Form 10-Q
Table of Contents
MONSANTO COMPANY      FIRST QUARTER 2013 FORM 10-Q   

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

 

  x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended Nov. 30, 2012

or

 

  ¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission file number 001-16167

MONSANTO COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   43-1878297
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
800 North Lindbergh Blvd.,   63167
St. Louis, MO   (Zip Code)
(Address of principal executive offices)  

(314) 694-1000

(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 (§232.405 of this chapter) 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, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer   x    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 535,813,311 shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value, outstanding as of Jan. 2, 2013.

 

 

 


Table of Contents
MONSANTO COMPANY      FIRST QUARTER 2013 FORM 10-Q   

 

 

CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

In the interests of our investors, and in accordance with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, this section of our report explains some of the important reasons that actual results may be materially different from those that we anticipate. In this report, and from time to time throughout the year, we share our expectations for our company’s future performance. These forward-looking statements include statements about our business plans; the potential development, regulatory approval, and public acceptance of our products; our expected financial performance, including sales performance, and the anticipated effect of our strategic actions; the anticipated benefits of recent acquisitions; the outcome of contingencies, such as litigation and the previously announced SEC investigation; domestic or international economic, political and market conditions; and other factors that could affect our future results of operations or financial position, including, without limitation, statements under the captions “Overview — Executive Summary — Outlook,” “Seeds and Genomics Segment,” “Agricultural Productivity Segment,” “Financial Condition, Liquidity, and Capital Resources,” “Outlook,” “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” and “Legal Proceedings.” Any statements we make that are not matters of current reportage or historical fact should be considered forward-looking. Such statements often include words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “will,” and similar expressions. By their nature, these types of statements are uncertain and are not guarantees of our future performance.

Since these statements are based on factors that involve risks and uncertainties, our company’s actual performance and results may differ materially from those described or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, among others: continued competition in seeds, traits and agricultural chemicals; the company’s exposure to various contingencies, including those related to intellectual property protection, regulatory compliance and the speed with which approvals are received, and public acceptance of biotechnology products; the success of the company’s research and development activities; the outcomes of major lawsuits; developments related to foreign currencies and economies; successful operation of recent acquisitions; fluctuations in commodity prices; compliance with regulations affecting our manufacturing; the accuracy of the company’s estimates related to distribution inventory levels; the company’s ability to fund its short-term financing needs and to obtain payment for the products that it sells; the effect of weather conditions, natural disasters and accidents on the agriculture business or the company’s facilities; and other risks and factors described or referenced in Part II — Item 1A — Risk Factors — below and Part I — Item 1A of our Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2012.

Our forward-looking statements represent our estimates and expectations and are based on currently available information at the time that we make those statements. However, circumstances change constantly, often unpredictably, and many events beyond our control will determine whether the expectations encompassed in our forward-looking statements will be realized. As a result, investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. We disclaim any current intention or obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, or the factors that may affect their realization, whether in light of new information, future events or otherwise, and investors should not rely on us to do so.

 

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Table of Contents
MONSANTO COMPANY      FIRST QUARTER 2013 FORM 10-Q   

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     Page   

Item 1.

  

Financial Statements

     3   
  

Statements of Consolidated Operations

     4   
  

Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income (Loss)

     5   
  

Statements of Consolidated Financial Position

     6   
  

Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows

     7   
  

Statements of Consolidated Shareowners’ Equity

     8   
  

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     9   

Item 2.

  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     30   
  

Overview

     30   
  

Results of Operations — First Quarter Fiscal Year 2013

     32   
  

Seeds and Genomics Segment

     33   
  

Agricultural Productivity Segment

     34   
  

Restructuring

     34   
  

Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources

     35   
  

Outlook

     38   
  

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

     41   

Item 3.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     41   

Item 4.

  

Controls and Procedures

     41   

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

        

Item 1.

  

Legal Proceedings

     42   

Item 1A.

  

Risk Factors

     42   

Item 2.

  

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

     42   

Item 6.

  

Exhibits

     42   

SIGNATURE

     43   

EXHIBIT INDEX

     44   

 

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Table of Contents
MONSANTO COMPANY      FIRST QUARTER 2013 FORM 10-Q   

 

 

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The Statements of Consolidated Operations of Monsanto Company and its consolidated subsidiaries for the three months ended Nov. 30, 2012, and Nov. 30, 2011, the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three months ended Nov. 30, 2012, and Nov. 30, 2011, the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position as of Nov. 30, 2012, and Aug. 31, 2012, the Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows for the three months ended Nov. 30, 2012, and Nov. 30, 2011, the Statements of Consolidated Shareowners’ Equity for the three months ended Nov. 30, 2012, and year ended Aug. 31, 2012, and related Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements follow. Unless otherwise indicated, “Monsanto” and the “company” are used interchangeably to refer to Monsanto Company or to Monsanto Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, as appropriate to the context. Unless otherwise indicated, “earnings per share” and “per share” mean diluted earnings per share. In the notes to the consolidated financial statements, all dollars are expressed in millions, except per share amounts. Unless otherwise indicated, references to “Roundup herbicides” mean Roundup branded herbicides, excluding all lawn-and-garden herbicides, and references to “Roundup and other glyphosate-based herbicides” exclude all lawn-and-garden herbicides.

 

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MONSANTO COMPANY      FIRST QUARTER 2013 FORM 10-Q   

 

 

Statements of Consolidated Operations

 

Unaudited    Three Months Ended Nov. 30,  
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)    2012     2011  

Net Sales

   $ 2,939     $ 2,439  

Cost of goods sold

     1,542       1,343  

 

 

Gross Profit

     1,397       1,096  

Operating Expenses:

    

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     542       500  

Research and development expenses

     346       351  

 

 

Total Operating Expenses

     888       851  

Income from Operations

     509       245  

Interest expense

     51       53  

Interest income

     (23     (18

Other expense, net

     17       6  

 

 

Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes

     464       204  

Income tax provision

     122       70  

 

 

Income from Continuing Operations Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest

   $ 342     $ 134  

 

 

Discontinued Operations:

    

Income from operations of discontinued businesses

     11         

Income tax provision

     4         

 

 

Income on Discontinued Operations

     7         

 

 

Net Income

   $ 349     $ 134  

 

 

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

     10       8  

 

 

Net Income Attributable to Monsanto Company

   $ 339     $ 126  

 

 

Amounts Attributable to Monsanto Company:

    

Income from continuing operations

   $ 332     $ 126  

Income on discontinued operations

     7         

 

 

Net Income Attributable to Monsanto Company

   $ 339     $ 126  

 

 

Basic Earnings per Share Attributable to Monsanto Company:

    

Income from continuing operations

   $ 0.62     $ 0.24  

Income on discontinued operations

     0.01         

 

 

Net Income Attributable to Monsanto Company

   $ 0.63     $ 0.24  

 

 

Diluted Earnings per Share Attributable to Monsanto Company:

    

Income from continuing operations

   $ 0.62     $ 0.23  

Income on discontinued operations

     0.01         

 

 

Net Income Attributable to Monsanto Company

   $ 0.63     $ 0.23  

 

 

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding:

    

Basic

     534.8       535.4  

Diluted

     540.4       541.4  

Dividends Declared per Share

   $      $   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 

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MONSANTO COMPANY      FIRST QUARTER 2013 FORM 10-Q   

 

 

Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

Unaudited    Three Months Ended Nov. 30  
(Dollars in millions)    2012     2011  

Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Monsanto Company

    

Net Income Attributable to Monsanto Company

   $ 339     $ 126  

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:

    

Foreign currency translation

     52       (572

Postretirement benefit plan activity, net of tax of $7 and $8, respectively

     11       13  

Unrealized net gains (losses) on investment holdings, net of tax of $3 and $(1), respectively

     6       (3

Realized net losses on investment holdings, net of tax of $1 and $0, respectively

     1         

Unrealized net derivative losses, net of tax of $(6) and $(53), respectively

     (12     (80

Realized net derivative gains, net of tax of $(5) and $(1), respectively

     (10     (2

 

   

 

 

 

Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax

     48       (644

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Monsanto Company

   $ 387     $ (518

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests

    

Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests

     10       8  

Other Comprehensive Loss

    

Foreign currency translation

     (4     (12

 

   

 

 

 

Total Other Comprehensive Loss

     (4     (12

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests

   $ 6     $ (4

 

   

 

 

 

Total Comprehensive Income (Loss)

   $ 393     $ (522

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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MONSANTO COMPANY      FIRST QUARTER 2013 FORM 10-Q   

 

 

Statements of Consolidated Financial Position

 

Unaudited    As of Nov. 30,     As of Aug. 31,  
(Dollars in millions, except share amounts)    2012     2012  

Assets

    

Current Assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents (variable interest entity restricted - 2013: $30 and 2012: $120)

   $ 4,637     $ 3,283  

Short-term investments

     310       302  

Trade receivables, net (variable interest entity restricted - 2013: $140 and 2012: $52)

     2,168       1,897  

Miscellaneous receivables

     700       620  

Deferred tax assets

     513       534  

Inventory, net

     3,571       2,839  

Other current assets (variable interest entity restricted - 2013: $2 and 2012: $0)

     161       183  

 

   

 

 

 

Total Current Assets

     12,060       9,658  

Total property, plant and equipment

     8,932       8,835  

Less accumulated depreciation

     4,584       4,470  

 

   

 

 

 

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

     4,348       4,365  

Goodwill

     3,447       3,435  

Other Intangible Assets, Net

     1,210       1,237  

Noncurrent Deferred Tax Assets

     552       551  

Long-Term Receivables, Net

     290       376  

Other Assets

     630       602  

 

   

 

 

 

Total Assets

   $ 22,537     $ 20,224  

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareowners’ Equity

    

Current Liabilities:

    

Short-term debt, including current portion of long-term debt

   $ 26     $ 36  

Accounts payable

     785       794  

Income taxes payable

     68       75  

Accrued compensation and benefits

     307       546  

Accrued marketing programs

     710       1,281  

Deferred revenues

     2,843       396  

Grower production accruals

     711       194  

Dividends payable

            200  

Customer payable

     8       14  

Miscellaneous short-term accruals

     703       685  

 

   

 

 

 

Total Current Liabilities

     6,161       4,221  

Long-Term Debt

     2,054       2,038  

Postretirement Liabilities

     530       543  

Long-Term Deferred Revenue

     218       245  

Noncurrent Deferred Tax Liabilities

     314       313  

Long-Term Portion of Environmental and Litigation Liabilities

     212       213  

Other Liabilities

     583       615  

Shareowners’ Equity:

    

Common stock (authorized: 1,500,000,000 shares, par value $0.01)

    

Issued 597,132,066 and 596,136,929 shares, respectively

    

Outstanding 535,074,017 and 534,373,880 shares, respectively

     6       6  

Treasury stock 62,058,049 and 61,763,049 shares, respectively, at cost

     (3,072     (3,045

Additional contributed capital

     10,437       10,371  

Retained earnings

     5,876       5,537  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (988     (1,036

 

   

 

 

 

Total Monsanto Company Shareowners’ Equity

     12,259       11,833  

 

   

 

 

 

Noncontrolling Interest

     206       203  

 

   

 

 

 

Total Shareowners’ Equity

     12,465       12,036  

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Shareowners’ Equity

   $ 22,537     $ 20,224  

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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MONSANTO COMPANY      FIRST QUARTER 2013 FORM 10-Q   

 

 

Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows

 

Unaudited    Three Months Ended Nov. 30,  
(Dollars in millions)    2012     2011  

Operating Activities:

    

Net Income

     $349       $134  

Adjustments to reconcile cash provided by operating activities:

    

Items that did not require (provide) cash:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     152       155  

Bad-debt expense

     7       (1

Stock-based compensation expense

     24       23  

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

     (15     (6

Deferred income taxes

     10       (48

Equity affiliate (income) expense, net

     (2     1  

Net gain on sales of a business or other assets

     (12     (1

Other items

     (24     (55

Changes in assets and liabilities that (required) provided cash, net of acquisitions:

    

Trade receivables, net

     (219     49  

Inventory, net

     (754     (679

Deferred revenues

     2,422       1,624  

Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities

     (398     (127

Restructuring cash payments

           (4

Pension contributions

     (16     (5

Other items

     45       50  

 

 

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

     1,569       1,110  

 

 

Cash Flows (Required) Provided by Investing Activities:

    

Purchases of short-term investments

     (118     (142

Maturities of short-term investments

     110       142  

Capital expenditures

     (133     (138

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired

            (113

Technology and other investments

     (23     (5

Other proceeds

     68       2  

 

 

Net Cash Required by Investing Activities

     (96     (254

 

 

Cash Flows Provided (Required) by Financing Activities:

    

Net change in financing with less than 90-day maturities

     60       (8

Short-term debt reductions

     (7     (17

Long-term debt proceeds

     16       1  

Long-term debt reductions

            (138

Treasury stock purchases

     (27     (26

Stock option exercises

     31       12  

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

     16       6  

Tax withholding on restricted stock and restricted stock units

     (3     (1

Dividend payments

     (201     (161

Dividend payments to noncontrolling interests

     (1     (8

 

 

Net Cash Required by Financing Activities

     (116     (340

 

 

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents

     (3     (81

 

 

Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents

     1,354       435  

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period

     3,283       2,572  

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period

     $4,637       $3,007  

 

 

See Note 20 — Supplemental Cash Flow Information — for further details.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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MONSANTO COMPANY      FIRST QUARTER 2013 FORM 10-Q   

 

 

Statements of Consolidated Shareowners’ Equity

 

      Monsanto Shareowners                

Unaudited

(Dollars in millions, except per share data)

   Common
Stock
     Treasury
Stock
    Additional
Contributed
Capital
    Retained
Earnings
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss)
(1)
    Reserve for
ESOP Debt
    Non-Controlling
Interest
   

Total

 

Balance as of Aug. 31, 2011

   $ 6      $ (2,613   $ 10,096     $ 4,174     $ (116   $ (2   $ 171     $ 11,716  

Net income

                           2,045                     48       2,093  

Other comprehensive loss for 2012

                                  (920            (40     (960

Treasury stock purchases

             (432                                        (432

Restricted stock withholding

                    (19                                 (19

Issuance of shares under employee stock plans

                    117                                   117  

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

                    50                                   50  

Stock-based compensation expense

                    127                                   127  

Cash dividends of $1.28 per common share

                           (682                          (682

Dividend payments to noncontrolling interest

                                                (77     (77

Allocation of ESOP shares, net of dividends received

                                         2              2  

Proceeds from noncontrolling interest

                                                101       101  

 

 

Balance as of Aug. 31, 2012

   $ 6      $ (3,045   $ 10,371     $ 5,537     $ (1,036   $      $ 203     $ 12,036  

Net income

                           339                     10       349  

Other comprehensive income (loss) for 2013

                                  48              (4     44  

Treasury stock purchases

             (27                                        (27

Restricted stock withholding

                    (3                                 (3

Issuance of shares under employee stock plans

                    31                                   31  

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

                    17                                   17  

Stock-based compensation expense

                    22                                   22  

Dividend payments to noncontrolling interest

                                                (1     (1

Acquisition of noncontrolling interest

                    (1                          (2     (3

 

 

Balance as of Nov. 30, 2012

   $ 6      $ (3,072   $ 10,437     $ 5,876     $ (988   $      $ 206     $ 12,465  

 

 

 

(1)

See Note 18 — Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss — for further details of the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 

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MONSANTO COMPANY      FIRST QUARTER 2013 FORM 10-Q   

 

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – UNAUDITED

 

NOTE 1. BACKGROUND AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

Monsanto Company, along with its subsidiaries, is a leading global provider of agricultural products for farmers. Monsanto’s seeds, biotechnology trait products, and herbicides provide farmers with solutions that improve productivity, reduce the costs of farming, and produce better foods for consumers and better feed for animals.

