ADM 10Q FY07 Q2


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 December 31, 2006

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
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 is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer” and “large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

       Large Accelerated Filer X Accelerated Filer ___ Non-accelerated Filer ___

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

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

Common Stock, no par value - 652,729,207 shares
(January 31, 2007)

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Unaudited)

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company

   
THREE MONTHS ENDED
 
 
DECEMBER 31,
 
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
 
(In thousands, except
 
 
per share amounts)
               
Net sales and other operating income
 
$
10,976,039
 
$
9,298,985
 
Cost of products sold
   
10,068,119
   
8,515,517
 
Gross Profit
   
907,920
   
783,468
 
               
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
298,211
   
294,392
 
Other (income) expense - net
   
(19,018
)
 
(17,628
)
Earnings Before Income Taxes
   
628,727
   
506,704
 
               
Income taxes
   
187,459
   
139,027
 
               
Net Earnings
 
$
441,268
 
$
367,677
 
               
Average number of shares outstanding - basic
   
656,563
   
653,270
 
               
Average number of shares outstanding - diluted
   
660,548
   
655,508
 
               
Basic and diluted earnings per common share
 
$
.67
 
$
.56
 
               
Dividends per common share
 
$
.10
 
$
.085
 
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 

 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Unaudited)

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company

   
SIX MONTHS ENDED
 
 
DECEMBER 31,
 
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
 
(In thousands, except
 
 
per share amounts)
               
Net sales and other operating income
 
$
20,422,961
 
$
17,925,934
 
Cost of products sold
   
18,649,463
   
16,559,755
 
Gross Profit
   
1,773,498
   
1,366,179
 
               
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
608,046
   
598,847
 
Other (income) expense - net
   
(38,528
)
 
(13,104
)
Earnings Before Income Taxes
   
1,203,980
   
780,436
 
               
Income taxes
   
359,967
   
226,421
 
               
Net Earnings
 
$
844,013
 
$
554,015
 
               
Average number of shares outstanding - basic
   
656,586
   
652,606
 
               
Average number of shares outstanding - diluted
   
660,705
   
654,656
 
               
Basic earnings per common share
 
$
1.29
 
$
.85
 
               
Diluted earnings per common share
 
$
1.28
 
$
.85
 
               
Dividends per common share
 
$
.20
 
$
.17
 
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.


 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company


     
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DECEMBER 31,
 
 
JUNE 30,
 
 
 
 
2006
 
 
2006
 
 
 
(In thousands)
ASSETS
             
Current Assets
             
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
822,780
 
$
1,112,853
 
Segregated cash and investments
   
1,341,718
   
1,220,666
 
Receivables
   
5,978,888
   
4,471,201
 
Inventories
   
6,286,536
   
4,677,508
 
Other assets
   
762,978
   
344,049
 
       Total Current Assets
   
15,192,900
   
11,826,277
 
               
Investments and Other Assets
             
Investments in and advances to affiliates
   
1,980,163
   
1,985,662
 
Long-term marketable securities
   
1,098,424
   
1,110,177
 
Goodwill
   
319,799
   
322,292
 
Other assets
   
756,558
   
731,590
 
     
4,154,944
   
4,149,721
 
               
Property, Plant, and Equipment
             
Land
   
219,994
   
214,091
 
Buildings
   
2,871,051
   
2,774,164
 
Machinery and equipment
   
11,602,721
   
11,131,992
 
Construction in progress
   
619,788
   
430,997
 
     
15,313,554
   
14,551,244
 
Accumulated depreciation
   
(9,615,784
)
 
(9,258,212
)
               
     
5,697,770
   
5,293,032
 
               
   
$
25,045,614
 
$
21,269,030
 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
 
     
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DECEMBER 31,
 
 
JUNE 30,
 
 
 
 
2006
 
 
2006
 
 
 
(In thousands)
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
             
Current Liabilities
             
Short-term debt
 
$
1,746,245
 
$
549,419
 
Accounts payable
   
5,175,348
   
4,014,392
 
Accrued expenses
   
1,994,626
   
1,521,188
 
Current maturities of long-term debt
   
66,355
   
79,768
 
Total Current Liabilities
   
8,982,574
   
6,164,767
 
               
Long-Term Liabilities
             
    Long-term debt
   
4,011,194
   
4,050,323
 
Deferred income taxes
   
743,128
   
756,600
 
Other
   
536,034
   
490,460
 
     
5,290,356
   
5,297,383
 
               
Shareholders' Equity
             
Common stock
   
5,457,649
   
5,511,019
 
Reinvested earnings
   
4,793,889
   
4,081,490
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
521,146
   
214,371
 
               
     
10,772,684
   
9,806,880
 
               
   
$
25,045,614
 
$
21,269,030
 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.


 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company

   
SIX MONTHS ENDED
 
 
DECEMBER 31,
 
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
 
(In thousands)
Operating Activities
             
Net earnings
 
$
844,013
 
$
554,015
 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by
             
(used in) operating activities
             
Depreciation
   
344,929
   
327,265
 
Asset abandonments
   
1,393
   
22,725
 
Deferred income taxes
   
26,248
   
(118,076
)
Gain on marketable securities transactions
   
(10,759
)
 
(28,234
)
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of dividends
   
(78,484
)
 
(37,498
)
Stock contributed to employee benefit plans
   
13,367
   
12,284
 
Pension and postretirement accruals (contributions), net
   
26,639
   
(100,542
)
Other - net
   
83,678
   
44,283
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
             
Segregated cash and investments
   
(112,755
)
 
(91,251
)
Receivables
   
(812,327
)
 
7,612
 
Inventories
   
(1,625,622
)
 
