Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON) today announced fiscal year 2015 results reflecting year-over-year ongoing earnings per share growth of 10 percent or approximately 17 percent on an ongoing currency neutral basis, despite the downturn in the agriculture cycle. Year-over-year EPS declined eight percent on an as-reported basis. The performance of its global seeds and traits business, licensing agreements, and strong cost discipline were the biggest drivers of performance for the year. Company leadership noted the underlying strength of the company’s global business and technology portfolio positions it well for sustainable growth over the long-term horizon as the company executes on its plan to more than double 2014 ongoing EPS by 2019.
| Fiscal Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions, except per share amounts) | As | Adjustments | Ongoing | As | Adjustments | Ongoing | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Sales by Segment | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corn seed and traits | $ | 5,953 | — | $ | 5,953 | $ | 6,401 | — | $ | 6,401 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Soybean seed and traits | 2,276 | — | 2,276 | 2,102 | — | 2,102 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cotton seed and traits | 523 | — | 523 | 665 | — | 665 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vegetable seeds | 816 | — | 816 | 867 | — | 867 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| All other crops seeds and traits | 675 | — | 675 | 705 | — | 705 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TOTAL Seeds and Genomics | $ | 10,243 | — | $ | 10,243 | $ | 10,740 | — | $ | 10,740 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Agricultural productivity | $ | 4,758 | — | $ | 4,758 | $ | 5,115 | — | $ | 5,115 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| TOTAL Agricultural Productivity | $ | 4,758 | — | $ | 4,758 | $ | 5,115 | — | $ | 5,115 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| TOTAL Net Sales | $ | 15,001 | — | $ | 15,001 | $ | 15,855 | — | $ | 15,855 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross Profit | $ | 8,182 | $ | 100 | $ | 8,282 | $ | 8,574 | — | $ | 8,574 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Expenses | $ | 4,659 | $ | (560 | ) | $ | 4,099 | $ | 4,499 | $ | (32 | ) | $ | 4,467 | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest Expense – Net | $ | 328 | — | $ | 328 | $ | 146 | — | $ | 146 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Expense – Net | $ | 34 | — | $ | 34 | $ | 102 | — | $ | 102 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Income Attributable to Monsanto Company | $ | 2,314 | $ | 444 | $ | 2,758 | $ | 2,740 | $ | 7 | $ | 2,747 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted Earnings per Share (See note 1.) | $ | 4.81 | $ | 5.22 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Items Affecting Comparability – EPS Impact | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restructuring Charges | — | 0.70 | 0.70 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income on Discontinued Operations | — | (0.06 | ) | (0.06 | ) | — | (0.03 | ) | (0.03 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Environmental and Litigation Settlements | — | 0.11 | 0.11 | — | 0.04 | 0.04 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Potential SEC Settlement | — | 0.17 | 0.17 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Diluted Earnings per Share (For the definition of ongoing EPS, see note 1.) | $ | 4.81 | $ | 0.92 | $ | 5.73 | $ | 5.22 | $ | 0.01 | $ | 5.23 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Effective Tax Rate | 27 | % | 28 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fourth Quarter | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions, except per share amounts) | As | Adjustments | Ongoing | As | Adjustments | Ongoing | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Sales by Segment | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corn seed and traits | $ | 598 | — | $ | 598 | $ | 630 | — | $ | 630 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Soybean seed and traits | 162 | — | 162 | 199 | — | 199 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cotton seed and traits | 39 | — | 39 | 78 | — | 78 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vegetable seeds | 257 | — | 257 | 270 | — | 270 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| All other crops seeds and traits | 195 | — | 195 | 199 | — | 199 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TOTAL Seeds and Genomics | $ | 1,251 | — | $ | 1,251 | $ | 1,376 | — | $ | 1,376 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Agricultural productivity | $ | 1,104 | — | $ | 1,104 | $ | 1,254 | — | $ | 1,254 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| TOTAL Agricultural Productivity | $ | 1,104 | — | $ | 1,104 | $ | 1,254 | — | $ | 1,254 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| TOTAL Net Sales | $ | 2,355 | — | $ | 2,355 | $ | 2,630 | — | $ | 2,630 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross Profit | $ | 996 | $ | 100 | $ | 1,096 | $ | 1,233 | — | $ | 1,233 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Expenses | $ | 1,556 | $ | (486 | ) | $ | 1,070 | $ | 1,390 | $ | (32 | ) | $ | 1,358 | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest Expense – Net | $ | 109 | — | $ | 109 | $ | 75 | — | $ | 75 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Expense – Net | $ | 15 | — | $ | 15 | $ | 18 | — | $ | 18 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net (Loss) Income Attributable to Monsanto Company | $ | (495 | ) | $ | 407 | $ | (88 | ) | $ | (156 | ) | $ | 20 | $ | (136 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Diluted (Loss) per Share (See note 1.) | $ | (1.06 | ) | $ | (0.31 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Items Affecting Comparability – EPS Impact | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restructuring Charges | — | 0.72 | 0.72 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income on Discontinued Operations | — | (0.01 | ) | (0.01 | ) | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Environmental and Litigation Settlements | — | 0.06 | 0.06 | — | 0.04 | 0.04 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Potential SEC Settlement | — | 0.10 | 0.10 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Diluted (Loss) Earnings per Share (For the definition of ongoing EPS, see note 1.) | $ | (1.06 | ) | $ | 0.87 | $ | (0.19 | ) | $ | (0.31 | ) | $ | 0.04 | $ | (0.27 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Effective Tax Rate | 27 | % | 35 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fourth Quarter | Fiscal Year | |||||||||||||||||||
| Comparison as a Percent of Net Sales: | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 42% | 47% | 55% | 54% | ||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | 31% | 34% | 18% | 17% | ||||||||||||||||
| Research and development expenses | 18% | 18% | 11% | 11% | ||||||||||||||||
| (Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes | (29)% | (10)% | 21% | 24% | ||||||||||||||||
| Net (loss) income attributable to Monsanto Company | (21)% | (6)% | 15% | 17% | ||||||||||||||||
Comment from Hugh Grant, chairman and chief executive officer for Monsanto:
"The fundamentals of our business are strong and Monsanto remains the best positioned company in the industry. As we look to 2016, focus and discipline become increasingly important. We will continue to focus on executing on key milestones within our core seeds and traits business, and we plan to remain disciplined in our agricultural productivity strategy, drive further optimization in spend through strategic restructuring actions and accelerate our progress toward our targeted capital structure. A focus on these priorities will set the foundation for expected rapid growth, with our strong core business and several growth drivers continuing to underpin our confidence to meet our target of more than doubling fiscal year 2014 ongoing EPS by fiscal year 2019."
