e10vq
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MONSANTO COMPANY
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FIRST QUARTER 2008 FORM 10-Q |
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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
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þ |
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QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended Nov. 30, 2007
or
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Commission file number 001-16167
MONSANTO COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
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43-1878297
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
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800 North Lindbergh Blvd.,
St. Louis, MO
(Address of principal executive offices)
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63167
(Zip Code) |
(314) 694-1000
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed
by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (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 þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated
filer or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large accelerated
filer in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large Accelerated Filer þ Accelerated Filer o Non-Accelerated Filer o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of
the Exchange Act).
Yes o No þ
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuers classes of common stock, as
of the latest practicable date: 547,993,431 shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value, outstanding as
of Jan. 3, 2008.
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MONSANTO COMPANY
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FIRST QUARTER 2008 FORM 10-Q |
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CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
In the interests of our investors, and in accordance with the safe harbor provisions of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, this section of our report explains some of the
important reasons that actual results may be materially different from those that we anticipate. In
this report, and from time to time throughout the year, we share our expectations for our companys
future performance. These forward-looking statements include statements about our business plans;
the potential development, regulatory approval, and public acceptance of our products; our expected
financial performance, including sales performance, and the anticipated effect of our strategic
actions; the anticipated benefits of recent acquisitions; the outcome of contingencies, such as
litigation; domestic or international economic, political and market conditions; and other factors
that could affect our future results of operations or financial position, including, without
limitation, statements under the captions Overview Executive Summary Outlook, Seeds and
Genomics Segment, Agricultural Productivity Segment, Financial Condition, Liquidity, and
Capital Resources, Outlook, Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates and Legal
Proceedings. Any statements we make that are not matters of current reportage or historical fact
should be considered forward-looking. Such statements often include words such as believe,
expect, anticipate, intend, plan, estimate, will, and similar expressions. By their
nature, these types of statements are uncertain and are not guarantees of our future performance.
Since these statements are based on factors that involve risks and uncertainties, our companys
actual performance and results may differ materially from those described or implied by such
forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include,
among others: continued competition in seeds, traits and agricultural chemicals; the companys
exposure to various contingencies, including those related to intellectual property protection,
regulatory compliance and the speed with which approvals are received, and public acceptance of
biotechnology products; the success of the companys research and development activities; the
outcomes of major lawsuits, including proceedings related to Solutia Inc.; developments related to
foreign currencies and economies; successful operation of recent acquisitions; fluctuations in
commodity prices; compliance with regulations affecting our manufacturing; the accuracy of the
companys estimates related to distribution inventory levels; the companys ability to fund its
short-term financing needs and to obtain payment for the products that it sells; the effect of
weather conditions, natural disasters and accidents on the agriculture business or the companys
facilities; and other risks and factors described or referenced in Part II Item 1A Risk
Factors below and Part I Item 1A of our Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Aug.
31, 2007.
Our forward-looking statements represent our estimates and expectations and are based on currently
available information at the time that we make those statements. However, circumstances change
constantly, often unpredictably, and many events beyond our control will determine whether the
expectations encompassed in our forward-looking statements will be realized. As a result, investors
should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. We disclaim any current
intention or obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, or the factors that may
affect their realization, whether in light of new information, future events or otherwise, and
investors should not rely on us to do so.
1
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MONSANTO COMPANY
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FIRST QUARTER 2008 FORM 10-Q |
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Page |
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PART IFINANCIAL INFORMATION |
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Item 1. |
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Financial Statements |
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3 |
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Statements of Consolidated Operations |
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4 |
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Condensed Statements of Consolidated Financial Position |
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5 |
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Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows |
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6 |
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
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7 |
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Item 2. |
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Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
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24 |
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Overview |
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24 |
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Results of Operations First Quarter Fiscal Year 2008 |
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26 |
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Seeds and Genomics Segment |
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28 |
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Agricultural Productivity Segment |
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28 |
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Financial Condition, Liquidity, and Capital Resources |
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29 |
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Outlook |
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33 |
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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates |
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35 |
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New Accounting Standards |
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36 |
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Item 3. |
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Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk |
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36 |
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Item 4. |
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Controls and Procedures |
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36 |
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PART IIOTHER INFORMATION |
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Item 1. |
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Legal Proceedings |
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38 |
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Item 1A. |
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Risk Factors |
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39 |
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Item 2. |
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Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds |
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39 |
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Item 6. |
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Exhibits |
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39 |
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SIGNATURE |
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40 |
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EXHIBIT INDEX |
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41 |
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2
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MONSANTO COMPANY
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FIRST QUARTER 2008 FORM 10-Q |
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PART IFINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Statements of Consolidated Operations of Monsanto Company and its consolidated subsidiaries for
the three months ended Nov. 30, 2007, and Nov. 30, 2006, the Condensed Statements of Consolidated
Financial Position as of Nov. 30, 2007, and Aug. 31, 2007, the Statements of Consolidated Cash
Flows for the three months ended Nov. 30, 2007, and Nov. 30, 2006, and related Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements follow. Unless otherwise indicated, Monsanto and the company
are used interchangeably to refer to Monsanto Company or to Monsanto Company and its consolidated
subsidiaries, as appropriate to the context. Unless otherwise indicated, earnings (loss) per
share and per share mean diluted earnings (loss) per share. In the notes to the consolidated
financial statements, all dollars are expressed in millions, except per share amounts. Unless
otherwise indicated, trademarks owned or licensed by Monsanto or its subsidiaries are shown in all
capital letters. Unless otherwise indicated, references to ROUNDUP herbicides mean ROUNDUP
branded herbicides, excluding all lawn-and-garden herbicides, and references to ROUNDUP and other
glyphosate-based herbicides exclude all lawn-and-garden herbicides.
3
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MONSANTO COMPANY |
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FIRST QUARTER 2008 FORM 10-Q
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Statements of Consolidated Operations
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Unaudited |
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Three Months Ended Nov. 30, |
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(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts) |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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Net Sales |
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$ |
2,099 |
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$ |
1,539 |
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Cost of goods sold |
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1,044 |
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857 |
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Gross Profit |
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1,055 |
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682 |
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Operating Expenses: |
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Selling, general and administrative expenses |
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461 |
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382 |
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Research and development expenses |
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200 |
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178 |
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Acquired in-process research and development (see Note 3) |
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1 |
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Total Operating Expenses |
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662 |
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560 |
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Income from Operations |
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393 |
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122 |
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Interest expense |
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36 |
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33 |
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Interest income |
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(32 |
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(30 |
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Solutia-related expenses (see Note 16) |
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17 |
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10 |
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Other expense net |
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2 |
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4 |
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Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Minority Interest |
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370 |
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105 |
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Income tax provision |
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107 |
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13 |
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Minority interest expense (income) |
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7 |
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(3 |
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Income from Continuing Operations |
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$ |
256 |
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$ |
95 |
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Discontinued Operations (see Note 18): |
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Loss from operations of discontinued businesses |
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(8 |
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Income tax benefit |
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(3 |
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Loss on Discontinued Operations |
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(5 |
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Net Income |
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$ |
256 |
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$ |
90 |
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Basic Earnings (Loss) per Share: |
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Income from continuing operations |
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$ |
0.47 |
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$ |
0.18 |
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Loss on discontinued operations |
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(0.01 |
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Net Income |
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$ |
0.47 |
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$ |
0.17 |
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Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share: |
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Income from continuing operations |
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$ |
0.46 |
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$ |
0.17 |
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Loss on discontinued operations |
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(0.01 |
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Net Income |
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$ |
0.46 |
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$ |
0.16 |
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Weighted Average Shares Outstanding: |
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Basic |
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546.2 |
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543.1 |
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Diluted |
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557.7 |
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553.6 |
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Dividends Declared per Share |
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$ |
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$ |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
4
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MONSANTO COMPANY |
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FIRST QUARTER 2008 FORM 10-Q
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Condensed Statements of Consolidated Financial Position
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Unaudited |
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As of Nov. 30, |
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As of Aug. 31, |
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(Dollars in millions, except share amounts) |
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2007 |
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2007 |
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Assets |
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Current Assets: |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
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$ |
1,617 |
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$ |
866 |
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Trade receivables net of allowances of $229 and $217, respectively |
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1,642 |
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1,499 |
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Miscellaneous receivables |
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473 |
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407 |
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Deferred tax assets |
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453 |
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449 |
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Inventories (see Note 5) |
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2,241 |
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1,719 |
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Other current assets |
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136 |
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144 |
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Total Current Assets |
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6,562 |
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5,084 |
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Property, Plant and Equipment Net of Accumulated Depreciation of $3,401 and $3,260, respectively |
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2,726 |
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2,656 |
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Goodwill (see Note 6) |
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2,735 |
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2,625 |
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Other Intangible Assets Net (see Note 6) |
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1,407 |
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1,415 |
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Noncurrent Deferred Tax Assets |
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774 |
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730 |
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Long-Term
Receivables Net of Allowances of $147 and $131, respectively |
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615 |
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79 |
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Other Assets |
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494 |
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394 |
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Total Assets |
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$ |
15,313 |
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$ |
12,983 |
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Liabilities and Shareowners Equity |
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Current Liabilities: |
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Short-term debt, including current portion of long-term debt |
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$ |
261 |
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$ |
270 |
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Accounts payable |
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673 |
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649 |
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Income taxes payable |
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80 |
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150 |
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Accrued compensation and benefits |
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237 |
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349 |
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Accrued marketing programs |
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467 |
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517 |
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Deferred revenues |
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1,197 |
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260 |
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Grower production accruals |
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351 |
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86 |
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Dividends payable |
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96 |
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Miscellaneous short-term accruals |
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861 |
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698 |
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Total Current Liabilities |
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4,127 |
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3,075 |
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Long-Term Debt |
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1,153 |
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1,150 |
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Postretirement Liabilities |
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491 |
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542 |
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Long-Term Portion of Solutia-Related Reserve (see Note 16) |
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125 |
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119 |
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Long-Term Deferred Revenue |
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554 |
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Other Liabilities |
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804 |
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594 |
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Commitments and Contingencies (see Note 16) |
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Shareowners Equity: |
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Common stock (authorized: 1,500,000,000 shares, par value $0.01)
Issued 579,438,673 and 577,244,601 shares, respectively;
Outstanding 547,227,916 and 545,609,310 shares, respectively |
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6 |
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6 |
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Treasury stock, 32,210,757 and 31,635,291 shares, respectively, at cost |
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(863 |
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(814 |
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Additional contributed capital |
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9,200 |
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9,106 |
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Retained deficit (includes cumulative effect of adopting FIN 48 of ($25)) |
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(174 |
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(405 |
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Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
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(97 |
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(377 |
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Reserve for ESOP debt retirement |
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(13 |
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(13 |
) |
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Total Shareowners Equity |
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8,059 |
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7,503 |
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Total Liabilities and Shareowners Equity |
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$ |
15,313 |
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$ |
12,983 |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
5
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MONSANTO COMPANY |
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FIRST QUARTER 2008 FORM 10-Q
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Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows
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Unaudited |
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Three Months Ended Nov. 30, |
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(Dollars in millions) |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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Operating Activities: |
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Net Income |
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$ |
256 |
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$ |
90 |
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Adjustments to reconcile cash provided by operating activities: |
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Items that did not require (provide) cash: |
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Depreciation and amortization expense |
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143 |
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128 |
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Bad-debt expense |
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19 |
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9 |
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Stock-based compensation expense |
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19 |
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18 |
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Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation |
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(45 |
) |
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(12 |
) |
Deferred income taxes |
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50 |
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(4 |
) |
Equity affiliate expense net |
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2 |
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10 |
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Acquired in-process research and development (see Note 3) |
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1 |
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Other items |
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(13 |
) |
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3 |
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Changes in assets and liabilities that provided (required) cash, net of acquisitions: |
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Trade receivables |
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46 |
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251 |
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Inventories |
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(460 |
) |
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(256 |
) |
Deferred revenues |
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933 |
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592 |
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Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities |
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99 |
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(158 |
) |
PCB litigation settlement receivable |
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5 |
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5 |
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Solutia-related liabilities (see Note 16) |
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(6 |
) |
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(6 |
) |
Net investment hedge settlement |
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(6 |
) |
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Other items |
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(47 |
) |
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(70 |
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Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities |
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|
996 |
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|
600 |
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Cash Flows Provided (Required) by Investing Activities: |
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Maturities of short-term investments |
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22 |
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Capital expenditures |
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(154 |
) |
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|
(92 |
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Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired |
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(92 |
) |
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Purchases of long-term equity securities |
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(26 |
) |
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Technology and other investments |
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(12 |
) |
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(10 |
) |
Other investments and property disposal proceeds |
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|
28 |
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|
13 |
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Net Cash Required by Investing Activities |
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|
(256 |
) |
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|
(67 |
) |
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Cash Flows Provided (Required) by Financing Activities: |
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Net change in financing with less than 90-day maturities |
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22 |
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(1 |
) |
Short-term debt proceeds |
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2 |
|
Short-term debt reductions |
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(8 |
) |
Long-term debt proceeds |
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3 |
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Long-term debt reductions |
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(69 |
) |
Payments on other financing |
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(1 |
) |
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(2 |
) |
Treasury stock purchases |
|
|
(49 |
) |
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(56 |
) |
Stock option exercises |
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|
32 |
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|
17 |
|
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation |
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45 |
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|
12 |
|
Dividend payments |
|
|
(96 |
) |
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|
(54 |
) |
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Net Cash Required by Financing Activities |
|
|
(47 |
) |
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(156 |
) |
|
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents |
|
|
58 |
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|
5 |
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|
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents |
|
|
751 |
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|
|
382 |
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period |
|
|
866 |
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|
|
1,460 |
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Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period |
|
$ |
1,617 |
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|
$ |
1,842 |
|
|
See Note 15 Supplemental Cash Flow Information for further details.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
6
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MONSANTO COMPANY
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|
FIRST QUARTER 2008 FORM 10-Q |
|
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS UNAUDITED
NOTE 1. BACKGROUND AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Monsanto Company, along with its subsidiaries, is a leading global provider of agricultural
products for farmers. Monsantos seeds, biotechnology trait products, and herbicides provide
farmers with solutions that improve productivity, reduce the costs of farming, and produce better
foods for consumers and better feed for animals.
Monsanto manages its business in two segments: Seeds and Genomics, and Agricultural Productivity.
Through the Seeds and Genomics segment, Monsanto produces leading seed brands, including DEKALB,
ASGROW, D&PL, DELTAPINE and SEMINIS, and Monsanto develops biotechnology traits that assist farmers
in controlling insects and weeds. Monsanto also provides other seed companies with genetic material
and biotechnology traits for their seed brands. Through the Agricultural Productivity segment, the
company manufactures ROUNDUP brand herbicides and other herbicides and provides lawn-and-garden
herbicide products for the residential market and animal agricultural products focused on improving
dairy cow productivity. See Note 17 Segment Information for further details.
In the fourth quarter 2007, the company sold its U.S. Stoneville and NexGen businesses as part of
the U.S. Department of Justice approval for the acquisition of Delta and Pine Land Company (DPL).
As a result, financial data for these businesses have been presented as discontinued operations and
have been recast and prepared in compliance with the provisions of Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets
(SFAS 144). Accordingly, for all periods presented herein, the Statements of Consolidated
Operations have been conformed to this presentation. See Note 18 Discontinued Operations for
further details.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have not been audited but have been prepared in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial
information and with instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. In the opinion of
management, these unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to
present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods
reported. This Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with Monsantos Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2007. Financial information for the first three months of
fiscal year 2008 should not be annualized because of the seasonality of the companys business.
NOTE 2. NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 160,
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements an amendment of ARB No. 51 (SFAS
160). SFAS 160 requires an entity to clearly identify and present ownership interests in
subsidiaries held by parties other than the entity in the consolidated financial statements within
the equity section but separate from the entitys equity. It also requires the amount of
consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest be clearly
identified and presented on the face of the consolidated statement of income; changes in ownership
interest be accounted for similarly, as equity transactions; and when a subsidiary is
deconsolidated, any retained noncontrolling equity investment in the former subsidiary and the gain
or loss on the deconsolidation of the subsidiary be measured at fair value. This statement is
effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after Dec. 15, 2008.
Accordingly, Monsanto will adopt SFAS 160 in fiscal year 2010. The company is currently evaluating
the impact of SFAS 160 on the consolidated financial statements.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations (SFAS 141R).
Under SFAS 141R, an entity is required to recognize the assets acquired, liabilities assumed,
contractual contingencies and contingent consideration measured at their fair value at the
acquisition date. It further requires that acquisition-related costs are to be recognized
separately from the acquisition and expensed as incurred. In addition, acquired in-process research
and development (IPR&D) is capitalized as an intangible asset and amortized over its estimated
useful life. The IPR&D is evaluated for impairment and if no alternative future use exists, the asset is expensed. SFAS 141R
is effective for business combinations for which the acquisition date is after the beginning of the
first annual reporting period beginning after Dec. 15, 2008. Accordingly, Monsanto will adopt SFAS
141R in fiscal year 2010.