Monsanto manages its business in two segments: Seeds and Genomics and Agricultural Productivity. Through the Seeds and Genomics segment, Monsanto produces leading seed brands, including DEKALB, Asgrow, Deltapine, Seminis and De Ruiter, and Monsanto develops biotechnology traits that assist farmers in controlling insects and weeds. Monsanto also provides other seed companies with genetic material and biotechnology traits for their seed brands. Through the Agricultural Productivity segment, the company manufactures Roundup and Harness brand herbicides and other herbicides. See Note 22 — Segment Information — for further details.

In the fourth quarter of 2008, the company announced plans to divest its animal agricultural products business, which focused on dairy cow productivity (the Dairy business) and was previously reported as part of the Agricultural Productivity segment. This transaction was consummated on Oct. 1, 2008. As a result, financial data for this business has been presented as discontinued operations.

Certain reclassifications of prior year amounts have been made to conform to current year presentation.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have not been audited but have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. In the opinion of management, these unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods reported. This Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with Monsanto’s Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2012. Financial information for the first three months of fiscal year 2013 should not be annualized because of the seasonality of the company’s business.

NOTE 2. NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

 

In December 2011, the FASB issued an amendment to the Balance Sheet topic of the ASC, which requires entities to disclose both gross and net information about both financial instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the statement of financial position and instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting agreement. The objective of the disclosure is to facilitate comparison between those entities that prepare their financial statements on the basis of U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and those entities that prepare their financial statements on the basis of International Financial Reporting Standards. This standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2013. Retrospective presentation for all comparative periods presented is required. Accordingly, Monsanto will adopt this amendment in the first quarter of fiscal year 2014. The company is currently evaluating the impact of adoption on the consolidated financial statements.

In September 2011 and July 2012, the FASB issued amendments to the Intangibles-Goodwill and Other topic of the ASC. Prior to these amendments the company performs a two-step test as outlined by the ASC. Step one of the two-step goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment tests is performed by calculating the fair value of the reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset and comparing the fair value with the carrying amount. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, then the company is required to perform the second step of the impairment test to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. Under the amendments, an entity has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the current two-step test. If an entity believes, as a result of its qualitative assessment, that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is required. Otherwise, no further testing is required. An entity can choose to perform the qualitative assessment on none, some or all of its reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets. Moreover, an entity can bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset in any period and proceed directly to step one of the impairment test, and then resume performing the

 

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MONSANTO COMPANY      FIRST QUARTER 2013 FORM 10-Q   

 

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – UNAUDITED (continued)

 

 

qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. The amendment is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after Dec. 15, 2011. Accordingly, Monsanto will adopt this amendment when the company performs the annual impairment test during fiscal year 2013. The amendment is effective for annual and interim indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after Sept. 15, 2012. Accordingly, Monsanto will adopt this amendment in fiscal year 2014. The company is currently evaluating the impact of adoption on the consolidated financial statements for both the annual impairment test of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles.

NOTE 3. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

 

2012 Acquisitions: In June 2012, Monsanto acquired 100 percent of the outstanding stock of Precision Planting, Inc., a planting technology developer based in Tremont, Illinois. Precision Planting develops technology to improve yields through on-farm planting performance. The acquisition of the company will become part of Monsanto’s Integrated Farming Systems unit, which utilizes advanced agronomic practices, seed genetics and innovative on-farm technology to deliver optimal yield to farmers while using fewer resources. Acquisition costs incurred in fiscal year 2012 were less than $1 million and were classified as selling, general and administrative expenses. The acquisition of Precision Planting qualifies as a business under the Business Combinations topic of the ASC. The total fair value of the acquisition was $255 million, including contingent consideration of $39 million, and the total cash paid for the acquisition was $209 million (net of cash acquired). The fair value was primarily allocated to goodwill and intangibles. The primary item that generated goodwill was the premium paid by the company for the right to control the acquired business and technology. The goodwill is deductible for tax purposes. The contingent consideration is to be paid in cash if certain operational and financial milestones are met on or before Aug. 31, 2020, up to a maximum target of $40 million. The estimated acquisition date fair value of the long-term other liability for the contingent consideration reflects a discount at a credit adjusted risk-free interest rate for the expected timing of each payment. See Note 14 — Fair Value Measurements — for further information.

In September 2011, Monsanto acquired 100 percent of the outstanding stock of Beeologics, a technology start-up business based in Israel, which researches and develops biological tools to provide targeted control of pests and diseases. The acquisition of the company, which qualifies as a business under the Business Combinations topic of the ASC, allows Monsanto to further explore the use of biologicals broadly in agriculture to provide farmers with innovative approaches to the challenges they face. Monsanto intends to use the base technology from Beeologics as a part of its continuing discovery and development pipeline. Acquisition costs were approximately $1 million and were classified as selling, general and administrative expenses. The total cash paid and the fair value of the acquisition was $113 million (net of cash acquired), and it was primarily allocated to goodwill and intangibles. The primary item that generated goodwill was the premium paid by the company for the right to control the acquired business and technology. The goodwill is deductible for tax purposes.

For the acquisitions described above, the business operations and employees of the acquired entity were included in the Seeds and Genomics reportable segment results upon acquisition.

 

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MONSANTO COMPANY      FIRST QUARTER 2013 FORM 10-Q   

 

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – UNAUDITED (continued)

 

 

NOTE 4. CUSTOMER FINANCING PROGRAMS

 

Monsanto participates in customer financing programs as follows:

 

      As  of
Nov. 30,
     As of
Aug.  31,
 
(Dollars in millions)    2012      2012  

 

    

 

 

 

Transactions that Qualify for Sales Treatment

     

U.S. agreement to sell customer receivables(1)

     

Outstanding balance

   $ 64      $ 291  

Maximum future payout under recourse provisions

     4        17  

 

    

 

 

 

Other U.S. and European agreements to sell accounts receivables(2)

     

Outstanding balance

   $ 20      $ 34  

Maximum future payout under recourse provisions

     17        21  

 

    

 

 

 

Agreements with Lenders(3)

     

Outstanding balance

   $ 89      $ 85  

Maximum future payout under the guarantee

     68        56  

 

    

 

 

 

The gross amount of receivables sold under transactions that qualify for sales treatment were:

 

      Gross Amount of Receivables Sold  
     Three Months Ended Nov. 30,  
(Dollars in millions)    2012      2011  

Transactions that Qualify for Sales Treatment

     

U.S. agreement to sell customer receivables(1)

   $ 2      $ 216  

Other U.S. and European agreement to sell accounts receivables(2)

     —           6  

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) 

Monsanto has an agreement in the United States to sell customer receivables up to a maximum outstanding balance of $500 million and to service such accounts. These receivables qualify for sales treatment under the Transfers and Servicing topic of the ASC and, accordingly, the proceeds are included in net cash provided by operating activities in the Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows. The agreement includes recourse provisions and thus a liability is established at the time of sale that approximates fair value based upon the company’s historical collection experience and a current assessment of credit exposure.

 

(2) 

Monsanto also sells accounts receivables in the United States and European regions, both with and without recourse. The sales within these programs qualify for sales treatment under the Transfers and Servicing topic of the ASC and, accordingly, the proceeds are included in net cash provided by operating activities in the Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows. The liability for the guarantees for sales with recourse is recorded at an amount that approximates fair value, based on the company’s historical collection experience for the customers associated with the sale of the receivables and a current assessment of credit exposure.

 

(3) 

Monsanto has additional agreements with lenders to establish programs that provide financing for select customers in the United States, Brazil, Latin America and Europe. Monsanto provides various levels of recourse through guarantees of the accounts in the event of customer default. The term of the guarantee is equivalent to the term of the customer loans. The liability for the guarantees is recorded at an amount that approximates fair value, based on the company’s historical collection experience with customers that participate in the program and a current assessment of credit exposure. If performance is required under the guarantee, Monsanto may retain amounts that are subsequently collected from customers.

In addition to the arrangements in the above table, Monsanto also participates in a financing program in Brazil that allowed Monsanto to transfer up to 1 billion Brazilian reais (approximately $475 million) for select customers in Brazil to a special purpose entity (SPE). Under the arrangement, a recourse provision requires Monsanto to cover the first 12 percent of credit losses within the program. The company evaluated its relationship with the entity under the guidance within the Consolidation topic of the ASC and, as a result, the entity has been consolidated. For further information on this topic, see Note 5 — Variable Interest Entities.

There were no significant recourse or non-recourse liabilities for all programs as of Nov. 30, 2012, and Aug. 31, 2012. There were no significant delinquent loans for all programs as of Nov. 30, 2012, and Aug. 31, 2012.

 

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MONSANTO COMPANY      FIRST QUARTER 2013 FORM 10-Q   

 

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – UNAUDITED (continued)

 

 

NOTE 5. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

 

Monsanto is involved with various special purpose entities and other entities that are deemed to be variable interest entities (VIEs). Monsanto has determined that the company holds a variable interest in an entity that is established as a revolving financing program. In addition, Monsanto has various variable interests in biotechnology companies that focus on plant gene research, development and commercialization. These variable interests have also been determined to be VIEs.

Consolidated VIE

Monsanto has one financing program in Brazil that is recorded as a consolidated VIE. For the most part, the VIE involving the revolving financing program is funded by investments from the company and other third parties, primarily investment funds, and have been established to service Monsanto’s customer receivables. An 88 percent senior interest in the entity is held by third parties, primarily investment funds, and Monsanto holds the remaining 12 percent interest. See Note 4 — Customer Financing Programs — for additional information regarding the revolving financing arrangement. Creditors have no recourse against Monsanto in the event of default by the VIE nor does the company have any implied or unfunded commitments to the VIE. The company’s financial or other support provided to the VIE is limited to its original investment. Even though Monsanto holds a subordinate interest in the VIE, the VIE was established to service transactions involving the company and the company determines the receivables that are included in the revolving financing program. Therefore, the determination is that Monsanto has the power to direct the activities most significant to the economic performance of the VIE. As a result, the company is the primary beneficiary of the VIE and the VIE has been consolidated in Monsanto’s Consolidated Financial Statements. The assets of the VIE may only be used to settle the obligations of the entity. Third-party investors in the VIE do not have recourse to the general assets of Monsanto other than the maximum exposure to loss relating to the VIE. The following table presents the carrying value of assets and liabilities, which are identified as restricted assets and liabilities on the company’s Statements of Consolidated Financial Position, and the maximum exposure to loss relating to the VIE for which Monsanto is the primary beneficiary.

 

      Financing Program VIE  
     As of Nov. 30,      As of Aug. 31,  
(Dollars in millions)    2012      2012  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 30      $ 120  

Trade receivables, net

     140        52  

Other current assets

     2          

Total Assets

     172        172  

Total Liabilities

               

Maximum Exposure to Loss

   $ 25      $ 23  
   

Non-Consolidated VIEs

Monsanto has variable interests through investments and arrangements with biotechnology companies that focus on plant gene research, development, and commercialization. The company has not provided financial or other support with respect to these investments or arrangements other than its original interest. The company also has no implied or unfunded commitments to these VIEs. Monsanto’s maximum exposure to loss on these variable interests is limited to the amount of the company’s investment in the entity. The following table presents the carrying value of assets and liabilities, and the maximum exposure to loss relating to VIEs that the company does not consolidate:

 

      Biotechnology VIEs  
     As of Nov. 30,      As of Aug. 31,  
(Dollars in millions)    2012      2012  

Property, plant and equipment, net

   $ 5      $ 5  

Other intangible assets, net

     13        14  

Total Non-Current Assets

     18        19  

Total Liabilities

               

Maximum Exposure to Loss

   $       $   
   

 

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MONSANTO COMPANY      FIRST QUARTER 2013 FORM 10-Q   

 

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – UNAUDITED (continued)

 

 

NOTE 6. RESTRUCTURING

 

On June 23, 2009, the company’s Board of Directors approved a restructuring plan (2009 Restructuring Plan) to take future actions to reduce costs in light of the changing market supply environment for glyphosate. These actions were designed to enable Monsanto to stabilize the Agricultural Productivity business and allow it to deliver optimal gross profit and a sustainable level of operating cash in the coming years, while better aligning spending and working capital needs. The company also announced that it would take steps to better align the resources of its global seeds and traits business. These actions included certain product and brand rationalization within the seed businesses. On Sept. 9, 2009, the company committed to take additional actions related to the previously announced restructuring plan. Furthermore, while implementing the plan, the company identified additional opportunities to better align the company’s resources, and on Aug. 26, 2010, committed to take additional actions. The plan was substantially completed in the first quarter of fiscal year 2011, and the remaining payments were made in fiscal year 2012.

There were no charges incurred for the fiscal quarters ended Nov. 30, 2012, and Nov. 30, 2011. The following table displays the cumulative pretax charges of $723 million under the 2009 Restructuring Plan.

 

      Cumulative Amount through Nov. 30, 2012  
(Dollars in millions)    Seeds and
Genomics
     Agricultural
Productivity
     Total  

Work Force Reductions

   $ 229      $ 99      $ 328  

Facility Closures / Exit Costs

     75        81        156  

Asset Impairments

        

Property, plant and equipment

     43        5        48  

Inventory

     119        13        132  

Other intangible assets

     59                59  

 

 

Total Restructuring Charges, Net

   $ 525      $ 198      $ 723  

 

 

The company’s written human resource policies are indicative of an ongoing benefit arrangement with respect to severance packages. Benefits paid pursuant to an ongoing benefit arrangement are specifically excluded from the Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations topic of the ASC, therefore severance charges incurred in connection with the 2009 Restructuring Plan are accounted for when probable and estimable as required under the Compensation – Nonretirement Postemployment Benefits topic of the ASC. In addition, when the decision to commit to a restructuring plan requires an asset impairment review, Monsanto evaluates such impairment issues under the Property, Plant and Equipment topic of the ASC.

