DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC
10-Q, 1997-11-12
FATS & OILS
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                                  UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-Q

                                   (Mark One)
      X QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
                                    -------
                              EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                For the quarterly period ended September 27, 1997

                                       OR

       TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
                              EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
        For the transition period from _______________ to _______________


                             Commission File Number
                                     0-24620

                           DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC.

             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware                                                     36-2495346
(State or other jurisdiction                                 (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization)                            Identification
                                                             Number)
251 O'Connor Ridge Blvd.
Suite 300
Irving, Texas                                                75038
(Address of principal executive offices)                     (Zip Code)

                                 (972) 717-0300
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

                                 Not Applicable
              (Former name, former address and former fiscal year,
                         if changed since last report)

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  report(s)),  and (2) has been  subject  to such  filing
requirements for the past 90 days.

                             YES  / X /          NO


The number of shares  outstanding of the  Registrant's  common stock,  $0.01 par
value, as of November 6, 1997 was 5,187,638.


<PAGE>
                                     Page 2
                   DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             FORM 10-Q FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 27, 1997



                                TABLE OF CONTENTS


                      
                          PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        Consolidated Balance Sheets -
            September 27, 1997 (unaudited) and December 28, 1996..........   3

        Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) -
            Three Months and Nine Months Ended September 27, 1997 and
            September 28, 1996.............................................  4

        Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) -
            Nine months Ended September 27, 1997 and September 28, 1996....  5

        Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).............  6


ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
        CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS ...............................  9



                           PART II: OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS ............................................... 14

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.............. 14

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K ................................ 14

        Signatures  ..................................................... 16

        Index to Exhibits................................................ 17



     The  Private  Securities  Litigation  Reform  Act of 1995  provides a "safe
     harbor" for certain forward-looking  statements.  Certain matters discussed
     in the Form 10-Q could be characterized as forward-looking statements. Such
     forward-looking  statements  involve important risks and uncertainties that
     could cause actual  results to differ  materially  from those  expressed in
     such forward-looking statements.


<PAGE>
                                     Page 3
<TABLE>
                   DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                    September 27, 1997 and December 28, 1996

                (in thousands, except shares and per share data)
<CAPTION>
                                                                                September 27,      December 28,
                                                                                    1997               1996
                                                                                (unaudited)
<S>                                                                             <C>                <C>   
ASSETS                                                                           

Current assets:
     Cash and cash equivalents                                                  $  1,816           $  12,956
     Accounts receivable, principally trade, less allowance
         of $295 in 1997 and $302 in 1996                                         30,594              35,966
     Inventories                                                                  14,529              12,643
     Prepaid expenses                                                              4,069               1,493
     Deferred income tax assets                                                    5,377               6,184
     Other                                                                           257                 484
                                                                                 -------             -------
              Total current assets                                                56,642              69,726

Property, plant and equipment, less accumulated depreciation
   of $74,643 at September 27, 1997 and $55,973 at December 28, 1996             168,227             175,786
Collection routes and contracts, less accumulated amortization
    of $7,532 at September 27, 1997 and $3,222 at December 28, 1996               57,820              59,940
Goodwill, less accumulated amortization of $801
   at September 27, 1997 and $293 at December 28, 1996                            20,444              19,905
Other assets                                                                       5,215               4,288
                                                                                 -------             -------
                                                                                $308,348           $ 329,645
                                                                                 =======             =======
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities:
     Current portion of long-term debt                                          $  5,113           $  15,598
     Accounts payable, principally trade                                          19,443              27,732
     Accrued expenses                                                             27,184              30,118
     Accrued interest                                                              1,074               4,293
                                                                                 -------             -------
              Total current liabilities                                           52,814              77,741

Long-term debt, less current portion                                             136,632             138,173
Other noncurrent liabilities                                                      24,040              20,376
Deferred income taxes                                                             26,893              29,322
                                                                                 -------             -------
              Total liabilities                                                  240,379             265,612
                                                                                 -------             -------

Stockholders' equity
     Common stock, $.01 par value;
        10,000,000 shares authorized;
        5,183,449 and 5,151,979 shares issued and outstanding at
          September 27, 1997 and at December 28, 1996, respectively                   52                  52
     Additional paid-in capital                                                   34,831              34,570
     Retained earnings                                                            33,086              29,411
                                                                                 -------             -------
              Total stockholders' equity                                          67,969              64,033
                                                                                 -------             -------
Contingencies (note 3)
                                                                                $308,348           $ 329,645
                                                                                 =======             =======

