Archer-Daniels-Midland Co - Quarter Report: 2017 September (Form 10-Q)
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
x | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017
OR
o | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from __________ to __________
Commission file number 1-44
![admprimarylogo.jpg](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000007084/000000708417000036/admprimarylogo.jpg)
ARCHER-DANIELS-MIDLAND COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | 41-0129150 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I. R. S. Employer Identification No.) |
77 West Wacker Drive, Suite 4600 Chicago, Illinois (Address of principal executive offices) | 60601 (Zip Code) |
(312) 634-8100 | |
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer x | Accelerated filer o |
Non-accelerated filer o | Smaller reporting company o |
Emerging growth company o |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. 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 x.
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Common Stock, no par value – 559,250,312 shares
(October 30, 2017)
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
Consolidated Statements of Earnings
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
2017 | 2016 | 2017 | 2016 | ||||||||||||
(In millions, except per share amounts) | |||||||||||||||
Revenues | $ | 14,827 | $ | 15,832 | $ | 44,758 | $ | 45,845 | |||||||
Cost of products sold | 14,015 | 14,742 | 42,191 | 43,237 | |||||||||||
Gross Profit | 812 | 1,090 | 2,567 | 2,608 | |||||||||||
Selling, general, and administrative expenses | 478 | 546 | 1,530 | 1,525 | |||||||||||
Asset impairment, exit, and restructuring costs | 107 | 11 | 140 | 36 | |||||||||||
Interest expense | 79 | 78 | 246 | 213 | |||||||||||
Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated affiliates | (46 | ) | 2 | (327 | ) | (153 | ) | ||||||||
Interest income | (27 | ) | (23 | ) | (75 | ) | (68 | ) | |||||||
Other (income) expense – net | (4 | ) | (4 | ) | (13 | ) | (138 | ) | |||||||
Earnings Before Income Taxes | 225 | 480 | 1,066 | 1,193 | |||||||||||
Income taxes | 30 | 136 | 256 | 331 | |||||||||||
Net Earnings Including Noncontrolling Interests | 195 | 344 | 810 | 862 | |||||||||||
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests | 3 | 3 | 3 | 7 | |||||||||||
Net Earnings Attributable to Controlling Interests | $ | 192 | $ | 341 | $ | 807 | $ | 855 | |||||||
Average number of shares outstanding – basic | 566 | 586 | 571 | 591 | |||||||||||
Average number of shares outstanding – diluted | 569 | 589 | 574 | 593 | |||||||||||
Basic earnings per common share | $ | 0.34 | $ | 0.58 | $ | 1.41 | $ | 1.45 | |||||||
Diluted earnings per common share | $ | 0.34 | $ | 0.58 | $ | 1.41 | $ | 1.44 | |||||||
Dividends per common share | $ | 0.32 | $ | 0.30 | $ | 0.96 | $ | 0.90 |
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
2
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
2017 | 2016 | 2017 | 2016 | ||||||||||||
(In millions) | |||||||||||||||
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests | $ | 195 | $ | 344 | $ | 810 | $ | 862 | |||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss): | |||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment | 245 | (41 | ) | 628 | (57 | ) | |||||||||
Tax effect | (40 | ) | 5 | (4 | ) | 18 | |||||||||
Net of tax amount | 205 | (36 | ) | 624 | (39 | ) | |||||||||
Pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities adjustment | 174 | 11 | 193 | 27 | |||||||||||
Tax effect | (66 | ) | (4 | ) | (74 | ) | (7 | ) | |||||||
Net of tax amount | 108 | 7 | 119 | 20 | |||||||||||
Deferred gain (loss) on hedging activities | (26 | ) | 1 | 12 | (10 | ) | |||||||||
Tax effect | 6 | 3 | 1 | 3 | |||||||||||
Net of tax amount | (20 | ) | 4 | 13 | (7 | ) | |||||||||
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments | 6 | (28 | ) | 1 | (16 | ) | |||||||||
Tax effect | — | 1 | — | (2 | ) | ||||||||||
Net of tax amount | 6 | (27 | ) | 1 | (18 | ) | |||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | 299 | (52 | ) | 757 | (44 | ) | |||||||||
Comprehensive income (loss) including noncontrolling interests | 494 | 292 | 1,567 | 818 | |||||||||||
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests | 4 | 3 | 5 | 7 | |||||||||||
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interests | $ | 490 | $ | 289 | $ | 1,562 | $ | 811 |
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
3
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In millions) | September 30, 2017 | December 31, 2016 | |||||
(Unaudited) | |||||||
Assets | |||||||
Current Assets | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 518 | $ | 619 | |||
Short-term marketable securities | 261 | 296 | |||||
Segregated cash and investments | 5,040 | 5,011 | |||||
Trade receivables | 1,911 | 1,905 | |||||
Inventories | 8,326 | 8,831 | |||||
Other current assets | 3,084 | 4,383 | |||||
Total Current Assets | 19,140 | 21,045 | |||||
Investments and Other Assets | |||||||
Investments in and advances to affiliates | 4,972 | 4,497 | |||||
Long-term marketable securities | 207 | 187 | |||||
Goodwill and other intangible assets | 3,939 | 3,703 | |||||
Other assets | 755 | 579 | |||||
Total Investments and Other Assets | 9,873 | 8,966 | |||||
Property, Plant, and Equipment | |||||||
Land | 467 | 445 | |||||
Buildings | 4,974 | 4,679 | |||||
Machinery and equipment | 17,858 | 17,160 | |||||
Construction in progress | 1,166 | 1,213 | |||||
24,465 | 23,497 | ||||||
Accumulated depreciation | (14,509 | ) | (13,739 | ) | |||
Net Property, Plant, and Equipment | 9,956 | 9,758 | |||||
Total Assets | $ | 38,969 | $ | 39,769 | |||
Liabilities, Temporary Equity, and Shareholders’ Equity | |||||||
Current Liabilities | |||||||
Short-term debt | $ | 728 | $ | 154 | |||
Trade payables | 3,449 | 3,606 | |||||
Payables to brokerage customers | 5,135 | 5,158 | |||||
Accrued expenses and other payables | 2,548 | 3,982 | |||||
Current maturities of long-term debt | 13 | 273 | |||||
Total Current Liabilities | 11,873 | 13,173 | |||||
Long-Term Liabilities | |||||||
Long-term debt | 6,595 | 6,504 | |||||
Deferred income taxes | 1,754 | 1,669 | |||||
Other | 1,117 | 1,218 | |||||
Total Long-Term Liabilities | 9,466 | 9,391 | |||||
Temporary Equity - Redeemable noncontrolling interest | 53 | 24 | |||||
Shareholders’ Equity | |||||||
Common stock | 2,390 | 2,327 | |||||
Reinvested earnings | 17,023 | 17,444 | |||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | (1,843 | ) | (2,598 | ) | |||
Noncontrolling interests | 7 | 8 | |||||
Total Shareholders’ Equity | 17,577 | 17,181 | |||||
Total Liabilities, Temporary Equity, and Shareholders’ Equity | $ | 38,969 | $ | 39,769 | |||
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
4
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
(In millions) | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||
2017 | 2016 | ||||||
Operating Activities | |||||||
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests | $ | 810 | $ | 862 | |||
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | |||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 684 | 678 | |||||
Asset impairment charges | 81 | 28 | |||||
Deferred income taxes | (27 | ) | 36 | ||||
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of dividends | (131 | ) | 25 | ||||
Stock compensation expense | 63 | 58 | |||||
Deferred cash flow hedges | 12 | (10 | ) | ||||
Gains on sales of assets and businesses/revaluation | (66 | ) | (117 | ) | |||
Other – net | 174 | 1 | |||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities | |||||||
Segregated investments | 268 | 46 | |||||
Trade receivables | 106 | (463 | ) | ||||
Inventories | 703 | 1,053 | |||||
Other current assets | 1,317 | (415 | ) | ||||
Trade payables | (259 | ) | (554 | ) | |||
Payables to brokerage customers | (94 | ) | 355 | ||||
Accrued expenses and other payables | (1,486 | ) | (287 | ) | |||
Total Operating Activities | 2,155 | 1,296 | |||||
Investing Activities | |||||||
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment | (696 | ) | (621 | ) | |||
Proceeds from sales of business and assets | 172 | 104 | |||||
Net assets of businesses acquired | (187 | ) | (136 | ) | |||
Purchases of marketable securities | (499 | ) | (1,127 | ) | |||
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities | 572 | 1,162 | |||||
Investments in and advances to affiliates | (281 | ) | (628 | ) | |||
Other – net | (14 | ) | 15 | ||||
Total Investing Activities | (933 | ) | (1,231 | ) | |||
Financing Activities | |||||||
Long-term debt borrowings | 509 | 1,036 | |||||
Long-term debt payments | (840 | ) | (9 | ) | |||
Net borrowings (payments) under lines of credit agreements | 558 | 107 | |||||
Share repurchases | (676 | ) | (754 | ) | |||
Cash dividends | (544 | ) | (528 | ) | |||
Other – net | 4 | 14 | |||||
Total Financing Activities | (989 | ) | (134 | ) | |||
Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents | 233 | (69 | ) | ||||
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents - beginning of period | 1,561 | 1,796 | |||||
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents - end of period | $ | 1,794 | $ | 1,727 | |||
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents to the consolidated balance sheets | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 518 | $ | 701 | |||
Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents included in segregated cash and investments | 1,276 | 1,026 | |||||
Total cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents | $ | 1,794 | $ | 1,727 | |||
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
5
Archer-Daniels-Midland-Company
Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity
(Unaudited)
Common Stock | Reinvested Earnings | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Noncontrolling Interests | Total Shareholders’ Equity | ||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||
(In millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2016 | 573 | $ | 2,327 | $ | 17,444 | $ | (2,598 | ) | $ | 8 | $ | 17,181 | ||||||||||
Impact of ASU 2016-16 (see Note 2) | (7 | ) | (7 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance, January 1, 2017 | 573 | $ | 2,327 | $ | 17,437 | $ | (2,598 | ) | $ | 8 | $ | 17,174 | ||||||||||
Comprehensive income | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net earnings | 807 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | 755 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income | 1,567 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Cash dividends paid- $0.96 per share | (544 | ) | (544 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Share repurchases | (16 | ) | (676 | ) | (676 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Stock compensation expense | 1 | 63 | 63 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other | 1 | — | (1 | ) | — | (6 | ) | (7 | ) | |||||||||||||
Balance, September 30, 2017 | 559 | $ | 2,390 | $ | 17,023 | $ | (1,843 | ) | $ | 7 | $ | 17,577 |
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
6
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
Note 1. | Basis of Presentation |
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, these statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for audited financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2017. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The Company consolidates all entities, including variable interest entities (VIEs), in which it has a controlling financial interest. For VIEs, the Company assesses whether it is the primary beneficiary as defined under the applicable accounting standard. Investments in affiliates, including VIEs through which the Company exercises significant influence but does not control the investee and is not the primary beneficiary of the investee’s activities, are carried at cost plus equity in undistributed earnings since acquisition and are adjusted, where appropriate, for basis differences between the investment balance and the underlying net assets of the investee. The Company’s portion of the results of certain affiliates and results of certain VIEs are included using the most recent available financial statements. In each case, the financial statements are within 93 days of the Company’s year end and are consistent from period to period.
Retirement Benefit Changes
On July 31, 2017, the Company announced that all participants in the Company’s U.S. salaried pension plan and the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) will begin accruing benefits under the cash balance formula effective January 1, 2022. Benefits for participants who were accruing under the final average pay formula will be frozen as of December 31, 2021, including pay and service through that date.
This change, along with other changes in participation associated with divestitures and restructuring, triggered a remeasurement of the salaried pension plan and the SERP resulting in decreases in the fiscal 2017 pension expense, accumulated other comprehensive loss, and underfunded status by $18 million, $182 million, and $164 million, respectively.
Concurrent with this change, the Company also changed the method used to estimate the service and interest cost components of the net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs for its U.S. plans. The new method uses the spot rate yield curve approach to estimate the service and interest costs. Previously, those costs were determined using a single weighted-average discount rate applied to all future cash outflows. The change does not affect the measurement of the Company’s benefit obligations and was accounted for as a change in accounting estimate in accordance with the guidance of ASC Topic 250, Accounting Estimates and Error Corrections, thereby impacting the current and future quarters. The impact of this change on after-tax earnings and diluted earnings per share for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 was immaterial.
Reclassifications
The Company classified $17 million and $49 million of fees from its U.S. futures commission brokerage business in cost of products sold in the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. Prior period amounts of $15 million and $50 million in the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, have been reclassified from selling, general, and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of earnings to conform to the current presentation.
In the quarter ended June 30, 2017, the Company began presenting certain specified items separately from the individual business segments, as further described in Note 14.
7
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)
Note 1. | Basis of Presentation (Continued) |
In line with the futures brokerage industry practice, the Company has correctly classified $1.2 billion of segregated cash and cash equivalents as restricted cash and cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows effective September 30, 2017. Prior period amounts have been restated to conform to the current presentation which resulted in an increase of $145 million in total cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and an increase of $938 million in the ending balance of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents as of September 30, 2016.
Segregated Cash and Investments
The Company segregates certain cash, cash equivalent, and investment balances in accordance with regulatory requirements, commodity exchange requirements, and insurance arrangements. These balances represent deposits received from customers of the Company’s registered futures commission merchant and commodity brokerage services, cash margins and securities pledged to commodity exchange clearinghouses, and cash pledged as security under certain insurance arrangements. Segregated cash and investments also include restricted cash collateral for the various insurance programs of the Company’s captive insurance business. To the degree these segregated balances are comprised of cash and cash equivalents, they are considered restricted cash and cash equivalents on the statement of cash flows.
Last-in, First-out (LIFO) Inventories
Interim period LIFO calculations are based on interim period costs and management’s estimates of year-end inventory levels. Because the availability and price of agricultural commodity-based LIFO inventories are unpredictable due to factors such as weather, government farm programs and policies, and changes in global demand, quantities of LIFO-based inventories at interim periods may vary significantly from management’s estimates of year-end inventory levels.
Note 2. | New Accounting Standards |
Effective January 1, 2017, the Company adopted the amended guidance of ASC Topic 330, Inventory, which simplifies the measurement of inventory. The amended guidance requires an entity to measure its cost-based inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value, where net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation.
Effective January 1, 2017, the Company adopted the amended guidance of ASC Topic 323, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures, which simplifies the transition to the equity method of accounting. The amended guidance eliminates the requirement of an investor to adjust the investment, results of operations, and retained earnings retroactively when an investment qualifies for equity method accounting as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence. The amendments require the investor add the cost of acquiring the additional interest in the investee to the current basis of the investors’ previously held interest and adopt the equity method of accounting as of the date the investment becomes qualified for equity method accounting. The adoption of this amended guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s financial results.
Effective January 1, 2017, the Company adopted the amended guidance of ASC Topic 810, Consolidation, which affects reporting entities that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate a variable interest entity in certain situations involving entities under common control. The amended guidance changes the evaluation of whether a reporting entity is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity by changing how a reporting entity that is a single decision maker of a variable interest entity treats indirect interests in the entity held through related parties that are under common control with the reporting entity. The Company was required to adopt the amended guidance using a retrospective transition approach to all periods presented. The adoption of this amended guidance did not result in the deconsolidation or consolidation of any of its variable interest entities.
Effective January 1, 2017, the Company adopted the amended guidance of ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, which requires entities to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer, other than inventory, when the transfer occurs. Under the previous accounting rules, entities were prohibited from recognizing current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer until the asset has been sold to an outside party. The amended guidance does not change the accounting for the pre-tax effects of an intra-entity asset transfer or for an intra-entity transfer of inventory. The Company adopted the amended guidance on a modified retrospective approach basis through a $7 million cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of January 1, 2017.
8
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)
Note 3. | Pending Accounting Standards |
Effective January 1, 2018, the Company will be required to adopt the amended guidance of ASC Subtopic 825-10, Financial Instruments - Overall, which is intended to improve the recognition and measurement of financial instruments. The amended guidance requires an entity to measure equity investments, except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee, at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income and simplify the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by using a qualitative assessment to identify impairment. The Company does not expect the adoption of this amended guidance to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial results.
