adm10qfy09q3.htm


UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C.  20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2009

OR

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

For the transition period from __________ to __________

Commission file number 1-44
ADM Logo
ARCHER-DANIELS-MIDLAND COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
41-0129150
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I. R. S. Employer
Identification No.)
   
4666 Faries Parkway   Box 1470
Decatur, Illinois
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
62525
(Zip Code)
   
(217) 424-5200
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x  No ¨.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ¨  No  ¨.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large Accelerated Filer  x                                          Accelerated Filer  o
Non-accelerated Filer     o                                           Smaller reporting Company  o

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Common Stock, no par value – 641,999,522 shares
(April 30, 2009)
 
 

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company

Consolidated Statements of Earnings
(Unaudited)


   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In millions, except
 
   
per share amounts)
 
             
Net sales and other operating income
  $ 14,842     $ 18,708  
Cost of products sold
    14,193       17,551  
Gross Profit
    649       1,157  
                 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    346       378  
Other (income) expense – net
    151       24  
Earnings Before Income Taxes
    152       755  
                 
Income taxes
    144       238  
                 
Net Earnings
  $ 8     $ 517  
                 
Average number of shares outstanding – basic
    642       644  
                 
Average number of shares outstanding – diluted
    644       647  
                 
Basic and diluted earnings per common share
  $ 0.01     $ 0.80  
                 
Dividends per common share
  $ 0.14     $ 0.13  


See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
 

 
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company

Consolidated Statements of Earnings
(Unaudited)


   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In millions, except
 
   
per share amounts)
 
             
Net sales and other operating income
  $ 52,675     $ 48,032  
Cost of products sold
    48,947       44,997  
Gross Profit
    3,728       3,035  
                 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    1,092       1,071  
Other (income) expense – net
    164       (122 )
Earnings Before Income Taxes
    2,472       2,086  
                 
Income taxes
    829       656  
                 
Net Earnings
  $ 1,643     $ 1,430  
                 
Average number of shares outstanding – basic
    643       644  
                 
Average number of shares outstanding – diluted
    644       646  
                 
Basic earnings per common share
  $ 2.56     $ 2.22  
                 
Diluted earnings per common share
  $ 2.55     $ 2.21  
                 
Dividends per common share
  $ 0.40     $ 0.36  


See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
 

 
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company

Consolidated Balance Sheets


   
(Unaudited)
   
   
March 31,
June 30,
 
   
2009
2008
 
   
(In millions)
 
Assets
           
Current Assets
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 2,188     $ 810  
Short-term marketable securities
    419       455  
Segregated cash and investments
    2,201       2,035  
Receivables
    7,236       11,483  
Inventories
    7,840       10,160  
Other assets
    430       512  
          Total Current Assets
    20,314       25,455  
                 
Investments and Other Assets
               
Investments in and advances to affiliates
    2,369       2,773  
Long-term marketable securities
    620       590  
Goodwill
    493       506  
Other assets
    596       607  
       Total Investments and Other Assets
    4,078       4,476  
                 
Property, Plant, and Equipment
               
Land
    229       238  
Buildings
    3,104       3,207  
Machinery and equipment
    12,575       12,410  
Construction in progress
    2,184       1,924  
      18,092       17,779  
Accumulated depreciation
    (10,509 )     (10,654 )
       Total Property, Plant, and Equipment
    7,583       7,125  
Total Assets
  $ 31,975     $ 37,056  
                 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
               
Current Liabilities
               
Short-term debt
  $ 255     $ 3,123  
Accounts payable
    6,450       6,544  
Accrued expenses
    2,663       4,722  
Current maturities of long-term debt
    43       232  
      Total Current Liabilities
    9,411       14,621  
                 
Long-Term Liabilities
             
 
Long-term debt      7,751        7,690  
Deferred income taxes
    644       473  
Other
    742       782  
      Total Long-Term Liabilities
    9,137       8,945  
                 
Shareholders’ Equity
               
Common stock
    5,016       5,039  
Reinvested earnings
    8,866       7,494  
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
    (455 )     957  
      Total Shareholders’ Equity
    13,427       13,490  
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
  $ 31,975     $ 37,056  

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
 

 
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)


   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In millions)
 
Operating Activities
           
Net earnings
  $ 1,643     $ 1,430  
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by
               
(used in) operating activities
               
Depreciation
    539       540  
Asset abandonments
    9       22  
Deferred income taxes
    167       205  
Equity in (earnings) losses of affiliates, net of dividends
    74       (211 )
Pension and postretirement accruals (contributions), net
    (96 )     21  
Other – net
    41       203  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
               
Segregated cash and investments
    (224 )     (674 )
Receivables
    445       (2,231 )
Inventories
    2,293       (4,506 )
Other assets
    187       (55 )
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    773       2,089  
Total Operating Activities
    5,851       (3,167 )
                 
Investing Activities
               
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment
    (1,462 )     (1,312 )
Net assets of businesses acquired
    (44 )     (10 )
Investments in and advances to affiliates
    (15 )     (28 )
Distributions from affiliates, excluding dividends
    10       15  
Purchases of marketable securities
    (1,861 )     (1,022 )
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities
    1,840       710  
Proceeds from sales of business
    258       10  
Other – net
    52       9  
Total Investing Activities
    (1,222 )     (1,628 )
                 
Financing Activities
               
Long-term debt borrowings
    102       1,308  
Long-term debt payments
    (18 )     (59 )
Net borrowings (payments) under line of credit agreements
    (2,989 )     4,362  
Purchases of treasury stock
    (100 )     (61 )
Cash dividends
    (257 )     (232 )
Other – net
    11       20  
Total Financing Activities
    (3,251 )     5,338  
                 
Increase (Decrease) In Cash and Cash Equivalents
    1,378       543  
Cash and Cash Equivalents-Beginning of Period
    810       663  
                 
Cash and Cash Equivalents-End of Period
  $ 2,188     $ 1,206  

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
 

 

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)


Note 1.
Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, these statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals unless otherwise noted) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the quarter and nine months ended March 31, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending June 30, 2009.  For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2008.

Last-in, First-out (LIFO) Inventories

Interim period LIFO calculations are based on interim period costs and management’s estimates of year-end inventory levels.  Because the availability and price of agricultural commodity-based LIFO inventories are unpredictable due to factors such as weather, government farm programs and policies, and changes in global demand, quantities of LIFO-based inventories at interim periods may vary significantly from management’s estimates of year-end inventory levels.


Note 2.
New Accounting Standards

During December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 141(R), Business Combinations (SFAS 141(R)). SFAS 141(R) replaces SFAS 141, Business Combinations and will change the financial accounting and reporting of business combination transactions.  SFAS 141(R) requires recognizing, with certain exceptions, 100 percent of the fair values of assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and noncontrolling interests in acquisitions of less than a 100 percent controlling interest when the acquisition constitutes a change in control of the acquired entity; measuring acquirer shares issued and contingent consideration arrangements in connection with a business combination at fair value on the acquisition date with subsequent changes in fair value reflected in earnings; and expensing as incurred acquisition-related transaction costs. In April 2009, the FASB issued  FASB Staff Position (FSP) FAS 141(R)-1 which amends SFAS 141(R) by establishing a model to account for certain pre-acquisition contingencies. Under the FSP, an acquirer is required to recognize at fair value an asset acquired or a liability assumed in a business combination that arises from a contingency if the acquisition-date fair value of that asset or liability can be determined during the measurement period. If the acquisition-date fair value cannot be determined, then the acquirer should follow the recognition criteria in SFAS No. 5,  Accounting for Contingencies,  and FASB Interpretation No. 14, Reasonable Estimation  of the Amount of a Loss – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 5.  The Company will be required to adopt SFAS 141(R) and FSP FAS 141(R)-1 on July 1, 2009, and will apply them prospectively to business combinations completed on or after that date. The impact of the adoption of SFAS 141(R) and FSP FAS 141(R)-1 will depend on the nature of acquisitions completed after the date of adoption.


