3.10 per share, on sales of $1.541 billion for the first nine
months of fiscal 1996.
Nine months into fiscal 1997, the Company is on track for another year of
record earnings and better than 20 percent return on equity. As usual, there is
some uncertainty in predicting annual results. However, Northern Hemisphere seed
corn operations are the most significant component of consolidated results, and
with the third quarter just completed, more than 90 percent of projected annual
sales are recorded and much is known about the three drivers of seed corn
profitability - market share, market size, and price (net margin) per unit.
Fiscal 1997 marks a time of significant transition for our North American
seed corn product line. Depending on final corn acreage and seeding rates, the
Company's share of the North American seed corn market is estimated to be
approximately 42 percent to 42.5 percent. This is a decrease of approximately a
point and one half to two points from 1996 levels. The Company introduced a
number of new products this year targeted to replace hybrids that have in recent
years dominated the North American seed corn market. Falling unit sales of these
older hybrids are largely responsible for the estimated current year market
share decrease.
An expected increase in North American market size combined with an increase
in net seed corn margin per unit will also impact current year results. Corn
acreage in North America is projected to rise modestly above 1996 levels. And,
although operating results in North America will be impacted by higher per-unit
seed corn costs, the average seed corn selling price is expected to increase as
well. The introduction of significant volumes of new products in fiscal 1997 is
expected to increase the net selling price per unit in North America. The result
should be higher current year per-unit seed corn margins of approximately $2 per
unit.
In response to the growing market demand for new genetics with targeted
attributes, the Company introduced 27 new corn hybrids this year in North
America. First year sales of these new hybrids are expected to reach nearly
600,000 units, four times more than any previous group of new product
introductions. These new hybrids are expected to account for approximately 40
percent of next year's Pioneer seed corn sales in North America and will be the
foundation for future market share.
The most prominent demand for new genetic corn products this season was
Bt-corn. Despite regulatory approval for its Bt-corn products coming late in the
selling season, Pioneer sales representatives were able to place into the market
more than 300,000 units of the new Bt-corn products introduced in 1997. Those
units covered approximately 20 percent of the estimated North American Bt-corn
acres planted in 1997. Because of the late start, the Company was unable to
attain its normal market presence for these products. This lost opportunity also
affected current year market share results. In total, eight Bt-corn hybrids were
introduced in 1997. Management believes these new Bt-corn products incorporate
the best genetics available and have stronger performance potential than any
Bt-corn product released to date. The Company is in excellent position to grow
its Bt-corn market share in 1998 due to good placement in the market of the 1997
Bt-corn sales, expected larger available supplies of these Bt-corn products, and
an entire season in which to market them.
<PAGE>
The demand for new genetics extends beyond Bt-corn products. The Company's
continuous effort to expand and improve its germplasm base includes the testing
of products with improved agronomic qualities, as well as value-added traits for
livestock producers and other end-users. Only well-tested products that
demonstrate reliable performance and value potential for our customers will be
brought to the market. The Company will continue to be patient in its testing to
provide new traits in the best genetics. While we believe this disciplined
approach to product development has contributed to the recent decline in our
market share, we are certain it best serves the long-term interests of our
customers and shareholders.
In addition, the Company continues to vigorously defend the value (price) of
its new products with customers. Some competitors have sacrificed the value of
these new technologies in an attempt to capture market share. The Company
believes it is essential to protect the value of these new products, and also
recognizes the challenge this creates in our efforts to protect and grow market
share.
Despite these recent challenges, management believes the Company is well
positioned to grow market share in 1998. The 27 newly-introduced corn hybrids
have performed very well in wide-area testing. Besides Bt-corn products, these
new releases include hybrids with better disease resistance, as well as products
for the rapidly growing high-oil corn market and new white and waxy corn hybrids
for the starch industry. Our research indicates that this new lineup may be
stronger than the one introduced in 1990, which drove the record-setting growth
in sales and market share over the subsequent five years. Due to the Company's
ability to quickly increase supply, these products should be widely available in
1998.
There is also excitement surrounding soybean operations. Results in 1997
will reflect record sales and profits from our soybean business. Fueled by
growth in acres, market share, and strong unit sales of glyphosate-resistant
products, current year North American soybean unit sales will exceed seed corn
unit sales. Given that glyphosate-resistant varieties are priced at a premium to
our elite soybean varieties, they will significantly enhance soybean operating
results.
Although results in regions outside North America are more difficult to
predict, on the whole, management believes the Company should post higher
earnings from these operations as well. Europe, Mexico, Asia, Africa, and the
Middle East will all post increases in operating income from a year ago. While
Latin American operations are expected to fall below prior year results, the
extent is unknown and will be determined by the volume of sales recorded in
fourth quarter of the current year. In total, unit volumes outside North America
are expected to grow, however, the strong dollar will likely dampen reported
earnings from many of our foreign operations and increase non-operating
financial expenses.