Effective January 1, 2018, the Company will be required to adopt the new guidance of ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which will supersede the revenue recognition requirements in ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition. Topic 606 requires the Company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new guidance requires the Company to apply the following steps: (1) identify the contract with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when, or as, the Company satisfies a performance obligation. The Company will adopt Topic 606 on a modified retrospective basis and will be required to provide additional disclosures of the amount by which each financial statement line item is affected in the current reporting period, as compared to the guidance that was in effect before the change, and an explanation of the reasons for significant changes. The adoption of this new guidance will require expanded disclosures in the Company’s consolidated financial statements including separate quantitative disclosure of revenues within the scope of Topic 606 and revenues excluded from the scope of Topic 606. Many of the Company’s sales contracts are considered derivatives under ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and are therefore excluded from the scope of Topic 606. The Company has established a cross-functional implementation team consisting of representatives from all of its business segments. The Company utilized surveys to validate all of its current revenue recognition streams and identify areas of its business where potential differences could result from applying the requirements of the new standard. The Company also conducted workshops and performed contract reviews to gather more information about the nature, magnitude, and frequency of the underlying transactions that drove the survey responses. Based on the surveys, workshops, and contract reviews, the Company identified potential accounting changes in the areas of control transfer, voyage charter revenue, bill and hold arrangements, and variable consideration. In the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company will complete the final phase of its revenue recognition implementation plan which includes quantification of the areas of accounting change, assessment of the financial impact of the new guidance on its consolidated financial statements, and finalization of its revenue recognition accounting policy and position papers.
Effective January 1, 2018, the Company will be required to adopt the amended guidance of ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations, which clarifies the definition of a business. The amended guidance is intended to help companies and other organizations evaluate whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (disposals) of assets or businesses and provides a more robust framework to use in determining when a set of assets and activities is a business. Early adoption is permitted for transactions that have not been reported in financial statements that have been issued or made available for issuance. No disclosures are required at adoption. The Company plans to adopt the amended guidance on October 1, 2017.
Effective January 1, 2018, the Company will be required to adopt the amended guidance of ASC Topic 715, Compensation - Retirement Benefits, which requires that an employer report the service cost component in the same line or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations, if one is presented. The adoption of this amended guidance will require expanded disclosures and the reclassification of the other components of net benefit cost from cost of products sold and selling, general, and administrative expenses to other (income) expense - net in the Company’s consolidated statements of earnings but will not impact financial results.
9
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)
Note 3. | Pending Accounting Standards (Continued) |
Effective January 1, 2018, the Company will be required to adopt the amended guidance of ASC Topic 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718), which provides clarity and reduces diversity in practice as well as cost and complexity when applying the guidance in Topic 718 to the modification of the terms and conditions of a share-based payment. The amendments include guidance on determining which changes to the terms and conditions of share-based payment awards require an entity to apply modification accounting. Early adoption is permitted, including in any interim period for which financial statements have not yet been issued. The Company plans to adopt the amended guidance on October 1, 2017 and does not expect the adoption of this amended guidance to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial results.
Effective January 1, 2019, the Company will be required to adopt the new guidance of ASC Topic 842, Leases (Topic 842), which will supersede ASC Topic 840, Leases. Topic 842 requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities for all leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. The Company expects to adopt Topic 842 using a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. The adoption of this new guidance will require expanded disclosures in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company has established a cross-functional implementation team consisting of representatives from accounting, legal, procurement, and operations. The Company utilized surveys to centrally gather more information about its existing leases and lease processes and to gather lease contracts. To ensure completeness of the population of lease contracts, the results of the survey were cross-referenced against other available lease information (i.e., year-end disclosures and general ledger). The Company is also working with a vendor to implement a lease management system which will assist in delivering the required accounting changes and disclosures. The next phase of the implementation plan is the abstraction of the relevant lease contract data points which is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2018. The impact of the new standard will be a significant increase to right of use assets and lease liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet, primarily as a result of operating leases currently not recognized on the balance sheet. The Company has not yet completed its assessment of the impact of the new guidance on its consolidated statement of earnings.
Effective January 1, 2019, the Company will be required to adopt the amended guidance of ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, which expands and refines hedge accounting for both non-financial and financial risk components and aligns the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged item in the financial statements. The amended guidance also simplifies the application of hedge accounting guidance and eases the administrative burden of hedge documentation requirements and assessing hedge effectiveness. Early adoption is permitted in any interim period with the effect of adoption reflected as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company is considering adopting the amended guidance on January 1, 2018 but has not yet completed its assessment of the impact of this amended guidance on the Company’s financial results.
Effective January 1, 2020, the Company will be required to adopt the amended guidance of ASC Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, which is intended to improve financial reporting by requiring more timely recording of credit losses on loans and other financial instruments held by financial institutions and other organizations. The amended guidance requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Early adoption will be permitted for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company does not expect the adoption of this amended guidance to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial results.
Effective January 1, 2020, the Company will be required to adopt the amended guidance of ASC Topic 350, Goodwill and Other, which simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill. The amended guidance removes the second step of the goodwill impairment test and requires the application of a one-step quantitative test where the amount of goodwill impairment is the excess of a reporting unit's carrying amount over its fair value, but not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. The new guidance does not amend the optional qualitative assessment of goodwill impairment. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company plans to adopt the amended guidance on October 1, 2017 and does not expect the adoption of this amended guidance to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial results.
10
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)
Note 4. | Acquisitions |
During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company acquired Crosswind Industries, Inc., Chamtor SA, a 51% controlling interest in Industries Centers, and an 89% controlling interest in Biopolis SL. The aggregate cash purchase price of these acquisitions of $187 million, net of cash acquired of $7 million, was preliminarily allocated as follows:
(In millions) | |||
Working capital | $ | 16 | |
Property, plant, and equipment | 111 | ||
Goodwill | 34 | ||
Other intangible assets | 50 | ||
Other long-term assets | 6 | ||
Long-term liabilities | (19 | ) | |
Noncontrolling interest | (11 | ) | |
Aggregate cash purchase price, net of cash acquired | $ | 187 |
Note 5. | Fair Value Measurements |
The following tables set forth, by level, the Company’s assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.
Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2017 | |||||||||||||||
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Total | ||||||||||||
(In millions) | |||||||||||||||
Assets: | |||||||||||||||
Inventories carried at market | $ | — | $ | 3,361 | $ | 1,094 | $ | 4,455 | |||||||
Unrealized derivative gains: | |||||||||||||||
Commodity contracts | — | 240 | 120 | 360 | |||||||||||
Foreign currency contracts | — | 81 | — | 81 | |||||||||||
Interest rate contracts | — | 2 | — | 2 | |||||||||||
Cash equivalents | 49 | — | — | 49 | |||||||||||
Marketable securities | 376 | 92 | — | 468 | |||||||||||
Segregated investments | 1,827 | — | — | 1,827 | |||||||||||
Deferred receivables consideration | — | 399 | — | 399 | |||||||||||
Total Assets | $ | 2,252 | $ | 4,175 | $ | 1,214 | $ | 7,641 | |||||||
Liabilities: | |||||||||||||||
Unrealized derivative losses: | |||||||||||||||
Commodity contracts | $ | — | $ | 300 | $ | 145 | $ | 445 | |||||||
Foreign currency contracts | — | 119 | — | 119 | |||||||||||
Inventory-related payables | — | 493 | 20 | 513 | |||||||||||
Total Liabilities | $ | — | $ | 912 | $ | 165 | $ | 1,077 |
11
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)
Note 5. | Fair Value Measurements (Continued) |
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2016 | |||||||||||||||
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Total | ||||||||||||
(In millions) | |||||||||||||||
Assets: | |||||||||||||||
Inventories carried at market | $ | — | $ | 3,102 | $ | 1,322 | $ | 4,424 | |||||||
Unrealized derivative gains: | |||||||||||||||
Commodity contracts | — | 371 | 140 | 511 | |||||||||||
Foreign exchange contracts | — | 102 | — | 102 | |||||||||||
Interest rate contracts | — | 11 | — | 11 | |||||||||||
Cash equivalents | 286 | — | — | 286 | |||||||||||
Marketable securities | 408 | 69 | — | 477 | |||||||||||
Segregated investments | 1,613 | — | — | 1,613 | |||||||||||
Deferred receivables consideration | — | 540 | — | 540 | |||||||||||
Total Assets | $ | 2,307 | $ | 4,195 | $ | 1,462 | $ | 7,964 | |||||||
Liabilities: | |||||||||||||||
Unrealized derivative losses: | |||||||||||||||
Commodity contracts | $ | — | $ | 419 | $ | 142 | $ | 561 | |||||||
Foreign exchange contracts | — | 90 | — | 90 | |||||||||||
Inventory-related payables | — | 491 | 30 | 521 | |||||||||||
Total Liabilities | $ | — | $ | 1,000 | $ | 172 | $ | 1,172 |
Estimated fair values for inventories carried at market are based on exchange-quoted prices adjusted for differences in local markets, broker or dealer quotations or market transactions in either listed or over-the-counter (OTC) markets. Market valuations for the Company’s inventories are adjusted for location and quality because the exchange-quoted prices represent contracts that have standardized terms for commodity, quantity, future delivery period, delivery location, and commodity quality or grade. When unobservable inputs have a significant impact on the measurement of fair value, the inventory is classified in Level 3. Changes in the fair value of inventories are recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings as a component of cost of products sold.
12
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)
Note 5. | Fair Value Measurements (Continued) |
Derivative contracts include exchange-traded commodity futures and options contracts, forward commodity purchase and sale contracts, and OTC instruments related primarily to agricultural commodities, energy, interest rates, and foreign currencies. Exchange-traded futures and options contracts are valued based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and are classified in Level 1. The majority of the Company’s exchange-traded futures and options contracts are cash-settled on a daily basis and, therefore, are not included in these tables. Fair value for forward commodity purchase and sale contracts is estimated based on exchange-quoted prices adjusted for differences in local markets. These differences are generally determined using inputs from broker or dealer quotations or market transactions in either the listed or OTC markets. When observable inputs are available for substantially the full term of the contract, it is classified in Level 2. When unobservable inputs have a significant impact on the measurement of fair value, the contract is classified in Level 3. Except for certain derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, changes in the fair value of commodity-related derivatives are recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings as a component of cost of products sold. Changes in the fair value of foreign currency-related derivatives are recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings as a component of revenues, cost of products sold, or other (income) expense - net depending upon the purpose of the contract. The effective portions of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recognized in the consolidated balance sheets as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI) until the hedged items are recorded in earnings or it is probable the hedged transaction will no longer occur.
The Company’s cash equivalents are comprised of money market funds valued using quoted market prices and are classified as Level 1.
The Company’s marketable securities are comprised of equity investments, U.S. Treasury securities, corporate debt securities, and other debt securities. Publicly traded equity investments and U.S. Treasury securities are valued using quoted market prices and are classified in Level 1. Corporate debt and other debt securities are valued using third-party pricing services and substantially all are classified in Level 2. Unrealized changes in the fair value of available-for-sale marketable securities are recognized in the consolidated balance sheets as a component of AOCI unless a decline in value is deemed to be other-than-temporary at which point the decline is recorded in earnings.
The Company’s segregated investments are comprised of U.S. Treasury securities. U.S. Treasury securities are valued using quoted market prices and are classified in Level 1.
The Company has deferred consideration under its accounts receivable securitization programs (the “Programs”) which represents notes receivable from the purchasers under the Programs (see Note 16). This amount is reflected in other current assets on the consolidated balance sheet (see Note 8). The Company carries the deferred consideration at fair value determined by calculating the expected amount of cash to be received. The fair value is principally based on observable inputs (a Level 2 measurement) consisting mainly of the face amount of the receivables adjusted for anticipated credit losses and discounted at the appropriate market rate. Payment of deferred consideration is not subject to significant risks other than delinquencies and credit losses on accounts receivable transferred under the Programs, which have historically been insignificant.
13
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)
Note 5. | Fair Value Measurements (Continued) |
The following table presents a reconciliation of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the three months ended September 30, 2017.
Level 3 Fair Value Asset Measurements at | |||||||||||
September 30, 2017 | |||||||||||
Inventories Carried at Market | Commodity Derivative Contracts Gains | Total Assets | |||||||||
(In millions) | |||||||||||
Balance, June 30, 2017 | $ | 1,000 | $ | 106 | $ | 1,106 | |||||
Total increase (decrease) in net realized/unrealized gains included in cost of products sold* | 15 | 54 | 69 | ||||||||
Purchases | 2,792 | — | 2,792 | ||||||||
Sales | (2,655 | ) | — | (2,655 | ) | ||||||
Settlements | — | (82 | ) | (82 | ) | ||||||
Transfers into Level 3 | 37 | 45 | 82 | ||||||||
Transfers out of Level 3 | (95 | ) | (3 | ) | (98 | ) | |||||
Ending balance, September 30, 2017 | $ | 1,094 | $ | 120 | $ | 1,214 |
* Includes increase in unrealized gains of $52 million relating to Level 3 assets still held at September 30, 2017.
The following table presents a reconciliation of liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the three months ended September 30, 2017.
Level 3 Fair Value Liability Measurements at | |||||||||||
September 30, 2017 | |||||||||||
Inventory- related Payables | Commodity Derivative Contracts Losses | Total Liabilities | |||||||||
(In millions) | |||||||||||
Balance, June 30, 2017 | $ | 32 | $ | 154 | $ | 186 | |||||
Total increase (decrease) in net realized/unrealized losses included in cost of products sold* | (9 | ) | 82 | 73 | |||||||
Purchases | 2 | — | 2 | ||||||||
Sales | (5 | ) | — | (5 | ) | ||||||
Settlements | — | (123 | ) | (123 | ) | ||||||
Transfers into Level 3 | — | 35 | 35 | ||||||||
Transfers out of Level 3 | — | (3 | ) | (3 | ) | ||||||
Ending balance, September 30, 2017 | $ | 20 | $ | 145 | $ | 165 |
* Includes increase in unrealized losses of $79 million relating to Level 3 liabilities still held at September 30, 2017.
14
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)
Note 5. | Fair Value Measurements (Continued) |
The following table presents a reconciliation of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the three months ended September 30, 2016.
Level 3 Fair Value Asset Measurements at | |||||||||||
September 30, 2016 | |||||||||||
Inventories Carried at Market | Commodity Derivative Contracts Gains | Total Assets | |||||||||
(In millions) | |||||||||||
Balance, June 30, 2016 | $ | 1,099 | $ | 153 | $ | 1,252 | |||||
Total increase (decrease) in net realized/unrealized gains included in cost of products sold* | (97 | ) | 76 | (21 | ) | ||||||
Purchases | 2,523 | — | 2,523 | ||||||||
Sales | (2,529 | ) | — | (2,529 | ) | ||||||
Settlements | — | (85 | ) | (85 | ) | ||||||
Transfers into Level 3 | 206 | 66 | 272 | ||||||||
Transfers out of Level 3 | (38 | ) | (6 | ) | (44 | ) | |||||
Ending balance, September 30, 2016 | $ | 1,164 | $ | 204 | $ | 1,368 |
* Includes increase in unrealized gains of $22 million relating to Level 3 assets still held at September 30, 2016.
The following table presents a reconciliation of liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the three months ended September 30, 2016.
Level 3 Fair Value Liability Measurements at | |||||||||||
September 30, 2016 | |||||||||||
Inventory- related Payables | Commodity Derivative Contracts Losses | Total Liabilities | |||||||||
(In millions) | |||||||||||
Balance, June 30, 2016 | $ | 12 | $ | 500 | $ | 512 | |||||
Total increase (decrease) in net realized/unrealized losses included in cost of products sold* | 3 | (1 | ) | 2 | |||||||
Purchases | 3 | — | 3 | ||||||||
Sales | (3 | ) | — | (3 | ) | ||||||
Settlements | — | (247 | ) | (247 | ) | ||||||
Transfers into Level 3 | — | 33 | 33 | ||||||||
Transfers out of Level 3 | — | (167 | ) | (167 | ) | ||||||
Ending balance, September 30, 2016 | $ | 15 | $ | 118 | $ | 133 |
* Includes increase in unrealized losses of $1 million relating to Level 3 liabilities still held at September 30, 2016.
15
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)
Note 5. | Fair Value Measurements (Continued) |
The following table presents a reconciliation of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.
Level 3 Fair Value Asset Measurements at | |||||||||||
September 30, 2017 | |||||||||||
Inventories Carried at Market | Commodity Derivative Contracts Gains | Total Assets | |||||||||
(In millions) | |||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2016 | $ | 1,322 | $ | 140 | $ | 1,462 | |||||
Total increase (decrease) in net realized/unrealized gains included in cost of products sold* | (55 | ) | 194 | 139 | |||||||
Purchases | 8,369 | — | 8,369 | ||||||||
Sales | (8,526 | ) | — | (8,526 | ) | ||||||
Settlements | — | (291 | ) | (291 | ) | ||||||
Transfers into Level 3 | 37 | 111 | 148 | ||||||||
Transfers out of Level 3 | (53 | ) | (34 | ) | (87 | ) | |||||
Ending balance, September 30, 2017 | $ | 1,094 | $ | 120 | $ | 1,214 |
* Includes increase in unrealized gains of $18 million relating to Level 3 assets still held at September 30, 2017.
