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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
[ X ] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended: March 30, 2002
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission file number: 333-64180
PSF Group Holdings, Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 43-1818535
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
423 West 8th Street, Suite 200, Kansas City, Missouri 64105
(Address of principal executive office) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (816) 472-7675
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark 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. [X]
There is currently no established public trading market for the common
equity of the Registrant held by non-affiliates. As of April 30, 2002, there
were 100,000 shares of the Registrant's Class A Common Stock outstanding and
113,301 shares of the Registrant's Class B Common Stock outstanding.
EXPLANATORY NOTES
In this report on Form 10-K, the terms "we," "us" and "our" refer
collectively to PSF Group Holdings, Inc., Premium Standard Farms, Inc. and their
subsidiaries. Premium Standard Farms, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PSF
Group Holdings, Inc.
Market and Industry Data and Forecasts
Market data and certain industry forecasts used throughout this report on
Form 10-K were obtained from internal surveys, market research, consultant
surveys, publicly available information and industry publications and surveys.
Reports prepared or published by Sparks Companies, Inc., the National Pork
Producers Council, Agrimetrics Associates Inc. and the USDA were the primary
sources for third-party industry data and forecasts. Industry surveys,
publications, consultant surveys and forecasts generally state that the
information contained therein has been obtained from sources believed to be
reliable, but that the accuracy and completeness of such information is not
guaranteed. We have not independently verified any of the data from third-party
sources nor have we ascertained the underlying economic assumptions relied upon
therein. Similarly, internal surveys, industry forecasts and market research,
which we believe to be reliable based upon our management's knowledge of the
industry, have not been independently verified. Forecasts are particularly
likely to be inaccurate, especially over long periods of time. In addition, we
do not know what assumptions regarding general economic growth were used in
preparing the forecasts we cite. We do not make any representation as to the
accuracy of information described in this paragraph.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I............................................................................................................3
Item 1. Business..........................................................................................3
Item 2. Properties.......................................................................................13
Item 3. Legal Proceedings................................................................................14
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders..............................................15
PART II..........................................................................................................15
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters............................15
Item 6. Selected Financial Data..........................................................................15
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations............16
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.......................................25
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data......................................................25
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.............25
PART III.........................................................................................................25
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of Registrant...................................................25
Item 11. Executive Compensation...........................................................................28
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management...................................32
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions...................................................34
PART IV..........................................................................................................36
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statements Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K................................36
SIGNATURES.......................................................................................................39
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PART I
Item 1. Business
Overview
We are a leading vertically integrated provider of pork products to the
wholesale and retail, food service and institutional markets in the United
States. By combining modern, efficient production and processing facilities,
sophisticated genetics, and strict control over the variables of health, diet
and environment, we produce value-added premium pork products. We are the second
largest owner of sows in North America, with over 210,000 sows producing
approximately 4.1 million hogs per year in production operations located on over
100,000 acres in Missouri, Texas and North Carolina. We are also the seventh
largest pork processor in the United States, with two plants capable of
processing approximately 4.5 million hogs per year.
Competitive Strengths
We believe the following competitive strengths position us to enhance our
growth and profitability:
o Vertically Integrated Production and Processing. We have
achieved a substantial degree of vertical integration of our hog
production and processing operations. We measure our level of vertical
integration in terms of the percentage of hogs processed at our plants
that are owned by us and raised according to our controlled programs.
All of the hogs used by our Milan, Missouri processing plant are
sourced from our Missouri and Texas hog production operations. In
fiscal 2002, approximately 68% of hogs used by our Clinton, North
Carolina processing plant were supplied by our North Carolina hog
production operations, with the remaining 32% supplied through
contracts with independent producers. Vertical integration gives us
strict control over our process, from a hog's initial genetic makeup
to the pork product ultimately produced and shipped. This is in
contrast to non-integrated or less integrated processors who acquire
hogs from a large number of suppliers with varying production
standards and therefore find it difficult to ensure a consistent and
high quality product. This is a powerful advantage for competing
effectively in the rapidly consolidating pork industry because it
allows us to:
o Produce Premium and Specialty Products. By regulating the
variables of genetics, environment, health and diet we can
produce a controlled supply of high quality, consistent
pork products along with specialty products, such as
antibiotic free pork and Premium 97 pork (certified as 97
percent fat-free by the American Heart Association), as
well as KenKo-Ton "healthy" pork and Mugi Buta
"barley-fed" pork for the Japanese market. Our products
typically command higher prices than commodity pork
products.
o Target Premium Customers. We are able to tailor our
production process to meet the exacting specifications of
discriminating customers in our target market. These
customers are willing to pay premium prices for higher
quality products and for the assurance that their
standards are met throughout a traceable production
process. Vertical integration provides the product
consistency necessary to satisfy these customers.
o Reduce Our Production Costs and Maximize Value. Vertical
integration allows us to significantly reduce our hog
procurement costs and to streamline our logistics,
transportation and production schedules, thus optimizing
asset utilization and reducing our cost structure. We are
also able to capture more of the value of our hogs through
our own processing rather than passing this value on to
other processors.
o Reduce Earnings Volatility and Exposure to Market
Fluctuations. Vertical integration provides us with an
assured supply of hogs and strengthens our overall
financial performance in periods of market price weakness
by reducing our exposure to pricing volatility. We believe
this results in more consistent earnings.
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o Strong Market Position with Large Scale Operations. Our large-scale
integrated operations, geographic dispersal and strong market position
allow us to serve a broad range of customers in our target market,
while maintaining economies of scale and marketing leverage.
o Efficient, Modern Facilities and Operations. Our Milan, Missouri
processing plant is one of the most modern and technically advanced
facilities of its kind. Having recently completed renovations at our
Clinton, North Carolina processing plant, we believe the plant is one
of the most advanced facilities of its kind in the United States. Our
hog production operations, most of which were built in the past ten
years, incorporate advanced breeding, farrowing and finishing methods
resulting in industry-leading productivity statistics.
o Experienced Management Team. Most of our senior and operational
management personnel have been involved in farm production and/or the
fresh meat industry for most of their business careers. Senior and
operational management members, on average, have over thirteen years
of experience in those areas.
Business Strategy
We are pursuing a strategy designed to increase our revenues and cash flow.
Key elements of our strategy include:
o Further Develop Vertical Integration. We believe our integrated model
will be the proven approach to competing effectively in the rapidly
consolidating pork industry. We have achieved 100% integration of our
Missouri hog production and processing operations and have achieved
substantial integration in our North Carolina operations. In North
Carolina, we have renovated our recently acquired processing plant,
upgraded the genetics of our breed stock, rationalized feed
manufacturing, increased supervision of contract growers and achieved
a USDA Process Verified program similar to the program that is in
place for our Missouri operations. When justified in the future by
market conditions, customer relationships and other circumstances, we
also intend to expand our Texas operations to add a processing plant
that will create a third fully integrated pod modeled upon our
Missouri operations.
o Focus on High Quality and Value-Added Products. We intend to
continue to focus on producing high quality and value-added products
for discriminating customers in the retail, food service, export and
further processing markets, and to further differentiate ourselves
from commodity oriented competitors by developing new brands and
additional products. As part of these efforts, and in conjunction with
the modernization and renovation of our Clinton, North Carolina
processing plant, we intend to market premium products from this plant
similar to those produced by our Milan, Missouri plant, as well as
smoked and processed pork products.
o Expand Production and Processing Capacity. We believe
additional expansion opportunities exist in Texas. In fiscal 2002, we
completed construction of a new 10,000 sow farrow-to-finish operation
which is expected to lead to increased production of approximately
200,000 market hogs per year by fiscal 2004. Our Texas production
facilities are located on approximately 54,000 acres with adequate
space and all environmental and land use permits required for further
expansion in a manner that could replicate our Missouri hog production
facilities. Due to the difficulty in obtaining such permits in the
current regulatory environment, we believe our existing permits in
Texas provide us a competitive advantage. In fiscal 2002, through
modernization and efficiency efforts, we increased processing capacity
at our Clinton, North Carolina plant from 6,500 hogs per day to up to
10,000 hogs per day on a ten-hour shift on a seasonal basis.
o Acquisition Strategies. As an important part of our growth
strategy, we evaluate on an ongoing basis potential industry-related
acquisitions and joint ventures. We will continue to evaluate those
opportunities that fit strategically with our objective of producing
high quality, value added products.
o Maintain Position as a Low Cost Producer. We strive to produce
high-quality pork products at low cost by combining state-of-the-art
hog production with modern and efficient pork processing. We
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measure our production and processing activities continually in an
effort to increase our hog production efficiencies, lower our
break-even costs, improve our processing yields and develop new
value-added products.
o Continue Expansion into International Markets. We believe that
international markets offer significant growth opportunities and
intend to continue our efforts to develop sales outside the United
States. Over the past six years, we have established relationships
with trading partners in Japan, China, South Korea, Canada, Mexico,
Russia and Taiwan, and have exported product over that time period to
more than twenty countries. We also believe that our presence in these
markets allows us to achieve higher prices for certain pork products
than could be obtained domestically. In particular, we intend to
increase our export volumes to Japan, as this market ascribes
significant value to premium, process-controlled traceable products.
We also intend to actively expand sales in the South Korean, Chinese
and Taiwanese markets.
o Manage Market Risks. We will continue to draw upon the strength
of our risk management team, which collectively has over twenty years
experience in the area. We will continue to monitor daily
opportunities to lock in favorable margins by hedging both feed and
energy costs as well as fresh meat sales.
o Environmental Stewardship. We will continue to be a leader in
the pork industry in researching, developing and implementing new
waste handling and environmental technologies and solutions. Those
technologies and solutions include source reduction, risk reduction,
improved manure treatment, beneficial reuse of waste products
(creating value-added products) and water reuse.
Our History
The hog production business of Premium Standard Farms was originally
founded in 1988. In 1994, we completed construction of our Milan, Missouri
processing plant. Due primarily to start-up costs and the low level of initial
production at that plant, as well as the rapid expansion of our Missouri and
Texas operations, the corporation that previously ran our Missouri and Texas
operations filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy on July 2, 1996. In September 1996, the
reorganization became effective and our business emerged from Chapter 11.
Premium Standard Farms in its current corporate form resulted from this
restructuring.
Since emerging from bankruptcy, we have expanded our business in two
significant ways. On May 13, 1998, we expanded our Missouri operations in a
series of transactions with ContiGroup Companies, Inc. ("ContiGroup," formerly
known as Continental Grain Company). In these transactions, ContiGroup purchased
a 51.0 percent ownership interest in PSF Group Holdings for $182.3 million. In
exchange, we purchased the North Missouri Farms hog production operations then
owned by ContiGroup for $75.0 million. Our transactions with ContiGroup were
treated for accounting purposes as a reverse acquisition by ContiGroup. Thus,
even though we trace our roots as a business to the Premium Standard Farms that
underwent reorganization and emerged from bankruptcy in 1996, the financial data
included in this report on Form 10-K for the periods prior to May 1998 relates
to ContiGroup's North Missouri Farms operations rather than to Premium Standard
Farms itself. Despite this accounting treatment, we will discuss the pre-1998
business of Premium Standard Farms at times in this report since that business
provided the basis for our current vertically integrated operations.
In fiscal 2001, we expanded our operations through two acquisitions in
North Carolina. We acquired The Lundy Packing Company and its subsidiaries
("Lundy"), which consisted of hog production and pork processing operations, on
August 25, 2000. On September 22, 2000, we then acquired Premium Standard Farms
of North Carolina ("PSFNC") from ContiGroup. In the latter transaction,
ContiGroup received cash and additional shares of PSF Group Holdings stock,
bringing its overall ownership of PSF Group Holdings' outstanding common stock
to 53.1 percent.
PSF Group Holdings is a Delaware company formed in 1998. Premium
Standard Farms is a Delaware company formed in 1996. Our principal executive
offices are located at 423 West 8th Street, Suite 200, Kansas City, Missouri and
our telephone number is (816) 472-7675.
5
Industry Overview
Historically, the United States pork industry has been divided into two
segments: pork processing and hog production. As a vertically integrated
supplier of pork products, we operate in both industry segments.
Pork Processing
The U.S. pork processing industry is highly concentrated, with the top ten
processors representing approximately 87% of total federally inspected industry
capacity, and the industry is highly competitive. Although customers in the
retail, institutional, further processing and export markets have different
product specifications and service requirements, processors generally compete on
the basis of the price and quality of their product.
The processing industry is geographically concentrated in the hog
producing regions of the U.S., particularly the Midwest and portions of the
Southeast. Due to the high degree of fragmentation of the hog production
industry, processing operations are extremely large relative to the producers
that supply them. As a result, non-integrated processors must acquire each day's
supply of hogs from a large number of suppliers, many of whom use varying
genetics, feeding programs and growing environments. We believe that this
dichotomy between the hog requirements of processors and the fragmentation and
variation of hog production makes it relatively difficult for non-integrated
pork processors to produce consistent, high quality products.
Hog Production
The hog production industry, although consolidating, remains highly
fragmented and can be characterized by large variations in costs of production
and quality of hogs produced. In many smaller hog operations, the hogs are kept
outdoors in open lots or in less sophisticated buildings, bred in an
unscientific manner, increasing disease and death risk, and grown on low-cost
feed. As a result, these operations generally are characterized by fewer hogs
per sow per year, higher feed-to-gain conversion ratios, higher costs of
production, lower quality and less consistent hogs brought to market. In
addition, the effects of temperature and climate on breeding and farrowing
encourage outdoor hog producers to breed hogs in the spring and fall. This
results in seasonal production, which may result in lower prices when these
producers bring their hogs to market.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the number of U.S. hog
producers has declined significantly over the last twenty years. We believe that
as the hog production and pork processing industry moves to more sophisticated
production techniques, the pressures on marginal producers will intensify. In
the last several years a number of operations have emerged which are based on
large-scale scientific and management-intensive production of hogs. These
operations have grown rapidly. We expect that the hog production industry will
see continued consolidation and integration in the future.
Products, Marketing and Customers
We market our pork products to a variety of wholesale and retail customers
in the U.S. and abroad, including select supermarket chains, meat distributors,
further processors and food service companies. We focus on discriminating
customers in the retail, food service, export and further processing markets. We
primarily market our products as chilled and frozen pork, sold:
o To retailers, retail distributors and wholesalers in the form of
chilled boxed bone-in and boneless loins, tenderloins, hams, picnics,
butts, ribs, marinated and case-ready;
o To further processors in the form of chilled bulk bone-in and boneless
hams, picnics and butts, bellies, trimmings, variety meats and other
products which are used by these customers to make processed pork
products;
o To institutional food customers in the form of chilled and frozen
boxed bone-in and boneless loins, ribs, picnics and butts; and
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o To export customers in the form of chilled boneless loins,
tenderloins, frozen hams, shoulders, bellies, as well as offal items.
Our vertical integration and control also allows us to produce specialty
products. These include our antibiotic free pork and Premium 97 pork (certified
as 97 percent fat-free by the American Heart Association), as well as KenKo-Ton
"healthy" pork and Mugi Buta "barley-fed" pork for the Japanese market.
Our marketing strategy seeks to capitalize on the quality of the pork
produced by our controlled supply of high-quality consistent hogs and modern
processing operations allowing us to sell fresh and processed pork at prices
that reflect a premium to those received by competitors selling lower quality
products. Our pork processing facilities have been designed to enhance the
realization of this quality by converting standard pork cuts to value-added
products through boning, trimming and other further processing. Furthermore, we
target specialty, export and ethnic markets, in which there is a higher demand
for certain pork products. In order to take advantage of a differentiated
product, we have been certified to use the USDA Process Verified seal in
connection with our Missouri operations. We have also recently achieved the USDA
Process Verified designation for our North Carolina operations.
Our international marketing efforts are directed toward a number of
countries, but are predominantly focused on Japan, which ascribes significant
value to our premium, process-controlled products. In 2000, we renewed a
three-year contract with our trading partner in the Japanese market. Through
this arrangement, we enjoy relationships with one of Japan's largest
manufacturers of ham and a large Japanese ham distributor. In fiscal 2002, our
sales to Japanese customers represented about 5 percent of our total sales. We
have recently begun shipping fresh pork products to Japan from our North
Carolina plant. We are using our success in Japan to explore other opportunities
in the export markets in Asia, Europe, Mexico and Canada. Sales to international
markets other than Japan accounted for approximately 3 percent of our total
sales in fiscal 2002.
Though our sales and marketing efforts are primarily focused on sales of
pork products, we are to a lesser extent involved in the related markets for
live hogs, processed meat products and pork by-products. The excess live hogs of
our production facilities are sold to other pork processors. In this respect, we
have long-term contracts with a major pork processor and further-processor, as
well as other processors in the region, who purchase the vast majority of hogs
produced at our Texas facilities. The remainder of our excess hog production is
sold in privately negotiated transactions. With respect to processed meats, our
Clinton, North Carolina plant includes further-processing facilities that
produce products such as cured hams, bacon and sausage. Finally, all of our
facilities sell the by-products of our processing activities to the variety
meat, feed processing and pet food industries.
Production and Processing Operations
Overview
Our production and processing operations are organized as three separate
pods located in Missouri, Texas and North Carolina. Our Missouri and North
Carolina pods each combine hog production farms and processing plants. Our Texas
pod currently has only hog production operations. The geographic separation of
our pods enhances biosecurity and puts us closer to our customers and feed grain
suppliers, allowing us to minimize shipping costs. Shipping, usually via truck,
is important in a number of aspects of hog production, particularly the delivery
of feed to hog production units, the shipment of feeder pigs to finishing units,
and the shipment of finished hogs to processing plants. To further reduce the
risk of disease and maximize the scheduling and process coordination that our
integrated approach provides, our pods incorporate transportation facilities
served by our own truck fleet for hauling feed and hogs.
Hog Production
Our production facilities house herds ranging from 1,100 to 3,300 sows per
unit. On average, a staff of five people is required for 1,100 sows. A typical
production unit consists of four connected buildings, each with a specialized
function -- breeding, gestation, farrowing and nursery.
The production process begins in the breeding barn, where sows are
artificially inseminated. Artificial insemination maximizes breeding efficiency
and productivity and allows us to utilize genetic stock that maximizes
7
our overall productivity and quality. After four weeks, conception is verified
using ultrasound technology. From the breeding barn, sows are moved to the
gestation barn where they are vaccinated and placed on a special diet. The
gestation period is 114-days. During this period, the sows must receive adequate
nutrition and careful attention to health and disease control in order to
maximize the size and health of their litters. In our gestation buildings, sows
are carefully monitored and individually fed according to body weight. A few
days prior to delivery, sows are moved to the farrowing barn where they give
birth to an average litter of over 10 offspring. Sows nurse their offspring for
three weeks before they are returned to the breeding barn. At approximately 12
to 15 pounds, the offspring are moved to the nursery for a six-to-seven week
period. This step requires high levels of nutrition, environmental control and
minimization of disease and health risks. A growing portion of our operations
use the wean-to-finish production method where nursery pigs are transported
directly to a modified grow/finish site, skipping the traditional time spent in
a nursery.