7
|
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MONSANTO COMPANY
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|
FIRST QUARTER 2008 FORM 10-Q |
|
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS UNAUDITED
(continued)
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and
Financial Liabilities (SFAS 159). SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial
instruments and certain other items at fair value. The objective is to improve financial reporting
by providing entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by
measuring related assets and liabilities using different measurement techniques. SFAS 159 requires
additional disclosures related to the fair value measurements included in the entitys financial
statements. This statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning
after Nov. 15, 2007. Accordingly, Monsanto will adopt SFAS 159 in fiscal year 2009. The company is
currently evaluating the impact of SFAS 159 on the consolidated financial statements.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157). SFAS 157
defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted
accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This statement is
effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after Nov. 15, 2007.
Accordingly, Monsanto will adopt SFAS 157 in fiscal year 2009. The company is currently evaluating
the impact of SFAS 157 on the consolidated financial statements.
NOTE 3. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
2008 Acquisitions: In September 2007, Monsanto acquired 100 percent of the outstanding stock of
Agroeste Sementes (Agroeste), a leading Brazilian corn seed company, for approximately $90 million
(net of cash acquired and debt assumed), inclusive of transaction costs of approximately $1 million. Agroeste
focuses on hybrid corn seed production and serves farmers throughout Brazil. Monsanto consummated
the transaction with cash. The financial results of this business were included in the companys
consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition.
A charge of approximately $1 million was recorded in research and development expenses in fiscal
year 2008, for the write-off of acquired IPR&D. Management believed that the technological
feasibility of the IPR&D was not established and that the research had no alternative future uses.
Accordingly, the amount allocated to IPR&D was expensed immediately, in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles.
Proforma information related to this acquisition is not presented because the impact of this
acquisition on the companys consolidated results of operations is not considered to be
significant. The purchase price for this acquisition was primarily allocated to goodwill,
intangible assets, and fixed assets. The primary items that generated the goodwill were the
premiums paid by the company for the right to control the business acquired and the value of the
acquired assembled workforces.
For the fiscal year 2008 acquisition described above, the business operation of the acquired entity
was included in the Seeds and Genomics segment. This acquisition was accounted for as a purchase
transaction. Accordingly, the assets and liabilities of the acquired entity were recorded at their
estimated fair values at the date of the acquisition. The purchase price allocation for the 2008
acquisition is preliminary and is subject to adjustment pending further assessments, including the
valuation of certain assets.
2007 Acquisitions: In June 2007, Monsanto completed the purchase of all the outstanding stock of
DPL, the largest cotton seed breeder in the world, for a cash purchase price of $42 per share, or
approximately $1.5 billion (net of cash acquired and debt
assumed), inclusive of transaction costs of approximately $36 million.
In January and May 2007, Monsanto acquired two European vegetable and fruit seed companies in
separate transactions for an aggregate purchase price of $57 million, inclusive of transaction
costs of $6 million. Additional contingent purchase price may be payable in the future if certain
earnings targets are met. Such amounts are not expected to be material.
In December 2006, Monsantos American Seeds, Inc. (ASI) subsidiary acquired Fielders Choice
Direct, a U.S. seed company, for $50 million (net of cash acquired), inclusive of transaction costs
of $1 million. In conjunction with this acquisition, Monsanto entered into a five-year global
technology license agreement. Also, in fiscal year 2007, ASI acquired nine regional U.S. seed
companies in separate transactions for an aggregate purchase price of $37 million, inclusive of
8
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MONSANTO COMPANY
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FIRST QUARTER 2008 FORM 10-Q |
|
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS UNAUDITED (continued)
transaction costs of $2 million. In addition, one of these ASI acquisitions included an earn-out
amount of up to $1 million, of which approximately $1 million was paid in first quarter 2008.
For all fiscal year 2007 acquisitions described above, the business operations and employees of the
acquired entities were added into the Seeds and Genomics segment results upon acquisition. These
acquisitions were accounted for as purchase transactions. Accordingly, the assets and liabilities
of the acquired entities were recorded at their estimated fair values at the dates of the
acquisitions. The purchase price allocations for all fiscal year 2007 acquisitions are preliminary
and are subject to adjustment pending further assessments, including
the valuation of certain assets.
As of the acquisition dates, management began to assess and formulate plans to restructure the
acquired entities. These activities are accounted for in accordance with EITF 95-3, Recognition of
Liabilities in Connection with a Purchase Business Combination (EITF 95-3), and primarily include
the potential closure of facilities, the abandonment or redeployment of equipment, and employee
terminations or relocations. Through Nov. 30, 2007, estimated costs of $11 million have been
recognized as current liabilities in the purchase price allocations above, and $5 million has been
charged against these liabilities, primarily related to payments for employee terminations. As
management finalizes plans to integrate or restructure certain activities of the acquired entities,
further liabilities may be recorded as part of the purchase price allocation.
NOTE 4. CUSTOMER FINANCING PROGRAMS
In April 2002, Monsanto established a revolving financing program to provide financing of up to
$500 million for selected customers in the United States through a third-party specialty lender.
Under the financing program, Monsanto originates customer loans on behalf of the lender, which is a
special purpose entity (SPE) that Monsanto consolidates, pursuant to Monsantos credit and other
underwriting guidelines approved by the lender. Under the program as amended in August 2006,
Monsanto services the loans and provides a first-loss guarantee of up to $130 million. Following
origination, the lender transfers the loans to multi-seller commercial paper conduits through a
nonconsolidated qualifying special purpose entity (QSPE). Monsanto accounts for this transaction as
a sale, in accordance with SFAS No. 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets
and Extinguishment of Liabilities (SFAS 140).
Monsanto has no ownership interest in the lender, the QSPE, or the loans. However, because Monsanto
substantively originates the loans through the SPE (which it consolidates) and partially guarantees
and services the loans, Monsanto accounts for the program as if it were the originator of the loans
and the transferor selling the loans to the QSPE. Because QSPEs are excluded from the scope of FASB
Interpretation (FIN) No. 46 (revised December 2003), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities
(FIN 46R), and Monsanto does not have the unilateral right to liquidate the QSPE, FIN 46R does not
have an effect on Monsantos accounting for the U.S. customer financing program.
Monsanto accounts for the guarantee in accordance with FIN No. 45, Guarantors Accounting and
Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees and Indebtedness of Others,
an interpretation of SFAS No. 5, 57 and 107, and rescission of FIN No. 34 (FIN 45), which requires
that a guarantor recognize, at the inception of the guarantee, a liability for the fair value of
the guarantee obligation undertaken. Monsanto records its guarantee liability at a value that
approximates fair value (except that it does not discount credit losses because of the short-term
nature of the loans), primarily driven by expected future credit losses. Monsanto does not
recognize any servicing asset or liability because the servicing fee is considered adequate
compensation for the servicing activities. Discounts on the sale of the customer loans and
servicing revenues collected and earned were not significant during the three months ended Nov. 30,
2007, and Nov. 30, 2006.
There were no customer loans sold through the financing program in first quarter 2008. In first
quarter 2007, proceeds from customer loans sold through the financing program totaled $4 million.
These proceeds are included in net cash provided by operating activities in the Statements of
Consolidated Cash Flows. The loan balance outstanding as of Nov. 30, 2007, and Aug. 31, 2007, was
$157 million and $301 million, respectively. Loans are considered delinquent when payments are 31
days past due. If a customer fails to pay an obligation when due, Monsanto would incur a liability
to perform under the first-loss guarantee. As of Nov. 30, 2007, and Aug. 31, 2007, less than $1
million of loans sold through this financing program were delinquent, and Monsanto recorded its
guarantee liability at less than $1 million, based on the companys historical collection
experience with these customers and a current assessment of credit exposure. Adverse changes in the
actual loss rate would
9
|
|
|
MONSANTO COMPANY
|
|
FIRST QUARTER 2008 FORM 10-Q |
|
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS UNAUDITED
(continued)
increase the liability. If Monsanto is called upon to make payments under
the first-loss guarantee, it would have the benefit under the financing program of any amounts
subsequently collected from the customer.
In 2005, Monsanto entered into an agreement with a lender to establish a program to provide
financing of up to $40 million for selected customers in Brazil. The agreement qualifies for sales
treatment under SFAS 140. Proceeds from the transfer of receivables are included in net cash
provided by operating activities in the Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows. Total
funds available under the program have increased to $140 million under subsequent amendments.
Proceeds from the transfer of receivables through the program totaled $42 million and $51 million
for first quarter 2008 and 2007, respectively. Monsanto provides a guarantee of the loans in the
event of customer default. The term of the guarantee is equivalent to the term of the bank loans.
The liability for the guarantees is recorded at an amount that approximates fair value and is based
on the companys historical collection experience with customers that participate in the program
and a current assessment of credit exposure. The guarantee liability recorded by Monsanto was $6
million and $3 million as of Nov. 30, 2007, and Aug. 31, 2007, respectively. If performance is
required under the guarantee, Monsanto may retain amounts that are subsequently collected from
customers. The maximum potential amount of future payments under the guarantee was $119 million as
of Nov. 30, 2007. The loan balance outstanding for these programs was $119 million and $86 million
as of Nov. 30, 2007, and Aug. 31, 2007, respectively.
Monsanto also has similar agreements with banks that provide financing to its customers in Brazil
through credit programs that are subsidized by the Brazilian government. In addition, there are
similar financing programs in Europe and Argentina. All of these programs also qualify for sales
treatment under SFAS 140. Accordingly, proceeds from the transfer of receivables are included in
net cash provided by operating activities in the Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows and totaled
$38 million and $37 million for first quarter 2008 and 2007, respectively. Under most of these
programs, Monsanto provides a guarantee of the loans in the event of customer default. The terms of
the guarantees are equivalent to the terms of the bank loans. The liability for the guarantees is
recorded at an amount that approximates fair value and is based on the companys historical
collection experience with customers that participate in the program and a current assessment of
credit exposure. The guarantee liability recorded by Monsanto was $4 million and $2 million as of
Nov. 30, 2007, and Aug. 31, 2007, respectively. If performance is required under the guarantee,
Monsanto may retain amounts that are subsequently collected from customers. The maximum potential
amount of future payments under the guarantees was $85 million as of Nov. 30, 2007. The loan
balance outstanding for these programs was $85 million and $66 million as of Nov. 30, 2007, and
Aug. 31, 2007, respectively.
Monsanto
also sells trade receivables, both with and without recourse. These sales qualify for
sales treatment under SFAS 140 and accordingly, the proceeds are included in net cash provided by
operating activities in the Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows. The gross amounts of receivables
sold totaled $3 million and $4 million for first quarter 2008 and 2007, respectively. The liability
for the guarantees for sales with recourse is recorded at an amount that approximates fair value
and is based on the companys historical collection experience for the customers associated with
the sale of the receivables and a current assessment of credit exposure. The liability recorded by
Monsanto was less than $1 million as of Nov. 30, 2007, and Aug. 31, 2007. The maximum potential
amount of future payments under the recourse provisions of the agreements was $26 million as of
Nov. 30, 2007. The outstanding balance of the receivables sold with recourse was $26 million and
$28 million as of Nov. 30, 2007, and Aug. 31, 2007, respectively.
Components of inventories were:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of Nov. 30, |
|
|
As of Aug. 31, |
|
(Dollars in millions) |
|
2007 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
Finished Goods |
|
$ |
949 |
|
|
$ |
635 |
|
Goods In Process |
|
|
1,048 |
|
|
|
893 |
|
Raw Materials and Supplies |
|
|
324 |
|
|
|
253 |
|
|
|
|
|
Inventories at FIFO Cost |
|
|
2,321 |
|
|
|
1,781 |
|
Excess of FIFO over LIFO Cost |
|
|
(80 |
) |
|
|
(62 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
2,241 |
|
|
$ |
1,719 |
|
|
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
MONSANTO COMPANY
|
|
FIRST QUARTER 2008 FORM 10-Q |
|
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS UNAUDITED (continued)
NOTE 6. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill for the first quarter of fiscal year 2008, by
segment, are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Seeds and |
|
|
Agricultural |
|
|
|
|
(Dollars in millions) |
|
Genomics |
|
|
Productivity |
|
|
Total |
|
|
Balance as of Aug. 31, 2007 |
|
$ |
2,559 |
|
|
$ |
66 |
|
|
$ |
2,625 |
|
Acquisition Activity (see Note 3) |
|
|
63 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
63 |
|
Effect of Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments and Other |
|
|
47 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
47 |
|
|
Balance as of Nov. 30, 2007 |
|
$ |
2,669 |
|
|
$ |
66 |
|
|
$ |
2,735 |
|
|
Information regarding the companys other intangible assets is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of Nov. 30, 2007 |
|
|
As of Aug. 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
Carrying |
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carrying |
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
|
|
(Dollars in millions) |
|
Amount |
|
|
Amortization |
|
|
Net |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
Amortization |
|
|
Net |
|
|
|
|
Acquired Germplasm |
|
$ |
1,040 |
|
|
$ |
(560 |
) |
|
$ |
480 |
|
|
$ |
1,028 |
|
|
$ |
(547 |
) |
|
$ |
481 |
|
Acquired
Biotechnology
Intellectual Property |
|
|
893 |
|
|
|
(482 |
) |
|
|
411 |
|
|
|
900 |
|
|
|
(457 |
) |
|
|
443 |
|
Trademarks |
|
|
335 |
|
|
|
(65 |
) |
|
|
270 |
|
|
|
320 |
|
|
|
(60 |
) |
|
|
260 |
|
Customer Relationships |
|
|
268 |
|
|
|
(47 |
) |
|
|
221 |
|
|
|
250 |
|
|
|
(40 |
) |
|
|
210 |
|
Other |
|
|
47 |
|
|
|
(22 |
) |
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
39 |
|
|
|
(18 |
) |
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
2,583 |
|
|
$ |
(1,176 |
) |
|
$ |
1,407 |
|
|
$ |
2,537 |
|
|
$ |
(1,122 |
) |
|
$ |
1,415 |
|
|
|
|
The increases in other intangible assets during the three months ended Nov. 30, 2007, primarily
resulted from the acquisition described in Note 3 Business Combinations.
Total amortization expense of other intangible assets was $45 million in first quarter of fiscal
year 2008 and $36 million in first quarter of fiscal year 2007. Estimated intangible asset
amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years has not changed significantly
from the amounts disclosed in Monsantos Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31,
2007.
During first quarter 2008, Monsanto invested in long-term equity securities, which are considered
available-for-sale. As of Nov. 30, 2007, these long-term equity securities are recorded in other
assets in the Condensed Statements of Consolidated Financial Position at a fair value of $26
million. The sale of these long-term equity securities is restricted for a period of one year under
the terms of the agreement. Net unrealized losses of less than $1 million are included in
accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareowners equity related to this investment as
of Nov. 30, 2007. As of Aug. 31, 2007, there were no long-term equity securities classified as
available-for-sale.
In first quarter 2008, Monsanto entered into an agreement on corn herbicide tolerance and insect
control trait technologies with Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of
E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company. Among its provisions, the agreement modified existing corn
license agreements between the parties, included provisions under which the parties agreed not to
assert certain intellectual property rights against each other, and granted each party the right to
use certain regulatory data of the other in order to develop additional products. As a result of
the new agreement which requires fixed annual license payments, the company recorded a receivable and
deferred revenue of $635 million in first quarter 2008. Cumulative cash receipts will be $725
million over an eight-year period. The interest portion of this receivable is reported in interest
income and totaled $6 million for the three months ended Nov. 30, 2007.
11
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MONSANTO COMPANY
|
|
FIRST QUARTER 2008 FORM 10-Q |
|
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS UNAUDITED
(continued)
In June 2006, the FASB issued FIN No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxesan
interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (FIN 48). As required, the Company adopted the provisions
of FIN 48 as of Sept. 1, 2007. As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, Monsanto recorded a
charge to retained deficit of $25 million, primarily attributable to liabilities related to
interest and penalties on certain income tax matters. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits
as of the date of adoption on Sept. 1, 2007 was $256 million, of which $139 million would favorably
impact the effective tax rate if recognized. It is expected that the amount of unrecognized tax
benefits will change in the next 12 months. However, management does not expect the change to have
a significant impact on Monsantos consolidated financial statements.
Monsanto recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a
component of income tax expense. This policy did not change with the adoption of FIN 48. Monsanto
had approximately $55 million accrued for interest and penalties as of Sept. 1, 2007.