There was no restructuring liability as of Nov. 30, 2012, and Aug. 31, 2012.

NOTE 7. RECEIVABLES

 

Trade receivables on the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position are net of allowances of $71 million and $64 million as of Nov. 30, 2012, and Aug. 31, 2012, respectively.

The company has financing receivables that represent long-term customer receivable balances related to past due accounts which are not expected to be collected within the current year. The long-term customer receivables were $151 million and $156 million with a corresponding allowance for credit losses on these receivables of $134 million and $141 million as of Nov. 30, 2012, and Aug. 31, 2012, respectively. These long-term customer receivable balances and the corresponding allowance are included in long-term receivables, net on the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position. For these long-term customer receivables, interest is no longer accrued when the receivable is determined to be delinquent and classified as long-term based on estimated timing of collection.

 

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MONSANTO COMPANY      FIRST QUARTER 2013 FORM 10-Q   

 

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – UNAUDITED (continued)

 

 

The following table displays a roll forward of the allowance for credit losses related to long-term customer receivables.

 

(Dollars in millions)        

Balance Aug. 31, 2011

   $ 213  

Incremental Provision

     3  

Recoveries

     (14

Write-offs

     (54

Other(1)

     (7
   

Balance Aug. 31, 2012

   $ 141  

Incremental Provision

     1  

Recoveries

     (3

Write-offs

     (3

Other(1)

     (2
          

Balance Nov. 30, 2012

   $ 134  
   

 

(1) 

Includes reclassifications from current receivables and foreign currency translation adjustments.

In addition, the company has long-term contractual receivables. These receivables are collected at fixed and determinable dates in accordance with the customer long-term agreement. The long-term contractual receivables were $273 million and $361 million as of Nov. 30, 2012, and Aug. 31, 2012, respectively, and did not have any allowance recorded related to these balances. These receivables are included in long-term receivables, net on the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position. There are no balances related to these long-term contractual receivables that are past due. These receivables are outstanding with large, reputable companies who have been timely with scheduled payments thus far and are considered to be fully collectible. Interest is accrued on these receivables in accordance with the agreements and is included within interest income in the Statements of Consolidated Operations.

On an ongoing basis, the company evaluates credit quality of its financing receivables utilizing aging of receivables, collection experience and write-offs, as well as evaluating existing economic conditions, to determine if an allowance is necessary.

NOTE 8. INVENTORY

 

Components of inventory are:

 

      As of Nov. 30,     As of Aug. 31,  
(Dollars in millions)    2012     2012  

 

   

 

 

 

Finished Goods

   $ 1,401     $ 1,050  

Goods In Process

     1,849       1,537  

Raw Materials and Supplies

     470       395  

 

   

 

 

 

Inventory at FIFO Cost

     3,720       2,982  

Excess of FIFO over LIFO Cost

     (149     (143

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 3,571     $ 2,839  

 

   

 

 

 

 

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MONSANTO COMPANY      FIRST QUARTER 2013 FORM 10-Q   

 

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – UNAUDITED (continued)

 

 

NOTE 9. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

Changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill for the first quarter of fiscal year 2013, by segment, are as follows:

 

(Dollars in millions)    Seeds and
Genomics
     Agricultural
Productivity
     Total  

 

 

Balance as of Aug. 31, 2012

   $ 3,378      $ 57      $ 3,435  

Acquisition activity (see Note 3)

                       

Effect of foreign currency translation adjustments

     12                12  

 

 

Balance as of Nov. 30, 2012

   $ 3,390      $ 57      $ 3,447  

 

 

In first quarter 2013, goodwill increased due to the effects of foreign currency translation adjustments. There were no events or circumstances indicating that goodwill might be impaired as of Nov. 30, 2012. The 2013 annual goodwill impairment test will be performed as of March 1, 2013.

Information regarding the company’s other intangible assets is as follows:

 

      As of Nov. 30, 2012      As of Aug. 31, 2012  
(Dollars in millions)    Carrying
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
    Net      Carrying
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
    Net  

 

    

 

 

 

Acquired Germplasm

   $ 1,132      $ (712   $ 420      $ 1,144      $ (707   $ 437  

Acquired Intellectual Property

     1,095        (779     316        1,085        (771     314  

Trademarks

     349        (128     221        348        (124     224  

Customer Relationships

     298        (158     140        285        (152     133  

Other

     155        (90     65        168        (87     81  

 

    

 

 

 

Total Other Intangible Assets, Finite Lives

   $ 3,029      $ (1,867   $ 1,162      $ 3,030      $ (1,841   $ 1,189  

 

    

 

 

 

In Process Research & Development, Indefinite Lives

     48               48        48               48  

 

    

 

 

 

Total Other Intangible Assets

   $ 3,077      $ (1,867   $ 1,210      $ 3,078      $ (1,841   $ 1,237  

 

    

 

 

 

Total amortization expense of other intangible assets was $28 million in first quarter of fiscal year 2013 and $37 million in first quarter of fiscal year 2012. The estimated intangible asset amortization expense for fiscal year 2013 through fiscal year 2017 is as follows:

 

(Dollars in millions)    Amount  

2013

   $ 107  

2014

     118  

2015

     117  

2016

     117  

2017

     101  

NOTE 10. INVESTMENTS AND EQUITY AFFILIATES

 

Investments

As of Nov. 30, 2012, and Aug. 31, 2012, Monsanto has short-term investments outstanding of $310 million and $302 million, respectively. The investments are comprised of commercial paper with original maturities of one year or less. See Note 14 — Fair Value Measurements.

Monsanto has investments in long-term equity securities, which are considered available-for-sale. As of Nov. 30, 2012, and Aug. 31, 2012, these long-term equity securities are recorded in other assets in the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position at a fair value of $42 million and $35 million, respectively. Net unrealized gains (net of deferred taxes) of $12 million and $5 million are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss in shareowners’ equity related to these investments as of Nov. 30, 2012, and Aug. 31, 2012, respectively. For the three month period ended Nov. 30, 2012, and Nov. 30, 2011, no significant impairments were recorded.

 

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MONSANTO COMPANY      FIRST QUARTER 2013 FORM 10-Q   

 

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – UNAUDITED (continued)

 

 

Monsanto has cost basis investments recorded in other assets in the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position. As of Nov. 30, 2012, and Aug. 31, 2012, these investments were recorded at $75 million and $70 million, respectively. Due to the nature of these investments, the fair market value is not readily determinable. These investments are reviewed for impairment indicators. For the three month period ended Nov. 30, 2012, and Nov. 30, 2011, no impairments were recorded.

Equity Affiliates

Monsanto owns a 19 percent interest in a seed supplier that produces, conditions and distributes corn and soybean seeds. Monsanto is accounting for this investment as an equity method investment as Monsanto has the ability to exercise significant influence over the seed supplier. As of Nov. 30, 2012, and Aug. 31, 2012, this investment is recorded in other assets in the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position at $69 million and $70 million, respectively. Monsanto purchased $109 million and $60 million of inventory from the seed supplier for the three months ended Nov. 30, 2012, and Nov. 30, 2011, respectively. There were no sales of inventory to the seed supplier for both the three months ended Nov. 30, 2012, and Nov. 30, 2011. As of Nov. 30, 2012, the amount payable to the seed supplier is $73 million and is recorded in accounts payable in the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position. As of Aug. 31, 2012, there were no amounts payable to the seed supplier. As of Nov. 30, 2012, there were no prepayments. As of Aug. 31, 2012, there were prepayments of $13 million included in other current assets in the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position for inventory that was delivered in fiscal year 2013.

NOTE 11. DEFERRED REVENUE

 

As of Nov. 30, 2012, and Aug. 31, 2012, short-term deferred revenue was $2,843 million and $396 million, respectively. This balance primarily consists of cash received related to Monsanto’s prepayment programs in the United States and Brazil. These programs allow Monsanto’s customers to receive a discount if they prepay by a certain date, and the short-term deferred revenue balance is consistent with the seasonality of Monsanto’s business. Prepayment options are attractive to customers given the discounted pricing and the ability to utilize cash flow from the current year grain harvest to pay for the next season seed purchases. The deferred revenue balance related to these prepayment programs is considered short-term in nature and thus classified in current liabilities as the prepayments are for products to be shipped within the next 12 months.

In 2008, Monsanto entered into a corn herbicide tolerance and insect control trait technologies agreement with Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. Among its provisions, the agreement modified certain existing corn license agreements between the parties. Under the agreement, which requires fixed annual payments, the company recorded a receivable and deferred revenue of $635 million in first quarter 2008. Cumulative cash receipts will be $725 million over an eight-year period. Revenue of $20 million related to this agreement was recorded for each of the three months ended Nov. 30, 2012, and Nov. 30, 2011. As of Nov. 30, 2012, and Aug. 31, 2012, the remaining receivable balance is $247 million and $313 million, respectively. The majority of this balance is included in long-term receivables on the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position, and the current portion is included in trade receivables. As of Nov. 30, 2012, and Aug. 31, 2012, the remaining deferred revenue balance is $218 million and $238 million, respectively, of which $79 million is included in current deferred revenue in both periods. The interest income recorded on this receivable is $2 million and $3 million for the three months ended Nov. 30, 2012, and Nov. 30, 2011, respectively.

In 2008, Monsanto and Syngenta entered into a Genuity Roundup Ready 2 Yield Soybean License Agreement, which grants Syngenta access to Monsanto’s Genuity Roundup Ready 2 Yield Soybean technology in consideration of royalty payments from Syngenta, based on sales. The minimum obligation from Syngenta over the nine-year contract period is $81 million. Revenue of $4 million and $1 million related to this agreement was recorded for the three months ended Nov. 30, 2012, and Nov. 30, 2011, respectively. As of Nov. 30, 2012, and Aug. 31, 2012, the remaining receivable balance is $58 million and $67 million, respectively. The majority of this balance is included in the long-term receivables on the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position and the current portion is included in trade receivables. As of Nov. 30, 2012, and Aug. 31, 2012, the remaining deferred revenue balance is $53 million and $56 million, respectively, of which $21 million and $12 million, respectively, is included in current deferred revenue.

 

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MONSANTO COMPANY      FIRST QUARTER 2013 FORM 10-Q   

 

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – UNAUDITED (continued)

 

 

NOTE 12. INCOME TAXES

 

Monsanto recorded a tax benefit of $22 million in first quarter 2013 primarily as a result of a capital loss from a deemed liquidation of a subsidiary.

NOTE 13. DEBT AND OTHER CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS

 

In November 2011, Monsanto filed a new shelf registration with the SEC (2011 shelf registration) that allows the company to issue an unlimited capacity of debt, equity and hybrid offerings. The 2011 shelf registration will expire in November 2014.

In July 2012, Monsanto issued $250 million of 2.20% Senior Notes which are due on July 15, 2022, (2022 Senior Notes) and $250 million of 3.60% Senior Notes which are due on July 15, 2042 (2042 Senior Notes). Both were issued under the 2011 shelf registration.

The net proceeds from the sale of the 2022 and 2042 Senior Notes were used for general corporate purposes, including refinancing of the company’s indebtedness.

Monsanto has a $2 billion credit facility agreement with a group of banks that provides a senior unsecured revolving credit facility through Apr. 1, 2016. Effective May 31, 2012, the facility was extended one year from Apr. 1, 2015, to Apr. 1, 2016.

The fair value of the total short-term debt was $26 million and $36 million as of Nov. 30, 2012, and Aug. 31, 2012, respectively. The fair value of the total long-term debt was $2,449 million and $2,411 million as of Nov. 30, 2012, and Aug. 31, 2012, respectively.

NOTE 14. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

Monsanto determines the fair market value of its financial assets and liabilities based on quoted market prices, estimates from brokers, and other appropriate valuation techniques. The company uses the fair value hierarchy established in the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures topic of the ASC, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The hierarchy contains three levels as follows, with Level 3 representing the lowest level of input:

Level 1 — Values based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 — Values based on quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, discounted cash flow models, or model-based valuation techniques adjusted, as necessary, for credit risk.

Level 3 — Values generated from model-based techniques that use significant assumptions not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions would reflect our own estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Valuation techniques could include use of option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques.

The following tables set forth by level Monsanto’s assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of Nov. 30, 2012, and Aug. 31, 2012. As required by the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures topic of the ASC, assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is a significant component of the fair value measurement. Monsanto’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the classification of fair value assets and liabilities within the fair value hierarchy levels.

 

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MONSANTO COMPANY      FIRST QUARTER 2013 FORM 10-Q   

 

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – UNAUDITED (continued)

 

 

      Fair Value Measurements at Nov. 30, 2012, Using  
(Dollars in millions)    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Cash
Collateral
Offset(1)
    Net
Balance
 

Assets at Fair Value:

             

Cash equivalents

   $ 4,210      $       $       $      $ 4,210  

Short-term investments

     310                               310  

Equity securities

     42                               42  

Derivative assets related to:

             

Foreign currency

             17                       17  

Commodity contracts

     43        18                (43     18  

 

 

Total Assets at Fair Value

   $ 4,605      $ 35      $       $ (43   $ 4,597  

 

 

Liabilities at Fair Value:

             

Contingent consideration

   $       $       $ 40      $      $ 40  

Derivative liabilities related to:

             

Foreign currency

             3                       3  

Commodity contracts

     3        22                (3     22  

 

 

Total Liabilities at Fair Value

   $ 3      $ 25      $ 40      $ (3   $ 65  

 

 

Liabilities Not Recorded at Fair Value:

             

Short-term debt instruments(2)

   $       $ 26      $       $      $ 26  

Long-term debt instruments(2)

             2,449                       2,449  

 

 

Total Liabilities Not Recorded at Fair Value

   $       $ 2,475      $       $      $ 2,475  

 

 

Total Liabilities Recorded and Not Recorded at Fair Value

   $ 3      $ 2,500      $ 40      $ (3   $ 2,540  

 

 

 

(1) 

As allowed by the Derivatives and Hedging topic of the ASC, commodity derivative assets and liabilities have been offset by cash collateral due and paid under a master netting arrangement.