In the next phase of production, offspring are transferred in our sanitized
trailers to our grow/finish complexes or contract growers for growth from
approximately 50 pounds to a target market weight of 260 pounds. Our grow/finish
complexes are comprised of temperature-controlled barns, each housing 950 to
1,200 hogs. A manager in charge of the complex is responsible for monitoring hog
welfare and health, as well as equipment. Efficiency in finishing operations is
affected by the health and environment of the hogs and the formulation of the
feed. These factors, as well as the genetics of the hog, can have a substantial
impact on the feed-to-gain conversion ratio (the pounds of feed required to add
a pound of weight) and the average daily gain. Specialized crews support the
complex managers by assisting with loading and unloading hogs, health care, and
sanitation. Hogs generally remain at the grow/finish complexes for 18 to 19
weeks, gaining an average of 1.7 pounds per day, until they reach market weight
and are transported to a processing facility.
Because diet is a critical factor in the efficient production of hogs and
affects the quality of the final products, where possible we have established
our own feed mills. Our Missouri and Texas pods are located in areas with access
to substantial corn and other feed grain production in excess of local demand.
As a result, we can typically access feed grains on a cost-effective basis and
manufacture and deliver feed to our facilities at a lower cost than we can buy
it from commercial feed mills. In North Carolina, where we rely to some extent
on commercial feed mills, we have established toll milling arrangements with
select mills. Due to excess milling capacity in North Carolina, we are generally
able to purchase feed from these vendors on terms that help us remain a low cost
producer. Our feed mills and toll milling arrangements allow us to optimize
production of our customized diets to a greater degree than would typical
arrangements with third-party feed mills, which operate on a cost plus basis and
provide feeds for many types of customers and animals. We achieve this through
"least cost" formulations based on available feed ingredients. For example,
while corn is the primary ingredient in hog feed, a large number of other
grains, proteins, fats and supplements may be added, and the content and mix of
feed ingredients can be managed to improve nutrition, feed-to-grain ratios and
meat quality. We have five feed mills in operation aggregating approximately 1.4
million tons of annual capacity.
Biosecurity
We seek to reduce the risk of disease transmission through a number of
methods, including geographic separation of, and restricted access to,
production facilities, strict sanitation procedures, high health genetic stock
and constant monitoring and response. All units are restricted access, "shower
in/ shower out" facilities. If it is necessary for a manager or worker to enter
a unit other than their designated unit, a mandatory 24 to 96-hour layover
period is required. Feed purity and truck cleanliness are inspected and
monitored. Operating procedures within the facilities are designed to stop the
spread and lessen the viability of infection agents during all phases of the
production process.
The impact of disease is also controlled through the selection of healthy,
disease-resistant sows and through breeding procedures that help pass along
antibodies to the sow's offspring. When disease is found, treatment is
implemented to lessen its impact on the health-challenged hogs and to prevent
its spread to other facilities.
Pork Processing
We maintain pork processing facilities in Missouri and North Carolina. All
of the hogs used by our Milan, Missouri processing plant come from our Missouri
and Texas hog production operations. During fiscal 2002,
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approximately 68% of hogs used by our Clinton, North Carolina processing plant
were supplied by our North Carolina hog production operations, with the
remaining 32% supplied through contracts with independent producers. To ensure
the safety and quality of our products, we use the USDA's Hazard Analysis of
Critical Control Points methodology to identify food safety hazards in our
operations. This approach uses a team of technically trained individuals who are
familiar with the processes to be evaluated. Each separate point in the process
is identified and any hazards associated with them are assessed. Methods for
monitoring the quality and safety of products as they move through these points
are then developed and implemented.
The quality management points provide the basis for our Process Verified
Program. In November of 1998, we became the first company in the pork industry
to receive approval for this program from the USDA-Agricultural Marketing
Service. This approval gave accreditation to the only program which extends from
live animal production through processing. While other pork companies have since
received approval of their own Process Verified programs, we believe ours is the
most comprehensive, encompassing live animal production through processing.
Process Verified is based on ISO-9000 requirements that are adapted for
the livestock industry, and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing
Service, Livestock and Seed Division. We have designated twelve process points
throughout our process to represent our program. These process points are
summarized as follows:
o Every order is traceable to source farms
o Every phase of production is managed using a food safety based control
system, including a strict residue avoidance program where sulfa
antibiotics are not used
o Market hogs are fed a precise grain-based diet from process-controlled
feed mills
o Quality traits, processing hygiene and environmental systems are
continuously evaluated and improved
o Employee safety and training programs are emphasized and continuously
improved
Our automated processing operations have been designed to achieve the
benefits of vertical integration that are not available to non-integrated hog
producing or pork processing competitors. Some of these benefits are as follows:
o We capture more value from our hogs through processing rather than
passing this value on to other processors
o We streamline logistics, transportation and production schedules to
enhance asset utilization and reduce our cost structure because of the
proximity and integrated management of production and processing
operations
o We improve the realizable value of our hogs through our control over
the key factors (genetics, nutrition and environment) that affect the
leanness and meat quality of each hog
o We believe we provide a higher level of quality and safety assurance
to our customers because of our control of both production and
processing
We believe that by controlling our own high quality, consistent hog supply,
we can be among the more efficient processors in the industry and produce a
consistent high-quality product whose value will be recognized in the market.
The design of our Milan, Missouri processing facility reflects four key
objectives:
o Modern equipment and proven technology has been used to build one of
the highest quality facilities in the industry
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o The facility design emphasizes worker safety to ensure compliance with
all regulations and to reduce worker injury and turnover
o The facility is designed to produce a product that is appealing to
further processors and consumers and will be brandable. It employs
identification and tracking technology to ensure quality control for
the final pork product
o The facility is designed to reduce waste products and emissions and
dispose of waste in accordance with applicable environmental standards
We recently completed the renovation and modernization of our recently
acquired North Carolina plant to meet these objectives, based on the Milan
facility. If and when we add a processing plant to our Texas facilities, that
plant will be based on the model of our Milan facility as well.
Missouri
Our Missouri pod has both production and processing operations. The
Missouri production operation, based at Princeton, employs approximately 1,300
people. An 112,000-sow herd produces approximately 2.1 million market hogs per
year. Eighty-two sow units, five nursery units and ninety-one finishing units
are located on farms in five counties in Northwest Missouri. We also have grower
relationships with ContiGroup. See "Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions."
The Missouri processing facility is located at Milan and employs
approximately 950 people with the capacity to process 7,100 hogs daily (on an
eight hour shift) or about 1.9 million hogs per year. To ensure the safety and
quality of our products, the processing facility incorporates several innovative
systems, including a carbon dioxide anesthetizing system, which we believe was
the first carbon dioxide system of its kind in use in the United States. This
facility also has a large hog holding area that provides at least four hours of
rest to hogs upon arrival. The result is a less stressful environment for the
hogs, which results in better meat quality.
North Carolina
Our North Carolina pod has both production and processing operations. The
North Carolina production operation, based at Clinton, employs approximately 300
people. A 65,000-sow herd produces approximately 1.4 million market hogs per
year. Nine sow units, three nursery units and four finishing units are located
on farms in various counties throughout the state. Most of the production
operations in North Carolina are conducted on farms that are not owned by us.
Instead, we have contract grower agreements with local farmers who provide the
land, space and labor needed. The hogs themselves are owned by us, are raised
according to our specifications using our genetics, feed and supplies, and are
delivered to our Clinton facility. Since these arrangements allow us to control
the process, from a hog's initial genetic makeup to the pork product ultimately
produced and shipped, we consider them to be a part of our integrated operations
notwithstanding the fact that we do not own the farms themselves.
The North Carolina processing facility is located at Clinton and employs
approximately 1,200 people processing up to 10,000 hogs daily, depending on
seasonality and market conditions, or about 2.6 million hogs per year. Now that
construction and renovation are complete at this recently acquired facility, we
believe the plant is one of the most advanced facilities of its kind. To obtain
the estimated 700,000 hogs annually used by the facility that are not supplied
by our production operations, we have established supply arrangements with
several external hog suppliers who have agreed to follow our Process Verified
requirements.
Texas
Our Texas pod currently has only production operations. These operations
are headquartered at Dalhart, Texas and employ approximately 300 people. A
33,000-sow herd produces approximately 600,000 market hogs per year.
Twenty-three sow units, six nursery units and eight finishing units are located
on farms in Dallam and Hartley counties. No contract finishing is used in the
Texas pod's production. A small portion of the hogs produced in Texas are
transported to our Milan, Missouri processing facility. The vast majority are
sold under long-term contracts with a major processor and further processor,
along with other processors, in the area.
10
We recently completed the addition of a new 10,000 sow farrow-to-finish
operation at our Texas facilities. We expect that it will produce approximately
200,000 new hogs per year by fiscal year 2004. We also believe additional
expansion opportunities exist in Texas as well. Our Texas production facilities
are located on approximately 54,000 acres with adequate space and all
environmental and land use permits required for further expansion in a manner
that will replicate our Missouri hog production facilities.
Research and Development
We use an applied research strategy which allows rapid and early
implementation of technologies in production, nutrition and processing. This
effort is driven by our technical team, many of whom have advanced degrees in
nutrition, meat science, reproductive physiology and health assurance. This
group also uses an extensive network of outside scientists and other contacts to
enable us to use the latest technology.
We constantly seek to improve the genetics of our production herds and to
produce hogs that are the highest quality commercially available. Our female
breeding stock is purchased from the world's largest hog genetics firm, which
employs extensive research efforts in molecular genetics, biosecurity, food
safety and meat quality. We also have an internal "multiplier" herd, which is
continually improved through the purchase of enhanced genetics and provides an
internal source of a majority of our sows at a substantially reduced cost, and
with greater control.
In addition, we have an agreement for the exclusive use in the United
States of selected male genetic lines of a leading European hog genetics firm.
We routinely evaluate other genotypes to validate and compare them to existing
products. In addition, we conduct intense research trials to further develop
existing genotypes to meet economic and customer demands for composition and
quality. These arrangements enhance the quality of our genetics and diversify
our genetic sources. We also incorporate careful computer-based monitoring of
the breeding performance of all our breedstock to improve breeding patterns and
remove sub-optimal parents from the herd. These operations are conducted at our
Missouri, Texas and North Carolina genetic improvement facilities.
We also have been a leader in the implementation of new technologies at our
processing facilities. For example, we believe that we were the first U.S.
company to introduce the use of European-designed carbon dioxide anesthesia
systems in pork processing to reduce livestock agitation and increase meat
quality. Specially designed trucks and holding areas also enhance the welfare
and handling of our hogs. In addition, we use extreme chilling technologies to
improve product quality traits like color and texture.
We also are ending our third year of a five-year, $25 million, research
program to develop improved waste processing methods and technologies. See
"Legal Proceedings."
Competition
The pork industry is highly competitive and we compete with many other
pork processors and hog producers of varying sizes. Our products also compete
with a large number of other protein sources, including beef, chicken, turkey
and seafood. However, our principal competition comes from other large pork
processors. We believe that the principal areas of competition in the pork
industry are price, quality, product distribution and brand loyalty. Some of our
competitors are larger, have correspondingly greater financial and other
resources and enjoy wider recognition for their branded products.
Intellectual Property
We hold several trademark and other intellectual property rights. For
example, we have registered the names "Premium Standard Farms," "Premium
Standard Certified," "Fresh from the Farm Taste," "Carolinian," "Lundy's,"
"Tomahawk Farms" and "Gold Banner" with the United States Patent and Trademark
Office. We have also registered "Premium Standard Farms" in some of the foreign
countries to which we sell our products. In addition to trademark protection, we
attempt to protect our unregistered marks and other proprietary information
under trade secret laws, employee and third-party non-disclosure agreements and
other laws and methods of
11
protection. We have also applied with the United States Patent and Trademark
Office for a patent with respect to an animal waste management system designed
for some of our production facilities. That application is pending.
Employees
We have approximately 4,200 employees, of which approximately 2,100 are in
processing, approximately 1,900 are in production and approximately 200 are in
administration. None of our employees are subject to collective bargaining
arrangements, although there can be no assurance that employees will not enter
into such agreements in the future. We generally consider our employee relations
to be good.
Regulation
Various federal, state and local laws and regulations apply to our
operations, particularly in the health and environmental areas administered by
the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the
federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and corresponding state agencies
such as the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), the Texas Natural
Resource Conservation Commission and the North Carolina Department of
Environment and Natural Resources. We anticipate increased regulation by these
agencies, including the USDA concerning food safety and the FDA regarding the
use of medication in feed.
Current environmental regulations impose standards and limitations on,
among other things, our waste treatment lagoons, water treatment facilities and
new construction projects. Animal waste from our hog production facilities is
anaerobically digested and the resulting fluids are then applied to surrounding
farm land. This process uses lagoons in Missouri and North Carolina and solid
separators and aeration tanks in Texas.
In North Carolina, the use of waste treatment lagoons and spray fields for
the disposal of swine waste has recently become highly controversial. Certain
areas of that state are prone to flooding, as well as exposed to hurricanes from
time to time. Due in part to damage caused to waste lagoons by recent
hurricanes, the state has issued a moratorium on construction of new hog lagoons
and spray fields. It is anticipated that this moratorium will be extended until
such time as more effective technologies are developed to protect the
environment.
On September 29, 2000, we voluntarily entered into an agreement with
the Attorney General of North Carolina. Under this agreement, we committed to
implement "Environmentally Superior Technologies" for the management of swine
waste at our farms within three years after an independent panel has determined
that such technologies are both effective and economically feasible to construct
and operate. "Environmentally Superior Technologies" are generally identified as
waste treatment technologies that meet certain performance standards with
respect to release of materials into the environment. In addition, under the
agreement, we agreed to pay $2.5 million to a fund for the development of such
technologies, for environmental enhancement activities and for the defrayal of
costs incurred by the state related thereto. We have met all of our commitments
to date under this agreement and continue to work closely with the state's
designated representative at North Carolina State University in the development
of "Environmentally Superior Technologies." See also "Legal Proceedings."
During the due diligence process for the acquisition of our North Carolina
processing plant, we noted that the plant had a high number of USDA-FSIS
Non-Compliance Reports. Since the acquisition, we have outsourced plant
sanitation and pest control functions to recognized professional service
companies. We have renovated the plant to address food safety issues, as well as
making the plant an efficient modern facility. We believe we have established a
proactive relationship with local USDA personnel to provide an opportunity to
identify and improve plant facility issues which had previously been the primary
source of Non-Compliance Reports. In addition, we have reviewed and revised all
regulatory programs in place for those facilities. As a result, there has
already been a significant reduction in Non-Compliance Reports at the plant
since the acquisition.
Based on information currently available, we believe that the cost of
achieving and maintaining compliance with these health and environmental laws
and regulations will not have a material adverse effect on our business or
financial position. However, future events, such as changes in existing laws and
regulations or enforcement policies, could give rise to additional compliance
costs which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.
12
In February 2002, the United States Senate initially passed a Farm Bill
that included a provision (the "Johnson Amendment") which would have prohibited
meat packers, like us, from owning or controlling livestock intended for
slaughter for more than fourteen days prior to slaughter. The United States
House of Representatives passed a different version of the Farm Bill that did
not contain any provision similar to the Johnson Amendment. A Conference
Committee was convened for the Farm Bill, composed of members of both the House
and the Senate. This Conference Committee rejected the Johnson Amendment and
approved a uniform Farm Bill without that Amendment or any similar provision.
If the Johnson Amendment had become law, it may have had a material adverse
effect on our vertically integrated business. It may have caused us to consider
a restructuring of our operations. We, along with industry groups, succeeded in
educating lawmakers as to the adverse effects and unintended consequences of the
Johnson Amendment, leading to its subsequent rejection by the Conference
Committee. We and others in the industry will continue efforts to educate
lawmakers, but the parties advocating passage of the Johnson Amendment may
attempt to introduce similar legislation in the future. If a provision like the
Johnson Amendment became law, it could have a material adverse effect on us.
Several states have enacted "corporate farming laws" that restrict the
ability of corporations to engage in farming activities. Missouri is among these
states, but Texas and North Carolina currently are not. Missouri's corporate
farming law in many cases bars corporations from owning agricultural land and
engaging in farming activities. Our operations have been structured to comply
with the Missouri corporate farming law and its existing exemptions. The
Missouri laws, however, could be subject to challenge or amendment by Missouri
governmental bodies in the future. Further, even with the exemptions, the
corporate farming laws restrict our ability to expand beyond the counties in
which we currently operate.
At the time of ContiGroup's acquisition of its interest in us in 1998,
ContiGroup submitted the proposed ownership structure to the Office of the
Attorney General of the State of Missouri for its review. At that time, the
Office of the Attorney General indicated that it had no objection to our current
structure under the corporate farming laws. There can be no assurance, however,
that this position will be maintained in the future as our operations continue
and develop.
Item 2. Properties
(a) Hog Production.
We have a combination of owned and leased hog production facilities which
support over 210,000 sows and their respective offspring. As detailed below,
there are three geographic areas where our pork production operations are
located.
The Missouri production operation has an 112,000-sow herd which produces
approximately 2.1 million market hogs per year. The production facilities are
located on approximately 45,000 acres and are supported by 3 owned feedmills
with a combined annual capacity of 960,000 tons per year. Of these 45,000 acres,
approximately 7,200 acres are owned by ContiGroup but the facilities located
thereon are owned by us. See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions."
The Texas production operation has a 33,000-sow herd which produces
approximately 600,000 market hogs per year. The production facilities are
located on approximately 54,000 acres and are supported by one owned feedmill
with an annual capacity of 180,000 tons per year.
The North Carolina production operation has a 65,000-sow herd which
produces approximately 1.4 million market hogs per year. Most of the production
operations in North Carolina are conducted on farms that are not owned by us.
The hogs themselves, however, are owned by us. In addition, one nursing unit and
one finishing unit involved in our North Carolina production operations are
capital lease facilities. Our North Carolina production operations are supported
by one owned feedmill with an annual capacity of 224,000 tons per year and
through an arrangement with a large feedmill operator for the rest of our feed
requirements.
13
(b) Pork Processing.
We own two pork processing facilities located in Missouri and North
Carolina. Combined, these two facilities have the capacity to process
approximately 4.5 million market hogs per year.
The Missouri facility has a processing capacity of 7,100 market hogs per
day and is one of the most modern and technically advanced facilities of its
kind. All of the market hogs processed at this plant are produced by our
Missouri and Texas pork production operations.
We recently completed a major renovation to our North Carolina processing
facility which increased its processing capacity. The facility is now capable of
processing up to 10,000 hogs daily, depending on seasonality and market
conditions, and we believe it is now one of the most advanced facility of its
kind in the United States. The majority of the market hogs processed at the
facility are provided by our North Carolina pork production operations with the
remaining being sourced from outside suppliers.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
We have settled two citizens' action suits which sought to enforce alleged
violations of the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and CERCLA against us and
ContiGroup Companies, Inc. ("ContiGroup"). In 1998, we engaged in a series of
transactions with ContiGroup pursuant to which we purchased from ContiGroup its
North Missouri Farms hog production operations and ContiGroup purchased a 51.0%
ownership interest in PSF Group Holdings (the "1998 ContiGroup transaction").
