Corteva 10-K 2020-12-31
Filed 2021-02-11. 22 sections, 774K characters. Original on sec.gov · Markdown · JSON
Cover and table of contents
2020
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
| (Mark One) | ||||||||
| ☒ | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020
| OR | ||||||||
| ☐ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Commission File Number 001-38710
Corteva, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
| Delaware | 82-4979096 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (State or other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 974 Centre Road, | Wilmington, | Delaware | 19805 | (302) | 485-3000 | ||||||||||||||||||
| (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code) | (Registrant’s Telephone Number, including area code) |
Commission File Number 1-815
E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
| Delaware | 51-0014090 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (State or other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 974 Centre Road, | Wilmington, | Delaware | 19805 | (302) | 485-3000 | ||||||||||||||||||
| (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code) | (Registrant’s Telephone Number, including area code) |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act for Corteva, Inc.:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||
| Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share | CTVA | New York Stock Exchange |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act for E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||
| $3.50 Series Preferred Stock | CTAPrA | New York Stock Exchange | ||||||
| $4.50 Series Preferred Stock | CTAPrB | New York Stock Exchange |
No securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer (as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act).
Corteva, Inc. Yes x No o
E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Corteva, Inc. Yes o No x
E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company Yes o No x
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.
Corteva, Inc. Yes x No o
E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Corteva, Inc. Yes ý No o
E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company Yes ý No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.
Corteva, Inc. ý
E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company ý
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.
| Corteva, Inc. | Large Accelerated Filer | x | Accelerated Filer o | Non-Accelerated Filer | o | Smaller reporting company o | Emerging growth company o | ||||||||||||||||
| E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company | Large Accelerated Filer | o | Accelerated Filer o | Non-Accelerated Filer | x | Smaller reporting company o | Emerging growth company o |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Corteva, Inc. o
E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management's assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C.7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.
Corteva, Inc. Yes ý No o
E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company Yes ý No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
Corteva, Inc. Yes o No ý
E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company Yes o No ý
The aggregate market value of voting stock of Corteva, Inc. held by nonaffiliates of the registrant (excludes outstanding shares beneficially owned by directors and officers and treasury shares) as of June 30, 2020 was $20.0 billion.
As of February 4, 2021, 744,062,000 shares of Corteva, Inc's common stock, $0.01 par value, were outstanding.
As of February 4, 2021, all of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company’s issued and outstanding common stock, comprised of 200 shares, $0.30 par value per share, is held by Corteva, Inc.
E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction I(1)(a), (b) and (d) of Form 10-K (as modified by a grant of no-action relief dated February 12, 2018) and is therefore filing this form with reduced disclosure format.
Note on Incorporation by Reference
Information pertaining to certain Items in Part III of this report is incorporated herein by reference to portions of Corteva, Inc.'s definitive 2021 Annual Meeting Proxy Statement to be filed within 120 days after the end of the year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, pursuant to Regulation 14A (the Proxy).
CORTEVA, INC.
Form 10-K
Table of Contents
Explanatory Note
This Annual Report on Form 10-K is a combined report being filed separately by Corteva, Inc. and EID. Corteva, Inc. owns all of the common equity interests in EID, and EID meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction I(1)(a), (b) and (d) of Form 10-K and is therefore filing its information within this Form 10-K with the reduced disclosure format. Each of Corteva, Inc. and EID is filing on its own behalf the information contained in this report that relates to itself, and neither company makes any representation as to information relating to the other company. Where information or an explanation is provided that is substantially the same for each company, such information or explanation has been combined in this report. Where information or an explanation is not substantially the same for each company, separate information and explanation has been provided. In addition, separate consolidated financial statements for each company, along with notes to the consolidated financial statements, are included in this report.
The primary differences between Corteva and EID's financial statements relate to EID's Preferred Stock - $4.50 Series and EID's Preferred Stock - $3.50 Series, a related party loan between EID and Corteva, Inc. and the associated tax deductible interest expense for EID, and the capital structure of Corteva. Inc. (See EID's Note 1 - Basis of Presentation to EID's Consolidated Financial Statements, for additional information for above items). The separate EID financial statements and footnotes for areas that differ from Corteva, are included within this Annual Report on Form 10-K and begin on page F-89. Footnotes of EID that are identical to that of Corteva are cross-referenced accordingly.
Part I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, references in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to:
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"Corteva" or "the company" refers to Corteva, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries (including EID);
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"EID" refers to E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company and its consolidated subsidiaries or E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company excluding its consolidated subsidiaries, as the context may indicate;
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"DowDuPont" refers to DowDuPont Inc, and its subsidiaries prior to the Separation of Corteva;
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"Historical Dow" refers to the Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries prior to the Internal Reorganization;
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"Historical DuPont" and "Historical EID" refers to EID prior to the Internal Reorganization as defined on page 4;
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"Dow" refers to Dow Inc. after the Dow Distribution defined below;
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"DuPont" refers to DuPont de Nemours, Inc. after the Separation of Corteva; and
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"DAS" refers to the agriculture business of Historical Dow, Dow AgroSciences.
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"Merger" refers to the all-stock merger of equals strategic combination between Historical Dow and Historical DuPont.
Background
On June 1, 2019, Corteva, Inc. became an independent, publicly traded company through the previously announced separation (the “Separation”) of the agriculture business of DuPont de Nemours, Inc. (formerly known as DowDuPont Inc.) (“DuPont” or "DowDuPont"). The separation was effectuated through a pro rata distribution (the “Corteva Distribution”) of all of the then-issued and outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Corteva, Inc. Refer to the Internal Reorganization discussion below for further information.
Subsequent to the Merger, Historical Dow and EID engaged in a series of internal reorganization and realignment steps to realign their businesses into three divisions: agriculture, materials science and specialty products. As a result of the Internal Reorganization (defined below), on May 31, 2019, EID was contributed to Corteva, Inc. and, as a result, Corteva, Inc. owns 100% of the outstanding common stock of EID. Prior to March 31, 2019, Corteva, Inc. had engaged in no business operations and had no assets or liabilities of any kind, other than those incident to its formation.
EID continues to be a reporting company and is deemed to be the predecessor to Corteva, Inc., with the historical results of EID to be deemed the historical results of Corteva for periods prior to and including May 31, 2019. Shares of EID preferred stock, $3.50 Series and $4.50 Series, issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Separation remain issued and outstanding and were unaffected by the Separation.
Corteva is a leading global provider of seed and crop protection solutions focused on the agriculture industry. The company is focused on advancing its science-based innovation, which aims to deliver a wide range of improved products and services to its customers. Through the merger of the EID and DAS innovation pipelines, Corteva has one of the broadest and most productive new product pipelines in the agriculture industry. The company intends to leverage its rich heritage of scientific achievement to advance its robust innovation pipeline and continue to shape the future of responsible agriculture. New products are crucial to solving farmers’ productivity challenges amid a growing global population while addressing natural resistance, regulatory changes, safety requirements and competitive dynamics. The company’s investment in technology-based and solution-based product offerings allows it to meet farmers’ evolving needs while ensuring that its investments generate sufficient returns. Meanwhile, through Corteva’s unique routes to market, the company continues to work face-to-face with farmers around the world to deeply understand their needs.
The company's broad portfolio of agriculture solutions fuels farmer productivity in approximately 140 countries. See Note 24 - Geographic Information, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for details on the location of the company's sales and property.
Internal Reorganizations and Business Separations
Subsequent to the Merger, Historical Dow and EID engaged in a series of internal reorganization and realignment steps to realign their businesses into three subgroups: agriculture, materials science and specialty products through a series of tax-efficient transactions (collectively, the "Business Separations”). Effective as of 5:00 pm ET on April 1, 2019, DowDuPont completed the previously announced separation of its materials science business into a separate and independent public company by way of a distribution of Dow Inc. (“Dow”) through a pro rata dividend in-kind of all of the then-issued and
Part I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS, continued
outstanding shares of Dow’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, to holders of DowDuPont's common stock, as of the close of business on March 21, 2019 (the “Dow Distribution” and together with the Corteva Distribution, the “Distributions”).
Prior to the Dow Distribution, Historical Dow conveyed or transferred the assets and liabilities aligned with Historical Dow’s agriculture business to separate legal entities (“Dow Ag Entities”) and the assets and liabilities associated with its specialty products business to separate legal entities (the “Dow SP Entities”). On April 1, 2019, Dow Ag Entities and the Dow SP Entities were transferred and conveyed to DowDuPont.
In furtherance of the Business Separations, EID engaged in a series of internal reorganization and realignment steps (the “Internal Reorganization” and the "Business Realignment," respectively) to realign its businesses into three subgroups: agriculture, materials science and specialty products. As part of the Internal Reorganization:
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the assets and liabilities aligned with EID’s materials science business, including EID’s ethylene and ethylene copolymers business, excluding its ethylene acrylic elastomers business, (“EID ECP”) were transferred or conveyed to separate legal entities (the “Materials Science Entities”) that were ultimately conveyed by DowDuPont to Dow;
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the assets and liabilities aligned with EID’s specialty products business were transferred or conveyed to separate legal entities (“EID Specialty Products Entities”);
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on April 1, 2019, EID transferred and conveyed its Materials Science Entities to Dow;
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on May 1, 2019, EID distributed its Specialty Products Entities to DowDuPont;
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on May 2, 2019, DowDuPont conveyed Dow Ag Entities to EID and in connection with the foregoing, EID issued additional shares of its common stock to DowDuPont; and
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on May 31, 2019, DowDuPont contributed EID to Corteva, Inc.