Results of Operations
Monsanto reported net sales of $2.4 billion for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2015. Net sales for the full fiscal year were $15 billion. Full-year net sales results were driven by the performance of the company’s Seeds and Genomics segment and licensing agreements, which were more than offset by foreign currency headwinds, declining corn acres and declines in glyphosate pricing.
Seeds and Genomics segment net sales were $1.3 billion for the quarter. For the fiscal year, net sales for the Seeds and Genomics segment reached $10.2 billion. Agricultural Productivity segment net sales were $1.1 billion for the quarter. Net sales for the Agricultural Productivity segment for the fiscal year reached $4.8 billion.
Monsanto reported a net loss of $495 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2015, compared with a reported net loss of $156 million in the same period last year. Net income attributable to Monsanto for fiscal year 2015 was approximately $2.3 billion compared to net income attributable to Monsanto of $2.7 billion in fiscal year 2014.
For the full fiscal year, ongoing operating expenses were down eight percent, inclusive of inflationary increases and new platform spend. As-reported operating expenses were up four percent for the fiscal year.
The company's fiscal year 2015 earnings per share (EPS) was $5.73 on an ongoing basis, reflecting year-over-year ongoing earnings per share growth of 10 percent or approximately 17 percent on an ongoing currency neutral basis. Fiscal year 2015 EPS on an as-reported basis was $4.81, a year-over-year eight percent decline, reflecting $0.70 for charges related to the first phase of announced restructuring actions, $0.17 relating to a potential settlement of the previously disclosed SEC investigation pending since 2011, as well as $0.11 for costs related to its Pharmacia indemnification obligations, including litigation settlements and environmental remediation at a legacy mine location. Monsanto also received a $0.06 benefit from discontinued operations.
For the fourth quarter, the company reported earnings per share loss of $0.19 on an ongoing basis and a loss per share of $1.06 on an as-reported basis. (For a reconciliation of ongoing EPS, see page 1 and note 1.)
Cash Flow
For fiscal year 2015, net cash provided by operating activities was a source of $3.1 billion, compared with a source of $3.1 billion in fiscal year 2014. Net cash required by investing activities was $1 billion in fiscal year 2015, compared with net cash required of $2.1 billion in fiscal year 2014. Net cash required by financing activities was $430 million in fiscal year 2015, compared with net cash required of $2.3 billion in fiscal year 2014. Free cash flow was a source of $2.1 billion in fiscal year 2015, compared with a source of $959 million in fiscal year 2014. The fiscal year 2015 cash flow results primarily reflected the absence of The Climate Corporation acquisition and the BioAg Alliance with Novozymes. (For a reconciliation of free cash flow, see note 1.)
In fiscal year 2015, the company used its free cash flow position to return cash to shareowners through buybacks and dividends, including the completion of the company’s $6 billion accelerated share repurchase program.
Outlook
With the anticipated continuation of several global and industry headwinds, Monsanto expects to achieve ongoing EPS of $5.10 to $5.60 in fiscal year 2016. Ongoing EPS guidance reflects in part an estimated $0.35 to $0.40 of headwinds from currency, $0.50 to $0.85 of headwinds from Agricultural Productivity pricing declines and $0.20 to $0.30 from elevated cost of goods for corn and the anticipated launch costs of Roundup Ready® Xtend soybeans. EPS on an as-reported basis is expected to be $4.44 to $5.01 in fiscal year 2016, reflecting additional charges related to the first phase of announced restructuring actions. (For a reconciliation of ongoing EPS, see page 1 and note 1.)
The company projects free cash flow in the range of $1.6 billion to $1.8 billion for fiscal year 2016. The company expects net cash provided by operating activities to be $2.7 billion to $3.1 billion, and net cash required by investing activities to be approximately $1.1 billion to $1.3 billion. (For a reconciliation of free cash flow, see note 1.)