 

(2) 

Short-term and long-term debt instruments are not recorded at fair value on a recurring basis however are measured at fair value for disclosure purposes, as required by the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures topic of the ASC.

 

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MONSANTO COMPANY      FIRST QUARTER 2013 FORM 10-Q   

 

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – UNAUDITED (continued)

 

 

      Fair Value Measurements at Aug. 31, 2012, Using  
(Dollars in millions)    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Cash
Collateral
Offset
(1)
    Net
Balance
 

Assets at Fair Value:

             

Cash equivalents

   $ 2,787      $       $       $      $ 2,787  

Short-term investments

     302                               302  

Equity securities

     35                               35  

Derivative assets related to:

             

Foreign currency

             11                       11  

Commodity contracts

     86        23                (85     24  

 

 

Total Assets at Fair Value

   $ 3,210      $ 34      $       $ (85   $ 3,159  

 

 

Liabilities at Fair Value:

             

Contingent consideration

   $       $       $ 39      $      $ 39  

Derivative liabilities related to:

             

Foreign currency

             7                       7  

Commodity contracts

     7        22                (7     22  

 

 

Total Liabilities at Fair Value:

   $ 7      $ 29      $ 39      $ (7   $ 68  

 

 

Liabilities Not Recorded at Fair Value:

             

Short-term debt instrument(2)

   $       $ 36      $       $      $ 36  

Long-term debt instruments(2)

             2,411                       2,411  

 

 

Total Liabilities Not Recorded at Fair Value

   $       $ 2,447      $       $      $ 2,447  

 

 

Total Liabilities Recorded and Not Recorded at Fair Value

   $ 7      $ 2,476      $ 39      $ (7   $ 2,515  

 

 

 

(1) 

As allowed by the Derivatives and Hedging topic of the ASC, commodity derivative assets and liabilities have been offset by cash collateral due and paid under a master netting arrangement.

 

(2) 

Short-term and long-term debt instruments are not recorded at fair value on a recurring basis however are measured at fair value for disclosure purposes, as required by the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures topic of the ASC.

The company’s derivative contracts are measured at fair value, including forward commodity purchase and sale contracts, exchange-traded commodity futures and option contracts, and OTC (over the counter) instruments related primarily to agricultural commodities, energy and raw materials, interest rates, and foreign currencies. Exchange-traded futures and options contracts are valued based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and are classified as Level 1. 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 as Level 2. Based on historical experience with the company’s suppliers and customers, the company’s own credit risk and knowledge of current market conditions, the company does not view nonperformance risk to be a significant input to the fair value for the majority of its forward commodity purchase and sale contracts. The effective portions of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recognized in the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss until the hedged items are recorded in earnings or it is probable the hedged transaction will no longer occur. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recognized in the Statements of Consolidated Operations as a component of net sales, cost of goods sold, and other expense, net.

The company’s short-term investments are comprised of commercial paper. The company’s equity securities are comprised of publicly traded equity investments. Commercial paper and publicly traded equity investments are valued using quoted market prices and are classified as Level 1.

The fair value of short-term and long-term debt was determined based on current market yields for our debt traded in the secondary market.

The company’s contingent consideration relates to the Precision Planting acquisition and is measured at fair value using a combination of the probability weighted method and the income approach using market price of risk. This fair value amount is reflected as a component of miscellaneous short-term accruals in the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position. See

 

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MONSANTO COMPANY      FIRST QUARTER 2013 FORM 10-Q   

 

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – UNAUDITED (continued)

 

 

Note 3 — Business Combinations — for purchase accounting information. The fair value is principally based on unobservable inputs (a Level 3 measurement) consisting mainly of the amount of future cash flows adjusted for probabilities associated with meeting certain operational and financial milestones and discounted at the appropriate market rate. A change in significant unobservable inputs of 10 percent would not result in a change in the fair value of the contingent consideration and the fair value recorded represents the maximum target of $40 million. Changes in the fair value of contingent consideration during the three month period ended Nov. 30, 2012, were recognized in the Statement of Consolidated Operations as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses.

For the three month periods ended Nov. 30, 2012, and Nov. 30, 2011, the company had no transfers between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. Monsanto does not have any assets with fair value determined using Level 3 inputs as of Nov. 30, 2012, and Aug. 31, 2012. The following table summarizes the change in fair value of the Level 3 liability for the three months ended Nov. 30, 2012.

 

 

 
(Dollars in millions)    Contingent
Consideration
 

Balance Sept. 1, 2012

   $ 39  

Loss included in earnings

     1  

Balance Nov. 30, 2012

   $ 40  

 

There were no significant measurements of assets or liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis subsequent to their initial recognition during the three months ended Nov. 30, 2012, and Nov. 30, 2011.

The recorded amounts of cash, trade receivables, miscellaneous receivables, third-party guarantees, accounts payable, grower accruals, accrued marketing programs and miscellaneous short-term accruals approximate their fair values as of Nov. 30, 2012, and Aug. 31, 2012.

Management is ultimately responsible for all fair values presented in the company’s consolidated financial statements. The company performs analysis and review of the information and prices received from third parties to ensure that the prices represent a reasonable estimate of fair value. This process involves quantitative and qualitative analysis. As a result of the analysis, if the company determines there is a more appropriate fair value based upon the available market data, the price received from the third party is adjusted accordingly.

NOTE 15. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

Cash Flow Hedges

The company uses foreign currency options and foreign currency forward contracts as hedges of anticipated sales or purchases denominated in foreign currencies. The company enters into these contracts to protect itself against the risk that the eventual net cash flows will be adversely affected by changes in exchange rates.

Monsanto’s commodity price risk management strategy is to use derivative instruments to minimize significant unanticipated earnings fluctuations that may arise from volatility in commodity prices. Price fluctuations in commodities, mainly in corn and soybeans, can cause the actual prices paid to production growers for corn and soybean seeds to differ from anticipated cash outlays. Monsanto uses commodity futures and options contracts to manage these risks. Monsanto’s energy and raw material risk management strategy is to use derivative instruments to minimize significant unanticipated manufacturing cost fluctuations that may arise from volatility in natural gas, diesel and ethylene prices.

Monsanto’s interest rate risk management strategy is to use derivative instruments, such as forward-starting interest rate swaps, to minimize significant unanticipated earnings fluctuations that may arise from volatility in interest rates of the company’s borrowings and to manage the interest rate sensitivity of its debt.

 

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MONSANTO COMPANY      FIRST QUARTER 2013 FORM 10-Q   

 

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – UNAUDITED (continued)

 

 

For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss and reclassified into earnings in the period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Gains and losses on the derivative representing either hedge ineffectiveness or hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in current earnings.

The maximum term over which the company is hedging exposures to the variability of cash flow (for all forecasted transactions) is 9 months for foreign currency hedges and 37 months for commodity hedges. During the next 12 months, a pretax net gain of approximately $138 million will be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings. During the three months ended Nov. 30, 2012 and Nov. 30, 2011, no cash flow hedges were discontinued.

Fair Value Hedges

The company uses commodity futures and options contracts as fair value hedges to manage the value of its soybean inventory. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges, both the gain or loss on the derivative and the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in current earnings. No fair value hedges were discontinued during the three months ended Nov. 30, 2012, or Nov. 30, 2011.

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

The company uses foreign currency contracts to hedge the effects of fluctuations in exchange rates on foreign currency denominated third-party and intercompany receivables and payables. Both the gain or loss on the derivative and the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in current earnings.

The company uses commodity option contracts to hedge anticipated cash payments to corn growers in the United States, Mexico and Brazil, which can fluctuate with changes in corn price. Because these option contracts do not meet the provisions specified by the Derivatives and Hedging topic of the ASC, they do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. Accordingly, the gain or loss on these derivatives is recognized in current earnings.

To reduce credit exposure in Latin America, Monsanto collects payments on certain customer accounts in grain. Such payments in grain are negotiated at or near the time Monsanto’s products are sold to the customers and are valued at the prevailing grain commodity prices. By entering into forward sales contracts related to grain, Monsanto mitigates the commodity price exposure from the time a contract is signed with a customer until the time a grain merchant collects the grain from the customer on Monsanto’s behalf. The forward sales contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment under the Derivatives and Hedging topic of the ASC. Accordingly, the gain or loss on these derivatives is recognized in current earnings.

Monsanto uses interest rate contracts to minimize the variability of forecasted cash flows arising from the company’s VIE. The interest rate contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment under the Derivatives and Hedging Topic of the ASC. Accordingly, the gain or loss on these derivatives is recognized in current earnings.

Certain of Monsanto’s grower contracts that include minimum guaranteed payment provisions are considered derivatives under the Derivatives and Hedging Topic of the ASC. These contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. Accordingly, the gain or loss on these derivatives is recognized in current earnings.

Financial instruments are neither held nor issued by the company for trading purposes.

The notional amounts of the company’s derivative instruments outstanding as of Nov. 30, 2012, and Aug. 31, 2012, were as follows:

 

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MONSANTO COMPANY      FIRST QUARTER 2013 FORM 10-Q   

 

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – UNAUDITED (continued)

 

 

           As of Nov. 30,      As of Aug. 31,  
(Dollars in millions)        2012      2012  

 

    

 

 

 

Derivatives Designated as Hedges:

       

Foreign exchange contracts

     $ 312      $ 397  

Commodity contracts

       734        590  

 

    

 

 

 

Total Derivatives Designated as Hedges

     $ 1,046      $ 987  

 

    

 

 

 

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges:

       

Foreign exchange contracts

     $ 1,168      $ 949  

Commodity contracts

       455        357  

Interest rate contracts

       156        161  

 

    

 

 

 

Total Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges

     $ 1,779      $ 1,467  

 

    

 

 

 

The fair values of the company’s derivative instruments outstanding as of Nov. 30, 2012, and Aug. 31, 2012, were as follows:

 

     

Balance Sheet Location

   Fair Value  
          As of Nov. 30,      As of Aug. 31,  
(Dollars in millions)         2012      2012  

 

    

 

 

 

Asset Derivatives:

  

  

Derivatives designated as hedges:

        

Foreign exchange contracts

   Miscellaneous receivables    $ 2      $ 6  

Commodity contracts

   Other current assets(1)      32        70  

Commodity contracts

   Other assets(1)      11        16  

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivatives designated as hedges

        45        92  

 

    

 

 

 

Derivatives not designated as hedges:

        

Foreign exchange contracts

   Miscellaneous receivables      15        5  

Commodity contracts

   Trade receivables, net      11        12  

Commodity contracts

   Miscellaneous receivables      1        7  

Commodity contracts

   Other current assets(1)      6        4  

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivatives not designated as hedges

        33        28  

 

    

 

 

 

Total Asset Derivatives

      $ 78      $ 120  

 

    

 

 

 

Liability Derivatives:

        

Derivatives designated as hedges:

        

Foreign exchange contracts

   Miscellaneous short-term accruals    $ 2      $ 3  

Commodity contracts

   Other assets(1)      1        —     

Commodity contracts

   Miscellaneous short-term accruals      7        7  

Commodity contracts

   Other liabilities      3        3  

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivatives designated as hedges

     13        13  

 

    

 

 

 

Derivatives not designated as hedges:

  

  

Foreign exchange contracts

   Miscellaneous short-term accruals      1        4  

Commodity contracts

   Trade receivables, net(1)      —           6  

Commodity contracts

   Other current assets      2        6  

Commodity contracts

   Miscellaneous short-term accruals      12        7  

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivatives not designated as hedges

     15        23  

 

    

 

 

 

Total Liability Derivatives

   $ 28      $ 36  

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) 

As allowed by the Derivatives and Hedging topic of the ASC, corn and soybean commodity derivative assets and liabilities have been offset by cash collateral due and paid under a master netting arrangement. Therefore, all commodity contracts that are in an asset or liability position are included in asset accounts within the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position. See Note 14 — Fair Value Measurements — for a reconciliation to amounts reported in the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position as of Nov. 30, 2012, and Aug. 31, 2012.

 

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MONSANTO COMPANY      FIRST QUARTER 2013 FORM 10-Q   

 

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – UNAUDITED (continued)

 

 

The gains and losses on the company’s derivative instruments were as follows:

 

 

     Amount of Gain  (Loss)
Recognized in AOCI (1) (Effective
Portion)
     Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income
(2)(3)
    

 

     Three Months Ended Nov. 30,      Three Months Ended Nov. 30,      Income Statement
(Dollars in millions)    2012     2011      2012     2011      Classification

 

    

 

 

    

 

Derivatives Designated as Hedges:

            

Fair value hedges:

            

Commodity contracts(4)

        $ 6     $ —         Cost of goods sold

Cash flow hedges:

            

Foreign exchange contracts

   $ (1   $ 6        (2     (4)       Net sales

Foreign exchange contracts

     (4     10        3       —         Cost of goods sold

Commodity contracts

     (13     (113)         17            Cost of goods sold

Interest rate contracts

     —          (37)         (3     (2)       Interest expense

 

    

 

 

    

 

Total Derivatives Designated as Hedges

     (18     (134)         21           

 

    

 

 

    

 

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges:

            

Foreign exchange contracts(5)

          31       (23)       Other expense, net

Commodity contracts

          5       (2)       Net sales

Commodity contracts

          4       (6)       Cost of goods sold

 

    

 

 

    

 

Total Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges

          40       (31)      

 

    

 

 

    

 

Total Derivatives

   $ (18   $ (134)       $ 61     $ (28)      

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

(1) 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI)

 

(2) 

For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges under the Derivatives and Hedging topic of the ASC, this represents the effective portion of the gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income during the period.

 

(3) 

Gain or loss on commodity cash flow hedges includes a loss of less than $1 million and a loss of $1 million from ineffectiveness for the three months ended Nov. 30, 2012, and Nov. 30, 2011, respectively. No gains or losses were excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness during the three months ended Nov. 30, 2012, and Nov. 30, 2011.

 

(4) 

Gain on commodity fair value hedges is offset by a loss of $6 million on the underlying hedged inventory for the three months ended Nov. 30, 2012. A loss of less than $1 million and $1 million during the three months ended Nov. 30, 2012, and Nov. 30, 2011, respectively, was included in cost of goods sold due to ineffectiveness.

 

(5) 

Gain or loss on foreign exchange contracts not designated as hedges is offset by a foreign currency transaction loss of $48 million and a gain of $17 million during the three months ended Nov. 30, 2012, and Nov. 30, 2011, respectively.