                   The accompanying notes are an integral part
                   of these consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>


<PAGE>

                                    Page 4

<TABLE>

                   DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
   Three months and nine months ended September 27, 1997 and September 28, 1996
                      (in thousands, except per share data)


<CAPTION>
                                                             Three Months Ended              Nine Months Ended
                                                          Sept 27,         Sept 28,        Sept 27,      Sept 28,
                                                             1997           1996            1997           1996
                                                                (unaudited)                    (unaudited)
<S>                                                      <C>              <C>             <C>           <C>    
Net sales                                                $114,455         $127,249        $369,061      $351,242
                                                          -------          -------         -------       -------

Costs and expenses:
     Cost of sales and operating expenses                  94,273          101,861         299,898       280,466
     Selling, general and administrative expenses           9,591            9,271          28,316        23,763
     Depreciation and amortization                          8,297            6,968          24,514        19,594
     Provision for loss contingency                             -            5,946               -         6,075
                                                          -------          -------         -------       -------
        Total costs and expenses                          112,161          124,046         352,728       329,898
                                                          -------          -------         -------       -------
        Operating income                                    2,294            3,203          16,333        21,344
                                                          -------          -------         -------       -------

Other income (expense):
     Interest expense                                      (2,914)          (3,099)        (10,089)       (8,996)
     Other, net                                              (113)             (13)            (44)          218
                                                          --------         -------         --------      -------
          Total other income (expense)                     (3,027)          (3,112)        (10,133)       (8,778)
                                                          --------         -------         -------       -------
        Income (loss) before income taxes                    (733)              91           6,200        12,566

Income tax expense (benefit)                                 (210)           1,344           2,525         6,275
                                                          -------          -------         ------        -------
        Net earnings (loss)                              $   (523)        $ (1,253)       $  3,675      $  6,291
                                                          =======          =======         ======        =======

Primary earnings (loss) per common share                 $  (0.10)        $  (0.24)       $   0.67      $   1.14
                                                          =======          =======         =======       =======
Fully diluted earnings (loss) per common share           $  (0.10)        $  (0.24)       $   0.66      $   1.14
                                                          =======          =======         =======       =======



                   The accompanying notes are an integral part
                   of these consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>



<PAGE>

                                     Page 5
<TABLE>

                   DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
          Nine months ended September 27, 1997 and September 28, 1996
                                 (in thousands)

<CAPTION>
                                                                        Nine Months Ended
                                                                   Sept 27,            Sept 28,
                                                                    1997                 1996
                                                                ---------------        --------
                                                                           (unaudited)

<S>                                                            <C>                    <C> 
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net earnings                                                 $   3,675              $  6,291
  Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash
   provided by operating activities:
     Depreciation and amortization                                24,514                19,594
     Deferred income tax expense (benefit)                        (1,622)                  226
     Loss on sales of assets                                          14                   175
     Changes in operating assets and liabilities,
      net of effects from acquisitions:
         Accounts receivable                                       5,372                 3,774
         Inventories and prepaid expenses                         (4,463)                 (205)
         Accounts payable and accrued expenses                    (7,357)                7,866
         Accrued interest                                         (3,220)               (1,567)
         Other                                                       124                  (607)
                                                                --------               -------
           Net cash provided by operating activities              17,037                35,547
                                                                --------               -------

Cash flows from investing activities:
  Recurring capital expenditures                                 (15,524)              (17,204)
  Capital expenditures related to acquisitions                    (1,005)               (1,144)
  Fair value of net assets acquired in acquisitions                    -               (12,453)
  Gross proceeds from sale of property, plant and 
     equipment and other assets                                    5,790                   331
  Payments related to routes and other intangibles                (3,619)                 (105)
                                                                 -------               -------
           Net cash used in investing activities                 (14,358)              (30,575)
                                                                 -------               -------

Cash flows from financing activities:
  Proceeds from long-term debt                                   233,246                15,793
  Payments on long-term debt                                    (245,272)              (30,927)
  Proceeds from acquisition debt                                       -                10,400
  Contract payments                                               (1,047)                 (499)
  Deferred loan costs                                             (1,008)                    -
  Issuance of common stock                                           262                   587
                                                                --------               -------
           Net cash used in financing activities                 (13,819)               (4,646)
                                                                --------               -------

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents             (11,140)                  326
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period                  12,956                11,649
                                                                --------               -------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period                     $   1,816              $ 11,975
                                                                ========               =======

                   The accompanying notes are an integral part
                   of these consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>