 
 

 

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)


Note 2.
New Accounting Standards (Continued)

During December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Accounting and Reporting of Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an amendment of ARB No. 51 (SFAS 160).  SFAS 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary.  It also amends the consolidation procedures of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, Consolidated Financial Statements (ARB 51) for consistency with the requirements of SFAS 141(R).  The Company will be required to adopt SFAS 160 on July 1, 2009 and will apply it prospectively, except for the presentation and disclosure requirements, which will apply retrospectively. The Company believes the adoption of SFAS 160 will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

During May 2008, the FASB issued FSP Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion 14-1, Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement) (FSP APB 14-1). FSP APB 14-1 addresses the accounting for convertible debt securities that, upon conversion, may be settled by the issuer fully or partially in cash. Currently, most forms of convertible debt securities are treated solely as debt. Under this FSP, issuers of convertible debt securities within its scope must separate these securities into two accounting components; a debt component, representing the issuer’s contractual obligation to pay principal and interest; and an equity component, representing the holder’s option to convert the debt security into equity of the issuer or, if the issuer so elects, an equivalent amount of cash. The Company will be required to adopt FSP APB 14-1 on July 1, 2009 in connection with its outstanding convertible debt and must apply it retrospectively to all past periods presented, even if the instrument has matured, been converted, or otherwise been extinguished as of the FSP’s effective date.  Upon adoption of FSP APB 14-1, the Company will record a debt discount equivalent to the fair value of the embedded equity conversion feature thereby reducing long term debt and increasing shareholder’s equity.  The debt discount will be amortized over the seven year term of the convertible debt.  Interest expense for 2008 and 2007 will retrospectively be increased by the non-cash debt discount amortization.
During June 2008, the FASB issued FSP Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) 03-6-1, Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities (FSP EITF 03-6-1).  FSP EITF 03-6-1 addresses whether instruments granted in share-based payment transactions are participating securities prior to vesting and, therefore, need to be included in the earnings allocation in computing earnings per share (EPS) under the two-class method. The FSP clarifies that all outstanding unvested share-based payment awards that contain rights to nonforfeitable dividends participate in undistributed earnings with common shareholders and are considered to be participating securities. As such, the issuing entity is required to apply the two-class method of computing basic and diluted EPS. The Company will be required to adopt FSP EITF 03-6-1 on July 1, 2009 and believes the adoption of FSP EITF 03-6-1 will not have an  impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

During December 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 132(R)-1, Employers’ Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 132(R) (FSP FAS 132(R)-1).  FSP FAS 132(R)-1 expands the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 132(R), Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (SFAS 132(R)).  FSP FAS 132(R)-1 requires entities to disclose investment policies and strategies, major categories of plan assets, fair value measurements for each major category of plan assets segregated by fair value hierarchy level as defined in SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157), the effect of fair value measurements using Level 3 inputs on changes in plan assets for the period, and significant concentrations of risk within plan assets.  The Company will be required to adopt FSP FAS 132(R)-1 on June 30, 2010.  The adoption of this standard will require expanded disclosure in the notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements but will not impact financial results.

 
 

 

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)


Note 2.
New Accounting Standards (Continued)

During April 2009, the FASB issued three FSPs that are intended to provide additional application guidance and enhance disclosures about fair value measurements and impairments of securities. FSP FAS 157-4, Determining Whether a Market Is Not Active and a Transaction Is Not Distressed (FSP FAS 157-4), clarifies the objective and method of fair value measurement even when there has been a significant decrease in market activity for the asset being measured. FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments (FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2), establishes a new model for measuring other-than-temporary impairments for debt securities, including establishing criteria for when to recognize a write-down on debt securities through earnings versus other comprehensive income. FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments (FSP  FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1), expands the fair value disclosures required for all financial instruments within the scope of SFAS No. 107, Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, to interim periods in addition to annual periods. The proposal also amends APB Opinion No. 28, Interim Financial Reporting, to require those disclosures in all interim financial statements.  FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 requires the Company to expand disclosure in the notes to the Company’s interim consolidated financial statements but will not impact financial results. The Company will be required to adopt these FSPs on July 1, 2009. The Company is assessing the potential impact FSP FAS 157-4 and FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 may have on its consolidated financial statements.


Note 3.
Fair Value Measurements

Effective July 1, 2008, the Company adopted SFAS 157, which establishes a framework for measuring fair value and clarifies the definition of fair value within that framework.  SFAS 157 defines fair value as an exit price, which is the price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the Company’s principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.  The fair value hierarchy established in SFAS 157 generally requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability and are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity.  Unobservable inputs reflect the entity’s own assumptions based on market data and the entity’s judgments about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, and are to be developed based on the best information available in the circumstances.  In October 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-3, Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset in a Market That Is Not Active, which clarifies that when an active market does not exist it may be appropriate to use unobservable inputs to determine fair value.  The Company determines the fair market value of certain of its inventories of agricultural commodities, derivative contracts, and marketable securities based on the fair value definition and hierarchy levels established in SFAS 157.  SFAS 157 establishes three levels within its hierarchy that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1:  Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.  Level 1 assets and liabilities include exchange-traded derivative contracts, U.S. treasury securities and certain publicly traded equity securities.

Level 2:  Observable inputs, including Level 1 prices that have been adjusted; quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are less active than traded exchanges; and other inputs that are observable or can be substantially corroborated by observable market data.


 
 

 

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)


Note 3.
Fair Value Measurements (Continued)

Level 3:  Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are a significant component of the fair value of the assets or liabilities.  In evaluating the significance of fair value inputs, the Company generally classifies assets or liabilities as Level 3 when their fair value is determined using unobservable inputs that individually, or when aggregated with other unobservable inputs, represent more than 10% of the fair value of the assets or liabilities.  Judgment is required in evaluating both quantitative and qualitative factors in the determination of significance for purposes of fair value level classification.  Level 3 amounts can include assets and liabilities whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as assets and liabilities for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.

The following table sets forth, by level, the Company’s assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2009.  Pursuant to FSP FAS 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157, the Company will delay the adoption of SFAS 157 for its nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are recognized on a nonrecurring basis, including goodwill, other intangible assets, and asset retirement obligations to July 1, 2009.  In many cases, a valuation technique used to measure fair value includes inputs from multiple levels of the fair value hierarchy. The lowest level of input that is a significant component of the fair value measurement determines the placement of the entire fair value measurement in the hierarchy.  The Company’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.
 
