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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(b) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED: FEBRUARY 28, 1998
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 AND 15(d) OF THE
SECURITES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission file: No. 33-94644
MINN-DAK FARMERS COOPERATIVE
(Exact named of registrant as specified in its charter)
North Dakota 23-7222188
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
7525 Red River Road
Wahpeton, North Dakota 58075
(Address of principal (Zip Code)
executive offices)
(701) 642-8411
(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, 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 April 10 , 1998
--------------------- ---------------
$250 Par Value 484
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<PAGE>
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MINN-DAK FARMERS COOPERATIVE
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(IN THOUSANDS)
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED
FEBRUARY 28, FEBRUARY 28,
--------- --------- --------- ---------
1998 1997 1998 1997
--------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUE:
From sales of sugar, by-products, yeast
and resale commodities, net of discounts $ 55,862 $ 52,893 $ 101,940 $ 101,555
Other income 134 (211) (653) (494)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
55,996 52,683 101,287 101,062
--------- --------- --------- ---------
EXPENSES:
Production costs of sugar, by-products,
yeast and resale commodities sold 14,490 10,112 25,085 20,012
Marketing (includes freight and storage) 4,981 5,064 10,705 10,893
General and administrative 1,326 1,123 2,277 2,253
Interest 1,524 1,428 2,584 2,614
(Gain) loss on disposition of property and equipment 97 4 99 101
--------- --------- --------- ---------
22,419 17,731 40,750 35,873
--------- --------- --------- ---------
NET PROCEEDS RESULTING FROM MEMBER AND
NONMEMBER BUSINESS $ 33,578 $ 34,952 $ 60,537 $ 65,189
========= ========= ========= =========
DISTRIBUTION OF NET PROCEEDS:
Credited to members' investment:
Components of net income:
Income (loss) from non-member business $ 430 $ (488) $ (50) $ (577)
Patronage income 3,784 6,576 8,509 11,471
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income 4,214 6,088 8,459 10,894
Unit retention capital 240 225 861 753
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net credit to members' investment 4,454 6,313 9,320 11,647
Payments to members for sugarbeets, net of unit
retention capital 29,124 28,639 51,217 53,542
--------- --------- --------- ---------
NET PROCEEDS RESULTING FROM MEMBER AND
NONMEMBER BUSINESS $ 33,578 $ 34,952 $ 60,537 $ 65,189
========= ========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
<PAGE>
MINN-DAK FARMERS COOPERATIVE
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
ASSETS
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FEBRUARY 28, 1998 AUGUST 31, 1997
ASSETS (UNAUDITED) (AUDITED)
------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash $ (2,160) $ 1,235
------------- -------------
Current portion of long-term note receivable 216 216
------------- -------------
Receivables:
Trade accounts 13,434 12,649
Growers (0) 2,819
------------- -------------
13,434 15,468
------------- -------------
Advances to affiliate 1,649 1,910
------------- -------------
Inventories:
Refined sugar, pulp and molasses to be sold
on a pooled basis 56,733 21,576
Nonmember refined sugar 707 112
Yeast 110 89
Materials and supplies 3,730 4,699
Beet Inventory 19,671 --
Other 75 82
------------- -------------
81,027 26,558
------------- -------------
Deferred charges 607 1,249
------------- -------------
Prepaid expenses 2,637 2,402
------------- -------------
Property and equipment available for sale 616 616
------------- -------------
Total current assets 98,026 49,653
------------- -------------
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:
Land and land improvements 20,077 16,546
Buildings 33,352 30,259
Factory equipment 98,688 82,002
Other equipment 3,342 2,810
Construction in progress 6,913 24,157
------------- -------------
162,373 155,773
Less accumulated depreciation (53,372) (51,524)
------------- -------------
109,000 104,249
------------- -------------
LONG-TERM NOTES RECEIVABLE, NET OF
CURRENT PORTION 2,381 2,381
------------- -------------
OTHER ASSETS:
Investments restricted for capital lease projects 225 4,058
Investment in stock of other corporations, unconsolidated
marketing subsidiaries and other cooperatives 8,912 9,425
Deferred income taxes 3,450 3,450
Other 1,004 923
------------- -------------
13,591 17,856
------------- -------------
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements $ 222,999 $ 174,141
============= =============
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
MINN-DAK FARMERS COOPERATIVE
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FEBRUARY 28, 1998 AUGUST 31, 1997
(UNAUDITED) (AUDITED)
------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' INVESTMENT