The following table presents a reconciliation of liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.
Level 3 Fair Value Liability Measurements at | |||||||||||
September 30, 2017 | |||||||||||
Inventory- related Payables | Commodity Derivative Contracts Losses | Total Liabilities | |||||||||
(In millions) | |||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2016 | $ | 30 | $ | 142 | $ | 172 | |||||
Total increase (decrease) in net realized/unrealized losses included in cost of products sold* | (4 | ) | 201 | 197 | |||||||
Purchases | 19 | — | 19 | ||||||||
Sales | (25 | ) | — | (25 | ) | ||||||
Settlements | — | (289 | ) | (289 | ) | ||||||
Transfers into Level 3 | — | 108 | 108 | ||||||||
Transfers out of Level 3 | — | (17 | ) | (17 | ) | ||||||
Ending balance, September 30, 2017 | $ | 20 | $ | 145 | $ | 165 |
* Includes increase in unrealized losses of $204 million relating to Level 3 liabilities still held at September 30, 2017.
16
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)
Note 5. | Fair Value Measurements (Continued) |
The following table presents a reconciliation of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.
Level 3 Fair Value Asset Measurements at | |||||||||||
September 30, 2016 | |||||||||||
Inventories Carried at Market | Commodity Derivative Contracts Gains | Total Assets | |||||||||
(In millions) | |||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2015 | $ | 1,004 | $ | 243 | $ | 1,247 | |||||
Total increase (decrease) in net realized/unrealized gains included in cost of products sold* | (210 | ) | 171 | (39 | ) | ||||||
Purchases | 7,565 | — | 7,565 | ||||||||
Sales | (7,272 | ) | — | (7,272 | ) | ||||||
Settlements | — | (302 | ) | (302 | ) | ||||||
Transfers into Level 3 | 206 | 132 | 338 | ||||||||
Transfers out of Level 3 | (129 | ) | (40 | ) | (169 | ) | |||||
Ending balance, September 30, 2016 | $ | 1,164 | $ | 204 | $ | 1,368 |
*Includes increase in unrealized gains of $36 million relating to Level 3 assets still held at September 30, 2016.
The following table presents a reconciliation of liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.
Level 3 Fair Value Liability Measurements at | |||||||||||
September 30, 2016 | |||||||||||
Inventory- related Payables | Commodity Derivative Contracts Losses | Total Liabilities | |||||||||
(In millions) | |||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2015 | $ | 16 | $ | 113 | $ | 129 | |||||
Total increase (decrease) in net realized/unrealized losses included in cost of products sold* | 5 | 494 | 499 | ||||||||
Purchases | 5 | — | 5 | ||||||||
Sales | (11 | ) | — | (11 | ) | ||||||
Settlements | — | (392 | ) | (392 | ) | ||||||
Transfers into Level 3 | — | 115 | 115 | ||||||||
Transfers out of Level 3 | — | (212 | ) | (212 | ) | ||||||
Ending balance, September 30, 2016 | $ | 15 | $ | 118 | $ | 133 |
*Includes increase in unrealized losses of $499 million relating to Level 3 assets still held at September 30, 2016.
17
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)
Note 5. | Fair Value Measurements (Continued) |
For all periods presented, the Company had no transfers between Level 1 and 2. Transfers into Level 3 of assets and liabilities previously classified in Level 2 were due to the relative value of unobservable inputs to the total fair value measurement of certain products and derivative contracts rising above the 10% threshold. Transfers out of Level 3 were primarily due to the relative value of unobservable inputs to the total fair value measurement of certain products and derivative contracts falling below the 10% threshold and thus permitting reclassification to Level 2.
In some cases, the price components that result in differences between exchange-traded prices and local prices for inventories and commodity purchase and sale contracts are observable based upon available quotations for these pricing components, and in some cases, the differences are unobservable. These price components primarily include transportation costs and other adjustments required due to location, quality, or other contract terms. In the table below, these other adjustments are referred to as Basis. The changes in unobservable price components are determined by specific local supply and demand characteristics at each facility and the overall market. Factors such as substitute products, weather, fuel costs, contract terms, and futures prices also impact the movement of these unobservable price components.
The following table sets forth the weighted average percentage of the unobservable price components included in the Company’s Level 3 valuations as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The Company’s Level 3 measurements may include Basis only, transportation cost only, or both price components. As an example, for Level 3 inventories with Basis, the unobservable component as of September 30, 2017 is a weighted average 16.2% of the total price for assets and 62.7% of the total price for liabilities.
Weighted Average % of Total Price | |||||||||||
September 30, 2017 | December 31, 2016 | ||||||||||
Component Type | Assets | Liabilities | Assets | Liabilities | |||||||
Inventories and Related Payables | |||||||||||
Basis | 16.2 | % | 62.7 | % | 16.5 | % | 67.1 | % | |||
Transportation cost | 18.2 | % | — | % | 8.3 | % | — | ||||
Commodity Derivative Contracts | |||||||||||
Basis | 22.3 | % | 21.3 | % | 16.9 | % | 27.0 | % | |||
Transportation cost | 12.9 | % | 12.3 | % | 11.6 | % | 13.4 | % |
In certain of the Company’s principal markets, the Company relies on price quotes from third parties to value its inventories and physical commodity purchase and sale contracts. These price quotes are generally not further adjusted by the Company in determining the applicable market price. In some cases, availability of third-party quotes is limited to only one or two independent sources. In these situations, absent other corroborating evidence, the Company considers these price quotes as 100% unobservable and, therefore, the fair value of these items is reported in Level 3.
18
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)
Note 6. | Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities |
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
The majority of the Company’s derivative instruments have not been designated as hedging instruments. The Company uses exchange-traded futures and exchange-traded and OTC options contracts to manage its net position of merchandisable agricultural commodity inventories and forward cash purchase and sales contracts to reduce price risk caused by market fluctuations in agricultural commodities and foreign currencies. The Company also uses exchange-traded futures and exchange-traded and OTC options contracts as components of merchandising strategies designed to enhance margins. The results of these strategies can be significantly impacted by factors such as the correlation between the value of exchange-traded commodities futures contracts and the value of the underlying commodities, counterparty contract defaults, and volatility of freight markets. Derivatives, including exchange-traded contracts and physical purchase or sale contracts, are stated at market value and inventories of certain merchandisable agricultural commodities, which include amounts acquired under deferred pricing contracts, are stated at market value. Inventory is not a derivative and therefore fair values of and changes in fair values of inventories are not included in the tables below.
The following table sets forth the fair value of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.
September 30, 2017 | December 31, 2016 | ||||||||||||||
Assets | Liabilities | Assets | Liabilities | ||||||||||||
(In millions) | |||||||||||||||
Foreign Currency Contracts | $ | 81 | $ | 119 | $ | 102 | $ | 90 | |||||||
Commodity Contracts | 360 | 445 | 511 | 561 | |||||||||||
Total | $ | 441 | $ | 564 | $ | 613 | $ | 651 |
The following table sets forth the pre-tax gains (losses) on derivatives not designated as hedging instruments that have been included in the consolidated statements of earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.
Three months ended September 30, | |||||||
2017 | 2016 | ||||||
(In millions) | |||||||
Foreign Currency Contracts | |||||||
Revenues | $ | (8 | ) | $ | (19 | ) | |
Cost of products sold | 52 | 1 | |||||
Other income (expense) – net | 52 | (3 | ) | ||||
Commodity Contracts | |||||||
Cost of products sold | 34 | 369 | |||||
Total gain (loss) recognized in earnings | $ | 130 | $ | 348 |
19
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)
Note 6. | Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Continued) |
Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||
2017 | 2016 | ||||||
(In millions) | |||||||
Foreign Currency Contracts | |||||||
Revenues | $ | (16 | ) | $ | (32 | ) | |
Cost of products sold | 82 | 263 | |||||
Other income (expense) – net | 186 | (108 | ) | ||||
Commodity Contracts | |||||||
Cost of products sold | $ | 294 | $ | (266 | ) | ||
Total gain (loss) recognized in earnings | $ | 546 | $ | (143 | ) |
Inventories of certain merchandisable agricultural commodities, which include amounts acquired under deferred pricing contracts, are stated at market value. Changes in the market value of inventories of certain merchandisable agricultural commodities, forward cash purchase and sales contracts, exchange-traded futures and exchange-traded and OTC options contracts are recognized in earnings immediately.
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow or Fair Value Hedging Strategies
As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company has certain derivatives designated as cash flow and fair value hedges.
The Company uses interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges to protect the fair value of fixed-rate debt due to changes in interest rates. The changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps and the underlying fixed-rate debt are recorded in other (income) expense - net. The terms of the interest rate swaps match the terms of the underlying debt resulting in no ineffectiveness. At September 30, 2017, the Company has $2 million in other current assets representing the fair value of the interest rate swaps and a corresponding increase in the underlying debt for the same amount with no net impact to earnings.
For each of the commodity hedge programs described below, the derivatives are designated as cash flow hedges. Assuming normal market conditions, the changes in the market value of such derivative contracts have historically been, and are expected to continue to be, highly effective at offsetting changes in price movements of the hedged item. Once the hedged item is recognized in earnings, the gains/losses arising from the hedge are reclassified from AOCI to either revenues or cost of products sold, as applicable. As of September 30, 2017, the Company has $12 million of after-tax losses in AOCI related to gains and losses from commodity cash flow hedge transactions. The Company expects to recognize $12 million of these after-tax losses in its consolidated statement of earnings during the next 12 months.
The Company uses futures or options contracts to fix the purchase price of anticipated volumes of corn to be purchased and processed in a future month. The objective of this hedging program is to reduce the variability of cash flows associated with the Company’s forecasted purchases of corn. The Company’s corn processing plants currently grind approximately 72 million bushels of corn per month. During the past 12 months, the Company hedged between 19% and 62% of its monthly anticipated grind. At September 30, 2017, the Company has designated hedges representing between 6% and 41% of its anticipated monthly grind of corn for the next 12 months.
The Company, from time to time, also uses futures, options, and swaps to fix the sales price of certain ethanol sales contracts. The Company has established hedging programs for ethanol sales contracts that are indexed to unleaded gasoline prices and to various exchange-traded ethanol contracts. The objective of these hedging programs is to reduce the variability of cash flows associated with the Company’s sales of ethanol. During the past 12 months, the Company hedged between 1 million and 66 million gallons of ethanol sales per month under these programs. At September 30, 2017, the Company has designated hedges representing between 0 and 1 million gallons of ethanol sales per month over the next 12 months.
20
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)
Note 6. | Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Continued) |
The following table sets forth the fair value of derivatives designated as hedging instruments as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.
September 30, 2017 | December 31, 2016 | ||||||||||||||
Assets | Liabilities | Assets | Liabilities | ||||||||||||
(In millions) | |||||||||||||||
Interest Rate Contracts | $ | 2 | $ | — | $ | 11 | $ | — | |||||||
Total | $ | 2 | $ | — | $ | 11 | $ | — |
The following table sets forth the pre-tax gains (losses) on derivatives designated as hedging instruments that have been included in the consolidated statements of earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.
Three months ended | |||||||||
Consolidated Statement of Earnings Locations | September 30, | ||||||||
2017 | 2016 | ||||||||
(In millions) | |||||||||
Effective amounts recognized in earnings | |||||||||
Foreign Currency Contracts | Other income/expense – net | $ | — | $ | (3 | ) | |||
Interest Contracts | Interest expense | — | (2 | ) | |||||
Commodity Contracts | Revenues | — | (9 | ) | |||||
Cost of products sold | (15 | ) | (37 | ) | |||||
Ineffective amount recognized in earnings | |||||||||
Commodity Contracts | Revenues | — | (1 | ) | |||||
Cost of products sold | (4 | ) | 1 | ||||||
Total amount recognized in earnings | $ | (19 | ) | $ | (51 | ) |
Nine months ended | |||||||||
Consolidated Statement of Earnings Locations | September 30, | ||||||||
2017 | 2016 | ||||||||
(In millions) | |||||||||
Effective amounts recognized in earnings | |||||||||
Foreign Currency Contracts | Other income/expense – net | $ | (2 | ) | $ | (25 | ) | ||
Interest Contracts | Interest expense | — | (2 | ) | |||||
Commodity Contracts | Revenues | — | (14 | ) | |||||
Cost of products sold | (20 | ) | (61 | ) | |||||
Ineffective amount recognized in earnings | |||||||||
Commodity Contracts | Revenues | 4 | — | ||||||
Cost of products sold | 5 | 5 | |||||||
Total amount recognized in earnings | $ | (13 | ) | $ | (97 | ) |
Hedge ineffectiveness for commodity contracts results when the change in the price of the underlying commodity in a specific cash market differs from the change in the price of the derivative financial instrument used to establish the hedging relationship. As an example, if the change in the price of a corn futures contract is strongly correlated to the change in cash price paid for corn, the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is deferred and recognized at the time the corn grind occurs. If the change in price of the derivative does not strongly correlate to the change in the cash price of corn, in the same example, some portion or all of the derivative gains or losses may be required to be recognized in earnings prior to when the corn grind occurs.
21
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)
Note 6. | Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Continued) |
Net Investment Hedging Strategies
On June 24, 2015, the Company issued €500 million aggregate principal amount of Floating Rate Notes and €600 million aggregate principal amount of 1.75% Notes (collectively, the “Notes”). The Company has designated €1.1 billion of the Notes as a hedge of its net investment in a foreign subsidiary. As of September 30, 2017, the Company has $47 million of after-tax losses in AOCI related to gains and losses from the net investment hedge transaction. The amount is deferred in AOCI until the underlying investment is divested.
Note 7. | Marketable Securities |
Cost | Unrealized Gains | Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | ||||||||||||
(In millions) | |||||||||||||||
September 30, 2017 | |||||||||||||||
United States government obligations | |||||||||||||||
Maturity less than 1 year | $ | 259 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 259 | |||||||
Maturity 1 to 5 years | 117 | — | — | 117 | |||||||||||
Corporate debt securities | |||||||||||||||
Maturity less than 1 year | 2 | — | — | 2 | |||||||||||
Maturity 1 to 5 years | 90 | — | — | 90 | |||||||||||
$ | 468 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 468 |
Cost | Unrealized Gains | Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | ||||||||||||
(In millions) | |||||||||||||||
December 31, 2016 | |||||||||||||||
United States government obligations | |||||||||||||||
Maturity less than 1 year | $ | 287 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 287 | |||||||
Maturity 1 to 5 years | 121 | — | (1 | ) | 120 | ||||||||||
Corporate debt securities | |||||||||||||||
Maturity less than 1 year | 1 | — | — | 1 | |||||||||||
Maturity 1 to 5 years | 66 | — | — | 66 | |||||||||||
Other debt securities | |||||||||||||||
Maturity less than 1 year | 8 | — | — | 8 | |||||||||||
Equity securities | |||||||||||||||
Available-for-sale | 1 | — | — | 1 | |||||||||||
$ | 484 | $ | — | $ | (1 | ) | $ | 483 |
22
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)
Note 8. Other Current Assets
The following table sets forth the items in other current assets:
September 30, | December 31, | ||||||
2017 | 2016 | ||||||
(In millions) | |||||||
Unrealized gains on derivative contracts | $ | 443 | $ | 624 | |||
Deferred receivables consideration | 399 | 540 | |||||
Customer omnibus receivable | 474 | 521 | |||||
Financing receivables - net (1) | 407 | 373 | |||||
Insurance premiums receivable | 137 | 648 | |||||
Prepaid expenses | 248 | 268 | |||||
Tax receivables | 423 | 480 | |||||
Non-trade receivables (2) | 374 | 478 | |||||
Other current assets | 179 | 451 | |||||
$ | 3,084 | $ | 4,383 |
(1) The Company provides financing to certain suppliers, primarily Brazilian farmers, to finance a portion of the suppliers’ production costs. The amounts are reported net of allowances of $6 million and $7 million at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Interest earned on financing receivables of $6 million and $18 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, and $5 million and $17 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, is included in interest income in the consolidated statements of earnings.
(2) Non-trade receivables included $75 million and $223 million of reinsurance recoverables as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.
Note 9. Accrued Expenses and Other Payables
The following table sets forth the items in accrued expenses and other payables:
September 30, | December 31, | ||||||
2017 | 2016 | ||||||
(In millions) | |||||||
Unrealized losses on derivative contracts | $ | 564 | $ | 651 | |||
Reinsurance premiums payable | 104 | 479 | |||||
Insurance claims payables | 260 | 373 | |||||
Deferred income | 570 | 1,065 | |||||
Other accruals and payable | 1,050 | 1,414 | |||||
$ | 2,548 | $ | 3,982 |
23
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)
Note 10. | Debt and Financing Arrangements |
On September 14, 2017, the Company issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of 3.75% notes due in 2047. Proceeds before expenses were $493 million.