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the "E.P.A.") had intervened in the
same action and filed a separate notice of violation against us under the Clean
Air Act. This settlement resolves all outstanding issues with the E.P.A. To the
extent that ContiGroup incurs any liability in this litigation, we assumed that
liability pursuant to the terms of our 1998 ContiGroup transaction. This consent
decree built upon the 1999 consent decree with the State of Missouri referenced
below. The recent consent decree with the E.P.A. (the "2001 Consent Decree")
requires us and ContiGroup to meet certain performance standards, such as a 50
percent reduction in nitrogen content concentration of effluent applied to area
fields over a prescribed time period. Other key elements of the 2001 Consent
Decree include: monitoring air emissions from lagoons and barns; compliance with
certain best management practices to reduce the risk of spills; testing of
selective lagoons to ensure integrity, and the payment of a $350,000 civil
penalty. The 2001 Consent Decree has been lodged with the court and published in
the Federal Register for comments. It is anticipated that the judge will enter
the 2001 Consent Decree by August 1, 2002. The new counsel for the plaintiff has
submitted a petition for recovery of attorneys' fees in connection with the
lawsuits against both us and ContiGroup. We believe the large majority of these
fees have been previously paid and resolved. We believe the resolution of this
matter will not have a material adverse effect upon our financial position or
results of operations.
In 1999, we settled a suit filed by the Attorney General of the State of
Missouri against us and ContiGroup. We assumed ContiGroup's liability in this
action in connection with the 1998 ContiGroup transaction. The settlement
required us and ContiGroup to enter into a consent judgment pursuant to which we
are obligated to spend $25 million over the course of five years for
researching, installing and operating improved technology to control wastewater,
air and odor emissions from our Missouri farms. We are currently ending our
third year of that five year period and have spent $10.9 million to satisfy the
settlement. In addition, pursuant to the consent judgment we and ContiGroup were
issued a $1 million civil penalty. Of this, $650,000 has been paid and $350,000
is suspended pending certain conditions.
In addition to the suits discussed above, we have received notices of
violations from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources alleging releases
of wastewater. We have responded to these notices in an effort to resolve these
matters. The State of Missouri has made a demand to settle these matters, and we
are working to resolve this matter without litigation. If we do not successfully
resolve these matters we may be required to obtain additional permits and expend
capital resources to comply with those permits and we may also be subject to
fines. We may receive similar notices in the future.
In addition, we are involved from time to time in routine litigation
incidental to our business. Although no assurance can be given as to the outcome
or expense associated with any of these routine proceedings, we believe
14
that none of such proceedings currently pending should, individually or in the
aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our financial statements.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
No matter was submitted to a vote of security holders during the last
quarter of the fiscal year covered by this report.
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
(a) Market Information. There is no established public trading market for
the common stock of PSF Group Holdings.
(b) Holders. As of April 30, 2002, there were approximately 150 record
holders of the Class A Common Stock of PSF Group Holdings and one record holder
of the Class B Common Stock of PSF Group Holdings.
(c) Dividends. PSF Group Holdings has not declared or paid any dividends on
its common stock since its issuance. Our current credit facility and the
Indenture related to our 9 1/4% Notes effectively limit our ability to declare
and pay dividends to shareholders. For more detailed information on our current
credit facility, the 9 1/4% Notes and the related Indenture, see "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation -
Liquidity and Capital Resources" and Notes to our Consolidated Financial
Statements.
(d) Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans. The
following table sets forth information regarding our equity compensation plans
as of March 30, 2002:
A B C
Number of Securities Remaining
Number of Securities Available for Future
to be Issued Upon Weighted Average Issuance Under Equity
Exercise of Outstanding Exercise Price of Outstanding Compensation Plans
Plan Category Options, Warrants and Rights Options, Warrants and Rights (Excluding Those in Column A
------------- ----------------------------- ------------------------------- -------------------------------
Equity compensation plans
approved by security holders... 0 -- --
Equity compensation plans
not approved by security holders 7,428 $ 1,666.48 7,572
------- ----------- -------
Total............................ 7,428 $ 1,666.48 7,572
======= =========== =========
For a description of our 1999 Equity Incentive Plan, see "Executive
Compensation" below.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
The following table sets forth selected historical consolidated financial
information for PSF Group Holdings from inception (May 13, 1998, the date of the
ContiGroup acquisition) through the period ended March 27, 1999 and for the
fiscal years ended March 25, 2000, March 31, 2001 and March 30, 2002, which was
derived from our consolidated financial statements, which have been audited by
Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants. The financial information
presented for the year ended March 28, 1998, and the period from March 29, 1998
to May 12, 1998 are for ContiGroup's North Missouri Farms division, our
predecessor company which was derived from the unaudited financial statements of
that company.
The financial information presented for the years ended March 31, 2001 and
March 30, 2002 reflect our acquisition of The Lundy Packing Company on August
25, 2000 and our acquisition of Premium Standard Farms of North Carolina, Inc.
on September 22, 2000, both of which were accounted for in accordance with the
purchase method of accounting. This data should be read in conjunction with
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" and the financial statements and the notes thereto.
15
Predecessor PSF Group Holdings
----------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year
ended For the period For the period Fiscal years ended
-------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ----------- --------
March 28, March 29, 1998 May 13, 1998 to March 25, March 31, March 30,
1998 to May 12, 1998 March 27, 1999 2000 2001 2002
-------------- --------------- --------------- -------------- ----------- ---------
(Dollars in thousands)
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net Sales.......................... $ 8,148 $ 4,638 $ 237,090 $ 306,266 $ 540,576 $ 674,946
Operating income (loss)............ 3,784 (1,415) (35,321) 14,514 61,333 64,770
Net income (loss).................. 1,268 (1,027) (32,545) (5,287) 22,014 25,365
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:
EBITDA (1)......................... $ 9,193 $ (714) $ 2,330 $ 62,527 $ 112,292 $ 120,825
Capital expenditures............... 1,641 2,654 22,126 23,669 43,224 96,232
Pounds of pork sales (millions) (2) - - 296.79 345.84 603.88 675.02
Total hogs processed (million) (2). - - 1.61 1.92 3.02 3.66
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT PERIOD END):
Working capital.................... $ 11,600 $ 12,312 $ 70,010 $ 51,698 $ 119,764 $ 120,097
Total assets....................... 68,413 70,211 617,455 584,498 773,440 807,639
Total long-term debt and capital
leases (including current portion). -- -- 211,384 175,997 267,216 272,782
----------
(1) EBITDA represents earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation,
amortization and impairment. EBITDA is presented because we believe it
is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other
interested parties in the evaluation of companies in our industry.
However, other companies in our industry may calculate EBITDA
differently than we do. Therefore, EBITDA is not necessarily
comparable to similarly titled measures of these companies. EBITDA is
not a measurement of financial performance under generally accepted
accounting principles and should not be considered as an alternative
to cash flow from operating activities or as a measure of liquidity or
an alternative to net income as indicators of our operating
performance or any other measures of performance derived in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles. See the Statements of
Cash Flow included in our consolidated financial statements.
(2) Our predecessor company did not process hogs or sell fresh pork.
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements, including the notes thereto, and the other financial information
appearing elsewhere in this report on Form 10-K.
Overview
As a vertically integrated provider of pork products, we operate in both
pork industry segments: hog production and pork processing. In fiscal 2001, we
made two strategic acquisitions to strengthen our position in the food
production industry. On August 25, 2000, we acquired The Lundy Packing Company
("Lundy") and its affiliated companies, which owned a processing plant in North
Carolina capable of processing 1.8 million hogs per year and owned approximately
41,000 sows. On September 22, 2000, we acquired, from ContiGroup, Premium
Standard Farms of North Carolina ("PSFNC"), which owned approximately 24,000
sows. As a result of these acquisitions, we are the second largest owner of sows
in North America, with over 210,000 sows producing approximately 4.1 million
hogs per year. We are also the seventh largest pork processor in the United
States, with two plants capable of processing approximately 4.5 million hogs per
year.
16
As an important part of our growth strategy, we evaluate on an ongoing
basis potential industry-related acquisitions and joint ventures. We have not at
the present time entered into any definitive agreements contemplating such
acquisitions or joint ventures. Further, there can be no assurance as to whether
or when any negotiations will ultimately culminate in definitive agreements or,
if any definitive agreement is reached, whether any acquisition or joint venture
will ultimately be consummated. To complete any acquisition or joint venture, we
may use our revolving credit facility or other financing alternatives available
at the time.
Our fiscal year is the 52 or 53-week period, which ends on the last
Saturday in March. Our financial statements include activity from the fiscal
years ended March 30, 2002 (52 weeks), March 31, 2001 (53 weeks), and March 25,
2000 (52 weeks).
Net Sales
Our net sales are generated from the sale of pork products to
retailers, food service suppliers, further processors, export buyers, and to a
lesser extent the sale of market hogs to other pork processors. In fiscal 2002,
sales of pork products accounted for approximately 88% of our net sales, with
the remaining 12% coming from sales of market hogs.
Pork product sales are of primal cuts, such as hams, loins, bellies, butts,
picnics and ribs, and to a lesser extent of other by-products. Primal products
are also converted further into boneless items or, in our North Carolina
operations, further processed into items such as smoked hams, cured hams, and
sliced bacon. Our processing revenues are primarily driven by the operating rate
of our facilities and the value that we extract from the hogs that we process.
For our fiscal years ended March 30, 2002, March 31, 2001 and March 25, 2000, we
processed 3.7 million, 3.0 million and 1.9 million hogs, respectively. Our
Missouri processing plant is currently capable of processing 7,100 hogs per day
and our Clinton, North Carolina processing plant is currently capable of
processing up to 10,000 hogs per day, depending on seasonality and market
conditions. The value that we extract from hogs processed is primarily driven by
pork prices, processing yields and to a lesser extent, by product mix, as
premium products and boneless and further processed products generate higher
prices and operating margins.
Wholesale pork prices fluctuate seasonally and cyclically due to changes in
supply and demand for pork. We believe that our vertical integration allows us
to obtain higher prices for our products than our more commodity-driven
competitors. See "Market Risk."
Historically, live hog prices have experienced cyclical and seasonal supply
and demand fluctuations. Revenue from the sale of market hogs is driven by the
number of hogs sold (in excess of what our processing facilities require), the
average weight, and the current market price (including any quality premiums).
Our excess market hogs are sold to third party processors.
Cost of Goods Sold
Our cost of goods sold is driven primarily by several key factors. For our
pork processing operations, the main costs (excluding market hogs) are labor,
packaging, utilities, and facility expenses. Given the high fixed costs required
to build, maintain and operate a processing plant, unit costs are impacted
somewhat by processing volumes. For fiscal 2002, the costs associated with our
North Carolina pork processing facility reflected the fact that approximately
32% of the hogs processed at that facility were purchased at market price from
independent local farmers under supply contracts. For our hog production
operations, the main costs are feed, labor, utilities, and facility expenses
which include maintenance, depreciation and contract grower fees. The costs
associated with feed generally represent 50% to 60% of the total cost to raise a
market hog depending on the price of corn and soybean meal, which constantly
fluctuates. Increases in the price of these commodities result in increases in
our feed costs, while decreases reduce our feed costs. The relative impact of
price changes in these commodities varies based on the percentage that each
makes up in our feed composition. See "Market Risk." We are proactive in
recognizing opportunities to improve our cost structure and have been very
effective in managing our costs to become one of the lowest cost producers in
the industry.
17
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of salaries for
company-employed sales people as well as trade promotions, advertising,
commissions and other marketing costs. General and administrative costs consist
primarily of general management, accounting and legal expenses.
Seasonality
Our quarterly operating results are influenced by seasonal fluctuations in
the price of our primary feed components, corn and soybean meal, and by seasonal
fluctuations in wholesale pork prices. The prices we pay for our feed components
are generally lowest in August, September and October, which corresponds with
the corn and soybean harvests. Generally, the prices for these commodities will
increase over the following months leading up to the next harvest due to the
increased storage costs. As a result, our costs in the production side of our
business tend to increase during this period.
Live hog and wholesale pork prices are similarly affected by seasonal
factors. It generally takes approximately 11 months from conception for a hog to
reach market weight, and because sows are generally less productive in summer
months as a result of seasonal conditions, there are generally fewer hogs
available in the months of April, May and June. This decrease in supply of live
hogs generally causes live hog and wholesale pork prices to be higher on average
during these months, and our revenues tend to increase accordingly. Conversely,
there are generally more hogs available in the months of October, November and
December, which generally causes live hog and wholesale pork prices to be lower
on average during these months and adversely affects our revenues.
Results of Operations
The following table presents selected historical financial information for
our production and processing segments for the fiscal years ended March 30,
2002, March 31, 2001 and March 25, 2000. Results of operations for the fiscal
year ended March 31, 2001 include information for The Lundy Packing Company
("Lundy") from August 25, 2000 and information for Premium Standard Farms of
North Carolina, Inc. ("PSFNC") from September 22, 2000, the respective dates of
acquisition. Net sales, gross profit and operating income by segment are also
presented as a percentage of their respective totals. The columns under
year-to-year change show the dollar and percentage change from the respective
years ended. Intersegment sales are based on market prices.
Fiscal Year Ended Year to Year Change
--------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------
March 30, March 31, March 25, 2002 to 2001 to
2002 % 2001 % 2000 % 2001 % 2000 %
------- - -------- - -------- - ------ - -------- -
(in millions except percentages)
Net Sales
Production $ 440.8 65.3% $ 359.1 66.4% $ 220.9 72.1% $ 81.7 22.8% $ 138.2 62.6%
Processing 599.6 88.8% 475.7 88.0% 87.1% 123.9 26.0% 209.0 78.4%
266.7
Intersegment (365.4) (54.1)% (294.2) (54.4)% (181.3) (59.2)% (71.2) 24.2% (112.9) 62.3%
-------- ------- -------- ------- ------- ------ ------- ----- -------- -----
Total Net Sales $ 675.0 100.0% $ 540.6 100.0% $ 306.3 100.0% $134.4 24.9% $ 234.3 76.5%
======== ====== ======== ====== ======== ====== ======= ===== ======== =======
Gross Profit
Production $ 59.8 69.7% $ 62.4 73.9% $ 11.1 27.5% $ (2.6) (4.2%) $ 51.3 462.2%
Processing 26.0 30.3% 22.0 26.1% 29.2 2.5% 4.0 18.2% 7.2 (24.7)%
-------- ------- -------- ------- ------- ------ ------- ----- -------- -------
Total Gross Profit $ 85.8 100.0% $ 84.4 100.0% $ 40.3 100.0% $ 1.4 1.7% $ 44.1 109.4%
======== ====== ======== ====== ======== ====== ======= ===== ======== ========
Operating Income
Production $ 59.5 91.8% $ 62.7 102.3% $ 6.1 42.1% $ (3.2) (5.1)% $ 56.6 927.9%
Processing 23.0 35.5% 16.2 26.4% 26.6 183.4% 6.8 42.0% (10.4) (39.1)%
Corporate (17.7) (27.3)% (17.6) (28.7)% (18.2) (125.5)% (0.1) 0.6% 0.6 (3.3)%
-------- ------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ----- -------- -------
Total Operating Income $ 64.8 100.0% $ 61.3 100.0% $ 14.5 100.0% $ 3.5 5.7% $ 46.8 322.8%
======== ====== ======== ====== ======== ====== ======= ===== ======== =======
18
Fiscal year Ended March 30, 2002 Compared to the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2001
Consolidated
Net Sales. Net sales increased by $134.4 million, or 24.9%, to $675.0 million in
fiscal year 2002 from $540.6 million in fiscal year 2001. The full year of
operations with Lundy and PSFNC accounted for $141.2 million of the increase in
net sales with increased volume accounting for another $10.4 million of the
increase offset by decreased prices of $17.2 million. See Segment Analysis below
for comments on changes in sales by business segment.
Gross Profit. Gross profit increased by $1.4 million, or 1.7%, to $85.8 million
in fiscal year 2002 from $84.4 million in fiscal year 2001. As a percentage of
net sales, gross profit decreased to 12.7% from 15.6%. This decrease was due to
the decrease in sales prices mentioned above coupled with a 2.7% increase in
costs to produce our products. When excluding the additional gross profit added
by Lundy and PSFNC for the period in fiscal year 2002 that they were not
included during fiscal year 2001, gross profit would have decreased by $15.8
million in fiscal year 2002 compared to fiscal year 2001. This decrease was a
combination of the decrease in net sales mentioned above, coupled with an
increase in costs of $11.7 million due to $8.7 million of increased volume and
$3.0 million of increased costs.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and
administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of net sales to 3.2% in fiscal
year 2002 from 3.6% in fiscal year 2001. This decrease was the result of an
increase in net sales with the full year of Lundy and PSFNC and integration
savings realized with the addition of Lundy and PSFNC. In dollar terms, selling,
general and administrative expenses increased by $2.1 million, or 11.0%, to
$21.5 million in fiscal year 2002 from $19.4 million in fiscal year 2001.
Operating Income. Operating income increased by $3.5 million, or 5.7%, to $64.8
million in fiscal year 2002 from $61.3 million in fiscal year 2001. The increase
is attributable to the factors mentioned above coupled with a decrease in
amortization expense associated with the early adoption of SFAS 142, which
discontinued our amortization of goodwill effective April 1, 2001.
Interest Expense, net. Interest expense, net, decreased by $3.5 million, or
14.8%, to $20.4 million in fiscal year 2002 from $23.9 million in fiscal year
2001. The decrease was caused primarily by a decrease in interest rates on our
variable rate debt.
Income Tax Expense. Our effective tax rate was 39.9% in the fiscal year 2002
compared to an effective rate of 41.1% in fiscal year 2001. The difference was
primarily attributable to the utilization of state income tax credits.
Segment Analysis
Hog Production. Net sales increased by $81.7 million, or 22.8%, to $440.8
million in fiscal year 2002 from $359.1 million in fiscal year 2001. The full
year inclusion of PSFNC accounted for $79.7 million of the increase in net
sales, with the remaining increase accounted for by a 5.2% increase in volume
offset by an average 4.4% decrease in net market hog sales prices. The increase
in volume was attributable to increased productivity, better growing conditions
and additional contract production. Intersegment sales to our pork processing
segment transferred at market prices are eliminated in the Consolidated
Statements of Operations.
Gross profit decreased by $2.6 million, or 4.2%, to $59.8 million in fiscal
year 2002 from $62.4 million in fiscal year 2001. Excluding the additional gross
profit added by PSFNC for the period in fiscal year 2002 that was not included
during fiscal year 2001, gross profit would have decreased by $19.8 million in
fiscal year 2002 compared to fiscal year 2001. The decrease was a combination of
the decrease in net market hog sales prices mentioned above, coupled with an
increase in costs of $21.8 million, $15.0 million of which related to increased
volume and $6.8 million of which related to increased costs. Overall, hog
production costs were 3.0% higher on a per hundred weight basis in fiscal year
2002 compared to fiscal year 2001, with the majority of the increase caused by
higher feed costs.
Operating income decreased by $3.2 million, or 5.1%, to $59.5 million
fiscal year 2002 from $62.7 million in fiscal year 2001. The decrease is
attributed to the factors mentioned above.
19
Pork Processing. Net sales increased $123.9 million, or 26.0%, to $599.6 million
in fiscal year 2002 from $475.7 million in fiscal year 2001. The acquisition of
Lundy accounted for $132.1 million of the increase in net sales. Net sales also
increased as a result of a 2.6% increase in pork product sales prices compared
to the same period last year offset by a decrease in processing volume and one
less week in fiscal year 2002.