Monsanto operates in various countries throughout the world and, as a result, files income tax
returns in numerous jurisdictions. These tax returns are subject to examination by various federal,
state and local tax authorities. For Monsantos major tax
jurisdictions, the tax years that remain subject to examination are
shown below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jurisdiction |
|
Open Tax Years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Argentina |
|
2000 - 2007 |
|
U.S. state and local income taxes |
|
2000 - 2007 |
|
Brazil |
|
2001 - 2007 |
|
Belgium |
|
2002 - 2007 |
|
U.S. federal income tax |
|
2005 - 2007 |
|
|
NOTE 10. DEBT AND OTHER CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS
Monsanto plans to issue new fixed-rate debt on or before May 1, 2008 to repay $238 million of 4%
Senior Notes that are due on May 15, 2008, and to finance the expansion of corn seed production
facilities. In September 2007, the company entered into forward starting interest rate swaps with a
total notional amount of $500 million. Net unrealized losses of $15 million were recorded in
accumulated other comprehensive loss to reflect the after-tax change in the fair value of the
forward starting interest rate swaps as of Nov. 30, 2007. These swaps are accounted for under SFAS
133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.
12
|
|
|
MONSANTO COMPANY |
|
FIRST QUARTER 2008 FORM 10-Q
|
|
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS UNAUDITED
(continued)
NOTE 11. POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS PENSIONS, HEALTH CARE AND OTHER
The majority of Monsantos employees are covered by noncontributory pension plans sponsored by the
company. The company also provides certain postretirement health care and life insurance benefits
for retired employees through insurance contracts. The companys net periodic benefit cost for
pension benefits, and health care and other postretirement benefits include the following
components:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended Nov. 30, 2007 |
|
|
Three Months Ended Nov. 30, 2006 |
|
Pension Benefits |
|
|
|
|
|
Outside the |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outside the |
|
|
|
|
(Dollars in millions) |
|
U.S. |
|
|
U.S. |
|
|
Total |
|
|
U.S. |
|
|
U.S. |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
Service Cost for Benefits Earned During the Period |
|
$ |
10 |
|
|
$ |
1 |
|
|
$ |
11 |
|
|
$ |
10 |
|
|
$ |
1 |
|
|
$ |
11 |
|
Interest Cost on Benefit Obligation |
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
29 |
|
Assumed Return on Plan Assets |
|
|
(27 |
) |
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
(31 |
) |
|
|
(30 |
) |
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
(34 |
) |
Amortization of Unrecognized Net Loss |
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
|
Total Net Periodic Benefit Cost |
|
$ |
15 |
|
|
$ |
1 |
|
|
$ |
16 |
|
|
$ |
17 |
|
|
$ |
1 |
|
|
$ |
18 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Health Care and Other Postretirement Benefits |
|
Three Months Ended Nov. 30, |
|
(Dollars in millions) |
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
Service Cost for Benefits Earned During the Period |
|
$ |
3 |
|
|
$ |
3 |
|
Interest Cost on Benefit Obligation |
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
Amortization of Unrecognized Net Gain |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
Total Net Periodic Benefit Cost |
|
$ |
7 |
|
|
$ |
5 |
|
|
Monsanto contributed $60 million to its U.S. qualified plan and $1 million to plans outside the
United States in first quarter 2008 and 2007. As of Nov. 30, 2007, management expects to make
additional contributions of approximately $3 million to the companys non-qualified pension plans
and plans outside the United States in fiscal year 2008.
NOTE 12. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS
The following table shows total stock-based compensation expense included in the Statements of
Consolidated Operations for the three months ended Nov. 30, 2007, and Nov. 30, 2006. Stock-based
compensation cost capitalized in inventories was $3 million as of Nov. 30, 2007, and Aug. 31, 2007.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended Nov. 30, |
|
(Dollars in millions) |
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
Cost of Goods Sold |
|
$ |
2 |
|
|
$ |
2 |
|
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses |
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
Research and Development Expenses |
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
Pre-Tax Stock-Based Compensation Expense |
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
18 |
|
Income Tax Benefit |
|
|
(7 |
) |
|
|
(6 |
) |
|
Net Stock-Based Compensation Expense |
|
$ |
12 |
|
|
$ |
12 |
|
|
During the three months ended Nov. 30, 2007, Monsanto granted 2,439,740 stock options and 179,370
restricted stock units to employees under the Monsanto Company Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP), as
amended, and the Monsanto Company 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan (2005 LTIP). No restricted stock
awards were granted under the LTIP or the 2005 LTIP during the first quarter of fiscal year 2008.
In addition during the three months ended Nov. 30, 2007, 14,439 shares of deferred stock and 1,183
shares of restricted stock were granted to directors under the Monsanto Non-Employee Director
Equity Incentive Compensation Plan (Director Plan).
13
|
|
|
MONSANTO COMPANY |
|
FIRST QUARTER 2008 FORM 10-Q
|
|
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS UNAUDITED
(continued)
The weighted-average grant-date fair value of non-qualified stock options granted during the three
months ended Nov. 30, 2007 was $29.53 per share. Pre-tax unrecognized compensation expense for
stock options, net of estimated forfeitures, was $91 million as of Nov. 30, 2007, and will be
recognized as expense over a weighted-average period of 2.5 years.
The weighted-average grant-date fair value of restricted stock units granted during the first
quarter of fiscal year 2008 was $89.68 per share. Pre-tax unrecognized compensation expense, net of
estimated forfeitures, for nonvested restricted stock and restricted stock units was $3 million and
$30 million, respectively, as of Nov. 30, 2007, which will be recognized as expense over the
weighted-average remaining requisite service periods. The weighted-average remaining requisite
service periods for nonvested restricted stock and restricted stock units were 2.2 years and 2.4
years, respectively, as of Nov. 30, 2007. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of directors
deferred stock and directors restricted stock granted during the three months ended Nov. 30, 2007
was $69.87 and $69.74, respectively, per share. Pre-tax unrecognized compensation expense for
awards granted under the Director Plan was $1 million as of Nov. 30, 2007, and will be recognized
as expense over a weighted-average period of 1 year.
NOTE 13. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Comprehensive income includes all nonshareowner changes in equity and consists of net income,
foreign currency translation adjustments, gains and losses on the foreign currency hedge of the
companys net investment in a foreign subsidiary, net unrealized gains and losses on
available-for-sale securities, and net accumulated derivative gains or losses on cash flow hedges
and the interest rate lock not yet realized. Comprehensive income for the three months ended Nov.
30, 2007, and Nov. 30, 2006, was $536 million and $142 million, respectively.
The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of Nov. 30, |
|
|
As of Aug. 31, |
|
(Dollars in millions) |
|
2007 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
Accumulated Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments |
|
$ |
138 |
|
|
$ |
(154 |
) |
Net Accumulated Derivative Loss, Net of Tax |
|
|
(32 |
) |
|
|
(14 |
) |
Funded
Status of Pension and Other Post Retirement Benefit Liabilities, Net of Tax |
|
|
(203 |
) |
|
|
(209 |
) |
|
|
|
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss |
|
$ |
(97 |
) |
|
$ |
(377 |
) |
|
|
|
NOTE 14. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share (EPS) was computed using the weighted-average number of common shares
outstanding during the period shown in the table below. For first quarter 2008 and 2007, diluted
EPS was computed taking into account the effect of dilutive potential common shares, as shown in
the table below. Potential common shares consist primarily of stock options using the treasury
stock method and are excluded if their effect is antidilutive. Approximately 2.4 million and 4.3
million stock options were excluded from the computations of dilutive potential common shares as
they were antidilutive as of Nov. 30, 2007, and Nov. 30, 2006, respectively. Of those antidilutive
options, 2.4 million and 0.1 million stock options were excluded from the computations of dilutive
potential common shares as of Nov. 30, 2007, and Nov. 30, 2006, respectively, as their exercise
prices were greater than the average market price of common shares for the period.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended Nov. 30, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares |
|
|
546.2 |
|
|
|
543.1 |
|
Dilutive Potential Common Shares |
|
|
11.5 |
|
|
|
10.5 |
|
|
14
|
|
|
MONSANTO COMPANY |
|
FIRST QUARTER 2008 FORM 10-Q
|
|
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS UNAUDITED
(continued)
NOTE 15. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash payments for interest and taxes were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended Nov. 30, |
|
(Dollars in millions) |
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
Interest |
|
$ |
15 |
|
|
$ |
10 |
|
Taxes |
|
|
74 |
|
|
|
54 |
|
|
In October 2005, the board of directors authorized the purchase of up to $800 million of the
companys common stock over a four-year period. In first quarter fiscal year 2008, the company
acquired an additional 0.6 million shares for $49 million. In first quarter 2007, the company
acquired 1.1 million shares for $50 million. Through Nov. 30, 2007, the company has acquired a
total of 6.8 million shares for $360 million under the authorized program.
NOTE 16. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Litigation and Indemnification: Monsanto is involved in various legal proceedings that arise in the
ordinary course of its business, as well as proceedings that management has considered to be
material under SEC regulations. These include proceedings to which Monsanto is a party in its own
name, proceedings to which Pharmacia is a party but that Monsanto manages and for which Monsanto is
responsible, and proceedings that Monsanto is managing related to Solutias Assumed Liabilities
(defined below). Some of the lawsuits seek damages in very large amounts, or seek to restrict the
companys business activities. Monsanto believes that it has meritorious legal arguments and will
continue to represent its interests vigorously in all of the proceedings that it is defending or
prosecuting. Although the ultimate liabilities resulting from such proceedings may be significant
to profitability in the period recognized, management does not anticipate they will have a material
adverse effect on Monsantos consolidated financial position or liquidity, excluding liabilities
relating to Solutia. Specific information with respect to these proceedings appears below and in
Part II Item I Legal Proceedings of this report.
As described in Monsantos Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2007, certain
Korean veterans of the Vietnam War have filed suit in Seoul, South Korea, against The Dow Chemical
Company and the former Monsanto Company. Three complaints filed in October 1999 are being handled
collectively and involve approximately 16,800 plaintiffs. The plaintiffs allege that they were
exposed to Agent Orange and that as a result they suffered injuries or their children suffered
birth defects. In 2002, the Seoul District Court ruled in favor of the defendants and dismissed all
claims on the basis of lack of causation and statutes of limitations. On Jan. 26, 2006, the Seoul
High Court affirmed the denial of any recovery for approximately 10,000 plaintiffs, stating they
had failed to show that any injuries they claimed were caused by exposure to the Agent Orange. In
addition, for approximately 6,800 plaintiffs, the Seoul High Court reversed the decision of the
Seoul District Court and awarded damages jointly against Dow Chemical and the former Monsanto
Company in the amount of $65 million (subject to currency exchange rates), plus prejudgment
interest in the amount of approximately $31 million (subject to currency exchange rates) and post
judgment interest at the rate of 20 percent per annum. On Feb. 17, 2006, Dow Chemical and the
former Monsanto Company filed a notice of appeal with the Korean Supreme Court, as did the
plaintiffs. Management does not believe it is probable that Monsanto will incur this liability, and
accordingly, has not recorded a charge for the judgment. As noted, certain dollar amounts have been
calculated based on an exchange rate of 936.42 South Korean won per dollar and will fluctuate with
exchange rates in the future.
As described in Monsantos Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2007, on June 23,
2004, two former employees of Monsanto and Pharmacia filed a purported class action lawsuit in the
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois against Monsanto and the Monsanto Company
Pension Plan, which is referred to as the Pension Plan. The suit claims that the Pension Plan has
violated the age discrimination and other rules under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
of 1974 from Jan. 1, 1997 (when the Pension Plan was sponsored by Pharmacia, then known as Monsanto
Company) and continuing to the present. In January 2006, a separate group of former employees of
Pharmacia filed a similar purported class action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the
Southern District of Illinois against Pharmacia, the Pharmacia Cash Balance Plan, and other
defendants. On July 7, 2006, the plaintiffs amended their lawsuit to add
15
|
|
|
MONSANTO COMPANY |
|
FIRST QUARTER 2008 FORM 10-Q
|
|
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS UNAUDITED
(continued)
Monsanto and the Pension Plan as additional defendants. On Sept. 1, 2006, the Court consolidated these lawsuits with two
purported class action lawsuits also pending in the same Court against the Solutia Company Pension
Plan, under Walker v. Monsanto, the first filed case. The court conducted a class certification hearing on Sept. 12,
2007. Prior to the hearing, all parties agreed the case should proceed as a class action and also
agreed on a definition of the respective classes. The court will now set a schedule for proceeding
on the merits of the case.
Solutia Inc.: The following discussion provides information regarding proceedings related to
Solutia Inc. Pursuant to the Sept. 1, 2000, Separation Agreement between Monsanto and Pharmacia, as
amended (Separation Agreement), Monsanto was required to indemnify Pharmacia for liabilities that
Solutia assumed from Pharmacia under a Distribution Agreement entered into between those companies
in connection with the spinoff of Solutia on Sept. 1, 1997, as amended (Distribution Agreement), to
the extent that Solutia fails to pay, perform or discharge those liabilities. Those liabilities are
referred to as Solutias Assumed Liabilities. Solutias Assumed Liabilities include, among
others, litigation, environmental remediation, and certain retiree liabilities relating to
individuals who were employed by Pharmacia prior to the Solutia spinoff.
Bankruptcy Proceedings: On Dec. 17, 2003, Solutia and 14 of its U.S. subsidiaries filed voluntary
petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy
Court for the Southern District of New York. In the Chapter 11 proceeding, Solutia has sought
relief from paying certain liabilities, including some of Solutias Assumed Liabilities. Solutia
has retained responsibility for all or a portion of Solutias Assumed Liabilities but is expected
to be discharged from a portion of Solutias Assumed Liabilities, and Monsanto will be required to
indemnify Pharmacia for those liabilities for which Solutia has been discharged. Monsanto is
participating in the Chapter 11 proceeding as a creditor of Solutia and acting as appropriate to
protect Monsantos interests and the interests of its shareowners. Pharmacia or Monsanto may have
defenses to payment obligations for some or all of Solutias Assumed Liabilities, and Monsanto has
legal claims against Solutia. Following is a description of the current status of Monsantos claims
against Solutia, the treatment of such claims and certain of the proceedings related to Solutias
bankruptcy:
|
|
|
On April 20, 2004, Solutia filed a complaint for declaratory judgment against Pharmacia
and Monsanto that, among other things: (i) any and all rights that Pharmacia and Monsanto
have against Solutia for indemnification pursuant to the Distribution Agreement are
claims that arose before Solutia filed its bankruptcy petition and may be discharged in
the Chapter 11 proceeding; and (ii) the Distribution Agreement has been fully performed. On
May 7, 2004, the Official Committee of Retirees (Retirees Committee) filed a complaint for
declaratory judgment against Solutia, Pharmacia and Monsanto that Pharmacia and Monsanto
share responsibility for providing certain benefits to certain retirees and must pay
certain benefits to certain retirees if Solutia reduces or terminates retiree benefits. The
Retirees Committee also sought to have the Bankruptcy Court declare all claims held by
Pharmacia and Monsanto subordinate to the retiree claims. This litigation is being stayed
because an agreement in principle (AIP) (described more fully below) was reached to support
a consensual reorganization plan for Solutia. The AIP and the Revised Plan (defined and
described more fully below) provide for a settlement and release for Monsanto and Pharmacia
for the matters raised in Solutias complaint and the Retirees Committees complaint. |
|
|
|
|
Monsanto filed its initial proof of claim on Nov. 29, 2004. By order of the Bankruptcy
Court, Monsanto and Pharmacia amended their initial proofs of claim by June 30, 2007, for
additional out-of-pocket costs incurred, which claims are subject to further amendment(s)
as additional costs are incurred. Monsanto and Pharmacia have reserved the right to file
additional claims on behalf of third parties who have not previously filed claims against
Solutia, as may be permitted under the Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure. |
|
|
|
|
On March 7, 2005, the Official Committee of Equity Security Holders of Solutia (Equity
Committee) filed a Complaint and Objection to Claim against Monsanto and Pharmacia,
objecting to the claims filed by Monsanto and Pharmacia against Solutia on the grounds that
Solutia was undercapitalized at its inception, Pharmacia failed to disclose the full extent
of the potential legacy liabilities at the time of Solutias spinoff, and Solutias
indemnity obligations to Pharmacia and Monsanto are unduly burdensome. The Equity
Committees Complaint and Objection to Claim seeks, among other things, to: (i)
recharacterize Monsantos and Pharmacias claims as equity interests and subordinate these
equity interests; (ii) disallow and expunge any claims of Monsanto and Pharmacia related to
the spinoff; (iii) obtain a declaration that the provisions of the Distribution Agreement
requiring Solutia to assume the legacy liabilities and requiring Solutia to indemnify
Monsanto and Pharmacia were unconscionable and may be avoided; and (iv) allocate all
liability for claims related to environmental contamination allegedly caused by
Pharmacia to Monsanto and Pharmacia and obtain a declaration that Solutia is entitled to an implied
indemnity in |
16
|
|
|
MONSANTO COMPANY |
|
FIRST QUARTER 2008 FORM 10-Q
|
|
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS UNAUDITED
(continued)
|
|
|
contract or in tort from Pharmacia and Monsanto for any liability of Solutia
arising from the legacy liabilities of Pharmacia. On Sept. 14, 2006, the Bankruptcy Court
determined that the Equity Committee lacks standing to pursue Solutias claims against
Pharmacia and Monsanto but that the Equity Committee has standing to pursue its own
objections to the claims of Pharmacia and Monsanto. Pharmacia and Monsanto intend to
challenge any pursuit of claims by the Equity Committee. However, this litigation is also
being stayed because the AIP has been reached to support a consensual reorganization plan for Solutia. The AIP and the Revised Plan provide
for a settlement and release for Monsanto and Pharmacia for the matters raised in the Equity
Committees Complaint and Objection to Claim. |
|
|
|
On Dec. 16, 2005, Solutia filed a complaint against Pharmacia and Monsanto to recover
alleged preferential transfers from Monsanto and avoid the transfers of certain liabilities
allegedly fraudulently transferred to Solutia by Pharmacia and Monsanto. Concurrent with
this filing, Solutia announced that it filed this action to preserve the legal rights of
its bankruptcy estate, and it has made no decision to pursue this action. The complaint is
redundant in many respects to other pending actions filed against Monsanto and Pharmacia by
other constituents in the case (including the Equity Committee and the Retirees
Committee). This litigation is also currently stayed, and the matters raised in Solutias
complaint are being resolved under the AIP and Revised Plan. |
|
|
|
|
Solutia, the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors (Creditors Committee), the
Retirees Committee, Monsanto and Pharmacia have agreed to stay all litigation in the
bankruptcy proceedings, which stay remains in force and effect, subject to any partys
right to issue a termination notice. No termination notice has been issued and no such
notice is expected to be issued in the near term, because the AIP has been reached to
support a consensual reorganization plan for Solutia and the Revised Plan has been
approved. |
|
|
|
|
On Aug. 17, 2007, the AIP was reached among Solutia, Monsanto, Pharmacia, the
Creditors Committee, the Retirees Committee, the Ad Hoc Solutia Trade Claims Committee,
the Ad Hoc Committee of Solutia Noteholders, and the Equity Committee. The AIP (i) forms
the basis for a consensual plan of reorganization for Solutia; (ii) resolves all pending
litigation and objections including Solutias, the Retirees Committees and the Equity
Committees litigation complaints against Monsanto and Pharmacia (described above); and
(iii) provides Solutia with significant relief from certain of Solutias Assumed
Liabilities. The AIP has been incorporated into a revised plan of reorganization (Revised
Plan) and revised disclosure statement (Revised Disclosure Statement) which were filed in
the Bankruptcy Court on Oct. 15, 2007. |
|
|
|
|
Monsantos contribution commitment to Solutia under the Revised Plan is similar to that
described in Solutias original Plan of Reorganization filed on Feb. 14, 2006, with the
exception that Monsanto will not backstop a $250 million rights offering to certain
unsecured creditors who are given the opportunity to purchase the common stock of
Reorganized Solutia. Consistent with Solutias original reorganization plan, under the
Revised Plan with regard to Solutias Assumed Liabilities, Monsanto will (i) accept
financial responsibility for toxic tort litigation relating to Pharmacias chemical
business that occurred prior to Sept. 1, 1997; (ii) accept financial responsibility for
environmental remediation obligations at sites relating to Pharmacias chemical business
which Solutia never owned or operated; and (iii) share financial responsibility for
off-site environmental remediation costs in Anniston, Alabama, and Sauget, Illinois,
provided that Solutia would pay the first $50 million, Monsanto would pay the next $50
million minus amounts Monsanto paid toward these sites during Solutias Chapter 11 case,
and Solutia would pay the next $325 million, if needed, after which Monsanto and Solutia
would share responsibility for costs equally. However, because of the length of Solutias
bankruptcy proceeding, Monsanto has already incurred $74 million for offsite environmental
remediation and related legal costs in Anniston, Alabama, and Sauget, Illinois, as of Nov.