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Short-term notes payable $ 43,210 $ 19,890
------------- -------------
Current portion of long-term debt 2,513 2,513
------------- -------------
Accounts payable:
Trade (3,065) 4,229
Growers 21,526 8,335
------------- -------------
18,461 12,564
------------- -------------
Advances from affiliate 3,088 1,793
------------- -------------
Accrued liabilities 2,916 2,731
------------- -------------
Total current liabilities 70,188 39,490
LONG-TERM DEBT, NET OF CURRENT PORTION 46,792 47,798
OBLIGATION UNDER CAPITAL LEASE 12,000 12,000
OTHER 689 689
COMMITTMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES 0 0
------------- -------------
Total liabilities 129,668 99,977
------------- -------------
MINORITY INTEREST IN EQUITY OF SUBSIDIARY 648 518
------------- -------------
MEMBERS' INVESTMENT:
Preferred stock:
Class A - 100,000 shares authorized, $105 par value;
72,200 shares issued and outstanding at February 28, 1998
and 66,967 at August 31, 1997 7,581 7,032
Class B - 100,000 shares authorized, $75 par value;
72,200 shares issued and outstanding at February 28, 1998
and 66,967 at August 31, 1997 5,415 5,023
Class C - 100,000 shares authorized, $76 par value;
72,200 shares issued and outstanding at February 28, 1998
and 66,967 at August 31, 1997 5,487 5,089
------------- -------------
18,483 17,144
Common stock, 600 shares authorized, $250 par value;
issued and outstanding, 481 shares at February 28, 1998
and 481 shares at August 31, 1997 120 120
Paid in capital in excess of par value 32,094 23,753
Unit retention capital 7,588 6,740
Qualified allocated patronage 4,076 4,081
Nonqualified allocated patronage 30,960 22,497
Retained earnings (deficit) (641) (689)
------------- -------------
92,682 73,646
------------- -------------
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements $ 222,999 $ 174,141
============= =============
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
MINN-DAK FARMERS COOPERATIVE
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS ENDED
FEBRUARY 28,
--------------------
1998 1997
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Income allocated to members' investment $ 9,029 $ 10,894
Add (deduct) noncash items:
Depreciation and amortization 2,731 2,125
Equipment disposals - loss 99 101
Net loss allocated from unconsolidated marketing subsidiaries (570) (209)
Noncash portion of patronage capital credits 1 (237)
Retention of nonqualified unit retains 861 753
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable and advances 2,295 (129)
Inventory and prepaid expenses (54,703) (60,075)
Deferred charges 642 529
Other assets (81) 282
Accounts payable, advances, and accrued liabilities 10,836 9,454
-------- --------
NET CASH (USED IN)/PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES (28,860) (36,512)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from disposition of property, plant and equipment 1 1
Capital expenditures (3,732) (6,748)
Investment in stock of other corporations, unconsolidated
marketing subsidiaries and other cooperatives 513 (244)
Minority interest in equity of subsidiaries 130 62
-------- --------
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES (3,088) (6,928)
-------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net proceeds from issuance of short-term debt 23,320 45,761
Payment of long-term debt (1,006) (16,006)
Payment of unit retains and allocated patronage (3,440) (2,870)
Issuance of long-term debt (1) 0
Sale and repurchase of common stock, net 0 1
Issuance of stock 9,681 15,619
Issuance of long term tax-exempt bonds 0 0
-------- --------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES 28,554 42,505
-------- --------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH (3,394) (935)
CASH, BEGINNING OF YEAR 1,235 853
-------- --------
CASH, END OF QUARTER $ (2,160) $ (81)
======== ========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash payments for:
Interest $ 2,974 $ 2,646
======== ========
Income taxes, net of refunds $ 6 $ 33
======== ========
</TABLE>
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
<PAGE>
MINN-DAK FARMERS COOPERATIVE
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. The condensed consolidated financial statements for the three months and
six month periods ended February 28, 1998 and February 28, 1997 are
unaudited and reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring
adjustments) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair
presentation of the financial position and operating results for the
interim period. The condensed consolidated financial statements should be
read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes
thereto, together with management's discussion and analysis of financial
condition and results of operations, contained in the Company's Annual
Report to Stockholders previously submitted in the Company's Annual 10-K
for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1997. The results of operations for
the six months ended February 28, 1998, are not necessarily indicative of
the results for the entire fiscal year ending August 31, 1998.