On September 29, 2017, the Company redeemed $559 million aggregate principal amount of 5.45% notes due on March 15, 2018 and incurred an early extinguishment charge of $11 million in the quarter ended September 30, 2017.
At September 30, 2017, the fair value of the Company’s long-term debt exceeded the carrying value by $1.1 billion, as estimated using quoted market prices (a Level 2 measurement under applicable accounting standards).
At September 30, 2017, the Company had lines of credit, including the accounts receivable securitization programs, totaling $6.9 billion, of which $4.8 billion was unused. Of the Company’s total lines of credit, $4.0 billion support a commercial paper borrowing facility, against which there was $0.6 billion of commercial paper outstanding at September 30, 2017.
The Company has accounts receivable securitization programs (the “Programs”). The Programs provide the Company with up to $1.7 billion in funding resulting from the sale of accounts receivable. As of September 30, 2017, the Company utilized $1.4 billion of its facility under the Programs (see Note 16 for more information on the Programs).
Note 11. | Income Taxes |
The Company’s effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 was 13.3% and 24.0%, respectively, compared to 28.3% and 27.7% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. The change in the rates was primarily due to the impact of changes in discrete tax items, including the favorable resolution of an uncertain tax position related to a 2014 acquisition and return to provision in the current quarter, partially offset by changes in the forecasted geographic mix of pre-tax earnings and the expiration of U.S. tax credits, including the biodiesel credit, at the end of 2016.
The Company is subject to routine examination by domestic and foreign tax authorities and frequently faces challenges regarding the amount of taxes due. These challenges include positions taken by the Company related to the timing, nature and amount of deductions and the allocation of income among various tax jurisdictions. Resolution of the related tax positions, through negotiation with relevant tax authorities or through litigation, may take years to complete. Therefore, it is difficult to predict the timing for resolution of tax positions. In its routine evaluations of the exposure associated with various tax filing positions, the Company recognizes a liability, when necessary, for estimated potential additional tax owed by the Company in accordance with the applicable accounting standard. However, the Company cannot predict or provide assurance as to the ultimate outcome of these ongoing or future examinations.
The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, ADM do Brasil Ltda. (ADM do Brasil), has received three separate tax assessments from the Brazilian Federal Revenue Service (BFRS) challenging the tax deductibility of commodity hedging losses and related expenses for the tax years 2004, 2006, and 2007. As of September 30, 2017, these assessments, updated for estimated penalties, interest, and variation in currency exchange rates, totaled approximately $490 million. The statute of limitations for tax years 2005 and 2008 to 2011 has expired. The Company does not expect to receive any additional tax assessments.
ADM do Brasil enters into commodity hedging transactions that can result in gains, which are included in ADM do Brasil’s calculations of taxable income in Brazil, and losses, which ADM do Brasil deducts from its taxable income in Brazil. The Company has evaluated its tax position regarding these hedging transactions and concluded, based upon advice from Brazilian legal counsel, that it was appropriate to recognize both gains and losses resulting from hedging transactions when determining its Brazilian income tax expense. Therefore, the Company has continued to recognize the tax benefit from hedging losses in its financial statements and has not recorded any tax liability for the amounts assessed by the BFRS.
24
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)
Note 11. Income Taxes (Continued)
ADM do Brasil filed an administrative appeal for each of the assessments. The appeal panel found in favor of the BFRS on these assessments and ADM do Brasil filed a second level administrative appeal. The second administrative appeal panel continues to conduct customary procedural activities, including ongoing dialogue with the BFRS auditor. If ADM do Brasil continues to be unsuccessful in the administrative appellate process, the Company intends to file appeals in the Brazilian federal courts. While the Company believes its consolidated financial statements properly reflect the tax deductibility of these hedging losses, the ultimate resolution of this matter could result in the future recognition of additional payments of, and expense for, income tax and the associated interest and penalties.
The Company intends to vigorously defend its position against the current assessments and any similar assessments that may be issued for years subsequent to 2011.
The Company’s subsidiaries in Argentina have received tax assessments challenging transfer prices used to price grain exports totaling $128 million (inclusive of interest and adjusted for variation in currency exchange rates) for the tax years 2004 through 2010. The Argentine tax authorities have been conducting a review of income and other taxes paid by large exporters and processors of cereals and other agricultural commodities resulting in allegations of income tax evasion. While the Company believes that it has complied with all Argentine tax laws, it cannot rule out receiving additional assessments challenging transfer prices used to price grain exports for years subsequent to 2010, and estimates that these potential assessments would be approximately $213 million (as of September 30, 2017 and subject to variation in currency exchange rates). The Company believes that it has appropriately evaluated the transactions underlying these assessments, and has concluded, based on Argentine tax law, that its tax position would be sustained, and accordingly, has not recorded a tax liability for these assessments. The Company intends to vigorously defend its position against the current assessments and any similar assessments that may be issued for years subsequent to 2010.
In accordance with the accounting requirements for uncertain tax positions, the Company has not recorded an uncertain tax liability for these assessments because it has concluded that it is more likely than not to prevail on the Brazil and Argentina matters based upon their technical merits and because the taxing jurisdictions’ processes do not provide a mechanism for settling at less than the full amount of the assessment. The Company’s consideration of these tax assessments requires judgments about the application of income tax regulations to specific facts and circumstances. The final outcome of these matters cannot reliably be predicted, may take many years to resolve, and could result in financial impacts of up to the entire amount of these assessments.
The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary in the Netherlands, ADM Europe B.V., has received a tax assessment totaling $106 million from the Netherlands tax authority challenging the transfer pricing aspects of a 2009 business reorganization which involved two of its subsidiary companies in the Netherlands. The Company has appealed the assessment and carefully evaluated the underlying transactions and has concluded that the amount of the gain recognized on the reorganization for tax purposes was appropriate. While the Company plans to vigorously defend its position against the assessment, it has accrued an amount it believes would be the likely outcome of the litigation. The Company’s defense of the judicial appeal may take an extended period of time, and could result in additional financial impacts of up to the entire amount of this assessment.
25
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)
Note 12. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI)
The following tables set forth the changes in AOCI by component for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and the reclassifications out of AOCI for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:
Three months ended September 30, 2017 | |||||||||||||||||||
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment | Deferred Gain (Loss) on Hedging Activities | Pension Liability Adjustment | Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments | Total | |||||||||||||||
(In millions) | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2017 | $ | (1,684 | ) | $ | 39 | $ | (510 | ) | $ | 14 | $ | (2,141 | ) | ||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | 244 | (41 | ) | 160 | 6 | 369 | |||||||||||||
Amounts reclassified from AOCI | — | 15 | 14 | — | 29 | ||||||||||||||
Tax effect | (40 | ) | 6 | (66 | ) | — | (100 | ) | |||||||||||
Net current period other comprehensive income | 204 | (20 | ) | 108 | 6 | 298 | |||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2017 | $ | (1,480 | ) | $ | 19 | $ | (402 | ) | $ | 20 | $ | (1,843 | ) | ||||||
Nine months ended September 30, 2017 | |||||||||||||||||||
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment | Deferred Gain (Loss) on Hedging Activities | Pension Liability Adjustment | Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments | Total | |||||||||||||||
(In millions) | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2016 | $ | (2,102 | ) | $ | 6 | $ | (521 | ) | $ | 19 | $ | (2,598 | ) | ||||||
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications | 626 | (10 | ) | 151 | 1 | 768 | |||||||||||||
Amounts reclassified from AOCI | — | 22 | 42 | — | 64 | ||||||||||||||
Tax effect | (4 | ) | 1 | (74 | ) | — | (77 | ) | |||||||||||
Net current period other comprehensive income | 622 | 13 | 119 | 1 | 755 | ||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2017 | $ | (1,480 | ) | $ | 19 | $ | (402 | ) | $ | 20 | $ | (1,843 | ) |
26
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)
Note 12. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) (Continued)
Amount reclassified from AOCI | ||||||||||||||||||
Three months ended | Nine months ended | |||||||||||||||||
Details about AOCI components | Sep 30 2017 | Sep 30 2016 | Sep 30 2017 | Sep 30 2016 | Affected line item in the consolidated statement of earnings | |||||||||||||
(In millions) | ||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment | ||||||||||||||||||
$ | — | $ | (2 | ) | $ | — | $ | (75 | ) | Other income/expense | ||||||||
— | — | — | — | Tax | ||||||||||||||
$ | — | $ | (2 | ) | $ | — | $ | (75 | ) | Net of tax | ||||||||
Deferred loss (gain) on hedging activities | ||||||||||||||||||
$ | 15 | $ | 37 | $ | 20 | $ | 61 | Cost of products sold | ||||||||||
— | 2 | — | 2 | Interest expense | ||||||||||||||
— | 3 | 2 | 25 | Other income/expense | ||||||||||||||
— | 9 | — | 14 | Revenues | ||||||||||||||
15 | 51 | 22 | 102 | Total before tax | ||||||||||||||
(5 | ) | (19 | ) | (8 | ) | (38 | ) | Tax | ||||||||||
$ | 10 | $ | 32 | $ | 14 | $ | 64 | Net of tax | ||||||||||
Pension liability adjustment | ||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of defined benefit pension items: | ||||||||||||||||||
Prior service credit | $ | (2 | ) | $ | (5 | ) | $ | (8 | ) | $ | (12 | ) | Selling, general, and administrative expenses | |||||
Actuarial losses | 16 | 15 | 50 | 44 | Selling, general, and administrative expenses | |||||||||||||
14 | 10 | 42 | 32 | Total before tax | ||||||||||||||
(5 | ) | (4 | ) | (15 | ) | (7 | ) | Tax | ||||||||||
$ | 9 | $ | 6 | $ | 27 | $ | 25 | Net of tax | ||||||||||
Unrealized loss on investments | ||||||||||||||||||
$ | — | $ | 6 | $ | — | $ | 6 | Asset impairment, exit, and restructuring costs | ||||||||||
— | — | — | — | Tax | ||||||||||||||
$ | — | $ | 6 | $ | — | $ | 6 | Net of tax | ||||||||||
27
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)
Note 13. | Other (Income) Expense - Net |
The following table sets forth the items in other (income) expense:
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | ||||||||||||||
2017 | 2016 | 2017 | 2016 | ||||||||||||
(In millions) | |||||||||||||||
(Gains) losses on sales of assets and businesses | $ | (15 | ) | $ | 7 | $ | (66 | ) | $ | (117 | ) | ||||
Loss on debt extinguishment | 11 | — | 11 | — | |||||||||||
Other – net | — | (11 | ) | 42 | (21 | ) | |||||||||
Other (Income) Expense - Net | $ | (4 | ) | $ | (4 | ) | $ | (13 | ) | $ | (138 | ) |
Gains on sales of assets for the three months ended September 30, 2017 included disposals of individually insignificant assets in the ordinary course of business. Gains on sales of assets and businesses for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 included gains related to the sale of the crop risk services business and disposals of other individually insignificant assets in the ordinary course of business, partially offset by an adjustment of the proceeds of the 2015 sale of the cocoa business. Losses on sale of assets for the three months ended September 30, 2016 related principally to a loss on the sale of an investment. Gains on sales of assets and businesses for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 included realized additional consideration related to the sale of the Company’s equity investment in Gruma S.A.B. de C.V. in December 2012, recovery of loss provisions and gain related to the sale of the Company’s Brazilian sugar ethanol facilities, and gain related to the revaluation of the remaining interest to settlement value in conjunction with the acquisition of the remaining interest in Amazon Flavors.
Loss on debt extinguishment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 related to the early redemption of the Company’s $559 million notes due on March 15, 2018.
Other - net for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 included foreign exchange losses and changes in contingent settlement provisions. Other - net for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 included foreign exchange gains and other income.
Note 14. Segment Information
The Company is principally engaged in procuring, transporting, storing, processing, and merchandising agricultural commodities and products. The Company’s operations are organized, managed, and classified into four reportable business segments: Agricultural Services, Corn Processing, Oilseeds Processing, and Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients. Each of these segments is organized based upon the nature of products and services offered. The Company’s remaining operations are not reportable segments, as defined by the applicable accounting standard, and are classified as Other.
The Agricultural Services segment utilizes its extensive global grain elevator and transportation networks, and port operations to buy, store, clean, and transport agricultural commodities, such as oilseeds, corn, wheat, milo, oats, rice, and barley, and resells these commodities primarily as food and feed ingredients and as raw materials for the agricultural processing industry. The Agricultural Services segment includes international agricultural commodities merchandising and handling activities managed through a global trade desk based in Rolle, Switzerland. Agricultural Services’ grain sourcing, handling, and transportation network provides reliable and efficient services to the Company’s customers and agricultural processing operations. Agricultural Services’ transportation network capabilities include barge, ocean-going vessel, truck, rail, and container freight services. The Agricultural Services segment also includes the activities related to structured trade finance, the processing of wheat into wheat flour, and the Company’s share of the results of its Pacificor (formerly Kalama Export Company LLC) joint venture. The Agricultural Services segment also included returns associated with the Company’s 19.8% investment in GrainCorp until its sale in December 2016. In July 2017, the Company completed the acquisition of a 51% controlling interest in Industries Centers, an Israeli company specializing in the import and distribution of agricultural feed products, which is now known as ADM Israel.
28
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)
Note 14. | Segment Information (Continued) |
The Company’s Corn Processing segment is engaged in corn wet milling and dry milling activities, utilizing its asset base primarily located in the central part of the United States with additional facilities in China, Bulgaria, France, Morocco, Spain, and Turkey. The Corn Processing segment converts corn into sweeteners, starches, and bioproducts. Its products include ingredients used in the food and beverage industry including sweeteners, starch, syrup, glucose, and dextrose. Dextrose and starch are used by the Corn Processing segment as feedstocks for its bioproducts operations. By fermentation of dextrose, the Corn Processing segment produces alcohol, amino acids, and other food and animal feed ingredients. Ethyl alcohol is produced by the Company for industrial use as ethanol or as beverage grade. Ethanol, in gasoline, increases octane and is used as an extender and oxygenate. Bioproducts also include essential amino acids such as lysine and threonine used in swine and poultry diets to optimize performance. Corn gluten feed and meal, as well as distillers’ grains, are produced for use as animal feed ingredients. Corn germ, a by-product of the wet milling process, is further processed into vegetable oil and protein meal. The Corn Processing segment also includes activities related to the processing and distribution of formula feeds and animal health and nutrition products. Other Corn Processing products include citric acids and glycols, all of which are used in various food and industrial products. The Corn Processing segment also included the activities of the Company’s Brazilian sugarcane ethanol plant and related operations until the Company completed the sale of these operations in May 2016. This segment also includes the Company’s share of the results of its equity investments in Almidones Mexicanos S.A. and Red Star Yeast Company LLC. In February 2017, the Company acquired Crosswind Industries, Inc., an industry leader in the manufacture of contract and private label pet treats and foods, as well as specialty ingredients, and an 89% controlling interest in Biopolis SL, a leading provider of microbial technology with a strong portfolio of novel food ingredients. In June 2017, the Company completed the acquisition of Chamtor SA, a French producer of wheat-based sweeteners and starches.
The Oilseeds Processing segment includes global activities related to the origination, merchandising, crushing, and further processing of oilseeds such as soybeans and soft seeds (cottonseed, sunflower seed, canola, rapeseed, and flaxseed) into vegetable oils and protein meals. Oilseeds products produced and marketed by the Company include ingredients for the food, feed, energy, and industrial products industries. Crude vegetable oils produced by the segment’s crushing activities are sold “as is” or are further processed by refining, blending, bleaching, and deodorizing into salad oils. Salad oils are sold “as is” or are further processed by hydrogenating and/or interesterifying into margarine, shortening, and other food products. Partially refined oils are used to produce biodiesel or are sold to other manufacturers for use in chemicals, paints, and other industrial products. Oilseed protein meals are principally sold to third parties to be used as ingredients in commercial livestock and poultry feeds. In Europe and South America, the Oilseeds Processing segment includes origination and merchandising activities as adjuncts to its oilseeds processing assets. These activities include a network of grain elevators, port facilities, and transportation assets used to buy, store, clean, and transport grains and oilseeds. The Oilseeds Processing segment is a major supplier of peanuts, tree nuts, and peanut-derived ingredients to both the U.S. and export markets. In North America, cottonseed flour is produced and sold primarily to the pharmaceutical industry and cotton cellulose pulp is manufactured and sold to the chemical, paper, and other industrial markets. The Oilseeds Processing segment also includes the Company’s share of the results of its equity investment in Wilmar International Limited (Wilmar) and its share of the results of its Stratas Foods LLC, Edible Oils Limited, and Olenex joint ventures. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company acquired additional shares in Wilmar, increasing its ownership interest from 23.2% to 24.9% as of September 30, 2017.
The Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients (WFSI) segment engages in the manufacturing, sales, and distribution of specialty products including natural flavor ingredients, flavor systems, natural colors, proteins, emulsifiers, soluble fiber, polyols, hydrocolloids, natural health and nutrition products, and other specialty food and feed ingredients. The WFSI segment also includes the activities related to the procurement, processing, and distribution of edible beans.
Other includes the Company’s remaining operations, primarily its financial business units, related to futures commission and insurance activities. On May 1, 2017, the Company completed the sale of its crop risk services business to Validus Holdings, a global group of insurance and reinsurance companies.
Intersegment sales have been recorded at amounts approximating market. Operating profit for each segment is based on net sales less identifiable operating expenses and specified items. Also included in operating profit for each segment is equity in earnings of affiliates based on the equity method of accounting. Specified items included in total segment operating profit and certain corporate items are not allocated to the Company’s individual business segments because operating performance of each business segment is evaluated exclusive of these items. Corporate results principally include the impact of LIFO-related adjustments, unallocated corporate expenses, interest cost net of investment income, and the Company’s share of the results of its equity investment in Compagnie Industrialle et Financiere des Produits Amylaces SA (Luxembourg) (CIP).
29
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)
Note 14. | Segment Information (Continued) |
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | ||||||||||||||
(In millions) | 2017 | 2016 | 2017 | 2016 | |||||||||||
Gross revenues | |||||||||||||||
Agricultural Services | $ | 7,022 | $ | 7,953 | $ | 21,351 | $ | 22,486 | |||||||
Corn Processing | 2,517 | 2,630 | 7,318 | 7,570 | |||||||||||
Oilseeds Processing | 6,797 | 6,498 | 20,109 | 19,418 | |||||||||||
Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients | 586 | 614 | 1,809 | 1,893 | |||||||||||
Other | 98 | 95 | 293 | 314 | |||||||||||
Intersegment elimination | (2,193 | ) | (1,958 | ) | (6,122 | ) | (5,836 | ) | |||||||
Total gross revenues | $ | 14,827 | $ | 15,832 | $ | 44,758 | $ | 45,845 | |||||||
Intersegment sales | |||||||||||||||
Agricultural Services | $ | 947 | $ | 993 | $ | 2,622 | $ | 2,659 | |||||||
Corn Processing | 192 | 239 | 475 | 620 | |||||||||||
Oilseeds Processing | 1,045 | 723 | 3,003 | 2,547 | |||||||||||
Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients | 9 | 3 | 22 | 10 | |||||||||||
Total intersegment sales | $ | 2,193 | $ | 1,958 | $ | 6,122 | $ | 5,836 | |||||||
Revenues from external customers | |||||||||||||||
Agricultural Services | |||||||||||||||
Merchandising and Handling | $ | 5,265 | $ | 6,146 | $ | 16,434 | $ | 17,331 | |||||||
Milling and Other | 757 | 754 | 2,141 | 2,325 | |||||||||||
Transportation | 53 | 60 | 154 | 171 | |||||||||||
Total Agricultural Services | 6,075 | 6,960 | 18,729 | 19,827 | |||||||||||
Corn Processing | |||||||||||||||
Sweeteners and Starches | 1,087 | 1,057 | 3,192 | 3,061 | |||||||||||
Bioproducts | 1,238 | 1,334 | 3,651 | 3,889 | |||||||||||
Total Corn Processing | 2,325 | 2,391 | 6,843 | 6,950 | |||||||||||
Oilseeds Processing | |||||||||||||||
Crushing and Origination | 3,665 | 3,660 | 10,850 | 10,799 | |||||||||||
Refining, Packaging, Biodiesel, and Other | 2,025 | 2,042 | 6,064 | 5,852 | |||||||||||
Asia | 62 | 73 | 192 | 220 | |||||||||||
Total Oilseeds Processing | 5,752 | 5,775 | 17,106 | 16,871 | |||||||||||
Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients | 577 | 611 | 1,787 | 1,883 | |||||||||||
Total Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients | 577 | 611 | 1,787 | 1,883 | |||||||||||
Other - Financial | 98 | 95 | 293 | 314 | |||||||||||
Total Other | 98 | 95 | 293 | 314 | |||||||||||
Total revenues from external customers | $ | 14,827 | $ | 15,832 | $ | 44,758 | $ | 45,845 | |||||||
30
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)
Note 14. | Segment Information (Continued) |
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | ||||||||||||||
(In millions) | 2017 | 2016 | 2017 | 2016 | |||||||||||
Segment operating profit | |||||||||||||||
Agricultural Services | $ | 87 | $ | 195 | 284 | 328 | |||||||||
Corn Processing | 253 | 214 | 648 | 506 | |||||||||||
Oilseeds Processing | 119 | 145 | 639 | 641 | |||||||||||
Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients | 61 | 73 | 228 | 237 | |||||||||||
Other | 21 | 23 | 78 | 84 | |||||||||||
Specified Items: | |||||||||||||||
Gains (losses) on sales of assets and businesses(1) | 12 | (4 | ) | 20 | 114 | ||||||||||
Impairment, restructuring, settlement charges(2) | (63 | ) | (4 | ) | (98 | ) | (16 | ) | |||||||
Hedge timing effects(3) | (5 | ) | 3 | 4 | 4 | ||||||||||
Total segment operating profit | 485 | 645 | 1,803 | 1,898 | |||||||||||
Corporate | (260 | ) | (165 | ) | (737 | ) | (705 | ) | |||||||
Earnings before income taxes | $ | 225 | $ | 480 | $ | 1,066 | $ | 1,193 | |||||||
(1) Current quarter gain related to disposals of individually insignificant assets in the ordinary course of business Current year to date gain related to the sale of the crop risk services business and disposals of other individually insignificant assets in the ordinary course of business, partially offset by an adjustment of the proceeds of the 2015 sale of the cocoa business. Prior quarter loss related principally to a loss on the sale of an investment. Prior year to date gain primarily related to recovery of loss provisions and gain related to the sale of the Company’s Brazilian sugar ethanol facilities, realized contingent consideration on the December 2012 sale of the Company’s equity investment in Gruma S.A. de C.V., and revaluation of the remaining interest to settlement value in conjunction with the acquisition of the remaining interest in Amazon Flavors.
(2) Current quarter and year to date charges consisted of asset impairments related to the reconfiguration of the Company’s Peoria, Illinois ethanol complex in the Corn processing segment and several individually insignificant asset impairments and restructuring charges. Prior quarter and YTD charges primarily related to impairment of certain long-lived assets and restructuring charges.
(3) Hedge timing effects relate to hedge ineffectiveness associated with documented hedge programs.
Note 15. Asset Impairment, Exit, and Restructuring Costs
Asset impairment, exit, and restructuring costs in the quarter ended September 30, 2017 of $107 million included $63 million of asset impairments principally in the Corn Processing segment related to the reconfiguration of the Peoria, Illinois ethanol complex due to the Company’s decision to focus on the more profitable high grade industrial and beverage alcohol as well as export fuel. The impaired assets were determined to have no alternative use with zero net salvage value. Other costs in the current quarter included $44 million of restructuring charges related to the reduction of certain positions within the Company’s global workforce. Asset impairment, exit, and restructuring costs in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 of $140 million consisted of $63 million of asset impairments in the Corn processing segment primarily related to the reconfiguration of the Company’s Peoria, Illinois ethanol complex, $47 million of restructuring charges in Corporate primarily related to the reduction of certain positions within the Company’s global workforce, and $30 million of several individually insignificant asset impairments and restructuring charges.
Asset impairment, exit, and restructuring costs in the quarter ended September 30, 2016 consisted of $6 million of other-than-temporary impairment charges on available for sale equity security investments in Corporate and $5 million of several individually insignificant asset impairments and restructuring charges. Asset impairment, exit, and restructuring costs in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 consisted of $17 million of software impairment and other-than-temporary impairment charges on available for sale equity security investments in Corporate, $5 million of asset impairments in the Corn Processing segment, and $14 million of other individually insignificant asset impairments and restructuring charges.
31
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)
Note 16. Sale of Accounts Receivable
Since March 2012, the Company has had an accounts receivable securitization program (the “Program”) with certain commercial paper conduit purchasers and committed purchasers (collectively, the “Purchasers”). Under the Program, certain U.S.-originated trade accounts receivable are sold to a wholly-owned bankruptcy-remote entity, ADM Receivables, LLC (“ADM Receivables”). ADM Receivables in turn transfers such purchased accounts receivable in their entirety to the Purchasers pursuant to a receivables purchase agreement. In exchange for the transfer of the accounts receivable, ADM Receivables receives a cash payment of up to $1.2 billion and an additional amount upon the collection of the accounts receivable (deferred consideration). The Program terminates on June 22, 2018, unless extended.
In March 2014, the Company entered into a second accounts receivable securitization program (the “Second Program”) with certain commercial paper conduit purchasers and committed purchasers (collectively, the “Second Purchasers”). Under the Second Program, certain non-U.S.-originated trade accounts receivable are sold to a wholly-owned bankruptcy-remote entity, ADM Ireland Receivables Company (“ADM Ireland Receivables”). ADM Ireland Receivables in turn transfers such purchased accounts receivable in their entirety to the Second Purchasers pursuant to a receivables purchase agreement. In exchange for the transfer of the accounts receivable, ADM Ireland Receivables receives a cash payment of up to $0.5 billion, as amended, and an additional amount upon the collection of the accounts receivable (deferred consideration). The Second Program terminates on March 16, 2018, unless extended.
Under the Program and Second Program (collectively, the “Programs”), ADM Receivables and ADM Ireland Receivables use the cash proceeds from the transfer of receivables to the Purchasers and Second Purchasers and other consideration to finance the purchase of receivables from the Company and the ADM subsidiaries originating the receivables.
The Company accounts for these transfers as sales. The Company has no retained interests in the transferred receivables, other than collection and administrative responsibilities and its right to the deferred consideration. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company did not record a servicing asset or liability related to its retained responsibility, based on its assessment of the servicing fee, market values for similar transactions and its cost of servicing the receivables sold.
As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the fair value of trade receivables transferred to the Purchasers and Second Purchasers under the Programs and derecognized from the Company’s consolidated balance sheet was $1.8 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively. In exchange for the transfer as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company received cash of $1.4 billion and $1.0 billion and recorded a receivable for deferred consideration included in other current assets of $399 million and $540 million, respectively. Cash collections from customers on receivables sold were $24.3 billion and $24.4 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Of this amount, $24.3 billion and $23.9 billion pertain to cash collections on the deferred consideration for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Deferred consideration is paid to the Company in cash on behalf of the Purchasers as receivables are collected; however, as this is a revolving facility, cash collected from the Company’s customers is reinvested by the Purchasers daily in new receivable purchases under the Program.
The Company’s risk of loss following the transfer of accounts receivable under the Program is limited to the deferred consideration outstanding. The Company carries the deferred consideration at fair value determined by calculating the expected amount of cash to be received and is principally based on observable inputs (a Level 2 measurement under the applicable accounting standards) consisting mainly of the face amount of the receivables adjusted for anticipated credit losses and discounted at the appropriate market rate. Payment of deferred consideration is not subject to significant risks other than delinquencies and credit losses on accounts receivable transferred under the Programs which have historically been insignificant.
Transfers of receivables under the Programs resulted in an expense for the loss on sale of $2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, and $7 million and $4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, classified as selling, general, and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings.
The Company reflects all cash flows related to the Programs as operating activities in its consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 because the cash received from the Purchasers and Second Purchasers upon both the sale and collection of the receivables is not subject to significantly different risks given the short-term nature of the Company’s trade receivables.
32
ITEM 2. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
Company Overview
This MD&A should be read in conjunction with the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements.
The Company is principally engaged in procuring, transporting, storing, processing, and merchandising agricultural commodities and products. The Company uses its significant global asset base to originate and transport agricultural commodities, connecting to markets in 163 countries. The Company also processes corn, oilseeds, and wheat into products for food, animal feed, chemical and energy uses. The Company uses its global asset network, business acumen, and its relationships with suppliers and customers to efficiently connect the harvest to the home thereby generating returns for its shareholders, principally from margins earned on these activities.
The Company’s operations are organized, managed and classified into four reportable business segments: Agricultural Services, Corn Processing, Oilseeds Processing, and Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients. Each of these segments is organized based upon the nature of products and services offered. The Company’s remaining operations are not reportable segments, as defined by the applicable accounting standard, and are classified as Other. See Note 14 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” included in Item 1 herein, “Financial Statements” for more information about the Company’s business segments.
The Company’s recent significant portfolio actions and announcements include:
• | the acquisition in February 2017 of Crosswind Industries, Inc., an industry leader in the manufacture of contract and private label pet treats and foods, as well as specialty ingredients; |
• | the acquisition in February 2017 of an 89% controlling interest in Biopolis SL, a leading provider of microbial technology with a strong portfolio of novel food ingredients; |
• | the construction of a new feed-premix facility in Xiangtan, China, which is expected to be completed in 2019; |
• | the sale in May 2017 of the Company's crop risk services business to Validus Holdings, a global group of insurance and reinsurance companies; |
• | the completion in May 2017 of a series of major enhancements at the Company’s export terminal in Santos, in the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo; |
• | the construction of a new flour mill in Mendota, Illinois, which is expected to be completed in 2019; |
• | the expansion of a Golden Peanut and Tree Nuts production facility in Blakely, Georgia, which is expected to be completed in 2018; |
• | the completion of a new silo located on the Danube River in Silistra, Bulgaria; |
• | the acquisition in June 2017 of Chamtor, a French producer of wheat-based sweeteners and starches; |
• | the acquisition in July 2017 of a 51% controlling interest in Industries Centers, an Israeli company specializing in the import and distribution of agricultural feed products, which will now be known as ADM Israel; and |
• | the modernization of the flour mill in Enid, Oklahoma, which is expected to be completed in 2018. |
As part of the implementation of the Company’s strategic plan, the Company continues to evaluate the capital intensity of its operations and portfolio, seeking ways to reduce and redeploy capital in its efforts to drive long-term returns.
Operating Performance Indicators
The Company is exposed to certain risks inherent to an agricultural-based commodity business. These risks are further described in Item 1A, “Risk Factors” included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.
The Company’s agricultural services and oilseeds processing operations are principally agricultural commodity-based businesses where changes in selling prices move in relationship to changes in prices of the commodity-based agricultural raw materials. Therefore, changes in agricultural commodity prices have relatively equal impacts on both revenues and cost of products sold. Thus, changes in revenues of these businesses do not necessarily correspond to the changes in margins or gross profit.
The Company’s corn processing operations and Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients businesses also utilize agricultural commodities (or products derived from agricultural commodities) as raw materials. However, in these operations, agricultural commodity market price changes do not necessarily equal changes in cost of products sold. Thus, changes in revenues of these businesses may correspond to changes in margins or gross profit.
33
ITEM 2. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) |
The Company has consolidated subsidiaries in 76 countries. For the majority of the Company’s subsidiaries located outside the United States, the local currency is the functional currency. Revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the weighted average exchange rates for the applicable periods. For the majority of the Company’s business activities in Brazil, the functional currency is the U.S. dollar; however, certain transactions, including taxes, occur in local currency and require conversion to the functional currency. Changes in revenues are expected to be correlated to changes in expenses reported by the Company caused by fluctuations in the exchange rates of foreign currencies, primarily the Euro, British pound, Canadian dollar, and Brazilian real, as compared to the U.S. dollar.