Gross profit increased by $4.0 million, or 18.2%, to $26.0 million in
fiscal year 2002 from $22.0 million in fiscal year 2001. When excluding the
additional gross profit added by Lundy for the period in fiscal year 2002 that
was not included during fiscal year 2001, gross profit would have increased by
$3.0 million in fiscal year 2002 compared to fiscal year 2001. The increase
resulted from higher margins on pork products due to higher pork product sales
prices, partially offset by higher plant operating costs due to expansion
start-up costs.
Operating income increased by $6.8 million, or 42.0%, to $23.0 million in
fiscal year 2002 from $16.2 million in fiscal year 2001. The increase was
attributed to the factors mentioned above, as well as to a $2.0 million dollar
nonrecurring charge in fiscal year 2001 for certain benefit plan expenses and a
full year of earnings from an unconsolidated partnership at Lundy in fiscal
2002.
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2001 Compared to the Fiscal Year Ended March 25, 2000
Consolidated
Net Sales. Net sales increased by $234.3 million, or 76.5%, to $540.6 million in
fiscal year 2001 from $306.3 million in fiscal year 2000. Lundy and PSFNC
accounted for $184.8 million of the increase in net sales, with the remaining
$49.5 million the result of an increase in pork product sales attributed to
improved pork product prices and a slightly higher volume produced.
Gross Profit. Gross profit increased by $44.1 million, or 109.4%, to $84.4
million in fiscal year 2001 from $40.3 million in fiscal year 2000 and increased
to 15.6% of net sales in 2001 from 13.2% in 2000. This improvement was the
result of improving pork product prices, as mentioned above, offset partially by
an increase in volume produced, higher costs of feed in our hog production
segment and higher costs of outside purchases of market hogs in our pork
processing segment, as well as additional volume due to Lundy and PSFNC.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and
administrative expenses improved as a percentage of net sales to 3.6% in fiscal
year 2001 from 6.1% in fiscal year 2000 due primarily to economies of scale. In
dollar terms, selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $0.6
million, or 3.2%, to $19.4 million in fiscal year 2001 from $18.8 million in
fiscal year 2000 due primarily to the acquisitions in fiscal year 2001.
Operating Income. Operating income increased by $46.8 million, or 322.8%, to
$61.3 million in fiscal year 2001 from $14.5 million in fiscal year 2000. The
increase is attributable to the factors mentioned above.
Interest Expense, net. Interest expense, net, increased by $2.4 million, or
11.4%, to $23.9 million in fiscal year 2001 from $21.5 million in fiscal year
2000. The increase was primarily caused by the increase in borrowings to finance
the acquisitions of Lundy and PSFNC.
Income Tax Expense. Our effective tax rate was 41.1% in fiscal year 2001
compared to 24.3% in fiscal year 2000. The increase in effective rate was the
result of the relative impact of permanent differences between book and tax
income.
Segment Analysis
Hog Production. Net sales increased by $138.2 million, or 62.6%, to $359.1
million in fiscal year 2001 from $220.9 million in fiscal year 2000. PSFNC
accounted for $83.9 million of the increase in net sales, with the remaining
$54.3 million the result of an average increase of 22.6% in market hog prices.
Intersegment sales to our pork processing segment transferred at market prices
are eliminated in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
20
Gross profit increased by $51.3 million, or 462.2%, to $62.4 million in the
fiscal year 2001 from $11.1 million in fiscal year 2000. The increase was
primarily related to the increase in market hog prices, which was slightly
offset by increases in feed costs in fiscal year 2001 compared to fiscal year
2000.
Operating income increased by $56.6 million, or 927.9%, to $62.7 million in
fiscal year 2001 from $6.1 million in fiscal year 2000. In fiscal year 2000
there was a $5.0 million nonrecurring asset impairment charge with the remaining
increase attributed to factors mentioned above.
Pork Processing. Net sales increased by $209.0 million, or 78.4%, to $475.7
million in fiscal year 2001 from $266.7 million in fiscal year 2000. Lundy
accounted for $169.0 million of the increase in net sales, with the remaining
$40.0 million the result of increased pork product sales attributable to an
increase in prices and a slight increase in volume processed.
Gross profit decreased by $7.2 million, or 24.7%, to $22.0 million in
fiscal year 2001 from $29.2 million in fiscal year 2000. The decrease was the
result of lower margins on pork products due to higher market hog costs
partially offset by the incremental gross profit generated from Lundy.
Operating income decreased by $10.4 million, or 39.1%, to $16.2 million in
fiscal year 2001 from $26.6 million in fiscal year 2000. The decrease was
attributed to the factors mentioned above, as well as to an increase in selling,
general and administrative expenses of $1.3 million as a result of the
acquisition of Lundy, and a nonrecurring charge in fiscal year 2001 of $2.0
million for certain benefit plan expenses.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary source of financing has been cash flow from operations and bank
borrowings. Our ongoing operations will require the availability of funds to
service debt, fund working capital and make capital expenditures on our
facilities. We expect to finance these activities through cash flow from
operations and from amounts available under our revolving credit facility.
Net cash flow provided by operating activities was $80.5 million, $64.4
million and $55.6 million in fiscal years 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. The
increase in fiscal year 2002 was attributed to an increase in net income over
fiscal year 2001, increased collections on accounts receivable, and a reduction
of cash requirements on margin calls on our risk management program compared to
fiscal year 2001. These increases were offset by working capital requirements
for inventories, a reduction of accounts payable, and a reduction in noncash
charges.
Net cash flow used in investing activities was $81.3 million, $146.0
million and $15.2 million in fiscal years 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. In
fiscal year 2002, net cash used in investing activities consisted of $96.2
million for capital expenditures, which was spent as follows:
o Approximately $34 million was spent in connection with the
implementation of improvements to our Clinton, North Carolina pork
processing facility;
o Approximately $24 million was spent in connection with our expansion
of our Texas hog production facilities; and
o The remainder was spent for continuing improvements of our facilities,
purchases of breedstock, and investments to develop and implement new
technologies for improved waste handling.
In fiscal year 2002, the Company received proceeds from disposal of fixed
assets of $14.9 million. In fiscal year 2001, net cash used in investing
activities consisted of $114.4 million for our acquisition of Lundy and PSFNC,
as well as capital expenditures of $43.2 million for property, plant and
equipment and breeding stock. The Company received proceeds from disposal of
fixed assets of $11.7 million. During both fiscal year 2002 and fiscal year
2001, disposal of fixed assets consisted primarily of culled breeding stock.
Net cash flow (used in) provided by financing activities was ($0.6)
million, $88.5 million and ($42.8) million in fiscal years 2002, 2001 and 2000,
respectively. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2002, Premium Standard
21
Farms issued $175 million of 9 1/4% senior unsecured notes due 2011("9 1/4%
Notes"), which were used to retire $137.9 million of 11% senior secured
payment-in-kind notes ("PIK Notes") on July 7, 2001. An associated 1% prepayment
penalty on these PIK Notes, which was also paid on July 7, 2001, resulted in an
extraordinary charge of $1.3 million, net of taxes. With the remaining proceeds,
we also prepaid $25 million of bank term debt, made a $6.3 million quarterly
payment on bank term debt and paid down $4.0 million on our revolving credit
facility. The 9 1/4% Notes contain customary covenants and are redeemable by
Premium Standard Farms under certain circumstances.
Working capital is provided under a Credit Agreement that provides for up
to $100 million of revolving credit (with the actual credit limit determined
monthly by reference to a borrowing base formula) and a term loan facility with
$68.8 million outstanding at March 30, 2002. Obligations under the Credit
Agreement are secured by first priority perfected liens on substantially all of
our assets. In addition to customary financial covenants, the Credit Agreement
contains customary restrictions on, among other things, encumbrance or disposal
of assets, acquisitions, additional indebtedness, capital investment, payment of
subordinated debt and construction of new hog production facilities. In addition
to customary fees payable under credit facilities of this type, amounts borrowed
under the Credit Agreement bear interest at fluctuating rates selected by us
based on our agent bank's prime rate, the Federal Funds Rate plus one half of
one percent or LIBOR plus, in each case, an applicable margin ranging from zero
to 2.625% depending on the type of fluctuating rate we are using (5.0% at March
30, 2002). All borrowings under the revolving credit facility mature on August
21, 2003, and all borrowings under the term credit facility mature on August 21,
2004.
Total indebtedness at March 30, 2002 was $272.8 million, as compared to
$267.2 million at March 31, 2001. The increase is a result of the factors
mentioned above. At March 30, 2002, we had $23.3 million outstanding under our
revolving credit facility, $8.5 million in letters of credit and $68.2 million
available for borrowing under our revolving credit facility.
In fiscal 2003, we expect to spend approximately $36 million on net capital
expenditures, of which we expect to spend:
o Approximately $12 million in upgrades and improvements in our
processing operations;
o Approximately $15 million in upgrades and improvements in our
production operations; and
o Approximately $9 million in net breedstock purchases.
Under our consent decree with the Attorney General of the State of Missouri
we are required to spend $14.1 million on additional investments in research and
development over the next two years.
We believe that available borrowings under our credit facility, available
cash and internally generated funds will be sufficient to support our working
capital, capital expenditures and debt service requirements for the foreseeable
future. Our ability to generate cash, however, is subject to a certain extent to
general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other
factors beyond our control. We cannot assure you that our business will generate
sufficient cash flow from operations or that future borrowings will be available
under our revolving credit facility in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay
our indebtedness, including the 9 1/4% Notes, or to fund our other liquidity
needs. If we consummate any acquisitions, we may need to raise additional
capital. In addition, it is our long-term intent to add a processing plant to
our Texas operations when justified by market conditions, customer relationships
and other circumstances. If we consummate any material acquisitions or expand
our Texas operations in this manner, we will need to seek additional sources of
funding, which might potentially come from the issuance of additional equity,
debt or the pursuit of joint ventures to the extent that such options are
available.
The following table represents a summary of our contractual cash
obligations as of March 30, 2002.
22
Payments due by period
Contractual Cash Obligations Total Current 1-3 years 4-5 years Thereafter
---------------------------- ----- ------- --------- --------- ----------
(in thousands)
Long Term Debt $267,917 $25,898 $67,019 $ - $175,000
Capital Lease Obligations 4,865 731 1,606 1,984 544
Operating Leases 20,598 5,379 7,496 3,162 4,560
Unconditional Purchase
Obligations 6,856 6,856 - - -
Other Long Term Obligations 2,000 1,000 1,000 - -
--------- -------- ------- ------- --------
Total Contractual Cash
Obligations $302,235 $39,864 $77,121 $ 5,146 $ 180,104
========= ======== ======== ======== =========
Most of our hog production is raised in company-owned facilities. Some of
the production, however, is raised under farrowing, nursery, or finishing
contracts with individual farmers. In these relationships, we typically own the
livestock and provides the necessary feed, genetics, and veterinary supplies,
while the contract producer provides the land, facilities, labor, utilities, and
other costs of production. These contracts vary from terms of less than one year
to up to twelve years. Payments under these agreements are included in cost of
goods sold. These payments represented approximately 11 percent of our hog
production segment's cost of goods sold for fiscal year 2002. All of these
contracts are cancelable by us if the producer fails to perform to an acceptable
level.
Critical Accounting Policies
In preparing the consolidated financial statements in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles, we are required to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues,
expenses, and related disclosures at the date of the consolidated financial
statements and during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those
estimates due to the complexity and subjectivity of those estimates. Management
has identified the accounting policies it believes to be the most important as
inventory valuation of livestock, contingent liabilities, and accounting for
derivative instruments.
Inventory valuation of livestock is calculated based on a standard cost
model for each geographic hog production region. This model is based on the
current year's budgeted costs and inventory projections at each age and phase of
the production cycle, adjusted to actual costs and reduced to the lower of
actual cost or market when required. Management believes this method for valuing
livestock most accurately represents actual inventory costs.
Contingent liabilities, such as self-insured workers' compensation and
health insurance, bonuses, and legal obligations are estimated based on
information received from third parties and management estimates. These
obligations are provided for when the loss is probable and the amount is
reasonably estimable. Actual settlement costs may vary from estimates we made.
Management believes that any difference in the actual results from the estimates
will not have a material adverse effect upon our financial position or results
of operations.
Derivative instruments are accounted for in accordance with Financial
Standards Board Statement No. 133 (SFAS 133), "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities." Because of the complexity involved in
qualifying for hedge treatment for our commodity contracts, we mark these
exchange-traded contracts to market with the resulting gain or loss recorded in
sales for lean hog contracts or cost of sales for all other commodity contracts.
This may result in large fluctuations in our earnings depending on the volume of
commodity contracts and their corresponding volatility.
Market Risk
Our operating results are influenced by fluctuations in the price of our
primary feed components, corn and soybean meal, and by fluctuations in market
hog and wholesale pork sales prices. The cost and supply of feed components and
market hog and wholesale pork sales prices are determined by constantly changing
market forces of supply and demand, which are driven by matters over which we
have no control, including weather, current and
23
projected worldwide grain stocks and prices, grain export prices and supports,
hog production and governmental agricultural policies. In our hog production
segment we use forward contracts, as well as futures and options contracts, to
establish adequate supplies of future grain requirements, to secure margins and
to reduce the risk of market fluctuations. To secure margins and minimize
earnings volatility in our pork processing segment, we utilize lean hog futures
to hedge future pork product sales. While this may tend to limit our ability to
participate in gains from favorable commodity price fluctuation, it also tends
to minimize earnings volatility and secure future margins. For the fiscal year
ended March 30, 2002, we recognized losses under SFAS 133 of $8.3 million in net
sales for losses related to lean hog futures and losses of $5.3 million in costs
of goods sold relating to the hedging of feed components. As of March 30, 2002,
we had deposits with brokers for outstanding futures contracts of $0.6 million,
included in prepaid expenses and other current assets. For open futures
contracts, we use a sensitivity analysis technique to evaluate the effect that
changes in the market value of commodities will have on these commodity
derivative instruments. As of March 30, 2002, the potential change in fair value
of exchange-traded contracts, assuming a 10% change in the underlying commodity
price, was $1.9 million.
We are exposed to changes in interest rates. Our term and revolving credit
facilities have variable interest rates. Interest rate changes therefore
generally do not affect the market value of such debt but do impact the amount
of our interest payments and, therefore, our future earnings and cash flows,
assuming other factors are held constant. Conversely, for fixed rate debt,
interest rate changes do not impact future cash flows and earnings, but do
impact the fair market value of such debt, assuming other factors are held
constant. During the fiscal year ended March 30, 2002, we entered into an
interest rate swap agreement to convert the variable base interest rate of our
bank term debt to a fixed rate of 3.0125% plus its spread (currently 1.875% at
March 30, 2002). The swap has an identical maturity schedule as the term debt
and is accounted for as a cash flow hedge under SFAS 133. During fiscal 2002, we
recognized a $0.3 million gain, net of tax, into Other Comprehensive Income for
the market value of the swap.
The 9 1/4% Notes had a fair value of approximately $178.9 million as of
March 30, 2002 based on inter-dealer prices, as compared to the book value of
$175.0 million as of March 30, 2002.
Forward-Looking Statements
This report on Form 10-K contains "forward-looking statements" within the
meaning of Section 17A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934. When used in this report, the words
"anticipates," "believes," "expects," "intends," "may," "will" and similar
expressions identify such forward-looking statements. Although we believe that
such statements are based on reasonable assumptions, these forward-looking
statements are subject to numerous factors, risks and uncertainties that could
cause actual outcomes and results to be materially different from those
projected. These factors, risks and uncertainties include, among others, the
following:
o economic conditions generally and in our principal markets;
o competitive practices in the pork production and processing
industries;
o the impact of consolidation in the pork production and processing
industries;
o the impact of current and future laws, governmental regulations and
fiscal policies affecting our industry and operations, including
environmental laws and regulations, trade embargoes and tarriffs;
o food safety;
o the availability of additional capital to fund future commitments and
expansion and the cost and terms of financing;
o outbreaks of disease in our herds;
o feed ingredient costs;
o fluctuations in live hog prices and the price of pork products;
24
o customer demands and preferences; and
o the occurrence of natural disasters and other occurrences beyond our
control.
Our actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially
from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements. We can
give no assurances that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking
statements will occur or, if any of them do, what impact they will have on our
results of operations and financial condition. Please review our Registration
Statement on Form S-4 for other important factors that could cause results to
differ materially from those in any such forward-looking statements. Information
in these archived materials may not be current and may be superceded by more
recent information published by us.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the
section entitled "Market Risk" in Item 7 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Our consolidated financial statements are filed under this Item, beginning
on page F-1 of this Report. Our financial statement schedule is filed under
"Exhibits, Financial Statements Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K."
Selected quarterly financial data required under this Item is included in
Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure
None.
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of Registrant
The following table sets forth certain information concerning the directors
and executive officers of PSF Group Holdings and Premium Standard Farms:
25
Name Age Position(s)
- ----------------------------- ----------- ------------------------------------------------------------
John M. Meyer.................... 40 Chief Executive Officer and Director of PSF Group Holdings
and Premium Standard Farms
Robert W. Manly.................. 49 President of PSF Group Holdings and Premium Standard Farms
Stephen A. Lightstone............ 56 Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
Treasurer of PSF Group Holdings and Premium Standard Farms
J. Michael Townsley.............. 42 Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing of Premium
Standard Farms
Jere Null........................ 37 Vice President, Processing Operations of Premium Standard Farms
David H. James................... 47 Vice President, Production Operations of Premium
Standard Farms
Gerard J. Schulte................ 52 General Counsel and Secretary of PSF Group Holdings and
Premium Standard Farms
Dennis D. Rippe.................. 48 Vice President, Controller and Assistant Secretary of
PSF Group Holdings and Premium Standard Farms,
Michael J. Zimmerman............. 51 Chairman of the Board and Director of and PSF Group
Holdings and Premium Standard Farms
Ronald E. Justice................ 56 Director of PSF Group Holdings and Premium Standard Farms
Dean Mefford..................... 61 Director of PSF Group Holdings and Premium Standard Farms
Maurice L. McGill................ 65 Director of PSF Group Holdings and Premium Standard Farms
Michael A. Petrick............... 40 Director of PSF Group Holdings and Premium Standard Farms
Paul J. Fribourg................. 48 Director of PSF Group Holdings and Premium Standard Farms
Vart K. Adjemian................. 59 Director of PSF Group Holdings and Premium Standard Farms
John Rakestraw................... 41 Director of Premium Standard Farms
Annabelle Lundy Fetterman........ 81 Director of Premium Standard Farms
John M. Meyer has been a Director and the Chief Executive Officer of PSF
Group Holdings and Premium Standard Farms since May 1998. Prior to May 1998, he
spent 15 years with ContiGroup Companies, most recently as Vice President and
General Manager of ContiGroup's pork division. While with ContiGroup, Mr. Meyer
served in the sales, credit and financial services functions.
Robert W. Manly has been President of Premium Standard Farms since October
1996. He has been President of PSF Group Holdings since May 1998. From April
1986 to October 1996, Mr. Manly served as Executive Vice President of Smithfield
Foods, Inc. He also served as President and Chief Operating Officer of the
Smithfield Packing Company subsidiary from June 1994 to June 1995. Mr. Manly
held the position of Assistant to the President of IBP, Inc. from January 1981
to April 1986.