On May 6, 2019, the Board of Directors of DowDuPont approved the distribution of all the then issued and outstanding shares of common stock of Corteva, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of DowDuPont, to DowDuPont stockholders. On June 1, 2019, DowDuPont completed the Separation. Each DowDuPont stockholder received one share of Corteva, Inc. common stock for every three shares of DowDuPont common stock held at the close of business on May 24, 2019, the record date of distribution. Corteva, Inc.'s common stock began trading the "regular way" under the ticker symbol "CTVA" on June 3, 2019, the first business day after June 1, 2019. Upon becoming an independent company, the capital structure of Corteva consisted of 748,815,000 authorized shares of common stock (par value of $0.01 per share), which represents the number of common shares issued on June 3, 2019.
As a result of the Business Realignment and the Internal Reorganization discussed above, Corteva owns 100% of the outstanding common stock of EID, and EID owns 100% of DAS. EID is a subsidiary of Corteva, Inc. and continues to be a reporting company, subject to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Separation Agreements
In connection with the Distributions, DuPont, Corteva, and Dow (together, the “Parties” and each a “Party”) have entered into certain agreements to effect the separation, provide for the allocation of DowDuPont’s assets, employees, liabilities and obligations (including its investments, property and employee benefits and tax-related assets and liabilities) among the Parties, and provide a framework for Corteva's relationship with Dow and DuPont following the separations and Distributions. Effective April 1, 2019, the Parties entered into the following agreements:
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Separation and Distribution Agreement - Effective April 1, 2019, the Parties entered into an agreement that sets forth, among other things, the agreements among the Parties regarding the principal transactions necessary to effect the Distributions. It also sets forth other agreements that govern certain aspects of the Parties’ ongoing relationships after the completion of the Distributions (the "Corteva Separation Agreement").
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Tax Matters Agreement - The Parties entered into an agreement effective as of April 1, 2019, as amended on June 1, 2019, that governs their respective rights, responsibilities and obligations with respect to tax liabilities and benefits, tax
Part I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS, continued
attributes, the preparation and filing of tax returns, the control of audits and other tax proceedings and other matters regarding taxes.
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Employee Matters Agreement - The Parties entered into an agreement that identifies employees and employee-related liabilities (and attributable assets) to be allocated (either retained, transferred and accepted, or assigned and assumed, as applicable) to the Parties as part of the Distributions and describes when and how the relevant transfers and assignments would occur.
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Intellectual Property Cross-License Agreement - Effective as of April 1, 2019 Corteva and Dow, and effective June 1, 2019, Corteva and DuPont, entered into Intellectual Property Cross-License Agreements. The Intellectual Property Cross-License Agreements set forth the terms and conditions under which the applicable Parties may use in their respective businesses, following each of the Distributions, certain know-how (including trade secrets), copyrights, and software, and certain patents and standards, allocated to another Party pursuant to the Corteva Separation Agreement.
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Letter Agreement - DuPont and Corteva entered into a Letter Agreement. The Letter Agreement sets forth certain additional terms and conditions related to the Separation, including certain limitations on each party’s ability to transfer certain businesses and assets to third parties without assigning certain of such party’s indemnification obligations under the Corteva Separation Agreement to the other party to the transferee of such businesses and assets or meeting certain other alternative conditions.
Business Segments
The company’s operations are managed through two reportable segments: seed and crop protection. The seed segment develops and supplies commercial seed combining superior germplasm with advanced traits to produce high yield potential for farmers around the world. The crop protection segment supplies products to protect crop yields against weeds, insects and disease, enabling farmers to achieve optimal results. The combination of these leading platforms creates one of the broadest portfolios of agriculture solutions in the industry. Additional information with respect to business segment results is included in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, on page 54 of this report and Note 25 - Segment Information, to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Seed
The seed segment is a global leader in developing and supplying commercial seed combining advanced germplasm and traits that produce optimum yield for farms around the world. The company’s seed segment is a leader in many key seed markets, including North America corn and soybeans, Europe corn and sunflower, as well as Brazil, India, South Africa and Argentina corn. The company offers trait technologies that improve resistance to weather, disease, insects and herbicides used to control weeds, and trait technologies that enhance food and nutritional characteristics. In addition, the company provides digital solutions that assist farmer decision-making with a view to optimize product selection and, ultimately, help maximize yield and profitability.
Part I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS, continued
Details on the seed segment’s net sales by major product line and geographic region (based on customer location) are as follows:

Products and Brands
The seed segment’s major brands and technologies, by key product line, are listed below:
| Seed Solutions Brands | Pioneer®; Brevant™ seeds; Dairyland Seed®; Hoegemeyer®; Nutech®; Seed Consultants®; AgVenture®; Alforex®; PhytoGen®; Pannar®; VP Maxx®; HPT®; G2®; Supreme EX®; XL®; Power Plus® | ||||
| Seed Solutions Traits and Technologies | ENLIST E3® soybeans; ENLIST® cotton; EXZACT™ Precision Technology; HERCULEX® Insect Protection; Pioneer® brand hybrids with Leptra® insect protection technology offering protection against above ground pests; POWERCORE® Insect Trait Technology family of products; Pioneer® brand Optimum® AcreMax® family of products offering above and below ground insect protection; REFUGE ADVANCED® trait technology; SMARTSTAX® Insect Trait Technology; NEXERA™ canola; Omega-9 OilsTM; Pioneer® brand Optimum® AQUAmax® hybrids; Pioneer® brand A-Series soybeans; Pioneer® brand Plenish® high oleic soybeans; ExpressSun® herbicide tolerant trait; Pioneer® brand products with Pioneer Protector® technology for canola, sunflower and sorghum; Pioneer MAXIMUS® rapeseed hybrids; Qrome® corn products; Clearfield® canola; PROPOUND™; Conkesta™; Conkesta E3® soybeans; WideStrike® Insect Protection; WideStrike® 3 Insect Protection | ||||
| Other | LumiGEN® seed treatments, LUMIDERM®, LUMIVIA® and LUMIALZA™; GRANULAR®; ACREVALUE®; Granular® Insights™ (e.g. LANDVisor™) |
U.S. federal regulatory authorizations have been obtained for the commercialization of ENLIST™ corn, ENLIST E3® soybeans and ENLIST® cotton, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's registration of ENLIST DUO® and ENLIST ONE® for use with ENLIST™ corn, soybeans and cotton in 34 states. The company has also secured cultivation authorizations of ENLIST E3® soybeans and ENLIST™ corn in Argentina, Brazil, and North America.
In 2020, Corteva signed an agreement with J.G. Boswell Company to purchase the remaining 46.5 percent interest in PhytoGen® Seed Company, LLC – a joint venture between the two companies. With a 100% ownership position in PhytoGen® Seed Company, LLC, Corteva became the sole owner of the intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, proprietary germplasm and information, as well as know-how.
Part I
Item 1. BUSINESS, continued
In 2020, Corteva announced the launch of Brevant™ seeds in the U.S. for sale exclusively through retail locations in the Midwest and Eastern Corn Belt starting with 2021 planting. As a global brand, Brevant™ seeds, which was originally launched in Latin America, Canada, and select European countries in 2018, provides farmers a greater choice with a high-performance retail solution. Brevant™ provides multiple seed offerings including corn, soybeans, sunflowers and canola.
In connection with the validation of breeding plans and large-scale product development timelines focused on rapidly ramping up differentiated technology solutions, during the fourth quarter of 2019, the company began accelerating the ramp up of the Enlist E3TM trait platform in the company’s soybean portfolio mix across all brands, including Pioneer® brands, over the subsequent five years. During the ramp-up period, the company is expected to significantly reduce the volume of products with the Roundup Ready 2 Yield® and Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® herbicide tolerance traits beginning in 2021, with expected minimal use of the Roundup Ready 2 Yield® and Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® traits thereafter for the remaining term of the non-exclusive license with the Monsanto Company. Refer to Prepaid Royalties within the Critical Accounting Estimates section on page 71 for additional information.
In 2019, Corteva received import authorization from China for the Conkesta™ soybean insect control trait. The trait approval had been in progress in China since 2014. The receipt of China import approval is a necessary step for commercialization of Conkesta E3™ in Latin America, which the company is expecting the latter part of 2021, pending additional regulatory approvals.
In 2019, the company launched Qrome® corn products in U.S. Pioneer® brands. Qrome® products offer growers high yield potential insect control options to help drive productivity for their operations by combining top-tier genetics and strong defensive traits. In 2020, Qrome® products were expanded to the U.S. multi-channel and Canada Pioneer® brands.
The company acquired exclusive rights to the Clearfield® canola production system in North America from BASF in 2019. The Clearfield® canola trait provides non-genetically modified tolerance to imidazolinone herbicides. Clearfield® canola in the Pioneer® and Nexera® brands were already highly established in the market and integrated into the company’s breeding, production and commercial processes.
In addition, the company creates digital tools that provide both farmers and internal sales resources with platforms to support agronomic and operational decision-making, particularly in the areas of product selection, targeted crop protection application, and financial analysis, designed to help maximize yield and profitability.
Distribution
The seed segment has a diverse worldwide network which markets and distributes the company’s brands to customers, primarily through the company’s multi-channel, multi-brand strategy, which includes four differentiated channels: Pioneer agency model, regional brands, retail brands, as well as third parties through licensing and distribution channels.
The Pioneer agency model is unique to Corteva and represents sales made directly to farmers via independent sales representatives. Through this agency model, the company interacts directly with farmers at multiple points in the growing season, from prior to planting all the way through harvest. These regular interactions enable the company to provide the advice and service farmers need while giving the company real-time insights into the customers’ future ordering decisions. The company’s regional brands connect to customers through regional brand employees and farmer-dealer networks. Retail brands provide a one-stop shop for seed and chemistry solutions and may include sales to distributors, agricultural cooperatives, and dealers. Finally, Corteva out-licenses traits and germplasm to third parties.