2. In August 1997, the company declared a revolvement of the remaining 1989
crop per unit retains and allocated patronage. That amount, $2.7 million,
was paid to the stockholders on October 17, 1997. In August 1997 the
company declared a revolvement of 35% of the 1996 crop allocated patronage.
On January 2, 1998, that payment was made to the stockholders in the amount
of $.7 million.
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF THE RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED AND SIX MONTHS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1998 AND 1997
The following discussion and analysis relates to the financial condition and
results of operations of Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative ("the Company") for the
three months ended and six months ended February 28, 1998 (the second quarter of
the Company's 1997-1998 fiscal year) and 1997 (the second quarter of the
Company's 1996-1997 fiscal year). The Company's fiscal year runs from September
1 to August 31.
This discussion contains the Company's current estimates of the financial
results to be obtained from the Company's processing of the 1997 sugar beet
crop. Given the nature of the estimates required in connection with the payments
to members for their sugar beets, this discussion includes forward-looking
statements regarding the quantity of sugar to be produced from the 1997 sugar
beet crop, the net selling price for the sugar and by-products produced by the
Company and the Company's operating costs. These forward-looking statements are
based largely upon the Company's expectations and estimates of future events; as
a result, they are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties. Some of
those estimates, such as the selling price for the Company's products and the
quantity of sugar produced from the sugar beet crop are beyond the Company's
control. The actual results experienced by the Company could differ materially
from the forward-looking statements contained herein.
RESULTS FROM OPERATIONS
COMPARISON OF THE THREE MONTHS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1998 AND 1997
Revenue for the three months ended February 28, 1998 increased $3.3 million from
the 1997 period, an increase of 6%. Revenue from the sale of finished goods
increased $3.2 million, while the change in the value of finished goods
inventory decreased $0.2 million. Other income increased $0.3 million.
Revenue from the sales of sugar increased $3.6 million, or 15%, reflecting a 19%
increase in volume, and offset by a 3% decrease in the price for sugar. The
increase in volume is the result of a return to more normal levels of prior year
carry-over sugar inventory, and increased production of sugar resulting from a
larger volume 1997 sugarbeet crop. Based on marketing information developed by
United Sugars Corporation, the Company's marketing agent, the Company's current
estimate is that the average net selling price of the Company's sugar will be
approximately $23.42 per hundredweight (CWT.), a decrease of 4% from the prior
year.
Revenue from pulp (wet and dry pelleted) sales increased $0.7 million or 30%,
reflecting a 31% increase in sales volume (5,500 tons), offset by a 46% decrease
in the average gross selling price. The increase in sales volume is attributable
to wet pulp shipments which increased 7,100 tons, while pelleted pulp shipments
decreased 1,600 tons. Wet pulp sales are a relatively new market that was
developed starting with the 2nd quarter of fiscal year 1996-1997. The larger
volume of wet and pelleted pulp sales for this period is the result of the
larger volume 1997 beet crop delivered for processing. Based upon marketing
information developed by Midwest Agri-Commodities Company, the Company's
marketing agent, the Company's current estimate is that the average net selling
price of the Company's pulp will be approximately $63.50 per ton, a decrease of
26% from the prior year. The expected decrease in pulp prices is attributable to
a combination of excess supply of competing products, lower demand in Europe
because of reduced cattle and swine herds and a stronger US dollar.
Revenue from beet molasses sales increased $0.1 million or 7%, reflecting a 10%
increase in sales volume, offset by a 16% decrease in the average gross selling
price. The increase in molasses sales volume is due to an estimated 12% more
production of beet molasses for fiscal year 1997-1998 versus the previous year.
The larger volume of beet molasses is the result of the larger volume 1997 beet
crop delivered for processing. Based upon marketing information developed by
Midwest Agri-Commodities Company, the Company's marketing agent, the Company's
current estimate is that the average net selling price of the Company's
<PAGE>
beet molasses will be approximately $61.50 per ton, a decrease of 19% from the
prior year. The expected decrease in beet molasses prices is attributable to
abundant, low-priced competing product, uncertain corn markets and lower initial
demand conditions in the beet molasses marketplace.