   
Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2009
 
   
Quoted Prices in
 Active Markets
 for Identical
 Assets
 (Level 1)
   
Significant
 Other
 Observable
 Inputs
 (Level 2)
   
 Significant
 Unobservable
 Inputs
 (Level 3)
   
 
 
 
 Total
 
   
(In millions)
 
                         
Assets:
                       
Inventories carried at market
  $     $ 3,510     $ 577     $ 4,087  
Unrealized gains on derivative
   contracts
    770       1,292       169       2,231  
Available-for-sale marketable
   securities
    1,021       693             1,714  
Total Assets
  $ 1,791     $ 5,495     $ 746     $ 8,032  
                                 
Liabilities:
                               
Unrealized losses on derivative
   contracts
  $ 910     $ 1,035     $ 139     $ 2,084  
Inventory-related liabilities
          451       95       546  
Total Liabilities
  $ 910     $ 1,486     $ 234     $ 2,630  
                                 


 
 

 
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)


Note 3.
Fair Value Measurements (Continued)

The Company uses the market approach valuation technique to measure the majority of its assets and liabilities carried at fair value.  Estimated fair market values for inventories carried at market are based on exchange-quoted prices, adjusted for differences in local markets, broker or dealer quotations, or market transactions in either listed or over-the-counter (OTC) markets.  In such cases, the inventory is classified in Level 2.  Certain inventories may require management judgment or estimation for a significant component of the fair value amount.  In such cases, the inventory is classified as Level 3. Changes in the fair market value of inventories are recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings as a component of cost of products sold.

The Company’s derivative contracts that are measured at fair value include forward commodity purchase and sale contracts, exchange-traded commodity futures and option contracts, and OTC instruments related primarily to agricultural commodities, energy, and foreign currencies.  Exchange-traded futures and options contracts are valued based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and are classified in Level 1.  The majority of the Company’s exchange-traded futures and options contracts are cash settled on a daily basis and, therefore, are not included in this table.  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 valued 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 asset or liability, the derivative contracts are classified in Level 2.  When unobservable inputs have a significant impact on the measurement of fair value, the contract’s fair value is classified in Level 3. Based on historical experience with the Company’s suppliers and customers, the Company’s own credit risk, and the Company’s knowledge of current market conditions, the Company does not view nonperformance risk to be a significant input to fair value for the majority of its forward commodity purchase and sale contracts.  However, in situations when the Company believes the nonperformance risk to be a significant input, the Company records estimated fair value adjustments, and classifies the contracts in Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Changes in the fair market value of commodity-related derivatives are recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings as a component of cost of products sold.  Changes in the fair market value of foreign currency-related derivatives are recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings as a component of net sales and other operating income, cost of products sold, and other (income) expense–net. The effective portions of changes in the fair market value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recognized in the consolidated balance sheets as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income.

The Company’s available-for-sale securities are comprised of U.S. Treasury securities, obligations of U.S. government agencies, corporate and municipal debt securities, and equity investments.  U.S. Treasury securities and certain publicly traded equity investments are valued using quoted market prices and are classified in Level 1.  U.S. government agency obligations, corporate and municipal debt securities and certain equity investments are valued using third-party pricing services and substantially all are classified as Level 2.  Security values that are determined using pricing models are classified in Level 3.  Unrealized changes in the fair market value of available-for-sale marketable securities are recognized in the consolidated balance sheets as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income.

The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to a fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the classification of assets and liabilities within the fair value hierarchy.


 
 

 

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)


Note 3.
Fair Value Measurements (Continued)

The following tables present a reconciliation of all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the quarter and nine months ended March 31, 2009.
 
   
Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
 
   
 
Inventories
 Carried at
 Market
   
 Derivative
 Contracts,
 Net
   
Available-for-
 Sale Marketable 
Securities
   
 
 Total
 
   
(In millions)
 
                         
Balance, January 1, 2009
  $ 314     $ 18     $ 12     $ 344  
Total gains (losses), realized or
   unrealized, included in earnings
   before income taxes*
    12       (61 )           (49 )
Purchases, issuances and settlements
    48       (72 )     (1 )     (25 )
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
    108       145       (11 )     242  
Ending balance, March 31, 2009
  $ 482     $ 30     $     $ 512  


   
Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
 
   
 
Inventories
 Carried at
 Market
   
 Derivative
 Contracts,
 Net
   
Available-for-
 Sale Marketable 
Securities
   
 
 Total
 
   
(In millions)
 
                         
Balance, July 1, 2008
  $ 343     $ (6 )   $ 10     $ 347  
Total gains (losses), realized or
   unrealized, included in earnings
   before income taxes*
    (207 )     (50 )     (1 )     (258 )
Purchases, issuances and settlements
    169       (73 )     17       113  
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
    177       159       (26 )     310  
Ending balance, March 31, 2009
  $ 482     $ 30     $     $ 512  

*Includes unrealized losses of $57 million attributable to the change in Level 3 derivative assets still held at March 31, 2009 and unrealized losses of $9 million attributable to the change in Level 3 inventories carried at market still held at March 31, 2009.

 
 

 
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 

Note 4.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

The Company adopted SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 (SFAS 161) on January 1, 2009.

SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivatives and Hedging Activities (SFAS 133) requires the Company to recognize all of its derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities in its consolidated balance sheet at fair value.  The accounting for changes in the fair value (i.e., gains or losses) of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship and further, on the type of hedging relationship.  For those derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments, a company must designate the hedging instrument, based upon the exposure being hedged, as a fair value hedge, a cash flow hedge, or a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation.  The Company does not currently have any derivatives designated as fair value hedges or derivatives designated as hedges of net investment in foreign operations.  The Company has certain derivatives designated as cash flow hedges; however, the majority of the Company’s derivatives are not part of a designated hedging relationship.

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments under SFAS 133

To reduce price risk caused by market fluctuations in agricultural commodities and currencies, the Company generally follows a policy of using exchange-traded futures and exchange-traded and OTC options contracts to minimize its net position of merchandisable agricultural commodity inventories and forward cash purchase and sales contracts.  The Company will also use exchange-traded futures and exchange-traded and OTC options contracts as components of merchandising strategies designed to enhance margins.  The results of these strategies can be significantly impacted by factors such as the volatility of the relationship between the value of exchange-traded commodities futures contracts and the cash prices of the underlying commodities, counterparty contract defaults, and volatility of freight markets.  Exchange-traded futures and exchange-traded and OTC options contracts, and forward cash purchase and sales contracts of certain merchandisable agricultural commodities are valued at fair value.  Inventories of certain merchandisable agricultural commodities which include amounts acquired under deferred pricing contracts are stated at market value.  Inventory is not a derivative and therefore is not included in the tables below.  Changes in the market value of inventories of merchandisable agricultural commodities, forward cash purchase and sales contracts, and exchange-traded futures and exchange-traded and OTC options contracts are recognized in earnings immediately, resulting in cost of products sold approximating first-in, first-out (FIFO) cost.  Unrealized gains and unrealized losses on forward cash purchase contracts, forward foreign currency exchange (FX) contracts, forward cash sales contracts, and exchange-traded and OTC options contracts represent the fair value of such instruments and are classified on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as receivables and accrued expenses, respectively.

The following table sets forth the fair value of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under SFAS 133 as of March 31, 2009.
 