In fiscal year 2016, Monsanto remains focused on strategic execution and operational discipline as it delivers on several key priority areas to set the foundation for strong and sustainable earnings growth over the long-term:
- Growth from Core Seeds and Genomics Segment: The company expects mid-to-high single digit growth in gross profit, before estimated restructuring charges, from its core Seeds and Genomics segment in fiscal year 2016. This will be led by new global corn hybrid portfolio introductions, continued significant Intacta RR2 PRO™ adoption and additional licensing opportunities.
- Strategic Management of Agriculture Productivity Segment: The company expects the Agricultural Productivity segment to deliver $900 million to $1.1 billion of gross profit as the company plans to stay consistent with its strategy to maintain a slight premium over the generics.
- Strong Cash Generation and Balance Sheet: Monsanto also reiterated its commitment to its capital allocation strategy. Monsanto plans to enter into a new $3 billion accelerated share repurchase program under its current share repurchase authorization, as it progresses toward its targeted capital structure. The company plans to begin the new accelerated share repurchase program in the near-term and complete it sometime in the next six months.
- Business Transformation and Strategic Spend Discipline: Monsanto
also announced plans for global restructuring actions to enhance
competitiveness by delivering cost improvement and to support
long-term growth. The changes are designed to transform and innovate
the way the company operates resulting in a more agile and focused
organization prepared to continue to lead the agriculture industry.
Actions, in part, include streamlining and reprioritizing some
commercial, enabling and R&D efforts, including the exit of the
sugarcane business.
The initial phase is expected to lead to annual savings of $275 to $300 million by the end of fiscal year 2017, at a total cost of approximately $850 to $900 million. The plans also include an expected separation of approximately 2,600 employees over the next 18-24 months. The company is developing further plans to reduce its operating spending by an additional $100 million, which would bring the total annual expected savings to potentially $400 million.
Continued progress toward these key milestones in fiscal year 2016 and a clear focus on operational discipline will set the foundation for expected rapid future growth. With this in mind, the company reiterated its confidence in delivering its five-year plan to more than double fiscal year 2014 ongoing earnings per share by 2019. This includes an expected return to more than 20 percent ongoing EPS growth starting in fiscal year 2017 as the current macro environment stabilizes. The primary drivers of growth in fiscal year 2017 and beyond are expected to include the return to mid-single digit corn germplasm mix lift globally, Intacta RR2 PRO™ soybeans penetration on the majority of the 100 million acres targeted and the Roundup Ready® Xtend Crop System well down the penetration path in cotton and soybeans across the Americas. The expected absence of several headwinds from fiscal year 2016, including currency headwinds, elevated cost of goods for corn and the Roundup Ready® Xtend soybean launch costs are expected to further enhance the growth, while generic glyphosate prices are expected to make a small, but steady recovery over time.
Seeds and Genomics Segment Detail
| ($ in millions) | Net Sales | Gross Profit (A) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fourth Quarter | Fiscal Year | Fourth Quarter | Fiscal Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Seeds and Genomics | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corn Seed and Traits | $ | 598 | $ | 630 | $ | 5,953 | $ | 6,401 | $ | 208 | $ | 278 | $ | 3,557 | $ | 3,932 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Soybean Seed and Traits | 162 | 199 | 2,276 | 2,102 | 97 | 159 | 1,510 | 1,364 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cotton Seed and Traits | 39 | 78 | 523 | 665 | 38 | 37 | 408 | 461 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vegetable Seeds | 257 | 270 | 816 | 867 | 127 | 130 | 372 | 401 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| All Other Crops Seeds and Traits | 195 | 199 | 675 | 705 | 134 | 139 | 430 | 438 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TOTAL Seeds and Genomics | $ | 1,251 | $ | 1,376 | $ | 10,243 | $ | 10,740 | $ | 604 | $ | 743 | $ | 6,277 | $ | 6,596 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(A) Fiscal fourth quarter 2015 seeds and genomics gross profit includes a pretax restructuring charge totaling $100 million related to certain asset impairment charges, primarily in the corn ($65M) and vegetable ($28M) businesses, which is included in cost of goods sold. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | Earnings Before Interest & Taxes (EBIT) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Fourth Quarter | Fiscal Year | ||||||||||||||||||
| Seeds and Genomics | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||||||
| EBIT (For a reconciliation of EBIT, see note 1.) | $ | (773 | ) | $ | (450 | ) | $ | 2,206 | $ | 2,607 | |||||||||
| Unusual Items Affecting EBIT: | |||||||||||||||||||
| EBIT from Restructuring Charges | (481 | ) | — | (481 | ) | — | |||||||||||||
| EBIT from Potential SEC Settlement | (38 | ) | — | (68 | ) | — | |||||||||||||
The Seeds and Genomics segment consists of the global seeds and related traits business, biotechnology platforms and precision agriculture.