30, 2007. Upon the effective date of the Revised Plan, Monsanto would receive cash
reimbursement for environmental remediation payments made at Anniston, Alabama, and Sauget,
Illinois, during the course of Solutias Chapter 11 case in excess of $50 million. The
Revised Plan also provides for a comprehensive retiree settlement and includes a release
for Monsanto and Pharmacia from certain legacy liabilities associated with Pharmacias
chemical business that arose prior to Sept. 1, 1997, including liabilities related to
retiree medical, retiree life insurance, and disability benefits for individuals who
retired or became disabled prior to Sept. 1, 1997. In consideration for Monsantos
contributions in the Revised Plan, the resolution of Monsantos claims in Solutias Chapter
11 case, and settlement
of ongoing and potential litigation in the case, among other things, on the effective date of the Revised Plan, |
17
|
|
|
MONSANTO COMPANY |
|
FIRST QUARTER 2008 FORM 10-Q
|
|
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS UNAUDITED
(continued)
|
|
|
Monsanto would receive $175 million in
cash from Solutia from the proceeds of an offering of approximately 17 percent of common
stock of Reorganized Solutia for eligible Solutia equity holders; provided, however, that
if the proceeds from the offering are less than $175 million, Monsanto would receive (i)
cash equal to the aggregate proceeds of the sale of Solutias new common stock to eligible
Solutia equity holders, plus (ii) a number of shares of Solutias new common stock equal to
the difference between the number of shares equal to 17 percent of Solutias new common
stock and the number of shares of Solutias new common stock that were sold to eligible
equity holders in the offering. On the effective date of the Revised Plan, Monsanto will
also receive a cash reimbursement for professional fees incurred by Monsanto during the
course of Solutias Chapter 11 proceedings, which amount will be limited by the amount approved and allowed by the Bankruptcy Court for payment of
fees to the Creditors Committees professionals (which amount is estimated to exceed $30
million). The Revised Plan also provides for a settlement and release for Monsanto and
Pharmacia for the litigation filed by Solutia, the Retirees Committee, and the Equity
Committee against Monsanto and Pharmacia. |
|
|
|
The Bankruptcy Court held a hearing on Oct. 19, 2007, to consider the legal adequacy of
the Revised Disclosure Statement which accompanies the Revised Plan. At that hearing, the
Court determined that the Revised Disclosure Statement provided sufficient information for
creditors and other parties to make an informed decision to vote on the Revised Plan and
scheduled confirmation hearings. At the confirmation hearing on Nov. 29, 2007, Solutia
announced that the requisite number and amount of Solutias creditors and
parties-in-interest voted to accept the Revised Plan, and after conducting a confirmation
hearing, the Bankruptcy Court approved the Revised Plan and all the settlements by and
between Solutia, Pharmacia, Monsanto, the Retirees Committee, the Equity Committee and
others. |
|
|
|
|
On Dec. 14, 2007, Solutia announced that its equity rights offering had been fully
subscribed, based on non-binding indications of interest from eligible equity holders. If
these holders act on their promise and pay for the Solutia shares, under the Revised Plan
as described above, Monsanto will not receive an equity stake in Solutia but rather will
receive $175 million in cash upon Solutias emergence from bankruptcy. The Revised Plan
will not be effective or binding until all conditions precedent to the effective date (as
set forth in the Revised Plan) have been satisfied or waived pursuant to the terms of the
Revised Plan. The conditions for effectiveness of the Revised Plan include, among other
things, Solutias entry into an exit financing facility with its lenders, which Solutia
currently estimates to occur in late January 2008. |
Solutia-related Expenses: Both immediately prior to and since its Chapter 11 filing, Solutia failed
to perform its obligations relating to some of Solutias Assumed Liabilities. In order to protect
Pharmacias and Monsantos interests, pursuant to Monsantos obligation to indemnify Pharmacia and
on an interim basis, Monsanto assumed the management and defense of certain third-party tort
litigation and funded some of Solutias environmental obligations. In the process of managing such
litigation and environmental liabilities, and through Monsantos involvement in the bankruptcy
process, Monsanto determined that it was probable that Monsanto would incur some expenses related
to third-party tort litigation and environmental liabilities and that the amount of certain of
these expenses could be reasonably estimated. In December 2004, Monsanto determined that it was
appropriate to establish a reserve for such expenses based on the best estimates by Monsantos
management with input from its legal and other outside advisors. Accordingly, a charge in the
amount of $284 million (the Solutia-related charge or the charge) was recorded in Monsantos first
quarter fiscal 2005 results. As of Nov. 30, 2007, $185 million
was recorded in the Condensed Statements of
Consolidated Financial Position ($60 million in current liabilities and $125 million in other
liabilities).
18
|
|
|
MONSANTO COMPANY |
|
FIRST QUARTER 2008 FORM 10-Q
|
|
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS UNAUDITED
(continued)
A portion of the charge was discounted, using a risk-free discount rate of 3.5 percent. The
remaining portion of the charge was not subject to discounting because of uncertainties in the
timing of cash outlay or was paid during first quarter of fiscal year 2005. In first quarter 2008,
interest expense of $1 million was recognized for the accretion of the discounted amount. The
following table provides a detailed summary of the discounted and undiscounted amounts included in
the charge.
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Dollars in millions) |
|
|
|
|
|
Undiscounted Portion: |
|
|
|
|
Amount accrued in first quarter fiscal year 2005 |
|
$ |
86 |
|
Amount accrued and paid during first quarter fiscal year 2005 |
|
|
21 |
|
|
Aggregate Undiscounted Amount |
|
|
107 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Discounted Portion: |
|
|
|
|
Expected payment (undiscounted) for: 2005 |
|
|
29 |
|
2006 |
|
|
26 |
|
2007 |
|
|
18 |
|
2008 |
|
|
7 |
|
2009 |
|
|
5 |
|
Undiscounted aggregate expected payments after 2009 |
|
|
137 |
|
|
Aggregate Amount to be Discounted as of Nov. 30, 2004 |
|
|
222 |
|
Discount, as of Nov. 30, 2004 |
|
|
(45 |
) |
|
Aggregate Discounted Amount Accrued in First Quarter Fiscal Year 2005 |
|
|
177 |
|
|
Total Charge Recognized in First Quarter Fiscal Year 2005 |
|
$ |
284 |
|
|
Payments |
|
|
(49 |
) |
Accretion |
|
|
4 |
|
|
Balance Aug. 31, 2005 |
|
$ |
239 |
|
Payments |
|
|
(34 |
) |
Accretion |
|
|
5 |
|
|
Balance Aug. 31, 2006 |
|
$ |
210 |
|
Payments |
|
|
(33 |
) |
Accretion |
|
|
3 |
|
Additional charge recognized in fiscal year 2007 |
|
|
2 |
|
|
Balance Aug. 31, 2007 |
|
$ |
182 |
|
Payments |
|
|
(6 |
) |
Accretion |
|
|
1 |
|
Additional charge recognized in fiscal year 2008 |
|
|
8 |
|
|
Balance Nov. 30, 2007 |
|
$ |
185 |
|
|
Monsanto believes that the Solutia-related charge represents the discounted cost that Monsanto
would expect to incur in connection with these litigation and environmental matters. Monsanto
expects to pay for these potential liabilities over time as the various legal proceedings are
resolved and remediation is performed at the various environmental sites. Actual costs to Monsanto
may differ materially from this estimate. Further, additional litigation or environmental matters
that are not reflected in the charge may arise in the future, and Monsanto may also manage, settle,
or pay judgments or damages with respect to litigation or environmental matters in order to
mitigate contingent potential liability and protect Pharmacia and Monsanto.
In addition to the Solutia-related charge, Monsanto has incurred legal and other costs related to
the Chapter 11 proceeding and its Solutia-related indemnification obligations to Pharmacia. These
costs, along with excess amounts for the Sauget and Anniston remediation described above, are
expensed as incurred because the potential future costs to Monsanto to protect its interests cannot
be reasonably estimated. The legal and other costs, together with the Solutia-related charge, are
reflected in the Statements of Consolidated Operations as Solutia-related expenses.
Potential Reimbursements: As described above in the Bankruptcy Proceedings section, the Revised
Plan provides that Monsanto would be reimbursed for a portion of its legal and other costs related
to the bankruptcy, the excess amounts for the Sauget and Anniston remediation, and up to $175
million in cash or a combination of cash and Solutia stock. The charge does not reflect any
recoveries Monsanto might receive through the bankruptcy process. Since Monsanto has previously
recognized such expenses and the Solutia-related charge, any such amounts would result in a gain.
Further, a portion of Monsantos claim relates to warrants Solutia did not issue, which Monsanto
has not recorded in its financial statements. In September 2003, the state and federal courts
approved a global settlement of certain PCB litigation: Sabrina Abernathy et al. v. Monsanto
Company et al. (a group of consolidated cases in the Circuit Court of Etowah County,
19
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MONSANTO COMPANY |
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FIRST QUARTER 2008 FORM 10-Q
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|
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS UNAUDITED
(continued)
Alabama); and Antonia Tolbert et al. v. Monsanto Company et al. (in the U.S. District Court for the Northern
District of Alabama). Monsanto, Solutia and Pharmacia are each responsible for paying the full
amount of the settlement. However, they agreed among themselves that Solutia would pay $50 million of the settlement amount over the next
11 years or more. Solutia has made four payments of $5 million each through September 2007, and is
obligated to continue making its settlement payments under the terms of the Revised Plan. Monsanto
paid $150 million of its share of the $550 million cash settlement in August 2003, and the
remaining $400 million was paid in September 2003. In connection with that settlement, Solutia
agreed to issue warrants to Monsanto for the purchase of up to 10 million shares of Solutia common
stock, at an exercise price of $1.104 per share. Solutia did not execute a final warrant agreement
or issue or deliver the warrants, and Monsanto has asserted a claim for its unreimbursed settlement
contribution in the course of Solutias Chapter 11 proceeding. Under the Revised Plan, Solutias
obligation to issue the warrants will be resolved once the Revised Plan becomes effective and
binding.
In addition, the charge does not reflect any insurance reimbursements or any recoveries Monsanto
might receive through actions that it is pursuing on Pharmacias behalf with regard to the
Anniston, Alabama, Sauget, Illinois, and Lower Passaic River, New Jersey, sites. Receivables of $13
million were recorded as of Nov. 30, 2007 ($10 million was recorded in miscellaneous receivables
and $3 million was recorded in other assets), for the anticipated insurance reimbursement of a
portion of Monsantos settlement payments for certain litigation related to Anniston, Alabama.
Monsanto expects these receivables to be paid over three years, in quarterly installments, which
began in March 2005. Monsanto has received net insurance proceeds of $146 million.
Because of the various uncertainties as to amounts, nature of claims, identification of remedies,
determinations of liability, and the timing and terms of Solutias emergence from bankruptcy, among
other things, the degree to which Monsanto may ultimately be responsible or incur costs for the
particular matters reflected in the charge or other of Solutias Assumed Liabilities or
Solutia-related expenses remains uncertain.
Solutia Litigation Obligations: Included in the Solutia-related charge are amounts related to
certain of Solutias third-party tort litigation, including lawsuits involving polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, and other chemical and premises liability litigation. The following
describes the significant litigation matters reflected in the Solutia-related charge.
On Dec. 17, 2004, 15 plaintiffs filed a purported class action lawsuit, styled Virdie Allen, et al.
v. Monsanto, et al., in the Putnam County, West Virginia, state court against Monsanto, Pharmacia
and seven other defendants. Monsanto is named as the successor in interest to the liabilities of
Pharmacia. The alleged class consists of all current and former residents, workers, and students
who, between 1949 and the present, were allegedly exposed to dioxins/furans contamination in
counties surrounding Nitro, West Virginia. The complaint alleges that the source of the
contamination is a chemical plant in Nitro, formerly owned and operated by Pharmacia and later by
Flexsys, a joint venture between Solutia and Akzo Nobel Chemicals, Inc. (Akzo Nobel). Akzo Nobel
and Flexsys are named defendants in the case but Solutia is not, due to its pending bankruptcy
proceeding. The suit seeks damages for property cleanup costs, loss of real estate value, funds to
test property for contamination levels, funds to test for human contamination, and future medical
monitoring costs. The complaint also seeks an injunction against further contamination and punitive
damages. Akzo Nobel and the Flexsys group of defendants tendered their cases to Monsanto for
indemnification and defense. Monsanto agreed to indemnify and defend Akzo Nobel and the Flexsys
defendant group. The class action certification hearing was held on Oct. 29, 2007. On Oct. 1, 2007,
78 separate, single plaintiff civil actions were filed in Putnam County, West Virginia, against
Monsanto, Pharmacia, Akzo Nobel (and several of its affiliates), Flexsys America Co. (and several
of its affiliates), Solutia, and Apogee Coal Company, LLC. Except for the name of the plaintiff,
each complaint is identical and each alleges personal injury occasioned by exposure to dioxin
generated by the Nitro Plant during production of 2,4,5 T (1949-1969) and thereafter. These cases
are related to, and were filed in the same court as, the Allen action described above.
Solutia Environmental Obligations: Included in the Solutia-related charge are amounts related to
certain of Solutias environmental liabilities, particularly expenses for environmental remediation
of sites Solutia never owned or operated and sites beyond the property lines of Solutias current
or former operations. The following describes the significant environmental matters reflected in
the Solutia-related charge.