The Company measures its performance using key financial metrics including net earnings, segment operating profit, return on invested capital, EBITDA, economic value added, manufacturing expenses, and selling, general, and administrative expenses. The Company’s financial results can vary significantly due to changes in factors such as fluctuations in energy prices, weather conditions, crop plantings, government programs and policies, changes in global demand, general global economic conditions, changes in standards of living, and global production of similar and competitive crops. Due to these unpredictable factors, the Company undertakes no responsibility for updating any forward-looking information contained within “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
Market Factors Influencing Operations or Results in the Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
As an agricultural commodity-based business, the Company is subject to a variety of market factors which affect the Company's operating results. Agricultural Services was impacted by weak U.S. grain export competitiveness. Overall low market prices and price volatility continued due to a surplus of grains and oilseeds in the global market. In Corn Processing, demand and prices for sweeteners and starches remained solid in North America while co-product prices were stable. Ethanol continues to face a challenging environment. Although ethanol demand remained strong both in North America and export markets due to favorable gasoline blending economics and ethanol's continuing status as a competitive octane enhancer, U.S. industry ethanol production also remained at high levels, limiting margins. Global oilseeds processing volumes remained strong but competition from Argentine exports significantly decreased margins, especially in Europe. Slow selling by farmers in Brazil lowered volumes and pressured grain origination and soy crushing margins. While demand and margins for refined oil remained solid across all regions, the uncertainty surrounding the biodiesel tax credit has negatively impacted biodiesel margins. Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients benefited from strong demand for flavor ingredients and flavor systems, but continued to be adversely affected by start-up costs and margin pressure in certain non-flavor food ingredient markets.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
Net earnings attributable to controlling interests was $192 million in the third quarter of 2017 compared to $341 million in the third quarter of 2016. Segment operating profit was $485 million in the third quarter of 2017 compared to $645 million in the third quarter of 2016. Included in segment operating profit in the current quarter was a net charge of $56 million consisting of a net gain on sales of assets, impairment and restructuring charges, and corn hedge timing effects. Included in segment operating profit in the prior year quarter was a net charge of $5 million consisting of a loss on sale of an investment, impairment and restructuring charges, and corn hedge timing effects. Adjusted segment operating profit decreased $109 million to $541 million due to the lack of competitiveness of U.S. grains in the global markets, compressed global crush margins, risk management losses, and start-up costs. Corporate results were a charge of $260 million this quarter compared to $165 million in last year’s quarter. Corporate results this quarter included an immaterial charge from the effect of changing agricultural commodity prices on LIFO inventory valuation reserves, compared to a credit of $85 million in the third quarter of 2016.
Income taxes decreased $106 million to $30 million due to lower earnings before income taxes and a lower effective tax rate. The Company’s effective tax rate for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 decreased to 13.3% compared to 28.3% for the quarter ended September 30, 2016, primarily due to the impact of changes in discrete tax items, including the favorable resolution of an uncertain tax position related to a 2014 acquisition and return to provision in the current quarter, partially offset by changes in the forecasted geographic mix of pre-tax earnings and the expiration of U.S. tax credits, including the biodiesel credit, at the end of 2016.
34
ITEM 2. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) |
Analysis of Statements of Earnings
Processed volumes by product for the quarter are as follows (in metric tons):
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
September 30, | ||||||||
(In thousands) | 2017 | 2016 | Change | |||||
Oilseeds | 8,265 | 8,388 | (123 | ) | ||||
Corn | 5,621 | 5,794 | (173 | ) | ||||
Total | 13,886 | 14,182 | (296 | ) |
The Company generally operates its production facilities, on an overall basis, at or near capacity, adjusting facilities individually, as needed, to react to the current margin environment and seasonal local supply and demand conditions. The overall decrease in corn is primarily related to the reconfiguration of the Company’s Peoria, Illinois ethanol complex.
Revenues by segment for the quarter are as follows:
Three Months Ended | |||||||||||
September 30, | |||||||||||
2017 | 2016 | Change | |||||||||
(In millions) | |||||||||||
Agricultural Services | |||||||||||
Merchandising and Handling | $ | 5,265 | $ | 6,146 | $ | (881 | ) | ||||
Milling and Other | 757 | 754 | 3 | ||||||||
Transportation | 53 | 60 | (7 | ) | |||||||
Total Agricultural Services | 6,075 | 6,960 | (885 | ) | |||||||
Corn Processing | |||||||||||
Sweeteners and Starches | 1,087 | 1,057 | 30 | ||||||||
Bioproducts | 1,238 | 1,334 | (96 | ) | |||||||
Total Corn Processing | 2,325 | 2,391 | (66 | ) | |||||||
Oilseeds Processing | |||||||||||
Crushing and Origination | 3,665 | 3,660 | 5 | ||||||||
Refining, Packaging, Biodiesel, and Other | 2,025 | 2,042 | (17 | ) | |||||||
Asia | 62 | 73 | (11 | ) | |||||||
Total Oilseeds Processing | 5,752 | 5,775 | (23 | ) | |||||||
Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients | 577 | 611 | (34 | ) | |||||||
Total Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients | 577 | 611 | (34 | ) | |||||||
Other - Financial | 98 | 95 | 3 | ||||||||
Total Other | 98 | 95 | 3 | ||||||||
Total | $ | 14,827 | $ | 15,832 | $ | (1,005 | ) |
35
ITEM 2. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) |
Revenues and cost of products sold in a commodity merchandising and processing business are affected by the underlying commodity prices and volumes. During periods of significant changes in commodity prices, the underlying performance of the Company is better evaluated by looking at margins since both revenues and cost of products sold, particularly in Oilseeds Processing and Agricultural Services, generally have a relatively equal impact from commodity price changes which generally result in an insignificant impact to gross profit.
Revenues decreased $1.0 billion to $14.8 billion due to lower sales volumes ($0.9 billion) and lower average selling prices ($0.1 billion). The decrease in sales volumes was due principally to a decrease in volumes of unprocessed commodities, in particular volumes of soybeans, corn, and rapeseed. Agricultural Services revenues decreased 13% to $6.1 billion due to lower sales volumes ($0.8 billion) and lower average selling prices ($0.1 billion). Corn Processing revenues decreased 3% to $2.3 billion due to lower sales volumes ($0.1 billion). Oilseeds Processing revenues of $5.8 billion and Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients revenues of $0.6 billion were in line with the prior year’s quarter.
Cost of products sold decreased $0.7 billion to $14.0 billion due principally to lower sales volumes. Included in cost of products sold during this quarter was an immaterial charge from the effect of changing agricultural commodity prices on LIFO inventory valuation reserves compared to a credit of $85 million in the prior year’s quarter. Manufacturing expenses of $1.3 billion in the current quarter was in line with the prior year’s quarter.
Gross profit decreased $0.3 billion to $0.8 billion. The decrease in gross profit consisted principally of lower results in merchandising and handling ($72 million), soybean and canola processing ($64 million) and biodiesel ($51 million) in Oilseeds Processing, partially offset by higher results in sweeteners and starches ($18 million). These factors are explained in the segment operating profit discussion on page 38. Current period gross profit included an immaterial charge from the effect of changing agricultural commodity prices on LIFO inventory valuation reserves compared to a credit of $85 million during the same period last year.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased $68 million to $478 million due principally to prior period expenses related to a settled legal matter and lower pension expense in the current quarter.
Asset impairment, exit, and restructuring charges increased $96 million to $107 million. Current period charges consisted of $63 million of asset impairments primarily related to the reconfiguration of the Company’s Peoria, Illinois ethanol complex in the Corn Processing segment and $44 million of restructuring charges related to the reduction of certain positions within the Company’s global workforce. Prior period charges included $6 million of other-than-temporary impairment charges on two available for sale equity security investments in Corporate and $5 million of several individually insignificant asset impairments and restructuring charges.
Interest expense increased $1 million to $79 million due principally to higher interest rates on short-term debt and the issuance of the $1 billion fixed-rate notes in August 2016.
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates increased from a loss of $2 million to income of $46 million primarily due to higher earnings from the Company’s investment in Wilmar resulting from the increased ownership stake in and higher results from Wilmar, partially offset by lower results from the Company’s equity investment in CIP.
Other income of $4 million was comparable to the prior period. Current period income included gains related to disposals of individually insignificant assets in the ordinary course of business, partially offset by a charge related to the early redemption of the Company’s $559 million notes due on March 15, 2018. Prior period income included foreign exchange gains and other income partially offset by a loss on the sale of an investment.
36
ITEM 2. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) |
Segment operating profit, adjusted segment operating profit (a non-GAAP measure), and earnings before income taxes for the quarter are as follows:
Three Months Ended | |||||||||||
September 30, | |||||||||||
Segment Operating Profit | 2017 | 2016 | Change | ||||||||
(In millions) | |||||||||||
Agricultural Services | |||||||||||
Merchandising and Handling | $ | 20 | $ | 92 | $ | (72 | ) | ||||
Milling and Other | 53 | 60 | (7 | ) | |||||||
Transportation | 14 | 43 | (29 | ) | |||||||
Total Agricultural Services | 87 | 195 | (108 | ) | |||||||
Corn Processing | |||||||||||
Sweeteners and Starches | 202 | 176 | 26 | ||||||||
Bioproducts | 51 | 38 | 13 | ||||||||
Total Corn Processing | 253 | 214 | 39 | ||||||||
Oilseeds Processing | |||||||||||
Crushing and Origination | 39 | 76 | (37 | ) | |||||||
Refining, Packaging, Biodiesel, and Other | 66 | 119 | (53 | ) | |||||||
Asia | 14 | (50 | ) | 64 | |||||||
Total Oilseeds Processing | 119 | 145 | (26 | ) | |||||||
Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients | 61 | 73 | (12 | ) | |||||||
Total Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients | 61 | 73 | (12 | ) | |||||||
Other - Financial | 21 | 23 | (2 | ) | |||||||
Total Other | 21 | 23 | (2 | ) | |||||||
Specified Items: | |||||||||||
Gains (losses) on sales of assets and businesses | 12 | (4 | ) | 16 | |||||||
Impairment and restructuring charges | (63 | ) | (4 | ) | (59 | ) | |||||
Hedge timing effects | (5 | ) | 3 | (8 | ) | ||||||
Total Specified Items | (56 | ) | (5 | ) | (51 | ) | |||||
Total Segment Operating Profit | $ | 485 | $ | 645 | $ | (160 | ) | ||||
Adjusted Segment Operating Profit(1) | $ | 541 | $ | 650 | $ | (109 | ) | ||||
Segment Operating Profit | $ | 485 | $ | 645 | $ | (160 | ) | ||||
Corporate | (260 | ) | (165 | ) | (95 | ) | |||||
Earnings Before Income Taxes | $ | 225 | $ | 480 | $ | (255 | ) |
(1) Adjusted segment operating profit is segment operating profit excluding the above specified items.
37
ITEM 2. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) |
Agricultural Services operating profit decreased 55%. Merchandising and Handling operating results decreased due to the lack of competitiveness of U.S. grains in the global markets resulting in a significant decrease in margins and lower U.S. grain export volumes. Global Trade generated good results from international origination and destination marketing businesses partially offset by some hedge position losses. Milling and Other results declined due to decreased volumes, mainly in the U.S., while maintaining steady product margins. Transportation results decreased primarily due to low U.S. grain exports and a slower start to harvest in North America resulting in lower barge freight volumes and margins.
Corn Processing operating profit increased 18%. Sweeteners and Starches operating profit increased due to strong margins in North America while international operations continued to provide solid contributions to overall results. Bioproducts results increased with better ethanol margins.
Oilseeds Processing operating profit decreased 18%. Crushing and Origination operating profit decreased due to compressed global crush margins amid ample meal supplies, weak canola margins due in part to higher seed costs, increased competition from Argentine meal exports, and weak South America origination margins resulting from continued low commodity prices that reduced the pace of farmer selling forcing higher basis costs. Refining, Packaging, Biodiesel, and Other operating profit declined due to the uncertainty surrounding the biodiesel tax credit that has negatively impacted biodiesel margins. Asia results increased on higher earnings from the Company’s investment in Wilmar due to the increased ownership stake in and higher results from Wilmar.
Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients operating profit decreased 16%. Weaker results in specialty ingredients, due in part to operational start-up costs, were partially offset by the continuing strong demand for flavor ingredients and flavor systems in Africa and Asia.
Other - Financial operating profit decreased 9% primarily due to lower results from the captive insurance operations.
Corporate results for the quarter are as follows:
Three Months Ended | |||||||||||
September 30, | |||||||||||
2017 | 2016 | Change | |||||||||
(In millions) | |||||||||||
LIFO credit (charge) | $ | — | $ | 85 | $ | (85 | ) | ||||
Interest expense - net | (72 | ) | (74 | ) | 2 | ||||||
Unallocated corporate costs | (109 | ) | (106 | ) | (3 | ) | |||||
Other charges | (55 | ) | (74 | ) | 19 | ||||||
Minority interest and other | (24 | ) | 4 | (28 | ) | ||||||
Total Corporate | $ | (260 | ) | $ | (165 | ) | $ | (95 | ) |
Corporate results were a net charge of $260 million this quarter compared to $165 million in last year’s quarter. The effect of changing agricultural commodity prices on LIFO inventory valuation reserves resulted in an immaterial charge this quarter compared to a credit of $85 million in the prior year quarter. Other charges in the current period included a charge related to the early redemption of the Company’s $559 million notes due on March 15, 2018 and restructuring charges related to the reduction of certain positions within the Company’s global workforce. Other charges in the prior period included legal settlement costs and legal fees, other-than-temporary impairment charges on available for sale equity security investments, a loss on the sale of an investment, and restructuring charges. Minority interest and other expense increased $28 million due principally to lower results from the Company’s equity investment in CIP.
38
ITEM 2. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) |
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The Company uses adjusted earnings per share (EPS), adjusted earnings before taxes, interest, and depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), and adjusted segment operating profit, non-GAAP financial measures as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission, to evaluate the Company’s financial performance. These performance measures are not defined by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and should be considered in addition to, and not in lieu of, GAAP financial measures.
Adjusted EPS is defined as diluted EPS adjusted for the effects on reported diluted EPS of certain specified items. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings before taxes, interest, and depreciation and amortization, adjusted for specified items. The Company calculates adjusted EBITDA by removing the impact of specified items and adding back the amounts of interest expense and depreciation and amortization to earnings before income taxes. Adjusted segment operating profit is segment operating profit adjusted, where applicable, for specified items.
Management believes that adjusted EPS, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted segment operating profit are useful measures of the Company’s performance because they provide investors additional information about the Company’s operations allowing better evaluation of underlying business performance and better period-to-period comparability. Adjusted EPS, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted segment operating profit are not intended to replace or be an alternative to diluted EPS, earnings before income taxes and segment operating profit, respectively, the most directly comparable amounts reported under GAAP.
The table below provides a reconciliation of diluted EPS to adjusted EPS for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.
Three months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2017 | 2016 | ||||||||||||||
In millions | Per share | In millions | Per share | ||||||||||||
Average number of shares outstanding - diluted | 569 | 589 | |||||||||||||
Net earnings and reported EPS (fully diluted) | $ | 192 | $ | 0.34 | $ | 341 | $ | 0.58 | |||||||
Adjustments: | |||||||||||||||
LIFO charge (credit) - net of tax of $32 million(1) | — | — | (53 | ) | (0.09 | ) | |||||||||
(Gains) losses on sales of assets and businesses - net of tax of $2 million in 2017 and at 0% in 2016 (2) | (10 | ) | (0.02 | ) | 9 | 0.02 | |||||||||
Asset impairment, restructuring, and settlement charges - net of tax of $38 million in 2017 and $25 million in 2016 (2) | 69 | 0.12 | 48 | 0.08 | |||||||||||
Loss on debt extinguishment - net of tax of $4 million(1) | 7 | 0.01 | — | — | |||||||||||
Total adjustments | 66 | 0.11 | 4 | 0.01 | |||||||||||
Adjusted net earnings and adjusted EPS | $ | 258 | $ | 0.45 | $ | 345 | $ | 0.59 |
(1) Tax effected using the Company’s U.S. tax rate.
(2) Tax effected using the U.S. and other applicable tax rates.
39
ITEM 2. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) |
The tables below provide a reconciliation of earnings before income taxes to adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA by segment for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.