(493,139
)
Other assets
   
(152,124
)
 
(111,775
)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
   
1,155,566
   
756,530
 
Total Operating Activities
   
(296,238
)
 
744,199
 
               
Investing Activities
             
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment
   
(560,035
)
 
(318,450
)
Proceeds from sales of property, plant, and equipment
   
20,439
   
12,140
 
Net assets of businesses acquired
   
(54,795
)
 
(91,911
)
Investments in and advances to affiliates
   
(46,307
)
 
(94,712
)
Distributions from affiliates, excluding dividends
   
81,485
   
29,031
 
Purchases of marketable securities
   
(485,363
)
 
(524,355
)
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities
   
228,602
   
202,738
 
Other - net
   
(3,123
)
 
(5,667
)
Total Investing Activities
   
(819,097
)
 
(791,186
)
               
Financing Activities
             
Long-term debt borrowings
   
15,424
   
598,624
 
Long-term debt payments
   
(129,678
)
 
(121,799
)
Net borrowings (payments) under line of credit agreements
   
1,180,394
   
(27,488
)
Purchases of treasury stock
   
(135,984
)
 
(29
)
Cash dividends
   
(131,453
)
 
(111,021
)
Other - net
   
26,559
   
10,146
 
Total Financing Activities
   
825,262
   
348,433
 
               
Increase (Decrease) In Cash and Cash Equivalents
   
(290,073
)
 
301,446
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents-Beginning of Period
   
1,112,853
   
522,420
 
               
Cash and Cash Equivalents-End of Period
 
$
822,780
 
$
823,866
 
               
See notes to consolidated financial statements.


 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company


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) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the quarter and six months ended December 31, 2006 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending June 30, 2007. 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, 2006.

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 July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Interpretation Number 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN 48).  FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for income taxes by prescribing the minimum requirements a tax position must meet before being recognized in the financial statements.  In addition, FIN 48 prohibits the use of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) Number 5, Accounting for Contingencies, in evaluating the recognition and measurement of uncertain tax positions.  The Company will be required to adopt FIN 48 on July 1, 2007, and is in the process of assessing the impact of the adoption of this standard on the Company’s financial statements.

During September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) Number 157, Fair Value Measurements. SFAS Number 157 establishes a framework for measuring fair value within generally accepted accounting principles, clarifies the definition of fair value within that framework, and expands disclosures about the use of fair value measurements. SFAS Number 157 does not require any new fair value measurements in generally accepted accounting principles. However, the definition of fair value in SFAS Number 157 may affect assumptions used by companies in determining fair value. The Company will be required to adopt SFAS Number 157 on July 1, 2008. The Company has not completed its evaluation of the impact of adopting SFAS Number 157 on the Company’s financial statements, but currently believes the impact of the adoption of SFAS Number 157 will not require material modification of the Company’s fair value measurements and will be substantially limited to expanded disclosures in the notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company


Note 2. New Accounting Standards (Continued)

During September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS Number 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans.  This Statement requires an employer to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan (other than a multiemployer plan) as an asset or liability in its balance sheet and to recognize changes in the funded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan in comprehensive income in the year in which the changes occur. SFAS Number 158 also requires companies to measure the funded status of defined benefit postretirement plans as of the end of the fiscal year instead of a date up to three months prior to the end of the fiscal year. Pursuant to SFAS Number 158, the Company will be required to recognize the funded status of its defined benefit postretirement plans in its consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2007.  The Company will be required to adopt the measurement date provisions of SFAS Number 158 on June 30, 2009.  Had the Company recognized the overfunded and underfunded status of its defined benefit postretirement plans as of June 30, 2006, other long-term assets, deferred income taxes, and accumulated other comprehensive income would have been reduced $230 million, $120 million, and $197 million, respectively, while other long-term liabilities would have increased by $87 million.







 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company

Note 3. Comprehensive Income

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

   
THREE MONTHS ENDED
SIX MONTHS ENDED
 
 
DECEMBER 31,
DECEMBER 31,
 
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
 
(In thousands)
                           
Net earnings
 
$
441,268
 
$
367,677
 
$
844,013
 
$
554,015
 
                           
Net change in unrealized gain
                         
(loss) on investments
   
7,296
   
(46,725
)
 
15,067
   
(58,442
)
Deferred gain (loss) on hedging
                         
activities
   
78,890
   
(35,644
)
 
127,144
   
24,760
 
Minimum pension
                         
liability adjustment
   
(437
)
 
279
   
(323
)
 
383
 
Foreign currency translation
                         
adjustment
   
135,940
   
(32,584
)
 
164,887
   
(39,705
)
                           
Comprehensive income
 
$
662,957
 
$
253,003
 
$
1,150,788
 
$
481,011
 


Note 4.  Other (Income) Expense - Net

   
THREE MONTHS ENDED
SIX MONTHS ENDED
 
 
DECEMBER 31,
DECEMBER 31,
 
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
 
(In thousands)
                           
Interest expense
 
$
111,071
 
$
86,609
 
$
208,122
 
$
172,898
 
Investment income
   
(64,622
)
 
(60,074
)
 
(125,331
)
 
(97,848
)
Net gain on marketable
                         
securities transactions
   
(6,487
)
 
(22,975
)
 
(10,760
)
 
(28,234
)
Equity in earnings of affiliates
   
(65,986
)
 
(22,994
)
 
(122,601
)
 
(58,674
)
Other - net
   
7,006
   
1,806
   
12,042
   
(1,246
)
   
$
(19,018
)
$
(17,628
)
$
(38,528
)
$
(13,104
)

 