As we look forward, all indications point to continued strong financial
performance. However, uncertainties exist that could affect the Company's
expectations, and fluctuations in expected results are likely as more
information becomes available. Some of the important factors that could cause
actual results to vary significantly from our expectations include weather,
government programs/approvals, commodity prices, changes in corn acreage,
intellectual property positions, product performance, customer preferences,
currency fluctuations, and costs.
Nine Months Ended May 31, 1997 compared to the Nine Months Ended May 31, 1996
Operating income for the first nine months of fiscal 1997 increased $31
million from the same period a year earlier. Additional seed corn units sales
outside North America and increased North American soybean unit sales were the
primary factors for the increase.
<PAGE>
Net Sales and Operating Profit
(Unaudited, in millions)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended
May 31, May 31,Increase/ May 31, May 31, Increase/
1997 1996 (Decrease) 1997 1996 (Decrease)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
---------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Net sales:
Corn:
North America..... $ 768 $ 741 $ 27 $ 882 $ 853 $ 29
Europe............ 238 202 36 338 321 17
Other Regions..... 15 19 (4) 69 61 8
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
$ 1,021 $ 962 $ 59 $ 1,289 $ 1,235 $ 54
Soybeans............ 174 136 38 182 146 36
Other............... 93 70 23 171 160 11
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total net sales....... $ 1,288 $ 1,168 $ 120 $ 1,642 $ 1,541 $ 101
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Operating profit :
Corn................ $ 468 $ 448 $ 20 $ 443 $ 432 $ 11
Soybean............. 46 30 16 31 17 14
Other............... 20 15 5 22 13 9
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Product line operating
profit ........... $ 534 $ 493 $ 41 $ 496 $ 462 $ 34
Indirect general and
administrative
expenses........ (19) (15) (4) (58) (55) (3)
-------- -------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Operating income...... $ 515 $ 478 $ 37 $ 438 $ 407 $ 31
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Units delivered:
Corn:...............
North America..... 9.7 9.7 -- 11.3 11.3 --
Europe........... 2.1 1.7 0.4 3.0 2.8 0.2
Other Regions.... 0.2 0.4 (0.2) 1.2 1.0 0.2
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
12.0 11.8 0.2 15.5 15.1 0.4
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Soybean - North America 11.0 9.4 1.6 11.6 10.0 1.6
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
SEED CORN
North America
Operating profit in North America was virtually unchanged between years.
Current year unit sales through third quarter are similar to those recorded in
the previous year. Although seed price per unit increased compared to the prior
year, higher costs offset most of the year-to-date improvement. Increased
investment in research and product development also impacted current year
results.
<PAGE>
In 1997, the average net seed corn selling price per unit to customers in
North America is expected to increase approximately seven percent from the
introduction of several new elite products, which are priced at a premium, and
an increase in list prices across the entire product line. During the current
year, a change was made to the Company's commission program which eliminated
some ties between commissions and quantity savings discount programs. As a
result, reported net price for the first nine months of fiscal 1997 reflected an
increase of approximately four percent due to an increase in reported quantity
savings discounts. Reported net commission expense decreased accordingly. Net
selling price per unit to customers, North American seed corn net margin per
unit, and net compensation to sales representatives are essentially unaffected
by this program change.
Current year per-unit seed costs have increased, offsetting most of the unit
sales price improvement. Higher commodity costs related to the 1996 crop has
pushed per-unit seed corn cost of sales higher than what was recorded the
previous year.
Classical plant genetic improvement activities along with investments made
to access technology which will help expand and improve the Company's germplasm
base are increasing research and product development costs. As a result,
research and product development costs for seed corn recorded to date have
increased $8 million, or approximately 15 percent from a year ago. Annually,
these costs are estimated to increase approximately 10 percent.
Other Regions
Seed corn operating results outside North America increased $12 million for
the first nine months of fiscal 1997 compared to the same period in the previous
year. European operations provided the largest impact, providing $21 million in
additional operating income compared to a year ago. Strengthening of the U.S.
dollar against European currencies had a significant negative impact on current
year reported results. On a constant dollar basis, European operations improved
$42 million for the current period over results recorded last year. The majority
of the constant dollar increase was due to additional unit sales in Italy,
Southern Europe, and Central Europe. Market size and market share increases,
individually or in concert, played roles in these improvements.
Current year-to-date Mexico operations have improved $3 million. Favorable
weather conditions and improved water supply have resulted in increased
year-to-date unit sales. Increased per-unit sales price also impacted current
period results. These factors should improve annual operations over the prior
year.