Seeds and Genomics segment sales in the fourth quarter were approximately $1.3 billion. For the fiscal year, Monsanto realized Seeds and Genomics segment sales of $10.2 billion. This was led by another significant year for its global soybean portfolio, including the record-setting adoption of Intacta RR2 PRO™ on 15 million acres in South America. Within corn, farmers continued to choose the newest classes of genetics, which resulted in a positive global germplasm mix lift in local currency for fiscal year 2015. The company also confirmed it held or grew share in every major corn market in 2015. Within cotton, despite the pullback in cotton acres, the company sold out of Bollgard II® XtendFlex™ cotton in the United States as part of its limited commercial introduction on more than 750,000 acres.
The company’s investment in its Climate and biologicals platforms also increased this fiscal year. The company enrolled more than 75 million acres in its Climate platform, with more than five million acres on its premium acre offering, two and a half times initial targets. Climate has established itself as the industry’s digital agriculture platform in 2015 with leading data science capabilities and industry partners across retail, distribution and equipment leaders.
As Monsanto expands its portfolio of integrated solutions for farmers, the Seeds and Genomics segment remains a differentiator and integral part of Monsanto's long-term growth targets.
Within soybeans, the company plans to build on the momentum of Intacta RR2 PRO™ in South America, with a target to reach 30 million acres in fiscal year 2016. Intacta RR2 PRO™ has laid the foundation for the continued acceleration of the company’s broader soybean opportunity. This includes the Roundup Ready® Xtend Crop System, with U.S. teams gearing up for the anticipated largest technology launch on more than three million acres in fiscal year 2016.
The soybean opportunity will be complemented in fiscal year 2016 by the company’s global corn business. This includes new hybrid portfolio introductions across key corn growing regions, an anticipated low single digit germplasm price mix lift in local currency and the anticipated repeat in holding or growing share in every major corn market in 2016.
Within the digital agriculture space, Monsanto expects the Climate platform to expand to more than 90 million acres in 2016 with more than 12 million of the acres using its premium offerings.
Agricultural Productivity Segment Detail
($ in millions) | Net Sales | Gross Profit | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fourth Quarter | Fiscal Year | Fourth Quarter | Fiscal Year | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Agricultural Productivity | $ | 1,104 | $ | 1,254 | $ | 4,758 | $ | 5,115 | $ | 392 | $ | 490 | $ | 1,905 | $ | 1,978 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TOTAL Agricultural Productivity | $ | 1,104 | $ | 1,254 | $ | 4,758 | $ | 5,115 | $ | 392 | $ | 490 | $ | 1,905 | $ | 1,978 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
($ in millions) | Earnings Before Interest & Taxes (EBIT) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Fourth Quarter | Fiscal Year | |||||||||||||||||||
| Agricultural Productivity | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||||||||
| EBIT (For a reconciliation of EBIT, see note 1.) | $ | 196 | $ | 274 | $ | 1,294 | $ | 1,345 | ||||||||||||
| Unusual Items Affecting EBIT: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| EBIT from Discontinued Operations | 8 | — | 45 | 22 | ||||||||||||||||
| EBIT from Restructuring Charges | (12 | ) | — | (12 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||
| EBIT from Environmental and Litigation Settlements | (48 | ) | (32 | ) | (87 | ) | (32 | ) | ||||||||||||
| EBIT from Potential SEC Settlement | (7 | ) | — | (12 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||
The Agricultural Productivity segment consists of the crop protection products and lawn-and-garden herbicide products.
Segment sales for the quarter reached $1.1 billion. For the fiscal year, the segment delivered net sales of $4.8 billion.
With $274 million in a one-time licensing benefit in fiscal year 2015 and the continuing low generic glyphosate pricing levels, Monsanto expects the Agricultural Productivity segment gross profit to be in the range of $900 million to $1.1 billion in fiscal year 2016. The company plans to stay consistent with its strategy as it continues to adjust pricing to maintain a slight premium over the generics. Beyond fiscal year 2016, the continued strategic management of the Agricultural Productivity segment is expected to support the Seeds and Genomics segment and new growth opportunities.
Webcast Information
In conjunction with this announcement, Monsanto will hold a conference call at 8:30 a.m. central time (9:30 a.m. eastern time) today. The call will focus on these results, future expectations and strategic initiatives, and may include a discussion of product performance and other matters related to the company’s business.
Presentation slides and a simultaneous audio webcast of the conference call may be accessed by visiting the company's website at www.monsanto.com/investors or http://edge.media-server.com/m/p/xh6ee5wm/lan/en. Visitors may need to download Windows Media Player™ prior to listening to the webcast. Following the live broadcast, a replay of the webcast will be available on the Monsanto website for three weeks. Monsanto publishes details on upcoming webcasts on this website in both the Presentation and Financial Reports section and the Calendar of Events section. Investors should look to this site as the source of information on future investor conference webcasts. The site includes a calendar of upcoming investor events, details on accessing scheduled webcasts and information from previous investor events.
About Monsanto Company
Monsanto is committed to bringing a broad range of solutions to help nourish our growing world. We produce seeds for fruits, vegetables and key crops – such as corn, soybeans and cotton – that help farmers have better harvests while using water and other important resources more efficiently. We work to find sustainable solutions for soil health, help farmers use data to improve farming practices and conserve natural resources, and provide crop protection products to minimize damage from pests and disease. Through programs and partnerships, we collaborate with farmers, researchers, nonprofit organizations, universities and others to help tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges. To learn more about Monsanto, our commitments and our more than 20,000 dedicated employees, please visit discover.monsanto.com and monsanto.com. Follow our business on Twitter® at twitter.com/MonsantoCo, on the company blog, Beyond the Rows® at monsantoblog.com or subscribe to our News Release RSS Feed.
Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information:
Certain statements contained in this release are “forward-looking statements,” such as statements concerning the company’s anticipated financial results, current and future product performance, regulatory approvals, business and financial plans and other non-historical facts. These statements are based on current expectations and currently available information. However, since these statements are based on factors that involve risks and uncertainties, the 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 and the previously-announced SEC investigation; 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 recent increases in and expected higher levels of indebtedness; 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 detailed in the company’s most recent periodic report to the SEC. Undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements, which are current only as of the date of this release. The company disclaims any current intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements or any of the factors that may affect actual results.
Notes to editors: Monsanto and the Vine Design, Roundup Ready 2 Xtend, Intacta RR2 PRO, Bollgard II XtendFlex and Beyond the Rows are trademarks of Monsanto Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Monsanto Company Selected Financial Information (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts) Unaudited | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Statements of Consolidated Operations | Three Months Ended Aug. 31, | Twelve Months Ended Aug. 31, | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||||||||
| Net Sales | $ | 2,355 | $ | 2,630 | $ | 15,001 | $ | 15,855 | ||||||||||||
| Cost of Goods Sold | 1,359 | 1,397 | 6,819 | 7,281 | ||||||||||||||||
| Gross Profit | 996 | 1,233 | 8,182 | 8,574 | ||||||||||||||||
| Operating Expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | 741 | 905 | 2,686 | 2,774 | ||||||||||||||||
| Research and development expenses | 422 | 485 | 1,580 | 1,725 | ||||||||||||||||
| Restructuring charges | 393 | — | 393 | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Total Operating Expenses | 1,556 | 1,390 | 4,659 | 4,499 | ||||||||||||||||
| (Loss) Income From Operations | (560 | ) | (157 | ) | 3,523 | 4,075 | ||||||||||||||
| Interest Expense | 130 | 113 | 433 | 248 | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest Income | (21 | ) | (38 | ) | (105 | ) | (102 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Other Expense, Net | 15 | 18 | 34 | 102 | ||||||||||||||||
| (Loss) Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes | (684 | ) | (250 | ) | 3,161 | 3,827 | ||||||||||||||
| Income Tax (Benefit) Provision | (187 | ) | (87 | ) | 864 | 1,078 | ||||||||||||||
| (Loss) Income from Continuing Operations Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest | $ | (497 | ) | $ | (163 | ) | $ | 2,297 | $ | 2,749 | ||||||||||
| Discontinued Operations: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Income from Operations of Discontinued Businesses | 8 | — | 45 | 22 | ||||||||||||||||
| Income Tax Provision | 3 | — | 17 | 9 | ||||||||||||||||
| Income on Discontinued Operations | 5 | — | 28 | 13 | ||||||||||||||||
| Net (Loss) Income | $ | (492 | ) | $ | (163 | ) | $ | 2,325 | $ | 2,762 | ||||||||||
| Less: Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest | 3 | (7 | ) | 11 | 22 | |||||||||||||||
| Net (Loss) Income Attributable to Monsanto Company | $ | (495 | ) | $ | (156 | ) | $ | 2,314 | $ | 2,740 | ||||||||||
| EBIT (see note 1) | $ | (577 | ) | $ | (176 | ) | $ | 3,500 | $ | 3,952 | ||||||||||
| Basic (Loss) Earnings per Share Attributable to Monsanto Company: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (Loss) Income from Continuing Operations | $ | (1.07 | ) | $ | (0.31 | ) | $ | 4.79 | $ | 5.25 | ||||||||||
| Income on Discontinued Operations | 0.01 | — | 0.06 | 0.03 | ||||||||||||||||
| Net (Loss) Income Attributable to Monsanto Company | $ | (1.06 | ) | $ | (0.31 | ) | $ | 4.85 | $ | 5.28 | ||||||||||
| Diluted (Loss) Earnings per Share Attributable to Monsanto Company: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (Loss) Income from Continuing Operations | $ | (1.07 | ) | $ | (0.31 | ) | $ | 4.75 | $ | 5.19 | ||||||||||
| Income on Discontinued Operations | 0.01 | — | 0.06 | 0.03 | ||||||||||||||||
| Net (Loss) Income Attributable to Monsanto Company | $ | (1.06 | ) | $ | (0.31 | ) | $ | 4.81 | $ | 5.22 | ||||||||||
| Weighted Average Shares Outstanding: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | 468.1 | 505.2 | 476.9 | 519.3 | ||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | 468.1 | 505.2 | 481.4 | 524.9 | ||||||||||||||||
Monsanto Company Selected Financial Information (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts) Unaudited | ||||||||||
| Condensed Statements of Consolidated Financial Position | As of Aug. 31, | |||||||||
| 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||||
| Current Assets: | ||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents (variable interest entities restricted - 2015: $112 and 2014: $118) | $ | 3,701 | $ | 2,367 | ||||||
| Short-term investments | 47 | 40 | ||||||||