   
Assets
   
Liabilities
 
   
(in millions)
 
             
FX Contracts
  $ 45     $ 65  
Commodity Contracts
    1,610       1,271  
        Total
  $ 1,655     $ 1,336  

 
 

 
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)


Note 4.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Continued)
 
The following table sets forth the pre-tax gains (losses) on derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under SFAS 133 that have been included in the consolidated statement of earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2009.
 
   
(in millions)
 
       
FX Contracts
     
    Net sales and other operating income
  $ (7 )
    Cost of products sold
    (22 )
    Other (income) expense - net
    2  
    $ (27 )
Commodity Contracts
       
    Cost of products sold
  $ (297 )
         
 
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Strategies

For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges (i.e., hedging the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows that is attributable to a particular risk), the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of other comprehensive income (OCI) and reclassified into earnings in the same line item affected by the hedged transaction and in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings.  The remaining gain or loss on the derivative instrument that is in excess of the cumulative change in the cash flows of the hedged item, if any (i.e., the ineffective portion), hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness, and gains and losses related to discontinued hedges are recognized in the consolidated statement of earnings during the current period.

For each of the commodity hedge programs described below, the derivatives are designated as cash flow hedges.  The changes in the market value of such derivative contracts have historically been, and are expected to continue to be, highly effective at offsetting changes in price movements of the hedged item.  Once the hedged item is recognized in earnings, the gains/losses arising from the hedge will be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) to either sales or cost of products sold.  As of March 31, 2009, the Company has $97 million of after-tax losses in AOCI related to gains and losses from commodity cash flow hedge transactions.  The Company expects to recognize all of these after-tax losses in the statement of earnings during the next 12 months.  During the current period the Company had no amounts recognized in earnings from cash flow hedges that were discontinued.
 
 
 

 
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)

 
Note 4.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Continued)
 
The Company, from time to time, uses futures or options contracts to fix the purchase price of anticipated volumes of corn to be purchased and processed in a future month.  The objective of this hedging program is to reduce the variability of cash flows associated with the Company’s forecasted purchases of corn.  The Company’s corn processing plants grind approximately 60 million bushels of corn per month.  Most of the finished goods produced from this corn grind are sold at fixed prices and many of these finished goods are unable to be hedged.  The Company will fix the purchase price of the corn that will be used, thereby economically protecting the margin on these finished goods sales.  During the past 12 months, the Company hedged between 25% and 95% of its monthly anticipated grind.  At March 31, 2009, the Company has hedged portions of its anticipated monthly purchases of corn over the next nine months, ranging from 17% to 90% of its anticipated monthly grind.

The Company, from time to time, also uses futures, options, and swaps to fix the purchase price of the Company’s anticipated natural gas requirements for certain production facilities.  The objective of this hedging program is to reduce the variability of cash flows associated with the Company’s forecasted purchases of natural gas.  These production facilities use approximately 4.25 million MMbtus of natural gas per month.  During the past 12 months, the Company hedged between 12% and 65% of the quantity of its anticipated monthly natural gas purchases.  At March 31, 2009, the Company has hedged portions of its anticipated monthly purchases of natural gas over the next nine months, ranging from 12% to 31% of its anticipated monthly natural gas purchases.

To protect against fluctuations in cash flows due to foreign currency exchange rates, the Company from time to time will use forward FX contracts with major banks as foreign currency cash flow hedge programs.  Certain production facilities have manufacturing expenses and some sales contracts denominated in non-functional currency.  To reduce the risk of fluctuations in cash flows due to changes in the exchange rate between functional versus non-functional currency, the Company will hedge some portion of the forecasted foreign currency expenditures and/or receipts.  The fair value of FX contracts designated as cash flow hedging instruments as of March 31, 2009 was immaterial.

At March 31, 2009, AOCI included $5 million of after-tax gains related to treasury-lock agreements.  These treasury-lock agreements were executed in order to lock in the Company’s interest rate prior to the issuance of debentures in 2005 and 2008 and were designated as cash flow hedges of the risk of changes in the future interest payments attributable to changes in the benchmark interest rate.  The objective of the hedges was to protect the Company from changes in the benchmark U.S. Treasury rate from the date the Company decided to issue the debt to the date when the debt was actually issued.  The Company will recognize the $5 million of gains in its consolidated statement of earnings over the terms of the debentures.  

The fair values of commodity derivatives designated as hedging instruments under SFAS 133 as of March 31, 2009 were assets of $10 million and liabilities of $2 million.
 
 

 

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)


Note 4.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Continued)

The following table sets forth the pre-tax gains (losses) on derivatives designated as hedging instruments under SFAS 133 that have been included in the consolidated statement of earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2009:
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Earnings Location
 
Amount
 
     
(in millions)
 
         
   Effective amount recognized in earnings
Cost of products sold
  $ (136 )
 
Net sales and other operating income
    10  
           
   Ineffective amount recognized in earnings
Cost of products sold
    4  
       Total amount recognized in earnings
    $ (122


The following table sets forth the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income related to derivatives gains (losses) for the period and year-to-date ended March 31, 2009.

   
Three months ended
March 31, 2009
   
Nine months ended
March 31, 2009
 
   
(in millions)
 
       
Beginning balance
  $ (163 )   $ 90  
    Unrealized gains (losses)
    (9 )     (455 )
    (Gains) losses reclassified to earnings
    122       178  
    Tax effect
    (42 )     95  
Balance at March 31, 2009
  $ (92 )   $ (92 )

 
Note 5.
Debt and Financing Arrangements

The Company has outstanding $1.2 billion principal amount of convertible senior notes (the Notes) due in 2014.  As of March 31, 2009, none of the conditions permitting conversion of the Notes had been satisfied.  Therefore, no share amounts related to the conversion of the Notes or exercise of the warrants sold in connection with the issuance of the Notes were included in diluted average shares outstanding.

The Company also has outstanding $1.75 billion principal amount of Equity Units (the Units) due in 2011.  The Units are a combination of (a) debt and (b) forward purchase contracts for the holder to purchase the Company’s common stock.  The forward purchase contracts issued in connection with the Units will be settled for the Company’s common stock no later than June 1, 2011.  Until settlement of the forward purchase contracts, the shares of stock underlying each forward purchase contact are not outstanding.  The forward purchase contracts will only be included in the computation of diluted earnings per share to the extent they are dilutive.  As of March 31, 2009, the forward purchase contracts were not considered dilutive and therefore were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share.

 
 

 

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)


Note 5.
Debt and Financing Arrangements (Continued)

For further information on the Notes and Units, refer to Note 7 “Debt and Financing Arrangements” in the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2008.


Note 6.
Income Taxes
 
The Company’s effective tax rate for the quarter and nine months ended March 31, 2009, was 94.4% and 33.5%, respectively, compared to 31.5% and 31.4% for the quarter and nine months ended March 31, 2008.

Income tax expense for the quarter and nine months ended March 31, 2009 includes approximately $8 million related to amended prior year tax returns the Company intends to file in certain foreign jurisdictions and approximately $97 million related to the Company’s investment in Wilmar International Holdings, Limited (WIHL), a subsidiary of ADM Asia Pacific, Limited (ADMAP), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.  Through WIHL, ADMAP holds an indirect ownership interest in Wilmar International Ltd. (WIL).