20
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|
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS UNAUDITED
(continued)
On Aug. 4, 2003, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama approved a Revised
Partial Consent Decree (RPCD), pursuant to which Pharmacia and Solutia are obligated to perform PCB
residential cleanup work and a remedial investigation/feasibility study of PCB contamination in
Anniston, among other things. Based on Solutias failure to perform, on March 25, 2004, Monsanto,
acting on behalf of Pharmacia, entered into an arrangement with the EPA and Solutia to perform
certain environmental obligations at the Anniston, Alabama, and Sauget, Illinois, sites under the
RPCD and other orders where both Solutia and Pharmacia are named parties. As a part of this
arrangement, Monsanto has agreed with the EPA to perform certain remediation in Anniston and Sauget until Monsanto invokes a 60-day notice of
termination provision, which Monsanto has not invoked. In July 2006, Monsanto, on behalf of itself
and Pharmacia, Solutia and the United States entered a stipulation and agreement resolving
outstanding penalty and other issues associated with the RPCD.
In May 2002, the EPA sent Monsanto and Solutia a notice of potential liability and offer to
negotiate for removal action regarding dioxin in the Kanawha River in Putnam and Kanawha counties,
West Virginia, which was premised on Pharmacias former operations at its Nitro, West Virginia,
manufacturing facility. The EPA, Monsanto and Pharmacia have negotiated a consent order under which
Monsanto is preparing an Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis Report, which will contain the
results of Monsantos investigation of dioxin contamination in the Kanawha River, the sources of
such contamination, an evaluation of removal options, and a recommended approach to removing or
otherwise addressing the contaminated sediments.
Monsanto is performing various remedial activities at the IndustriPlex site in Woburn,
Massachusetts. In January 2006, the EPA published a Record of Decision identifying additional
remedial work it anticipates for the Aberjona River, which is downstream of the IndustriPlex Site.
On behalf of Pharmacia, Monsanto is finalizing an agreement with the EPA under which it and another
party will perform this work.
Other Solutia-Related Matters: Monsanto is a party to several agreements with Solutia for the
supply of raw materials and services used in the production of an intermediate for glyphosate at
Monsantos facility at Chocolate Bayou, Texas. In November 2007, Monsanto and Solutia amended these
agreements to provide that, subject to Solutias emergence from bankruptcy under the Revised Plan,
the supply arrangements will terminate on Dec. 31, 2012, upon which time Monsanto will be obligated
to pay Solutia a $30 million termination fee, the net present value of which is $26 million. The
amendments to the supply agreements also provide that Monsanto will purchase certain minimum
volumes of raw materials to produce disodium iminodiacetic acid, a key ingredient in the production
of glyphosate. These amendments have been approved by the Bankruptcy Court in connection with its
approval of the Revised Plan, but will not be effective until Solutia emerges from bankruptcy
protection.
Guarantees: Disclosure regarding the guarantees Monsanto provides for certain customer loans in the
United States, Brazil, Europe and Argentina can be found in Note 4 Customer Financing Programs
of this Form 10-Q. Except as described in that note, there have been no significant changes to
guarantees made by Monsanto since Aug. 31, 2007. Disclosures regarding these guarantees made by
Monsanto can be found in Note 21 Commitments and Contingencies of the notes to the
consolidated financial statements contained in Monsantos Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended Aug. 31, 2007. Information regarding Monsantos indemnification obligations to Pharmacia
under the Separation Agreement relating to Solutias Assumed Liabilities can be found above.
NOTE 17. SEGMENT INFORMATION
Monsanto conducts its worldwide operations through global businesses, which are aggregated into
reportable segments based on similarity of products, production processes, customers, distribution
methods and economic characteristics. The operating segments are aggregated into two reportable
segments: Seeds and Genomics, and Agricultural Productivity. The Seeds and Genomics segment
consists of the global seeds and related traits businesses and biotechnology platforms. Within the
Seeds and Genomics segment, Monsantos significant operating segments are corn seed and traits,
soybean seed and traits, vegetable and fruit seeds and all other crops seeds and traits. After the
acquisition of DPL in 2007, Monsanto identified cotton seed and traits as an additional significant
operating segment within the Seeds and Genomics segment. The Agricultural Productivity segment
consists of the crop protection products, animal agriculture businesses and lawn-and-garden
herbicide products. Within the Agricultural Productivity segment, the significant operating
segments are Roundup and
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MONSANTO COMPANY |
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|
|
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS UNAUDITED
(continued)
other glyphosate-based products and all other agricultural products. EBIT is defined as earnings (loss) before interest and taxes and is the primary operating performance
measure for the two business segments. EBIT is useful to management in demonstrating the
operational profitability of the segments by excluding interest and taxes, which are generally
accounted for across the entire company on a consolidated basis. Sales between segments were not
significant. Certain selling, general and administrative expenses are allocated between segments
primarily by the ratio of segment sales to total Monsanto sales, consistent with the companys
historical practice. Based on the Seeds and Genomics segments increasing contribution to total
Monsanto operations, the allocation percentages were changed at the beginning of fiscal year 2008.
Data for the Seeds and Genomics and Agricultural Productivity reportable segments, as well as for
Monsantos significant operating segments, is presented in the table that follows. Prior year
amounts have been adjusted to reflect the divestiture of the U.S. Stoneville and NexGen Branded Cotton Seed businesses. See Note 18 Discontinued Operations for further
discussion of the divestiture.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended Nov. 30, |
|
(Dollars in millions) |
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
Net Sales(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corn seed and traits |
|
$ |
467 |
|
|
$ |
360 |
|
Soybean seed and traits |
|
|
162 |
|
|
|
170 |
|
Cotton seed and traits |
|
|
42 |
|
|
|
25 |
|
Vegetable and fruit seed |
|
|
130 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
All other crops seeds and traits |
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
Total Seeds and Genomics |
|
$ |
836 |
|
|
$ |
680 |
|
|
ROUNDUP and other glyphosate-based herbicides |
|
$ |
1,008 |
|
|
$ |
649 |
|
All other agricultural products |
|
|
255 |
|
|
|
210 |
|
|
Total Agricultural Productivity |
|
$ |
1,263 |
|
|
$ |
859 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
2,099 |
|
|
$ |
1,539 |
|
|
EBIT(2)(3) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Seeds and Genomics |
|
$ |
(20 |
) |
|
$ |
1 |
|
Agricultural Productivity |
|
|
385 |
|
|
|
103 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
365 |
|
|
$ |
104 |
|
|
Depreciation and Amortization Expense(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Seeds and Genomics |
|
$ |
99 |
|
|
$ |
86 |
|
Agricultural Productivity |
|
|
44 |
|
|
|
42 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
143 |
|
|
$ |
128 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Represents net sales from continuing operations. |
|
(2) |
|
EBIT is defined as earnings (loss) before interest and taxes; see the following
table for reconciliation. Earnings (loss) is intended to mean net income (loss) as presented
in the Statements of Consolidated Operations under generally accepted accounting principles.
EBIT is the primary operating performance measure for the two business segments. |
|
(3) |
|
Seeds and Genomics EBIT includes a loss of $8 million from discontinued operations
for first quarter 2007. |
|
(4) |
|
Seeds and Genomics depreciation and amortization expense includes $3 million from
discontinued operations for first quarter 2007. |
A reconciliation of EBIT to net income for each quarter follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended Nov. 30, |
|
(Dollars in millions) |
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
EBIT(1) |
|
$ |
365 |
|
|
$ |
104 |
|
Interest Expense Net |
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
Income Tax Provision(2) |
|
|
105 |
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
Net Income |
|
$ |
256 |
|
|
$ |
90 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Includes the loss from operations of discontinued businesses and pre-tax minority
interest. |
|
(2) |
|
Includes the income tax provision from continuing operations, the income tax benefit
(provision) on minority interest and the income tax benefit on discontinued operations. |
22
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MONSANTO COMPANY |
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FIRST QUARTER 2008 FORM 10-Q
|
|
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS UNAUDITED
(continued)
NOTE 18. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Divested Cotton Businesses: In conjunction with the DOJ consent decree received on May 31, 2007,
Monsanto agreed to divest its U.S. Stoneville and NexGen Branded Cotton Seed businesses. Monsanto
completed its acquisition of DPL as of June 1, 2007. The U.S. Stoneville and NexGen businesses were
part of the Seeds and Genomics segment. Monsanto sold its Stoneville and NexGen cotton seed brands
and related business assets on June 19, 2007, for $310 million and $7 million, respectively.
Monsanto also divested certain cotton germplasm that was acquired from DPLs cotton breeding
program, as required by the consent decree. Monsanto has retained certain rights to this germplasm.
The buyers of these assets are licensed to use our traits in their brands prospectively under a
royalty bearing agreement. During the three months ended Nov. 30, 2006, Monsanto included a loss of
$5 million related to these businesses in discontinued operations.
NOTE 19. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On Dec. 11, 2007, the board of directors declared a quarterly dividend on the companys common
stock of 17.5 cents per share. The dividend is payable on Jan. 25, 2008, to shareowners of record
on Jan. 4, 2008.
23
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|
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Background
Monsanto Company, along with its subsidiaries, is a leading global provider of agricultural
products for farmers. Our seeds, biotechnology trait products, and herbicides provide farmers with
solutions that improve productivity, reduce the costs of farming, and produce better foods for
consumers and better feed for animals.
We manage our business in two segments: Seeds and Genomics, and Agricultural Productivity. Through
our Seeds and Genomics segment, we produce leading seed brands, including DEKALB, ASGROW, D&PL,
DELTAPINE and SEMINIS, and we develop biotechnology traits that assist farmers in controlling
insects and weeds. We also provide other seed companies with genetic material and biotechnology
traits for their seed brands. Through our Agricultural Productivity segment, we manufacture ROUNDUP
brand herbicides and other herbicides and provide lawn-and-garden herbicide products for the
residential market and animal agricultural products focused on improving dairy cow productivity.
In the fourth quarter of 2007, we sold our U.S. Stoneville® and NexGen® cotton seed brands and
related business assets (divested cotton businesses) as part of the U.S. Department of Justice
(DOJ) approval for the acquisition of Delta and Pine Land Company (DPL). As a result, financial
data for these businesses have been presented as discontinued operations and have been recast and
prepared in compliance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS)
No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets (SFAS 144). Accordingly,
the Statements of Consolidated Operations have been conformed to this presentation. The divested
cotton businesses were previously reported as part of the Seeds and Genomics segment. See Note 18
Discontinued Operations for further details.
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) should
be read in conjunction with Monsantos consolidated financial statements and the accompanying
notes. This Report on Form 10-Q should also be read in conjunction with Monsantos Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2007. Financial information for the first three months of
fiscal year 2008 should not be annualized because of the seasonality of our business. The notes to
the consolidated financial statements referred to throughout this MD&A are included in Part I
Item 1 Financial Statements of this Report on Form 10-Q. Unless otherwise indicated,
Monsanto, the company, we, our and us are used interchangeably to refer to Monsanto
Company or to Monsanto Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, as appropriate to the context.
Unless otherwise indicated, earnings (loss) per share and per share mean diluted earnings
(loss) per share. Unless otherwise noted, all amounts and analyses are based on continuing
operations. Unless otherwise indicated, trademarks owned or licensed by Monsanto or its
subsidiaries are shown in all capital letters. Unless otherwise indicated, references to ROUNDUP
herbicides mean ROUNDUP branded herbicides, excluding all lawn-and-garden herbicides, and
references to ROUNDUP and other glyphosate-based herbicides exclude all lawn-and-garden
herbicides.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
MD&A includes financial information prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting
principles (GAAP), as well as two other financial measures, EBIT and free cash flow, that are
considered non-GAAP financial measures. Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical
measure of a companys financial performance, financial position or cash flows that exclude (or
include) amounts that are included in (or excluded from) the most directly comparable measure
calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. The presentation of EBIT and free cash flow
information is intended to supplement investors understanding of our operating performance and
liquidity. Our EBIT and free cash flow measures may not be comparable to other companies EBIT and
free cash flow measures. Furthermore, these measures are not intended to replace net income, cash
flows, financial position, or comprehensive income, as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
EBIT is defined as earnings (loss) before interest and taxes. Earnings is intended to mean net
income as presented in the Statements of Consolidated Operations under GAAP. EBIT is the primary
operating performance measure for our two business segments. We believe that EBIT is useful to
investors and management to demonstrate the operational profitability of our segments by excluding
interest and taxes, which are generally accounted for across the entire company on a consolidated
basis. EBIT is also one of the measures used by Monsanto management to determine resource
allocations within
24
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MONSANTO COMPANY |
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FIRST QUARTER 2008 FORM 10-Q
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|
the company. See Note 17 Segment Information for a reconciliation of EBIT to net income for
the three months ended Nov. 30, 2007, and Nov. 30, 2006.
We also provide information regarding free cash flow, an important liquidity measure for Monsanto.
We define free cash flow as the total of net cash provided or required by operating activities and
provided or required by investing activities. We believe that free cash flow is useful to investors
and management as a measure of the ability of our business to generate cash. This cash can be used
to meet business needs and obligations, to reinvest in the company for future growth, or to return
to our shareowners through dividend payments or share repurchases. Free cash flow is also used by
management as one of the performance measures in determining incentive compensation. See the
Financial Condition, Liquidity, and Capital Resources Cash Flow section of MD&A for a
reconciliation of free cash flow to net cash provided by operating activities and net cash required
by investing activities on the Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows.
Executive Summary
Consolidated Operating Results Net sales increased $560 million, or 36 percent, in the
three-month comparison. This improvement was a result of increased sales of ROUNDUP and other
glyphosate-based herbicides globally combined with higher sales of corn seed and traits in Brazil
and Argentina. Net income in first quarter 2008 was $0.46 per share, compared with $0.16 per share
in first quarter 2007.
Financial Condition, Liquidity, and Capital Resources In first quarter 2008, net cash provided
by operating activities was $996 million, compared with $600 million in the prior-year quarter. Net
cash required by investing activities was $256 million in first quarter 2008, compared with $67
million in first quarter 2007. Free cash flow was $740 million in first quarter 2008 compared with
$533 million in the prior-year quarter. This increase is primarily because of higher U.S. customer
prepayments in first quarter 2008 than first quarter 2007.
Outlook We plan to continue to improve our products in order to maintain market leadership and
to support near-term performance. We are focused on applying innovation and technology to make our
farmer customers more productive and profitable by protecting yields and improving the ways they
can produce food, fiber and feed. We use the tools of modern biology to make seeds easier to grow,
to allow farmers to do more with fewer resources, and to produce healthier foods for consumers. Our
current research and development (R&D) strategy and commercial priorities are focused on bringing
our farmer customers second-generation traits, on delivering multiple solutions in one seed
(stacking), and on developing new pipeline products. Our capabilities in biotechnology and
breeding research are generating a rich product pipeline that is expected to drive long-term
growth. The viability of our product pipeline depends in part on the speed of regulatory approvals
globally, and on continued patent and legal rights to offer our products.
We plan to improve and to grow our vegetable and fruit seed business. We have applied our molecular
breeding and marker capabilities to our library of vegetable and fruit germplasm. Our purchase of
DPL will expand our cotton breeding operation. In the future, we will continue to focus on
accelerating the potential growth of these new businesses and executing our business plans.
ROUNDUP herbicides remain the market leader. We have increased our average selling prices and
experienced increased demand in recent years. We are implementing strategies to meet the future
demand for ROUNDUP. We are focused on managing the costs associated with our agricultural chemistry
business as that sector matures globally. Our selective acetochlor herbicide products face
increasing competitive pressures and a declining market, in part because of the rapid penetration
of ROUNDUP READY corn in the United States.
We are required to indemnify Pharmacia for Solutias Assumed Liabilities (defined in Note 16), to
the extent that Solutia fails to pay, perform or discharge those liabilities. Prior to and
following its filing for bankruptcy protection, Solutia has disclaimed responsibility for some of
Solutias Assumed Liabilities. In 2005, we recorded a pre-tax charge of $284 million for estimated
litigation and environmental costs we expect to incur in connection with Solutias bankruptcy. As
of Nov. 30, 2007, the remaining Solutia-related reserve was $185 million. We believe that the
reserve represents the discounted cost that we expect to incur in connection with these litigation
and environmental matters. However, our actual costs may differ materially from this estimate. In
addition, the reserve may not reflect all potential liabilities that we may incur in connection
with Solutias bankruptcy and does not reflect any insurance reimbursements or other recoveries
that we might receive. We also continue to incur legal and other expenses associated with the
bankruptcy proceedings. The degree to which we may ultimately be responsible for the particular
matters reflected in the reserve or other of Solutias Assumed Liabilities or Solutia-related
expenses is uncertain until the outcomes of all matters in the Chapter 11 proceeding are resolved.