Three months ended September 30, | |||||||||||
(In millions) | 2017 | 2016 | Change | ||||||||
Earnings before income taxes | $ | 225 | $ | 480 | $ | (255 | ) | ||||
Interest expense | 79 | 78 | 1 | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 232 | 225 | 7 | ||||||||
LIFO | — | (85 | ) | 85 | |||||||
(Gains) losses on sales of assets and businesses | (12 | ) | 9 | (21 | ) | ||||||
Loss on debt extinguishment | 11 | — | 11 | ||||||||
Asset impairment, restructuring, and settlement charges | 107 | 73 | 34 | ||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 642 | $ | 780 | $ | (138 | ) | ||||
Three months ended September 30, | |||||||||||
(In millions) | 2017 | 2016 | Change | ||||||||
Agricultural Services | $ | 138 | $ | 245 | $ | (107 | ) | ||||
Corn Processing | 338 | 306 | 32 | ||||||||
Oilseeds Processing | 171 | 194 | (23 | ) | |||||||
Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients | 85 | 95 | (10 | ) | |||||||
Other - Financial | 26 | 26 | — | ||||||||
Corporate | (116 | ) | (86 | ) | (30 | ) | |||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 642 | $ | 780 | $ | (138 | ) |
40
ITEM 2. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) |
Market Factors Influencing Operations or Results in the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
As an agricultural commodity-based business, the Company is subject to a variety of market factors which affect the Company's operating results. In Agricultural Services, U.S. export competitiveness was strong during the first half of the year but weakened during the third quarter. Overall low market volatility continued due to surplus in the global market. In Corn Processing, demand and prices for sweeteners and starches remained solid in North America while co-product prices were stable. Ethanol continues to face a challenging environment. Although ethanol demand remained strong both in North America and export markets due to favorable gasoline blending economics and ethanol's continuing status as a competitive octane enhancer, U.S. industry ethanol production also remained at high levels limiting margins. Global oilseeds processing volumes remained strong, although slower meal demand growth pressured margins due to meal exports from Argentina and ample supply of competing proteins. Slow selling by farmers in Brazil continues to depress grain origination margins despite strong export volumes. While demand and margins for refined oil remained solid across all regions, the uncertainty surrounding the biodiesel tax credit has negatively impacted biodiesel margins. Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients benefited from strong demand for flavor ingredients and flavor systems, but continued to be adversely affected by start-up costs and margin pressure in certain non-flavor food ingredient markets.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
Net earnings attributable to controlling interests decreased $48 million to $807 million. Segment operating profit was $1.8 billion in the current period compared to $1.9 billion in the prior period. Included in segment operating profit in the current period was a net charge of $74 million consisting of a net gain on sales of assets and businesses, impairment, restructuring, and settlement charges, and corn hedge timing effects. Included in segment operating profit in the prior period was income of $102 million consisting of a net gain on sales of assets and businesses/revaluation, impairment and restructuring charges, and corn hedge timing effects. Adjusted segment operating profit increased $0.1 billion to $1.9 billion due to solid results in Corn Processing, partially offset by weaker South American origination margins, lower soybean crush margins, and weaker results in some specialty ingredients. Corporate results were a charge of $737 million for the nine months compared to $705 million the same period last year. Corporate results for the nine months included a credit of $4 million from the effect of increasing agricultural commodity prices on LIFO inventory valuation reserves, compared to a charge of $17 million the same period last year.
Income taxes decreased $75 million due to lower earnings before income taxes and a lower effective tax rate. The Company’s effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 decreased to 24.0% compared to 27.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, primarily due to the impact of changes in discrete tax items, including the favorable resolution of an uncertain tax position related to a 2014 acquisition and return to provision in the current period, partially offset by changes in the forecasted geographic mix of pre-tax earnings and the expiration of U.S. tax credits, including the biodiesel credit, at the end of 2016.
Analysis of Statements of Earnings
Processed volumes by product for the nine months are as follows (in metric tons):
Nine Months Ended | ||||||||
September 30, | ||||||||
(In thousands) | 2017 | 2016 | Change | |||||
Oilseeds | 25,602 | 25,137 | 465 | |||||
Corn | 16,851 | 16,623 | 228 | |||||
Total | 42,453 | 41,760 | 693 |
The Company generally operates its production facilities, on an overall basis, at or near capacity, adjusting facilities individually, as needed, to react to the current margin environment and seasonal local supply and demand conditions. Processed volumes of oilseeds increased due to the strong demand environment for soybean meal and canola oil. The overall increase in corn is due to the strong demand environment for ethanol, partially offset by the production disruption in one of the Company’s plants due to a water pipe leak in the first quarter and the reconfiguration of the Company’s Peoria, Illinois ethanol complex.
41
ITEM 2. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) |
Revenues by segment for the nine months are as follows:
Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||
September 30, | |||||||||||
2017 | 2016 | Change | |||||||||
(In millions) | |||||||||||
Agricultural Services | |||||||||||
Merchandising and Handling | $ | 16,434 | $ | 17,331 | $ | (897 | ) | ||||
Milling and Other | 2,141 | 2,325 | (184 | ) | |||||||
Transportation | 154 | 171 | (17 | ) | |||||||
Total Agricultural Services | 18,729 | 19,827 | (1,098 | ) | |||||||
Corn Processing | |||||||||||
Sweeteners and Starches | 3,192 | 3,061 | 131 | ||||||||
Bioproducts | 3,651 | 3,889 | (238 | ) | |||||||
Total Corn Processing | 6,843 | 6,950 | (107 | ) | |||||||
Oilseeds Processing | |||||||||||
Crushing and Origination | 10,850 | 10,799 | 51 | ||||||||
Refining, Packaging, Biodiesel, and Other | 6,064 | 5,852 | 212 | ||||||||
Asia | 192 | 220 | (28 | ) | |||||||
Total Oilseeds Processing | 17,106 | 16,871 | 235 | ||||||||
Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients | 1,787 | 1,883 | (96 | ) | |||||||
Total Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients | 1,787 | 1,883 | (96 | ) | |||||||
Other - Financial | 293 | 314 | (21 | ) | |||||||
Total Other | 293 | 314 | (21 | ) | |||||||
Total | $ | 44,758 | $ | 45,845 | $ | (1,087 | ) |
Revenues and cost of products sold in a commodity merchandising and processing business are affected by the underlying commodity prices and volumes. During periods of significant changes in commodity prices, the underlying performance of the Company is better evaluated by looking at margins since both revenues and cost of products sold, particularly in Oilseeds Processing and Agricultural Services, generally have a relatively equal impact from commodity price changes which generally result in an insignificant impact to gross profit.
Revenues decreased $1.1 billion to $44.8 billion due to lower sales volumes ($1.1 billion) in Agricultural Services ($1.1 billion), Corn Processing ($0.1 billion), and Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients ($0.1 billion), partially offset by higher sales volumes in Oilseeds Processing ($0.2 billion). The decrease in sales volumes was due principally to a decrease in volumes of unprocessed commodities, in particular volumes of soybeans, corn, rapeseed, and wheat.
Cost of products sold decreased $1.0 billion to $42.2 billion due to lower sales volumes. Included in cost of products sold was a credit of $4 million from the effect of increasing agricultural commodity prices on LIFO inventory valuation reserves compared to a charge of $17 million in the prior year’s period. Manufacturing expenses increased $0.1 billion to $3.9 billion due to higher salaries and benefits and increased expenses for energy, operating and maintenance supplies, and contracted labor.
42
ITEM 2. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) |
Gross profit of $2.6 billion in the current period was comparable to the prior period. Lower results in soybean processing ($143 million) and grain origination ($67 million) were offset by higher results in canola processing ($46 million), sweeteners and starches ($51 million), and ethanol ($75 million). These factors are explained in the segment operating profit discussion on page 45. Current period gross profit included a credit of $4 million from the effect of changing agricultural commodity prices on LIFO inventory valuation reserves compared to a charge of $17 million during the same period last year.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses of $1.5 billion was comparable to the prior period. Current period increase in salaries and benefits cost related to increased investments in the Company’s business transformation, IT, and innovation initiatives was offset by prior period expenses related to a settled legal matter.
Asset impairment, exit, and restructuring costs increased $104 million to $140 million. Current period charges consisted of $63 million of asset impairments in the Corn processing segment primarily related to the reconfiguration of the Company’s Peoria, Illinois ethanol complex, $47 million of restructuring charges in Corporate primarily related to the reduction of certain positions within the Company’s global workforce, and $30 million of several individually insignificant asset impairments and restructuring charges. Prior period charges included $17 million of software impairment and other-than-temporary impairment charges on available for sale equity security investments in Corporate, $5 million of asset impairments in the Corn Processing segment, and $14 million of other individually insignificant asset impairments and restructuring charges.
Interest expense increased $33 million to $246 million due principally to higher interest rates on short-term debt, the issuance of the $1 billion fixed-rate notes in August 2016, and interest related to a prior year foreign income tax amended return, partially offset by the retirement of the $261 million bond that matured in April 2017. Interest expense in the prior period also included a credit of $8 million for the revaluation of the mandatorily redeemable 10% interest in Harvest Innovations.
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates increased $174 million to $327 million primarily due to higher earnings from the Company’s investment in Wilmar resulting from the increased ownership stake in and higher results from Wilmar and improved results from the Company’s equity investment in CIP, partially offset by losses from a new equity investment and decreased earnings resulting from the disposal of an equity investment.
Other income decreased $125 million to $13 million. Current period income included gains related to the sale of the crop risk services business and disposals of other individually insignificant assets in the ordinary course of business, partially offset by an adjustment of the proceeds of the 2015 sale of the cocoa business, a charge related to the early redemption of the Company’s $559 million notes due on March 15, 2018, foreign exchange losses, and changes in contingent settlement provisions. Prior period income included realized additional consideration related to the December 2012 sale of the Company’s equity investment in Gruma S.A.B de C.V., recovery of loss provisions as well as gain related to the sale of the Company’s Brazilian sugar ethanol facilities, gain related to the revaluation of the remaining interest to settlement value in conjunction with the acquisition of the remaining interest in Amazon Flavors, foreign exchange gains, and other income.
43
ITEM 2. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) |
Segment operating profit, adjusted segment operating profit (a non-GAAP measure), and earnings before income taxes for the nine months are as follows:
Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||
September 30, | |||||||||||
Segment Operating Profit | 2017 | 2016 | Change | ||||||||
(In millions) | |||||||||||
Agricultural Services | |||||||||||
Merchandising and Handling | $ | 79 | $ | 102 | $ | (23 | ) | ||||
Milling and Other | 156 | 164 | (8 | ) | |||||||
Transportation | 49 | 62 | (13 | ) | |||||||
Total Agricultural Services | 284 | 328 | (44 | ) | |||||||
Corn Processing | |||||||||||
Sweeteners and Starches | 561 | 499 | 62 | ||||||||
Bioproducts | 87 | 7 | 80 | ||||||||
Total Corn Processing | 648 | 506 | 142 | ||||||||
Oilseeds Processing | |||||||||||
Crushing and Origination | 197 | 331 | (134 | ) | |||||||
Refining, Packaging, Biodiesel, and Other | 208 | 251 | (43 | ) | |||||||
Asia | 234 | 59 | 175 | ||||||||
Total Oilseeds Processing | 639 | 641 | (2 | ) | |||||||
Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients | 228 | 237 | (9 | ) | |||||||
Total Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients | 228 | 237 | (9 | ) | |||||||
Other - Financial | 78 | 84 | (6 | ) | |||||||
Total Other | 78 | 84 | (6 | ) | |||||||
Specified Items: | |||||||||||
Gains (losses) on sales of assets and businesses | 20 | 114 | (94 | ) | |||||||
Impairment, restructuring, settlement charges | (98 | ) | (16 | ) | (82 | ) | |||||
Hedge timing effects | 4 | 4 | — | ||||||||
Total Specified Items | (74 | ) | 102 | (176 | ) | ||||||
Total Segment Operating Profit | $ | 1,803 | $ | 1,898 | $ | (95 | ) | ||||
Adjusted Segment Operating Profit(1) | $ | 1,877 | $ | 1,796 | $ | 81 | |||||
Segment Operating Profit | $ | 1,803 | $ | 1,898 | $ | (95 | ) | ||||
Corporate | (737 | ) | (705 | ) | (32 | ) | |||||
Earnings Before Income Taxes | $ | 1,066 | $ | 1,193 | $ | (127 | ) |
(1) Adjusted segment operating profit is segment operating profit excluding the above specified items.
44
ITEM 2. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) |
Agricultural Services operating profits decreased 13%. Merchandising and Handling operating results decreased due to decreased volumes in the U.S. corn exports and lower export margins. Global Trade generated solid results benefiting from improved margins which was partially offset by some hedge position losses. Milling and Other decreased due to lower volumes and margins. Transportation results decreased due to river conditions and lower barge freight volumes and margins.
Corn Processing operating profit increased 28%. Sweeteners and Starches operating profit increased due to improved domestic demand and higher volumes and margins from the international business. Bioproducts profit increased due to strong ethanol export demand and improved margins, and improved lysine margins, partially offset by lower volumes caused by a mild winter.
Oilseeds Processing operating profit was comparable to the prior period. Crushing and Origination operating profit decreased from the prior period. Higher softseed results in North America and Europe were offset by lower crushing and origination results in South America as margins remain challenged. A competitive global protein meal market continued to pressure soybean crush margins in all regions. Refining, Packaging, Biodiesel, and Other operating profit declined due to the uncertainty surrounding the biodiesel tax credit that has negatively impacted biodiesel margins partially offset by higher results in South American refined and packaged oils and the global peanut business. Asia results increased on higher earnings from the Company’s investment in Wilmar due to the increased ownership stake in and higher results from Wilmar.
Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients operating profit decreased 4%. Weaker results in specialty ingredients, due in part to operational start-up costs, were partially offset by the continuing strong demand for flavor ingredients and flavor systems especially in Africa and Asia.
Other - Financial operating profit decreased 7% primarily due to the absence of the Company’s share in the earnings of an equity investment that was sold in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 partially offset by improved results from the captive insurance operations.
Corporate results for the nine months are as follows:
Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||
September 30, | |||||||||||
2017 | 2016 | Change | |||||||||
(In millions) | |||||||||||
LIFO credit (charge) | $ | 4 | $ | (17 | ) | $ | 21 | ||||
Interest expense - net | (232 | ) | (205 | ) | (27 | ) | |||||
Unallocated corporate costs | (376 | ) | (325 | ) | (51 | ) | |||||
Other charges | (58 | ) | (87 | ) | 29 | ||||||
Minority interest and other | (75 | ) | (71 | ) | (4 | ) | |||||
Total Corporate | $ | (737 | ) | $ | (705 | ) | $ | (32 | ) |
Corporate results were a net charge of $737 million in the current period compared to $705 million in the prior period. The effects of increasing commodity prices on LIFO inventory valuations resulted in a credit of $4 million in the current period compared to a charge of $17 million in the prior period. Interest expense - net increased $27 million due principally to higher interest rates on short-term debt, the issuance of the new $1 billion fixed-rate debt in August 2016, and interest related to a prior year foreign income tax amended return, partially offset by the retirement of the $261 million bond that matured in April 2017. Unallocated corporate costs increased $51 million due principally to increased investments in the Company’s business transformation, IT, and innovation initiatives. Other charges in the current period included a charge related to the early redemption of the Company’s $559 million notes due on March 15, 2018 and restructuring charges related to the reduction of certain positions within the Company’s global workforce. Other charges in the prior period included legal settlement costs and legal fees, a software impairment charge, other-than-temporary impairment charges on available for sale equity security investments, a loss on the sale of an investment, and other asset impairment and restructuring charges.
45
ITEM 2. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) |
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The Company uses adjusted earnings per share (EPS), adjusted earnings before taxes, interest, and depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), and adjusted segment operating profit, non-GAAP financial measures as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission, to evaluate the Company’s financial performance. These performance measures are not defined by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and should be considered in addition to, and not in lieu of, GAAP financial measures.
Adjusted EPS is defined as diluted EPS adjusted for the effects on reported diluted EPS of certain specified items. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings before taxes, interest, and depreciation and amortization, adjusted for specified items. The Company calculates adjusted EBITDA by removing the impact of specified items and adding back the amounts of interest expense and depreciation and amortization to earnings before income taxes. Adjusted segment operating profit is segment operating profit adjusted, where applicable, for specified items.
Management believes that adjusted EPS, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted segment operating profit are useful measures of the Company’s performance because they provide investors additional information about the Company’s operations allowing better evaluation of underlying business performance and better period-to-period comparability. Adjusted EPS, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted segment operating profit are not intended to replace or be an alternative to diluted EPS, earnings before income taxes and segment operating profit, respectively, the most directly comparable amounts reported under GAAP.
The table below provides a reconciliation of diluted EPS to adjusted EPS for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.
Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2017 | 2016 | ||||||||||||||
In millions | Per share | In millions | Per share | ||||||||||||
Average number of shares outstanding - diluted | 574 | 593 | |||||||||||||
Net earnings and reported EPS (fully diluted) | $ | 807 | $ | 1.41 | $ | 855 | $ | 1.44 | |||||||
Adjustments: | |||||||||||||||
LIFO charge (credit) - net of tax of $2 million in 2017 and $6 million in 2016 (1) | (2 | ) | — | 11 | 0.02 | ||||||||||
(Gains) losses on sales of assets and businesses - net of tax of $32 million in 2017 and $17 million in 2016 (2) | 12 | 0.02 | (92 | ) | (0.15 | ) | |||||||||
Asset impairment, restructuring, and settlement charges - net of tax of $47 million in 2017 and $34 million in 2016 (2) | 98 | 0.17 | 64 | 0.10 | |||||||||||
Loss on debt extinguishment - net of tax of $4 million(1) | 7 | 0.01 | — | — | |||||||||||
Certain discrete tax adjustments | 4 | 0.01 | — | — | |||||||||||
Total adjustments | 119 | 0.21 | (17 | ) | (0.03 | ) | |||||||||
Adjusted net earnings and adjusted EPS | $ | 926 | $ | 1.62 | $ | 838 | $ | 1.41 | |||||||
(1) Tax effected using the Company’s U.S. tax rate.