 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company

Note 5.  Retirement Plan Expense

The Company provides substantially all domestic employees and employees at certain international subsidiaries with pension benefits. The Company also provides substantially all domestic salaried employees with postretirement health care and life insurance benefits. Retirement plan expense for these pension and postretirement benefits for the quarter and six months ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 is as follows:

   
Pension Benefits
 
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED
SIX MONTHS ENDED
 
 
DECEMBER 31,
DECEMBER 31,
 
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
 
(In thousands)
                           
Service cost (benefits earned during the period)
 
$
15,358
 
$
23,619
 
$
30,716
 
$
38,249
 
Interest cost
   
23,100
   
21,428
   
46,200
   
42,857
 
Expected return on plan assets
   
(25,303
)
 
(20,075
)
 
(50,606
)
 
(40,151
)
Actuarial loss
   
4,858
   
8,749
   
9,716
   
17,498
 
Net amortization
   
1,561
   
1,432
   
3,122
   
2,610
 
Net periodic defined benefit plan expense
 
$
19,574
 
$
35,153
 
$
39,148
 
$
61,063
 
                           
   
Postretirement Benefits
 
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED
SIX MONTHS ENDED
 
 
DECEMBER 31,
DECEMBER 31,
 
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
 
(In thousands)
                           
Service cost (benefits earned during the period)
 
$
1,756
 
$
1,665
 
$
3,512
 
$
3,330
 
Interest cost
   
2,435
   
2,131
   
4,870
   
4,262
 
Expected return on plan assets
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Actuarial loss
   
159
   
107
   
318
   
214
 
Net amortization
   
(279
)
 
(279
)
 
(558
)
 
(558
)
Net periodic defined benefit plan expense
 
$
4,071
 
$
3,624
 
$
8,142
 
$
7,248
 


Note 6. Guarantees

The Company has entered into debt guarantee agreements, primarily related to equity-method investees, which could obligate the Company to make future payments if the primary entity fails to perform its contractual obligation. The Company has not recorded a liability for these contingent obligations, as the Company believes the fair value of these contingent obligations is immaterial. The Company has collateral for a portion of these contingent obligations. These contingent obligations totaled $149 million at December 31, 2006. Outstanding borrowings under these contingent obligations were $104 million at December 31, 2006.

 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company


Note 7. 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 processing oilseeds such as soybeans, cottonseed, sunflower seeds, canola, peanuts, and flaxseed into vegetable oils and meals principally for the food and feed industries. In addition, oilseeds may be resold into the marketplace as a raw material for other processors. 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.

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

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, and barley, and resells these commodities primarily as feed ingredients and as raw materials 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 operations, consisting principally of food and feed ingredient businesses, industrial businesses, and financial activities. Food and feed ingredient businesses include Wheat Processing with activities related to the production of wheat flour; Cocoa Processing with activities related to the production of chocolate and cocoa products; the production of natural health and nutrition products; and the production of other specialty food and feed ingredients. Financial activities include 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 operating profit are the related equity in earnings of affiliates based on the equity method of accounting. General corporate expenses, investment income, unallocated interest expense, marketable securities transactions, and FIFO to LIFO inventory adjustments have been excluded from segment operations and classified as Corporate.

For detailed information regarding the Company’s reportable segments, see Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2006.


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company

Note 7.  Segment Information (Continued)

   
THREE MONTHS ENDED
SIX MONTHS ENDED
 
 
DECEMBER 31,
DECEMBER 31,
 
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
 
(In thousands)
                           
Sales to external customers
                         
Oilseeds Processing
 
$
3,349,449
 
$
2,933,162
 
$
6,583,239
 
$
5,922,128
 
Corn Processing
   
1,324,724
   
1,142,388
   
2,585,614
   
2,302,601
 
Agricultural Services
   
5,021,129
   
4,067,181
   
8,836,225
   
7,421,140
 
Other
   
1,280,737
   
1,156,254
   
2,417,883
   
2,280,065
 
Total
 
$
10,976,039
 
$
9,298,985
 
$
20,422,961
 
$
17,925,934
 
                           
Intersegment sales
                         
Oilseeds Processing
 
$
113,265
 
$
40,257
 
$
218,090
 
$
81,179
 
Corn Processing
   
89,911
   
103,466
   
166,174
   
192,114
 
Agricultural Services
   
560,156
   
282,307
   
865,848
   
593,774
 
Other
   
30,606
   
29,340
   
60,794
   
56,929
 
Total
 
$
793,938
 
$
455,370
 
$
1,310,906
 
$
923,996
 
                           
Net sales
                         
Oilseeds Processing
 
$
3,462,714
 
$
2,973,419
 
$
6,801,329
 
$
6,003,307
 
Corn Processing
   
1,414,635
   
1,245,854
   
2,751,788
   
2,494,715
 
Agricultural Services
   
5,581,285
   
4,349,488
   
9,702,073
   
8,014,914
 
Other
   
1,311,343
   
1,185,594
   
2,478,677
   
2,336,994
 
Intersegment elimination
   
(793,938
)
 
(455,370
)
 
(1,310,906
)
 
(923,996
)
Total
 
$
10,976,039
 
$
9,298,985
 
$
20,422,961
 
$
17,925,934
 
                           
Segment operating profit
                         
Oilseeds Processing
 
$
192,005
 
$
128,077
 
$
361,650
 
$
227,192
 
Corn Processing
   
335,460
   
236,532
   
625,958
   
372,790
 
Agricultural Services
   
122,836
   
93,606
   
234,135
   
113,615
 
Other
   
116,736
   
65,680
   
193,228
   
160,816
 
Total segment operating profit
   
767,037
   
523,895
   
1,414,971
   
874,413
 
Corporate
   
(138,310
)
 
(17,191
)
 
(210,991
)
 
(93,977
)
Earnings before income taxes
 
$
628,727
 
$
506,704
 
$
1,203,980
 
$
780,436
 

 

 

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 processing oilseeds such as soybeans, cottonseed, sunflower seeds, canola, peanuts, and flaxseed into vegetable oils and meals principally for the food and feed industries. In addition, oilseeds may be resold into the marketplace as a raw material for other processors. 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.