Stephen A. Lightstone has been Executive Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer and Treasurer of PSF Group Holdings and Premium Standard Farms since
August 1998. From 1983 to 1998, Mr. Lightstone was with Payless Cashways, Inc.,
a building materials retailer, most recently serving as Senior Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. Mr. Lightstone was an officer of Payless
Cashways, Inc. when it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1997. From 1978 to
1983, Mr. Lightstone was Vice President-- Finance and Treasurer with Butler
Manufacturing Company, a manufacturer of engineered buildings and construction
materials.
J. Michael Townsley has been Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing of
Premium Standard Farms since April 1997. From 1994 to 1997, Mr. Townsley served
as Vice President Sales and Marketing, Fresh Meat with Smithfield Packing
Company, Inc. Prior to that time, Mr. Townsley spent 11 years with IBP, Inc. in
various sales positions and concluded his career with IBP as Director of
Merchandising, Pork Division.
Jere Null has been Vice President, Processing Operations of Premium
Standard Farms since September 2000. For the eleven years prior to September
2000, Mr. Null was with Smithfield Foods, Inc., last serving in the position of
Senior Vice President of Smithfield Packing Company from June 1999 to August
2000. From June 1995 to May 1999, Mr. Null was Vice President and General
Manager of Smithfield Packing Company's Tar Heel Division.
26
David H. James is Vice President, Production Operations of Premium Standard
Farms, having served in this capacity for Missouri since April 1999, adding
North Carolina in August 2000, and adding Texas in March 2001. He is responsible
for all of Premium Standard Farms' hog production. From June 1992 to July 1998,
Mr. James served as Regional Manager for the 25,000-sow North Carolina operation
for ContiGroup Companies at which time he joined our Missouri hog production
operations team.
Gerard J. Schulte has been General Counsel and Secretary of PSF Group
Holdings and Premium Standard Farms since July 1998. Mr. Schulte has been Vice
President and Assistant General Counsel of ContiGroup Companies since February
2001 and previously served as Vice President and General Counsel of
ContiIndustries, an operating group of ContiGroup Companies, since 1990.
Dennis D. Rippe has been Vice President, Controller and Assistant Secretary
of Premium Standard Farms since January 1999. Prior to that date, Mr. Rippe had
been Vice President Finance and Administration-Operations (Missouri) of Premium
Standard Farms since February 1997.
Michael J. Zimmerman has been Chairman of the Board of Directors of PSF
Group Holdings and Premium Standard Farms since May 1998. Mr. Zimmerman has been
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of ContiGroup Companies
since 1999. From 1996 to 1999, he served as Senior Vice President -- Investments
and Strategy of ContiGroup Companies and President of its ContiInvestments
subsidiary. Prior to joining ContiGroup in 1996, he was a Managing Director of
Salomon Brothers.
Ronald E. Justice has been a Director of Premium Standard Farms since
September 1996. He has been a Director of PSF Group Holdings since May 1998. Mr.
Justice has been an Adjunct Professor in Business Studies at Brookhaven College
since April 2001. He served as Executive Vice President of Operations of
Consolidated Container Company from September 1998 to April 2000. Mr. Justice
was the Senior Vice President of Operations of Scotts Co. from July 1995 to
September 1998 and from August 1992 to July 1995, Mr. Justice was the Corporate
Vice President of Operations at Continental Baking.
Dean Mefford has been a Director of Premium Standard Farms since September
1996. He has been a Director of PSF Group Holdings since May 1998. From January
1999 to February 2001, he served as Chairman of the Board of Doubletime
Corporation and from October 1999 to May 2000 he served as the Interim President
of Ocean Spray Corp. Mr. Mefford served as President and Chief Executive Officer
of Viskase Corporation, a manufacturer of flexible packaging and meat casings,
from 1994 to 1998, and as Corporate Vice President, President, and Chief
Operating Officer of Ralston Purina International from 1988 to 1993.
Maurice L. McGill has been a Director of Premium Standard Farms since
September 1996. He has been a Director of PSF Group Holdings since May 1998. Mr.
McGill has served as the President of Wirmac Corp. since 1986 and as a general
partner of McGill Partners since 1989. Mr. McGill has also served as a director
of Bluebonnet Savings Bank since 1990 and Sitek, Inc., now Prodeo Technologies,
Inc., since 1998.
Michael A. Petrick has been a Director of PSF Group Holdings and Premium
Standard Farms since May 1998. He is a Managing Director of Morgan Stanley & Co.
Incorporated, and has been with Morgan Stanley since 1989. Mr. Petrick also
serves as a Director of CHI Energy, Inc., Marvel Enterprises, Inc., TVN
Entertainment Corporation and EarthWatch Incorporated.
Paul J. Fribourg has been a Director of PSF Group Holdings and Premium
Standard Farms since May 1998. He has served as Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer of ContiGroup Companies since 1999. From 1997 to 1999, he
served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Continental Grain
and, from 1996 to 1997, he served as Chief Operating Officer of Continental
Grain.
Vart K. Adjemian has been a Director of PSF Group Holdings and Premium
Standard Farms since September 1999. Mr. Adjemian has been Executive Vice
President and Chief Operating Officer of ContiGroup Companies since February
2001. From 1999 to February 2001 he served as Executive Vice President of
ContiGroup and as Chief Executive Officer of the ContiIndustries, an operating
group of ContiGroup Companies. From 1998 to 1999, he was Senior Vice President
of ContiGroup Companies, and from 1996 to 1998, he was President of the
Commodity Marketing Group of ContiGroup Companies.
27
John Rakestraw has been a Director of Premium Standard Farms since February
2001. He had previously served as director of PSF Group Holdings and Premium
Standard Farms between May 1998 and October 1999. Mr. Rakestraw has been
President and Chief Executive Officer of ContiBeef, LLC since 2000 and served as
Vice President and General Manager of the Cattle Feeding Division of ContiGroup
Companies from 1995 to 2000.
Annabelle Lundy Fetterman has been a Director of Premium Standard Farms
since August 2000. From 1985 to August 2000, she served as Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive Officer of The Lundy Packing Company and was employed by
that company from its inception in 1950.
Committees of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of PSF Group Holdings has not established any
committees. The Board of Directors of Premium Standard Farms has established two
committees: a Compensation Committee and an Audit Committee. Each such committee
has two or more members, who serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.
The Compensation Committee is responsible for reviewing and making
recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to compensation of
executive officers, other compensation matters and awards under the Equity
Incentive Plan. Currently, Messrs. Zimmerman, Fribourg and Mefford serve on the
Compensation Committee.
The Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing our financial statements,
audit reports, internal financial controls and the services performed by Premium
Standard Farms' independent public accountants, and for making recommendations
with respect to those matters to the Board of Directors. Currently, Messrs.
Adjemian and McGill serve on the Audit Committee.
Terms of Directors and Officers
Directors of Premium Standard Farms are elected annually by PSF Group
Holdings, as sole stockholder, to hold office for one-year terms and until their
successors are duly elected and qualified.
Our officers are appointed by our respective Boards of Directors and serve
at the pleasure of such Boards.
Directors of PSF Group Holdings are nominated and placed for election at
the annual meeting of stockholders to hold office for a one-year term and until
their successors are duly elected and qualified. There are two classes of
Directors. Four Class A Directors are elected by holders of Class A Common Stock
voting as a separate class. Messrs. Justice, McGill, Mefford and Petrick are the
current Class A Directors. Five Class B Directors are elected by holders of
Class B Common Stock voting as a separate class. Messrs. Fribourg, Meyer,
Adjemian and Zimmerman are the current Class B Directors, with one vacancy
currently unfilled among the Class B Directors.
Officers of PSF Group Holdings are appointed by, and serve at the pleasure
of, the Board of Directors of PSF Group Holdings.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Compensation of Directors
Premium Standard Farms has agreed to pay each person who is a member of its
Board of Directors $1,000 per meeting, plus reimbursement of reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the performance of duties as
a Director. In addition, each director who is not affiliated with ContiGroup
Companies or Morgan Stanley receives $20,000 per year in exchange for his or her
services. Members of the Audit and Compensation Committees of Premium Standard
Farms receive an additional $1,000 per meeting.
Directors of PSF Group Holdings receive no separate compensation for
service on that company's Boards of Directors.
28
PSF Group Holdings has adopted an Equity Incentive Plan that permits
options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance units and
performance shares to be granted to the employees, non-employee directors and
consultants of PSF Group Holdings and its affiliates (including Premium Standard
Farms). As of the date of this report, there have been no grants to non-employee
directors of Premium Standard Farms or its affiliates under the Equity Incentive
Plan.
Executive Compensation
The following summary compensation table summarizes compensation
information with respect to our Chief Executive Officer and our four other most
highly compensated executive officers for our two most recent fiscal years.
Summary Compensation Table
Long-Term Compensation
Annual Number of
Compensation Securities Long-Term
Fiscal Underlying Incentive All Other
Name and Principal Position Year Salary($) Bonus($) Options(1) Payouts($) Compensation($)(2)
- ------------------------------- ------ ------------------------ ----------- -------------- ------------------
John M. Meyer.................. 2002 $ 308,846 $ 314,000 - $ - $ 6,903
Chief Executive Officer 2001 283,269 340,600 2,142.86 471,260 7,565
Robert W. Manly................ 2002 293,846 265,170 - - 6,954
President 2001 265,385 311,000 1,714.29 428,130 7,517
Stephen A. Lightstone.......... 2002 256,923 212,139 - - 7,154
Executive Vice President, 2001 245,769 259,000 1,571.43 373,090 7,464
Chief Financial Officer and
Treasurer
Jere Null...................... 2002 204,231 74,995 - - 106,540
Vice President, Processing 2001 112,709 56,000 571.43 - 205,877
Operations
David H. James................. 2002 195,000 81,423 - - 6,974
Vice President, 2001 165,289 130,020 571.43 209,820 7,246
Production Operations
- ----------
(1) Options to acquire shares of Class B Common Stock of PSF Group Holdings.
(2) Consists of employer contributions to the 401(k) plan and premiums for
group-term life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. In the
case of Mr. Null only, the amounts listed also include $100,000 in fiscal
year 2002 and $200,000 in fiscal year 2001 related to non-recurring payments
which were payable over two years in recognition of benefits forfeited from
a former employer.
No options or stock appreciation rights were granted to, or exercised by,
the named executive officers during fiscal year 2002. The following table sets
forth information regarding exercisable and unexercisable options held as of
March 30, 2002, by each of the named executive officers:
29
Aggregated Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and Year-End Option Values
Number of Securities
Underlying Unexercised
Options at March 30, 2002(1)
Name Exercisable Unexercisable
-------------------- -------------- ---------------
John M. Meyer............. 2,142.86 --
Robert W. Manly........... 1,714.29 --
Stephen A. Lightstone..... 1,571.43 --
Jere Null................. 377.14 194.29
David H. James............ 522.86 48.57
- ----------
(1) All options are options to acquire shares of Class B Common Stock of PSF
Group Holdings.
PSF Group Holdings adopted its 1999 Equity Incentive Plan in April 2000.
The plan was established to attract, motivate and retain employees of that
company and its affiliates, including Premium Standard Farms, and to further the
growth and financial success of that company and its affiliates by aligning the
interests of participants with the interests of the company's stockholders.
The plan is administered by a committee of non-employee directors appointed
by the Board. The plan provides for awards in the form of stock options, stock
appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance units and performance shares,
as determined by the committee. All employees and non-employee directors, as
well as certain non-employee advisors and consultants, are eligible to receive
awards under the plan. A total of 15,000 shares of PSF Group Holdings Class A or
Class B Common Stock may be issued pursuant to the plan. Awards vest upon a
change in control of PSF Group Holdings, as defined in the plan.
Options granted under the 1999 Equity Incentive Plan may be either
incentive stock options or nonqualified stock options, as determined by the
committee. No participant can be granted options with respect to more than 3,000
shares in any fiscal year. The terms of any option will be determined by the
committee, but no stock option may be exercised later than 10 years after the
date of grant. The award agreement may provide that PSF Group Holdings has the
right to repurchase the stock if the grantee terminates employment.
The committee may also grant stock appreciation rights, restricted stock,
performance units, or performance shares to eligible individuals, from time to
time, in amounts as it may determine. Each stock appreciation right or
performance share relates to one share of PSF Group Holdings Class A or Class B
Common Stock. No participant can be granted stock appreciation rights covering
more than 3,000 shares in any fiscal year, and no participant can be awarded
more than 3,000 performance shares or restricted shares, or performance units
with an initial value of more than $500,000 in any fiscal year. The value of a
performance unit will be at the discretion of the committee.
Long-Term Incentive Plan
For the four year period commencing April 1, 2001, we have established a
long-term incentive plan. Those generally eligible for the plan are senior
managers with responsibility for leadership and accountability for long-term
growth and earnings as determined by the Compensation Committee. The plan
established both a formula-based incentive pool and a discretionary awards pool.
Incentive pool awards were determined at the plan's inception, and discretionary
pool awards will be determined at the end of the performance period. Awards will
be made in cash. Participants will have the option to defer awards into the
Deferred Compensation Plan discussed below. The plan will be administered by the
Compensation Committee.
The following table sets forth information regarding long term incentive
plan awards made during the last fiscal year to each of the named executive
officers:
Long-Term Incentive Plans - Awards in Last Fiscal Year
Performance or Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Stock
Other Price-Based Plans
Number of Shares, Period Until
Units or Maturation or Threshold Target Maximum
Name Other Rights (#)(1) Payout(2) ($ or #) ($ or #) ($ or #)(3)
------------------- --------- -------- -------- -----------
John M. Meyer.................. 14.0% of pool March 31, 2005 $ 294,000 $ 980,000 N/A
Robert W. Manly................ 12.0% of pool March 31, 2005 252,000 840,000 N/A
Stephen A. Lightstone.......... 9.8% of pool March 31, 2005 205,800 686,000 N/A
Jere Null...................... 5.4% of pool March 31, 2005 113,400 378,000 N/A
David H. James................. 6.5% of pool March 31, 2005 136,500 455,000 N/A
(1) The amount of the pool is determined by our Return On Net Assets ("RONA").
At the minimum threshold RONA, the pool for those eligible is $2,100,000.
At the target RONA, the pool for those eligible is $7,000,000. Two-thirds
of the pool is nondiscretionary and up to one-third of the pool is
discretionary. The table reflects awards for which the executive receives
the maximum discretionary payment.
(2) The nondiscretionary portion of the pool vests one-third on March 31, 2003,
one-third on March 31, 2004 and one-third on March 31, 2005.
(3) There is no maximum amount.
Deferred Compensation Plan
The Deferred Compensation Plan for executives was adopted by our Board of
Directors in January 2001. Participation in the plan is restricted to a select
group of management employees. Under this plan, participating executives are
allowed to defer payment of compensation awarded as long-term incentive plan
compensation until a date elected by the executive in accordance with the plan.
The plan generally allows payment in the form of a single lump sum or ten
substantially equal annual installments following the date of payment. A.G.
Edwards Trust Company acts as trustee for the plan, which is administered by the
Compensation Committee.
401(k) Plan
We have established a 401(k) plan covering substantially all employees
meeting certain minimum service requirements. The plan allows all qualifying
employees to contribute up to 20 percent of employee compensation limited to the
tax deferred contribution allowable by the Internal Revenue Code. We match 100
percent of the employee's contribution up to three percent of employee
compensation and 50 percent of the employee's next two percent of employee
compensation, for a maximum company match of four percent of employee
compensation. Effective January 1, 2000, the 401(k) plan was amended from a
three-year cliff-vesting period to a 100 percent immediate vesting.
Severance Plan
We have established an Executive Level Severance Pay Plan covering our
executive employees, which can be terminated by our Board at any time. The
purpose of the Plan is to provide eligible employees with base severance pay,
supplemental severance pay and supplemental severance benefits for a specified
period of time in the event that their employment is involuntarily terminated
other than for good reason. Under the Plan dated December 1, 1999, those persons
serving as Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Financial Officer are
entitled to receive the following benefits upon termination of the employment:
o Base severance pay equal to two weeks pay
o Supplemental severance pay equal to fifty weeks of pay
o Continuation of health benefits coverage for fifty-two weeks following
termination.
31
Severance pay under the Plan is generally payable in a lump sum following
the date of termination. Supplemental severance pay and continuation of health
benefits, however, are conditioned upon the employee's execution of a general
waiver and release agreement, and supplemental severance pay will be paid only
after execution of that agreement.
Special Executive Retirement Plan
We have adopted a nonqualified, unfunded special executive retirement plan.
The following table shows the approximate annual retirement benefits that Mr.
James and Mr. Null are expected to receive based on their pay and years of
credited service. Mr. Meyer, Mr. Manly and Mr. Lightstone are expected to
receive approximately twice the annual retirement benefits shown below based on
their pay and years of credited service.
Special Executive Retirement Plan Table
Years of Service
----------------------------------------------------
Remuneration 15 20 25 30 35
-------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
$ 125,000 $ 37,500 $ 50,000 $ 62,500 $ 75,000 $ 87,500
150,000 45,000 60,000 75,000 90,000 105,000
175,000 52,500 70,000 87,500 105,000 122,500
200,000 60,000 80,000 100,000 120,000 140,000
225,000 67,500 90,000 112,500 135,000 157,500
250,000 75,000 100,000 125,000 150,000 175,000
300,000 90,000 120,000 150,000 180,000 210,000
400,000 120,000 160,000 200,000 240,000 280,000
The benefits in the above table are annual amounts payable in monthly
installments as single life annuities starting at age 62, the plan's normal
retirement age. Benefits are payable as an annuity or a lump sum. Benefits are
based on the executive's final three calendar years' base salary, including
amounts deferred to the 401(k) plan or cafeteria plan. An executive must
complete five years of service after January 1, 2000, to be entitled to a
benefit. Benefits vest upon a change in control of Premium Standard Farms.
Benefits shown above are offset by one-half of the Social Security benefits paid
or payable at age 62 attributable to years of service with us and by any
retirement benefits paid or payable under any ContiGroup qualified defined
benefit pension plan.
Credited service for benefit determination purposes as of March 30, 2002,
is shown below for each of the executive officers named in the summary
compensation table above:
Years of
Name Service
--------------------- ---------
John M. Meyer................. 3
Robert W. Manly............... 5
Stephen A. Lightstone......... 3
David H. James................ 3
Jere Null..................... 1
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
All of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Premium Standard
Farms is owned by PSF Group Holdings.
The following table sets forth certain information regarding ownership of
the common stock of PSF Group Holdings as of April 30, 2002 by (i) each person
who is known by us to own beneficially more than 5% of the outstanding shares of
each class of stock, (ii) each of our directors, (iii) each of the executive
officers set forth in the Summary Compensation table above and (iv) all of our
directors and named executive officers as a group.