Most of the company’s outstanding foreign-currency derivatives are covered by International Swap Dealers’ Association (ISDA) Master Agreements with the counterparties. There are no requirements to post collateral under these agreements; however, should Monsanto’s credit rating fall below a specified rating immediately following the merger of the company with another entity, the counterparty may require all outstanding derivatives under the ISDA Master Agreement to be settled immediately at current market value, which equals carrying value. Foreign-currency derivatives that are not covered by ISDA Master Agreements do not have credit-risk-related contingent provisions. Most of Monsanto’s outstanding commodity derivatives are listed commodity futures, and the company is required by the relevant commodity exchange to post collateral each day to cover the change in the fair value of these futures in the case of an unrealized loss position. Non-exchange-traded commodity derivatives are covered by the aforementioned ISDA Master Agreements and are subject to the same credit-risk-related contingent provisions. The aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments under ISDA Master Agreements that are in a liability position was $13 million as of Nov. 30, 2012, and Aug. 31, 2012, which is the amount that would be required for settlement if the credit-risk-related contingent provisions underlying these agreements were triggered.

Credit Risk Management

Monsanto invests its excess cash in deposits with major banks or money market funds throughout the world in high-quality short-term debt instruments. Such investments are made only in instruments issued or enhanced by high-quality institutions. As of Nov. 30, 2012, and Aug. 31, 2012, the company had no financial instruments that represented a significant concentration of credit risk. Limited amounts are invested in any single institution to minimize risk. The company has not incurred any credit risk losses related to those investments.

 

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MONSANTO COMPANY      FIRST QUARTER 2013 FORM 10-Q   

 

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – UNAUDITED (continued)

 

 

The company sells a broad range of agricultural products to a diverse group of customers throughout the world. In the United States, the company makes substantial sales to relatively few large wholesale customers. The company’s business is highly seasonal, and it is subject to weather conditions that affect commodity prices and seed yields. Credit limits, ongoing credit evaluation, and account monitoring procedures are used to minimize the risk of loss. Collateral is secured when it is deemed appropriate by the company.

Monsanto regularly evaluates its business practices to minimize its credit risk and periodically engages multiple banks in the United States, Argentina, Brazil and Europe in the development of customer financing options that involve direct bank financing of customer purchases. For further information on these programs, see Note 4 — Customer Financing Programs.

NOTE 16. POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS — PENSIONS, HEALTH CARE AND OTHER

 

Most of Monsanto’s employees are covered by noncontributory pension plans sponsored by the company. Effective July 8, 2012, the U.S. pension plan was closed to new entrants; there were no changes to the U.S. pension plan for eligible employees hired prior to that date. The company also provides certain postretirement health care and life insurance benefits for retired employees through insurance contracts. The company’s net periodic benefit cost for pension benefits and health care and other postretirement benefits include the following components:

 

 

 
      Three Months Ended Nov. 30, 2012     Three Months Ended Nov. 30, 2011  

Pension Benefits

(Dollars in millions)

   U.S.     Outside the
U.S.
    Total     U.S.     Outside the
U.S.
    Total  

 

   

 

 

 

Service Cost for Benefits Earned During the Period

   $ 20     $ 3     $ 23     $ 22     $ 2     $ 24  

Interest Cost on Benefit Obligation

     22       2       24       34       3       37  

Assumed Return on Plan Assets

     (40     (2     (42     (49     (3     (52

Amortization of Unrecognized Net Loss

     21       1       22       24       1       25  

Curtailment and Settlement Charge(1)

     —          1       1       —          2       2  

 

   

 

 

 

Total Net Periodic Benefit Cost

   $ 23     $ 5     $ 28     $ 31     $ 5     $ 36  

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

The curtailment and settlement charge for the three months ended Nov. 30, 2011, was previously reported as part of service cost in Monsanto’s Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended Nov. 30, 2011.

 

 

 
Health Care and Other Postretirement Benefits    Three Months Ended Nov. 30,  
(Dollars in millions)    2012     2011  

 

 

Service Cost for Benefits Earned During the Period

   $ 5     $ 3  

Interest Cost on Benefit Obligation

     3       3  

Amortization of Unrecognized Net Gain

     (3     (2

 

 

Total Net Periodic Benefit Cost

   $ 5     $ 4  

 

 

Monsanto contributed $11 million to its U.S. qualified plan in the three month period ended Nov. 30, 2012, and did not make a contribution in the three month period ended Nov. 30, 2011. Monsanto contributed $3 million to plans outside the United States in the three month period ended Nov. 30, 2012, and Nov. 30, 2011. As of Nov. 30, 2012, management expects to make additional contributions of approximately $50 million and $9 million to the company’s pension plans in the United States and outside the United States, respectively, during the remainder of fiscal year 2013.

Employee Savings Plan

The Monsanto leveraged employee stock ownership plan debt was restructured in December 2004 and November 2008 to level out the future allocation of stock thereunder in an impartial manner intended to ensure equitable treatment for and generally to be in the best interests of current and future plan participants consistent with the level of benefits that Monsanto intended for the plan to provide to participants. To that end, the terms of the restructuring were determined pursuant to an arm’s length negotiation between Monsanto and an independent trust company serving as fiduciary for the plan for this restructuring. In this role, the independent fiduciary determined that the restructuring, including certain financial commitments and enhancements that were made or will be made in the future by Monsanto to benefit participants and beneficiaries of the plan, was completed in accordance with the best interests of plan participants. A liability of $65 million and $60 million is due to the Monsanto Savings and Investment Plan from the company as of Nov. 30, 2012, and Aug. 31, 2012, respectively. As of Nov. 30, 2012, and Aug. 31, 2012, $60 million and $56 million, respectively, was considered short term and is included in accrued compensation and benefits, while the long term balance is included in other liabilities on the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position related to these restructurings.

 

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MONSANTO COMPANY      FIRST QUARTER 2013 FORM 10-Q   

 

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – UNAUDITED (continued)

 

 

NOTE 17. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

 

The following table shows total stock-based compensation expense included in the Statements of Consolidated Operations for the three months ended Nov. 30, 2012, and Nov. 30, 2011. Stock-based compensation cost capitalized in inventory was $4 million and $6 million as of Nov. 30, 2012, and Aug. 31, 2012, respectively.

 

 

 
     Three Months Ended Nov. 30,  
(Dollars in millions)    2012     2011  

 

 

Cost of Goods Sold

   $ 4     $ 3  

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

     15       15  

Research and Development Expenses

     5       5  

 

 

Pre-Tax Stock-Based Compensation Expense

     24       23  

Income Tax Benefit

     (8     (8

 

 

Net Stock-Based Compensation Expense

   $ 16     $ 15  

 

 

The following table summarizes stock-based compensation activity for and as of the three months ended November 30, 2012, for employees under the Monsanto Company 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended and restated effective Jan. 24, 2012 (2005 LTIP), and for directors under the Monsanto Non-Employee Director Incentive Compensation Plan (Director Plan):

 

 

 
     2005 LTIP      Director Plan  
     Stock      Restricted      Deferred      Restricted  
     Options      Stock Units      Stock      Stock  

 

    

 

 

 

Granted

     1,865,670        494,187        16,989        2,146  

Weighted-average grant date fair value

   $ 20.90      $ 87.61      $ 87.11      $ 87.11  

Pre-tax unrecognized compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures as applicable

   $ 71.7      $ 81.4      $ 1.1      $ 0.3  

Remaining weighted-average period of expense recognition/requisite service periods in years

     2        2        1        1  

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 18. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

 

The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss is as follows:

 

 

 
     As of Nov. 30,     As of Aug. 31,  
(Dollars in millions)    2012     2012  

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments

   $ (550   $ (602

Net Unrealized Gain/Loss on Investments, Net of Tax

     12       5  

Net Accumulated Derivative Gain/Loss, Net of Tax

     7       29  

Postretirement Benefit Plan Activity, Net of Tax

     (457     (468

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

   $ (988   $ (1,036

 

   

 

 

 

NOTE 19. EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

Basic earnings per share (EPS) was computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the periods shown in the table below. The diluted EPS computation takes into account the effect of dilutive potential common shares, as shown in the table below. Potential common shares consist primarily of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and directors’ deferred shares calculated using the treasury stock method and are excluded if their effect is antidilutive. Of those antidilutive options, certain options were excluded from the computations of dilutive potential common shares as their exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares for the period.

 

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MONSANTO COMPANY      FIRST QUARTER 2013 FORM 10-Q   

 

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – UNAUDITED (continued)

 

 

 

 
     Three Months Ended Nov. 30,  
     2012      2011  

 

 

Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares

     534.8        535.4  

Dilutive Potential Common Shares

     5.6        6.0  

Antidilutive Potential Common Shares

     4.2        9.7  

Shares Excluded From Computation of Dilutive Potential Shares with Exercise Prices greater than the Average Market Price of Common Shares for the Period

     4.1        9.6  

 

 

NOTE 20. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

 

Cash payments for interest and taxes were as follows:

 

 

 
     Three Months Ended Nov. 30,  
(Dollars in millions)    2012      2011  

 

 

Interest

   $ 49      $ 34  

Taxes

     147        48  

 

 

NOTE 21. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Environmental and Litigation Liabilities: Monsanto is involved in environmental remediation and legal proceedings to which we are party in our own name and proceedings to which our former parent Pharmacia LLC or its former subsidiary Solutia, Inc. is a party but that we manage and for which we are responsible. In addition, Monsanto has liabilities established for various product claims. With respect to certain of these proceedings, Monsanto has a liability recorded of $266 million and $270 million as of Nov. 30, 2012, and Aug. 31, 2012, respectively, for the estimated contingent liabilities. Information regarding the environmental liabilities appears in Monsanto’s Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2012.

Litigation: The above liability includes amounts related to certain third-party litigation with respect to Monsanto’s business, as well as tort litigation related to Pharmacia’s former chemical business, including lawsuits involving polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, and other chemical and premises liability litigation. Additional matters that are not reflected in the liability may arise in the future, and Monsanto may manage, settle, or pay judgments or damages with respect thereto in order to mitigate contesting potential liability. Following is a description of one of the more significant litigation matters reflected in the liability.

 

   

As described in our Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2012, on Dec. 17, 2004, 15 plaintiffs filed a purported class action lawsuit, styled Virdie Allen, et al. v. Monsanto, et al., in the Putnam County, West Virginia, state court against Monsanto, Pharmacia and seven other defendants. Monsanto is named as the successor in interest to the liabilities of Pharmacia. The alleged class consists of all current and former residents, workers, and students who, between 1949 and the present, were allegedly exposed to dioxins/furans contamination in counties surrounding Nitro, West Virginia. The complaint alleges that the source of the contamination is a chemical plant in Nitro, formerly owned and operated by Pharmacia and later by Flexsys, a joint venture between Solutia and Akzo Nobel Chemicals, Inc. (Akzo Nobel). Akzo Nobel and Flexsys were named defendants in the case but Solutia was not, due to its then pending bankruptcy proceeding. The suit seeks damages for property cleanup costs, loss of real estate value, funds to test property for contamination levels, funds to test for human exposure, and future medical monitoring costs. The complaint also seeks an injunction against further contamination and punitive damages. Monsanto has agreed to indemnify and defend Akzo Nobel and the Flexsys defendant group, but on May 27, 2011, the judge dismissed both Akzo Nobel and Flexsys from the case. The class action certification hearing was held on Oct. 29, 2007. On Jan. 8, 2008, the trial court issued an order certifying the Allen (now Zina G. Bibb et al. v. Monsanto et al., because Bibb replaced Allen as class representative) case as a class action for property damage and for medical monitoring. On Nov. 2, 2011, the court, in response to defense motions, entered an order decertifying

 

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – UNAUDITED (continued)

 

 

the property class. After the trial for the Bibb medical monitoring class action began on Jan. 3, 2012, the parties reached a settlement in principle as to both the medical monitoring and the property class claims. The proposed settlement provides for a 30 year medical monitoring program consisting of a primary fund of up to $21 million and an additional fund of up to $63 million over the life of the program, and a three year property remediation plan with funding up to $9 million. On Feb. 24, 2012, the court preliminarily approved the parties’ proposed settlement. A fairness hearing was held June 18, 2012, and the parties await the judge’s ruling regarding final approval of the class settlement.

In October 2007 and November 2009, a total of approximately 200 separate, single plaintiff civil actions were filed in Putnam County, West Virginia, against Monsanto, Pharmacia, Akzo Nobel (and several of its affiliates), Flexsys America Co. (and several of its affiliates), Solutia, and Apogee Coal Company, LLC. These cases allege personal injury occasioned by exposure to dioxin generated by the Nitro Plant during production of 2,4,5 T (1949-1969) and thereafter. Monsanto has agreed to accept the tenders of defense in the matters by Pharmacia, Solutia, Akzo Nobel, Flexsys America, and Apogee Coal under a reservation of rights. During the discovery phase of these several claims, the parties reached an agreement in principle to resolve all pending personal injury claims which is reflected in the above liability.

Including litigation reflected in the liability, Monsanto is involved in various legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of its business or pursuant to Monsanto’s indemnification obligations to Pharmacia, as well as proceedings that management has considered to be material under SEC regulations. Some of the lawsuits seek damages in very large amounts, or seek to restrict the company’s business activities. Monsanto believes that it has meritorious legal arguments and will continue to represent its interests vigorously in all of the proceedings that it is defending or prosecuting. Management does not anticipate the ultimate liabilities resulting from such proceedings, or the proceedings reflected in the above liability, will have a material adverse effect on Monsanto’s consolidated results of operations, financial position, cash flows or liquidity.

Legal actions have been filed in Brazil that raise issues challenging the right to collect certain royalties for Roundup Ready soybeans. Although Brazilian law clearly states that the pipeline patents protecting these products have the duration of the corresponding U.S. patent (2014 for Roundup Ready soybeans), the duration (and application) of these pipeline patents is currently under judicial review in Brazil. Monsanto believes it has meritorious legal arguments and will continue to represent its interests vigorously in these proceedings. The current estimate of the company’s reasonably possible loss contingency is not material to consolidated results of operations, financial position, cash flows or liquidity.

Guarantees: Disclosures regarding the guarantees Monsanto provides for certain customer loans in the United States, Brazil, Europe, and Argentina can be found in Note 4 — Customer Financing Programs — of this Form 10-Q. Except as described in that note, there have been no significant changes to guarantees made by Monsanto since Aug. 31, 2012. Disclosures regarding these guarantees made by Monsanto can be found in Note 26 — Commitments and Contingencies — of the notes to the consolidated financial statements contained in Monsanto’s Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2012.