Key Raw Materials
The key raw materials for seed include corn and soybean seeds. To produce high-quality seeds, the company contracts with third party growers globally. Corteva focuses on production close to the customer to provide the seed product, which is suitable for that region and its weed, insect and disease challenges, weather, soil and other conditions. The company conditions and packages the seeds using its own plants and third-party contract manufacturers. By striking a balance between owning production facility assets directly and contracting with third party growers, the company believes it is best able to maintain flexibility to react to demand changes unique to each geography while minimizing costs. The company seeks to collaborate with strategic seed growers and share its digital agronomy and product management knowledge with them. The company’s third-party growers are an important part of its supply chain. Corteva provides them with rigorous training, planning tools and access to a system that tests and advances products matched to specific geographic needs.
Part I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS, continued
The seed segment's R&D and supply chain groups work seamlessly to select and maintain product characteristics that enhance the quality of its seed products and solutions. Corteva focuses on customer-driven innovation to deliver superior germplasm and trait technologies. With its large sets of digitized data and its seed field management solution, the company can manage its field operations efficiently and draw insights from data quickly and effectively. This allows the company’s supply chain to react quickly to changing customer needs and provides R&D with tremendous amounts of data to analyze and incorporate into resource allocation decisions. The company continues to invest in and build capabilities that drive value via data digitization and analytics that enable it to create an even more responsive and efficient answer to customer needs.
Crop Protection
The crop protection segment serves the global agricultural input industry with products that protect against weeds, insects and other pests, and disease, and that improve overall crop health both above and below ground via nitrogen management and seed-applied technologies. The company offers crop protection solutions that provide farmers the tools they need to improve productivity and profitability, and help keep fields free of weeds, insects and diseases. The company is a leader in global herbicides, insecticides, nitrogen stabilizers and pasture and range management herbicides.
Details on the crop protection segment’s net sales by major product line and geographic region (based on customer location) are as follows:

Part I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS, continued
Products and Brands
The crop protection segment’s major brands and technologies, by key product line, are listed below:
| Insect and Nematode Management | CLOSER™; DELEGATE™; INTREPID®; ISOCLAST™; LANNATE™; EXALT®; PEXALON™; TRANSFORM™; VYDATE™; OPTIMUM®; RADIANT™; SENTRICON™; ENTRUST® SC; GF-120™; and TRACER™ | ||||
| Disease Management | APROACH™ PRIMA; VESSARYA®; APROACH POWER™; TALENDO™; TALIUS®; EQUATION PRO®; EQUATION CONTACT®; ZORVEC™; DITHANE™; INATREQ™; CURZATE™; TANOS™, FONTELIS™; ACANTO®; and GALILEO® | ||||
| Weed Control | ARIGO®; ARYLEX®; ENLIST™ weed control system; ENLIST ONE™; BROADWAY™; RINSKOR™; ZYPAR™; MUSTANG®; GALLANT™; VERDICT™; LANCET®; KERB®; PIXXARO®; QUELEX™; GALLERY®; CENT-7®; SNAPSHOT®; TRELLIS®; CITADEL™; CLIPPER™; GRANITE®; RAINBOW™; PINDAR® GT; VIPER®; WIDEATTACK®; BELKAR®; WIDEMATCH®; PERFECTMATCH®; CLINCHER™; DURANGO™; FENCER®; GARLON™ |
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Item 1A. RISK FACTORS, continued
DuPont, Historical Dow or DowDuPont executed a fraudulent conveyance in connection with divestitures and spin-offs of any one of their historical operations, including Chemours. If a court were to agree with such a plaintiff, then such court could void the Separation and Distribution as a fraudulent transfer or impose substantial liabilities on Corteva, which could materially adversely affect its financial condition and results of operations. Among other things, the court could return some of Corteva’s assets or shares of Corteva common stock to DuPont, provide DuPont with a claim for money damages against Corteva in an amount equal to the difference between the consideration received by DuPont and the fair market value of Corteva at the time of the Corteva Distribution, or require Corteva to fund liabilities of other companies involved in the Internal Reorganization and Business Realignment for the benefit of creditors.
The Distribution is also subject to review under state corporate Distribution statutes. Under the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”), a corporation may only pay dividends to its stockholders either (i) out of its surplus (net assets minus capital) or (ii) if there is no such surplus, out of its net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year. Although the Distribution was made out of DowDuPont’s surplus and the company received an opinion that DowDuPont has adequate surplus under Delaware law to declare the dividend of Corteva common stock in connection with the Corteva Distribution, there can be no assurance that a court will not later determine that some or all of the Corteva Distribution was unlawful.
If the Corteva Distribution, together with certain related transactions, were to fail to qualify for non-recognition treatment for U.S. federal income tax purposes, then the company could be subject to significant tax and indemnification liability and stockholders receiving Corteva common stock in the Corteva Distribution could be subject to significant tax liability.
DowDuPont received an IRS Tax Ruling and tax opinion that, among other things, the Corteva Distribution and certain related transactions will qualify as a tax-free transaction under Section 355 and Section 368(a)(1)(D) of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code). The IRS Ruling and tax opinion relied on certain facts, assumptions, and undertakings, and certain representations from DowDuPont and Corteva, regarding the past and future conduct of both respective businesses and other matters. Despite the tax opinion and the IRS Ruling, the IRS could determine on audit that the Distribution or certain related transactions should be treated as a taxable transaction if it determines that any of these facts, assumptions, representations or undertakings are not correct or have been violated, or that the Distribution should be taxable for other reasons, including if the IRS were to disagree with the conclusions of the tax opinion.
If the Corteva Distribution ultimately is determined to be taxable, then a stockholder of DuPont that received shares of Corteva common stock would be treated as having received a distribution of property in an amount equal to the fair market value of such shares (including any fractional shares sold on behalf of such stockholder) on the distribution date and could incur significant income tax liabilities. Such distribution would be taxable to such stockholder as a dividend to the extent of DuPont’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, which would include any earnings and profits attributable to the gain recognized by DuPont on the taxable distribution and could include earnings and profits attributable to certain internal transactions preceding the Corteva Distribution. Any amount that exceeded DuPont’s earnings and profits would be treated first as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of such stockholder’s tax basis in its shares of DuPont stock with any remaining amount being taxed as a gain on the DuPont stock. In the event the Distribution is ultimately determined to be taxable, DuPont would recognize corporate level taxable gain on the Distribution in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of Corteva common stock distributed to DuPont stockholders on the distribution date over DuPont’s tax basis in such stock. In addition, if certain related transactions fail to qualify for tax-free treatment under U.S. federal, state, local tax and/or foreign tax law, Corteva and DuPont could incur significant tax liabilities under U.S. federal, state, local and/or foreign tax law.
Generally, taxes resulting from the failure of the Separation and Distributions to qualify for non-recognition treatment for U.S. federal income tax purposes would be imposed on DuPont or DuPont stockholders. Under the Tax Matters Agreement that the company entered into with DuPont and Dow, subject to the exceptions described below, the company is generally obligated to indemnify DuPont against such taxes imposed on DuPont. However, if the Distributions fail to qualify for non-recognition treatment for U.S. federal income tax purposes for certain reasons relating to the overall structure of the Merger and the Distributions, then under the Tax Matters Agreement, DuPont and Dow would share the tax liability resulting from such failure in accordance with their relative equity values on the first full trading day following the Dow Distribution. The company and DuPont would share any liabilities of DuPont described in the preceding sentence in accordance with its relative equity values on the first full trading day following the Corteva Distribution. Furthermore, under the terms of the Tax Matters Agreement, the company also generally will be responsible for any taxes imposed on DuPont or Dow that arise from the failure of the Corteva Distribution to qualify as tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes within the meaning of Section 355 of the Code or the
Part I
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS, continued
failure of certain related transactions to qualify for tax-free treatment, to the extent such failure to qualify is attributable to actions, events or transactions relating to its, or its affiliates’, stock, assets or business, or any breach of its representations made in any representation letter provided to its counsel in connection with the tax opinion. DuPont and Dow will be separately responsible for any taxes imposed on Corteva that arise from the failure of the Corteva Distribution to qualify as tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes within the meaning of Section 355 of the Code or the failure of certain related transactions to qualify for tax-free treatment, to the extent such failure to qualify is attributable to actions, events or transactions relating to such company’s or its affiliates’ stock, assets or business, or any breach of such company’s representations made in connection with the IRS Ruling or in the representation letter provided to counsel in connection with the tax opinion. Events triggering an indemnification obligation under the tax matters agreement include events occurring after the Corteva Distribution that cause DuPont to recognize a gain under Section 355(e) of the Code, as discussed further below. Such tax amounts could be significant. To the extent that the company is responsible for any liability under the tax matters agreement, there could be a material adverse impact on Corteva’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows in future reporting periods.
The company agreed to numerous restrictions to preserve the tax-free treatment of the transactions separating it from DowDuPont in the United States, which may reduce Corteva’s strategic and operating flexibility.
The company’s ability to engage in certain transactions is limited or restricted to preserve, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the tax-free nature of the Distributions by DowDuPont, and certain aspects of the Internal Reorganization and Business Realignment. As a result of these limitations, under the Tax Matters Agreement that the company entered into with DuPont and Dow, for the two-year period following the Distribution, the company is prohibited, except in certain circumstances, from, among other things:
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entering into any transaction resulting in acquisitions of a certain percentage of its assets, whether by merger or otherwise;
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dissolving, merging, consolidating or liquidating;
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undertaking or permitting any transaction relating to Corteva stock, including issuances, redemptions or repurchases other than certain, limited, permitted issuances and repurchases;
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affecting the relative voting rights of Corteva stock, whether by amending Corteva’s certificate of incorporation or otherwise; or
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ceasing to actively conduct its business.