Revenues from yeast sales from the Company's subsidiary yeast production
facility, Minn-Dak Yeast Company (MDYC), increased $0.3 million or 25%,
reflecting a 46% increase in sales volume, offset by a 14% decrease in the
average selling price. Sales volume is up because January's sales this year
exceeded last year's by some 227%, and thus reflecting more normal monthly sales
volume levels. Selling prices are lower due to aggressive competitive pricing
and factors affecting the formula for pricing yeast to MDYC's only buyer,
Universal Foods, Inc. Universal Foods, Inc. is a minority shareholder in MDYC.
The other contributing factor to the change in revenues results from the
increase or decrease in finished goods inventories. The increase in the value of
finished goods inventories for the three months ended February 28, 1998 amounted
to $24.0 million or $0.2 million less than the increase in the value of finished
goods inventories for February 28, 1997.
In the consolidated statements of operations, Expenses section, Production costs
of sugar, by-products and yeast sold increased $4.4 million, or 43%. There were
a number of factors contributing to the increase in FY 1998 versus the prior
year. First, because of the completion of the recent expansion of the plant
capacity, the Company sliced 24% more beets in the same number of slicing days
for the three months ended February 28th. That in turn caused operating costs to
increase proportionally. Second, the plant expansion meant the addition of fixed
assets, and with that additional depreciation. Third, the Company's payment to
its growers for trucking beets at harvest time increased $0.7 million due to a
change in the payment formula. And finally, Production costs reflect the cost of
sugarbeets purchased from another sugarbeet processing company during this
period. There were no sugarbeets purchased in the prior fiscal year.
Depreciation and interest expenses for fiscal year 1997-1998 are expected to be
higher than fiscal year 1996-1997 due to more fixed asset purchases and more
long-term debt, both associated with the Company's plant expansion plan
activities (see the Liquidity and Capital Resources section). Depreciation
expense is expected to increase approximately $1.0 million to $1.5 million,
while Interest expense is expected to increase approximately $0.75 million to
$1.0 million.
In the section Distribution of Net Proceeds, payments to members for sugarbeets,
net of unit retention capital and unprocessed sugarbeet inventory, decreased
$1.4 million or 4% from the 1996-1997 period. For fiscal year 1997-1998 the
Company is projecting a payment to growers for sugarbeets totaling $71.7
million, which is $0.8 million or 1% more than the prior fiscal year. The
payment is based upon (i) an average delivered sugar content of 17.94%, (ii) a
total sugarbeet crop of 1.72 million tons and (iii) the Company's projected
selling price for its sugar, which is currently estimated at $23.42 per CWT.
This forward-looking statement is based on the Company's expectations regarding
the processing of the 1997 sugar beet crop. The actual production results
obtained by processing those sugar beets could differ materially from the
Company's current estimate as a result of factors such as changes in production
efficiencies and storage conditions for the Company's sugar beets.
COMPARISON OF THE SIX MONTHS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1998 AND 1997
Revenue for the six months ended February 28, 1998 increased $0.2 million from
the 1997 period, an increase of less than 1%. Revenue from the sale of finished
goods increased $9.7 million, while the change in the value of finished goods
inventory decreased $9.3 million. Other income decreased $0.2 million.
Revenue from the sales of sugar increased $8.8 million, or 18%, reflecting a 21%
increase in volume, and offset by a 2% decrease in the price for sugar. The
increase in volume is the result of a return to more normal levels of prior year
carry-over sugar inventory, and increased production of sugar resulting from a
larger volume 1997 sugarbeet crop. Based on marketing information developed by
United Sugars Corporation, the Company's marketing agent, the Company's current
estimate is that the average net selling price of the Company's sugar will be
approximately $23.42 per hundredweight (CWT.), a decrease of 4% from the prior
year.