Latin American operations decreased $11 million for the first nine months of
1997 compared to the same period a year ago. Production problems in Brazil have
reduced our available supply of seed within certain areas of Central Latin
America. Also impacting current year results were performance issues related to
last season's top selling hybrid in Argentina, which has reduced year-to-date
sales there. As a result, year-to-date unit sales are trailing those from the
previous year. New and improved products for the region are in the pipeline and
should be widely available as a result of production in North America. While
this supply will be available, at a higher cost, for the region's current
selling season, it is unknown whether it will be available in time for the early
sales season which falls within fiscal 1997.
Because of good planting conditions this year, the Company expects that a
higher percentage of its annual Northern Hemisphere corn sales were recorded
through the first three quarters of fiscal 1997 than in 1996. Therefore, on a
worldwide basis, we expect fewer fourth quarter corn unit sales in fiscal 1997
than in 1996.
<PAGE>
SOYBEANS
Year-to-date soybean operating income improved over 75 percent from the
prior year, almost entirely the result of record North American operations.
Soybean operations continue to grow, and have improved on the record results
reflected a year ago. All three primary drivers for operating income: market
size, market share, and net unit price had positive impacts for soybean
operations.
Unit sales have increased over 15 percent, or approximately 1.6 million
units, from 1996 levels, fueled by increased acreage and improved market share.
Favorable commodity prices have resulted in additional acres planted to soybeans
in the current year, while continued strong product performance contributed to
market share gains.
Net margin improved from a year ago despite higher commodity costs. An
increase in list prices for the current year, combined with the sales price
effect of glyphosate-resistant products which are sold at a premium, more than
offset the increase in unit costs.
OTHER PRODUCTS
Other products current year operating results improved $9 million over those
recorded a year earlier. Current period comparisons were impacted by the prior
year liquidation of our specialty oils inventory and sale of our vegetable
products line, which combined to improve current year operating results $4
million. Operating income for canola products improved $3 million from year ago
results due to increased acreage and higher market share. Microbial product
results also improved for the first three quarters of 1997 as strong performance
of premium inoculant products pushed operating income $2 million higher.
Year-to-date alfalfa, sunflower, and sorghum products improved from year ago
results, as well. Decreased current year wheat sales in North America, the
result of reduced acreage, lowered other products operating results $3 million
from the same period last year.
INDIRECT GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
Current year indirect general and administrative expenses increased $3
million, or five percent, over 1996 levels. Increase general costs and higher
legal expense, resulting from technology claims and disputes, were partially
offset by the one-time effect of adopting FAS116 "Accounting for Contributions
Made and Contributions Received" during 1996 not present in the current year.
<PAGE>
NET FINANCIAL AND TAXES
Current period net financial income for the first nine months of fiscal 1997
increased $5 million from what was recorded in the prior year. The retirement of
the medium-term note program in February 1996, combined with a lower average
level of short-term borrowing in the current year, reduced current period
interest expense $4 million. A current year gain from the sale of one million
shares of Mycogen Corp. stock improved net financial income $7 million, however,
this was offset almost entirely by an increase in recorded net exchange losses
principally due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against European
currencies. Both of these items are included in net exchange and other gains
(losses).
The estimated fiscal 1997 worldwide tax rate of 36 percent reflected through
the third quarter is the same as what was reflected on an annual basis for
fiscal 1996. The worldwide effective tax rate reflected through the third
quarter of fiscal 1996 was 36.5 percent. The effective tax rate reflected for
the third quarter is based on all information available to date, however, the
effective tax rate on an annual basis may vary from what is reflected in the
current period. The level of profits generated in foreign countries with tax
rates different from those in the United States and the impact from the
repatriation of foreign earnings through the remainder of the year will
influence the final reported effective tax rate.
<PAGE>
PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 6. - Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
a.Exhibits
Financial Data Schedule (Exhibit 27).
b.Reports on Form 8-K
No reports on Form 8-K were filed with the Commission during the
three months ended May 31, 1997.
<PAGE>
PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
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.
PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Registrant)
By /s/CHARLES S. JOHNSON
------------------------------------
CHARLES S. JOHNSON
Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer
By /s/JERRY L. CHICOINE
------------------------------------
JERRY L. CHICOINE
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Dated: July 8, 1997
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> AUG-31-1997
<PERIOD-START> SEP-01-1996
<PERIOD-END> MAY-31-1997
<CASH> 56
<SECURITIES> 127
<RECEIVABLES> 513
<ALLOWANCES> 24
<INVENTORY> 389
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 1131
<PP&E> 1034
<DEPRECIATION> 492
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 1826
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 482
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 93
<OTHER-SE> 1124
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 1826
<SALES> 1642
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 1642
<CGS> 803
<TOTAL-COSTS> 803
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 401
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 6
<INCOME-PRETAX> 446
<INCOME-TAX> 161
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 285
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 285
<EPS-PRIMARY> 3.46
<EPS-DILUTED> 3.46
</TABLE>