<PAGE>
                                     Page 6

                   DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES


                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
                               September 27, 1997
                                   (unaudited)


(1)    General

       The accompanying  consolidated  financial  statements for the three month
       and nine month  periods  ended  September 27, 1997 and September 28, 1996
       have been prepared by Darling International Inc. (Company) without audit,
       pursuant to the rules and  regulations  of the  Securities  and  Exchange
       Commission   (SEC).   The  information   furnished  herein  reflects  all
       adjustments  (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) which are, in
       the opinion of  management,  necessary to present a fair statement of the
       financial position and operating results of the Company as of and for the
       respective periods. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally
       included  in annual  financial  statements  prepared in  accordance  with
       generally  accepted  accounting  principles have been omitted pursuant to
       such rules and regulations.  However,  management of the Company believes
       that  the  disclosures  herein  are  adequate  to  make  the  information
       presented  not  misleading.   The  accompanying   consolidated  financial
       statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated  financial
       statements contained in the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
       December 28, 1996.


(2)    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

       (a)    Basis of Presentation

              The consolidated  financial statements include the accounts of the
              Company  and  its  subsidiaries.   All  significant   intercompany
              balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

       (b)    Fiscal Periods

              The Company  has a 52/53 week  fiscal year ending on the  Saturday
              nearest December 31. Fiscal periods for the consolidated financial
              statements included herein are for the 52 weeks ended December 28,
              1996, the 13 and 39 weeks ended September 27, 1997, and the 13 and
              39 weeks ended September 28, 1996.

       (c)    Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share

              Primary income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net
              income  (loss)  attributable  to  outstanding  common stock by the
              weighted average number of common stock shares  outstanding during
              the period increased by dilutive common  equivalent  shares (stock
              options)  determined  using the  treasury  stock  method.  Primary
              weighted  average  equivalent  shares are determined  based on the
              average  market price  exceeding  the exercise  price of the stock
              options.  Fully diluted  weighted  average  equivalent  shares are
              determined  based on the higher of the  average  or ending  market
              price exceeding the exercise price of the stock options.


<PAGE>

(3)  Contingencies

     (a)  ENVIRONMENTAL

          Blue Earth

          During July 1997,  the Company,  the United  States,  and the State of
          Minnesota  received  Court  approval  of the  proposed  settlement  to
          resolve the government's criminal claims relating to environmental law
          violations at the Company's Blue Earth rendering  plant.  The specific
          violations are contained in the  Indictment  against the Company filed
          on December 16, 1996,  and the Plea  Agreement  accepted in July 1997.
          These violations relate to improper sampling,  testing,  and reporting
          of waste  contaminants in order to conceal discharges in excess of the
          permitted  levels.  The Court approved the Plea Agreement  under which
          Darling has paid  $2,700,000 in criminal fines and penalties,  as well
          as $1.0 million in restitution and remediation.  A Consent Decree (the
          "Decree")  to resolve all state and federal  civil and  administrative
          claims related to the Blue Earth allegations was approved by the Court
          in September  1997.  Pursuant to the Decree,  Darling paid $300,000 in
          civil  and   administrative   penalties,   and  is  undertaking  other
          requirements of the Decree.  The Company recorded a provision for loss
          contingency  of  $6,100,000  during  Fiscal 1996 to cover the expected
          cost of the  settlement  as well as  legal,  environmental  and  other
          related costs.

          Chula Vista

          The Company is the owner of an undeveloped  property  located in Chula
          Vista,  California (the "Site"). A rendering plant was operated on the
          Site until 1982.  From 1959 to 1978, a portion of the Site was used as
          an industrial  waste disposal  facility  which was closed  pursuant to
          Closure  Order No.  80-06 issued by the State of  California  Regional
          Water Quality  Control  Board for the San Diego Region (the  "RWQCB").
          The Site has been  listed  by the  State of  California  as a site for
          which expenditures for removal and remedial actions may be made by the
          State pursuant to the  California  Hazardous  Substances  Account Act,
          California  Health  & Safety  Code  Section  25300  et seq.  Technical
          consultants   retained  by  the   Company   have   conducted   various
          investigations  of the  environmental  conditions at the Site,  and in
          1996, requested that the RWQCB issue a "no further action" letter with
          respect to the Site.  The RWQCB has not yet taken any formal action in
          response to such request.


