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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

     
ý  
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

  For the quarterly period ended: September 25, 2004

OR

     
o  
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from            to

Commission file number: 333-64180

PSF Group Holdings, Inc.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Delaware
State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization
  43-1818535
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
805 Pennsylvania, Suite 200, Kansas City, Missouri
(Address of principal executive office)
  64105
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (816) 472-7675

Not Applicable


(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if
changed since last report)

     Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has (1) filed all documents and 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 o

     Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes o No x

     As of September 25, 2004, 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.

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 3. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Item 2. Changes in Securities
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
Item 5. Other Information
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
SIGNATURES
EX-31.1 CERTIFICATION
EX-31.2 CERTIFICATION
EX-32.1 CERTIFICATION
EX-32.2 CERTIFICATION


Table of Contents

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

PSF Group Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
September 25, 2004 and March 27, 2004
(in 000’s)
(Unaudited)
                 
    September 25,   March 27,
    2004
  2004
ASSETS
               
CURRENT ASSETS:
               
Accounts receivable, net
  $ 35,671     $ 28,456  
Inventories
    180,676       167,819  
Deferred income taxes
    18,369       16,030  
Prepaid expenses and other
    3,219       3,874  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total current assets
    237,935       216,179  
PROPERTY, PLANT, EQUIPMENT AND BREEDING STOCK:
               
Land and improvements
    100,590       100,754  
Buildings
    294,834       295,402  
Machinery and equipment
    280,086       278,860  
Breeding stock
    41,857       38,322  
Construction in progress
    8,197       2,173  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
    725,564       715,511  
Less- accumulated depreciation
    284,960       260,699  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total property, plant, equipment and breeding stock
    440,604       454,812  
GOODWILL
    75,998       75,998  
OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS:
               
Deferred financing costs, net
    4,984       4,201  
Other
    7,229       7,642  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total other long-term assets
    12,213       11,843  
Total assets
  $ 766,750     $ 758,832  
 
   
 
     
 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
Checks issued against future deposits
  $ 8,613     $ 5,115  
Accounts payable
    6,844       6,332  
Accrued expenses
    34,964       33,168  
Due to related party
          56  
Federal income tax payable
          37  
Accrued interest
    5,309       5,888  
Current maturities of long-term debt and capital leases
    862       833  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total current liabilities
    56,592       51,429  
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
               
Long-term debt and capital leases, less current maturities
    250,497       285,069  
Other long-term liabilities
    6,863       6,509  
Deferred income taxes
    91,450       75,813  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total long-term liabilities
    348,810       367,391  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total liabilities
    405,402       418,820  
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
               
Common stock
    2       2  
Additional paid-in capital
    373,708       373,708  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
          (54 )
Accumulated deficit
    (12,362 )     (33,644 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total shareholders’ equity
    361,348       340,012  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 766,750     $ 758,832  
 
   
 
     
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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PSF Group Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
13 and 26 weeks ended September 25, 2004 and September 27, 2003
(in 000’s)
(Unaudited)
                                 
    13 Weeks Ended
  26 Weeks Ended
    September 25,   September 27,   September 25,   September 27,
    2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
Net sales
  $ 218,831     $ 178,310     $ 430,966     $ 349,442  
Cost of goods sold
    188,851       165,678       376,710       329,278  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Gross profit
    29,980       12,632       54,256       20,164  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    5,319       3,984       9,112       8,226  
Other income
    (143 )     (31 )     (662 )     (281 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Operating income
    24,804       8,679       45,806       12,219  
Interest expense (income):
                               
Interest expense
    5,352       6,387       11,019       12,805  
Interest income
    (14 )     (27 )     (44 )     (56 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Interest expense, net
    5,338       6,360       10,975       12,749  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
    19,466       2,319       34,831       (530 )
Income tax expense (benefit)
    7,572       902       13,549       (206 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income (loss)
  $ 11,894     $ 1,417     $ 21,282     $ (324 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Unrealized gain on interest rate swap, net of tax
    14       93       54       169  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 11,908     $ 1,510     $ 21,336     $ (155 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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PSF Group Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
26 Weeks ended September 25, 2004 and September 27, 2003
(in 000’s)
(Unaudited)
                 