Revenue from pulp (wet and dry pelleted) sales increased $0.3 million or 8%,
reflecting a 59% increase in sales volume (15,700 tons), offset by a 32%
decrease in the average gross selling price. The increase in sales volume is
attributable to wet pulp shipments which increased 9,800 tons, while pelleted
pulp shipments increased 5,900 tons. The decrease in the pulp average gross
selling price is mostly a result of the greater volume of wet pulp versus
pelleted pulp that was marketed during this period
<PAGE>
versus last. Wet pulp unit selling prices are approximately 89% lower than
pelleted pulp prices. Wet pulp sales are a relatively new market that was
developed starting with the 2nd quarter of fiscal year 1996-1997. The larger
volume of wet and pelleted pulp sales for this period is also the result of the
larger volume 1997 beet crop delivered for processing. Based upon marketing
information developed by Midwest Agri-Commodities Company, the Company's
marketing agent, the Company's current estimate is that the average net selling
price of the Company's pulp will be approximately $63.50 per ton, a decrease of
26% from the prior year. The expected decrease in pulp prices is attributable to
a combination of excess supply of competing products, lower demand in Europe
because of reduced cattle and swine herds and a stronger US dollar.
Revenue from beet molasses sales increased $47,000 or 2%, reflecting a 19%
increase in sales volume, offset by a 14% decrease in the average gross selling
price. The increase in molasses sales volume is due to an estimated 12% more
production of beet molasses for fiscal year 1997-1998 versus the previous year.
The larger volume of beet molasses is the result of the larger volume 1997 beet
crop delivered for processing. Based upon marketing information developed by
Midwest Agri-Commodities Company, the Company's marketing agent, the Company's
current estimate is that the average net selling price of the Company's beet
molasses will be approximately $61.50 per ton, a decrease of 19% from the prior
year. The expected decrease in beet molasses prices is attributable to abundant,
low-priced competing product, uncertain corn markets and lower initial demand
conditions in the beet molasses marketplace.
Revenues from yeast sales from the Company's subsidiary yeast production
facility, Minn-Dak Yeast Company (MDYC), increased $0.5 million or 20%,
reflecting a 30% increase in sales volume, offset by an 8% decrease in the
average selling price. Sales volume is up because November through January sales
this year exceeded last year's by some 37%, and thus reflecting more normal
sales volume levels. Selling prices are lower due to aggressive competitive
pricing and factors affecting the formula for pricing yeast to MDYC's only
buyer, Universal Foods, Inc. Universal Foods, Inc. is a minority shareholder in
MDYC.
The other contributing factor to the change in revenues results from the
increase or decrease in finished goods inventories. The increase in the value of
finished goods inventories for the six months ended February 28, 1998 amounted
to $35.2 million or $9.3 million less than the increase in the value of finished
goods inventories for February 28, 1997.
In the consolidated statements of operations, Expenses section, Production costs
of sugar, by-products and yeast sold increased $4.9 million, or 14%. There were
a number of factors contributing to the increase in FY 1998 versus the prior
year. First, because of the completion of the recent expansion of the plant
capacity, the Company sliced 16% more beets in the same number of slicing days
for the six months ended February 28th. That in turn caused operating costs to
increase proportionally. Second, the plant expansion meant the addition of fixed
assets, and with that additional depreciation. Third, the Company's payment to
its growers for trucking beets at harvest time increased $0.7 million due to a
change in the payment formula. And finally, Production costs reflect the cost of
sugarbeets purchased from another sugarbeet processing company during this
period. There were no sugarbeets purchased in the prior fiscal year.
Depreciation and interest expenses for fiscal year 1997-1998 are expected to be
higher than fiscal year 1996-1997 due to more fixed asset purchases and more
long-term debt, both associated with the Company's plant expansion plan
activities (see the Liquidity and Capital Resources section). Depreciation
expense is expected to increase approximately $1.0 million to $1.5 million,
while Interest expense is expected to increase approximately $0.75 million to
$1.0 million.
In the section Distribution of Net Proceeds, payments to members for sugarbeets,
net of unit retention capital and unprocessed sugarbeet inventory, decreased
$4.7 million or 7% from the 1996-1997 period. For fiscal year 1997-1998 the
Company is projecting a payment to growers for sugarbeets totaling $71.7
million, which is $0.8 million or 1% more than the prior fiscal year. The
payment is based upon (i) an average delivered sugar content of 17.94%, (ii) a
total sugarbeet crop of 1.72 million tons and (iii) the Company's projected
selling price for its sugar, which is currently estimated at $23.42 per CWT.
This forward-looking statement is based on the Company's expectations regarding
the processing of the 1997 sugar beet crop. The actual production results
obtained by processing those sugar beets could differ materially from the
Company's current estimate as a result of factors such as changes in production
efficiencies and storage conditions for the Company's sugar beets.