32
Shares Beneficially Owned(3)
Percent Percent
Title of Class(1) Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(2) Number of Class of Total
- ------------------ ----------------------------------------------- ------------- ----------------------
Class B Common ContiGroup Companies, Inc.................... 113,300.64 100.0 53.1
277 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10172
Class A Common Putnam Funds................................. 37,741.5389(4) 37.7 17.7
14 Wall Street, Fourth Floor
New York, NY 10005
Class A Common Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co.............. 40,341.2161(5) 34.8 17.6
1221 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
Class A Common Oaktree Capital Management, LLC.............. 16,387.49(6) 16.4 7.7
550 South Hope Street, 22nd Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Class A Common Prudential Funds............................. 10,016.66(7) 10.0 4.7
c/o State Street Bank & Trust
1 Heritage Drive
Quincy, MA 02171
Class A Common Continental Assurance Company Pension
Investment Fund.............................. 7,422.47 7.4 3.5
CNA Plaza, 235
Chicago, IL 60685
Class B Common John M. Meyer................................ 2,142.86(8) 2.1 *
Class B Common Robert W. Manly.............................. 1,714.29(8) 1.7 *
Class B Common Stephen A. Lightstone........................ 1,571.43(8) 1.5 *
Class B Common David H. James............................... 522.86(8) * *
Class B Common Jere Null.................................... 377.14(8)
Michael J. Zimmerman......................... 0 * *
Ronald E. Justice............................ 0 * *
Dean Mefford................................. 0 * *
Maurice L. McGill............................ 0 * *
Michael A. Petrick........................... 0 * *
Paul J. Fribourg............................. 0(9) * *
Vart K. Adjemian............................. 0 * *
John Rakestraw............................... 0 * *
Annabelle Lundy Fetterman.................... 0 * *
All directors and executive officers as
a group (17 persons)......................... 6,328.58(9) 6.0 2.9
- ----------
* Signifies less than 1%.
(1) PSF Group Holdings is authorized by its certificate of incorporation to
issue 250,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, 300,000 shares of Class B
Common Stock and 10,000 shares of preferred stock. Each class of stock has
a par value of $0.01 per share. As of the date of this report on Form 10-K,
PSF Group Holdings has issued 100,000 shares of Class A Common Stock,
113,300.64 shares of Class B Common Stock and no shares of preferred stock.
Holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock participate
equally in all distributions. With the exception of electing Directors,
holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock vote together as a
single class on all matters presented for a stockholder vote. The holders
of Class A Common Stock vote as a separate class to elect four of the nine
members of the Board of Directors of PSF Group Holdings. The holders of
Class B Common Stock vote as a separate class to elect five of the nine
members of the Board of Directors. PSF Group Holdings cannot take a number
of actions without the approval of a "supermajority" of the Board. A
"supermajority" is defined as a majority that includes at least one
Director elected by holders of Class A Common Stock and one Director
elected by holders of Class B Common Stock.
33
(2) Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of the persons named in
the above table is care of Premium Standard Farms, Inc., 423 West 8th
Street, Suite 200, Kansas City, Missouri 64105.
(3) Unless otherwise indicated, each person has sole investment and voting
power with respect to the shares listed in the table, subject to applicable
community property laws. For purposes of this table, a person or group of
persons is deemed to have "beneficial ownership" of any shares which such
person has the right to acquire within 60 days. For purposes of computing
the percentage of outstanding shares held by each person or group of
persons named above, any security which such person or group of persons has
the right to acquire within 60 days is deemed to be outstanding for the
purpose of computing the percentage ownership for such person or persons,
but is not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the
percentage ownership of any other person. As a result, the denominator used
in calculating the beneficial ownership among our shareholders may differ.
(4) Consists of Class A Common Stock held: (a) by the following Putnam funds:
Asset Allocation Funds -- Balanced Portfolio (128.85), Asset Allocation
Funds -- Growth Portfolio (33.05), Asset Allocation Funds -- Conservative
Portfolio (41.86), Diversified Income Portfolio/Smith Barney/ Travelers
Series Fund (22.03), Capital Management Trust -- PCM Diversified Income
Fund (528.10), Equity Income Fund (11.01), High Yield Advantage Fund
(7,071.86), Global Governmental Income Trust (113.27), Premier Income Trust
(2,502.48), Convertible Opportunities and Income Trust (220.25), High
Income Convertible and Bond Fund (334.30), Master Intermediate Income Trust
(715.33), Managed High Yield Trust (575.79), Diversified Income Trust
(9,799.68), Master Income Trust (1,003.86), Capital Management Trust -- PCM
High Yield Fund (1,578.53), High Yield Trust (11,857.08), Income Fund
(440.51), Balanced Retirement Fund (110.13) and High Yield Managed Trust
(354.29), (b) by The George Fund of Boston (220.25), (c) by Bost & Co.,
Nominee for the High Yield Fixed Income Trust, and (d) Bost & Co., Nominee
for Ameritech Pension Trust (1.38).
(5) Consists of 24,260.6961 shares of Class A Common Stock and 16,080.52 shares
of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of presently exercisable
warrants. The shares of Class A Common Stock are held by: Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter & Co. (21,126.64), Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc. (778.73), the
Morgan Stanley Leveraged Equity Fund II, L.P. (1,056.8054), Morgan Stanley
Capital Investors, L.P. (44.4981), Morgan Stanley Capital Partners III,
L.P. (1,113.1667), MSCP III 892 Investors, L.P. (140.8559). The warrants
are held by Morgan Stanley Leveraged Equity Funds and Morgan Stanley
Capital III Partners.
(6) Consists of shares of Class A Common Stock held by OCM Opportunities Fund,
L.P. (11,210.87), Hare & Co. (4,709.52) and Columbia/HCA Master Retirement
Trust (467.10).
(7) Consists of shares of Class A Common Stock held by Gimlet & Co. (9,517.17),
Deerway & Co. (279.24) and IFTCO (220.25).
(8) Consists of shares of Class B Common Stock issuable upon exercise of
presently exercisable options.
(9) Excludes shares owned by ContiGroup Companies, Inc.
For information concerning securities authorized for issuance under our
equity compensation plans, see "Market for Registrant's Common Equity and
Related Stockholder Matters" and "Executive Compensation."
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
In connection with our acquisition of The Lundy Packing Company, we entered
into consulting agreements with Annabelle Lundy Fetterman, who is one of our
directors, and members of her family on August 25, 2000. Pursuant to those
agreements, Mrs. Fetterman and her family were entitled to receive a total of
$1.2 million, payable in weekly installments commencing on the date of
agreement, with the last payments due on August 25, 2001. In addition, we lease
farm land and hog production buildings from Goshen Ridge Farms, LLC, a company
owned by Mrs. Fetterman and members of her family, under a capital lease
agreement that existed prior to our acquisition of The Lundy Packing Company.
The capital lease obligation as of March 30, 2002 was $2.3 million.
34
We have entered into a contract grower agreement with ContiGroup related to
approximately 7,200 acres of farms used in our Missouri operations. Under that
agreement, ContiGroup owns the real property at the farms. ContiGroup serves as
an independent contractor in breeding and growing our hogs to market weight. In
exchange, we pay to ContiGroup a fee for labor and services incurred by
ContiGroup in performing its obligations under the agreement. During the fiscal
year ended March 30, 2002, the amount paid for obligations under this agreement
was approximately $4.1 million. The agreement will generally continue in effect
so long as ContiGroup continues to own an equity interest in our company. Upon
termination of the agreement, we have an option to acquire the real property at
the farms from ContiGroup, which can be assigned to third parties.
We receive the services of Mr. Schulte and other personnel through an
agreement with ContiGroup. Mr. Schulte, as well as other personnel, are
employees of ContiGroup but provide services to us as well as other affiliates
of ContiGroup. Other services from ContiGroup include the assistance of
purchasing and risk management staff, environmental consulting, treasury and
strategic planning. We pay ContiGroup a monthly fee for these services. We
negotiate the fee annually. In addition, we reimburse ContiGroup for a portion
of Mr. Schulte's annual bonus and long-term incentive payment. For the fiscal
year ended March 30, 2002, the amount paid for all services was $2.6 million. We
also provide Mr. Schulte with the use of a rental car, and since July 2000, we
provide him with an annual allowance of $15,000 for travel and housing.
We make certain services available to ContiGroup in connection with
ContiGroup's pork operations, including management, human resources, hog and
feed production and environmental consulting services. ContiGroup pays us a fee
for these services based on the weight of hogs marketed. For the fiscal year
ended March 30, 2002, the fee was $112,000.
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated acted as placement agent for the 9 1/4%
Notes in the fiscal year ended March 30, 2002. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co.
and certain of its affiliates beneficially own 24,260.6961 shares of Class A
Common Stock of PSF Group Holdings. See "Security Ownership of Certain
Beneficial Owners and Management." Morgan Stanley Leveraged Equity Funds and
Morgan Stanley Capital III Partners currently hold 1,608,052 warrants to
purchase 16,080.52 additional shares of Class A Common Stock of PSF Group
Holdings. In addition, Michael A. Petrick, one of the directors of Premium
Standard Farms and PSF Group Holdings is a Managing Director of Morgan Stanley.
35
PART IV
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statements Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K.
(a) Financial Statements and Schedules
(1) The following financial statements are filed as a part of
this Report on Form 10-K:
Report of Independent Public Accountants
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 30, 2002 and March
31, 2001
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive
Income for the three years ended March 30, 2002,
March 31, 2001 and March 25, 2000
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the
three years ended March 30, 2002, March 31, 2001
and March 25, 2000
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three years
ended March 30, 2002, March 31, 2001 and
March 25, 2000
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(2) The following financial statement schedule is filed as a
part of this Report on Form 10-K:
Schedule II
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at
beginning of Charged to Less: Balance at end
Description year earnings Other Deduction of year
- ----------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allowance for Losses
on Accounts Receivable:
2002 $ 663.6 $ 129.3 $ - $ 112.4 $ 680.5
2001 183.5 180.2 416.9 117.0 663.6
2000 135.9 48.1 - 0.5 183.5
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
A Current Report on Form 8-K was filed with the SEC on January 30,
2002, to report, under Item 5, our third quarter earnings. The
earnings release, including the registrant's Unaudited Condensed
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the 13 and 39 weeks ended
December 29, 2001 and December 23, 2000, was filed as Exhibit 99.1 to
the Current Report on Form 8-K.
(c) Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed as a part of this Report on Form 10-K
or incorporated herein by reference as indicated below:
36
Exhibit
Number Description of Exhibit
--------- --------------------------------------------------------------
2.1 Articles of Merger of PSF Acquisition Corp. into The Lundy
Packing Company, filed August 25, 2000. (1)
2.2 Stock Purchase Agreement, dated September 22, 2000, by and among
Premium Standard Farms, Inc., PSF Group Holdings, Inc. and
ContiGroup Companies, Inc. (see Exhibit 10.10) (1)
3.1(a) Certificate of Incorporation of PSF Group Holdings, Inc., filed
May 8, 1998. (1)
3.1(b) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of PSF
Group Holdings, Inc., filed September 16, 1994. (1)
3.2 Amended and Restated By-laws of PSF Group Holdings, Inc. (1)
4.1(a) Indenture, dated as of June 4, 2001, among Premium Standard
Farms, Inc., PSF Group Holdings, Inc., The Lundy Packing
Company, Lundy International, Inc., Premium Standard Farms of
North Carolina, Inc., and Wilmington Trust Company. (1)
4.1(b) Specimen certificate of 91/4% Senior Notes due 2011. (1)
4.1(c) First Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 31, 2002.
4.2 Registration Rights Agreement, dated June 4, 2001, among PSF
Group Holdings, Inc., Premium Standard Farms, Inc., The Lundy
Packing Company, Lundy International, Inc., Premium Standard
Farms of North Carolina, Inc., Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated
and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. (1)
4.3(a) Credit Agreement, dated August 27, 1997, by and between Premium
Standard Farms, Inc. and FBS Ag Credit, Inc., as Agent for
Itself and Certain Other Lenders. (1)
4.3(b) First Amendment to Credit Agreement dated May 13, 1998. (1)
4.3(c) Second Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated February 26, 1999.
(1)
4.3(d) Third Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated August 1, 2000. (1)
4.3(e) Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated August 21, 2000. (1)
4.3(f) Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated September 22, 2000.
(1)
4.3(g) Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of March 31,
2002.
4.3(h) Guaranty Agreement, dated May 13, 1998, by and between PSF Group
Holdings, Inc. and U.S. Bancorp Ag Credit, Inc. as Agent for
Itself and Certain Other Lenders. (1)
10.1* PSF Group Holdings, Inc. 1999 Equity Incentive Plan, dated
December 1, 1999. (1)
37
10.2(a)* Premium Standard Farms, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan, effective
April 1, 1998 through March 31, 2001. (1)
10.2(b)* Premium Standard Farms, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan, effective
April 1, 2001 through March 31, 2005. (2)
10.3* Premium Standard Farms, Inc. Executive Level Severance Plan,
dated December 1, 1999. (1)
10.4* Premium Standard Farms, Inc. Vice President Level Severance
Plan, dated December 1, 1999. (1)
10.5* Premium Standard Farms, Inc. Special Executive Retirement Plan,
dated January 1, 2000. (1)
10.6(a)* Premium Standard Farms, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan, dated
December 29, 2000. (1)
10.6(b)* Compensation Plan, dated June 8, 2001. (1)
10.7* Consulting Agreement, dated August 25, 2000, by and between The
Lundy Packing Company and Annabelle Lundy Fetterman. (1)
10.8* Services Agreement, dated October, 1998, by and between Premium
Standard Farms, Inc. and Continental Grain Company. (1)
10.9 Consulting Agreement, dated December 9, 1999, by and between
ContiGroup Companies, Inc. and Premium Standard Farms, Inc. (1)
10.10 Stock Purchase Agreement, dated September 22, 2000, by and among
Premium Standard Farms, Inc., PSF Group Holdings, Inc. and
ContiGroup Companies, Inc. (1)
10.11 Market Hog Contract Grower Agreement, dated May 3, 1998, by and
between Continental Grain Company and CGC Asset Acquisition
Corp. (1)
21.1 Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
24.1 Power of Attorney (see signature page).
99.1 Letter regarding representation of Arthur Andersen LLP
- ----------
* Indicates management or compensatory plan or contract.
(1) Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Commission File No.
333-64180), filed by the Registrant with the SEC on June 29, 2001.
(2) Incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4
(Commission File No. 333-64180), filed by the Registrant with the SEC on August 10, 2001.
38
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
PSF GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.
May 14, 2002 /s/ John M. Meyer
- ---------------------- -----------------------------------
Date John M. Meyer,
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
39
Each individual whose signature appears below hereby designates and
appoints John M. Meyer, Stephen A. Lightstone and Gerard J. Schulte, and each of
them, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to file on behalf of PSF Group Holdings, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended March 30, 2002 (the "Annual Report"), with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "Commission"), to sign any and all subsequent
amendments to the Annual Report (the "Amendments"), to file any and all such
Amendments with the Commission, with all exhibits to the Annual Report and such
Amendments, together with any and all other documents in connection therewith,
and to appear before the Commission in connection with any matter relating to
such Annual Report and such Amendments, hereby granting to the attorneys-in-fact
and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform any and
all acts and things requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises
as fully and to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that such attorneys-in-fact and
agents, or any of them, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Signature Title Date
/s/ John M. Meyer Chief Executive Officer and Director May 14, 2002
- --------------------------------- (Principal Executive Officer)
John M. Meyer
/s/ Stephen A. Lightstone Chief Financial Officer May 14, 2002
- --------------------------------- (Principal Financial Officer)
Stephen A. Lightstone
/s/ Michael J. Zimmerman Director May 14, 2002
- ---------------------------------
Michael J. Zimmerman
/s/ Ronald E. Justice Director May 14, 2002
- ---------------------------------
Ronald E. Justice
/s/ Dean Mefford Director May 14, 2002
- ---------------------------------
Dean Mefford
/s/ Vart K. Adjemian Director May 14, 2002
- ---------------------------------
Vart K. Adjemian
/s/ Maurice L. McGill Director May 14, 2002
- ---------------------------------
Maurice L. McGill
/s/ Michael A. Petrick Director May 14, 2002
- ---------------------------------
Michael A. Petrick
/s/ Paul J. Fribourg Director May 14, 2002
- ---------------------------------
Paul J. Fribourg
40
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page
Report of Independent Public Accountants................................................................. F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 30, 2002 and March 31, 2001...................................... F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the three years ended
March 30, 2002, March 31, 2001 and March 25, 2000..................................................... F-5
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the three years ended March 30, 2002,
March 31, 2001 and March 25, 2000..................................................................... F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three years ended March 30, 2002,
March 31, 2001 and March 25, 2000...................................................................... F-7
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements........................................................... F-8
F-1
Report of independent public accountants
To the Shareholders of
PSF Group Holdings, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of PSF Group
Holdings, Inc. (a Delaware corporation) and Subsidiaries (the Company), as of
March 30, 2002 and March 31, 2001, and the related consolidated statements of
operations and comprehensive income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for
each of the three years in the period ended March 30, 2002. These financial
statements and schedule referred to below are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements and schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free
of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of PSF Group Holdings, Inc. and
Subsidiaries, as of March 30, 2002, and March 31, 2001, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
March 30, 2002, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in
the United States.
As explained in Note 13 to the financial statements, effective April 1, 2001,
the Company changed its methods of accounting for derivatives and goodwill.
Our audit was made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic financial
statements taken as a whole. The schedule of valuation and qualifying accounts
included in Item 14 is presented for purposes of complying with the Securities
and Exchange Commission's rules and is not part of the basic financial
statements. This schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied
in the audit of the basic financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly
states in all material respects the financial data required to be set forth
therein in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Kansas City, Missouri,
May 3, 2002
F-2
PSF Group Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated balance sheets
March 30, 2002, and March 31, 2001
(in thousands, except share information)
2002 2001
------------- ---------
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 7,182 $ 8,560
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $680 and $664 in
2002 and 2001, respectively 21,332 25,749
Inventories 141,165 127,827
Federal income tax receivable 3,319 2,954
Deferred income taxes 15,680 14,448
Prepaid expenses and other 2,158 12,753
-------------- --------------
Total current assets 190,836 192,291
PROPERTY, PLANT, EQUIPMENT AND BREEDING STOCK, at cost:
Land and improvements 95,349 89,364
Buildings 292,154 255,196
Machinery and equipment 251,664 215,598
Breeding stock 38,126 34,542
Construction in progress 16,306 23,437
-------------- --------------
693,599 618,137
Less- Accumulated depreciation 166,591 121,255
-------------- --------------
Total property, plant, equipment and breeding stock 527,008 496,882
GOODWILL 75,998 75,998
OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS:
Federal income tax receivable 1,192
-
Deferred financing costs, net 7,241 2,290
Other 6,556 4,787
-------------- --------------
Total other long-term assets 13,797 8,269
-------------- --------------
Total assets $ 807,639 $ 773,440
============== ==============
(continued)
F-3
PSF Group Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated balance sheets
March 30, 2002, and March 31, 2001
(in thousands, except share information)
(continued)
2002 2001
------------- ---------
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable $ 8,385 $ 8,243
Accrued expenses 29,494 32,313
Due to related party 1,317 2,063
Accrued interest 4,914 3,865
Current maturities of long-term debt and capital leases 26,629 26,043
-------------- --------------
Total current liabilities 70,739 72,527
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Long-term debt and capital leases, less current maturities 246,153 241,173
Other long-term liabilities 8,243 13,296
Due to related party 1,769
921
Deferred income taxes 98,016 86,838
-------------- --------------
Total long-term liabilities 353,333 343,076
-------------- --------------
Total liabilities 424,072 415,603
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 10,000 shares authorized,
no shares issued or outstanding
- -
Class A common stock, $.01 par value; 250,000 shares authorized, 100,000
shares issued and outstanding
1 1
Class B common stock, $.01 par value; 300,000 shares authorized, 113,301
shares issued and outstanding
1 1
Additional paid-in capital 373,673 373,653
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax
345 -
Retained earnings (deficit) 9,547 (15,818)
-------------- --------------
Total shareholders' equity 383,567 357,837
-------------- --------------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 807,639 $ 773,440
============== ==============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated balance
sheets.