    September 25,   September 27,
    2004
  2003
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
               
Net income (loss)
  $ 21,282     $ (324 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation
    30,099       30,902  
Amortization of deferred financing costs
    544       875  
Deferred income taxes
    13,298       (98 )
Net gain on sale of property, plant, equipment and breeding stock
    (4,109 )     (2,468 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net:
               
Accounts receivable
    (7,215 )     (7,007 )
Inventories
    (12,858 )     (9,633 )
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    1,122       (140 )
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
    1,989       5,416  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    44,152       17,523  
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Purchases of property, plant, equipment and breeding stock
    (21,728 )     (23,924 )
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant, equipment and breeding stock
    9,946       9,357  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (11,782 )     (14,567 )
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Checks issued against future deposits
    3,498       497  
Payments on revolving debt, net
    (28,015 )     (3,144 )
Payments for deferred financing costs
    (1,273 )      
Repayments on long-term debt
    (6,580 )     (309 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net cash used in financing activities
    (32,370 )     (2,956 )
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
           
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period
           
 
   
 
     
 
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period
  $     $  
 
   
 
     
 
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES:
               
Interest paid
  $ 11,011     $ 11,756  
Income tax paid (received)
    323       (4,211 )

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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PSF Group Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1 – Basis of presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies described in the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in PSF Group Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) consolidated financial statements for the year ended March 27, 2004 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 10-K. It is suggested that this report be read in conjunction with those consolidated statements. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The year-end financial statements presented were derived from the Company’s audited financial statements. In the opinion of management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position of the Company and the results of its operations.

PSF Group Holdings, Inc. is a Delaware company formed in 1998 and is currently 53% owned by ContiGroup Companies, Inc.

Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2004 financial statements to conform to the current presentation.

Note 2 – Stock-based compensation

The Company follows the disclosure provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148 (SFAS 148), “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure, and amendment of FASB Statement No. 123.” SFAS 148 requires prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements regarding the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used on report results.

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 6,857 shares of Class B common stock at an exercise price of $1,666.48 per share. In January 2004, the Company’s board of directors granted an additional 857 options at the same exercise price as the previous option grants. All of the options are fully exercisable at March 27, 2004, except for 571, which are exercisable December 31, 2006. At December 31, 2005, 6,429 options expire, at December 31, 2007, 714 options expire and at December 31, 2009, 571 options expire. No options have been exercised as of September 25, 2004.

The Company records stock compensation in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 (APB 25). For the 13 and 26 weeks ended September 25, 2004, the Company had no compensation expense to record in accordance with APB 25. The pro-forma disclosures required by SFAS 148 have not been included as they did not result in a material pro-forma impact on the financial statements.

Note 3 – Derivative instruments and hedging activities

The Company follows FASB Statement No. 133 (SFAS 133), “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” which requires 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.

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The Company believes that its exchange traded commodity contracts serve as economic hedges, however, management has elected not to designate and account for these contracts as hedges. Accordingly, these contracts are marked to market through earnings. For the quarters ended September 25, 2004, and September 27, 2003 the Company recognized losses under SFAS 133 of $5.2 million and gains of $1.5 million, respectively, in net sales for losses and gains related to lean hog futures and losses of $2.7 million and $0.3 million, respectively, in costs of goods sold relating to the hedging of feed components and outside hog purchases at processing facilities. For the first two quarters ended September 25, 2004, and September 27, 2003 the Company recognized losses under SFAS 133 of $6.3 million and $1.0 million, respectively, in net sales for losses related to lean hog futures and losses of $3.5 million and gains of $1.2 million, respectively, in costs of goods sold relating to the hedging of feed components and outside hog purchases at processing facilities. The fair value of the Company’s open exchange traded commodity contracts was a loss of $4.5 million at September 25, 2004 and a gain of $4.9 million at March 27, 2004 and is recoded in Prepaid Expenses and Other in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

The Company holds 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 for the quarter ended September 25, 2004, and fiscal year end March 27, 2004, recorded $0 and ($88,000), respectively, in the condensed consolidated balance sheets relating to the fair value of the swap. For the quarters ended September 25, 2004 and September 27, 2003, $14,000, net of $9,000 in income taxes and $93,000, net of $59,000 in income taxes, respectively, included in comprehensive income (loss) was reclassified to interest expense. For the first two quarters ended September 25, 2004 and September 27, 2003, $54,000, net of $35,000 in income taxes and $169,000, net of $108,000 in income taxes, respectively, included in comprehensive income (loss) was reclassified to interest expense. The interest rate swap will mature on September 30, 2004.