NOTE 22. SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

Monsanto conducts its worldwide operations through global businesses, which are aggregated into reportable segments based on similarity of products, production processes, customers, distribution methods and economic characteristics. The operating segments are aggregated into two reportable segments: Seeds and Genomics and Agricultural Productivity. The Seeds and Genomics segment consists of the global seeds and related traits businesses and biotechnology platforms. Within the Seeds and Genomics segment, Monsanto’s significant operating segments are corn seed and traits, soybean seed and traits, cotton seed and traits, vegetable seeds and all other crops seeds and traits. The Agricultural Productivity reportable segment consists of the Ag Productivity operating segment. EBIT is defined as earnings before interest and taxes and is an operating performance measure for the two reportable segments. EBIT is useful to management in demonstrating the operational profitability of the segments by excluding interest and taxes, which are generally accounted for across the entire company on a consolidated basis. Sales between segments were not significant. Certain SG&A expenses are allocated between segments based on the segment’s relative contribution to total Monsanto operations. Allocation percentages remain consistent for fiscal years 2012 and 2013.

 

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – UNAUDITED (continued)

 

 

Data for the Seeds and Genomics and Agricultural Productivity reportable segments, as well as for Monsanto’s significant operating segments, is presented in the table that follows:

 

 

 
     Three Months Ended Nov. 30,  
(Dollars in millions)    2012      2011  

 

 

Net Sales(1)

     

Corn seed and traits

   $ 1,139      $ 895  

Soybean seed and traits

     231        242  

Cotton seed and traits

     185        194  

Vegetable seeds

     156        157  

All other crops seeds and traits

     44        46  

 

 

Total Seeds and Genomics

   $ 1,755      $ 1,534  

 

 

Agricultural productivity

     1,184        905  

 

 

Total Agricultural Productivity

   $ 1,184      $ 905  

 

 

Total

   $ 2,939      $ 2,439  

 

 

Gross Profit

     

Corn seed and traits

   $ 686      $ 531  

Soybean seed and traits

     118        173  

Cotton seed and traits

     127        135  

Vegetable seeds

     83        81  

All other crops seeds and traits

     11        (4

 

 

Total Seeds and Genomics

   $ 1,025      $ 916  

 

 

Agricultural productivity

     372        180  

 

 

Total Agricultural Productivity

   $ 372      $ 180  

 

 

Total

   $ 1,397      $ 1,096  

 

 

EBIT(2)(3)

     

Seeds and Genomics

   $ 220      $ 147  

Agricultural Productivity

     270        82  

 

 

Total

   $ 490      $ 229  

 

 

Depreciation and Amortization Expense

     

Seeds and Genomics

   $ 123      $ 127  

Agricultural Productivity

     29        28  

 

 

Total

   $ 152      $ 155  

 

 

 

(1) 

Represents net sales from continuing operations.

 

(2) 

EBIT is defined as earnings before interest and taxes; see the following table for reconciliation. Earnings is intended to mean net income as presented in the Statements of Consolidated Operations under generally accepted accounting principles. EBIT is an operating performance measure for the two reportable segments.

 

(3) 

Agricultural Productivity EBIT includes income from operations of discontinued businesses of $11 million for the three months ended Nov. 30, 2012.

A reconciliation of EBIT to net income for each quarter follows:

 

 

 
                    Three Months Ended Nov. 30,  
(Dollars in millions)                   2012      2011  

 

 

EBIT(1)

            $ 490      $ 229   

Interest Expense — Net

              28        35  

Income Tax Provision(2)

              123        68  

 

 

Net Income Attributable to Monsanto Company

            $ 339      $ 126  

 

 

 

(1) 

Includes the income from operations of discontinued businesses and pre-tax noncontrolling interests.

 

(2) 

Includes the income tax benefit on noncontrolling interest and the income tax provision on discontinued operations.

 

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – UNAUDITED (continued)

 

 

NOTE 23. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

On Dec. 3, 2012, the board of directors declared a quarterly dividend on the company’s common stock of 37.5 cents per share. The dividend is payable on Jan. 25, 2013, to shareowners of record on Jan. 4, 2013.

 

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MONSANTO COMPANY      FIRST QUARTER 2013 FORM 10-Q   

 

 

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

 

OVERVIEW

 

Background

Monsanto Company, along with its subsidiaries, is a leading global provider of agricultural products for farmers. Our seeds, biotechnology trait products, and herbicides provide farmers with solutions that improve productivity, reduce the costs of farming, and produce better foods for consumers and better feed for animals.

We manage our business in two segments: Seeds and Genomics and Agricultural Productivity. Through our Seeds and Genomics segment, we produce leading seed brands, including DEKALB, Asgrow, Deltapine, Seminis and De Ruiter, and we develop biotechnology traits that assist farmers in controlling insects and weeds. We also provide other seed companies with genetic material and biotechnology traits for their seed brands. Through our Agricultural Productivity segment, we manufacture Roundup and Harness brand herbicides and other herbicides.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) should be read in conjunction with Monsanto’s consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. This Report on Form 10-Q should also be read in conjunction with Monsanto’s Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2012. Financial information for the first three months of fiscal year 2013 should not be annualized because of the seasonality of our business. The notes to the consolidated financial statements referred to throughout this MD&A are included in Part I — Item 1 — Financial Statements — of this Report on Form 10-Q. Unless otherwise indicated, “Monsanto,” the “company,” “we,” “our” and “us” are used interchangeably to refer to Monsanto Company or to Monsanto Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, as appropriate to the context. Unless otherwise indicated, “earnings per share” and “per share” mean diluted earnings per share. Unless otherwise noted, all amounts and analyses are based on continuing operations. Unless otherwise indicated, references to “Roundup herbicides” mean Roundup branded herbicides, excluding all lawn-and-garden herbicides, and references to “Roundup and other glyphosate-based herbicides” exclude all lawn-and-garden herbicides.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

MD&A includes financial information prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), as well as two other financial measures, EBIT and free cash flow, that are considered “non-GAAP financial measures.” Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company’s financial performance, financial position or cash flows that exclude (or include) amounts that are included in (or excluded from) the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. The presentation of EBIT and free cash flow information is intended to supplement investors’ understanding of our operating performance and liquidity. Our EBIT and free cash flow measures may not be comparable to other companies’ EBIT and free cash flow measures. Furthermore, these measures are not intended to replace net income (loss), cash flows, financial position, or comprehensive income (loss), as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

EBIT is defined as earnings (loss) before interest and taxes. Earnings (loss) is intended to mean net income (loss) attributable to Monsanto as presented in the Statements of Consolidated Operations under GAAP. EBIT is an operating performance measure for our two business segments. We believe that EBIT is useful to investors and management to demonstrate the operational profitability of our segments by excluding interest and taxes, which are generally accounted for across the entire company on a consolidated basis. EBIT is also one of the measures used by Monsanto management to determine resource allocations within the company. See Note 22 — Segment Information — for a reconciliation of EBIT to net income (loss) for the three months ended Nov. 30, 2012, and Nov. 30, 2011.

We also provide information regarding free cash flow, an important liquidity measure for Monsanto. We define free cash flow as the total of net cash provided or required by operating activities and net cash provided or required by investing activities. We believe that free cash flow is useful to investors and management as a measure of the ability of our business to generate cash. This cash can be used to meet business needs and obligations, to reinvest in the company for future growth, or to return to our shareowners through dividend payments or share repurchases. Free cash flow is also used by management as one of the performance measures in determining incentive compensation. See the “Financial Condition, Liquidity, and Capital Resources — Cash Flow” section of MD&A for a reconciliation of free cash flow to net cash provided by operating activities and net cash required by investing activities on the Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows.

 

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Executive Summary

Consolidated Operating Results — Net sales increased $500 million, or 21 percent, in the three-month comparison. This increase was primarily a result of increased sales of corn seed and traits in the United States, Mexico, South Africa and Brazil. Net income in first quarter 2013 was $0.63 per share, compared with $0.23 per share in first quarter 2012.

Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources — In first quarter 2013, net cash provided by operating activities was $1,569 million, compared with $1,110 million in the prior-year quarter. Net cash required by investing activities was $96 million in first quarter 2013 compared with $254 million in first quarter 2012. Free cash flow was $1,473 million in first quarter 2013 compared with $856 million in the prior-year quarter. This increase is primarily because of increased customer prepayments in the U.S. in first quarter 2013 compared to first quarter 2012. The increase in customer prepayments in the U.S. is the result of increased participation, changes in due dates and advantages received from current discount rates.

Outlook — We plan to continue to innovate and improve our products in order to maintain market leadership and to support near-term performance. We are focused on applying innovation and technology to make our farmer customers more productive and profitable by protecting yields and improving the ways they can produce food, fiber, feed and fuel. We use the tools of modern biology in an effort to make seeds easier to grow, to allow farmers to do more with fewer resources, and to help produce healthier foods for consumers. Our current research and development (R&D) strategy and commercial priorities are focused on bringing our farmer customers second- and third-generation traits, on delivering multiple solutions in one seed (“stacking”) and on developing new pipeline products. Our capabilities in biotechnology and breeding research are generating a rich product pipeline that is expected to drive long-term growth. The viability of our product pipeline depends in part on the speed of regulatory approvals globally and on continued patent and legal rights to offer our products.

Roundup herbicides remain the largest crop protection brand globally. We have oriented the focus of Monsanto’s crop protection business to strategically support Monsanto’s Roundup Ready crops through our weed management platform that delivers weed control offerings for farmers. We are focused on managing the costs associated with our agricultural chemistry business as that sector matures globally.

See the “Outlook” section of MD&A for a more detailed discussion of some of the opportunities and risks we have identified for our business. For additional information related to the outlook for Monsanto, see “Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” at the beginning of this Report on Form 10-Q, Part II — Item 1A — Risk Factors below and Part I — Item 1A of our Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2012.

New Accounting Pronouncements — See Note 2 — New Accounting Standards — for a description of recently issued and adopted accounting pronouncements, including the dates of adoption and impacts on our results of operations, financial position and cash flows as applicable.

 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — FIRST QUARTER FISCAL YEAR 2013

 

      Three Months Ended Nov. 30,  
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)    2012     2011     Change  

 

 

Net Sales

   $ 2,939     $ 2,439       21 

Gross Profit

     1,397       1,096       27 

Operating Expenses:

      

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     542       500      

Research and development expenses

     346       351       (1 )% 

 

 

Total Operating Expenses

     888       851      

 

 

Income from Operations

     509       245       108 

Interest expense

     51       53       (4 )% 

Interest income

     (23     (18     28 

Other expense — net

     17       6       NM   

 

 

Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes

     464       204       127 

Income tax provision

     122       70       74 

 

 

Income from Continuing Operations Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest

     342       134       155 

 

 

Discontinued Operations:

      

Income from operations of discontinued businesses

     11       —          NM   

Income tax provision

     4       —          NM   

 

 

Income on Discontinued Operations

     7       —          NM   

 

 

Net Income

   $ 349     $ 134       160 

 

 

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

     10       8       25 

 

 

Net Income Attributable to Monsanto Company

   $ 339     $ 126       169 

 

 

Diluted Earnings per Share Attributable to Monsanto Company

      

Income from continuing operations

   $ 0.62     $ 0.23       170 

Income on discontinued operations

     0.01       —          NM   

 

 

Net Income Attributable to Monsanto Company

   $ 0.63     $ 0.23       174 

 

 

NM = Not Meaningful

      

Effective Tax Rate

     26     34  

The following explanations discuss the significant components of our results of operations that affected the quarter-to-quarter comparison of our first quarter income:

Net sales increased 21 percent in first quarter 2013 from the same quarter a year ago. Our Seeds and Genomics segment net sales increased 14 percent, and our Agricultural Productivity segment net sales increased 31 percent. The following table presents the percentage changes in first quarter 2013 worldwide net sales by segment compared with net sales in the prior-year quarter, including the effect volume, price, currency and acquisitions had on these percentage changes:

 

      First Quarter 2013 Percentage Change in Net  Sales vs. First Quarter 2012  
     Volume     Price     Currency     Subtotal    

Impact of

Acquisitions(1)

     Net
Change
 

 

 

Seeds and Genomics Segment

     11          (5 )%      14      —           14 

Agricultural Productivity Segment

     13      23      (5 )%      31      —           31 

Total Monsanto Company

     12      14      (5 )%      21      —           21 

 

 

 

(1) 

See Note 3 — Business Combinations — and “Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources” in MD&A for details of our acquisitions in fiscal years 2013 and 2012. Acquisitions are segregated in this presentation for one year from the acquisition date.

Gross Profit increased $301 million in the three-month comparison. Gross profit as a percent of net sales for the total company increased three percentage points to 48 percent in the first quarter 2013.

For a more detailed discussion of the factors affecting the net sales and gross profit comparison, see the “Seeds and Genomics Segment” and the “Agricultural Productivity Segment” sections.

 

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Operating expenses increased four percent, or $37 million, in first quarter 2013 from the prior-year comparable quarter. In the three-month comparison, selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses increased eight percent primarily because of higher spending for commissions, marketing and administrative functions. R&D expenses decreased one percent as a result of timing of our biotechnology spend. As a percent of net sales, SG&A expenses decreased three percentage points to 18 percent, and R&D expenses decreased two percentage points to 12 percent.

Income tax provision was $122 million in first quarter 2013, an increase of $52 million over the prior-year quarter primarily as a result of the increase in pretax income. The effective tax rate decreased to 26 percent from 34 percent in first quarter 2012. We recorded a tax benefit of $22 million during first quarter 2013, primarily as a result of a capital loss from a deemed liquidation of a subsidiary. We recorded a tax charge of $6 million during first quarter 2012, primarily as a result of deferred tax adjustments. Without the impact of discrete items, our effective tax rate for first quarter 2013 would have been comparable to the 2012 rate.

On Jan. 2, 2013, the retroactive extension of the research and development credit was enacted as part of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. We are currently evaluating the financial impact of this legislation. We expect to record a discrete benefit in second quarter 2013 for the prior fiscal year impact and we expect to record the current year benefit throughout the remainder of fiscal year 2013 as a decrease in the annual effective tax rate.

SEEDS AND GENOMICS SEGMENT

      Three Months Ended Nov. 30,  
(Dollars in millions)    2012      2011     Change  

 

 

Net Sales

       

Corn seed and traits

   $ 1,139      $ 895       27 

Soybean seed and traits

     231        242       (5 )% 

Cotton seed and traits

     185        194       (5 )% 

Vegetable seeds

     156        157       (1 )% 

All other crops seeds and traits

     44        46       (4 )% 

 

 

Total Net Sales

   $ 1,755      $ 1,534       14 

 

 

Gross Profit

       

Corn seed and traits

   $ 686      $ 531       29 

Soybean seed and traits

     118        173       (32 )% 

Cotton seed and traits

     127        135       (6 )% 

Vegetable seeds

     83        81      

All other crops seeds and traits

     11        (4     NM   

 

 

Total Gross Profit

   $ 1,025      $ 916       12 

 

 

EBIT(1)

   $ 220      $ 147       50 

 

 

NM = Not Meaningful

 

(1) 

EBIT is defined as earnings before interest and taxes. Interest and taxes are recorded on a total company basis. We do not record these items at the segment level. See Note 22 — Segment Information — and the “Overview — Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of MD&A for further details.