ESTIMATED FISCAL YEAR 1998 INFORMATION
The agreements between the Company and its members regarding the delivery of
sugar beets to the Company require payment for members' sugar beets in several
installments throughout the year. As only the final payment is made after the
close of the fiscal year in question, the first payments to members for their
sugar beets are based upon the Company's then-current estimates
<PAGE>
of the financial results to be obtained from processing the crop in question and
the subsequent sale of the products obtained from processing those sugar beets.
This discussion contains a summary of the Company's current estimates of the
financial results to be obtained from the Company's processing of the 1997 sugar
beet crop. Given the nature of the estimates required in connection with the
payments to members for their sugar beets, this discussion includes
forward-looking statements regarding the quantity of sugar to be produced from
the 1997 sugar beet crop, the net selling price for the sugar and by-products
produced by the Company and the Company's operating costs. These forward-looking
statements are based largely upon the Company's expectations and estimates of
future events; as a result, they are subject to a variety of risks and
uncertainties. Some of those estimates, such as the selling price for the
Company's products and the quantity of sugar produced from the sugar beet crop
are beyond the Company's control. The actual results experienced by the Company
could differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained herein.
The recently completed harvest of the sugar beet crop grown during 1997 produced
a total of 1,721,240 tons of sugar beets. The sugar content on the 1997 crop is
17.94%. As of this filing, no significant sugarbeet storage problems have been
encountered. While unseasonably warm temperatures occurred in the months of
November through February, other favorable storage factors (such as fewer sunny
days and lack of significant snowfall) helped offset the warmer temperatures.
The Company expects to produce a total of approximately 4,850,000 CWT. of sugar
from the 1997 sugar beet crop and sugarbeets purchased from another sugarbeet
processing company. Currently, the factory is averaging a sugarbeet slice rate
of 7,580 tons per day, above the 7,000 tons per day rate expected under the
expansion plan. Other parts of the factory affected by the expansion are also
performing as planned, with the exception of the pulp dryer particulate
emissions control equipment. Company personnel and hired consultants have
continued to work on solutions for this area. During this period, the Company
did resolve the problem of particulate emissions in the dryer area, and did pass
the particulate emissions test as established by the State of North Dakota and
the Federal Environmental Protection Agency in the Company's air quality
operating permit. The Company has continued to be in compliance since the test
was administered, and will continue to monitor the process to stay in
compliance.
From the revenues generated from the sale of products produced from each ton of
sugar beets, the Company's operating and fixed costs must be deducted, which are
currently estimated to be $26.61 per ton. The deduction of those operating costs
results in an estimated gross beet payment of $41.68 per ton of sugar beets.
<PAGE>
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Because the Company operates as a cooperative, payments for member-delivered
sugar beets, 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 sugar beet crops to the Company and
are net of unit retains and patronage allocated to them, all three of which
remain available to meet the Company'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 sugar beets are processed primarily between September and April)
and because substantial amounts of equipment are required for its operations,
the Company has utilized substantial outside financing on both a seasonal and
long-term basis to fund such operations. The financing has been provided by the
St. Paul Bank for Cooperatives (the "Bank"). The Company has a short-term line
of credit with the St. Paul Bank for Cooperatives for calendar 1998 of $55.0
million.
The loan agreements between the Bank and the Company obligate the company to
maintain the following financial covenants in accordance with Generally Accepted
Accounting Principles (GAAP):
1. Maintain working capital of not less than $6.8 million. Working capital may
be adjusted to include unadvanced solid waste disposal bond funds.
2. Maintain a long-term debt and capitalized leases to equity ratio of not
greater than 1:1. Long-term debt is adjusted for the unadvanced solid waste
disposal bond funds.
3. Maintain a current ratio of not less than 1.0:1.0 based on monthly
financial statements and attain a current ratio of not less than 1.2:1.0
based on fiscal year end audits.
As of February 28, 1998 the Company was in compliance with its loan agreements
with the bank.
Working capital increased $17.7 million for the six months ended February 28,
1998. Increased working capital is a result of $9.7 million of stock sales in
addition to normal financing, operational and capital expenditure activities of
the Company. The targeted working capital for August 31, 1998 is approximately
$7.0 million dollars and, in the Company's opinion, will be attained.