If Solutia
25
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MONSANTO COMPANY |
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FIRST QUARTER 2008 FORM 10-Q
|
|
emerges from bankruptcy in January 2008 as it has projected, under the current plan of
reorganization we would expect to record a non-recurring gain (net of tax) of approximately $0.22
to $0.24 per share in second quarter 2008 for the settlement of our claim, as we have previously
recognized the costs we expect to incur related to Solutias Assumed Liabilities. Any change in the
timing or terms of Solutias emergence from bankruptcy would necessarily affect whether we record
any gain, as well as the amount of any such gain. Additional information about Solutia and other
litigation matters and the related risks to our business may be found in Note 16. See the Outlook
section of MD&A for a more detailed discussion of some of the opportunities and risks we have
identified for our business. For additional information related to the outlook for Monsanto, see
Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements at the beginning of this Report on Form 10-Q, Part
II Item 1A Risk Factors below and Part I Item 1A of our Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended Aug. 31, 2007.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FIRST QUARTER FISCAL YEAR 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended Nov. 30, |
|
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts) |
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
Change |
|
|
Net Sales |
|
$ |
2,099 |
|
|
$ |
1,539 |
|
|
|
36 |
% |
Gross Profit |
|
|
1,055 |
|
|
|
682 |
|
|
|
55 |
% |
Operating Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
|
|
461 |
|
|
|
382 |
|
|
|
21 |
% |
Research and development expenses |
|
|
200 |
|
|
|
178 |
|
|
|
12 |
% |
Acquired in-process research and development (see Note 3) |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
NM |
|
|
Total Operating Expenses |
|
|
662 |
|
|
|
560 |
|
|
|
18 |
% |
|
Income from Operations |
|
|
393 |
|
|
|
122 |
|
|
|
222 |
% |
Interest expense |
|
|
36 |
|
|
|
33 |
|
|
|
9 |
% |
Interest income |
|
|
(32 |
) |
|
|
(30 |
) |
|
|
7 |
% |
Solutia-related expenses (see Note 16) |
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
70 |
% |
Other expense net |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
(50 |
)% |
|
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Minority Interest |
|
|
370 |
|
|
|
105 |
|
|
|
252 |
% |
Income tax provision |
|
|
107 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
NM |
|
Minority interest expense (income) |
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
NM |
|
|
Income from Continuing Operations |
|
|
256 |
|
|
|
95 |
|
|
|
169 |
% |
Discontinued Operations (see Note 18): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from operations of discontinued businesses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8 |
) |
|
NM |
|
Income tax benefit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
NM |
|
|
Loss on Discontinued Operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5 |
) |
|
NM |
|
|
Net Income |
|
$ |
256 |
|
|
$ |
90 |
|
|
|
184 |
% |
|
Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from continuing operations |
|
$ |
0.46 |
|
|
$ |
0.17 |
|
|
|
171 |
% |
Income (loss) on discontinued operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.01 |
) |
|
NM |
|
|
Net Income |
|
$ |
0.46 |
|
|
$ |
0.16 |
|
|
|
188 |
% |
|
NM = Not
Meaningful |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effective Tax Rate |
|
|
29 |
% |
|
|
12 |
% |
|
|
|
|
Comparison as a Percent of Net Sales: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
|
50 |
% |
|
|
44 |
% |
|
|
|
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
|
|
22 |
% |
|
|
25 |
% |
|
|
|
|
Research and development expenses (excluding acquired IPR&D) |
|
|
10 |
% |
|
|
12 |
% |
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses |
|
|
32 |
% |
|
|
36 |
% |
|
|
|
|
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interest |
|
|
18 |
% |
|
|
7 |
% |
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
|
12 |
% |
|
|
6 |
% |
|
|
|
|
26
|
|
|
MONSANTO COMPANY |
|
FIRST QUARTER 2008 FORM 10-Q
|
|
The following explanations discuss the significant components of our results of operations that
affected the quarter-to-quarter comparison of our first quarter income from continuing operations:
Net sales increased 36 percent in first quarter 2008 from the same quarter a year ago. Our Seeds
and Genomics segment net sales improved 23 percent, and our Agricultural Productivity segment net
sales improved 47 percent. The following table presents the percentage changes in first quarter
2008 worldwide net sales by segment compared with net sales in the prior-year quarter, including
the effect volume, price, currency and acquisitions had on these percentage changes:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter 2008 Percentage Change in Net Sales vs. First Quarter 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Impact of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Volume |
|
|
Price |
|
|
Currency |
|
|
Subtotal |
|
|
Acquisitions(1) |
|
|
Net Change |
|
|
|
|
Seeds and Genomics Segment |
|
|
9 |
% |
|
|
6 |
% |
|
|
3 |
% |
|
|
18 |
% |
|
|
5 |
% |
|
|
23 |
% |
Agricultural Productivity
Segment |
|
|
17 |
% |
|
|
22 |
% |
|
|
8 |
% |
|
|
47 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
47 |
% |
Total Monsanto Company |
|
|
13 |
% |
|
|
15 |
% |
|
|
6 |
% |
|
|
34 |
% |
|
|
2 |
% |
|
|
36 |
% |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
See Note 3 Business Combinations and Financial Condition, Liquidity, and
Capital Resources in MD&A for details of our acquisitions in fiscal years 2008 and 2007.
Acquisitions are segregated in this presentation for one year from the acquisition date. |
For a more detailed discussion of the factors affecting the net sales comparison, see the Seeds
and Genomics Segment and the Agricultural Productivity Segment sections.
Gross profit increased 55 percent in the three-month comparison. Gross profit as a percent of net
sales (gross profit percentage) for the total company increased 6 percentage points to 50 percent
in first quarter 2008 driven by the increase in ROUNDUP and other glyphosate-based herbicides
average net selling prices. Gross profit percentage in the Seed and Genomics Segment decreased 2
percentage points to 59 percent in first quarter 2008. See the Seeds and Genomics Segment section
of MD&A for details. Gross profit percentage for the Agricultural Productivity segment increased 13
percentage points to 44 percent in first quarter 2008. See the Agricultural Productivity Segment
section of the MD&A for the factors affecting the Agricultural Productivity gross profit.
Operating expenses increased 18 percent, or $102 million, in first quarter 2008 from the prior-year
comparable quarter. In the three-month comparison, selling, general and administrative (SG&A)
expenses increased 21 percent primarily because of the Seeds and Genomics business growth including
acquisitions, and R&D expenses increased 12 percent related to the increase in our investment in
our product pipeline. As a percent of net sales, SG&A expenses decreased 3 percentage points to 22,
and R&D expenses decreased 2 percentage points to 10 in the three-month comparison.
Solutia-related expenses were $17 million in first quarter 2008 and $10 million in the prior year
quarter. See Note 16 Commitments and Contingencies for further details.
Income tax provision was $107 million in first quarter 2008, compared with $13 million in the
prior-year quarter. The effective tax rate increased to 29 percent from 12 percent in first quarter
2007. First quarter 2007 included several discrete tax adjustments resulting in a tax benefit of
$23 million. The majority of this benefit in the prior year quarter was the result of audit
settlements, including the conclusion of an ex-U.S. audit and the resolution of various state
income tax matters. Without these items, our effective tax rate for first quarter 2008 would have
been lower than the prior year rate, primarily driven by a shift in our projected earnings mix to
lower tax rate jurisdictions.
27
|
|
|
MONSANTO COMPANY |
|
FIRST QUARTER 2008 FORM 10-Q
|
|
SEEDS AND GENOMICS SEGMENT
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended Nov. 30, |
|
(Dollars in millions) |
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
Change |
|
|
Net Sales |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corn seed and traits |
|
$ |
467 |
|
|
$ |
360 |
|
|
|
30 |
% |
Soybean seed and traits |
|
|
162 |
|
|
|
170 |
|
|
|
(5 |
)% |
Cotton seed and traits |
|
|
42 |
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
68 |
% |
Vegetable and fruit seed |
|
|
130 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
30 |
% |
All other crops seeds and traits |
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
40 |
% |
|
Total Net Sales |
|
$ |
836 |
|
|
$ |
680 |
|
|
|
23 |
% |
|
Gross Profit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corn seed and traits |
|
$ |
285 |
|
|
$ |
223 |
|
|
|
28 |
% |
Soybean seed and traits |
|
|
111 |
|
|
|
122 |
|
|
|
(9 |
)% |
Cotton seed and traits |
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
60 |
% |
Vegetable and fruit seed |
|
|
64 |
|
|
|
51 |
|
|
|
25 |
% |
All other crops seeds and traits |
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
120 |
% |
|
Total Gross
Profit |
|
$ |
495 |
|
|
$ |
416 |
|
|
|
19 |
% |
|
EBIT(1) |
|
$ |
(20 |
) |
|
$ |
1 |
|
|
NM |
|
|
NM = Not Meaningful
|
|
|
(1) |
|
EBIT is defined as earnings (loss) before interest and taxes. Interest and taxes are
recorded on a total company basis. We do not record these items at the segment level. See
Note 17 Segment Information and the Overview Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of
MD&A for further details. |
Seeds and Genomics Financial Performance First Quarter Fiscal Year 2008
Net sales of corn seed and traits increased 30 percent, or $107 million, in the three-month
comparison, primarily because of an increase in sales volumes of Brazil corn seed, which increased
because of stronger customer demand. Net sales of corn seed and traits increased in Argentina
because of higher volumes from stronger customer demand and an increase in the average net selling
price.
In first quarter 2008, vegetable and fruit seed net sales increased 30 percent, or $30 million, in
the three-month comparison because of an increase in sales volumes related to stronger customer
demand.
Gross profit as a percent of sales for this segment decreased 2 percentage points in the
quarter-over-quarter comparison to 59 percent primarily because our higher margin soybean seed and
trait sales represented a smaller percentage of this segments sales in first quarter 2008 than in
first quarter 2007. Further, this segments gross profit percentage decreased in the three-month
comparison, primarily because of the unfavorable impact of higher soybean commodity prices on our
cost of production.
EBIT for the Seeds and Genomics segment decreased $21 million to a loss of $20 million in first
quarter 2008. The net sales increases discussed throughout this section resulted in $79 million
higher gross profit in first quarter 2008. In the three-month comparison, increased SG&A expenses
related to the growth in the business including acquisitions and the increase in the investment in
R&D more than offset the gross profit improvement.
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY SEGMENT
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended Nov. 30, |
|
(Dollars in millions) |
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
Change |
|
|
Net Sales |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ROUNDUP and other glyphosate-based herbicides |
|
$ |
1,008 |
|
|
$ |
649 |
|
|
|
55 |
% |
All other agricultural productivity products |
|
|
255 |
|
|
|
210 |
|
|
|
21 |
% |
|
Total Net Sales |
|
$ |
1,263 |
|
|
$ |
859 |
|
|
|
47 |
% |
|
Gross Profit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ROUNDUP and other glyphosate-based herbicides |
|
$ |
487 |
|
|
$ |
194 |
|
|
|
151 |
% |
All other agricultural productivity products |
|
|
73 |
|
|
|
72 |
|
|
|
1 |
% |
|
Total Gross Profit |
|
$ |
560 |
|
|
$ |
266 |
|
|
|
111 |
% |
|
EBIT(1) |
|
$ |
385 |
|
|
$ |
103 |
|
|
|
274 |
% |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
EBIT is defined as earnings (loss) before interest and taxes. Interest and taxes
are recorded on a total company basis. We do not record these items at the segment level. See
Note 17 Segment Information and the Overview Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of
MD&A for further details. |
28
|
|
|
MONSANTO COMPANY |
|
FIRST QUARTER 2008 FORM 10-Q
|
|
Agricultural Productivity Financial Performance First Quarter Fiscal Year 2008
Net sales of ROUNDUP and other glyphosate-based herbicides increased 55 percent, or $359 million,
in the three-month comparison. In first quarter 2008, net sales of ROUNDUP and other glyphosate-based
herbicides increased globally, especially in Brazil, Argentina, Europe and the United States. The
average net selling price increased in all regions. Sales volumes of ROUNDUP and other
glyphosate-based herbicides increased 14 percent in first quarter 2008 from first quarter 2007.
Net sales of ROUNDUP and other glyphosate-based herbicides increased in Brazil because of higher
average net selling prices. Sales volumes of ROUNDUP and other glyphosate-based herbicides also
increased in Brazil because of more favorable market conditions. Key contributors were an
improvement in farmer liquidity resulting from higher soybean and corn commodity prices and the
increase in acres planted with ROUNDUP READY soybeans in 2008 over 2007. Further, net sales of
ROUNDUP and other glyphosate-based herbicides increased in the three-month comparison because of
the favorable foreign currency translation rate of the Brazilian real.
Sales volumes of ROUNDUP and other glyphosate-based herbicides also increased in Argentina,
primarily because of an increase in customer demand in 2008 over 2007. Sales volumes of ROUNDUP and
other glyphosate-based herbicides increased in Europe, primarily because of more favorable weather
conditions in 2008 than in 2007.
The net sales increases discussed throughout this section resulted in $294 million higher gross
profit in first quarter 2008. Gross profit as a percent of sales for the Agricultural Productivity
segment increased 13 percentage points to 44 percent in first quarter 2008 because of higher
average selling prices for ROUNDUP and other glyphosate-based herbicides. EBIT for the Agricultural
Productivity segment increased $282 million to $385 million in first quarter 2008.
FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY, AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Working Capital and Financial Condition
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of |
|
|
|
As of Nov. 30, |
|
|
Aug. 31, |
|
(Dollars in millions, except current ratio) |
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
1,617 |
|
|
$ |
1,842 |
|
|
$ |
866 |
|
Trade receivables net |
|
|
1,642 |
|
|
|
1,306 |
|
|
|
1,499 |
|
Inventories |
|
|
2,241 |
|
|
|
1,954 |
|
|
|
1,719 |
|
Other current assets(1) |
|
|
1,062 |
|
|
|
851 |
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total Current Assets |
|
$ |
6,562 |
|
|
$ |
5,953 |
|
|
$ |
5,084 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Short-term debt |
|
$ |
261 |
|
|
$ |
42 |
|
|
$ |
270 |
|
Accounts payable |
|
|
673 |
|
|
|
477 |
|
|
|
649 |
|
Accrued liabilities(2) |
|
|
3,193 |
|
|
|
2,162 |
|
|
|
2,156 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total Current Liabilities |
|
$ |
4,127 |
|
|
$ |
2,681 |
|
|
$ |
3,075 |
|
|
|
|
|
Working Capital(3) |
|
$ |
2,435 |
|
|
$ |
3,272 |
|
|
$ |
2,009 |
|
Current Ratio(3) |
|
|
1.59:1 |
|
|
|
2.22:1 |
|
|
|
1.65:1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Includes miscellaneous receivables, current deferred tax assets and other current
assets. |
|
(2) |
|
Includes income taxes payable, accrued compensation and benefits, accrued marketing
programs, deferred revenues, grower production accruals, dividends payable and miscellaneous
short-term accruals. |
|
(3) |
|
Working capital is total current assets less total current liabilities; current
ratio represents total current assets divided by total current liabilities. |
Nov. 30, 2007, compared with Aug. 31, 2007: Working capital increased $426 million between Aug. 31,
2007, and Nov. 30, 2007, because of the following factors:
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents increased $751 million between the respective periods. See
the Cash Flow section in this section of MD&A for further details of this increase. |
|
|
|
|
Inventories increased $522 million between the respective periods primarily because of
the seasonality of our U.S. corn and soybean seed business in which the fall harvest of
seed products occurs in first quarter of the fiscal year resulting in a higher inventory
balance as of Nov. 30, 2007. |
29
|
|
|
MONSANTO COMPANY |
|
FIRST QUARTER 2008 FORM 10-Q
|
|
These increases to working capital between Aug. 31, 2007, and Nov. 30, 2007, were offset primarily
by the following factor:
|
|
|
Accrued liabilities increased $1,037 million primarily because our deferred revenue
balance increased due to U.S. customer prepayments in first quarter 2008. Also
contributing to this increase was the seasonal increase in our production grower accruals
related to the fall harvest of seed products. |
Nov. 30, 2007, compared with Nov. 30, 2006: Working capital decreased $837 million between Nov. 30,
2007, and Nov. 30, 2006. The following factors increased working capital as of Nov. 30, 2007,
compared with Nov. 30, 2006:
|
|
|
Trade receivables increased $336 million primarily because of the increase in net
sales in first quarter 2008 from the same quarter a year ago. |
|
|
|
|
Inventories increased $287 million primarily because of the Seeds and Genomics
acquisitions and business growth in the United States. |
These working capital increases were more than offset primarily by the following factors:
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents decreased $225 million between the respective periods. See
the Cash Flow section in this section of MD&A and the Cash Flow section of Monsantos
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2007, for further details of this
decrease. |
|
|
|
|
Short-term debt increased $219 million primarily because $238 million of 4% Senior
Notes due on May 15, 2008, are classified as short-term debt as of Nov. 30, 2007. |
|
|
|
|
Accrued liabilities and accounts payable increased $1,031 million and $196 million,
respectively, primarily because of higher activity levels in 2008 resulting from the
increase in sales and the 2007 acquisitions. In addition, deferred revenue increased
related to certain customer prepayments, primarily in the United States. |
Customer Financing Programs: We refer certain interested U.S. customers to a third-party specialty
lender that makes loans directly to our customers. In April 2002, we established this revolving
financing program of up to $500 million, which allows certain U.S. customers to finance their
product purchases, royalties and licensing fee obligations. The funding availability may be less
than $500 million if certain program requirements are not met. It also allows us to reduce our
reliance on commercial paper borrowings. There were no customer loans sold through the financing
program in first quarter 2008. In first quarter 2007, we received $4 million from the proceeds of
loans made to our customers through this financing program. These proceeds are included in the net
cash provided by operating activities in the Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows. We originate
these customer loans on behalf of the third-party specialty lender, a special purpose entity (SPE)
that we consolidate, using our credit and other underwriting guidelines approved by the lender. We
service the loans and provide a first-loss guarantee of up to $130 million. Following origination,
the lender transfers the loans to multi-seller commercial paper conduits through a nonconsolidated
qualifying special purpose entity (QSPE). We have no ownership interest in the lender, in the QSPE,
or in the loans. We account for this transaction as a sale, in accordance with SFAS No. 140,
Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities (SFAS
140).