     (b)  LITIGATION

          Petruzzi

          An  antitrust  class  action  suit was filed in 1986 by  Petruzzi  IGA
          Supermarkets  in the  United  States  District  Court  for the  Middle
          District of  Pennsylvania  (the "Class Action Suit")  seeking  damages
          from the Company.  On September 14, 1995,  the Company  entered into a
          settlement  agreement  providing for the disposal of all claims in the
          Class  Action  Suit.  The  settlement  agreement  was  approved by the
          District  Court on December 20, 1995. On August 18, 1997, the District
          Court  awarded  plaintiffs  attorney's  fees of $1.3  million from the
          Company which was paid on October 3, 1997.

          Other Litigation

          The Company is also a party to several other lawsuits, claims and loss
          contingencies incidental to its business.


          The Company has established loss reserves for  environmental and other
          matters  as a result of the  matters  discussed  above.  Although  the
          ultimate liability cannot be determined with certainty,  management of
          the Company  believes that reserves for  contingencies  are reasonable
          and  sufficient  based  upon  present  governmental   regulations  and
          information  currently available to management.  The Company estimates
          the range of possible losses related to  environmental  and litigation
          matters,  based on  certain  assumptions,  is between  $6,500,000  and
          $15,500,000 at September 27, 1997. Additionally, the Company maintains
          reserves  in  connection  with  potential  claims  under  its  workers
          compensation   and  auto   liability   policies  which  are  partially
          self-insured by the Company. The accrued expenses and other noncurrent
          liabilities  classifications  in the  Company's  consolidated  balance
          sheets include  reserves for insurance,  environmental  and litigation
          contingencies of $18,636,000 and $20,847,000 at September 27, 1997 and
          December 28, 1996, respectively.  There can be no assurance,  however,
          that final  costs  will not  exceed  current  estimates.  The  Company
          believes that any additional  liability  relative to such lawsuits and
          claims which may not be covered by  insurance  would not likely have a
          material adverse effect on the Company's financial position,  although
          it  could  potentially  have  a  material  impact  on the  results  of
          operations in any one year.
<PAGE>

                         
                   DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
     FORM 10-Q FOR THE THREE MONTHS AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 27, 1997

                                     PART I

Item 2.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
           AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


         The following  discussion  summarizes  information  with respect to the
liquidity and capital resources of the Company at September 27, 1997 and factors
affecting its results of  operations  for the three months and nine months ended
September 27, 1997 and the comparable periods ended September 28, 1996.


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

         Three Months Ended September 27, 1997 Compared to Three Months Ended
         September 28, 1996


                                     GENERAL

        The Company recorded a net loss of $0.5 million for the third quarter of
the fiscal year ending  January 3, 1998  ("Fiscal  1997"),  as compared to a net
loss of $1.3 million for the third quarter of the fiscal year ended December 28,
1996 ("Fiscal 1996").  Operating income decreased from $3.2 million in the third
quarter  of Fiscal  1996 to $2.3  million in the third  quarter of Fiscal  1997.
During the third  quarter of Fiscal  1996,  the Company  recorded a $5.9 million
provision for loss contingency to cover estimated costs related to environmental
claims at the Company's  Blue Earth,  Minnesota  plant.  In the third quarter of
Fiscal 1997,  operating  income decreased from $9.1 million before the provision
for loss  contingency in the third quarter of Fiscal 1996 to $2.3 million.  This
decrease  resulted  primarily from declines in finished goods prices and a lower
volume of raw materials processed.  In addition,  the decrease was partially due
to an increase of $1.3 million in depreciation and amortization expenses related
to acquisitions and capital  expenditures.  These decreases were somewhat offset
by  operating   income  of  $1.5  million   derived  from  the   acquisition  of
International Processing Corporation (IPC).


                                    NET SALES

         The Company collects and processes animal processing  by-products (fat,
bones and offal), used restaurant cooking oil, and bakery by-products to produce
finished products of tallow,  meat and bone meal, yellow grease and dried bakery
product.  Sales are significantly  affected by finished goods prices, quality of
raw  material,  and  volume  of raw  material.  Net sales  include  the sales of
produced  finished goods as well as finished goods  purchased for resale,  which
constitute less than 10% of total sales.

      During the third quarter of Fiscal 1997, net sales decreased $12.7 million
(10.0%) to $114.5 million as compared to $127.2 million during the third quarter
of Fiscal 1996 due  primarily to the following A) Decreases in the volume of raw
materials  processed  resulted in a $10.3 million  decrease in sales,  offset by
$0.5  million in yield  gains.  B) Declines  in overall  finished  goods  prices
resulted in a decrease of approximately  $7.9 million in sales.  Compared to the
third quarter of Fiscal 1996,  the Company's  average  yellow grease prices were
25.7% lower,  average  tallow prices were 9.5% lower,  and average meat and bone
meal prices were 8.0% higher.  C) Approximately  $5.9 million in increased sales
resulted from the acquisition of International Processing Corporation ("IPC") on
August 30, 1996.