Historically, the Company considered the retained earnings of its investment in ADMAP to be permanently reinvested outside the U.S.  Therefore, the Company provided no deferred tax liability associated with this investment prior to the current quarter.   On February 3, 2009, the shareholders of WIHL approved a plan of voluntary liquidation which was followed by a partial liquidating distribution on April 1, 2009. Pursuant to this distribution, ADMAP received publicly traded shares of WIL that represented approximately 40% of the WIL shares indirectly held by WIHL.  The liquidation caused the difference between the market value of  the WIL shares received and the tax basis of ADMAP’s investment in WIHL to be subject to U.S. income tax as a deemed distribution from ADMAP to the Company.  Consequently, as of March 31, 2009, the Company concluded that a portion of its investment in ADMAP related to its investment in WIHL was not permanently reinvested.  Accordingly, the Company recorded approximately $97 million of income tax expense and deferred income tax liability in the current quarter to reflect the book-tax basis difference of its investment in WIHL as of March 31, 2009.

On April 1, 2009, the income tax gain generated by the partial liquidating distribution of WIHL triggered additional U.S. income tax expense of approximately $61 million which will be recorded in the Company’s fourth quarter and will establish a new tax basis in the U.S. for the Company’s WIHL investment.

The finalization of the liquidation process is expected to take up to 18 months and is contingent on certain regulatory approvals.  While the ultimate impact of the transaction is uncertain, based on the May 11, 2009 market value of WIL shares and certain other assumptions, including the applicable foreign currency exchange rate and the U.S. income tax rate, the finalization of the liquidation could result in additional income tax expense for the Company of approximately $340 million in the period(s) that it occurs.

 
 

 
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)


Note 7.
Comprehensive Income

The components of comprehensive income, net of related tax, are as follows:

   
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
   
March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In millions)
 
                         
Net earnings
  $ 8     $ 517     $ 1,643     $ 1,430  
Unrealized loss on investments
    (7 )     (14 )     (34 )     (20 )
Deferred  gain (loss) on hedging activities
    71       69       (183 )     94  
Pension liability adjustment
    2       (4 )     16       (10 )
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    (269 )     316       (1,211 )     590  
     Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ (195 )   $ 884     $ 231     $ 2,084  


Note 8.
Other (Income) Expense - Net

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
   
March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In millions)
 
                         
Interest expense
  $ 93     $ 136     $ 342     $ 338  
Investment income
    (43 )     (70 )     (145 )     (202 )
Net (gain) loss on marketable
                               
securities transactions
          (9 )     (9 )     (37 )
Equity in (earnings) losses of affiliates
    136       (78 )     (80 )     (288 )
Other – net
    (35 )     45       56       67  
    $ 151     $ 24     $ 164     $ (122 )


Note 9.
Postretirement Plans

SFAS No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (SFAS 158), requires companies to measure plan assets and benefit obligations as of the end of the fiscal year instead of a date up to three months prior to the end of the fiscal year.  The Company adopted the measurement provisions of SFAS 158 as of July 1, 2008.  The Company previously measured plan assets and pension and other postretirement benefit obligations at March 31 of each year.  As a result of adopting the measurement date provisions of SFAS 158, the Company recorded an additional three months of pension and other postretirement benefit obligations as of July 1, 2008, which resulted in a $13 million decrease in retained earnings, a $1 million increase in accumulated other comprehensive income, and a $19 million increase in pension and postretirement benefit obligations.

 
 

 
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)


Note 10.
Segment Information

The Company is principally engaged in procuring, transporting, storing, processing, and merchandising agricultural commodities and products.  The Company’s operations are classified into three reportable business segments:  Oilseeds Processing, Corn Processing and Agricultural Services.  Each of these segments is organized based upon the nature of products and services offered.  The Company’s remaining operations are aggregated and classified as Other.

The Oilseeds Processing segment includes activities related to the crushing and origination of oilseeds such as soybeans, cottonseed, sunflower seeds, canola, peanuts, and flaxseed into vegetable oils and protein meals principally for the food and feed industries.  In addition, oilseeds and oilseed products may be processed internally or resold into the marketplace as raw materials for other processing.  Crude vegetable oil is sold "as is" or is further processed by refining, bleaching, and deodorizing into salad oils.  Salad oils can be further processed by hydrogenating and/or interesterifying into margarine, shortening, and other food products. Partially refined oil is sold for use in chemicals, paints, and other industrial products.  Refined oil can be further processed for use in the production of biodiesel.  Oilseed meals are primary ingredients used in the manufacture of commercial livestock and poultry feeds.  Oilseeds Processing includes activities related to the production of natural health and nutrition products and the production of other specialty food and feed ingredients.  This segment also includes activities related to the Company’s interests in unconsolidated affiliates in Asia, principally Wilmar International Limited.

The Corn Processing segment includes activities related to the production of sweeteners, starches, dextrose, and syrups primarily for the food and beverage industry as well as activities related to the production, by fermentation, of bioproducts such as ethanol, amino acids, and other food, feed and industrial products.

The Agricultural Services segment utilizes the Company’s extensive grain elevator and transportation network to buy, store, clean, and transport agricultural commodities, such as oilseeds, corn, wheat, milo, oats, barley, and edible beans, and resells or processes these commodities primarily as food and feed ingredients for the agricultural processing industry.  Agricultural Services’ grain sourcing and transportation network provides reliable and efficient services to the Company’s agricultural processing operations. Also included in Agricultural Services are the activities of A.C. Toepfer International, a global merchandiser of agricultural commodities and processed products.

Other includes the Company’s remaining processing operations, consisting of activities related to processing agricultural commodities into products such as wheat into wheat flour, cocoa into chocolate and cocoa products, barley into malt and sugarcane into sugar and ethanol.  The Company sold its malt operations on July 31, 2008.  Other also includes financial activities related to banking, captive insurance, private equity fund investments, and futures commission merchant activities.

Intersegment sales have been recorded at amounts approximating market.  Operating profit for each segment is based on net sales less identifiable operating expenses, including an interest charge related to working capital usage.  Also included in segment operating profit are equity in earnings of affiliates based on the equity method of accounting.  General corporate expenses, investment income, unallocated interest expense, marketable securities transactions, FIFO to LIFO inventory adjustments and minority interest eliminations have been excluded from segment operations and classified as Corporate.

For detailed information regarding the Company’s reportable segments, see Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2008.