These restrictions may significantly limit Corteva’s ability to pursue certain strategic transactions or other transactions that the company may believe to otherwise be in the best interests of its stockholders or that might increase the value of its business.
The IRS may assert that the Merger causes the Distributions and other related transactions to be taxable to DuPont, in which case the company could be subject to significant indemnification liability.
Even if the Distributions otherwise constitutes a tax-free transaction to stockholders under Section 355 of the Code, DuPont may be required to recognize corporate level tax on the Distributions and certain related transactions under Section 355(e) of the Code if, as a result of the Merger or other transactions considered part of a plan with the Distributions, there is a 50 percent or greater change of ownership in DuPont or Corteva. In connection with the Merger, DowDuPont received a private letter ruling from the IRS regarding the proper time, manner and methodology for measuring common ownership in the stock of DowDuPont, Historical DuPont and Historical Dow for purposes of determining whether there has been a 50 percent or greater change of ownership under Section 355(e) of the Code as a result of the Merger. The tax opinion relied on the continued validity of the private letter ruling, as well as certain factual representations from DowDuPont as to the extent of common ownership in the stock of Historical DuPont and Historical Dow immediately prior to the Merger. Based on the representations made by DowDuPont as to the common ownership in the stock of Historical DuPont and Historical Dow immediately prior to the Merger and assuming the continued validity of the IRS Ruling, the tax opinion concluded that there was not a 50 percent or greater change of ownership in DowDuPont, Historical DuPont or Historical Dow for purposes of Section 355(e) as a result of the Merger. Notwithstanding the tax opinion and the IRS Ruling, the IRS could determine that the Distributions or a related transaction should nevertheless be treated as a taxable transaction to DuPont if it determines that any of the facts, assumptions, representations or undertakings of DowDuPont is not correct or that the Distributions should be taxable for other reasons, including if the IRS were to disagree with the conclusions in the tax opinion that are not covered by the private letter ruling. If DuPont is required to recognize corporate level tax on either of the Distributions and certain related transactions under Section 355(e) of the Code, then under the Tax Matters Agreement, the company may be required to indemnify DuPont and/or
Part I
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS, continued
Dow for all or a portion of such taxes, which could be a material amount, if such taxes were the result of either direct or indirect transfers of Corteva common stock or certain reasons relating to the overall structure of the Merger and the Distributions.
The company is subject to continuing contingent tax-related liabilities of DowDuPont following the Distribution.
There are several significant areas where the liabilities of DowDuPont may become Corteva’s obligations either in whole or in part. For example, under the Code and the related rules and regulations, each corporation that was a member of DowDuPont’s consolidated tax reporting group during any taxable period or portion of any taxable period ending on or before the effective time of the Distribution is jointly and severally liable for the U.S. federal income tax liability of the entire consolidated tax reporting group for such taxable period. Additionally, to the extent that any subsidiary of Corteva was included in the consolidated tax reporting group of either Historical DuPont or Historical Dow for any taxable period or portion of any taxable period ending on or before the effective date of the Merger, such subsidiary is jointly and severally liable for the U.S. federal income tax liability of the entire consolidated tax reporting group of Historical DuPont or Historical Dow, as applicable, for such taxable period. In connection with the Distributions, on April 1, 2019, the company entered into the Tax Matters Agreement with DuPont and Dow that allocates the responsibility for prior period consolidated taxes among Corteva, DuPont and Dow. If DuPont or Dow were unable to pay any prior period taxes for which it is responsible, however, the company could be required to pay the entire amount of such taxes, and such amounts could be significant. Other provisions of federal, state, local, or foreign law may establish similar liability for other matters, including laws governing tax-qualified pension plans, as well as other contingent liabilities.
Corteva’s unaudited pro forma combined financial information is not necessarily representative of the results the company would have achieved as an independent, publicly traded company and may not be a reliable indicator of its future results.
The unaudited pro forma financial information of Corteva included herein (refer to supplemental unaudited pro forma financial statements on page 51) may not reflect what Corteva’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows would have been had the company been an independent, publicly traded company comprised solely of DowDuPont’s agriculture business during the periods presented. This is primarily because:
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The historical financial information of Corteva does not reflect the changes that the company experienced in connection with the Separation, including the Distribution.
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Prior to the Separation, Corteva’s business was operated under the corporate umbrella of DowDuPont. As part of the DowDuPont corporate organization, Corteva’s business was principally operated by Historical DuPont, with certain portions of its business being operated by Historical Dow as part of its internal corporate organization, rather than being operated as part of a consolidated agriculture business.
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The historical financial information of Corteva reflects only corporate expenses of Historical DuPont and allocated corporate expenses from Historical Dow, and thus is not necessarily representative of the costs the company incurred for similar services as an independent company following the Separation.
In addition, the unaudited pro forma financial information included in this annual report is based on a number of estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions may prove to be inaccurate, and accordingly, Corteva’s unaudited pro forma financial information should not be assumed to be indicative of what the company’s financial condition or results of operations actually would have been as a standalone company during the time periods presented nor to be a reliable indicator of what its financial condition or results of operations actually may be in the future. For additional information about the unaudited pro forma financial statements, Historical DuPont’s past financial performance and the basis of presentation of Corteva’s financial statements, see Corteva’s consolidated financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Part I
Item 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
Item 2. PROPERTIES
The company operates out of its headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware. It also maintains one global business center in Johnston, Iowa, for its seed business and another in Indianapolis, Indiana, for its crop protection business. Its manufacturing, processing, marketing and research and development facilities, as well as regional purchasing offices and distribution centers, are located throughout the world. The company has 97 manufacturing sites in the following geographic regions:
| Number of Sites | |||||||||||
| Crop | Seed | Total | |||||||||
| North America1 | 6 | 43 | 49 | ||||||||
| EMEA2 | 4 | 16 | 20 | ||||||||
| Latin America | 7 | 11 | 18 | ||||||||
| Asia Pacific | 5 | 5 | 10 | ||||||||
| Total | 22 | 75 | 97 |
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North America consists of U.S. & Canada.
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Europe, Middle East, and Africa ("EMEA").
The company's principal sites include facilities which, in the opinion of management, are suitable and adequate for their use and have sufficient capacity for the company's current needs and expected near-term growth. In 2019, the company announced an expansion to increase its Spinosyns fermentation capacity (refer to page 63 for further discussion). Properties are primarily owned by the company; however, certain properties are leased. No title examination of the properties has been made for the purpose of this report and certain properties are shared with other tenants under long-term leases.
Part I
Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The company is subject to various legal proceedings, including, but not limited to, product liability, intellectual property, antitrust, commercial, property damage, personal injury, environmental and regulatory matters arising out of the normal course of its current businesses or legacy EID businesses unrelated to Corteva’s current businesses but allocated to Corteva as part of the Separation of Corteva from DuPont. Information regarding certain of these matters is set forth below and in Note 18 - Commitments and Contingent Liabilities, to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Even when the Company believes liabilities are not expected to be material or the probability of loss or of an adverse unappealable final judgment is remote, the Company may consider settlement of these matters, and may enter into settlement agreements, if it believes settlement is in the best interest of the Company, including avoidance of future distraction and litigation defense cost, and its shareholders.
Litigation related to Corteva’s current businesses
Canadian Competition Bureau Formal Inquiry
On January 30, 2020, the Canadian Competition Bureau (the “Bureau”) filed a court order for the company to produce records and information as part of a formal inquiry under civil sections of Canada’s competition laws. The inquiry is in response to allegations by the Farmers Business Network ("FBN") that Corteva and other seeds and crop protection manufacturers and wholesalers unilaterally or in coordination refused, restricted and/or impaired supply of products to FBN in western Canada. This inquiry follows an informal request for information from the Bureau pursuant to which the company voluntarily provided documents and engaged in discussions with the Bureau outlining how its conduct was and continues to be compliant with Canadian competition laws. Corteva continues to cooperate with the Bureau’s inquiries, but believes the likelihood of material liability is remote.
Federal Trade Commission Investigation
On May 26, 2020, Corteva received a subpoena from the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) directing it to submit documents pertaining to its crop protection products generally, as well as business plans, rebate programs, offers, pricing and marketing materials specifically related to its acetochlor, oxamyl and rimsulfuron and other related products in order to determine whether Corteva engaged in unfair methods of competition through anticompetitive conduct. Corteva has cooperated with the FTC’s subpoena, and continues to believe the likelihood of material liability is remote.
Litigation related to legacy EID businesses unrelated to Corteva’s current businesses
As discussed below and in Note 18 - Commitments and Contingent Liabilities, to the Consolidated Financial Statements, certain of the environmental proceedings and litigation allocated to Corteva as part of the Separation from DuPont relate to the legacy EID businesses, including their use of PFOA, which, for purposes of this report, means collectively perfluorooctanoic acid and its salts, including the ammonium salt and does not distinguish between the two forms, and PFAS, which means per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, including PFOA, PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid), GenX and other perfluorinated chemicals and compounds ("PFCs"). Management believes that it is reasonably possible that EID could incur liabilities related to PFOA in excess of amounts accrued. However, any such losses are not estimable at this time due to various reasons, including, among others, that the underlying matters are in their early stages and have significant factual issues to be resolved.