| Trade receivables, net (variable interest entities restricted - 2015: $0 and 2014: $39) | 1,636 | 2,014 | ||||||||
| Miscellaneous receivables | 803 | 817 | ||||||||
| Deferred tax assets | 743 | 635 | ||||||||
| Inventory, net | 3,496 | 3,597 | ||||||||
| Other current assets | 199 | 205 | ||||||||
| Total Current Assets | 10,625 | 9,675 | ||||||||
| Property, Plant and Equipment, Net (variable interest entity restricted - 2015: $2 and 2014: $2) | 4,973 | 5,082 | ||||||||
| Goodwill | 4,061 | 4,319 | ||||||||
| Other Intangible Assets, Net | 1,332 | 1,554 | ||||||||
| Noncurrent Deferred Tax Assets | 277 | 450 | ||||||||
| Long-Term Receivables, Net | 42 | 92 | ||||||||
| Other Assets | 610 | 746 | ||||||||
| Total Assets | $ | 21,920 | $ | 21,918 | ||||||
| Liabilities and Shareowners’ Equity | ||||||||||
| Current Liabilities: | ||||||||||
| Short-term debt, including current portion of long-term debt (variable interest entity restricted - 2015: $0 and 2014: $136) | 615 | 233 | ||||||||
| Accounts payable (variable interest entity restricted - 2015: $6 and 2014: $25) | 836 | 1,111 | ||||||||
| Income taxes payable | 234 | 99 | ||||||||
| Accrued compensation and benefits (variable interest entity restricted - 2015: $2 and 2014: $1) | 304 | 500 | ||||||||
| Accrued marketing programs | 1,492 | 1,394 | ||||||||
| Deferred revenues | 370 | 438 | ||||||||
| Grower production accruals | 39 | 54 | ||||||||
| Dividends payable | 254 | 239 | ||||||||
| Customer payable | 72 | 82 | ||||||||
| Restructuring reserves | 170 | — | ||||||||
| Miscellaneous short-term accruals (variable interest entity restricted - 2015: $7 and 2014: $0) | 791 | 962 | ||||||||
| Total Current Liabilities | 5,177 | 5,112 | ||||||||
| Long-Term Debt (variable interest entity restricted - 2015: $96 and 2014: $0) | 8,429 | 7,465 | ||||||||
| Postretirement Liabilities | 336 | 345 | ||||||||
| Long-Term Deferred Revenue | 47 | 47 | ||||||||
| Noncurrent Deferred Tax Liabilities | 340 | 509 | ||||||||
| Long-Term Portion of Environmental and Litigation Reserves | 194 | 184 | ||||||||
| Long-Term Restructuring Reserve | 47 | — | ||||||||
| Other Liabilities | 345 | 342 | ||||||||
| Monsanto Shareowners’ Equity | 6,990 | 7,875 | ||||||||
| Noncontrolling Interest | 15 | 39 | ||||||||
| Total Shareowners’ Equity | 7,005 | 7,914 | ||||||||
| Total Liabilities and Shareowners’ Equity | $ | 21,920 | $ | 21,918 | ||||||
| Debt to Capital Ratio: | 56 | % | 49 | % | ||||||
Monsanto Company Selected Financial Information (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts) Unaudited | ||||||||||
| Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows | Twelve Months Ended Aug. 31, | |||||||||
| 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||
| Operating Activities: | ||||||||||
| Net Income | $ | 2,325 | $ | 2,762 | ||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||||
| Items that did not require (provide) cash: | ||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 716 | 691 | ||||||||
| Bad-debt expense | 45 | 41 | ||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 111 | 120 | ||||||||
| Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation | (44 | ) | (72 | ) | ||||||
| Deferred income taxes | (349 | ) | 12 | |||||||
| Restructuring impairments | 276 | — | ||||||||
| Equity affiliate loss, net | 7 | 4 | ||||||||
| Net gain on sales of a business or other assets | (2 | ) | (11 | ) | ||||||
| Other items, net | 118 | 139 | ||||||||
| Changes in assets and liabilities that provided (required) cash, net of acquisitions: | ||||||||||
| Trade receivables | 68 | (172 | ) | |||||||
| Inventory, net | (425 | ) | (650 | ) | ||||||
| Deferred revenues | 32 | (163 | ) | |||||||
| Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities | 235 | 709 | ||||||||
| Restructuring reserves | 217 | — | ||||||||
| Pension contributions | (27 | ) | (64 | ) | ||||||
| Other items, net | (195 | ) | (292 | ) | ||||||
| Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities | 3,108 | 3,054 | ||||||||
| Cash Flows Provided (Required) by Investing Activities: | ||||||||||
| Purchases of short-term investments | (63 | ) | (145 | ) | ||||||
| Maturities of short-term investments | 56 | 359 | ||||||||
| Capital expenditures | (967 | ) | (1,005 | ) | ||||||
| Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired | (8 | ) | (922 | ) | ||||||
| Purchases of long-term debt and equity securities | (30 | ) | (12 | ) | ||||||
| Technology and other investments | (48 | ) | (403 | ) | ||||||
| Other investments and property disposal proceeds | 41 | 33 | ||||||||
| Net Cash Required by Investing Activities | (1,019 | ) | (2,095 | ) | ||||||
| Cash Flows Provided (Required) by Financing Activities: | ||||||||||
| Net change in financing with less than 90-day maturities | 45 | 38 | ||||||||
| Short-term debt proceeds | 57 | 50 | ||||||||
| Short-term debt reductions | (36 | ) | (24 | ) | ||||||
| Long-term debt proceeds | 1,279 | 5,479 | ||||||||
| Long-term debt reductions | (107 | ) | (7 | ) | ||||||
| Payments on other financing | — | (39 | ) | |||||||
| Debt issuance costs | (12 | ) | (53 | ) | ||||||
| Treasury stock purchases | (835 | ) | (7,082 | ) | ||||||