 
 

 
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)


Note 10.
Segment Information (Continued)

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
   
March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In millions)
 
                         
Sales to external customers
                       
Oilseeds Processing
  $ 4,689     $ 5,721     $ 17,757     $ 15,587  
Corn Processing
    1,725       1,808       5,819       5,012  
Agricultural Services
    7,302       9,777       25,012       23,551  
Other
    1,126       1,402       4,087       3,882  
Total
  $ 14,842     $ 18,708     $ 52,675     $ 48,032  
                                 
Intersegment sales
                               
Oilseeds Processing
  $ 23     $ 62     $ 91     $ 336  
Corn Processing
    13       29       72       68  
Agricultural Services
    702       969       2,314       2,183  
Other
    38       37       116       103  
Total
  $ 776     $ 1,097     $ 2,593     $ 2,690  
                                 
Net sales
                               
Oilseeds Processing
  $ 4,712     $ 5,783     $ 17,848     $ 15,923  
Corn Processing
    1,738       1,837       5,891       5,080  
Agricultural Services
    8,004       10,746       27,326       25,734  
Other
    1,164       1,439       4,203       3,985  
Intersegment elimination
    (776 )     (1,097 )     (2,593 )     (2,690 )
Total
  $ 14,842     $ 18,708     $ 52,675     $ 48,032  
                                 
Segment operating profit
                               
Oilseeds Processing
  $ 224     $ 237     $ 1,053     $ 666  
Corn Processing
    49       172       196       699  
Agricultural Services
    121       366       1,011       910  
Other
    (140 )     138       (15 )     390  
Total segment operating profit
    254       913       2,245       2,665  
Corporate
    (102 )     (158 )     227       (579 )
Earnings before income taxes
  $ 152     $ 755     $ 2,472     $ 2,086  

 
 

 
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)


Note 11.
Investment in Affiliate

The Company has a 23% ownership interest in Gruma S.A.B. de C.V. (Gruma), one of the world’s leading producers and marketers of corn flour and tortillas. The carrying value of the Company’s investment in Gruma is $86 million as of March 31, 2009.

On October 28, 2008, Gruma publicly announced that it had $788 million of unrealized mark-to-market losses on currency derivative instruments which mature between 2008 and 2011. Gruma stated it is not subject to margin calls on these instruments. Additionally, Gruma disclosed that it also had $276 million of derivative losses on instruments which were subject to margin calls with another of the various counterparties with whom Gruma contracted such instruments (the “Counterparty”). Gruma’s announcement stated that it has entered into a release with the Counterparty in settlement of amounts due under these derivative instruments.

On November 13, 2008, Gruma announced it had obtained a credit line that allowed it to satisfy its payment obligations related to its currency derivative instruments maturing in 2008. Gruma stated it will use part of this credit line to satisfy its commitments arising from the currency derivative instruments that had margin calls, which Gruma had agreed to pay by November 25, 2008. Gruma stated it was still working to meet, to the satisfaction of all parties, its obligations under the derivative instruments maturing in 2009, 2010, and 2011, which instruments were not subject to margin calls. Gruma stated on October 28, 2008 that its results had been affected by the non-cash charges resulting from the mark-to-market changes in the value of its currency derivative instruments and it expected that such fluctuations in value may continue.

On February 18, 2009, Gruma announced its fourth quarter financial results, including losses of $883 million relating to currency derivative instruments.   Gruma disclosed that as of December 31, 2008, of the $883 million non-cash currency derivative losses, $860 million related to positions that were still open and mature in 2009, 2010, and 2011.

On March 23, 2009, Gruma announced that it had reached agreement with several counterparties to terminate and enter into financing negotiations on approximately 87% of its foreign exchange derivative instruments considering their mark-to-market value as of that date. Gruma announced that it intended to enter into similar arrangements with its remaining counterparties on this type of instrument.

The Company employs the equity method of accounting for its investment in Gruma and records its share of Gruma’s reported financial results on a one-quarter lag basis. Gruma reported a net loss of $852 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2008, and the Company recorded its share of this loss, approximately $125 million after income tax, (on a U.S. GAAP basis) in its results for the quarter ended March 31, 2009.

On April 28, 2009 Gruma announced a net loss of $34 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2009.  The Company will record its share of this loss in its fourth quarter of 2009.

The Company has evaluated the carrying value of its investment in Gruma as of March 31, 2009 in light of Gruma’s announcements, and does not consider its remaining investment in Gruma to be other-than-temporarily impaired. The Company based its evaluation on Gruma’s public disclosures about its currency derivative losses and its expected future cash flows, and the Company’s knowledge of Gruma’s business and current business conditions. The Company’s evaluation required the use of assumptions and management judgment, including forecasts of Gruma’s future operating results and impacts resulting from its derivative positions. If different assumptions and judgment had been applied, the conclusion could have differed.

The Company has no present obligation to provide funding to Gruma.
 
 

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


Company Overview

The Company is principally engaged in procuring, transporting, storing, processing, and merchandising agricultural commodities and products.  The Company’s operations are classified into three reportable business segments: Oilseeds Processing, Corn Processing and Agricultural Services.  Each of these segments is organized based upon the nature of products and services offered.  The Company’s remaining operations are aggregated and classified as Other.

The Oilseeds Processing segment includes activities related to the origination and crushing of oilseeds such as soybeans, cottonseed, sunflower seeds, canola, peanuts, and flaxseed into vegetable oils and protein meals principally for the food and feed industries.  In addition, oilseeds and oilseed products may be processed internally or resold into the marketplace as raw materials for other processing.  Crude vegetable oil is sold "as is" or is further processed by refining, bleaching, and deodorizing into salad oils.  Salad oils can be further processed by hydrogenating and/or interesterifying into margarine, shortening, and other food products. Partially refined oil is sold for use in chemicals, paints, and other industrial products.  Refined oil can be further processed for use in the production of biodiesel.  Oilseed protein meals are primary ingredients used in the manufacture of commercial livestock and poultry feeds.  Oilseeds Processing includes activities related to the production of natural health and nutrition products and the production of other specialty food and feed ingredients.  This segment also includes activities related to the Company’s interests in unconsolidated affiliates in Asia, principally Wilmar International Limited.

The Corn Processing segment includes activities related to the production of sweeteners, starches, dextrose, and syrups primarily for the food and beverage industry as well as activities related to the production, by fermentation, of bioproducts such as ethanol, amino acids, and other food, feed and industrial products.

The Agricultural Services segment utilizes the Company’s extensive grain elevator and transportation network to buy, store, clean, and transport agricultural commodities, such as oilseeds, corn, wheat, milo, oats, barley, and edible beans, and resells or processes these commodities primarily as food and feed ingredients for the agricultural processing industry.  Agricultural Services’ grain sourcing and transportation network provides reliable and efficient services to the Company’s agricultural processing operations. Also included in Agricultural Services are the activities of A.C. Toepfer International, a global merchant of agricultural commodities and processed products.

Other includes the Company’s remaining processing operations, consisting of activities related to processing agricultural commodities into products such as wheat into wheat flour, cocoa into chocolate and cocoa products, barley into malt, and sugarcane into sugar and ethanol.  The Company sold its malt operations on July 31, 2008.  Other also includes financial activities related to banking, captive insurance, private equity fund investments, and futures commission merchant activities.

Operating Performance Indicators

The Company is exposed to certain risks inherent to an agricultural-based commodity business.  These risks are further described in Item 1A, “Risk Factors” included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2008.
 
 

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


The Company’s Oilseeds Processing, Agricultural Services, and wheat processing operations are principally agricultural commodity-based businesses where changes in selling prices move in relationship to changes in prices of the commodity-based agricultural raw materials.  Therefore, changes in agricultural commodity prices have relatively equal impacts on both net sales and cost of products sold.  As a result, changes in gross profit of these businesses do not necessarily correspond to the changes in net sales amounts.