Seeds and Genomics Financial Performance — First Quarter Fiscal Year 2013

The net sales increase of $244 million in corn seed and traits was primarily driven by an increase in the United States, Mexico, South Africa and Brazil. In the United States and South Africa, the increase was primarily driven by increased pricing and volume over the prior year. The increase in pricing was primarily driven by improved germplasm and trait mix. The increase in volume in the United States is related to shipments of seed moving into the distribution channel sooner to meet customer demand and to efficiently plan logistics as volume expectations for the year grow. In South Africa, the increase in volume is related to share growth. In Mexico, the increase was primarily driven by an increase in volume related to area recovery from the drought. In Brazil, the increase was primarily the result of an increase in volume related to anticipation of a larger second-season corn crop this year due to the late season beneficial weather conditions that have been experienced.

Gross profit as a percent of sales for this segment decreased two percentage points to 58 percent in the quarter-over-quarter comparison. Gross profit increased $109 million in first quarter 2013. Gross profit for soybean seed and traits decreased 32 percent compared to the five percent decrease in net sales for soybean seed and traits. This decrease is the result of a reduction in revenue in Brazil due to the temporary suspension of Roundup Ready royalties and higher cost of goods sold primarily due to decreases in the value of inventory resulting from a decline in commodity prices. Further, manufacturing costs in the U.S. increased due to higher commodity prices, larger seed sizes and additional treatment costs.

 

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AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY SEGMENT

      Three Months Ended Nov. 30,  
(Dollars in millions)    2012      2011      Change  

 

 

Net Sales

        

Agricultural productivity

   $ 1,184      $ 905        31 

 

 

Total Net Sales

   $ 1,184      $ 905        31 

 

 

Gross Profit

        

Agricultural productivity

   $ 372      $ 180        107 

 

 

Total Gross Profit

   $ 372      $ 180        107 

 

 

EBIT(1)

   $ 270      $ 82        229 

 

 

 

(1) 

EBIT is defined as earnings (loss) before interest and taxes. Interest and taxes are recorded on a total company basis. We do not record these items at the segment level. See Note 22 — Segment Information — and the “Overview — Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of MD&A for further details.

Agricultural Productivity Financial Performance — First Quarter Fiscal Year 2013

Net sales in our Agricultural Productivity segment increased $279 million in the three-month period as the average net selling price of Roundup and other glyphosate-based herbicides increased in most markets. Sales volumes of Roundup and other glyphosate-based herbicides increased 13 percent in first quarter 2013 from first quarter 2012 primarily from increased demand for our branded products, including the continued expansion of Roundup Ready crops in South America.

The net sales discussed throughout this section resulted in $192 million higher gross profit in first quarter 2013. Gross profit as a percent of sales for the Agricultural Productivity segment increased 11 percentage points to 31 percent in first quarter 2013 primarily due to the increased average net selling price discussed above.

RESTRUCTURING

 

In the first three months of fiscal year 2013, we did not record any charges relating to our 2009 Restructuring Plan (the Plan). The Plan was substantially completed in the first quarter of fiscal year 2011, and the remaining payments were made in fiscal year 2012. The cumulative pretax charges under the Plan were $723 million through Nov. 30, 2012.

The Plan was designed to reduce costs in light of the changing market supply environment for glyphosate and to better align resources in our global seeds and traits business. The actions related to the overall restructuring plan were expected to produce annual cost savings of $300 million to $340 million, primarily in cost of goods sold and SG&A. The full benefit of the Plan was realized in 2011. See Note 6 — Restructuring — for further information.

 

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MONSANTO COMPANY      FIRST QUARTER 2013 FORM 10-Q   

 

 

FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY, AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

 

Working Capital and Financial Condition                        
     As of Nov. 30,      As of Aug. 31,  
(Dollars in millions, except current ratio)    2012      2011      2012  

 

    

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents (variable interest entity restricted - 2013: $30 and 2012: $73)

   $ 4,637      $ 3,007      $ 3,283  

Trade Receivables, Net (variable interest entity restricted - 2013: $140 and 2012: $64)

     2,168        1,993        1,897  

Inventory, Net

     3,571        3,136        2,839  

Other Current Assets(1) (variable interest entity restricted - 2013: $2 and 2012: $0)

     1,684        1,598        1,639  

 

    

 

 

 

Total Current Assets

   $ 12,060      $ 9,734      $ 9,658  

 

    

 

 

 

Short-Term Debt

   $ 26      $ 522      $ 36  

Accounts Payable

     785        735        794  

Accrued Liabilities(2)

     5,350        4,596        3,391  

 

    

 

 

 

Total Current Liabilities

   $ 6,161      $ 5,853      $ 4,221  

 

    

 

 

 

Working Capital(3)

   $ 5,899      $ 3,881      $ 5,437  

Current Ratio(3)

     1.96:1         1.66:1         2.29:1   

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) 

Includes miscellaneous receivables, deferred tax assets and other current assets.

 

(2) 

Includes income taxes payable, accrued compensation and benefits, accrued marketing programs, deferred revenues, grower production accruals, dividends payable, customer payable, restructuring reserves and miscellaneous short-term accruals.

 

(3) 

Working capital is total current assets less total current liabilities; current ratio represents total current assets divided by total current liabilities.

Nov. 30, 2012, compared with Aug. 31, 2012: Working capital increased $462 million or eight percent between Aug. 31, 2012, and Nov. 30, 2012, primarily because of the following factors:

 

   

Cash and cash equivalents increased $1,354 million between respective periods primarily because of customer prepayments that occur in the first quarter of the fiscal year. The increase in prepayments was primarily in the United States. This is consistent with the seasonality of our business.

 

   

Inventory increased $732 million between the respective periods primarily because of the seasonality of our U.S. corn and soybean seed business in which the fall harvest of seed products occurs in first quarter of the fiscal year resulting in a higher inventory balance.

 

   

Accrued marketing programs decreased $571 million due to payouts of several programs during the first quarter 2013 consistent with the seasonality of our programs.

 

   

Accrued compensation and benefits decreased $239 million due to the payment of annual employee incentive awards during the first quarter of fiscal year 2013.

These increases to working capital between Nov. 30, 2012, and Aug. 31, 2012, were partially offset by the following factor:

 

   

Deferred revenue increased $2,447 million between the respective periods primarily because of the customer prepayments that occur in the first quarter of the fiscal year as discussed above.

Nov. 30, 2012, compared with Nov. 30, 2011: Working capital increased $2,018 million or 52 percent between Nov. 30, 2012, and Nov. 30, 2011, primarily because of the following factor:

 

   

Cash and cash equivalents increased $1,630 million between respective periods. See the “Cash Flow” section in this section of MD&A for further details of this increase.

Customer Financing Programs: We participate in various customer financing programs in order to reduce our receivable risk and to reduce our reliance on commercial paper borrowings. As of Nov. 30, 2012, the programs had $84 million in outstanding balances and we received $2 million of proceeds during the period under these programs. Our future maximum payout under the programs was $89 million as of Nov. 30, 2012. See Note 4 — Customer Financing Programs — for further discussion of these programs.

 

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Cash Flow

 

      Three Months Ended Nov. 30,  
(Dollars in millions)        2012             2011      

 

 

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

   $ 1,569     $ 1,110  

Net Cash Required by Investing Activities

     (96     (254

 

 

Free Cash Flow(1)

     1,473       856  

 

 

Net Cash Required by Financing Activities

     (116     (340

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents

     (3     (81

 

 

Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents

     1,354       435  

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period

     3,283       2,572  

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period

   $ 4,637     $ 3,007  

 

 

 

(1) 

Free cash flow represents the total of net cash provided or required by operating activities and provided or required by investing activities (see the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section in MD&A for a further discussion).

Operating: The increase in cash provided by continuing operations in the first quarter of 2013 compared to the first quarter of 2012 was primarily due to higher deferred revenue related to customer prepayments and increased collections as a result of increased sales, primarily offset by the following factors:

 

   

Increase in incentive payments based on increased company results in fiscal year 2012;

 

   

Increase in tax payments due to increased earnings and timing of tax payments; and

 

   

Decrease in customer financing programs funding due to a change in timing based on our cash needs.

Investing: The reduction in cash used in investing activities in the first quarter of 2013 compared to the first quarter of 2012 was due to no acquisitions occurring and higher proceeds from the sale of assets in the first quarter of fiscal year 2013.

Financing: The decrease in cash required by financing activities in the first quarter of 2013 compared to the first quarter of 2012 was primarily due to the repayment of debt in 2012 as well as an increase in the reclassification of cash overdrafts in 2013.

Capital Resources and Liquidity

 

      As of Nov. 30,     As of Aug. 31,  
(Dollars in millions, except debt-to-capital ratio)    2012     2011     2012  

 

   

 

 

 

Short-Term Debt

   $ 26     $ 522     $ 36  

Long-Term Debt

     2,054       1,542       2,038  

Total Shareowners’ Equity

     12,259       11,041       11,833  

Debt-to-Capital Ratio

     15     16     15

 

   

 

 

 

A major source of our liquidity is operating cash flows, which can be derived from net income. This cash-generating capability provides us with the financial flexibility we need to meet operating, investing and financing needs. We believe our sources of liquidity will be sufficient to sustain operations and to finance anticipated investments. To the extent that cash provided by operating activities is not sufficient to fund our cash needs, short-term commercial paper borrowings can be used to finance these requirements. We had no commercial paper borrowings outstanding at Nov. 30, 2012.

We have a $2 billion credit facility agreement with a group of banks that provides a senior unsecured revolving credit facility through Apr. 1, 2016. As of Nov. 30, 2012, we did not have any borrowings under this credit facility and we were in compliance with all debt covenants.

Our debt-to-capital ratio decreased one percentage point compared with the Nov. 30, 2011 ratio, primarily because of the increase in shareowners’ equity as a result of increased earnings.

 

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We held cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments of $4.9 billion and $3.6 billion at Nov. 30, 2012 and Aug. 31, 2012, respectively, of which $1.9 billion and $1.7 billion was held by foreign entities, respectively. Our intent is to permanently reinvest earnings of our foreign operations and our current operating plans do not demonstrate a need to repatriate foreign earnings to fund our U.S. operations. However, if these funds were needed for our operations in the United States, we would be required to accrue and pay any applicable U.S. and local taxes to repatriate these funds.

Dividend: In December 2012, we declared a quarterly dividend of 37.5 cents payable on Jan. 25, 2013, to shareowners of record as of Jan. 4, 2013.

Capital Expenditures: We expect fiscal year 2013 capital expenditures to be in the range of $800 million to $1 billion compared with $646 million in fiscal year 2012. The primary driver of this increase compared with 2012 is higher overall spending on projects related to our additional corn seed plant expansions in North America, Latin America and Europe.

2012 Acquisitions: In June 2012, we acquired 100 percent of the outstanding stock of Precision Planting, Inc., a planting technology developer based in Tremont, Illinois. Precision Planting develops technology to improve yields through on-farm planting performance. The acquisition of the company become part of our Integrated Farming Systems unit, which utilizes advanced agronomic practices, seed genetics and innovative on-farm technology to deliver optimal yield to farmers while using fewer resources. The total fair value of the acquisition was $255 million, including contingent consideration of $39 million, and the total cash paid for the acquisition was $209 million (net of cash acquired). The fair value was primarily allocated to goodwill and intangibles. The contingent consideration is to be paid in cash if certain operational and financial milestones are met on or before Aug. 31, 2020, up to a maximum target of $40 million.

In September 2011, we acquired 100 percent of the outstanding stock of Beeologics, a technology start-up business based in Israel, which researches and develops biological tools to provide targeted control of pests and diseases. The acquisition of the company will allow Monsanto to further explore the use of biologicals broadly in agriculture to provide farmers with innovative approaches to the challenges they face. Monsanto intends to use the base technology from Beeologics as a part of its continuing discovery and development pipeline. The total cash paid and the fair value of the acquisition was $113 million (net of cash acquired), and it was primarily allocated to goodwill and intangibles.

2013 Contractual Obligations: There have been no significant changes to the contractual obligations table as disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Aug. 31, 2012.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement

Under our Separation Agreement with Pharmacia, we are required to indemnify Pharmacia for certain matters, such as environmental remediation obligations and litigation. To the extent we are currently managing any such matters, we evaluate them in the course of managing our own potential liabilities and establish reserves as appropriate. However, additional matters may arise in the future, and we may manage, settle or pay judgments or damages with respect to those matters in order to mitigate contingent liability and protect Pharmacia and Monsanto. See Note 21 — Commitments and Contingencies and Part II — Item 1 — Legal Proceedings — for further information.

We have entered into various customer financing programs which are accounted for in accordance with the Transfers and Servicing topic of the ASC. See Note 4 — Customer Financing Programs — for further information.

 

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OUTLOOK

 

We believe we have achieved an industry-leading position in the areas in which we compete in both of our business segments. However, the outlook for each part of our business is quite different. In the Seeds and Genomics segment, our seeds and traits business is expected to expand via our investment in new products. In the Agricultural Productivity segment, we expect to deliver competitive products in a more steady-state business.

We believe that our company is positioned to deliver value-added products to growers enabling us to grow our gross profit in the future. We expect to see strong cash flow in the future, and we remain committed to returning value to shareowners through vehicles such as investments that expand the business, dividends and share repurchases. We will remain focused on cost and cash management, both to support the progress we have made in managing our investment in working capital and to realize the full earnings potential of our businesses. We plan to continue to seek additional external financing opportunities for our customers as a way to manage receivables for each of our segments.

Outside of the United States, our businesses will continue to face additional challenges related to the risks inherent in operating in emerging markets, along with an increased level of risk in Europe. We expect to continue to monitor these developments and the challenges and issues they place on our business. We believe we have taken appropriate measures to manage our credit exposure, which has the potential to affect sales negatively in the near term. In addition, volatility in foreign currency exchange rates may negatively affect our profitability, the book value of our assets outside the United States, and our shareowners’ equity.