On May 13, 2019, Chemours filed suit in the Delaware Court of Chancery against DuPont, EID, and Corteva, seeking, among other things, to limit its responsibility for the litigation and environmental liabilities allocated to and assumed by Chemours under the Chemours Separation Agreement (the “Delaware Litigation”). On March 30, 2020, the Court of Chancery granted a motion to dismiss. On December 15, 2020, the Delaware Supreme Court affirmed the judgment of the Court of Chancery. Meanwhile, a confidential arbitration process regarding the same and other claims has proceeded (the “Pending Arbitration”). On January 22, 2021, Chemours, DuPont, Corteva and EID entered into a binding memorandum of understanding containing a settlement to resolve legal disputes originating from the Delaware Litigation and Pending Arbitration, and to establish a cost sharing arrangement and escrow account to be used to support and manage potential future legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) liabilities arising out of pre-July 1, 2015 conduct (the “MOU”). See Note 18 - Commitments and Contingent Liabilities, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
Environmental Proceedings
The company believes it is remote that the following matters will have a material impact on its financial position, liquidity or results of operations. The matters below involve the potential for $1 million or more in monetary fines and are included per Item 103(3)(c)(iii) of Regulation S-K of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Part I
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Related to Corteva’s current businesses
La Porte Plant, La Porte, Texas - Crop Protection - Release Incident Investigations
On November 15, 2014, there was a release of methyl mercaptan at EID's La Porte, Texas, facility. The release occurred at the site’s crop protection unit resulting in four employee fatalities inside the unit. The Chemical Safety Board (“CSB”) issued its final report on June 18, 2019, which included recommendations related to the emergency response program at La Porte. Corteva responded to the CSB on September 30, 2019 outlining the actions it has taken to date to address the recommendations for the site and providing its plan to address the CSB’s remaining recommendations. After the conclusion of the CSB investigation, criminal U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") and the Department of Justice ("DOJ") investigations related to the incident continued. On January 8, 2021, EID and the facility's former unit operations leader were indicted by the DOJ on two felony and one misdemeanor charges of violations of the Clean Air Act related to the release. The maximum statutory penalties per charge are $500,000, or twice the gross gain or loss derived from the incident, as well as up to three years of probation and related ongoing reporting obligations. Corteva cooperated fully with the government’s investigation and will vigorously defend against these charges.
Related to legacy EID businesses unrelated to Corteva’s current businesses
Sabine Plant, Orange, Texas - EPA Multimedia Inspection
In June 2012, EID began discussions with the EPA and the DOJ related to a multimedia inspection that the EPA conducted at the Sabine facility in March 2009 and December 2015. The discussions involve the management of materials in the facility's wastewater treatment system, hazardous waste management, flare and air emissions, including leak detection and repair. These discussions continue. Under the Separation Agreement, Corteva and DuPont will share any future liabilities proportionally on the basis of 29% and 71%, respectively.
Divested Neoprene Facility, La Place, Louisiana - EPA Compliance Inspection
In 2016, the EPA conducted a focused compliance investigation at the Denka Performance Elastomer LLC (“Denka”) neoprene manufacturing facility in La Place, Louisiana. EID sold the neoprene business, including this manufacturing facility, to Denka in the fourth quarter of 2015. In the spring of 2017, the EPA, the DOJ, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, EID and Denka began discussions relating to the inspection conclusions and allegations of noncompliance arising under the Clean Air Act, including leak detection and repair. These discussions, which include potential settlement options, continue. Under the Separation Agreement, DuPont is defending and indemnifying the company in this matter.
New Jersey Directive PFAS
On March 25, 2019, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (“NJDEP”) issued a Statewide PFAS Directive to several companies, including Chemours, DuPont, and EID. The Directive seeks information relating to the use and environmental release of PFAS and PFAS-replacement chemicals at and from two former EID sites in New Jersey, Chambers Works and Parlin, and a funding source for costs related to the NJDEP’s investigation of PFAS issues and PFAS testing and remediation.
New Jersey Directive Pompton Lakes
On March 27, 2019, the NJDEP issued to Chemours and EID a Natural Resource Damages Directive relating to chemical contamination (non-PFAS) at and around EID’s former Pompton Lakes facility in New Jersey. The Directive alleges that this contamination has harmed the natural resources of New Jersey. It seeks $125,000 as reimbursement for the cost of preparing a natural resource damages assessment, which the State will use to determine the extent of such damage and the amount it expects to seek to restore the affected natural resources to their pre-damage state.
Natural Resource Damage Cases
Since May 2017, several municipal water districts and state attorneys general have filed lawsuits against EID, Corteva, Chemours, 3M, and others, claiming contamination of public water systems by PFCs, including but not limited to PFOA. These actions with the municipalities and states seeking economic impact damages for alleged harm to natural resources, punitive damages, present and future costs to cleanup PFOA contamination and the abatement of alleged nuisance with filtration systems. Further information with respect to these proceedings is set forth under "Other PFOA Matters" in Note 18 - Commitments and Contingent Liabilities, to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
Part II
Item 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
The company's common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (symbol: CTVA). The number of record holders of common stock was approximately 77,000 at January 31, 2021.
In June 2019, the company began declaring quarterly dividends. During 2019, the company paid two quarterly dividends on its common stock of $0.13 per share each. During 2020, the company paid four quarterly dividends on its common stock of $0.13 per share each.
See Part III, Item 11. Executive Compensation for information relating to the company’s equity compensation plans.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table provides information with respect to the company's purchase of its common stock during the three months ended December 31, 2020:
| Month | Total Number of Shares Purchased | Average Price Paid per Share | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of the Company's Publicly Announced Share Buyback Program****1 | Approximate Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Programs****1 (Dollars in millions) | ||||||||||
| October 2020 | 2,862,214 | $ | 31.92 | 2,862,214 | $ | 801 | ||||||||
| November 2020 | 555,355 | 37.54 | 555,355 | 780 | ||||||||||
| December 2020 | 2,061,079 | 38.81 | 2,061,079 | 700 | ||||||||||
| Fourth quarter 2020 | 5,478,648 | $ | 35.08 | 5,478,648 | $ | 700 |
1 On June 26, 2019, Corteva, Inc. announced that its Board of Directors authorized a $1 billion share repurchase program to purchase Corteva, Inc.'s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, without an expiration date. The company repurchased $300 million under its share buyback plan since the Corteva Distribution and expects to repurchase the remaining $700 million in 2021. The timing, price and volume of purchases will be based on market conditions, relevant securities laws and other factors.
Stock Performance Graph
The following graph illustrates the cumulative total return to Corteva stockholders following the completion of the Separation and beginning as of the closing price of its first NYSE listing date, June 3, 2019. The Chart compares the cumulative total return of Corteva’ s common stock with the S&P 500 Stock Index and the S&P 500 Chemicals Index.

Part II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
| 6/3/2019 | 12/31/2019 | 12/31/2020 | |||||||||
| Corteva | $ | 100 | $ | 120 | $ | 161 | |||||
| S&P 500 Index | 100 | 119 | 141 | ||||||||
| S&P 500 Chemicals Index | 100 | 112 | 129 |
The chart depicts a hypothetical $100 investment in each of the Corteva common stock, the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Chemicals Index as of the closing price on June 3, 2019 and illustrates the value of each investment over time (assuming the reinvestment of dividends) until December 31, 2020.
Part II
Item 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
| Successor | Predecessor | |||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions, except per share) | For the Year Ended December 31, 2020 | For the Year Ended December 31, 2019 | For the Year Ended December 31, 2018 | For the Period September 1 through December 31, 2017 | For the Period January 1 through August 31, 2017 | For the Year Ended December 31, 2016 | ||||||||||||||
| Summary of operations | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 14,217 | $ | 13,846 | $ | 14,287 | $ | 3,790 | $ | 6,894 | $ | 8,133 | ||||||||
| Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes | $ | 675 | $ | (316) | $ | (6,806) | $ | (461) | $ | (37) | $ | (527) | ||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to Corteva | $ | 681 | $ | (959) | $ | (5,065) | $ | 1,182 | $ | 1,734 | $ | 2,513 | ||||||||
| Basic earnings (loss) per share of common stock from continuing operations | $ | 0.98 | $ | (0.38) | $ | (9.08) | $ | 2.34 | $ | 0.40 | $ | (0.29) | ||||||||
| Diluted earnings (loss) per share of common stock from continuing operations | $ | 0.98 | $ | (0.38) | $ | (9.08) | $ | 2.34 | $ | 0.40 | $ | (0.29) | ||||||||
| Financial position at year-end | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Working capital1 | $ | 6,220 | $ | 5,281 | $ | 3,740 | $ | 4,468 | $ | 2,916 | ||||||||||
| Total assets2,3 | $ | 42,649 | $ | 42,397 | $ | 108,683 | $ | 120,366 | $ | 40,041 | ||||||||||
| Borrowings and finance lease obligations | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Short-term borrowings and finance lease obligations | $ | 3 | $ | 7 | $ | 2,154 | $ | 2,752 | $ | 425 | ||||||||||
| Long-term debt | $ | 1,102 | $ | 115 | $ | 5,784 | $ | 10,299 | $ | 8,059 | ||||||||||
| Total equity | $ | 25,063 | $ | 24,555 | $ | 75,153 | $ | 79,593 | $ | 10,196 | ||||||||||
| General | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends per common share | $ | 0.52 | $ | 0.26 | $ | 1.14 | $ | 1.52 | ||||||||||||
1.Working capital represents current assets less current liabilities and excludes the assets and liabilities related to discontinued operations. Refer to Note 1 Background and Basis of Presentation and Note 5 - Divestitures and Other Transactions, of the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
2.The company adopted ASC 842 in the first quarter of 2019, which allows for a modified retrospective transition approach, applying the new standard to all leases existing at the date of initial adoption. The company has elected to apply the transition requirements at the January 1, 2019 effective date rather than at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented.