| Stock option exercises | 137 | 248 | ||||||||
| Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation | 44 | 72 | ||||||||
| Tax withholding on restricted stock and restricted stock units | (36 | ) | (9 | ) | ||||||
| Dividend payments | (938 | ) | (904 | ) | ||||||
| Payments to noncontrolling interests | (28 | ) | (28 | ) | ||||||
| Net Cash Required by Financing Activities | (430 | ) | (2,259 | ) | ||||||
| Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents | (325 | ) | (1 | ) | ||||||
| Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents | 1,334 | (1,301 | ) | |||||||
| Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period | 2,367 | 3,668 | ||||||||
| Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period | $ | 3,701 | $ | 2,367 | ||||||
Monsanto Company | |
1. | The presentations of EBIT, ongoing EPS, ongoing gross profit, ongoing operating expenses, ongoing net (loss) income attributable to Monsanto Company, ongoing EPS growth, ongoing EPS growth on a currency neutral basis, and free cash flow are not intended to replace gross profit, operating expenses, net (loss) income attributable to Monsanto Company, as-reported EPS, cash flows, financial position or comprehensive income (loss), and they are not measures of financial performance as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States. The presentation of non-GAAP financial measures is intended to supplement investor's understanding of our operating performance. Furthermore, these non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies. The following tables reconcile the non-GAAP financial metrics to the respective most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP. |
Reconciliation of EBIT to Net Income (Loss): EBIT is defined as earnings (loss) before interest and taxes. Earnings (loss) is intended to mean net income (loss) attributable to Monsanto Company as presented in the Statements of Consolidated Operations under GAAP. The following table reconciles EBIT to the most directly comparable financial measure, which is net income (loss) attributable to Monsanto Company. | |
| (in millions) | Three Months Ended Aug. 31, | Twelve Months Ended Aug. 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||||||||
| EBIT – Seeds and Genomics Segment | $ | (773 | ) | $ | (450 | ) | $ | 2,206 | $ | 2,607 | |||||||||
| EBIT – Agricultural Productivity Segment | 196 | 274 | 1,294 | 1,345 | |||||||||||||||
| EBIT– Total | (577 | ) | (176 | ) | 3,500 | 3,952 | |||||||||||||
| Interest Expense, Net | 109 | 75 | 328 | 146 | |||||||||||||||
| Income Tax Provision (Benefit)(A) | (191 | ) | (95 | ) | 858 | 1,066 | |||||||||||||
| Net (Loss) Income Attributable to Monsanto Company | $ | (495 | ) | $ | (156 | ) | $ | 2,314 | $ | 2,740 | |||||||||
(A) Includes the income tax provision from continuing operations, the income tax benefit (provision) on noncontrolling interest, and the income tax on discontinued operations. | |||||||||||||||||||
Reconciliation of EPS to Ongoing EPS: Ongoing EPS is calculated excluding certain after-tax items which Monsanto does not consider part of ongoing operations. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Fiscal Year | Three Months Ended Aug. 31, | Twelve Months Ended Aug. 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Guidance | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share | $4.44-$5.01 | $ | (1.06 | ) | $ | (0.31 | ) | $ | 4.81 | $ | 5.22 | ||||||||||||
| Restructuring Charges | 0.59-0.66 | 0.72 | — | 0.70 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
| Income on Discontinued Operations | — | (0.01 | ) | — | (0.06 | ) | (0.03 | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Environmental and Litigation Settlements | — | 0.06 | 0.04 | 0.11 | 0.04 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Potential SEC Settlement | — | 0.10 | — | 0.17 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share from Ongoing Business | $5.10-$5.60 | $ | (0.19 | ) | $ | (0.27 | ) | $ | 5.73 | $ | 5.23 | ||||||||||||
Reconciliation of Ongoing Gross Profit to Gross Profit: Ongoing gross profit is calculated excluding certain pre-tax items which Monsanto does not consider part of ongoing operations. | |||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | Three Months Ended Aug. 31, | Twelve Months Ended Aug. 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||||||||
| Gross Profit - Seeds and Genomics Segment | $ | 604 | $ | 743 | $ | 6,277 | $ | 6,596 | |||||||||||
| Gross Profit - Agricultural Productivity Segment | 392 | 490 | 1,905 | 1,978 | |||||||||||||||
| Gross Profit - Total | $ | 996 | $ | 1,233 | $ | 8,182 | $ | 8,574 | |||||||||||
| Restructuring Charges | 100 | — | 100 | — | |||||||||||||||
| Ongoing Gross Profit | $ | 1,096 | 1,233 | 8,282 | 8,574 | ||||||||||||||
Reconciliation of Ongoing Operating Expenses to Operating Expenses: Ongoing operating expenses is calculated excluding certain pre-tax items which Monsanto does not consider part of ongoing operations. | |||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | Three Months Ended Aug. 31, | Twelve Months Ended Aug. 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||||||||
| Ongoing Operating Expenses | $ | 1,070 | $ | 1,358 | $ | 4,099 | $ | 4,467 | |||||||||||