F-4
PSF Group Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income
For the fiscal years ended
March 30, 2002, March 31, 2001, and March 25, 2000
(in thousands)
2002 2001 2000
------------- ------------- -------------
NET SALES $674,946 $540,576 $306,266
COST OF GOODS SOLD 589,183 456,184 265,929
------------- ------------- -------------
Gross profit 85,763 84,392 40,337
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Selling, general and administrative expenses 21,551 19,413 18,830
Impairment of fixed assets - - 5,000
Amortization expense - 2,436 2,040
Other expense (income), net (558) 1,210 (47)
------------- ------------- -------------
Total operating expenses 20,993 23,059 25,823
------------- ------------- -------------
Operating income 64,770 61,333 14,514
INTEREST (EXPENSE) INCOME:
Interest expense (20,835) (24,885) (21,545)
Interest income 431 933 45
------------- ------------- -------------
Interest expense, net (20,404) (23,952) (21,500)
------------- ------------- -------------
Income (loss) before income taxes and extraordinary item 44,366 37,381 (6,986)
INCOME TAX (EXPENSE) BENEFIT:
Current tax provision (5,842) 1,458 (175)
Deferred tax provision (11,844) (16,825) 1,874
------------- ------------- -------------
Income tax (expense) benefit (17,686) (15,367) 1,699
------------- ------------- -------------
Net income (loss) before extraordinary item 26,680 22,014 (5,287)
LOSS ON EARLY EXTINGUISHMENT OF DEBT, NET OF TAX (1,315) - -
------------- ------------- -------------
NET INCOME (LOSS) 25,365 22,014 (5,287)
------------- ------------- -------------
Unrealized gain on interest rate swap, net of tax 345 - -
------------- ------------- -------------
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) $25,710 $22,014 $ (5,287)
============= ============= =============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-5
PSF Group Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated statements of shareholders' equity
For the fiscal years ended
March 30, 2002, March 31, 2001, and March 25, 2000
(in thousands)
Accumulated
Additional Other Retained
Common Paid-In Comprehensive Earnings
Stock Capital Income (Deficit) Total
----------- ------------- ------------------ ------------- -------------
BALANCE, March 27, 1999 $ 2 $357,498 $ - $(32,545) $324,955
Net loss - - - (5,287) (5,287)
----------- ------------- ------------------ ------------- -------------
BALANCE, March 25, 2000 2 357,498 - (37,832) 319,668
Issuance of common stock - 16,155 - - 16,155
Net income - - - 22,014 22,014
----------- ------------- ------------------ ------------- -------------
BALANCE, March 31, 2001 2 373,653 - (15,818) 357,837
Net income - - - 25,365 25,365
Unrealized gain on interest rate swap - - 345 - 345
Other - 20 - - 20
----------- ------------- ------------------ ------------- -------------
BALANCE, March 30, 2002 $ 2 $373,673 $ 345 $ 9,547 $383,567
=========== ============= ================== ============= =============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-6
PSF Group Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated statements of cash flows
For the fiscal years ended
March 30, 2002, March 31, 2001 and March 25, 2000
(in thousands)
2002 2001 2000
--------- --------- ---------
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss) $ 25,365 $ 22,014 $ (5,287)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
provided by operating activities-
Depreciation and amortization 56,054 50,959 43,013
Deferred income taxes 9,946 16,825 (1,874)
Impairment of fixed assets - - 5,000
Net gain on sale of fixed assets (4,950) (3,763) (1,433)
Senior note interest paid-in-kind - - 7,189
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net-
Accounts receivable 4,417 (2,084) (3,392)
Inventories (13,337) (6,463) 3,569
Prepaid expenses and other assets 11,275 (12,533) 8,017
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities (8,255) (575) 834
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by operating activities
80,515 64,380 55,636
--------- --------- ---------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of Lundy, net of cash acquired - (98,206) -
Acquisition of PSFNC, net of cash acquired - (16,239) -
Purchases of property, plant, equipment and breeding stock (96,232) (43,224) (23,669)
Proceeds from disposal of fixed assets 14,931 11,677 8,427
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash used in investing activities (81,301) (145,992) (15,242)
--------- --------- ---------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from long-term debt 173,591 125,000 795
Proceeds from (payments on) revolving debt, net 13,269 (7,205) 38,887)
Deferred financing costs (4,749) (2,701) (114)
Repayments on long-term debt (182,703) (26,576) (4,585)
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing
activities (592) 88,518 (42,791)
--------- --------- ---------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and
cash equivalents (1,378) 6,906 (2,397)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period 8,560 1,654 4,051
--------- --------- ---------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period $ 7,182 $ 8,560 $ 1,654
========= ========= =========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES:
Interest paid $ 20,462 $ 21,980 $ 12,610
Income tax paid (refunded) 7,890 716 (7,499)
Noncash financing activity- Increase to senior note
principal for interest paid-in-kind - - 7,189
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-7
PSF Group Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
March 30, 2002, March 31, 2001 and March 25, 2000
1. Summary of significant accounting policies:
Nature of operations
PSF Group Holdings, Inc. (Group) is incorporated in the state of Delaware. Group
has a wholly owned subsidiary, Premium Standard Farms, Inc. (PSF, Inc.). PSF,
Inc., and its subsidiaries are an integrated business engaged principally in the
business of hog production and pork processing and selling to domestic and
international markets. Group and PSF, Inc., collectively referred to as the
Company, succeeded the Continental Grain Company North Missouri Pork Operations
and PSF Holdings L.L.C. on May 13, 1998, pursuant to a stock purchase
transaction.
Fiscal year
The Company's fiscal year is the 52 or 53-week period, which ends on the last
Saturday in March. The accompanying consolidated statements of operations and
comprehensive income, statements of shareholders' equity and cash flows include
activity from the period of April 1, 2001, through March 30, 2002 (52 weeks),
March 26, 2000, through March 31, 2001 (53 weeks), and the period March 28,
1999, through March 25, 2000 (52 weeks).
Principles of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and
its majority-owned subsidiaries. Entities in which the Company has ownership of
20 percent to 50 percent are accounted for using the equity method. All
significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in
consolidation.
Use of estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in
the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results
could differ from those estimates.
Revenue recognition
Revenues from product sales are recorded when title to the goods and risks of
ownership has transferred to the customer, generally upon shipment. Net sales
reflect units shipped at selling prices reduced by certain sales allowances.
Cash and cash equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three
months or less to be cash equivalents. The carrying value of cash equivalents
approximates market value.
F-8
PSF Group Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements - (Continued)
Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost, determined on a first-in, first-out
(FIFO) basis, or market.
Inventories consist of the following at March 30 and March 31 (in thousands):
2002 2001
----------- ----------
Hogs $124,449 $112,998
Processed pork products 10,704 9,420
Packaging and supplies 2,762 2,131
Grain, feed additives and other 3,250 3,278
----------- ----------
$141,165 $127,827
=========== ==========
Property, plant, equipment and breeding stock
Depreciation of property, plant, equipment and breeding stock is computed using
the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as
follows:
Years
Land improvements 15 to 20
Buildings 20 to 40
Machinery and equipment 3 to 10
Breeding stock 3
Maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are charged to operations while major
renewals and improvements are capitalized.
Depreciation expense relating to the Company's property, plant, equipment and
breeding stock amounted to $56,054,000, $48,523,000 and $40,975,000 for fiscal
years ended March 30, 2002, March 31, 2001, and March 25, 2000, respectively.
Impairment of fixed assets
Long-lived assets, primarily property, plant and equipment, are reviewed for
impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
carrying value may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and
used is measured by a comparison of the carrying value of the asset to future
net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are
considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the
amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceeds the fair value of the
assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying value
or fair value less costs to sell.
F-9
PSF Group Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements - (Continued)
During the fiscal year ended March 25, 2000, certain assets under construction
which were originally being constructed for an expansion in Texas were
determined to be unrecoverable due to a change in expansion plans. An impairment
loss of $5,000,000 was recorded in the consolidated statements of operations and
comprehensive income.
Price-risk management instruments
The Company uses price-risk management techniques to enhance sales and reduce
the effect of adverse price changes on the Company's profitability. The
Company's price-risk management and hedging activities currently are utilized in
the areas of forward grain sales and hog production margin management. Because
the Company has elected not to apply the recordkeeping required, the Company's
currently held commodity contracts do not qualify as hedges for financial
reporting purposes. These instruments are marked to market and included in
revenue or cost of goods sold in the consolidated statements of operations and
comprehensive income.
The Company has entered into an interest rate swap agreement. The swap has been
designated as a cash flow hedge and qualifies for hedge accounting with the
changes in fair value recorded in other comprehensive income. See Note 13.
Self-insurance programs
The Company is self-insured for certain levels of general and vehicle liability,
workers' compensation and health care coverage. The cost of these self-insurance
programs is accrued based upon estimated settlements for known and anticipated
claims incurred through the balance sheet date. Any resulting adjustments to
previously recorded reserves are reflected in current operating results.
Income taxes
The Company uses the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this
method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the
difference between financial reporting and income tax basis of assets and
liabilities using the enacted tax rates. The deferred income tax provision or
benefit is based on changes in the asset or liability from period to period.
Fair value of financial instruments
The fair value of long-term debt and capital leases is determined using quoted
market prices from interdealers. At March 30, 2002, and March 31, 2001, the fair
value of the Company's debt was $277,284,000 and $270,200,000, respectively,
with a carrying value of $272,782,000 and $267,216,000, respectively.
Accounts receivable, accounts payable and cash equivalents are carried at
historical cost, which approximates fair value.
F-10
PSF Group Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements - (Continued)
Goodwill
Costs in excess of net assets acquired are classified as goodwill. The carrying
value of goodwill is reviewed annually for possible impairment. Beginning April
1, 2001, the Company used an estimate of fair value to determine whether
goodwill is impaired rather than an undiscounted cash flow approach adopted
under prior standards. See Note 13.
Risk factors
There are certain risk factors that can materially impact the Company's
business, financial condition and results of operations. These risks include
sensitivity to pork and hog prices, sensitivity to grain commodity prices,
environmental factors and legislation, changes in herd productivity and feed
efficiency, impact of disease, international market risks, competition,
restrictions under corporate farming laws, dependence on favorable labor
relations, pork product contamination and product liability claims, distribution
channels and consumer preferences.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2000 and 2001 consolidated
financial statements to conform to the 2002 presentation.
2. Business acquisitions
On August 25, 2000, the Company completed the stock acquisition of The Lundy
Packing Company and its affiliated companies (Lundy) for $67,200,000 in cash and
the assumption of approximately $31,000,000 in debt. Lundy is located in
Clinton, North Carolina, and operated a 6,500-head per day processing plant and
owned approximately 41,000 sows, the offspring of which are finished in a
combination of company-owned, contract and joint venture facilities.
On September 22, 2000, the Company completed the stock acquisition of Premium
Standard Farms of North Carolina, Inc. (PSFNC) for a total purchase price of
$32,300,000, of which $16,150,000 was payable in cash and $16,150,000 was
payable by delivery of 9,219 shares of Class B common stock. A fairness opinion
was received from a third party related to the value of the transaction. PSFNC
was formerly a division of ContiGroup Companies, Inc. (CGC or ContiGroup), a
53.1 percent owner of Group, and owned approximately 25,000 sows, the offspring
of which are finished in company-owned, contract and joint venture facilities.
This stock issuance increased CGC's ownership in Group from 51.0 percent to 53.1
percent. Subsequent to the PSFNC acquisition, Lundy contributed its production
operations to PSFNC.
F-11
PSF Group Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements - (Continued)
Both the Lundy and PSFNC transactions were accounted for under the purchase
accounting method with the corresponding assets and liabilities recorded at fair
value. Excess purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired of
$21,036,000 for the transactions have been recorded as goodwill. As of March 31,
2001, and March 30, 2002, net goodwill associated with the Lundy and PSFNC
transactions amounted to $20,679,000.
Pro forma operating results
The following unaudited pro forma financial information assumes that both the
Lundy and PSFNC acquisitions described above occurred at the beginning of each
of the respective periods (in thousands):
Unaudited Year-End
-------------------------
March 31, March 25,
2001 2000
-------------------------
Net sales $680,076 $616,911
Net income (loss) 19,260 (19,124)
The pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of the actual results that
would have been obtained had the acquisitions been made at the beginning of the
respective periods or of results which may occur in the future.
3. Shareholders' equity
Common stock
There are two classes of common stock, which Group can issue. Class A common
stock was issued to the holders of the outstanding units of Holdings. Class B
common stock was issued to CGC. Class A holders have the sole right to vote in
the election or for removal, without cause, of four Class A directors. Class B
holders have the sole right to vote in the election or for removal, without
cause, of five Class B directors. All distributions, dividends and liquidation
preferences are equal between the two classes of stock.
Preferred stock
The Company has authorized 10,000 shares at $.01 par value of preferred stock.
No shares have been issued or are outstanding. Terms of the preferred stock
including voting rights, dividend preference and other limitations or
restrictions have yet to be assigned.
F-12
PSF Group Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements - (Continued)
Stockholder warrants
The Company has warrants outstanding entitling the holders to purchase 20,481.92
shares of Class A common stock at an exercise price of $2,205 per share. As of
March 30, 2002, all warrants were exercisable and none have been exercised. All
unexercised warrants expire on September 17, 2006. Warrant holders are entitled
to certain registration rights associated with their ownership.
Stock-based compensation
In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2001, the Company's board of directors
authorized an equity incentive plan whereby options have been granted to senior
management for the purchase of 7,428 shares of Class B common stock at an
exercise price of $1,666.48 per share. Substantially all the options are fully
exercisable at March 30, 2002. At December 31, 2005, 6,714 shares expire and at
December 31, 2007, 714 shares expire. No options have been exercised as of March
30, 2002.
The Company records stock compensation in accordance with Accounting Principles
Board Opinion No. 25 (APB 25). The fair value of stock options granted was
calculated using the minimum value method as defined in the Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (SFAS 123). Under SFAS 123, the pro forma
net income is disclosed as if it reflected the estimated fair value of options
as compensation at the date of grant or issue over the vesting period. For the
fiscal year ended March 30, 2002, there were no company stock options granted.
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2001, on a pro forma basis, net income would
have been reduced by approximately $2,683,000.
4. Accrued expenses
Accrued expenses are comprised of the following at March 30 and March 31 (in
thousands):
2002 2001
--------- ---------
Salaries and benefits payable $13,238 $12,901
Workers' compensation payable 3,314 4,429
Grain and feed 2,287 2,068
Claims reserves 1,846 1,738
Accrued payables and other 8,809 11,177
------- -------
$29,494 $32,313
======= =======
F-13
PSF Group Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements - (Continued)
5. Long-term debt and capital leases
Long-term debt consists of the following at March 30 and March 31 (in
thousands):
2002 2001
----------- ----------
Senior unsecured notes, due on June 15, 2011,
interest at 9.25%, interest payable semiannually $175,000 $ -
Senior secured notes, interest (partial pay-in-kind
(PIK)) at 11% - 137,894
Revolving loan, due on August 21, 2003,
interest at variable rate (5.00% at
March 30, 2002) 23,269 10,000
Term loan, due on August 21, 2004, interest based
on LIBOR rates plus 1.875% (fixed with a swap
agreement for 4.89% at March 30, 2002), payable
in quarterly installments of $6,250,000 68,750 112,500
Note payable, due December 31, 2002, interest at
prime rate plus 1.5% per annum (6.25% at March
30, 2002) 898 1,335
Capital leases 4,865 5,487
-------- --------
Total debt and capital leases 272,782 267,216
Less- Current portion 26,629 26,043
-------- --------
Long-term debt and capital leases $246,153 $241,173
======== ========
Future maturities of long-term debt and capital leases are as follows (in
thousands):
Fiscal Year
2003 $ 26,629
2004 49,042
2005 19,583
2006 907
2007 1,077
Thereafter 175,544
---------
$272,782
=========
The indenture associated with the $175,000,000 senior notes limits the Company's
ability, among other things, to incur additional debt, pay dividends, acquire
shares of capital stock, make payments on subordinated debt or make certain
investments. In addition, the indenture places limitations on the Company's
ability to: make distributions from subsidiaries, issue or sell capital stock of
subsidiaries, issue guarantees, sell or exchange assets, enter into transactions
with shareholders and affiliates, create liens, and effect mergers.
The senior notes may be redeemed beginning on June 15, 2006, at an initial
redemption price of 104.625 percent of their principal amount plus accrued
interest, declining to 100 percent on and after June 15, 2009. In addition,
before June 15, 2004, up to 35 percent of the notes may be redeemed at a price
of 109.25 percent of principal plus accrued interest, using proceeds from the
sale of capital stock.
The Company has a bank credit agreement that includes a term loan and revolving
loans. The revolving loans are not to exceed $100,000,000 of total borrowings.
The credit agreement provides for up to $10,000,000 in letters of credit. Fees
of 1.75 percent per annum are paid quarterly only on outstanding
letter-of-credit amounts. At March 30, 2002,
F-14
PSF Group Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements - (Continued)
and March 31, 2001, the Company had $8,510,000 and $7,495,000 of outstanding
letters of credit, respectively. Interest rates on the revolving loan are based
on a formula that either uses the U.S. bank's reference rate or a LIBOR rate,
whichever results in the lower rate.
The bank credit agreement is secured by virtually all of the Company's assets.
The amount available under the revolving loan facility is determined by a
borrowing base formula determined from the sum of eligible accounts receivable
and a formula value for inventory based on current book value. The Company
amended the credit agreement in fiscal 2001. The borrowing base both at March
30, 2002, and March 31, 2001, was approximately $100,000,000, and accordingly,
unused available borrowing was $68,221,000 and $82,505,000, respectively (net of
outstanding letters of credit and revolving loans). The agreement contains
various restrictive covenants which, among others, substantially limit
additional borrowings, prohibit payment of dividends and restrict capital
additions and sale of assets. The amendment also contains covenants regarding
earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) and a
fixed cash interest coverage ratio. Annual EBITDA, as defined in the bank credit
agreement (calculated on a rolling four-quarter basis), cannot be less than
$105,000,000 through June 29, 2002, and $110,000,000 thereafter. The cash
interest coverage ratio (calculated on a rolling four-quarter basis) as of the
end of each fiscal quarter cannot be less than a 3.1-to-1.0 ratio through June
29, 2002, 3.3-to-1.0 at September 28, 2002, 3.5-to-1.0 at December 28, 2002 and
3.7-to-1.0 thereafter . As of March 30, 2002, the Company was in compliance with
all debt covenants relating to the bank credit agreement.
During November 2001, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement
to convert the variable base interest rate of its bank term debt to a fixed rate
of 3.0125 percent plus its spread (currently 1.875 percent at March 30, 2002).
The swap has an identical notional amount and maturity schedule as the term
debt.