                      COST OF SALES AND OPERATING EXPENSES

         Cost  of  sales  and  operating  expenses  include  prices  paid to raw
material  suppliers,  the cost of product purchased for resale,  and the cost to
collect and process raw  material.  The Company  utilizes both fixed and formula
pricing  methods for the  purchase of raw  materials.  Fixed prices are adjusted
where possible in response to changes in finished goods market conditions, while
raw  materials  purchased  under  formula  prices are  correlated  with specific
finished goods prices.

     During  the third  quarter  of  Fiscal  1997,  cost of sales and  operating
expenses decreased by $7.6 million (7.5%) to $94.3 million as compared to $101.9
million during the third quarter of Fiscal 1996 as  a result of  the  following.
A) Lower raw material  prices paid,  correlating  to decreased  prices for  fats
and oils,  resulted in decreases of $6.8 million in cost of sales. Cost of sales
and operating  expenses increased  $4.3 million due to the  acquisition  of IPC.
B) Decreases in the volume of raw material collected and processed resulted in a
decrease of approximately $5.8 million in cost of sales and operating  expenses.
C) Cost of sales  and  operating  expenses  increased  $4.3  million  due to the
acquisition of IPC.

<PAGE>
                    SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS
                       AND PROVISION FOR LOSS CONTINGENCY

         Selling,  general and  administrative  costs  increased $0.3 million to
$9.6 million during the third quarter of Fiscal 1997 as compared to $9.3 million
the third quarter of Fiscal 1996. 

         A provision for loss contingency of $5.9  million  was  recorded by the
Company during the third quarter of Fiscal 1996 to cover estimated costs related
to environmental claims at the Company's Blue Earth, Minnesota plant.

                          DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION

       The Company adopted Fresh Start Accounting in 1994.  Under this method of
accounting,  the assets  acquired  prior to December  1994 were restated at fair
market  value and  depreciated  over  estimated  remaining  lives of 5-15 years.
Depreciation and amortization  charges increased by $1.3 million to $8.3 million
during the third  quarter of Fiscal 1997 as compared to $7.0 million  during the
third quarter of Fiscal 1996.  This increase was due to additional  depreciation
and amortization related to fixed asset additions and the acquisition of IPC.

                                INTEREST EXPENSE

         Interest expense decreased by $0.2 million from $3.1 million during the
third quarter of Fiscal 1996 to $2.9 million  during the third quarter of Fiscal
1997. Additional interest incurred on acquisition indebtedness was offset by the
refinancing of the Company's  subordinated notes in June 1997 at a lower rate of
interest.

                                  INCOME TAXES

         The tax benefit of $0.2 million for the third  quarter  of Fiscal  1997
consists  almost  entirely  of federal  tax  benefit.  Tax expense for the third
quarter of Fiscal 1996 was $1.3  million.  For the third quarter of Fiscal 1996,
due to the  non-tax  deductible  nature of certain of the  anticipated  expenses
related to the settlement of  environmental  claims at the Company's Blue Earth,
Minnesota  plant,  these  have been added  back to income  before  taxes for the
computation of income taxes.

                              CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

         The Company made recurring capital  expenditures of $5.2 million during
the third  quarter  of Fiscal  1997  compared  to capital  expenditures  of $5.7
million  during the third  quarter of Fiscal 1996.  



      Nine Months Ended September 27, 1997 Compared to Nine Months Ended
      September 28, 1996

                                     GENERAL

     The Company recorded net earnings of $3.7 million for the first nine months
of Fiscal  1997,  as compared to net earnings of $6.3 million for the first nine
months of Fiscal 1996.  Operating  income  decreased  from $21.3  million in the
first nine  months of Fiscal  1996 to $16.3  million in the first nine months of
Fiscal 1997.  During the first nine months of Fiscal 1996, the Company  recorded
$6.1 million in charges to the provision for loss  contingency for costs related
to environmental claims at the Company's Blue Earth,  Minnesota plant. Operating
income before the provision for loss  contingency  decreased  $11.1 million from
$27.4  million in the first nine months of Fiscal  1996 to $16.3  million in the
first nine months of Fiscal 1997. The decrease resulted  primarily from declines
in  finished  good  prices and a lower  volume of raw  materials  processed.  In
addition,  the  decrease  was  partially  due to an increase of $4.9  million in
depreciation  and  amortization  expense  related to  acquisitions  and  capital
expenditures and to a $1.7 million  expenditure related to the buy back of stock
options of the  former  president  of the  Company  during the first  quarter of
Fiscal 1997. These were offset by a $1.9 million insurance settlement of certain
property and casualty claims with past insurers and operating income contributed
by the acquisitions of Standard Tallow and IPC.