As of Nov. 30, 2007, and Aug. 31, 2007, the customer loans held by the QSPE and the QSPEs
liability to the conduits were $157 million and $301 million, respectively. The lender or the
conduits may restrict or discontinue the facility at any time. If the facility were to terminate,
existing loans would be collected by the QSPE over their remaining terms (generally 12 months or
less), and we would revert to our past practice of providing these customers with direct credit
purchase terms. Our servicing fee revenues from the program were not significant. As of Nov. 30,
2007, and Aug. 31, 2007, our recorded guarantee liability was less than $1 million, primarily based
on our historical collection experience with these customers and a current assessment of credit
exposure. Adverse changes in the actual loss rate would increase the liability.
In 2005, we entered into an agreement with a lender to establish a program to provide financing of
up to $40 million for selected customers in Brazil. The agreement qualified for sales treatment
under SFAS 140. Proceeds from the transfer of the receivables are included in net cash provided by
operating activities in the Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows. Total funds available under the
program have increased to $140 million under subsequent amendments. We received $42 million and $51
million of proceeds through these customer financing programs in the first three months of 2008 and
2007,
30
|
|
|
MONSANTO COMPANY |
|
FIRST QUARTER 2008 FORM 10-Q
|
|
respectively. The amount of loans outstanding was $119 million and $86 million as of Nov. 30, 2007,
and Aug. 31, 2007, respectively. In this program, we provide a full guarantee of the loans in the
event of customer default. The maximum potential amount of future payments under the guarantees was
$119 million as of Nov. 30, 2007. The liability for the guarantee is recorded at an amount that
approximates fair value and is primarily based on our historical collection experience with
customers that participate in the program and a current assessment of credit exposure. Our
guarantee liability was $6 million and $3 million as of Nov. 30, 2007, and Aug. 31, 2007,
respectively. If performance is required under the guarantee, we may retain amounts that are
subsequently collected from customers.
We also have similar agreements with banks that provide financing to our customers in Brazil
through credit programs that are subsidized by the Brazilian government. In addition, there are
similar financing programs in Europe and Argentina. All of these programs also qualify for sales
treatment under SFAS 140. Accordingly, proceeds from the transfer of receivables through the
programs described above are included in net cash provided by operating activities in the
Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows. We received $38 million and $37 million of proceeds through
these customer financing programs in the first three months of 2008 and 2007, respectively. The
amount of loans outstanding was $85 million and $66 million as of Nov. 30, 2007, and Aug. 31, 2007,
respectively. For most programs, we provide a full guarantee of the loans in the event of customer
default. The maximum potential amount of future payments under the guarantees was $85 million as of
Nov. 30, 2007. The liability for the guarantee is recorded at an amount that approximates fair
value and is primarily based on our historical collection experience with customers that
participate in the program and a current assessment of credit exposure. Our guarantee liability was
$4 million and $2 million as of Nov. 30, 2007, and Aug. 31, 2007, respectively. If performance is
required under the guarantee, we may retain amounts that are subsequently collected from customers.
We also sell accounts receivable, both with and without recourse. These sales qualify for sales
treatment under SFAS 140 and, accordingly, the proceeds are included in net cash provided by
operating activities in the Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows. The gross amounts of accounts
receivable sold totaled $3 million and $4 million for the first three months of 2008 and 2007,
respectively. The liability for the guarantees for sales with recourse is recorded at an amount
that approximates fair value and is based on the companys historical collection experience for the
customers associated with the sale of the accounts receivable and a current assessment of credit
exposure. Our guarantee liability was less than $1 million as of Nov. 30, 2007, and Aug. 31, 2007.
The maximum potential amount of future payments under the recourse provisions of the agreements was
$26 million as of Nov.30, 2007. The outstanding balance of the receivables sold with recourse was
$26 million and $28 million as of Nov. 30, 2007, and Aug. 31, 2007, respectively.
Cash Flow
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended Nov. 30, |
|
(Dollars in millions) |
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities |
|
$ |
996 |
|
|
$ |
600 |
|
Net Cash Required by Investing Activities |
|
|
(256 |
) |
|
|
(67 |
) |
|
Free Cash Flow(1) |
|
|
740 |
|
|
|
533 |
|
|
Net Cash Required by Financing Activities |
|
|
(47 |
) |
|
|
(156 |
) |
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents |
|
|
58 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents |
|
|
751 |
|
|
|
382 |
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period |
|
|
866 |
|
|
|
1,460 |
|
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period |
|
$ |
1,617 |
|
|
$ |
1,842 |
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Free cash flow represents the total of net cash provided or required by operating
activities and provided or required by investing activities (see the Non-GAAP Financial
Measures section in MD&A for a further discussion). |
Cash provided by operating activities was $996 million in first quarter 2008 compared with $600
million in first quarter 2007. Cash provided by the change in deferred revenue increased $341
million in the three-month comparison because of an increase in U.S. customer prepayments in the
current quarter compared with the prior year quarter.
Cash required by investing activities was $256 million in first quarter 2008 compared with $67
million in first quarter 2007. In first quarter 2008, we used cash for acquisitions of businesses
of $92 million and did not complete any acquisitions in the first three months of 2007. Our capital
expenditures increased $62 million in the three-month comparison, to $154 million, primarily for
the expansion of corn seed production facilities.
The amount of cash required by financing activities was $47 million in first quarter 2008 compared
with $156 million in first quarter 2007. The net change in short-term financing provided cash of
$22 million in first quarter 2008 compared with a use
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FIRST QUARTER 2008 FORM 10-Q
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of cash of $7 million in the prior-year quarter. Cash required for long-term debt reductions was
less than $1 million in first quarter 2008 compared with $69 million in first quarter 2007.
Dividend payments increased 78 percent, or $42 million, because we paid dividends of 17.5 cents per
share in first quarter 2008 compared with 10 cents per share in first quarter 2007.
Capital Resources and Liquidity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of Nov. 30, |
|
|
As of Aug. 31, |
|
(Dollars in millions, except debt-to-capital ratio) |
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
Short-Term Debt |
|
$ |
261 |
|
|
$ |
42 |
|
|
$ |
270 |
|
Long-Term Debt |
|
|
1,153 |
|
|
|
1,580 |
|
|
|
1,150 |
|
Total Shareowners Equity |
|
|
8,059 |
|
|
|
6,661 |
|
|
|
7,503 |
|
Debt-to-Capital Ratio |
|
|
15% |
|
|
|
20% |
|
|
|
16% |
|
|
|
|
|
Total debt outstanding decreased $208 million between Nov. 30, 2006, and Nov. 30, 2007, primarily
because we repaid our three-year term bank loan in Europe in the third quarter of 2007.
We plan to issue new fixed-rate debt on or before May 1, 2008, to repay $238 million of 4% Senior
Notes that are due May 15, 2008, and to finance our expansion of corn seed production facilities.
In September 2007, we entered into forward starting interest rate swaps with a total notional
amount of $500 million. Our purpose was to hedge the variability of the forecasted interest
payments on this expected debt issuance that may result from changes in our benchmark interest
rates until the debt is issued.
As discussed in Note 16 under the subheading Solutia, Inc., the Bankruptcy Court approved
Solutias Revised Plan and all related settlements with creditor and equity stakeholders on Nov.
29, 2007. If Solutia emerges from bankruptcy protection as they currently project in January 2008,
we anticipate receiving $175 million in cash and additional compensation for certain environmental
and advisor fee reimbursements for the settlement of our claim.
Dividend: In December 2007, we declared a quarterly dividend of 17.5 cents payable on Jan. 25,
2008, to shareowners of record as of Jan. 4, 2008.
Capital Expenditures: We expect 2008 capital expenditures to be in the range of $800 million
compared with $509 million in 2007. The largest drivers of this increase are expected to be
projects to expand corn seed production facilities.
2008 Acquisitions: In September 2007, we acquired 100 percent of the outstanding stock of Agroeste
Sementes, a leading Brazilian corn seed company, for approximately $90 million (net of cash
acquired and debt assumed), inclusive of transaction costs of $1 million. Agroeste focuses on hybrid corn seed
production and serves farmers throughout Brazil. We consummated the transaction with cash. The
financial results of this acquisition were included in the companys consolidated financial
statements from the date of acquisition.
2007 Acquisitions: On June 1, 2007, we completed the purchase of all the outstanding stock of DPL
for a cash purchase price of $42 per share, or approximately $1.5 billion (net of cash acquired and
debt assumed), inclusive of transaction costs of approximately
$36 million. During 2007, our ASI subsidiary acquired 10 regional U.S. seed companies in separate
transactions for an aggregate purchase price of $87 million (net of cash acquired), inclusive of
transaction costs of $3 million. In conjunction with one of these acquisitions, we entered into a
five-year global technology license agreement. Also during 2007, we acquired two European vegetable
and fruit seed businesses for $57 million, inclusive of transaction costs of $6 million. Additional
contingent purchase price may be payable in the future if certain earnings targets are met. Such
amounts are not expected to be material.
2008 Contractual Obligation: There have been no significant changes to the contractual obligations
table as disclosed in our Annual Report of Form 10-K for the year ended Aug. 31, 2007, except for a
change related to the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation
(FIN) No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes an Interpretation of FASB Statement
No. 109, (FIN 48). The anticipated contractual obligations for unrecognized tax benefits under FIN
48 which would require cash settlements were $153 million as of Nov. 30, 2007. Because there is a
high degree of uncertainty regarding the timing of cash flows related to these unrecognized tax
benefit liabilities, we cannot reasonably estimate the settlement periods. The liability at Nov.
30, 2007, was not materially different from the liability at the date of adoption.
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Contingent Liabilities Relating to Solutia Inc. (Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement)
Under the Separation Agreement, we were required to indemnify Pharmacia for Solutias Assumed
Liabilities, to the extent that Solutia fails to pay, perform or discharge those liabilities.
Solutia and 14 of its U.S. subsidiaries filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter
11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and have sought relief from paying certain liabilities, including
Solutias Assumed Liabilities. In connection with Solutias plan of reorganization, which has been
approved by the Bankruptcy Court, we have assumed the management and defense of certain of
Solutias third-party tort litigation and environmental matters. We had previously determined that
it was probable that we would incur some expenses related to such litigation and environmental
liabilities and that the amount of such expenses could be reasonably estimated. Accordingly, in
first quarter 2005, we recorded a charge in the amount of $284 million based on the best estimates
by our management with input from our legal and other outside advisors. As of Nov. 30, 2007, the
remaining Solutia-related reserve was $185 million.
We believe that the charge represents the discounted cost that we would expect to incur in
connection with these litigation and environmental matters; however, our actual costs may be
materially different from this estimate. Further, the charge may not reflect all potential
liabilities and expenses that we may incur in connection with Solutias bankruptcy and does not
reflect any insurance reimbursements or any recoveries we might receive through the bankruptcy
process. Under the rules of the SEC, these contingent liabilities are considered to be an
off-balance sheet arrangement. See Note 16 under the subheading Solutia Inc. for further
information regarding Solutias Assumed Liabilities, the charge discussed above, and the status of
Solutias bankruptcy proceeding. Also see Part II Item 1 Legal Proceedings for further
information.
We have achieved an industry-leading position in the areas in which we compete in both of our
business segments. However, the outlook for each part of our business is quite different. In the
Seeds and Genomics segment, our seeds and traits business is expected to expand. In the
Agricultural Productivity segment, our glyphosate business is solid, and our selective chemistry
business is expected to decline. As a result, we are striving to expand our seeds and traits
business and working to maintain our position in our chemistry business.
We believe that our company is positioned to sustain earnings growth and strong cash flow, and we
remain committed to returning value to shareowners through vehicles such as investments that expand
the business, dividends and share repurchases. We will remain focused on cost and cash management
for each segment, both to support the progress we have made in managing our investment in working
capital and to realize the full earnings potential of our businesses. We plan to continue to seek
additional external financing opportunities for our customers as a way to manage receivables for
each of our segments. We also expect to see increased gross profit as our higher-margin seeds and
traits business grows.
We expect to continue to implement locally responsive business strategies for our businesses in
each world area. Outside of the United States, our businesses will continue to face additional
challenges related to the risks inherent in operating in emerging markets. We have taken steps to
reduce our credit exposure in those areas, which has the potential to affect sales negatively in
the near term.
Seeds and Genomics
Our capabilities in plant breeding and biotechnology research are generating a rich and balanced
product pipeline that we expect will drive long-term growth. We plan to continue to invest in the
areas of seeds, genomics and biotechnology and to invest in technology arrangements that have the
potential to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of our R&D efforts. We believe that our
seeds and traits businesses will have significant near-term growth opportunities through a
combination of improved breeding and continued growth of stacked and second-generation biotech
traits.
We expect advanced breeding techniques combined with improved production practices and capital
investments to continue to contribute to improved germplasm quality and yields for our seed
offerings, leading to increased global demand for both our branded germplasm and our licensed
germplasm. Our vegetable and fruit portfolio will focus on 25 crops. We plan to continue to apply
our molecular breeding and marker capabilities to our vegetable and fruit seed germplasm, and we
expect that to lead to growth in that business. We also plan to make strategic acquisitions by our
seed businesses to grow our branded seed market share or expand our germplasm library and
strengthen our global breeding programs. We expect to see
33
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continued competition in seeds and genomics in the near term. We believe we will have a competitive advantage because of
our breeding capabilities and our three-channel sales approach for corn and soybean seeds.
Commercialization of second-generation traits and the stacking of multiple traits in corn and cotton are expected to increase
penetration in approved markets, particularly as we continue to price our traits in line with the value growers have experienced.
In 2008, we expect that higher-value, stacked-trait products will represent a larger share of our total U.S. corn seed sales than
they did in 2007. Acquisitions may also present near-term opportunities to increase penetration of our traits. In particular, we expect
that our acquisition of DPL will enable us to accelerate penetration of our second-generation cotton traits. We expect the competition
in biotechnology to increase, as more competitors launch traits in the United States and internationally by the end of the decade.
However, we believe we will have a competitive advantage because we will be poised to deliver second- and third-generation traits
when our competitors are delivering their first-generation traits.
Regulatory approvals have been obtained in the United States and Canada for ROUNDUP RREADY2YIELD soybeans, our second-generation
glyphosate-tolerant soybean product. In addition, regulatory submissions for ROUNDUP RREADY2YIELD have been filed in at least 10
soybean-importing countries, with notable progress in Japan and other key export markets. Cultivation opportunities were expanded
for corn in South America with Argentinas regulatory approvals for YIELDGARD corn borer stacked with ROUNDUP READY corn.
During 2007, we and BASF announced a long-term joint research and development and commercialization collaboration in plant biotechnology
that will focus on high-yielding crops and crops that are tolerant to adverse conditions such as drought. Over the long-term life of the
collaboration, we and BASF will dedicate a joint budget of potentially $1.5 billion to fund a dedicated pipeline of yield and stress
tolerance traits for corn, soybeans, cotton and canola.
Our international traits businesses, in particular, will probably continue to face unpredictable regulatory environments that may be
highly politicized. We operate in volatile, and often difficult, economic environments. Although we see growth potential in our India
cotton business with the ongoing conversion to new hybrids and BOLLGARD II, this business is currently operating under state governmental
pricing directives that we believe limit near-term earnings growth.
In Brazil, we expect to continue to operate our dual-track business model of certified seeds and
our point-of-delivery payment system to ensure that we capture value on all Monsanto ROUNDUP READY
soybeans and BOLLGARD cotton crops grown there. Income is expected to grow as farmers choose to
plant more of these approved traits. However, full regulatory system approval of additional traits
must be realized for us to see a step change in contributions from seeds and traits. The
agricultural economy in Brazil is benefiting from strong global commodity prices, particularly for
corn and soybeans. Although farmer liquidity has improved from last year, we continue to monitor
our credit policy, expand our grain-based collection system, and increase cash sales, as part of a
continuous effort to manage our Brazilian risk against possible market and foreign exchange
volatility.