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

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, and barley, and resells these commodities primarily as feed ingredients and as raw materials 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 operations, consisting principally of food and feed ingredient businesses, industrial businesses, and financial activities. Food and feed ingredient businesses include Wheat Processing with activities related to the production of wheat flour; Cocoa Processing with activities related to the production of chocolate and cocoa products; the production of natural health and nutrition products; and the production of other specialty food and feed ingredients. Financial activities include 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, 2006.

The Company’s Oilseeds Processing, Agricultural Services, and Wheat Processing operations are principally agricultural commodity-based businesses where changes in segment 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 and minimal impact on the gross profit of underlying transactions. As a result, changes in net sales amounts of these business segments do not necessarily correspond to the changes in gross profit realized by these businesses.

 

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

The Company’s Corn Processing operations and certain other food and feed processing operations also utilize agricultural commodities (or products derived from agricultural commodities) as raw materials. In these operations, agricultural commodity 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. For products such as ethanol, selling prices bear no direct relationship to the raw material cost of the agricultural commodity from which it is produced.

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 and British pound, as compared to the U.S. dollar will result in corresponding fluctuations in the relative U.S. dollar value of the Company’s revenues and expenses. The impact of these currency exchange rate changes was not significant during the quarter and six months ended December 31, 2006.

The Company measures the performance of its business segments using key operating statistics such as segment operating profit and return on fixed capital investment and net assets. The Company’s operating results can vary significantly due to changes in unpredictable factors such as fluctuations in energy prices, weather conditions, plantings, global government farm 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.” Additionally, the Company’s operating results for the current quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending June 30, 2007.

THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006 COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005

As an agricultural-based commodity business, the Company is subject to a variety of market factors which affect the Company’s operating results. Strong biodiesel demand in Europe continued to create increased vegetable oil demand and has positively impacted rapeseed crushing margins in Europe. Abundant oilseed supplies, improved vegetable oil values, and strong protein meal demand have positively impacted oilseed crushing margins in North America. Increased ethanol contract prices and continuing strong ethanol demand led to improved corn processing results. Solid demand for sweetener and starch products also improved corn processing results. North American river transportation operations were favorably impacted by strong demand for river transportation services which increased barge freight rates. These conditions resulted in improved operating results during the quarter for Oilseed Processing, Corn Processing, and Agricultural Services. Increasing commodity price levels negatively affected LIFO inventory valuations partially offsetting the improvements in operating results.

ANALYSIS OF STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

Net sales and other operating income increased 18% to $11.0 billion for the quarter due primarily to increased selling prices of agricultural commodities and of corn processing products and, to a lesser extent, increased sales volumes of agricultural commodities.

 
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 quarter are as follows:

 
THREE MONTHS ENDED
 
 
 
 
DECEMBER 31,
 
 
 
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
Change
 
 
(In thousands)
Oilseeds Processing
 
$
3,349,449
 
$
2,933,162
 
$
416,287
 
Corn Processing
                   
Sweeteners and Starches
   
531,834
   
481,831
   
50,003
 
Bioproducts
   
792,890
   
660,557
   
132,333
 
Total Corn Processing
 
   
1,324,724
   
1,142,388
   
182,336
 
Agricultural Services
   
5,021,129
   
4,067,181
   
953,948
 
Other
                   
Food, Feed and Industrial
   
1,259,183
   
1,139,343
   
119,840
 
Financial
   
21,554
   
16,911
   
4,643
 
Total Other
 
   
1,280,737
   
1,156,254
124,483
 
Total
 
$
10,976,039
 
$
9,298,985
 
$
1,677,054
 

Oilseeds Processing sales increased 14% to $3.3 billion for the quarter due principally to increased average selling prices of vegetable oil and protein meal and increased sales volumes of vegetable oil and biodiesel. Vegetable oil selling prices and volumes improved as the markets anticipate new demand from the developing U.S. biodiesel industry. Protein meal average selling prices increased as a result of higher oilseed commodity prices. Corn Processing sales increased 16% to $1.3 billion for the quarter principally due to Bioproducts sales increases and, to a lesser extent, increased sales of Sweeteners and Starches. Bioproducts sales increased primarily due to increased average selling prices of ethanol, partially offset by lower sales volumes of ethanol. Ethanol average sales prices increased principally due to strong demand from gasoline refiners. Ethanol sales volumes declined as last year’s sales volumes exceeded production due to the release of inventories built up in anticipation of refiners replacing MTBE with ethanol. Sweeteners and Starches sales increased primarily due to higher average selling prices resulting from solid demand for sweetener and starch products. Agricultural Services sales increased 23% to $5.0 billion for the quarter principally due to increased agricultural commodity prices. Other sales increased 11% to $1.3 billion for the quarter primarily due to increased sales of wheat flour and cocoa products.

Cost of products sold increased 18% to $10.1 billion for the quarter primarily due to higher average prices of agricultural commodities and increased sales volumes. Manufacturing costs increased $54 million primarily due to higher plant maintenance costs, increased employee-related costs, and increased energy costs. Last year’s manufacturing costs included a $23 million charge for abandonment and write-down of long-lived assets.

Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased 1% to $298 million for the quarter due principally to increased employee-related costs. Last year’s selling, general, and administrative expenses included $15 million of severance costs associated with the closure of a citric acid plant.