3.Periods prior to December 31, 2019 includes total assets of discontinued operations. See Note 5 - Divestitures and Other Transactions, of the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
Part II
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This report contains certain estimates and forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and may be identified by their use of words like “plans,” “expects,” “will,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “projects,” “estimates,” "outlook," or other words of similar meaning. All statements that address expectations or projections about the future, including statements about Corteva’s strategy for growth, product development, regulatory approval, market position, liquidity, anticipated benefits of recent acquisitions, timing of anticipated benefits from restructuring actions, outcome of contingencies, such as litigation and environmental matters, expenditures, and financial results, as well as expected benefits from, the separation of Corteva from DowDuPont, are forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements and other estimates are based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events which may not be accurate or realized. Forward-looking statements and other estimates also involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Corteva’s control. While the list of factors presented below is considered representative, no such list should be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Unlisted factors may present significant additional obstacles to the realization of forward-looking statements. Consequences of material differences in results as compared with those anticipated in the forward-looking statements could include, among other things, business disruption, operational problems, financial loss, legal liability to third parties and similar risks, any of which could have a material adverse effect on Corteva’s business, results of operations and financial condition. Some of the important factors that could cause Corteva’s actual results to differ materially from those projected in any such forward-looking statements include: (i) failure to obtain or maintain the necessary regulatory approvals for some of Corteva’s products; (ii) failure to successfully develop and commercialize Corteva’s pipeline; (iii) effect of the degree of public understanding and acceptance or perceived public acceptance of Corteva’s biotechnology and other agricultural products; (iv) effect of changes in agricultural and related policies of governments and international organizations; (v) effect of competition and consolidation in Corteva’s industry; (vi) effect of competition from manufacturers of generic products; (vii) costs of complying with evolving regulatory requirements and the effect of actual or alleged violations of environmental laws or permit requirements; (viii) effect of climate change and unpredictable seasonal and weather factors; (ix) risks related to oil and commodity markets; (x) competitor’s establishment of an intermediary platform for distribution of Corteva's products; (xi) impact of Corteva's dependence on third parties with respect to certain of its raw materials or licenses and commercialization; (xii) effect of industrial espionage and other disruptions to Corteva’s supply chain, information technology or network systems; (xiii) effect of volatility in Corteva’s input costs; (xiv) failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the internal reorganizations taken by DowDuPont in connection with the spin-of
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Item 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS, continued
The company believes its ability to generate cash from operations and access to capital markets and commercial paper markets will be adequate to meet anticipated cash requirements to fund its operations, including seasonal working capital, capital spending, dividend payments, share repurchases and pension contributions. Corteva's strong financial position, liquidity and credit ratings will provide access as needed to capital markets and commercial paper markets to fund seasonal working capital needs. The company's liquidity needs can be met through a variety of sources, including cash provided by operating activities, commercial paper, syndicated credit lines, bilateral credit lines, long-term debt markets, bank financing and committed receivable repurchase facilities. Corteva considers the borrowing costs and lending terms when selecting the source to fund its operations and working capital needs.
The company had access to approximately $6.4 billion in committed and uncommitted unused credit lines at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. These facilities provide support to meet the company’s short-term liquidity needs and for general corporate purposes which may include funding of discretionary and non-discretionary contributions to certain benefit plans, severance payments, repayment and refinancing of debt, working capital, capital expenditures, repurchases and redemptions of securities and funding Corteva's costs and expenses.
On January 22, 2021, Chemours, DuPont, Corteva and EID entered into a binding memorandum of understanding containing a settlement to resolve legal disputes originating from the Delaware Litigation and Pending Arbitration, and to establish a cost sharing arrangement and escrow account to be used to support and manage potential future legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) liabilities arising out of pre-July 1, 2015 conduct (the “MOU”). The MOU replaces the 2017 amendment to the Chemours Separation Agreement (refer to Footnote 5 - Divestitures and Other Transactions, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details). According to the terms of the cost sharing arrangement within the MOU, Corteva and DuPont together, on one hand, and Chemours, on the other hand, agreed to a 50-50 split of certain qualified expenses related to PFAS liabilities incurred over a term not to exceed twenty years or $4 billion of qualified spend and escrow account contributions in the aggregate. DuPont’s and Corteva’s 50% share under the MOU will be limited to $2 billion, including qualified expenses and escrow contributions (see below for discussion of escrow contributions). These expenses and escrow account contributions will be subject to the existing Letter Agreement, under which DuPont and Corteva will each bear 50% of the first $300 million (up to $150 million each), and thereafter DuPont bears 71% and Corteva bears the remaining 29%.
In order to support and manage any potential future PFAS liabilities, the parties have also agreed to establish an escrow account. The MOU provides that (1) no later than each of September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2022, Chemours shall deposit $100 million into an escrow account and DuPont and Corteva shall together deposit $100 million in the aggregate into an escrow account and (2) no later than September 30 of each subsequent year through and including 2028, Chemours shall deposit $50 million into an escrow account and DuPont and Corteva shall together deposit $50 million in the aggregate into an escrow account. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the MOU, each party may be permitted to defer funding in any year (excluding 2021). Over this period, Chemours will deposit a total of $500 million in the account and DuPont and Corteva will deposit an additional $500 million pursuant to the terms of the Letter Agreement. Additionally, if on December 31, 2028, the balance of the escrow account (including interest) is less than $700 million, Chemours will make 50% of the deposits and DuPont and Corteva together will make 50% of the deposits necessary to restore the balance of the escrow account to $700 million. Such payments will be made in a series of consecutive annual equal installments commencing on September 30, 2029 pursuant to the escrow account replenishment terms as set forth in the MOU (refer to Note 18 - Commitments and Contingent Liabilities, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details on the MOU and Letter Agreement).
In November 2018, EID entered into a $3.0 billion five-year revolving credit facility and a $3.0 billion three-year revolving credit facility (the “2018 Revolving Credit Facilities”). The 2018 Revolving Credit Facilities became effective May 2019 in connection with the termination of the EID $4.5 billion Term Loan Facility and the $3.0 billion Revolving Credit Facility dated May 2014. Corteva, Inc. became a party to the 2018 Revolving Credit Facilities upon the Corteva Distribution. In March 2020, the company drew down $500 million under the three year revolving credit facility to finance its short term liquidity needs as a result of the volatility and increased borrowing costs of commercial paper resulting from the unstable market conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and repaid that borrowing in full in June 2020. The Revolving Credit Facilities contain customary representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants and events of default that are typical for companies with similar credit ratings. The Revolving Credit Facilities also contain a financial covenant requiring that the ratio of total indebtedness to total capitalization for Corteva and its consolidated subsidiaries not exceed 0.60. At December 31, 2020 the company was in compliance with these covenants.
Part II
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS, continued
In May 2020, EID issued $500 million of 1.70 percent Senior Notes due 2025 and $500 million of 2.30 percent Senior Notes due 2030 (the May 2020 Debt Offering). The proceeds of this offering are intended to be used for general corporate purposes, which may include discretionary contributions to the company’s U.S. principal pension plan and repayment of other indebtedness.
The company's indenture covenants include customary limitations on liens, sale and leaseback transactions, and mergers and consolidations affecting manufacturing plants, mineral producing properties or research facilities located in the U.S. and the consolidated subsidiaries owning such plants, properties and facilities subject to certain limitations. The outstanding long-term debt also contains customary default provisions.
The company has meaningful seasonal working capital needs based in part on providing financing to its customers. Working capital is funded through multiple methods including commercial paper, a receivable repurchase facility, factoring and cash from operations.
In February 2020, in line with seasonal working capital requirements, the company entered into a committed receivable repurchase agreement of up to $1.3 billion (the "2020 Repurchase Facility") which expired in December 2020. Under the 2020 Repurchase Facility, the company sold a portfolio of available and eligible outstanding customer notes receivables to participating institutions and simultaneously agreed to repurchase at a future date.
In February 2021, the company entered into a new committed receivable repurchase facility of up to $1 billion (the "2021 Repurchase Facility") which expires in December 2021. See further discussion of the 2021 Repurchase Facility in Note 27 - Subsequent Events, to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The company has factoring agreements with third-party financial institutions primarily in Latin America to sell its trade receivables under both recourse and non-recourse agreements in exchange for cash proceeds in an effort to reduce its rece
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Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The company’s global operations are exposed to financial market risks relating to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices, and interest rates. The company has established a variety of programs including the use of derivative instruments and other financial instruments to manage the exposure to financial market risks as to minimize volatility of financial results. In the ordinary course of business, the company enters into derivative instruments to hedge its exposure to foreign currency and commodity price risks under established procedures and controls. For additional information on these derivatives and related exposures, see Note 22 - Financial Instruments, to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Decisions regarding whether or not to hedge a given commitment are made on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the amount and duration of the exposure, market volatility and economic trends. Foreign currency exchange contracts may be used, from time to time, to manage near-term foreign currency cash requirements.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risks
The company has significant international operations resulting in a large number of currency transactions that result from international sales, purchases, investments and borrowings. The primary currencies for which the company has an exchange rate exposure are the Brazilian Real, Swiss franc, European Euro ("EUR"), and Canadian dollar. The company uses foreign exchange contracts to offset its net exposures, by currency, related to the foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities of its operations. The company also uses foreign currency exchange contracts to offset a portion of the company's exposure to certain forecasted transactions, investment in foreign subsidiaries, as well as the translation of foreign currency-denominated earnings and uses commodity contracts to offset risks associated with foreign currency devaluation in certain countries. In addition to the contracts disclosed in Note 22 - Financial Instruments, to the Consolidated Financial Statements, from time to time, the company will enter into foreign currency exchange contracts to establish with certainty the U.S. dollar ("USD") amount of future firm commitments denominated in a foreign currency.
