As Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 7, 2015
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
_________________________________
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): October 7, 2015 (October 6, 2015)
MONSANTO COMPANY
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Delaware | 001-16167 | 43-1878297 |
State of Incorporation | (Commission File Number) | (IRS Employer Identification No.) |
800 North Lindbergh Boulevard
St. Louis, Missouri 63167
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (314) 694-1000
Not Applicable
(Former Name or Former Address, If Changed Since Last Report)
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Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligations under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
[ ] | Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) |
[ ] | Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |
[ ] | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |
[ ] | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) |
ITEM 2.05 Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities.
On October 6, 2015, Monsanto committed to take actions to realign resources to increase productivity, enhance competitiveness by delivering cost improvements and support long-term growth (the “Restructuring Plan”). Planned actions include streamlining and reprioritizing some commercial, enabling and research and development efforts, including the exit of the sugarcane business. Together, these actions are expected to include separation of approximately 2,600 employees over the next 18 to 24 months across the entire company. The scope of the separations will vary from country to country and is expected to be approximately 12% percent of the company’s global workforce.
These actions are expected to require a restructuring charge estimated at approximately $850 million to $900 million. Approximately $493 million of the charge occurred in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2015 with a majority of the remainder expected to occur in fiscal year 2016. The charge is expected to be comprised of approximately $330 to $350 million in severance and related benefits, $145 to $160 million in site closures and contract termination costs, and $375 to $390 million in asset impairments and write-offs related to property, plant and equipment, inventory and intangible assets. The restructuring actions are expected to require future cash expenditures of approximately $450 million, which includes cash expenditures related asset impairments. The Restructuring Plan is expected to be completed in fiscal year 2018.
Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information:
Certain statements contained in this Current Report on Form 8-K 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 Current Report on Form 8-K. The company disclaims any current intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements or any of the factors that may affect actual results.
ITEM 2.06 Material Impairments.
The information set forth above in Item 2.05 is incorporated into this Item 2.06 by reference.
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SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
Dated: October 7, 2015
MONSANTO COMPANY | |
By: /s/ Christopher A. Martin | |
Name: Christopher A. Martin | |
Title: Assistant Secretary | |
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