Other income increased slightly to $19 million for the quarter due principally to increased equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, partially offset by increased interest expense and a $16 million decrease in realized securities gains. Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates improved principally due to higher valuations of the Company’s private equity fund investments. Interest expense increased primarily due to higher average borrowing levels and, to a lesser extent, higher interest rates. Last year’s interest expense and investment income included a $19 million credit related to the reversal of Brazilian transactional taxes assessed on investment income upon positive resolution in the Brazilian Supreme Court.

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


Operating profit by segment for the quarter is as follows:

   
THREE MONTHS ENDED
 
 
 
 
 
DECEMBER 31,
 
 
 
 
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
Change
 
 
 
(In thousands)
Oilseeds Processing
 
$
192,005
 
$
128,077
 
$
63,928
 
Corn Processing
                   
Sweeteners and Starches
   
146,188
   
114,043
   
32,145
 
Bioproducts
   
189,272
   
122,489
   
66,783
 
Total Corn Processing
 
   
335,460
   
236,532
   
98,928
 
Agricultural Services
   
122,836
   
93,606
   
29,230
 
Other
                   
Food, Feed and Industrial
   
53,209
   
34,902
   
18,307
 
Financial
   
63,527
   
30,778
   
32,749
 
Total Other
 
   
116,736
   
65,680
   
51,056
 
Total Segment Operating Profit
   
767,037
   
523,895
   
243,142
 
Corporate
   
(138,310
)
 
(17,191
)
 
(121,119
)
Earnings Before Income Taxes
 
$
628,727
 
$
506,704
 
$
122,023
 

Oilseeds Processing operating profits increased 50% to $192 million for the quarter due to improved market conditions in all geographic regions. North American processing results improved principally due to abundant oilseed supplies in the U.S. and good demand for soybean meal. Vegetable oil values improved as the markets anticipate new demand from the developing U.S. biodiesel industry. European processing results improved principally due to abundant oilseed supplies in Europe and strong demand for vegetable oil. The strong demand for vegetable oil is the result of strong biodiesel demand. These increases were partially offset by decreased biodiesel operating profits resulting from higher vegetable oil prices and lower diesel fuel prices. Improved operating results in South America also contributed to the increase in operating profits.

Corn Processing operating profits increased 42% to $335 million for the quarter primarily due to higher average selling prices, partially offset by lower ethanol sales volumes, and higher net corn costs. Sweeteners and Starches operating profits increased $32 million due primarily to higher average sales prices and sales volumes. Sales volumes and prices have increased principally due to good demand for sweetener and starch products. These increases were partially offset by increased net corn costs. Bioproducts operating profits increased $67 million primarily due to higher ethanol average selling prices, partially offset by lower ethanol sales volumes and increased net corn costs. Ethanol average sales prices increased principally due to strong demand from gasoline refiners. Ethanol sales volumes declined as last year’s sales volumes exceeded production due to the release of inventories built up in anticipation of refiners replacing MTBE with ethanol. Last year’s Bioproducts operating results included $15 million of severance costs related to the closure of a citric acid plant.

Agricultural Services operating profits increased 31% to $123 million for the quarter primarily due to improvements in transportation and global grain merchandising operating results, partially offset by a decline in North American origination operating results. North American river transportation operating results increased primarily due to increased barge freight rates created by strong demand for barge capacity. Global grain merchandising results improved as regional production imbalances allowed the Company to capitalize on its merchandising capabilities. North American origination results declined as last year’s results were favorably impacted by increased volumes as origination activities recovered from the disruptions caused by the Gulf Coast hurricanes during the first quarter of fiscal 2006.

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


Other operating profits increased $51 million to $117 million for the quarter. Other - Food, Feed and Industrial operating profits increased $18 million primarily due to last year’s $23 million charge for abandonment and write-down of long-lived assets, last year’s $9 million charge representing the Company’s share of a charge for abandonment and write-down of long-lived assets reported by an unconsolidated affiliate of the Company, and improved operating results of wheat processing and formula feed operations. These increases were partially offset by a decline in cocoa processing operating results primarily due to increased industry capacity which caused downward pressure on cocoa finished product prices. Other - Financial operating profits increased $33 million principally due to increased valuations of the Company’s private equity fund investments and improvements in the Company’s futures commission merchant business.

Corporate expense increased $121 million primarily due to a $107 million charge, compared to a $3 million credit in the prior year, related to the effect of changing commodity prices on LIFO inventory valuations. In addition, a reduction in realized securities gains, partially offset by a reduction in unallocated interest expense also contributed to the increase in Corporate expense. Last year’s Corporate expense included a $19 million credit related to the aforementioned reversal of Brazilian transactional taxes.

Income taxes increased due to last year’s $36 million reduction in income tax expense related to the recognition of federal and state income tax credits and adjustments resulting from the reconciliation of filed tax returns to the previously estimated tax provision and to higher pretax earnings. The Company’s effective tax rate during the quarter was 29.8% and, after excluding the effect of last year’s $36 million tax credit, was 34.5% for the prior year quarter. The decrease in the Company’s effective tax rate is primarily due to changes in the geographic mix of pretax earnings.