Certain foreign entities of the company held USD denominated marketable securities, mainly U.S. government securities, at December 31, 2020. The USD/EUR was the primary foreign exchange exposure for these nonfunctional currency denominated marketable securities. These marketable securities were classified as available-for-sale and as such, fluctuations in foreign exchange were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL) within the Consolidated Statements of Equity. These fluctuations are subsequently reclassified from AOCL to earnings in the period in which the marketable securities are sold.
The following table illustrates the fair values of outstanding foreign currency contracts at December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the effect on fair values of a hypothetical adverse change in the foreign exchange rates that existed at December 31, 2020 and 2019. The sensitivities for foreign currency contracts are based on a 10 percent adverse change in foreign exchange rates.
| Fair Value (Liability)/Asset | Fair Value Sensitivity | |||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||
| Foreign currency contracts | $ | (80) | $ | (18) | $ | (388) | $ | (296) | ||||||
| Marketable securities | $ | 226 | $ | — | $ | (36) | $ | — |
Since the company's risk management programs are highly effective, the potential loss in value for each risk management portfolio described above would be largely offset by changes in the value of the underlying exposure.
Concentration of Credit Risk
The company maintains cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, derivatives and certain other financial instruments with various financial institutions. These financial institutions are generally highly rated and geographically dispersed and the company has a policy to limit the dollar amount of credit exposure with any one institution.
As part of the company's financial risk management processes, it continuously evaluates the relative credit standing of all of the financial institutions that service Corteva and monitors actual exposures versus established limits. The company has not sustained credit losses from instruments held at financial institutions.
The company's sales are not materially dependent on any single customer. Credit risk associated with its receivables balance is representative of the geographic, industry and customer diversity associated with the company's global product lines.
Part II
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The company also maintains strong credit controls in evaluating and granting customer credit. As a result, it may require that customers provide some type of financial guarantee in certain circumstances. Length of terms for customer credit varies by region.
Part II
Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The financial statements and supplementary data required by this Item are included herein, commencing on page F-1 of this report.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF E. I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
Part II
Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Corteva, Inc.
a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The company maintains a system of disclosure controls and procedures to give reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the company's reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act") is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission. These controls and procedures also give reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in such reports is accumulated and communicated to management to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
As of December 31, 2020, the company's Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), together with management, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the company's disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act. Based on that evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
b) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in the company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the company's internal control over financial reporting.
Part II
E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
EID maintains a system of disclosure controls and procedures to give reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in their reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act") is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission. These controls and procedures also give reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in such reports is accumulated and communicated to management to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
As of December 31, 2020, EID's CEO and CFO, together with management, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of EID's disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act. Based on that evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
b) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in EID's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, EID's internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
On June 1, 2019, Corteva, Inc. became an independent, publicly traded company through the previously announced separation (the “Separation”) of the agriculture business of DowDuPont Inc. (“DowDuPont”). The separation was effectuated through a pro rata distribution of all of the then-issued and outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Corteva, Inc., which was then a wholly-owned subsidiary of DowDuPont, to holders of record of DowDuPont common stock as of the close of business on May 24, 2019. The Separation is intended to qualify as a tax-free spinoff for United States tax purposes under Section 355 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Part III
Item 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Information with respect to this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy, including information within the sections entitled, "Election of Directors," "Corporate Governance," and "Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports".
The company has adopted a Code of Financial Ethics for its CEO, CFO, and Controller that may be accessed from the company's website at www.corteva.com by clicking on "Investors" and then "Corporate Governance." Any amendments to, or waiver from, any provision of the code will be posted on the company's website at the above address.
Executive Officers of the Registrant
Each of the executive officers became officers of the company in May 2019 with the exception of Dr. Sam Eathington who became an executive officer in January 2021.
James C. Collins, Jr, age 58, is the Chief Executive Officer of Corteva. He previously served as the chief operating officer of the agriculture division of DowDuPont Inc. since September 2017. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Collins was executive vice president of DuPont with responsibility for the company’s agriculture segment, including DuPont Pioneer and Crop Protection, since January 2016. Prior to this, beginning in September 2013, he was senior vice president with responsibility for DuPont’s performance materials segment, was named to the position of executive vice president in December 2014, and added responsibility for the electronics & communications segment in July 2015. Previously, Mr. Collins was vice president for acquisition & integration of Danisco, since January 2011, and was named president of DuPont’s industrial biosciences segment in May of that year. From 2004 to 2010, he was responsible for DuPont’s crop protection segment as vice president and general manager and then president. Mr. Collins joined DuPont as an engineer in 1984 and held positions in engineering, supervision and business management at a variety of manufacturing sites. In 1993, he joined the agriculture sales & marketing group where he served in a variety of roles across the globe supporting DuPont’s seed and crop protection businesses. Mr. Collins currently serves on the board of directors of CropLife International and the U.S. China Business Council. He also serves on the Advisory Councils of the University of Tennessee Loan Oaks Farm and the Food Forever Initiative Global Crop Diversity Trust.
Gregory R. Friedman, age 53, is Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Corteva. Mr. Friedman previously served as chief financial officer of the agriculture division of DowDuPont Inc. since September 2018. Prior to this appointment, he served as vice president of investor relations for DuPont since September 2014, general auditor and chief ethics & compliance leader from 2013 to 2014 and was chief financial officer of DuPont Pioneer from 2011 to 2013. Prior to this, he served as assistant treasurer of DuPont from 2010 to 2011 with responsibility for financial risk management, cash operations and leasing. From 2002 to 2010, he served in various business and finance leadership roles after joining DuPont in 2001 as chief financial officer of Polar Vision, Inc., a newly acquired electronics joint venture in Torrance, California. On February 4, 2021, Mr. Friedman notified the Company of his intention to retire.
Rajan Gajaria, age 53, is Executive Vice President, Business Platforms of Corteva. Mr. Gajaria previously served as vice president, global crop protection business platform, of DowDuPont Inc. Prior to this, he served as Vice President, Latin America and North America, for Dow AgroSciences since 2015. He was selected to lead Dow AgroSciences’ Latin America and Asia Pacific geographies in 2012 after being named marketing director for the company’s U.S. business in 2009. Mr. Gajaria advanced through leadership roles at Dow AgroSciences in corporate strategy, marketing, and e-business before serving as global supply chain director. He joined Dow AgroSciences’ Indian joint venture partner in Mumbai in 1993, where he served in sales and marketing roles as well as in human resources before moving to the company’s global headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Timothy P. Glenn, age 54, is Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer of Corteva. Mr. Glenn previously served as Vice President, Global Seed Business Platform of DowDuPont Inc. Prior to this, he served as President, DuPont Crop Protection since 2015, and from 2014 to 2015 served as vice president, integrated operations and commercial effectiveness for DuPont Pioneer. He previously held other leadership positions at DuPont Pioneer, including regional business director, Latin America and Canada, after rejoining DuPont Pioneer in 2006 as director, North America Marketing. In 1997, he joined Dow AgroSciences as corn product manager, Mycogen Seeds, and served in sales and business leadership roles in the crop protection and seeds businesses of Dow AgroSciences. He first joined Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. in 1991, and held a variety of marketing roles in seed markets around the world.
Part III
Meghan Cassidy, age 45, is Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer of Corteva. Ms. Cassidy previously served as the head of human resources of the agriculture division of DowDuPont Inc. since September 2017. Prior to this, Ms. Cassidy was director, global talent management and leadership development for DuPont since 2015. From 2011 to 2015, she served as chief human resources officer for Sunoco Logistics after joining Sunoco in 2010 as director, corporate human resources. Ms. Cassidy’s early career was spent at Aramark, where she held progressive human resources roles before serving as vice president, executive development and corporate human resources.
Sam Eathington, age 52, joined Corteva in November 2020 and became Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer of Corteva in January 2021, where he is responsible for leading the company’s global research and development organization and building and expanding its industry-leading pipeline. A recognized leader in agricultural innovation, Dr. Eathington most recently served as chief science officer of The Climate Corporation (part of the crop science division of Bayer AG) from December 2015 until April 2020. Prior to assuming that role, Dr. Eathington spent more than two decades with Monsanto Corporation, rising through the ranks in quantitative traits and molecular breeding to become vice president, global plant breeding beginning in February 2011.
Cornel B. Fuerer, age 54, is Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Corteva. Mr. Fuerer previously served as general counsel of the agriculture division of DowDuPont Inc. since June 2018 and prior to that served as associate general counsel supporting the agriculture division of DowDuPont after the Merger in September 2017. From 2013 to 2017, he served as associate general counsel of DuPont with responsibility for the legal affairs of DuPont’s agriculture business and from 2012 to 2013 he served as the corporate secretary of DuPont. From 2007 to 2012, Mr. Fuerer served as the vice president, general counsel and company secretary of Solae, a food ingredients joint venture between DuPont and Bunge. After joining DuPont in 1995 as an attorney in Geneva, Switzerland, he served in various legal roles around the world until his appointment at Solae in 2007.