| Environmental and Litigation Settlements | 48 | 32 | 87 | 32 | |||||||||||||||
| Restructuring Charges | 393 | — | 393 | — | |||||||||||||||
| Potential SEC Settlement | 45 | — | 80 | — | |||||||||||||||
| Operating Expenses | $ | 1,556 | $ | 1,390 | $ | 4,659 | $ | 4,499 | |||||||||||
Reconciliation of Ongoing Net (Loss) Income Attributable to Monsanto Company to Net Income Attributable to Monsanto Company: Ongoing net (loss) income attributable to Monsanto Company is defined as net (loss) income attributable to Monsanto Company excluding the cumulative after-tax impact of certain items we do not consider part of ongoing operations. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | Three Months Ended Aug. 31, | Twelve Months Ended Aug. 31, | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||||||||
| Ongoing Net (Loss) Income Attributable to Monsanto Company | $ | (88 | ) | $ | (136 | ) | $ | 2,758 | $ | 2,747 | ||||||||||
| Restructuring Charges | 493 | — | 493 | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Environmental and Litigation Settlements | 48 | 32 | 87 | 32 | ||||||||||||||||
| Potential SEC Settlement | 45 | — | 80 | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Income Tax Benefit | (174 | ) | (12 | ) | (188 | ) | (12 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Income on Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax | (5 | ) | — | (28 | ) | (13 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Net (Loss) Income Attributable to Monsanto Company | $ | (495 | ) | $ | (156 | ) | $ | 2,314 | $ | 2,740 | ||||||||||
Reconciliation of EPS growth to Ongoing EPS growth and to Ongoing EPS growth on a currency neutral basis: Ongoing EPS growth is calculated excluding certain after-tax items which Monsanto does not consider part of ongoing operations. Ongoing EPS growth on a currency neutral basis is calculated by dividing or multiplying, as appropriate, our current period actual U.S. dollar operating results by the current period actual exchange rates (that include the impact of current period currency hedging activities), to derive our current period local currency operating results. We then multiply or divide, as appropriate, the derived current period local currency operating results by the foreign currency exchange rates (that also include the impact of the comparable prior period currency hedging activities) used to translate the Company's financial statements in the comparable prior year period to determine what the current period U.S. dollar operating results would have been if the foreign currency exchange rates had not changed from the comparable prior year period. The currency neutral estimates for ongoing earnings per share were calculated using the estimated effective tax rate for the local jurisdictions and the related currency changes. | ||||
| (% change) | Twelve Months | |||
| 2015 vs. 2014 | ||||
| Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share | (8 | )% | ||
| Restructuring Charges(A) | (13 | )% | ||
| Environmental and Litigation Settlements(A) | (2 | )% | ||
| Potential SEC Settlement(A) | (3 | )% | ||
| Income on Discontinued Operations(A) | 1 | % | ||
| Total Adjustments to Ongoing(B) | (17 | )% | ||
| Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share from Ongoing Business(B) | 10 | % | ||
| Currency Impact(A) | (7 | )% | ||
| Currency Neutral Diluted Earnings per Share from Ongoing Business | 17 | % | ||
(A) Adjustments to diluted EPS are shown net of income tax benefit. | ||||
(B) Amounts do not add due to rounding. | ||||
Reconciliation of Free Cash Flow: Free cash flow represents the total of cash flows from operating activities and investing activities, as reflected in the Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows presented in this release. With respect to the fiscal year 2016 free cash flow guidance, Monsanto does not include any estimates or projections of Net Cash Provided (Required) by Financing Activities because in order to prepare any such estimate or projection, Monsanto would need to rely on market factors and conditions that are outside of its control. | ||||||||||||||
| Fiscal Year 2016 | Twelve Months Ended Aug. 31, | |||||||||||||
| Guidance | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||||
| Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities | $ | 2,700-3,100 | $ | 3,108 | $ | 3,054 | ||||||||
| Net Cash Required by Investing Activities | (1,100)-(1,300) | (1,019 | ) | (2,095 | ) | |||||||||
| Free Cash Flow | $ | 1,600-1,800 | 2,089 | 959 | ||||||||||
| Net Cash Required by Financing Activities | N/A | (430 | ) | (2,259 | ) | |||||||||
| Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents | N/A | (325 | ) | (1 | ) | |||||||||
| Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents | N/A | 1,334 | (1,301 | ) | ||||||||||
| Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period | N/A | 2,367 | 3,668 | |||||||||||
| Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period | N/A | $ | 3,701 | $ | 2,367 | |||||||||
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20151007005653/en/
Contacts:
Media:
Sara Miller, 314-694-5824
or
Analysts:
Laura
Meyer, 314-694-8148