                                    NET SALES

       During the first nine months of Fiscal 1997, net sales increased by $17.9
million  (5.1%) to $369.1 million as compared to $351.2 million during the first
nine months of Fiscal 1996.  This  increase in sales in the first nine months of
Fiscal 1997 was due primarily to the following.  A) Approximately  $37.5 million
was due primarily to the acquisitions of Standard Tallow and IPC. B) Declines in
overall  finished  goods prices  resulted in a decrease of  approximately  $15.9
million  in sales.  Compared  to the first  nine  months  of  Fiscal  1996,  the
Company's  average  yellow grease prices were 9.5% lower,  average tallow prices
were  2.9% higher,  and  average  meat and bone meal prices were  14.6%  higher.
C) Decreases in the volume of raw  material processed resulted in a $5.6 million
decrease in sales, offset by $1.7 million in yield gains.

<PAGE>
                      COST OF SALES AND OPERATING EXPENSES

        During the first nine months of Fiscal 1997, cost of sales and operating
expenses  increased $19.4 million (7.0%) to $299.9 million as compared to $280.5
million during the first nine months of Fiscal 1996 primarily as a result of the
following. A) Cost of sales and operating expenses grew $26.1 million due to the
acquisitions  of  Standard  Tallow and IPC.  B)  Decreases  in the volume of raw
material  processed  resulted in  a decrease of  $2.8 million in  cost of sales.
C) Lower raw  material  prices paid,  correlating  to lower  prices for fats and
oils, resulted  in decreases of  $6.9 million  in  cost of sales.    D) Finally,
increases in  payroll,  insurance,  repairs, steam,  and sewer costs resulted in
a $3.1 million increase in operating expenses.


                    SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS
                       AND PROVISION FOR LOSS CONTINGENCY

         Selling, general and administrative costs were $28.3 million during the
first nine months of Fiscal 1997, a $4.5 million increase from $23.8 million for
the first nine months of Fiscal 1996. Approximately $5.2 million of the increase
was due to the  acquisitions  of  Standard  Tallow and IPC.  An increase of $1.7
million related to the repurchase of stock options held by the former  president
of the Company was offset by a $1.9  million  refund from  property and casualty
insurance  claims.  

     A  provision  for loss  contingency  of $6.1  million  was  recorded by the
Company during the first nine months of Fiscal  1996 to cover  costs  related to
environmental claims at the Company's Blue Earth, Minnesota plant.


                          DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION

         Depreciation  and  amortization  charges  increased  by $4.9 million to
$24.5  million  during the first nine months of Fiscal 1997 as compared to $19.6
million  during the first nine months of Fiscal 1996.  This  increase was due to
the  acquisitions  of  Standard  Tallow  and  IPC  as  well  as  the  additional
depreciation on fixed asset additions.

                                INTEREST EXPENSE

         Interest expense increased by $1.1 million from $9.0 million during the
first nine months of Fiscal 1996 to $10.1  million  during the first nine months
of Fiscal 1997 due to interest charges incurred on acquisition indebtedness.


                                  INCOME TAXES

        The tax expense of $2.5 million for the first nine months of Fiscal 1997
consists of $2.3  million of federal  tax  expense and $0.2  million for various
state  taxes.  Tax  expense  for the first nine  months of Fiscal  1996 was $6.3
million. For the first nine months of Fiscal 1996, due to the non-tax deductible
nature of certain of the  anticipated  expenses  related  to the  settlement  of
environmental  claims at the Company's Blue Earth,  Minnesota plant,  these have
been added back to income before taxes for the  computation  of income taxes for
the third quarter of Fiscal 1996.

                              CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

         The Company made recurring capital expenditures of $15.5 million during
the first nine months of Fiscal 1997 compared to capital  expenditures  of $17.2
million  during  the first  nine  months of Fiscal  1996.  Capital  expenditures
related to  acquisitions  were $1.0  million  for the first nine  months of 1997
compared to $1.1 million for the same period in 1996.