Brian Titus, age 48, is Vice President, Controller and Principal Accounting Officer of Corteva. Mr. Titus previously served as the controller and principal accounting officer of the agriculture division of DowDuPont Inc. since February 2019. Prior to this, he was general auditor of DuPont since August 2015 and previously served as the director of corporate accounting from 2014 to 2015 and global finance leader of DuPont Crop Protection from 2013 to 2014. Prior to joining DuPont’s corporate accounting group in 2010, he spent 14 years in public accounting, primarily with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, providing audit and transactional support services.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF E. I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Information related to executive compensation and the company's equity compensation plans is contained in the definitive Proxy Statement for the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Corteva, Inc. and is incorporated herein by reference.
Part III
Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Information with respect to beneficial ownership of Corteva, Inc. common stock by each director, executive officer, and all directors and executive officers of the Company as a group is contained in the definitive Proxy Statement for the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Corteva, Inc. and is incorporated herein by reference.
Information relating to any person who beneficially owns in excess of 5 percent of the total outstanding shares of Corteva, Inc. common stock is contained in the definitive Proxy Statement for the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Corteva, Inc. and is incorporated herein by reference.
Information with respect to compensation plans under which equity securities are authorized for issuance is contained in the definitive Proxy Statement for the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Corteva, Inc. and is incorporated herein by reference.
Part III
Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Information with respect to this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement for the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Corteva, Inc., including information within the sections entitled, "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions", and "Director Independence."
Part III
Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Information with respect to this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement for the 2021 Annual Meetings of Stockholders of Corteva, Inc., including information within the section entitled, “Ratification of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.”
Part IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)Financial Statements, Financial Statement Schedules and Exhibits:
1.Corteva Financial Statements (See the Index to the Consolidated Financial Statements on page F-1 of this report).
2.Corteva Financial Statement Schedule (presented below)
3.EID Financial Statements (Starting on page F-89 of this report).
4.EID Financial Statement Schedule (presented below)
Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (EID and Corteva, Inc.)
(Dollars in millions)
| For the Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||||
| Accounts Receivable—Allowance for Doubtful Receivables | |||||||||||
| Balance at beginning of period | $ | 174 | $ | 127 | $ | 64 | |||||
| Additions charged to expenses | 154 | 69 | 80 | ||||||||
| Deductions from reserves1 | (120) | (22) | (17) | ||||||||
| Balance at end of period | $ | 208 | $ | 174 | $ | 127 | |||||
| Deferred Tax Assets—Valuation Allowance | |||||||||||
| Balance at beginning of period | $ | 457 | $ | 669 | $ | 559 | |||||
| Additions charged to expenses | 56 | 20 | 451 | ||||||||
| Deductions from reserves2 | (60) | (232) | (341) | ||||||||
| Balance at end of period | $ | 453 | $ | 457 | $ | 669 |
-
Deductions include write-offs, recoveries collected and currency translation adjustments.
-
Deductions include currency translation adjustments.
Financial Statement Schedules listed under the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") rules but not included in this report are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the Consolidated Financial Statements or notes thereto incorporated by reference.
Part IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, continued
3.Exhibits
The following list of exhibits includes both exhibits submitted with this Form 10-K as filed with the SEC and those incorporated by reference to other filings:
| Exhibit Number | Description | |||||||
| 2.1 | Separation and Distribution Agreement by and among DuPont Inc., Dow Inc. and Corteva, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 2.1 to Amendment 3 to Corteva’s Registration Statement on Form 10 (Commission file number 001-38710), filed on April 16, 2019). | |||||||
| 3.1 | Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Corteva, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 3.1 to Corteva’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission file number 001-38710), filed on June 3, 2019. | |||||||
| 3.2 | Amended and Restated Bylaws of Corteva, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 3.1 to Corteva’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission file number 001-38710), filed on October 10, 2019. | |||||||
| 3.3 | Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission file number 1-815) dated September 1, 2017). | |||||||
| 3.4 | Amended and Restated Bylaws of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company's Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission file number 1-815) dated September 1, 2017). | |||||||
| 4.1 | Description of Corteva, Inc. registered securities (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission file number 001-38710) filed February 14, 2020). | |||||||
| 4.2 | Description of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company registered securities (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission file number 001-38710) filed February 14, 2020). | |||||||
| 10.1* | Amended and Restated Tax Matters Agreement, effective as of June 1, 2019 by and among DowDuPont Inc., Corteva, Inc. and Dow Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Corteva’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission file number 001-38710) filed on June 3, 2019). | |||||||
| 10.2* | Employee Matters Agreement by and among DowDuPont Inc., Corteva, Inc. and Dow Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.2 to Amendment 3 to Corteva’s Registration Statement on Form 10 (Commission file number 001-38710), filed on April 16, 2019). | |||||||
| 10.3* | SpecCo/AgCo Intellectual Property Cross-License Agreement, effective as of June 1, 2019, by and among DowDuPont Inc., Corteva, Inc. and the other parties identified therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Corteva’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission file number 001-38710), filed on June 3, 2019). | |||||||
| 10.4* | Intellectual Property Cross-License Agreement by and between Corteva, Inc. and Dow Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.4 to Amendment 3 to Corteva’s Registration Statement on Form 10 (Commission file number 001-38710), filed on April 16, 2019). | |||||||
| 10.5 | Corteva, Inc. 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.5 to Corteva’s Registration Statement on Form 10 (Commission file number 001-38710), filed on May 6, 2019). | |||||||
| 10.6 | Fondation de Prevoyance en Faveur du Personnel de DuPont de Nemours International SÁRL. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.6 to Corteva’s Registration Statement on Form 10 (Commission file number 001-38710), filed on May 6, 2019). | |||||||
| 10.7* | Separation Agreement by and between E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company and The Chemours Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company's Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission file number 1-815) dated July 8, 2015). | |||||||
| 10.8 | Amendment No. 1 to Separation Agreement by and between E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company and The Chemours Company, dated August 24, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company's Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission file number 1-815) dated August 25, 2017). | |||||||
| 10.9 | Tax Matters Agreement by and between E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company and The Chemours Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company's Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission file number 1-815) dated July 8, 2015). | |||||||
| 10.10* | Transaction Agreement, dated as of March 31, 2017, by and between E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company and FMC Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission file number 1-815) for the period ended March 31, 2017). | |||||||
| 10.11 | The E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company Management Deferred Compensation Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to DowDuPont Inc. Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Commission file number 333-220324) filed September 1, 2017. | |||||||
| 10.12 | The E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company Stock Accumulation and Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to DowDuPont Inc. Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Commission file number 333-220324) filed September 1, 2017.) | |||||||
| 10.13 | E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company's Pension Restoration Plan, as last amended effective June 29, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission file number 1-815) for the period ended June 30, 2015). | |||||||
Part IV
Item 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, continued
| 10.14 | E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company’s Rules for Lump Sum Payments, as last amended effective May 15, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission file number 1-815) for the period ended June 30, 2015). | |||||||
| 10.15 | E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company’s Retirement Savings Restoration Plan, as last amended effective May 15, 2014. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.08 to E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission file number 1-815) for the period ended June 30, 2014). | |||||||
| 10.16 | E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company’s Retirement Income Plan for Directors, as last amended January 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission file number 1-815) for the period ended March 31, 2012). | |||||||
| 10.17* | E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company's Senior Executive Severance Plan, as amended and restated effective December 10, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission file number 1-815) for the year ended December 31, 2015). | |||||||
| 10.19* | Corteva, Inc. Severance Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Corteva’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission file number 001-38710), filed on June 26, 2019). | |||||||
| 10.20* | Letter Agreement effective as of June 1, 2019 by and between DowDuPont Inc. and Corteva, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Corteva's Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission file number 001-38710) filed June 3, 2019) | |||||||
| 10.21* | Memorandum of Understanding, dated January 22, 2021, by and among The Chemours Company, Corteva, Inc., E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company and DuPont de Nemours, Inc. (incorporated by reference from the Form 8-K (Commission file number 001-38710) filed January 22, 2021) | |||||||
| 10.22 | Form of Award Terms for Options granted under the Corteva, Inc. 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan for U.S. grantees (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report Form 10-Q (Commission file number 001-38710) filed May 7, 2020). | |||||||
| 10.23 | Form of Award Terms for Performance Stock Units granted under the Corteva, Inc. 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan for U.S. grantees (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report Form 10-Q (Commission file number 001-38710) filed May 7, 2020). | |||||||
| 10.24 | Form of Award Terms for Restricted Stock Units granted under the Corteva, Inc. 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan for U.S. grantees (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Quarterly Report Form 10-Q (Commission file number 001-38710) filed May 7, 2020). | |||||||
| 21 | Subsidiaries of the Registrant. | |||||||
| 23.1 | Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP - Corteva, Inc. | |||||||
| 23.2 | Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP - E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company. | |||||||
| 23.3 | Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP. | |||||||
| 31.1 | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the company’s and EID’s Principal Executive Officer. | |||||||
| 31.2 | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the company’s and EID’s Principal Financial Officer. | |||||||
| 32.1 | Section 1350 Certification of the company’s and EID’s Principal Executive Officer. The information contained in this Exhibit shall not be deemed filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission nor incorporated by reference in any registration statement filed by the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. | |||||||
| 32.2 | Section 1350 Certification of the company’s and EID’s Principal Financial Officer. The information contained in this Exhibit shall not be deemed filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission nor incorporated by reference in any registration statement filed by the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. | |||||||
| 101.INS | XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. | |||||||
| 101.SCH | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | |||||||
| 101.CAL | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document | |||||||
| 101.DEF | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document | |||||||
| 101.LAB | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document | |||||||
| 101.PRE | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document | |||||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File – The Cover Page XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document (included in Exhibit 101.INS) |
| * | Upon request of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, (the “SEC”), Corteva hereby undertakes to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit to such agreement; provided, however, that Corteva may omit confiden |
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Item 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY
Not applicable.
F-101