The Company’s Corn Processing operations and certain other food and animal feed processing operations also utilize agricultural commodities (or products derived from agricultural commodities) as raw materials.  In these operations, agricultural commodity market price changes can result in significant fluctuations in cost of products sold, and such price changes cannot necessarily be passed directly through to the selling price of the finished products.

The Company conducts its business in many countries.  For the majority of the Company’s subsidiaries located outside the United States, the local currency is the functional currency.  Revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the weighted average exchange rates for the applicable periods.  Fluctuations in the exchange rates of foreign currencies, primarily the Euro, British pound, and Canadian dollar, as compared to the U.S. dollar will result in corresponding fluctuations in the U.S. dollar value of revenues and expenses reported by the Company.  The impact of these currency exchange rate changes, where significant, is discussed below.

The Company measures the performance of its business segments using key operating statistics such as segment operating profit, return on fixed capital investment, return on equity and return on net assets.  The Company’s operating results can vary significantly due to changes in unpredictable factors such as fluctuations in energy prices, weather conditions, crop plantings,  government programs and policies, changes in global demand resulting from population growth and changes in standards of living, and global production of similar and competitive crops.  Due to these unpredictable factors, the Company does not provide forward-looking information in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2008

Net earnings decreased $509 million for the quarter.  Segment operating profit decreased $659 million while corporate results increased $56 million due principally to lower charges related to LIFO inventory valuations and reduced minority interest eliminations.  Income taxes decreased $94 million for the quarter due to lower pretax earnings, partially offset by a $97 million deferred income tax expense related to the reorganization of the holding company structure related to the Company’s equity investment in Wilmar International Limited.

As an agricultural commodity-based business, the Company is subject to a wide variety of market factors which affect the Company’s operating results.  This quarter, the Company experienced impacts resulting from the global economic slowdown, less volatile market prices for many agricultural commodities, continuing excess ethanol industry capacity, and a significant non-cash, after-tax charge related to currency derivative losses of its equity investee, Gruma S.A.B. de C.V.
 
 

 

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


Analysis of Statements of Earnings

Net sales and other operating income decreased 21% to $14.8 billion for the quarter.  Decreased average selling prices resulting principally from price moderation of underlying commodity costs and foreign exchange translation impacts of approximately $1.0 billion accounted for approximately 85% of the decline, and the remainder was attributable to decreased sales volumes.

Net sales and other operating income by segment for the quarter are as follows:
 
   
Three Months Ended
       
   
March 31,
       
   
2009
   
2008
   
Change
 
   
(In millions)
 
Oilseeds Processing
                 
Crushing & Origination
  $ 2,786     $ 3,385     $ (599 )
Refining, Packaging, Biodiesel & Other
    1,858       2,270       (412 )
Asia
    45       66       (21 )
Total Oilseeds Processing
    4,689       5,721       (1,032 )
                         
Corn Processing
                       
Sweeteners and Starches
    852       912       (60 )
Bioproducts
    873       896       (23 )
Total Corn Processing
    1,725       1,808       (83 )
                         
Agricultural Services
                       
Merchandising & Handling
    7,253       9,731       (2,478 )
Transportation
    49       46       3  
Total Agricultural Services
    7,302       9,777       (2,475 )
                         
Other
                       
Wheat, Cocoa, Malt, and Sugar
    1,100       1,375       (275 )
Financial
    26       27       (1 )
Total Other
    1,126       1,402       (276 )
Total
  $ 14,842     $ 18,708     $ (3,866 )
 
Oilseeds Processing sales decreased 18% to $4.7 billion due principally to lower average selling prices of vegetable oils, protein meal and biodiesel, and lower sales volumes of protein meal, partially offset by increased sales volumes of vegetable oils, merchandised oilseeds and biodiesel.  Corn Processing sales decreased 5% to $1.7 billion due to lower average selling prices for ethanol and lower sales volumes of sweeteners and starches, partially offset by higher sales volumes of ethanol and higher selling prices for sweeteners and starches.  Agricultural Services sales decreased 25% to $7.3 billion, due to lower average selling prices resulting primarily from price moderation in underlying commodity prices and lower sales volumes of grain.  Other sales decreased 20% to $1.1 billion due principally to lower average selling prices of wheat flour and lower sales volumes of cocoa products.
 
 

 

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


Cost of products sold decreased 19% to $14.2 billion primarily due to decreased agricultural commodity costs resulting primarily from price moderation in underlying commodity prices and foreign currency translation impacts of approximately $0.9 billion.  Manufacturing expenses decreased $90 million primarily due to lower energy, fuel and employee-related costs, the impact of foreign currency translation, and the transfer of certain of the Company’s packaged oil activities to a newly formed joint venture.

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 8% to $346 million due principally to reduced employee-related costs and the impact of foreign currency translation, partially offset by increased provisions for doubtful accounts.

Other (income) expense-net decreased $127 million due principally to decreased earnings of affiliates partially offset by decreased minority interest eliminations.

Operating profit by segment for the quarter is as follows:
 
   
Three Months Ended
       
   
March 31,
       
   
2009
   
2008
   
Change
 
   
(In millions)
 
Oilseeds Processing
                 
Crushing & Origination
  $ 100     $ 179     $ (79 )
Refining, Packaging, Biodiesel & Other
    52       39       13  
Asia
    72       19       53  
Total Oilseeds Processing
    224       237       (13 )
                         
Corn Processing
                       
Sweeteners and Starches
    146       102       44  
Bioproducts
    (97 )     70       (167 )
Total Corn Processing
    49       172       (123 )
                         
Agricultural Services
                       
Merchandising & Handling
    91       341       (250 )
Transportation
    30       25       5  
Total Agricultural Services
    121       366       (245 )
                         
Other
                       
Wheat, Cocoa, Malt, and Sugar
    (123 )     90       (213 )
Financial
    (17 )     48       (65 )
Total Other
    (140 )     138       (278 )
Total Segment Operating Profit
    254       913       (659 )
Corporate
    (102 )     (158 )     56  
Earnings Before Income Taxes
  $ 152     $ 755     $ (603 )


 
 

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


Oilseeds Processing operating profit decreased $13 million for the quarter.  Crushing and origination results decreased $79 million for the quarter due principally to weaker North American crushing margins and weaker fertilizer margins in South America, as the economic slowdown reduced product demand.  Refining, packaging, biodiesel and other results increased $13 million for the quarter primarily due to improved margins for edible soy proteins.  Asia results increased $53 million for the quarter due principally to improved earnings related to equity investments, principally Wilmar International Limited; and a gain of $18 million from the disposal of an equity investment.

Corn Processing operating profit decreased $123 million for the quarter.  Sweeteners and starches operating profit increased $44 million for the quarter primarily due to higher average selling prices partially offset by higher net corn costs and lower sales volumes.  Bioproducts operating profit decreased $167 million for the quarter due principally to a significant decline in ethanol margins resulting from higher net corn costs, lower average selling prices and inventory writedowns.

Agricultural Services operating profit decreased $245 million for the quarter as global supplies of agricultural commodities increased while demand slowed, resulting in a significant contraction in merchandising and handling market opportunities.   Transportation results increased for the quarter due principally to reduced operating costs partially offset by lower barge freight rates.