(2) Tax effected using the applicable tax rates.
46
ITEM 2. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) |
The tables below provide a reconciliation of earnings before income taxes to adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA by segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.
Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||
(In millions) | 2017 | 2016 | Change | ||||||||
Earnings before income taxes | $ | 1,066 | $ | 1,193 | $ | (127 | ) | ||||
Interest expense | 246 | 213 | 33 | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 684 | 677 | 7 | ||||||||
LIFO | (4 | ) | 17 | (21 | ) | ||||||
(Gains) losses on sales of assets and businesses | (20 | ) | (109 | ) | 89 | ||||||
Loss on debt extinguishment | 11 | — | 11 | ||||||||
Asset impairment, restructuring, and settlement charges | 145 | 98 | 47 | ||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 2,128 | $ | 2,089 | $ | 39 | |||||
Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||
(In millions) | 2017 | 2016 | Change | ||||||||
Agricultural Services | $ | 434 | $ | 479 | $ | (45 | ) | ||||
Corn Processing | 918 | 777 | 141 | ||||||||
Oilseeds Processing | 790 | 788 | 2 | ||||||||
Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients | 299 | 304 | (5 | ) | |||||||
Other - Financial | 90 | 91 | (1 | ) | |||||||
Corporate | (403 | ) | (350 | ) | (53 | ) | |||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 2,128 | $ | 2,089 | $ | 39 |
47
ITEM 2. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) |
Liquidity and Capital Resources
A Company objective is to have sufficient liquidity, balance sheet strength, and financial flexibility to fund the operating and capital requirements of a capital intensive agricultural commodity-based business. The Company’s strategy involves expanding the volume and diversity of crops that it merchandises and processes, expanding the global reach of its core model, and expanding its value-added product portfolio. The Company depends on access to credit markets, which can be impacted by its credit rating and factors outside of the Company’s control, to fund its working capital needs and capital expenditures. The primary source of funds to finance the Company’s operations, capital expenditures, and advancement of its growth strategy is cash generated by operations and lines of credit, including a commercial paper borrowing facility. In addition, the Company believes it has access to funds from public and private equity and debt capital markets in both U.S. and international markets.
At September 30, 2017, the Company had $0.8 billion of cash, cash equivalents, and short-term marketable securities and a current ratio, defined as current assets divided by current liabilities, of 1.6 to 1. Included in working capital was $5.3 billion of readily marketable commodity inventories. Cash provided by operating activities was $2.2 billion for the nine months compared to $1.3 billion the same period last year. Working capital changes increased cash by $0.6 billion for the nine months compared to a decrease of $0.3 billion for the same period last year. Trade receivables decreased $0.1 billion due to lower revenues. Inventories decreased approximately $0.7 billion due to lower inventory quantities partially offset by higher prices. Trade payables declined approximately $0.3 billion principally reflecting seasonal cash payments for North American harvest-related grain purchases. Cash used in investing activities was $0.9 billion for the nine months compared to $1.2 billion the same period last year. Sales of marketable securities, net of purchases, were $73 million for the nine months compared to $35 million the same period last year. Capital expenditures and net assets of businesses acquired were $0.9 billion for the nine months compared to $0.8 billion the same period last year. Investments in and advances to affiliates included the additional investment in Wilmar of $0.3 billion for the nine months compared to $0.6 billion the same period last year. Cash used in financing activities was $1.0 billion for the nine months compared to $0.1 billion the same period last year. Long-term debt borrowings for the nine months were $0.5 billion related to the 3.75% notes issued on September 14, 2017 compared to long-term debt borrowings of $1.0 billion the same period last year which related to the 2.5% debt issued on August 11, 2016. Long-term debt payments for the nine months of $0.8 billion primarily related to the redemption of the $559 million notes due on 2018 and the retirement of the $261 million bond that matured in April 2017 compared to long-term debt payments of $9 million the same period last year. Commercial paper borrowings for the nine months were $0.6 billion compared to $0.1 billion the same period last year. Share repurchases for the nine months were $0.7 billion compared to $0.8 billion the same period last year.
At September 30, 2017, the Company’s capital resources included net worth of $17.6 billion and lines of credit, including the accounts receivable securitization programs, totaling $6.9 billion, of which $4.8 billion was unused. The Company’s ratio of long-term debt to total capital (the sum of the Company’s long-term debt and shareholders’ equity) was 27% at September 30, 2017 and 27% at December 31, 2016. The Company uses this ratio as a measure of the Company’s long-term indebtedness and as an indicator of financial flexibility. Of the Company’s total lines of credit, $4.0 billion supported a commercial paper borrowing facility, against which there was $0.6 billion of commercial paper outstanding at September 30, 2017.
As of September 30, 2017, the Company had $0.5 billion of cash and cash equivalents, $0.4 billion of which was held by foreign subsidiaries whose undistributed earnings are considered permanently reinvested. Based on the Company’s historical ability to generate sufficient cash flows from its U.S. operations and unused and available U.S. credit capacity of $3.7 billion, the Company has asserted that these funds are permanently reinvested outside the U.S.
The Company has accounts receivable securitization programs (the “Programs”) with certain commercial paper conduit purchasers and committed purchasers. The Programs provide the Company with up to $1.7 billion, as amended, in funding against accounts receivable transferred into the Programs and expands the Company’s access to liquidity through efficient use of its balance sheet assets (see Note 16 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” included in Item 1 herein, “Financial Statements” for more information and disclosures on the Programs). As of September 30, 2017, the Company utilized $1.4 billion of its facility under the Programs.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company spent approximately $0.7 billion in capital expenditures, $0.2 billion in acquisitions, $0.3 billion in additional Wilmar investment, $0.5 billion in dividends, and $0.7 billion in share repurchases. The Company has a stock repurchase program and has acquired approximately 15.7 million shares during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The Company has 15.7 million shares remaining that may be repurchased under the program until December 31, 2019.
48
ITEM 2. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) |
The Company expects capital expenditures of approximately $1.0 billion during 2017. In 2017, the Company expects aggregate cash outlays of approximately $0.7 billion in dividends and up to $1.0 billion in share repurchases, subject to strategic capital requirements and leverage considerations.
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
The Company’s purchase obligations as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were $10.0 billion and $10.6 billion, respectively. The decrease is related to obligations to purchase lower quantities of agricultural commodity inventories and lower prices as well as lower obligations in other commitments. As of September 30, 2017, the Company expects to make payments related to purchase obligations of $8.8 billion within the next twelve months. There were no other material changes in the Company’s contractual obligations during the quarter ended September 30, 2017.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
In September 2017, the Company amended its second accounts receivable securitization program (the “Second Program”) with certain commercial paper conduit purchasers and committed purchasers (collectively, the “Second Purchasers”) and increased its facility from $0.3 billion to $0.5 billion. The program terminates on March 16, 2018 unless extended (see Note 16 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” included in Item 1 herein, “Financial Statements” for more information and disclosures on the Program).
There were no other material changes in the Company’s off balance sheet arrangements during the quarter ended September 30, 2017.
Critical Accounting Policies
Retirement Benefit Changes
On July 31, 2017, the Company announced that all participants in the Company’s U.S. salaried pension plan and the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) will begin accruing benefits under the cash balance formula effective January 1, 2022. Benefits for participants who were accruing under the final average pay formula will be frozen as of December 31, 2021, including pay and service through that date.
This change, along with other changes in participation associated with divestitures and restructuring, triggered a remeasurement of the salaried pension plan and the SERP resulting in decreases in the fiscal 2017 pension expense, accumulated other comprehensive loss, and underfunded status by $18 million, $182 million, and $164 million, respectively.
Concurrent with this change, the Company also changed the method used to estimate the service and interest cost components of the net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs for its U.S. plans. The new method uses the spot rate yield curve approach to estimate the service and interest costs. Previously, those costs were determined using a single weighted-average discount rate applied to all future cash outflows. The change does not affect the measurement of the Company’s benefit obligations and was accounted for as a change in accounting estimate in accordance with the guidance of ASC Topic 250, Accounting Estimates and Error Corrections, thereby impacting the current and future quarters. The impact of this change on after-tax earnings and diluted earnings per share for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 was immaterial.
There were no other material changes in the Company’s critical accounting policies during the quarter ended September 30, 2017.
ITEM 3. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK |
The market risk inherent in the Company’s market risk sensitive instruments and positions is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in: commodity market prices as they relate to the Company’s net commodity position, foreign currency exchange rates, and interest rates. Significant changes in market risk sensitive instruments and positions for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 are described below. There were no material changes during the period in the Company’s potential loss arising from changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates.
49
ITEM 3. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK (Continued) |
For detailed information regarding the Company’s market risk sensitive instruments and positions, see Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.
Commodities
The availability and prices of agricultural commodities are subject to wide fluctuations due to factors such as changes in weather conditions, crop disease, plantings, government programs and policies, competition, changes in global demand, changes in customer preferences and standards of living, and global production of similar and competitive crops.
The fair value of the Company’s commodity position is a summation of the fair values calculated for each commodity by valuing all significant commodity risk positions at quoted market prices for the period, where available, or utilizing a close proxy. The Company has established metrics to monitor the amount of market risk exposure, which consist of volumetric limits and value-at-risk (VaR) limits. VaR measures the potential loss, at a 95% confidence level, that could be incurred over a one-year period. Volumetric limits are monitored daily and VaR calculations and sensitivity analysis are monitored weekly.
In addition to measuring the hypothetical loss resulting from an adverse two standard deviation move in market prices (assuming no correlations) over a one-year period using VaR, sensitivity analysis is performed measuring the potential loss in fair value resulting from a hypothetical 10% adverse change in market prices. The highest, lowest, and average weekly position together with the market risk from a hypothetical 10% adverse price change is as follows:
Nine months ended | Year ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, 2017 | December 31, 2016 | |||||||||||||||
Long/(Short) (In millions) | Fair Value | Market Risk | Fair Value | Market Risk | ||||||||||||
Highest position | $ | 455 | $ | 46 | $ | 876 | $ | 88 | ||||||||
Lowest position | (82 | ) | (8 | ) | (529 | ) | (53 | ) | ||||||||
Average position | 215 | 21 | 27 | 3 |
The change in fair value of the average position was principally the result of an increase in average quantities underlying the weekly commodity position and, to a lesser extent, an increase in prices.
ITEM 4. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES |
As of September 30, 2017, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rules 13a–15(e) and 15d–15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)). Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is (a) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms and (b) accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. There was no change in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the Company’s most recently completed fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.
The Company is implementing a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system on a worldwide basis as part of its ongoing business transformation program, which is expected to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of certain financial and business transaction processes. The implementation is expected to occur in phases over the next several years. The Company has currently implemented changes to certain processes in corporate finance, two processing businesses, and in over 200 locations, and will continue to roll out the ERP system over the next several years. The Company has appropriately considered these changes in its design of and testing for effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting and concluded, as part of the evaluation described in the above paragraph, that the implementation of the new ERP in these circumstances has not materially affected its internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. | LEGAL PROCEEDINGS |
The Company is routinely involved in a number of actual or threatened legal actions, including those involving alleged personal injuries, employment law, product liability, intellectual property, environmental issues, alleged tax liability (see Note 11 for information on income tax matters), and class actions. The Company also routinely receives inquiries from regulators and other government authorities relating to various aspects of our business, and at any given time, the Company has matters at various stages of resolution with the applicable government authorities. The outcomes of these matters are not within our complete control and may not be known for prolonged periods of time. In some actions, claimants seek damages, as well as other relief, including injunctive relief, that could require significant expenditures or result in lost revenues. In accordance with applicable accounting standards, the Company records a liability in its consolidated financial statements for material loss contingencies when a loss is known or considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. If the reasonable estimate of a known or probable loss is a range, and no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other, the minimum amount of the range is accrued. If a material loss contingency is reasonably possible but not known or probable, and can be reasonably estimated, the estimated loss or range of loss is disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. When determining the estimated loss or range of loss, significant judgment is required to estimate the amount and timing of a loss to be recorded. Estimates of probable losses resulting from litigation and governmental proceedings involving the Company are inherently difficult to predict, particularly when the matters are in early procedural stages, with incomplete facts or legal discovery; involve unsubstantiated or indeterminate claims for damages; potentially involve penalties, fines, disgorgement, or punitive damages; or could result in a change in business practice.
The Company is a party to numerous lawsuits pending in various U.S. state and federal courts arising out of Syngenta Corporation’s (Syngenta) marketing and distribution of genetically modified corn products, Agrisure Viptera and Agrisure Duracade, in the U.S. First, the Company brought a state court action in Louisiana against Syngenta in 2014, alleging Syngenta was negligent in commercializing its products before the products were approved in China. Second, the Company is a party in a number of purported class actions filed beginning in 2013 by farmers and other parties against Syngenta in federal and state courts, again alleging that Syngenta was negligent in commercializing its products. The federal actions have been consolidated for pretrial proceedings in a multidistrict litigation (MDL) proceeding in federal court in Kansas City, Kansas, and some state actions have been consolidated for pretrial proceedings in MDL in Minnesota state court. In the fourth quarter of 2015, Syngenta filed third-party claims against the Company and other grain companies in these MDLs seeking contribution in the event Syngenta is held liable in these lawsuits. In September 2017, Syngenta filed similar third-party claims against the Company in Iowa state court. The federal court in the Kansas MDL dismissed all claims against the Company on April 4, 2016, and the state court in the Minnesota MDL dismissed all claims against the Company on September 6, 2016. Therefore, the Company is no longer a third-party defendant in the federal or state MDL. The Company also intends to move to dismiss the third-party claims in Iowa state court. In September 2017, Syngenta and the farmer plaintiffs announced a tentative settlement, subject to court approval, of all claims by those plaintiffs. Third, the Company and other grain companies have been named as defendants in numerous individual and purported class action suits filed by farmers and other parties in state and federal courts beginning in the fourth quarter of 2015, alleging the Company and other grain companies were negligent in failing to screen for genetically modified corn. As noted, on September 6, 2016, the court in the Minnesota state MDL dismissed all claims against the Company, and on January 4, 2017, a federal court in the Southern District of Illinois similarly dismissed all of the pending complaints against the Company in Southern Illinois. Some parties are expected to appeal some or all of these dismissals. Currently, the Company remains a defendant in only certain state court actions by farmers and other parties pending in Illinois state court, which the Company has moved to dismiss as well. The Company denies liability in all of the actions in which it has been named as a third-party defendant or defendant and is vigorously defending itself in these cases. All of these actions are in pretrial proceedings. At this time, the Company is unable to predict the final outcome of this matter with any reasonable degree of certainty, but believes the outcome will not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
The Company is not currently a party to any legal proceeding or environmental claim that it believes would have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.
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ITEM 1A. | RISK FACTORS |
There were no significant changes in the Company’s risk factors during the quarter ended September 30, 2017. For further information about the Company’s risk factors, refer to Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.
ITEM 2. | UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS |
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Period | Total Number of Shares Purchased (1) | Average Price Paid per Share | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of a Publicly Announced Program (2) | Number of Shares Remaining that May be Purchased Under the Program (2) | |||||||||
July 1, 2017 to | |||||||||||||
July 31, 2017 | 475,697 | $ | 41.000 | 475,697 | 19,123,029 | ||||||||
August 1, 2017 to | |||||||||||||
August 31, 2017 | 1,959,118 | 41.835 | 1,959,118 | 17,163,911 | |||||||||
September 1, 2017 to | |||||||||||||
September 30, 2017 | 1,494,187 | 42.433 | 1,494,187 | 15,669,724 | |||||||||
Total | 3,929,002 | $ | 41.961 | 3,929,002 | 15,669,724 |
(1) | Total shares purchased represents those shares purchased in the open market as part of the Company’s publicly announced share repurchase program described below, shares received as payment for the exercise price of stock option exercises, and shares received as payment for the withholding taxes on vested restricted stock awards. During the three-month period ended September 30, 2017, there were no shares received as payments for the minimum withholding taxes on vested restricted stock awards and for the exercise price of stock option exercises. |
(2) | On November 5, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program authorizing the Company to repurchase up to 100,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock during the period commencing January 1, 2015 and ending December 31, 2019. |
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ITEM 6. | EXHIBITS |
(3)(i) | ||
(3)(ii) | ||
(4.1) | The registrant hereby agrees that it will, upon request of the Securities and Exchange Commission, furnish a copy of each instrument with respect to long-term debt. | |
(12) | ||
(31.1) | ||
(31.2) | ||
(32.1) | ||
(32.2) | ||
(101) | Interactive Data File |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
ARCHER-DANIELS-MIDLAND COMPANY | |
/s/ R. G. Young | |
R. G. Young | |
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | |
/s/ D. C. Findlay | |
D. C. Findlay | |
Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary |
Dated: October 31, 2017
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