Seeds and Genomics

Our capabilities in plant breeding and biotechnology research are generating a rich and balanced product pipeline that we expect will drive long-term growth. We plan to continue to invest in the areas of seeds, genomics and biotechnology and to invest in technology arrangements that have the potential to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of our R&D efforts. We believe that our seeds and traits businesses will have significant near-term growth opportunities through a combination of improved breeding and continued growth of stacked and second- and third-generation biotech traits.

We expect advanced breeding techniques combined with improved production practices and capital investments will continue to contribute to improved germplasm quality and yields for our seed offerings, leading to increased global demand for both our branded germplasm and our licensed germplasm. We plan to improve and grow our vegetable seeds business, which has a portfolio focused on 21 crops. We continue to apply our molecular breeding and marker capabilities to our vegetable seeds germplasm, which we expect will lead to business growth. The business integration into a global platform, along with a number of process improvements, has improved our ability to develop and deliver new, innovative products to our broad customer base. We plan to continue to pursue strategic acquisitions in our seed businesses to grow our branded seed market share, expand our germplasm library, and strengthen our global breeding programs. We expect to see continued competition in seeds and genomics. We believe we will have a competitive advantage because of our global breeding capabilities and our multiple-channel sales approach in the United States for corn and soybean seeds.

Commercialization of second- and third-generation traits and the stacking of multiple traits in corn and cotton are expected to increase penetration in approved markets, particularly as we continue to price our traits in line with the value growers have experienced. In 2012, we saw higher-value, stacked-trait products representing a larger share of our total U.S. corn seed sales than we did in 2011. We experienced an increase in competition in biotechnology as more competitors launched traits in the United States and internationally. Acquisitions may also present mid-to-longer term opportunities to increase penetration of our traits. We believe our competitive position continues to enable us to deliver second- and third-generation traits when our competitors are delivering their first-generation traits.

Full regulatory approval was received for a five percent refuge-in-a-bag (RIB) seed blend from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for Genuity Smartstax RIB Complete corn and Genuity VT Double PRO RIB Complete corn providing a single bag solution enabling farmers in the Corn Belt to plant corn without a separate refuge. The U.S. EPA in August 2012 granted registration for 10 percent refuge within Genuity VT Triple PRO RIB Complete corn. With this approval all of the products in Monsanto’s reduced-refuge corn family now are RIB enabled for the U.S. Corn Belt. Genuity VT Triple PRO RIB Complete corn is expected to be broadly available to U.S. farmers in 2013.

 

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Notwithstanding continuing and varied legal challenges by private and governmental parties in Brazil, and pending formal notification of the dissolution of the order temporarily suspending collections described below, we expect to continue to operate our business model of collecting on the sale of certified seeds, a point-of-delivery payment system (Roundup Ready soybeans, and in the future Intacta RR2 PRO soybeans) and our indemnification collection system (Bollgard cotton) to ensure that we capture value on all of our Roundup Ready soybeans and Bollgard cotton crops grown there. In one such legal challenge, a court in Rio Grande do Sul ruled that the outcome of the case should have national effect and found that we should not be permitted to collect certain royalties for Roundup Ready soybeans through the point-of-delivery system. Subsequently, the appellate court in Rio Grande do Sul issued a preliminary injunction suspending the lower court’s ruling, which enables us to maintain such royalty collections while the full case continues on appeal.

Additional legal actions have also been filed in Brazil that raise similar issues which may impact royalty collection. In Oct. 2012, Monsanto was required to temporarily suspend its royalty collection and point-of-delivery payment system in Mato Grosso, Brazil. For operational efficiency, Monsanto elected to suspend its royalty collection and point-of-delivery payment system throughout Brazil, pending the outcome of the appeal in Mato Grosso. On Dec. 4, 2012, during an appellate hearing, the Court of Justice in Mato Grasso indicated that we can resume royalty collections in Mato Grosso and place those collections into escrow during the appeals process. We are awaiting formal notification of that decision. Upon such receipt, we intend to resume royalty collections in Brazil and temporarily place associated royalties for Mato Grasso into escrow pending the outcome of the appeal process. We are, however, discussing a possible agreement with several leading grower organizations in Brazil such that, if agreement is reached, would support the transition to Intacta RR2 PRO and allow farmers to choose an alternative path on Roundup Ready soybean royalties. We would plan to continue royalty collections in Brazil for farmers who elect not to accept such an alternative agreement.

Although Brazilian law clearly states that the pipeline patents protecting these products have the duration of the corresponding U.S. patent (2014 for Roundup Ready soybeans), the duration (and application) of these pipeline patents is currently under judicial review in Brazil.

Longer term, income is expected to grow in Brazil as farmers choose to plant more of our approved traits in soybeans, corn, and cotton. The agricultural economy in Brazil could be impacted by global commodity prices, particularly for corn and soybeans. We continue to maintain our strict credit policy, expand our grain based collection system and focus on cash collection and sales, as part of a continuous effort to manage our risk in Brazil against such volatility.

During 2007, we announced a long-term joint R&D and commercialization collaboration in plant biotechnology with BASF that will focus on high-yielding crops and crops that are tolerant to adverse conditions such as drought. We have completed all North American and key import country regulatory submissions for the first biotech drought-tolerant corn product. Necessary approvals have been obtained for on-farm testing plots that were planted in 2012 to obtain on-farm data useful for the expected full-scale U.S. launch in 2013. Remaining regulatory import approvals needed for full-scale launch are pending but expected by the 2013 planting season. Over the life of the collaboration, we and BASF will dedicate a joint budget of potentially $2.5 billion to fund a dedicated pipeline of yield and stress tolerance traits for corn, soybeans, cotton, canola and wheat.

Our international traits businesses, in particular, will probably continue to face unpredictable regulatory environments that may be highly politicized. We operate in volatile, and often difficult, economic and political environments. Although we see growth potential in our India cotton business with the ongoing conversion to higher planting rates with hybrids and Bollgard II cotton, this business is currently operating under existing state governmental pricing directives and there is a potential for new state governmental pricing directives that we believe limit near-term earnings potential in India.

Efforts to secure an orderly system in Argentina to support the introduction of new technology products are underway. We do not plan to collect on first generation Roundup Ready soybeans. We are preparing for a potential launch of Intacta Roundup Ready 2 PRO soybeans provided we can achieve more certainty that we will be compensated for providing the technology. To achieve this, we are pursuing grower and grain handler agreements. Intacta Roundup Ready 2 PRO technology has been approved for commercial planting in Argentina by the Ministry of Agriculture which gives us the possibility to expand our field trials and obtain more information about the benefits of the technology in the different regions and environments in Argentina. This approval does not imply a commercial launch.

Although Paraguay approved Roundup Ready soybeans in 2004 under a special provision, recently it has developed a precise regulatory approval process, and approved several products including Monsanto corn technologies. More technologies are also in the regulatory process. Following proper approvals, farmer demand for technology in corn and soybeans (Intacta) is expected to be strong and will also be a driver of growth.

Following the decision of the French government to suspend the planting of YieldGard Corn Borer in February 2008, French farmers, French grower associations and various companies, including Monsanto, filed a claim to the Supreme Administrative court (Conseil d’Etat) to overturn the French government’s suspension of planting of YieldGard Corn Borer. As a result of the ban, the sales or planting of MON810 products in France were suspended. The European Food Safety

 

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Authority (EFSA) issued an opinion that the French suspension is not supported on a scientific basis. The case was referred to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) and on Sept. 8, 2011, the ECJ ruled that the French ban was illegal and that a ban can be invoked only in circumstances that are likely to constitute a clear and serious risk to human health, animal health or the environment. On Nov. 28, 2011, the Conseil d’Etat ordered the French government to cancel the ban imposed on genetically-modified corn crops in 2008. The court ruled that the agriculture ministry had not established high risk to the environment or health and thus lacked scientific basis for the ban. On Mar. 16, 2012, the French Government announced a new temporary suspension of the cultivation of MON810 corn in France. On May 21, 2012, EFSA published their opinion on the MON810 French ban concluding that there is no specific scientific evidence, in terms of risk to human and animal health or the environment, that would support the ban and that would invalidate its previous risk assessments of maize MON810. On Apr. 17, 2009, Germany undertook a procedural action under European law and banned the planting of YieldGard Corn Borer. We sought interim relief to overturn the ban which the German administrative courts denied. As a result, the sales or planting of MON810 products in Germany were suspended. The court proceedings are postponed pending the outcome of administrative proceedings. Other European Union Member States (e.g., Austria, Luxembourg and Greece) have also invoked procedural measures but we have focused our legal challenges to those countries with significant corn plantings.

On Sept. 4, 2007, we received a civil investigative demand from the Iowa Attorney General seeking information regarding the production and marketing of glyphosate and the development, production, marketing, or licensing of soybean, corn or cotton germplasm containing transgenic traits. Iowa coordinated this inquiry with several other states. Iowa and the other states have closed all inquiry connected with the civil investigative demand. The inquiry did not result in any enforcement action against us, and we have no agreements with Iowa or any other state regarding the operation of our business as a result of the inquiry.

On Jan. 12, 2010, the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a civil investigative demand to Monsanto requesting information on our soybean traits business. The DOJ has closed all inquiry connected with the civil investigative demand. The inquiry did not result in any enforcement action against us, and we have no agreements with the DOJ regarding the operation of our business as a result of that inquiry.

Agricultural Productivity

Our Agricultural Productivity businesses operate in markets that are competitive. Gross profit and cash flow levels will fluctuate in the future based on global business dynamics including market supply, demand and manufacturing capacity. We expect to maintain our brand prices at a slight premium over generic products and we believe our Roundup herbicide business will continue to be a sustainable source of cash and gross profit. We have oriented the focus of Monsanto’s crop protection business to strategically support Monsanto’s Roundup Ready crops through our weed management platform that delivers weed control offerings for farmers. In addition, we expect our lawn-and-garden business will continue to be a solid contributor to our Agricultural Productivity segment.

The staff of the SEC is conducting an investigation of financial reporting associated with our customer incentive programs for glyphosate products for the fiscal years 2009 and 2010, and we have received subpoenas in connection therewith. We are cooperating with the investigation.

Other Information

As discussed in Note 21 — Commitments and Contingencies and Part II — Item 1 — Legal Proceedings, Monsanto is involved in a number of lawsuits and claims relating to a variety of issues. Many of these lawsuits relate to intellectual property disputes. We expect that such disputes will continue to occur as the agricultural biotechnology industry evolves. Third parties, including non-governmental organizations, have challenged the validity or enforceability of patents issued to the company regarding our biotechnology products. For additional information related to the outlook for Monsanto, see “Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” at the beginning of this Report on Form 10-Q, Part II — Item 1A — Risk Factors below and Part I — Item 1A of our Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2012.

 

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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

 

In preparing our financial statements, we must select and apply various accounting policies. Our most significant policies are described in Part II — Item 8 — Note 2 — Significant Accounting Policies — to the consolidated financial statements contained in our Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2012. In order to apply our accounting policies, we often need to make estimates based on judgments about future events. In making such estimates, we rely on historical experience, market and other conditions, and on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable. However, the estimation process is by its nature uncertain given that estimates depend on events over which we may not have control. If market and other conditions change from those that we anticipate, our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity may be affected materially. In addition, if our assumptions change, we may need to revise our estimates or take other corrective actions, either of which may have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

The estimates that have a higher degree of inherent uncertainty and require our most significant judgments are outlined in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in our Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2012. Had we used estimates different from any of those contained in such Report on Form 10-K, our financial condition, profitability, or liquidity for the current period could have been materially different from those presented in this Form 10-Q.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

There are no material changes related to market risk from the disclosures in Monsanto’s Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2012.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of Nov. 30, 2012. The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Based upon the evaluation, management has concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of Nov. 30, 2012.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

We are involved in various legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of our business, as well as proceedings that we have considered to be material under SEC regulations. These include proceedings to which we are party in our own name and proceedings to which our former parent Pharmacia LLC or its former subsidiary Solutia, Inc. is a party but that we manage and for which we are responsible. Information regarding certain material proceedings and the possible effects on our business of proceedings we are defending is disclosed in Note 21 — Commitments and Contingencies — under the subheading “Environmental and Litigation Liabilities — Litigation” and is incorporated by reference herein. Other information with respect to legal proceedings appears in our Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2012.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

Please see “Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,” at the beginning of this Report on Form 10-Q and Part I — Item 1A of our Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2012, for information regarding risk factors. There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our Report on Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table is a summary of any purchases of equity securities during the first quarter of fiscal year 2013 by Monsanto and any affiliated purchasers, pursuant to SEC rules.

 

 

Period    (a) Total Number of
Shares Purchased
     (b) Average
Price Paid
per Share
(1)
     (c) Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced Plans
or Programs
     (d) Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased Under
the Plans or Programs
 

 

 

September 2012:

           

Sept. 1, 2012, through Sept. 30, 2012

           $               $ 1,064,695,416  

October 2012:

           

Oct. 1, 2012, through Oct. 31, 2012

     295,000      $ 91.56        295,000      $ 1,037,685,865  

November 2012:

           

Nov. 1, 2012, through Nov. 30, 2012

           $               $ 1,037,685,865  

 

 

Total

     295,000      $ 91.56        295,000      $ 1,037,685,865  

 

 

 

 

 

(1) 

The average price paid per share is calculated on a trade date basis and excludes commission.

In June 2010, the board of directors authorized a repurchase program of up to $1 billion of the company’s common stock over a three-year period beginning July 1, 2010. This repurchase program commenced Aug. 24, 2010.

In June 2012, the board of directors authorized a new three-year repurchase program of up to an additional $1 billion of the company’s common stock.

There were no other publicly announced plans outstanding as of Nov. 30, 2012.

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

Exhibits: The list of exhibits in the Exhibit Index to this Report is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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SIGNATURE

 

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.

 

  MONSANTO COMPANY  
              (Registrant)  
By:   /s/ NICOLE M. RINGENBERG  
  Nicole M. Ringenberg  
  Vice President and Controller  
  (On behalf of the Registrant and as Principal Accounting Officer)  

Date: Jan. 8, 2013

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

These Exhibits are numbered in accordance with the Exhibit Table of Item 601 of Regulation S-K.

 

Exhibit

No.

   Description
2    Omitted
3    Omitted
4    Omitted
11    Omitted — see Note 19 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Earnings Per Share.
12    Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
15    Omitted
18    Omitted
19    Omitted
22    Omitted
23    Omitted
24    Omitted
31.1    Rule 13a-14(a) Certifications (pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, executed by the Chief Executive Officer).
31.2    Rule 13a-14(a) Certifications (pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, executed by the Chief Financial Officer).
32    Rule 13a-14(b) Certifications (pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, executed by the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer).
101.INS    XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

 

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