<PAGE>

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

         Effective  June 5, 1997,  the Company  entered into a Credit  Agreement
(the  "Credit  Agreement")  which  provides  for  borrowings  in the  form  of a
$50,000,000  Term  Loan  and  $175,000,000  Revolving  Credit  Facility.  As  of
September  27, 1997,  the Company was in compliance  with all  provisions of the
Credit Agreement.

         The Term Loan  provides for  $50,000,000  of  borrowing.  The Term Loan
bears interest, payable monthly, at LIBOR (5.7188% at September 27, 1997) plus a
margin (the "Credit Margin") (1.25% at September 27, 1997) which floats based on
the  achievement of certain  financial  ratios.  The Term Loan is payable by the
Company in quarterly  installments  of  $1,250,000  commencing  on June 30, 1997
through March 31, 1999; $2,500,000 commencing on June 30, 1999 through March 31,
2002; and an  installment  of $10,000,000  due on June 30, 2002. As of September
27, 1997, $48,750,000 was outstanding under the Term Loan.

         The Revolving  Credit Facility  provides for borrowings up to a maximum
of $175,000,000 with sublimits  available for letters of credit and a swingline.
Outstanding  borrowings on the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest,  payable
monthly,  at various  LIBOR rates  (ranging from 5.6563% to 5.8125% at September
27,  1997) plus the Credit  Margin as well as  portions at a Base Rate (8.50% at
September  27,  1997) or,  for  swingline  advances,  at a Base  Rate  (8.50% at
September 27, 1997).  Additionally,  the Company must pay a commitment fee equal
to 0.25% per annum on the unused portion of the Revolving Credit  Facility.  The
Revolving  Credit  Facility  matures on June 30, 2002. As of September 27, 1997,
$92,800,000 was outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility. As of September
27, 1997, the Company had outstanding  irrevocable letters of credit aggregating
$8,457,398.

         Effective  June 27, 1997,  the Company  entered into interest rate swap
transactions whereby the interest obligations on $70,000,000 of Credit Agreement
floating rate debt was exchanged for fixed rate contracts  terminating  June 27,
2002. The fixed rate contracts bear interest,  payable quarterly,  at an average
rate of 6.60% plus the Credit Margin.

         On September 27, 1997, the Company had working  capital of $3.8 million
and a working  capital ratio of 1.07 to 1, compared to a working capital deficit
of $8.0 million and a working  capital  ratio of 0.90 to 1 on December 28, 1996.
Net cash  provided by operating  activities  has decreased by $18.5 million from
$35.5  million  during the first  nine  months of Fiscal  1996 to $17.0  million
during the first nine months of Fiscal 1997. The Company believes that cash from
operations and current cash balances, together with the undrawn balance from the
Company's loan agreements,  will be sufficient to satisfy the Company's  planned
capital requirements.


ACQUISITIONS

         The Company  periodically  makes  acquisitions  which on a  stand-alone
basis are not  considered  significant  acquisitions  for  disclosure  purposes.
During the first nine  months of Fiscal  1997,  the  Company  made  acquisitions
totaling $4.2 million which included goodwill acquired of $821,000.


<PAGE>


ACCOUNTING MATTERS

         In February 1997, the Financial  Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS
No. 128,  Earnings  Per Share.  SFAS No. 128 is  effective  for both interim and
annual  periods ending after  December 15, 1997.  This  Statement  specifies the
computation,  presentation,  and disclosure  requirements for earnings per share
(EPS) for entities with publicly held common stock. It replaces the presentation
of  primary  EPS with a  presentation  of basic EPS and fully  diluted  EPS with
diluted  EPS.  Basic EPS  excludes  all  dilution  associated  with common stock
equivalents  while  diluted EPS,  like fully  diluted EPS reflects the potential
dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock
were  exercised or converted into common stock.  Although  early  application of
SFAS No. 128  application is not permitted,  proforma EPS disclosure for periods
prior to  adoption  is  permitted.  Pro forma EPS for the three  months and nine
months ended September 27, 1997 and September 28, 1996 are as follows:

                            Three Months Ended              Nine Months Ended
                           Sept 27,     Sept 28,          Sept 27,      Sept 28,
                             1997         1996             1997            1996
                        -------------------------------------------------------
                                               (unaudited)
        Basic EPS         $ (0.10)    $ (0.24)             $ 0.71         $1.22
                          ========    ========             ======         =====
        Diluted EPS       $ (0.10)    $ (0.24)             $ 0.67         $1.14
                          ========    ========             ======         =====



<PAGE>
                             
                   DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
     FORM 10-Q FOR THE THREE MONTHS AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 27, 1997


                           PART II - OTHER INFORMATION


Item 1.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The  information  required  by this  item is  included  on pages 7 and 8 of this
report and is incorporated herein by reference.