SIX MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006 COMPARED TO SIX MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005

As an agricultural-based commodity business, the Company is subject to a variety of market factors which affect the Company’s operating results. Strong biodiesel demand in Europe continued to create increased vegetable oil demand and has positively impacted rapeseed crushing margins in Europe. Abundant oilseed supplies, improved vegetable oil values, and strong protein meal demand have positively impacted oilseed crushing margins in North America. Increased ethanol contract prices and continuing strong ethanol demand led to improved corn processing results. Solid demand for sweetener and starch products also improved corn processing results. North American grain origination and agricultural commodity export operations experienced favorable operating conditions as a result of abundant supplies of agricultural commodities. North American river transportation operations were favorably impacted by strong demand for river transportation services which increased barge freight rates. These conditions resulted in improved operating results during the six months for Oilseeds Processing, Corn Processing, and Agricultural Services. Increasing commodity price levels negatively affected LIFO inventory valuations partially offsetting the improvements in operating results.

ANALYSIS OF STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

Net sales and other operating income increased 14% to $20.4 billion for the six months due primarily to increased selling prices of agricultural commodities and of corn processing products and, to a lesser extent, increased sales volumes of oilseed processing products and agricultural commodities.

 
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 six months are as follows:

   
SIX MONTHS ENDED
 
 
 
 
 
DECEMBER 31,
 
 
 
 
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
Change
 
 
 
(In thousands)
Oilseeds Processing
 
$
6,583,239
 
$
5,922,128
 
$
661,111
 
Corn Processing
                   
Sweeteners and Starches
   
1,070,815
   
984,918
   
85,897
 
Bioproducts
   
1,514,799
   
1,317,683
   
197,116
 
Total Corn Processing
 
   
2,585,614
   
2,302,601
   
283,013
 
Agricultural Services
   
8,836,225
   
7,421,140
   
1,415,085
 
Other
                   
Food, Feed and Industrial
   
2,372,662
   
2,247,224
   
125,438
 
Financial
   
45,221
   
32,841
   
12,380
 
Total Other
 
   
2,417,883
   
2,280,065
   
137,818
 
Total
 
$
20,422,961
 
$
17,925,934
 
$
2,497,027
 

Oilseeds Processing sales increased 11% to $6.6 billion for the six months due principally to increased average selling prices of vegetable oil and increased sales volumes of vegetable oil, biodiesel, and South American oilseed exports. Vegetable oil selling prices and volumes improved as the markets anticipate new demand from the developing U.S. biodiesel industry. Corn Processing sales increased 12% to $2.6 billion for the six months principally due to Bioproducts sales increases and, to a lesser extent, increased sales of Sweeteners and Starches. Bioproducts sales increased primarily due to increased average selling prices of ethanol, partially offset by lower sales volumes of ethanol. Ethanol average sales prices increased principally due to strong demand from gasoline refiners. Ethanol sales volumes declined as last year’s sales volumes exceeded production due to the release of inventories built up in anticipation of refiners replacing MTBE with ethanol. Sweeteners and Starches sales increased primarily due to higher average selling prices resulting from solid demand for sweetener and starch products. Agricultural Services sales increased 19% to $8.8 billion for the six months principally due to increased agricultural commodity prices and, to a lesser extent, increased sales volumes of North American grain origination activities. Other sales increased 6% to $2.4 billion for the six months primarily due to increased sales of wheat flour and cocoa products.

Cost of products sold increased 13% to $18.6 billion for the six months primarily due to higher average prices of agricultural commodities, increased sales volumes and increased manufacturing costs. Manufacturing costs increased $145 million primarily due to increased energy costs, higher plant maintenance costs, and increased employee-related costs. Last year’s manufacturing costs include a $23 million charge for abandonment and write-down of long-lived assets.

Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased 2% to $608 million for the six months principally due to increased employee-related costs. During the six months ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, the Company issued option grants and restricted stock awards to officers and key employees pursuant to the Company’s Long-term Management Incentive Program. Certain officers and key employees of the Company receiving option grants and restricted stock awards are eligible for retirement. Compensation expense related to option grants and restricted stock awards issued to these retirement-eligible employees is recognized in earnings on the date of grant. Selling, general, and administrative expense for the six months ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 include compensation expense related to option grants and restricted stock awards granted to retirement-eligible employees of $30 million and $31 million, respectively. Last year’s selling, general, and administrative expenses include $15 million of severance costs associated with the closure of a citric acid plant.

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


Other income increased $25 million for the six months primarily due to a $64 million increase in equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates and a $27 million increase in investment income, partially offset by a $35 million increase in interest expense and a $17 million decrease in realized securities gains. The increase in equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates is primarily due to higher valuations of the Company’s private equity fund investments and improved operating results of the Company’s Asian joint ventures. Interest expense and investment income increased primarily due to increased average borrowing and investment levels. In addition, last year’s interest expense and investment income included a $19 million credit related to the aforementioned reversal of Brazilian transactional taxes.

Operating profit by segment for the six months is as follows:

   
SIX MONTHS ENDED
 
 
 
 
 
DECEMBER 31,
 
 
 
 
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
Change
 
 
 
(In thousands)
Oilseeds Processing
 
$
361,650
 
$
227,192
 
$
134,458
 
Corn Processing
                   
Sweeteners and Starches
   
259,102
   
206,524
   
52,578
 
Bioproducts
   
366,856
   
166,266
   
200,590
 
Total Corn Processing
 
   
625,958
   
372,790
   
253,168
 
Agricultural Services
   
234,135
   
113,615
   
120,520
 
Other
                   
Food, Feed and Industrial
   
91,378
   
104,131
   
(12,753
)
Financial
   
101,850
   
56,685
   
45,165
 
Total Other
 
   
193,228
   
160,816
   
32,412
 
Total Segment Operating Profit
   
1,414,971
   
874,413
   
540,558
 
Corporate
   
(210,991
)
 
(93,977
)
 
(117,014
)
Earnings Before Income Taxes
 
$
1,203,980
 
$
780,436
 
$
423,544
 

Oilseeds Processing operating profits increased $134 million to $362 million for the six months due to improved market conditions in all geographic regions. North American processing results improved principally due to abundant oilseed supplies in the U.S. and good demand for soybean meal. Vegetable oil values improved as the markets anticipate new demand from the developing U.S. biodiesel industry. European processing results improved principally due to abundant oilseed supplies in Europe and strong demand for vegetable oil. The strong demand for vegetable oil is the result of strong biodiesel demand. These increases were partially offset by decreased biodiesel operating profits resulting from higher vegetable oil prices and lower diesel fuel prices. Improved operating results in South America and Asia also contributed to the increase in operating profits.