The 11 percent senior secured notes were issued at an initial amount of
$117,500,000. Interest on the notes was payable through issuance of additional
notes in principal amounts equal to the interest due. During the year ended
March 25, 2000, $7,188,758 of accrued interest was paid in kind through the
issuance of additional notes. During the fiscal years ended March 31, 2001, and
March 30, 2002, no accrued interest was paid in kind through the issuance of
additional notes. In June 2001, the 11 percent senior secured notes were
extinguished with the proceeds received from the $175,000,000 senior notes. An
extraordinary charge of $1,315,000, net of tax of $877,000, was recorded in the
consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income for the fiscal
year ended March 30, 2002, resulting from the loss on the early extinguishment
of the PIK Notes.
6. Income taxes
A reconciliation of statutory federal income tax and income tax expense is shown
below (in thousands):
2002 2001 2000
---------- ---------- ------
Amount based on federal statutory rate $(15,530) $(13,083) $2,445
State income taxes, net of federal (2,156) (1,503) 211
Other - (781) (957)
--------- --------- --------
Income tax (expense) benefit $(17,686) $(15,367) $1,699
======== ======== ========
Components of the net deferred tax balances at March 30 and March 31, are as
follows (in thousands):
2002 2001
Net current deferred tax assets- --------- ---------
Goodwill $ 221 $ 1,537
Inventory 1,201 953
Other accruals and reserves 7,099 11,958
Alternative minimum tax credits 5,687 -
Net operating loss carryforwards 1,472 -
--------- ---------
Net current deferred tax assets $ 15,680 $ 14,448
========= =========
F-15
PSF Group Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements - (Continued)
Net long-term deferred tax liabilities-
Fixed assets $(106,313) $(105,631)
Net operating loss carryforwards - 11,026
Construction in progress 4,171 9,160
Goodwill 1,293 -
Other 2,833 (1,393)
---------- ---------
Net long-term deferred tax liability $ (98,016) $(86,838)
=========== ========
At March 30, 2002, the Company's operating loss carryforwards of $3,680,000
available to offset future taxable income will expire in 2020. The Company
believes that its future taxable income will be sufficient for full realization
of the deferred tax assets.
7. Investments in partnerships
The Company has a 50 percent ownership interest in the L&H Farms partnership.
L&H Farms partnership is in the business of breeding and raising hogs in rural
North Carolina. The Company accounts for the earnings and losses of the
partnership using the equity method of accounting. As of March 30, 2002, and
March 31, 2001, the investment in the L&H Farms partnership was $1,383,000 and
$1,251,000, respectively, and is included in other long-term assets in the
consolidated balance sheets. The Company's share of the partnership's earnings
was $732,000 for fiscal year ended March 30, 2002, and $340,000 from August 25,
2000 (date of acquisition), through March 31, 2001. These amounts are included
in other expense (income) in the consolidated statements of operations and
comprehensive income.
In addition, the Company has a 60 percent ownership in L&S Farms, LLC, a limited
liability company, in the business of breeding and raising hogs in rural North
Carolina. The Company consolidates this operation for financial reporting
purposes. Minority interest of $394,000 for fiscal year ended March 30, 2002,
and $99,000 from August 25, 2000 (date of acquisition), through March 31, 2001,
was charged to other expense (income) in the consolidated statements of
operations and comprehensive income. As of March 30, 2002, and March 31, 2001,
the minority interest obligation was $394,000 and $281,000, respectively,
recorded in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The
Company has guaranteed $898,000 of bank borrowings of its L&S Farms subsidiary
that bears interest at prime plus 1.5 percent (6.25 percent at March 30, 2002).
8. Related parties
The Company has contracted with ContiGroup to provide certain services pursuant
to an amended and restated services agreement and a contract grower finish
agreement. Under these agreements, ContiGroup provides purchasing assistance,
legal services, employee benefits, payroll and grow finishing services to the
Company. For fiscal years ended March 30, 2002, March 31, 2001, and March 25,
2000, the total amount of these expenses and other related-party expenses with
CGC were $6,788,000, $6,523,000, and $11,098,000, respectively. At March 30,
2002, and March 31, 2001, the Company recorded amounts due to related party for
these purchases of $469,000 and $415,000, respectively, included in the
consolidated balance sheets.
The Company provides ContiGroup management and human resources services with
respect to pork operations, hog and feed production services and environmental
and other business consulting services. The total billings for the fiscal years
ended March 30, 2002, March 31, 2001, and March 25, 2000, amounted to $112,000,
$568,000, and $977,000, respectively.
During fiscal year ended March 25, 2000, an agreement was entered into with CGC
to pay $1,000,000 annually for five years, in consulting fees to CGC for work
done in the settlement agreement with the attorney general of Missouri (Note
11). The Company paid the first three of five annual installments in fiscal
years 2002, 2001, and 2000, respectively. The Company discounted the liability
at its current borrowing rate and as of March 30, 2002, has
F-16
PSF Group Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements - (Continued)
recorded a liability of $1,769,000, of which $848,000 is classified as current.
Liabilities are reflected in the due to related party in the consolidated
balance sheets.
The amount due to related party as of March 31, 2001, includes $868,000 payable
to former owners of Lundy, one of which is currently a board member of PSF, Inc.
This amount was paid during the fiscal year ended March 30, 2002. In addition,
the Company leases farmland and hog production buildings from this board member
under a capital lease agreement that existed prior to the acquisition. The
capital lease obligation as of March 30, 2002, and March 31, 2001 was $2,296,000
and $2,529,000, respectively, and is included in long-term debt and capital
leases in the consolidated balance sheet.
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and certain funds owned, controlled and
managed by it and its affiliates, beneficially own approximately 17.6 percent of
the outstanding common stock of Group and is represented on the board of
directors. Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated served as placement agent for the
Company's $175,000,000 senior unsecured notes.
9. Commitments
The Company enters into forward grain purchase contracts with market risk in the
ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, settlement of such
commitments, which were open at March 30, 2002, and March 31, 2001, will have no
adverse impact on the financial position or results of operations of the
Company.
The Company utilizes forward contracts, as well as exchange traded futures and
options contracts, to establish adequate supplies of future grain purchasing
requirements and minimize the risk of market fluctuations. These contracts are
dependent on fluctuations in the grain, lean hog, and natural gas commodity
markets. Market risk resulting from a position in a particular contract may be
offset by other on or off-balance-sheet transactions. The Company continually
monitors its overall market position. Fair value of futures and options, and
gross contract or notional amounts of forward contracts, in place as of March 30
are as follows (in thousands except wtd.-avg. price/unit):
Contract Volumes Wtd.-avg. Fair
Quantity Units Price/Unit Value
----------------------------------------------------
Futures Contracts
Corn purchases - long 6,385 bushels $ 2.14 $ (499)
Soybean meal purchases - long 20 tons 155.03 107
Soybean meal sales - short 12 tons 162.10 21
Lean hog sales - short 40 pounds 0.51 2
Natural gas purchases - long 80 mmBTUs 3.46 31
Option Contracts
Corn puts - short 2,000 bushels $ 2.10 $ (195)
Corn calls - short 4,025 bushels 2.65 (116)
Corn calls - long 4,525 bushels 2.42 326
Contract Volumes Wtd.-avg. Notional
Quantity Units Price/Unit Amount
----------------------------------------------------
Forward Contracts
Corn 2,855 bushels $ 2.20 $ 6,291
Meal 3 tons 167.88 565
These contracts all expire within one year.
F-17
PSF Group Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements - (Continued)
The Company leases rolling stock and certain equipment under noncancelable
operating leases. Rental expense under operating leases was approximately
$5,435,000, $3,656,000 and $2,650,000 in the fiscal years ended March 30, 2002,
March 31, 2001, and March 25, 2000, respectively. Future minimum rental
commitments at March 30, 2002, are as follows (in thousands):
2003 $ 5,379
2004 4,146
2005 3,351
2006 2,018
2007 1,144
Thereafter 4,560
---------
$20,598
==========
10. Employee benefit plans
The Company has a 401(k) plan covering substantially all employees meeting
certain minimum service requirements. The plan allows all qualifying employees
to contribute up to 20 percent of employee compensation limited to the tax
deferred contribution allowable by the Internal Revenue Code. The Company
matches 100 percent of the employee's contribution up to 3 percent of employee
compensation and 50 percent of the employee's next 2 percent of employee
compensation, for a maximum company match of 4 percent of employee compensation.
Effective January 1, 2000, the Company amended its 401(k) plan from a three-year
cliff-vesting period to a 100 percent immediate vesting. Employer contribution
expense related to the plan was approximately $1,816,000, $1,407,000 and
$873,000 for the fiscal years ended March 30, 2002, March 31, 2001, and March
25, 2000, respectively.
The Company has a long-term incentive plan with performance thresholds tied to
return on net assets in place for key executives selected by the compensation
committee. As of March 30, 2002, and March 31, 2001, the Company has recorded
$1,507,000 and $3,106,000 in other long-term liabilities toward the long-term
incentive plan. The Company expensed $1,500,000, $2,106,000, and $1,000,000 in
the fiscal years ended March 30, 2002, March 31, 2001, and March 25, 2000,
respectively.
The Company has a nonqualified, unfunded special executive retirement plan for
certain key executives. Benefits generally accrue based on pay and years of
credited service. As of March 30, 2002, and March 31, 2001, the Company has
recorded in other long-term liabilities $834,000 and $354,000 relating to this
plan, respectively. For the fiscal years ended March 30, 2002, and March 31,
2001, the Company expensed $480,000 and $354,000 related to this plan,
respectively.
F-18
PSF Group Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements - (Continued)
11. Litigation
Environmental matters
The Company has settled two citizens' action suits which sought to enforce
alleged violations of the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and CERCLA against the
Company and ContiGroup. In 1998, the Company engaged in a series of transactions
with ContiGroup pursuant to which it purchased from ContiGroup its North
Missouri Farms hog production operations and ContiGroup purchased a 51.0 percent
ownership interest in the Company (the 1998 ContiGroup transaction). The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (the E.P.A.) had intervened in the same action
and filed a separate notice of violation against the Company under the Clean Air
Act. This settlement resolves all outstanding issues with the E.P.A. To the
extent that ContiGroup incurs any liability in this litigation, the Company
assumed that liability pursuant to the terms of the 1998 ContiGroup transaction.
This consent decree built upon the 1999 consent decree with the State of
Missouri referenced below. The recent consent decree with the E.P.A. (the 2001
Consent Decree) requires the Company and ContiGroup to meet certain performance
standards, such as a 50 percent reduction in nitrogen content concentration of
effluent applied to area fields over a prescribed time period. Other key
elements of the 2001 Consent Decree include: monitoring air emissions from
lagoons and barns; compliance with certain best management practices to reduce
the risk of spills; testing of selective lagoons to ensure integrity, and the
payment of a $350,000 civil penalty. The 2001 Consent Decree has been lodged
with the court and published in the Federal Register for comments. It is
anticipated that the judge will enter the Decree by August 1, 2002. The new
counsel for the plaintiff has submitted a petition for recovery of attorneys'
fees in connection with both the Company and ContiGroup suits. The Company
believes the large majority of these fees have been previously paid and
resolved. The Company does not believe the resolution of this matter will result
in a material adverse outcome.
The Company settled a suit filed by the attorney general of Missouri against the
Company and CGC. Any liability of CGC from this action was an assumed liability
of the Company pursuant to the 1998 ContiGroup transaction. The settlement
required the Company and CGC to enter into a consent judgment pursuant to which
the Company is required to spend $25 million over the course of five years for
researching, installing and operating improved technology to control wastewater,
air and odor emissions from its Missouri farms. As of March 30, 2002, the
Company is nearing the end of the third year of the settlement period and has
spent in total, approximately $10,950,000.
In addition to the suits discussed above, the Company has received notices of
violations from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources alleging releases
of wastewater. The Company has responded to these notices in an effort to
resolve these matters. The State of Missouri had made a demand to resolve these
alleged violations and the Company is working to resolve this matter without
litigation.
The Company was a successor to a nuisance suit brought by neighbors of its
northern Missouri pork operations in which CGC was the defendant. On April 30,
1999, the jury returned a verdict in favor of 52 of the 109 plaintiffs in the
amount of $100,000 each for a total of $5,200,000. CGC appealed the verdict and
on May 3, 2001, the Company satisfied the judgment.
Other legal matters
The Company is subject to various other legal proceedings related to the normal
conduct of its business. In the opinion of management, none of these actions are
expected to result in a judgment having a material adverse effect on the
financial position or results of operations of the Company.
F-19
PSF Group Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements - (Continued)
12. Segment information
The Company operates a vertically integrated business with two operating
segments, Pork Processing and Hog Production. The Pork Processing segment sells
fresh and value-added pork products to food retailers, distributors,
wholesalers, further processors, pharmaceutical and animal feed manufacturers in
both domestic and international markets. The Hog Production segment supplies a
majority of the live hogs used in the Pork Processing segment and sells the
excess production to other hog processing operations. Intersegment live hog
sales are based on market prices. The following tables present specific
financial information about each segment as reviewed by the Company's
management. The Corporate and Other classification in the following tables
represent unallocated corporate expenses and assets, deferred and current taxes,
Group's goodwill and goodwill amortization, interest expense and intersegment
elimination (in thousands):
Pork Hog Corporate
Processing Production and Other Total
----------- ---------- ---------- --------
Fiscal 2002-
Net sales $599,565 $440,825 $(365,444) $674,946
Intersegment sales (4,005) (361,439) - -
Operating income 23,011 59,440 (17,681) 64,770
Assets 199,714 514,787 93,138 807,639
Depreciation and
amortization 11,787 43,462 805 56,054
Capital expenditures 37,806 57,671 755 96,232
Fiscal 2001-
Net sales 475,673 359,149 (294,246) 540,576
Intersegment sales (1,857) (292,389) - -
Operating income 16,276 62,681 (17,624) 61,333
Assets 179,126 502,371 91,943 773,440
Depreciation and
amortization 9,476 38,715 2,768 50,959
Capital expenditures 12,213 30,343 668 43,224
F-20
PSF Group Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements - (Continued)
Pork Hog Corporate
Processing Production and Other Total
----------- ---------- ---------- --------
Fiscal 2000-
Net sales $266,680 $220,876 $(181,290) $306,266
Intersegment sales (2,293) (178,997) - -
Operating income 26,668 6,082 (18,236) 14,514
Assets 89,489 419,414 75,595 584,498
Depreciation and
amortization 6,694 33,842 2,477 43,013
Capital expenditures 1,568 21,108 993 23,669
Geographic information
No individual foreign country or customer accounts for 10 percent or more of
sales to external customers. The following table provides a geographic summary
of the Company's net sales based on the location of product delivery (in
thousands):
2002 2001 2000
---------- --------- ---------
United States $626,245 $496,461 $275,444
Far East 35,913 33,815 28,405
Europe and Russia 1,474 1,758 276
Canada 9,366 7,056 1,199
Mexico and South America 1,948 1,486 942
---------- --------- ---------
Totals $674,946 $540,576 $306,266
========== ========= =========
All of the Company's assets are located within the United States.
13. Change in accounting methods
Derivative instruments and hedging activities
On April 1, 2001, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board
Statement No. 133 (SFAS 133), "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities" requiring every derivative instrument be recorded in the balance
sheet as either an asset or liability at its fair value, and changes in a
derivative's fair value be recognized in current earnings or other comprehensive
income.
The Company believes that its exchange traded commodity contracts serve as
economic hedges, however, as a result of the extensive record keeping
requirements of SFAS 133, management has elected not to designate and account
for these contracts as hedges. Effective as of April 1, 2001, these contracts
were marked to market through earnings. On April 1, 2001, the Company recorded a
transition adjustment reflecting an unrealized loss on commodity contracts of
approximately $7,271,000 as a liability and a decrease to accumulated other
comprehensive income of $4,380,000, net of $2,920,000 in deferred taxes. For the
fiscal year ended March 30, 2002, the Company has recorded $7,271,000 of this
liability as a reduction to gross profit as the related commodity contracts
expired during this period. Changes in the fair value of the existing commodity
contracts and those commodity contracts entered into subsequent to April 1,
2001, are recorded in the period in which they occur. For the fiscal years ended
March 30, 2002, March 31, 2001, and March 25, 2000, gains (losses) marked to
market on commodity contracts recognized in revenue and cost of goods sold were
($13,625,000), $1,720,000, and ($2,150,000), respectively. At March 30, 2002,
and March 31, 2001, the fair value of the outstanding commodity contracts was
($322,000) and ($7,406,000), respectively.
F-21
PSF Group Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements - (Continued)
During the fiscal year ended March 30, 2002, the Company entered into an
interest rate swap agreement in order to effectively convert the base interest
rate on the bank term note from variable to a fixed rate. The Company has
designated the interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge and recorded $565,000 in
the consolidated balance sheet relating to the fair value of the swap and
increased accumulated other comprehensive income by $345,000, net of $220,000 in
deferred taxes.
Business combination, goodwill and intangible assets
On June 30, 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued its
Statements of Financial Accounting Standards Nos. 141 (SFAS 141), "Business
Combinations" and 142 (SFAS 142), "Goodwill and Intangible Assets," which
establish reporting and accounting standards for business combinations, goodwill
and intangible assets. SFAS 141 requires all business combinations after June
30, 2001, to be accounted for using the purchase method. Under SFAS 142,
companies will no longer amortize goodwill over the estimated useful life.
Goodwill will be assessed each year for impairment by applying a fair value
based test.
The Company has elected early adoption of these rules effective April 1, 2001.
Assessment of the fair value of the relevant reporting units was completed
during the second quarter, resulting in no impairment of recorded goodwill.
Prior to April 1, 2001, goodwill was amortized over 30 years. The effect of
discontinuing goodwill amortization increased income before income taxes by
approximately $2,741,000 for the fiscal year ended March 30, 2002. Had SFAS 142
been applied retroactively, the effect of discontinuing amortization of goodwill
would have resulted in adjusted net income (loss) of $24,450,000 and
($3,247,000) for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2001, and March 25, 2000,
respectively.
14. New accounting pronouncement
On June 30, 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued its Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143 (SFAS 143), "Accounting for Asset
Retirement Obligations." SFAS 143 applies to legal obligations associated with
the retirement of long-lived assets that result from the acquisition,
construction, development, and the normal operation of long-lived assets. This
statement requires that the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement
obligation be recognized in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable
estimate of fair value can be made. The associated asset retirement costs are
capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. This
statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years
beginning after June 15, 2002, and earlier application is encouraged. The
Company has not determined the impact that the adoption of this new standard
will have on its financial statements.
15. Quarterly results of operations (unaudited in thousands):
First Second Third Fourth
--------- --------- -------- -------
Fiscal 2002-
Net sales $171,162 $176,567 $173,278 $153,939
Gross profit 29,786 37,223 11,006 7,748
Net income 9,098 15,942 1,028 (703)
Fiscal 2001-
Net sales 87,920 111,912 168,957 171,787
Gross profit 24,237 25,187 15,190 19,778
Net income 9,518 9,079 1,415 2,002
F-22
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number Description of Exhibit
--------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.1(c) First Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 31, 2002.
4.3(g) Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of March 31, 2002.
21.1 Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
24.1 Power of Attorney (see signature page).
99.1 Letter regarding representation of Arthur Andersen LLP