Other operating profit decreased $278 million for the quarter.  Wheat, cocoa, malt and sugar operating profit decreased $213 million for the quarter due principally to lower equity earnings from the Company’s investment in Gruma S.A.B. de C.V. related to foreign currency derivative losses (see note 11).  Financial operating profit decreased $65 million for the quarter due principally to losses on managed fund investments, increased captive insurance loss provisions and decreased interest income of the Company’s brokerage services business.

Corporate results increased $56 million for the quarter due principally to LIFO charges of $5 million for the quarter compared to LIFO charges of $64 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2008.  Investment (expense) income decreased $56 million for the quarter primarily related to increased interest expense and decreased interest income.

Income taxes decreased due principally to lower pretax earnings partially offset by a $97 million deferred income tax charge  related to the restructuring  of the holding company structure through which the Company holds a portion of its equity investment in Wilmar International Limited (see note 6).  Excluding the $97 million deferred income tax expense, the Company’s effective tax rate for the quarter is 30.9% as compared to 31.5% in the prior year’s quarter.  The decrease in the Company’s effective tax rate is primarily due to changes in the geographic mix of pretax earnings.

 
 

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


Nine Months Ended March 31, 2009 Compared to Nine Months Ended March 31. 2008

Net earnings increased $213 million for the nine months.  Segment operating profit decreased $420 million while corporate results increased $806 million due principally to lower charges related to LIFO inventory valuations.  Income taxes increased $173 million due principally to increased pretax earnings and to the $97 million deferred income tax charge related to the restructuring of the holding company structure through which the Company holds a portion of its equity investment in Wilmar International Limited.
 
As an agricultural commodity-based business, the Company is subject to a variety of market factors which affect the Company’s operating results.  Demand for vegetable oil, protein meal and biodiesel increased globally.  Compared to last year, market prices for corn increased, negatively impacting ethanol margins and were only partially passed on in the form of increased selling prices for sweeteners and starches.  Additionally, lower demand for gasoline, decreased gasoline prices and excess ethanol industry capacity negatively impacted ethanol margins.  Commodity and freight markets continued to experience increased volatility which created enhanced profit opportunities for the Company’s merchandising and handling operations.  Results were negatively impacted by significant non-cash, after-tax charges related to currency derivative losses from the Company’s equity investee, Gruma S.A.B. de C.V.
 
Analysis of Statements of Earnings

Net sales and other operating income increased 10% to $52.7 billion for the nine months, due principally to increased average selling prices resulting primarily from higher underlying commodity costs partially offset by decreased sales volumes.  Net sales and other operating income increased $7.1 billion due to higher average selling prices and decreased $1.7 billion due to lower sales volumes and decreased $0.8 billion due to foreign exchange translation impacts.

 


 
 

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


Net sales and other operating income by segment for the nine months are as follows:

   
Nine Months Ended
       
   
March 31,
       
   
2009
   
2008
    Change  
 
 
(In millions)
 
Oilseeds Processing
                 
Crushing & Origination
  $ 10,651     $ 9,474     $ 1,177  
Refining, Packaging, Biodiesel & Other
    6,966       5,956       1,010  
Asia
    140       157       (17 )
Total Oilseeds Processing
    17,757       15,587       2,170  
                         
Corn Processing
                       
Sweeteners and Starches
    2,835       2,537       298  
Bioproducts
    2,984       2,475       509  
Total Corn Processing
    5,819       5,012       807  
                         
Agricultural Services
                       
Merchandising & Handling
    24,811       23,391       1,420  
Transportation
    201       160       41  
Total Agricultural Services
    25,012       23,551       1,461  
                         
Other
                       
Wheat, Cocoa, Malt, and Sugar
    4,003       3,810       193  
Financial
    84       72       12  
Total Other
    4,087       3,882       205  
Total
  $ 52,675     $ 48,032     $ 4,643  
 
Oilseeds Processing sales increased 14% to $17.8 billion, due principally to higher average selling prices of vegetable oils, protein meal, biodiesel and merchandised oilseeds; and higher sales volumes of biodiesel and merchandised oilseeds, partially offset by lower sales volumes of vegetable oil and protein meal.  Corn Processing sales increased 16% to $5.8 billion due principally to higher sales volumes of ethanol, higher average selling prices of sweeteners and starches, and higher average selling prices of bioproducts.  Agricultural Services sales increased 6% to $25.0 billion due to higher average selling prices of grain, partially offset by lower sales volumes.  Other sales increased 5% to $4.1 billion due to higher average selling prices for cocoa products and wheat flour, partially offset by lower sales volumes.

Cost of products sold increased 9% to $49 billion principally due to increased agricultural commodity costs partially offset by decreased sales volumes, decreased LIFO inventory valuations and approximately $0.8 billion due to the impact of foreign currency translation.  Manufacturing expenses increased $145 million primarily due to increased chemical, energy and fuel costs.
 
 
 

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


Selling, general, and administrative expenses was unchanged at $1.1 billion as decreases in employee-related costs were offset by increases in provisions for doubtful accounts, and to a lesser extent, the impact of foreign currency translation.

Other (income) expense-net decreased $286 million due principally to decreased earnings of affiliates and reduced investment income.

Operating profit by segment for the nine months is as follows:
 
   
Nine Months Ended
       
   
March 31,
       
   
2009
   
2008
    Change  
   
(In millions)
 
Oilseeds Processing
                 
Crushing & Origination
  $ 626     $ 451     $ 175  
Refining, Packaging, Biodiesel & Other
    244       148       96  
Asia
    183       67       116  
Total Oilseeds Processing
    1,053       666       387  
                         
Corn Processing
                       
Sweeteners and Starches
    351       418       (67 )
Bioproducts
    (155 )     281       (436 )
Total Corn Processing
    196       699       (503 )
                         
Agricultural Services
                       
Merchandising & Handling
    861       784       77  
Transportation
    150       126       24  
Total Agricultural Services
    1,011       910       101  
                         
Other
                       
Wheat, Cocoa, Malt, and Sugar
    31       205       (174 )
Financial
    (46 )     185       (231 )
Total Other
    (15 )     390       (405 )
Total Segment Operating Profit
    2,245       2,665       (420 )
Corporate
    227       (579 )     806  
Earnings Before Income Taxes
  $ 2,472     $ 2,086     $ 386  
 
Oilseeds Processing operating profit increased $387 million for the nine months.  Crushing and origination results increased $175 million for the nine months due principally to improved global crushing and origination margins partially offset by lower fertilizer sales volumes and margins.  Refining, packaging, biodiesel and other results for the nine months improved due to increased biodiesel earnings in South America and the absence of asset abandonment charges of $18 million included in the nine months ended March 31, 2008.  Asia results increased $116 million for the nine months due principally to improved earnings related to equity investments, principally Wilmar International Limited, and a gain of $18 million from the disposal of an equity investment.

Corn Processing operating profit decreased $503 million for the nine months.  Sweeteners and starches operating profit decreased $67 million for the nine months due principally to higher net corn costs partially offset by higher average selling prices.  Bioproducts operating profit decreased $436 million for the nine months due principally to a significant decline in ethanol margins resulting from higher net corn costs, lower average selling prices and inventory writedowns.

 
 

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


Agricultural Services operating profit increased $101 million for the nine months.  Merchandising and handling operating profit increased $77 million due principally to improved margins resulting from opportunities created by volatile commodity and freight market