Corn Processing operating profits increased $253 million to $626 million for the six months principally due to higher average selling prices, partially offset by lower ethanol sales volumes, higher energy costs, and higher net corn costs. Sweeteners and Starches operating profits increased $53 million due primarily to higher average sales prices and sales volumes. Sales volumes and prices have increased principally due to good demand for sweetener and starch products. These increases were partially offset by increased energy and net corn costs. Bioproducts operating profits increased $201 million primarily due to higher ethanol average selling prices, partially offset by lower ethanol sales volumes, increased energy costs and increased net corn costs. Ethanol average sales prices increased principally due to strong demand from gasoline refiners. Ethanol sales volumes declined as last year’s sales volumes exceeded production due to the release of inventories built up in anticipation of refiners replacing MTBE with ethanol. Last year’s Bioproducts operating results included $15 million of severance costs related to the closure of a citric acid plant.

 

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

 
Agricultural Services operating profits increased $121 million to $234 million for the six months principally due to improved transportation and global grain merchandising operating results and, to a lesser extent, improved operating results of North American origination activities. North American river transportation operating results increased primarily due to increased barge freight rates created by strong demand for barge capacity. Global grain merchandising results improved as regional production imbalances allowed the Company to capitalize on its merchandising capabilities.

Other operating profits increased 20% to $193 million for the six months. Other - Food, Feed and Industrial operating profits decreased $13 million. Last year’s operating results include a $23 million charge for abandonment and write-down of long-lived assets, and a $9 million charge representing the Company’s share of a charge for abandonment and write-down of long-lived assets reported by an unconsolidated affiliate of the Company. Excluding last year’s charges for abandonment and write-down of long-lived assets, Other - Food, Feed and Industrial operating profits declined $45 million due primarily to cocoa processing and natural health and nutrition operating results declining from prior year levels. Cocoa processing operating results declined primarily due to increased industry capacity which caused downward pressure on cocoa finished product prices. Other - Financial operating profits increased $45 million principally due to increased valuations of the Company’s private equity fund investments and higher operating results of the Company’s futures commission merchant business, partially offset by lower operating results of the Company’s captive insurance operations.

Corporate expense increased $117 million to $211 million for the six months principally due to a $124 million charge, compared to a $12 million credit in the prior year, related to the effect of changing commodity prices on LIFO inventory valuations. In addition, a $27 million reduction in realized securities gains also contributed to the increase in Corporate expense. These increases were partially offset by a reduction in unallocated interest expense due principally to higher levels of invested funds and higher interest rates. Last year’s Corporate expense included a $19 million credit related to the aforementioned reversal of Brazilian transactional taxes.

Income taxes increased due to last year’s $36 million reduction in income tax expense related to the recognition of federal and state income tax credits and adjustments resulting from the reconciliation of filed tax returns to the previously estimated tax provision and to higher pretax earnings. The Company’s effective tax rate during the six months was 29.9% and, after excluding the effect of last year’s $36 million tax credit, was 33.6% for the prior year. 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)

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company’s objective is to have sufficient liquidity, balance sheet strength, and financial flexibility to fund the operating and capital requirements of a capital intensive agricultural-based commodity business.

At December 31, 2006, the Company continued to show substantial liquidity with working capital of $6.2 billion and a current ratio, defined as current assets divided by current liabilities, of 1.7 to 1. Included in working capital is $1.2 billion of cash, cash equivalents, and short-term marketable securities as well as $4.4 billion of readily marketable commodity inventories. Working capital increased $549 million during the six months principally due to increased prices and quantities of agricultural commodity inventories. Capital resources remained strong as reflected by the increase in the Company’s net worth from $9.8 billion to $10.8 billion. The Company’s ratio of long-term debt to total capital (the sum of the Company’s long-term debt and shareholders’ equity) was 27% at December 31, 2006 compared to 29% at June 30, 2006. This ratio is a measure of the Company’s long-term liquidity and is an indicator of financial flexibility.

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

During the six months ended December 31, 2006, the Company’s inventory purchase obligations increased $3.9 billion to $11.4 billion. This increase was principally related to increased obligations to purchase agricultural commodities. As of December 31, 2006, the Company expects to make payments related to inventory purchase obligations of $11.0 billion within the next twelve months. There were no other material changes in the Company’s contractual obligations and off balance sheet arrangements during the six months ended December 31, 2006.

Critical Accounting Policies

There were no material changes in the Company’s critical accounting policies during the six months ended December 31, 2006.


ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The market risk inherent in the Company’s market risk sensitive instruments and positions is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in: commodity prices as they relate to the Company’s net commodity position; marketable equity security prices; market prices of limited partnerships’ investments; foreign currency exchange rates; and interest rates. Significant changes in market risk sensitive instruments and positions for the six months ended December 31, 2006 are described below. There were no material changes during the six months in the Company’s potential loss arising from changes in market prices of limited partnerships’ investments, marketable equity securities, foreign currency exchange rates, and interest rates.

For detailed information regarding the Company’s market risk sensitive instruments and positions, see the “Market Risk Sensitive Instruments and Positions” section of “Management’s Discussion of Operations and Financial Condition” in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2006.


ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK (CONTINUED)

Commodities

The availability and price of agricultural commodities are subject to wide fluctuations due to unpredictable factors such as weather, plantings, global government farm 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. A sensitivity analysis has been prepared to estimate the Company’s exposure to market risk of its commodity position. The Company’s daily net commodity position consists of inventories, related purchase and sale contracts, and exchange-traded futures contracts, including those to hedge portions of production requirements. The fair value of such position is a summation of the fair values calculated for each commodity by valuing each net position at quoted futures prices. Market risk is estimated as the potential loss in fair value resulting from a hypothetical 10 percent adverse change in such prices. Actual results may differ.

   
DECEMBER 31, 2006
JUNE 30, 2006
 
 
 
Fair Value
 
 
Market Risk
 
 
Fair Value
 
 
Market Risk
 
 
 
(in millions)
Highest long position
 
$
682
 
$
68
 
$
510
 
$
51
 
Highest short position
   
278
   
28
   
574
   
57
 
Average position - long (short)
   
287
   
29
   
(203
)
 
(20
)

The increase in fair value of the average position was principally the result of an increase in the daily net commodity position.


ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As of December 31, 2006, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rules 13a - 15(e) and 15d - 15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)). Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is (a) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms and (b) accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. There was no change in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the Company’s most recently completed fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.
 

 
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

The Company is involved in approximately twenty administrative and judicial proceedings in which it has been identified as a potentially responsible party (“PRP”) under the federal Superfund law and its state analogs for the study and clean-up of sites contaminated by material discharged into the environment. In all of these matters there are numerous PRPs. Due to various factors such as the required level of remediation and participation in the clean-up effort by others, the Company’s future clean-up costs at these sites cannot be reasonably estimated. In management’s opinion, these proceedings will not, either individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse affect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.


ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS

There were no significant changes in the Company’s risk factors during the three months ended
December 31, 2006.


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

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Number of
 
Number of Shares
 
 
 
Total Number
 
 
Average
 
 
Shares Purchased as
 
Remaining that May be
 
 
 
of Shares
 
 
Price Paid
 
 
Part of Publicly
 
Purchased Under the
Period
 
 
Purchased (1)
 
 
per Share
 
 
Announced Program (2)
 
Program (2)
                           
October 1, 2006 to
                         
October 31, 2006
   
304,174
 
$
36.93
   
273
   
92,863,061
 
                           
November 1, 2006 to
                         
November 30, 2006
   
1,051,816
   
33.62
   
1,047,445
   
91,815,616
 
                           
December 1, 2006 to
                         
December 31, 2006
   
3,105,519
   
32.52
   
3,097,009
   
88,718,607
 
                           
Total
   
4,461,509
 
$
33.08
   
4,144,727
   
88,718,607
 
 
 (1)
 
Total shares purchased represents those shares purchased as part of the Company’s publicly announced share repurchase program described below, shares received as payment of the exercise price for stock option exercises, and shares received as payment of the withholding taxes on vested restricted stock grants. 
   
 (2)
 
On November 4, 2004, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program authorizing the Company to repurchase up to 100,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock during the period commencing January 1, 2005 and ending December 31, 2009.
 


ITEM 4.
SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

The Annual Meeting of Stockholders was held on November 2, 2006. Proxies for the Annual Meeting were solicited pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. There was no solicitation in opposition to the Board of Director nominees as listed in the proxy statement and all nominees were elected as follows:

 
   Nominee 
Shares Cast For
Shares Withheld
     
 
 
G. A. Andreas
549,008,476
23,681,263
 
A. L. Boeckmann
551,055,354
21,634,385
 
M. H. Carter
383,077,036
189,612,703
 
R. S. Joslin
535,963,289
36,726,450
 
A. Maciel
559,965,357
12,724,382
 
P. J. Moore
552,549,529
20,140,210
 
M. B. Mulroney
534,456,858
38,232,881
 
T. F. O’Neill
534,013,079
38,676,660
 
O. G. Webb
367,090,965
205,598,774
 
K. R. Westbrook
548,619,719
24,070,020
 
P. A. Woertz
551,356,837
21,332,902


  The Stockholder’s Proposal No. 1 (Labeling Genetically Engineered Food) was defeated as follows:
 
For 
Against 
Abstain 
     
32,325,360
417,072,901
40,177,202

 
  The Stockholder’s Proposal No. 2 (Code of Conduct Regarding Global Human Rights Standards) was defeated as follows:
 
For 
Against 
Abstain 
     
118,097,442
325,510,551
45,967,470



 

ITEM 6.
EXHIBITS
 
(3)(i)
Composite Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, filed on November 13, 2001 as Exhibit 3(i) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2001 (File No. 1-44), is incorporated herein by reference.
 
    (ii)
Bylaws, as amended, filed on February 6, 2007 as Exhibit 3(ii) to Form 8-K (File No. 1-44), are incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
(4)
Indenture dated as of September 20, 2006 between the Company and JP Morgan Chase Bank, filed on September 22, 2006 as Exhibit 4 to Form S-3 (File No. 333-137541), is incorporated herein by reference.

 
(31.1)
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a - 14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended.

 
(31.2)
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a - 14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended.

 
(32.1)
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 
(32.2)
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


   
ARCHER-DANIELS-MIDLAND COMPANY
     
   
/s/ D. J. Schmalz
   
D. J. Schmalz
   
Senior Vice President
   
and Chief Financial Officer
     
   
/s/ D. J. Smith
   
D. J. Smith
   
Executive Vice President, Secretary and
   
General Counsel

Dated: February 6, 2007