The primary factor for the changes in the Company's financial condition for the
six months ended February 28, 1998 was due to the seasonal needs of the
1997/1998 sugarbeet-processing season. The cash used to provide for operations
of $28.9 million and for investing activities of $3.0 million was funded through
cash flow financing activities, and a reduction in cash. The net cash provided
through financing activities was primarily provided through proceeds from the
issuance of short term debt of $23.3 million; net of repayment of long term debt
of $1.0 million, payment of the remaining 1989 crop unit retains and allocated
patronage of $3.4 million and stock sales of $9.7 million. Working capital as of
February 28, 1998 totals $27.8 million compared to $10.2 million at August 31,
1997.
Capital expenditures for the six months ended February 28, 1998 totaled $3.7
million. Capital expenditures for fiscal year 1998 are currently estimated at
$15.2 million, $13.0 million resulting from the Company's strategy of expanding
capacity and improving operating efficiencies.
<PAGE>
The $13.0 million capital expenditure is a continuation of the strategy to
improve operating efficiencies and the Company's announced plan to expand the
capacity of its manufacturing and agricultural receiving facilities. The funds
necessary to finance the Company's expansion plan, environmental and general
capital expenditures for the prior three years, current year and next fiscal
year, which is estimated to total $86.2 million, are expected to be derived from
working capital totaling $1.0 million, the sale of its common and preferred
stock (net of stock offering costs of $0.1 million) totaling $37.3 million and
the balance, or $50.0 million, from long-term debt secured from the St. Paul
Bank for Cooperatives (the Bank) and/or through the use of a lease (through
Richland County, North Dakota) financed by the issuance of solid waste disposal
revenue and industrial development revenue bonds. As of February 28, 1998, the
expansion plan was on schedule and projected to be under budget.
The Company anticipates that the funds necessary for compliance with the Bank's
working capital requirements and future capital expenditures will be derived
from the net proceeds of a stock offering that was completed in 1996, Company
depreciation, unit retains, non-patronage income, and long-term borrowing. Those
costs not covered through the stock offering will be funded through a long-term
debt agreement, with the Bank who is the principal lender. The long-term debt
created by this expansion will be repaid with funds generated through
depreciation, income tax savings, and reduced costs per cwt of production.
(Depreciation expense is a non-cash expense that under the Company's accounting
procedures reduces the amounts available for payments to the Company's members.
The resources represented by such non-cash expenses are available as a source of
working capital for the Company, which may be used for payment of long-term
debt.)
In fiscal 1996, the company was able to secure a lease from Richland County,
North Dakota funded by low interest, fifteen year tax exempt solid waste
disposal bonds in the amount of $12.0 million with zero principle amortization
for the first three years, and variable increasing principle amortization for
the next 12 years. These bonds were required to be secured by a letter of credit
from a non-government agency bank (Norwest Bank North Dakota) who in turn was
secured by a letter of credit from the St. Paul Bank for Cooperatives, the
Company's primary lender. Solid waste disposal bonds are available under certain
conditions where a by-product of manufacturing must be further manufactured or
refined to produce a salable product.
<PAGE>
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
None
ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES
None
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
At the annual meeting of the shareholders which was held on December 9, 1997 a
proposed change to the Cooperative's by-laws was voted upon by the shareholders.
The by-law change dealt with Sections 1, 2 and 5 of Article III and Sections 2
and 4 of Article IV that deal with meetings of members and election of
directors. The by-law change proposal failed by a vote of 83 shareholders for
the changes and 99 shareholders against. The Cooperative also held election of
directors. Elected to three year terms by voice vote and unanimous consent were
the following directors: Douglas Etten, district eight; John Hought, district
six and Jerry Meyer, district one. In addition, the following directors
(including current expiration date of term) continue on following the
Cooperative's annual meeting: Robert Breuer, district two (1998); Edward Moen,
Jr., district three (1998); Michael Hasbargen, district four (1999); Jack Lacey,
district five (1999); Paul Summer, district seven (1999); and Victor
Krabbenhoft, district nine (1998).
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
None
<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.
MINN-DAK FARMERS COOPERATIVE
(Registrant)
Date: April 14, 1998 /s/ LARRY D. STEWARD
-------------------- --------------------
Larry D. Steward
President and Chief Executive Officer
Date: April 14, 1998 /s/ STEVEN M. CASPERS
-------------------- ---------------------
Steven M. Caspers
Executive Vice President, and
Chief Financial Officer
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