Item 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

         No matters were  submitted to a vote of security  holders during the
         fiscal quarter ended September 27, 1997.


Item 6.  EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

         Exhibits

         Exhibits No.               Description

         3.1*       Restated Articles of Incorporation.

         3.2        Amended and Restated Bylaws, dated March 10, 1994 and
                    March 31, 1995.

         11         Statement re computation of per share earnings.

         27         Financial Data Schedule


         *          Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration 
                    Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 33-79478).
   


         REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

         There  were no  reports  filed on  Form 8-K  during  the fiscal quarter
         ended September 27, 1997.


<PAGE>


                                   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.


                                         DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC.
                                         Registrant



Date:  November 10, 1997                 By:   /s/  Dennis B. Longmire
                                             -------------------------
                                                  Dennis B. Longmire
                                                  Chairman and
                                                  Chief Executive Officer



Date: November 10, 1997                  By:   /s/  John R. Witt            
                                             --------------------------------
                                                   John R. Witt
                                                   Vice President and
                                                   Chief Financial Officer
                                                   (Principal Financial Officer)


<PAGE>


                   DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             FORM 10-Q FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 27, 1997

                                INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibits No.     Description
Page No.


   3.1*          Restated Articles of Incorporation.

   3.2           Amended and Restated Bylaws, dated March 10, 1994
                 and March 31, 1995.


   11            Statement re computation of per share earnings.            18

   27            Financial Data Schedule


           *     Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration
                 Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 33-79478).

   

<PAGE>


 EXHIBIT 11



              STATEMENT RE COMPUTATION OF PER SHARE EARNINGS (LOSS)


       The following  table details the computation of primary and fully diluted
       earnings (loss) per common share, in thousands except per share data.

<TABLE>

<CAPTION>
                                                         Three Months Ended           Nine months Ended
                                                        ----------------------      ----------------------
                                                        Sept 27,      Sept 28,       Sept 27,      Sept 28,
                                                          1997          1996          1997          1996
     <S>                                                <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>    
                                                        =======       =======        =======       =======
     Earnings (loss):
        Net (loss) earnings available to common stock   $ (523)       $(1,253)       $3,675        $6,274
                                                          =====        =======        =====         =====
     
     Shares (Primary):
     Weighted average number of
        common shares outstanding                        5,177          5,149          5,168         5,117
     Additional shares assuming exercise of 
        stock options                                                                    337           422
                                                         ------         -----         ------         -----
     Average common shares outstanding
        and equivalents                                  5,177          5,149          5,505         5,539
                                                         =====          =====         ======         =====
     Primary Earnings (loss) per common share
                                                        $(0.10)       $ (0.24)       $  0.67       $  1.14
                                                         =====         ======         ======        ======

     Shares (Fully Diluted):
     Weighted average number of
        common shares outstanding                        5,177          5,149          5,168        5,117
     Additional shares assuming exercise of
        stock options                                                                    369          424
                                                         -----          -----          -----        -----
     Average common shares outstanding
        and equivalents                                  5,177          5,149          5,537        5,541
                                                         =====          =====          =====        =====
     Fully Diluted Earnings (loss) per common
     share                                              $(0.10)       $ (0.24)        $ 0.66       $  1.14
                                                         =====         ======          =====        ======
</TABLE>


<TABLE> <S> <C>
                         
<ARTICLE>                      5
<MULTIPLIER>                   1,000
                               
<S>                            <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                  9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                         JAN-03-1998
<PERIOD-START>                            DEC-29-1996
<PERIOD-END>                              SEP-27-1997
<CASH>                                                   1,816
<SECURITIES>                                                 0
<RECEIVABLES>                                           30,594
<ALLOWANCES>                                               295
<INVENTORY>                                             14,529
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                        56,642
<PP&E>                                                 242,870
<DEPRECIATION>                                          74,643
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                         308,348
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                                   52,814
<BONDS>                                                136,632
                                        0
                                                  0
<COMMON>                                                    52
<OTHER-SE>                                              67,917
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                           308,348
<SALES>                                                369,061
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                       369,061
<CGS>                                                  299,898
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                          352,728
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                            44
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                             0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                      10,089
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                          6,200
<INCOME-TAX>                                             2,525
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                      3,675
<DISCONTINUED>                                               0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                              0
<CHANGES>                                                    0
<NET-INCOME>                                             3,675
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                                0.67
<EPS-DILUTED>                                                0.66
        



</TABLE>


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