It is likely that rulings of patent infringement from several ongoing court cases in Europe will be
required before we can expect to capture value from our ROUNDUP READY soybeans grown in Argentina.
One Spanish case and a U.K. case have had adverse early results and will be appealed. Additional
cases are expected to provide rulings in the next several quarters. We are continuing to discuss
alternative arrangements with various stakeholders. However, we have no certainty that any of these
discussions will lead to an income producing outcome in the near term. We do not plan to
commercialize new soybean or cotton traits in Argentina until we can achieve more certainty that we
would be compensated for the technology.
Agricultural Productivity
We believe our ROUNDUP herbicide business will continue to generate a sustainable source of cash
and gross profit. Pricing of generic formulations of glyphosate herbicides has increased during
2008. The generic pricing can be somewhat unstable during the short-term, but we believe both the
short- and long-term trends will be favorable. We have experienced increased demand in recent
years, and we are implementing strategies to meet the future demands for ROUNDUP, as well as for
our licensed glyphosate. To sustain the cash and income generation of our ROUNDUP business, we will
continue to actively manage our inventory and other costs and offer product innovations, superior
customer service and logistics and marketing programs to support or allow us to increase prices.
Further expansion of crops with our ROUNDUP READY traits may also incrementally increase sales of
our ROUNDUP products.
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Like most other selective herbicides, our selective acetochlor herbicide products face increasing
competitive pressures and a declining market, in part because of the rapid penetration of ROUNDUP
READY corn in the United States. We will continue to seek ways to optimize our selective herbicides
business, as we believe it is important to offer fully integrated crop-protection solutions,
particularly in ROUNDUP READY corn. We anticipate a continued decline in this business in the near
term, but the gross profit from the ROUNDUP READY traits and from the ROUNDUP herbicides used on
these acres are significantly higher than the gross profit from the lost selective herbicide sales.
We expect that our lawn-and-garden herbicide products will remain a strong cash generator and
support our ROUNDUP brand equity in the marketplace. However, we anticipate continued competition
from generic and private-label products and, as a result, cost pressures from major retailers.
During 2008, our POSILAC rbST business will continue to reduce bulk powder inventory. Sandoz GmbH,
which manufactures the active ingredient and the finished dose formulation for POSILAC, has
notified us of its election to terminate its agreement with us, effective Dec. 31, 2008. We do not
expect the termination to have a significant effect on our supplies because in 2006 we received FDA
approval for the Augusta, Georgia facility for finished formulation and packaging of POSILAC. We
believe some processor requests for milk produced by cows not supplemented with rbST will limit our
future sales.
Other Information
As discussed in Note 16 Commitments and Contingencies and Part II Item 1 Legal
Proceedings, Monsanto is involved in a number of lawsuits and claims relating to a variety of
issues. Many of these lawsuits relate to intellectual property disputes. We expect that such
disputes will continue to occur as the agricultural biotechnology industry evolves. In addition, we
are required to indemnify Pharmacia for Solutias Assumed Liabilities, some of which Solutia has
disclaimed in the course of its bankruptcy proceedings. As discussed in Note 16 under the
subheading Solutia, Inc., the Bankruptcy Court approved Solutias revised plan of reorganization
and all related settlements with creditor and equity stakeholders on Nov. 29, 2007. Under the plan
of reorganization approved by the Bankruptcy Court for Solutia, upon Solutias emergence from
bankruptcy protection, we would be entitled to reimbursement for a portion of the costs we have
incurred with respect to Solutias Assumed Liabilities. Solutias emergence from bankruptcy is
subject to a number of conditions, including, without limitation, the completion of the equity rights offering and negotiation and completion of
Solutias new credit facility, and we cannot predict with certainty when Solutia would be able to
satisfy such conditions. Solutia has recently projected that it will emerge from bankruptcy in late
January 2008. If Solutia emerges from bankruptcy at that time under the current plan of
reorganization, we would expect to record a non-recurring gain (net of tax) of approximately $0.22
to $0.24 per share in the second quarter 2008 for the settlement of our claim, as we have
previously recognized the costs we expect to incur or have incurred related to Solutias Assumed
Liabilities. Any change in the timing or terms of Solutias emergence from bankruptcy would
necessarily affect whether we record a gain, as well as the amount of any such gain. See Note 16
under the subheading Solutia Inc. for further information regarding Solutias Assumed Liabilities
and the status of Solutias bankruptcy proceeding. Also see Part II Item 1 Legal Proceedings
for further information.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
In preparing our financial statements, we must select and apply various accounting policies. Our
most significant policies are described in Part II Item 8 Note 2 Significant Accounting
Policies to the consolidated financial statements contained in our Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2007. In order to apply our accounting policies, we often need to make
estimates based on judgments about future events. In making such estimates, we rely on historical
experience, market and other conditions, and on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable.
However, by its nature the estimation process is uncertain, given that estimates depend on events
over which we may not have control. If market and other conditions change from those that we
anticipate, our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity may be affected
materially. In addition, if our assumptions change, we may need to revise our estimates or take
other corrective actions, either of which may have a material effect on our financial condition,
results of operations, or liquidity.
The estimates that have a higher degree of inherent uncertainty and require our most significant
judgments are outlined in Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations contained in our Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2007. Had we used
estimates different from any of those contained in such Report on
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Form 10-K, our financial
condition, profitability, or liquidity for the current period could have been materially different
from those presented in this Form 10-Q.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial
Statements an amendment of ARB No. 51 (SFAS 160). SFAS 160 requires an entity to clearly
identify and present ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the entity in
the consolidated financial statements within the equity section but separate from the companys
equity. It also requires the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to
the noncontrolling interest be clearly identified and presented on the face of the consolidated
statement of income; changes in ownership interest be accounted for similarly, as equity
transactions; and when a subsidiary is deconsolidated, any retained noncontrolling equity
investment in the former subsidiary and the gain or loss on the deconsolidation of the subsidiary
be measured at fair value. This statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal
years beginning after Dec. 15, 2008. Accordingly, we will adopt SFAS 160 in fiscal year 2010. We
are currently evaluating the impact of SFAS 160 on the consolidated financial statements.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations (SFAS 141R).
Under SFAS 141R, an entity is required to recognize the assets acquired, liabilities assumed,
contractual contingencies, contingent consideration measured at their fair value at the acquisition
date. It further requires that acquisition-related costs are to be recognized separately from the
acquisition and expensed as incurred. In addition, acquired in-process research and development
(IPR&D) is capitalized as an intangible asset and amortized over its estimated useful life. The
IPR&D is evaluated for impairment and if no alternative future use exists, the asset is expensed.
SFAS 141R is effective for business combinations for which the acquisition date is after the
beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning after Dec. 15, 2008. Accordingly, we will
adopt SFAS 141R in fiscal year 2010.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair
Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (SFAS 159). SFAS 159 permits entities
to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The
objective is to improve financial reporting by providing entities with the opportunity to mitigate
volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities using different
measurement techniques. SFAS 159 requires additional disclosures related to the fair value
measurements included in the entitys financial statements. This statement is effective for
financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after Nov. 15, 2007. Accordingly, we will
adopt SFAS 159 in fiscal year 2009. We are currently evaluating the impact of SFAS 159 on the
consolidated financial statements.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurement (SFAS 157). SFAS 157
defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted
accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This statement is
effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after Nov. 15, 2007.
Accordingly, we will adopt SFAS 157 in fiscal year 2009. We are currently evaluating the impact of
adopting SFAS 157 on the consolidated financial statements.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
There are no material changes related to market risk from the disclosures in Monsantos Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2007.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
We maintain a comprehensive set of disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules
13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) designed to ensure that information required to be
disclosed in our filings under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported
accurately and within the time periods specified in the SECs rules and forms. As of Nov. 30, 2007
(the Evaluation Date), an evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the
participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer,
of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based
upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief
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Financial Officer concluded that, as of
the Evaluation Date, the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures were
effective to provide reasonable assurance of the achievement of the objectives described above.
During the quarter that ended on the Evaluation Date, there was no change in internal control over
financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that has
materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over
financial reporting.
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PART IIOTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are involved in various legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of our business, as
well as proceedings that we have considered to be material under SEC regulations. These include
proceedings to which we are party in our own name, proceedings to which Pharmacia is a party but
that we manage and for which we are responsible, and proceedings that we are managing related to
Solutias Assumed Liabilities (as defined in Note 16). We believe we have meritorious legal
arguments and will continue to represent our interests vigorously in all of the proceedings that we
are defending or prosecuting. Information regarding certain material proceedings and the possible
effects on our business of proceedings we are defending is disclosed in Note 16 under the
subheading Litigation and Indemnification and is incorporated by reference herein. Following is
information regarding other material proceedings for which we are responsible.
The following discussion provides new and updated information regarding certain proceedings to
which Pharmacia or Monsanto is a party and for which we are responsible. Other information with
respect to legal proceedings appears in our Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31,
2007.
Patent and Commercial Proceedings
The following proceeding involves Syngenta AG (Syngenta) and its affiliates:
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As described in our Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2007, on
July 28, 2004, Syngenta filed suit against us in the U.S. District Court for the District
of Delaware, alleging that we have monopolized or attempted to monopolize markets for
glyphosate-tolerant corn seed, European corn borer-protected corn seed and foundation corn
seed (the Antitrust Action). Syngenta seeks $57 million in supposed actual damages and
requested treble damages, attorneys fees and injunctive relief. In July 2005, we filed
counterclaims against Syngenta, Syngenta Seeds, and affiliated companies for
misappropriation of property and false advertising. The Court has tentatively set the case
for trial commencing June 2, 2008. |
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As described in our Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2007, on
Sept. 21, 2004, Golden Harvest Seeds, Inc., a subsidiary of Syngenta, filed suit against us
in the Circuit Court of St. Louis County, Missouri, seeking a declaration with respect to
its right to sell-off certain corn products after the termination of its various corn trait
licenses with us. We counterclaimed for unjust enrichment and breach of the agreements and
seek recovery of damages and injunctive relief. This case has been set for trial commencing
Sept. 8, 2008. |
While efforts continue, discussions have failed to resolve outstanding issues related to the
development of a payment system for the use of our technology to produce soybean products in
Argentina or Uruguay containing our patented Roundup Ready technologies. We have initiated patent
infringement actions against importers of Argentine soy products that were found to have contained
our unlicensed glyphosate-tolerant technology, which is patented in the respective European
countries. In June 2005, we filed cases against Cefetra, in The Hague, the Netherlands, and Den
Lokale, A.m.d.A., et al., in the Danish High Court, Eastern Division. In February and March 2006,
we filed cases against Bunge Iberica SA, Ceralto SL and Sesostris SAE in Spain, and Cargill
International SA and Cargill plc in England. Further cases were filed in May and June 2006 against
Alfred C. Toepfer International GmbH and Glencore Grain BV and Glencore Grain Rotterdam BV, in the
courts of The Hague. The first Dutch trial took place in The Hague in October 2007. The trial in
England took place in June 2007, and a decision was received in October 2007. The court found our
patent to be valid and that the patented sequence is present in the soy meal imported from
Argentina but that there was no infringement on the basis of an interpretation of our patent claim
language. We are appealing the decision. The hearing in the Sesostris case in Spain took place in
July 2007. An adverse decision was delivered in September 2007 and has since been appealed. No
trial has yet been scheduled in the Danish High Court. The Argentine government has opposed our use
of patent infringement actions as a means of securing payment for the use of our technology in
Argentina and has been admitted as a co-defendant to the proceedings in the Netherlands and as an
observer to the proceedings in Denmark. In addition, the national competition commission in
Argentina (CNDC) has initiated a formal investigation regarding our patent infringement actions in
the European Union.
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Governmental Proceedings and Undertakings
On Dec. 10, 2007, the Federal Revenue Service of the Ministry of Finance of Brazil issued a tax
assessment against our subsidiary Monsanto Nordeste, primarily challenging the treatment of a value
added tax incentive granted by the State of Bahia as an inducement for the construction and
operation of a manufacturing facility in Camaçari, Brazil. The assessment seeks payment of
approximately $35 million (subject to currency exchange rates) of tax, excluding penalties and
interest. We believe there is no basis in law for this tax assessment. We will file an appeal of
this assessment with the Federal Revenue Service. As noted, certain dollar amounts have been
calculated based on an exchange rate of 1.76 Brazilian reais per dollar and will fluctuate with
exchange rates in the future.
Proceedings Related to Solutias Assumed Liabilities
See Note 16 for additional information regarding legal proceedings related to Solutias Assumed
Liabilities.
See Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements, at the beginning of this Report on Form 10-Q
and Item 1A below, which refers to Part I Item 1A of our Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended Aug. 31, 2007, for information regarding the risk factors that may affect any forward-looking
statements regarding our legal proceedings.
Please see Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements, at the beginning of this Report on Form
10-Q and Part I Item 1A of our Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2007, for
information regarding risk factors. There have been no material changes from the risk factors
previously disclosed in our Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table is a summary of any purchases of equity securities during the first quarter of
fiscal year 2008 by Monsanto and any affiliated purchasers, pursuant to SEC rules.
|
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|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(c) Total Number of |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares Purchased as |
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(d) Approximate Dollar |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Part of Publicly |
|
Value of Shares that May |
|
|
(a) Total Number of |
|
(b) Average Price Paid |
|
Announced Plans or |
|
Yet Be Purchased Under |
Period |
|
Shares Purchased |
|
per Share(1) |
|
Programs |
|
the Plans or Programs |
|
September 2007: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sept. 1, 2007, through Sept. 30, 2007 |
|
|
178,240 |
(2) |
|
$ |
76.19 |
|
|
|
177,400 |
|
|
$ |
477,067,750 |
|
October 2007: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oct. 1, 2007, through Oct. 31, 2007 |
|
|
323,034 |
(3) (4) |
|
$ |
88.54 |
|
|
|
319,484 |
|
|
$ |
448,620,443 |
|
November 2007: |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nov. 1, 2007, through Nov. 30, 2007 |
|
|
76,444 |
|
|
$ |
91.57 |
|
|
|
76,444 |
|
|
$ |
441,620,367 |
|
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Total |
|
|
577,718 |
|
|
$ |
85.13 |
|
|
|
573,328 |
|
|
$ |
441,620,367 |
|
|
|
|
|
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(1) |
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The average price paid per share is calculated on a settlement basis and excludes commission. |
|
(2) |
|
Includes 840 shares withheld to cover the withholding taxes upon the vesting of restricted stock. |
|
(3) |
|
Includes 2,252 shares purchased by an affiliated purchaser through the exercise of
stock options with an average exercise price of $16.19. |
|
(4) |
|
Includes 1,298 shares withheld to cover the withholding taxes upon the vesting of
restricted stock. |
On Oct. 25, 2005, the board of directors authorized the purchase of up to $800 million of the
companys common stock over a four-year period. The plan expires on Oct. 25, 2009. There were no
other publicly announced plans outstanding as of Nov. 30, 2007.
Exhibits: The list of exhibits in the Exhibit Index to this Report is incorporated herein by
reference.
39
|
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|
MONSANTO COMPANY
|
|
FIRST QUARTER 2008 FORM 10-Q |
|
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.
|
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|
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MONSANTO COMPANY
(Registrant)
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|
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By: |
/s/ RICHARD B. CLARK
|
|
|
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Richard B. Clark |
|
|
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Vice President and Controller
(On behalf of the Registrant and as Principal Accounting Officer) |
|
|
Date: Jan. 7, 2008
40
|
|
|
MONSANTO COMPANY
|
|
FIRST QUARTER 2008 FORM 10-Q |
|
EXHIBIT INDEX
These Exhibits are numbered in accordance with the Exhibit Table of Item 601 of Regulation S-K.
|
|
|
|
Exhibit |
|
|
No. |
|
Description |
|
2
|
|
Omitted |
|
|
|
3
|
|
Omitted |
|
|
|
4
|
|
Omitted |
|
|
|
10
|
|
First Amendment, effective
Dec. 1, 2007, to Monsanto Non-Employee Director Equity Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended and restated
as of Sept. 1, 2007. |
|
|
|
11
|
|
Omitted see Note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Earnings Per Share. |
|
|
|
12
|
|
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges. |
|
|
|
15
|
|
Omitted |
|
|
|
18
|
|
Omitted |
|
|
|
19
|
|
Omitted |
|
|
|
22
|
|
Omitted |
|
|
|
23
|
|
Omitted |
|
|
|
24
|
|
Omitted |
|
|
|
31.1
|
|
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification (pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002,
executed by the Chief Executive Officer). |
|
|
|
31.2
|
|
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification (pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002,
executed by the Chief Financial Officer). |
|
|
|
32
|
|
Rule 13(a)-14(b) Certifications (pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002,
executed by the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer). |
|
|
|
|
|
Represents management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. |
41