Note 4 – Goodwill and intangible assets

The Company follows Statements of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142 (SFAS 142), “Goodwill and Intangible Assets,” which established reporting and accounting standards for goodwill and intangible assets. Under SFAS 142, companies no longer amortize goodwill over the estimated useful life. Goodwill is assessed each year during the second quarter for impairment by applying a fair value based test. No impairment was recorded during the first two quarters ended September 25, 2004 and September 27, 2003.

Note 5 – 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 (in thousands):

                 
    September 25, 2004
  March 27, 2004
Hogs
  $ 161,780     $ 153,340  
Processed pork products
    12,494       8,383  
Packaging and supplies
    1,850       1,779  
Grain, feed additives and other
    4,552       4,317  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 180,676     $ 167,819  
 
   
 
     
 
 

Note 6 - Segment information

The accounting policies for the Company’s business segments are the same as those described in the footnotes included in the Company’s March 27, 2004 audited financial statements. 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, and 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 table presents specific financial information about each segment as reviewed by the Company’s management. The Corporate and Other classification in the

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following table represents unallocated corporate expenses and assets, deferred and current income taxes, interest expense and intersegment elimination (in thousands):

                                 
    Pork   Hog   Corporate    
    Processing
  Production
  and Other
  Total
For the 13 weeks ended September 25, 2004-
                               
Net sales
  $ 204,973     $ 148,662     $ (134,804 )   $ 218,831  
Intersegment sales
    (566 )     (134,238 )            
Operating income (loss)
    6,336       22,503       (4,035 )     24,804  
For the 13 weeks ended September 27, 2003-
                               
Net sales
  $ 160,794     $ 111,874     $ (94,358 )   $ 178,310  
Intersegment sales
    (355 )     (94,003 )            
Operating income (loss)
    7,329       4,477       (3,127 )     8,679  
As of and for the 26 weeks ended September 25, 2004-
                               
Net sales
  $ 400,882     $ 291,131     $ (261,047 )   $ 430,966  
Intersegment sales
    (1,257 )     (259,790 )            
Operating income (loss)
    14,122       38,386       (6,702 )     45,806  
Assets
    200,230       534,276       32,244       766,750  
Goodwill
    25,020       50,978             75,998  
For the 26 weeks ended September 27, 2003-
                               
Net sales
  $ 317,559     $ 222,418     $ (190,535 )   $ 349,442  
Intersegment sales
    (1,252 )     (189,283 )            
Operating income (loss)
    12,155       6,352       (6,288 )     12,219  
As of March 27, 2004-
                               
Assets
  $ 195,366     $ 534,724     $ 28,742     $ 758,832  
Goodwill
    25,020       50,978             75,998  

Note 7 – Amendment to Credit Agreement

On April 9, 2004, the Company entered into an amended and restated loan and security agreement (Credit Agreement) with its bank group. The Credit Agreement is a $175,000,000 revolving line of credit. The balance of the previous line of credit as well as the outstanding term debt, at the date of closing, became the opening balance outstanding under the Credit Agreement. Obligations under the Credit Agreement are secured by liens on substantially all of the Company’s assets. In addition to customary financial covenants, the Credit Agreement contains restrictions on, among other things, encumbrance or disposal of assets, acquisitions, additional indebtedness, capital investment, payment of subordinated debt and payment of dividends. In addition to fees payable under credit facilities of this type, amounts borrowed under the Credit Agreement bear interest at fluctuating rates selected by the Company. These rates are based on the agent bank’s base rate (the greater of the agent bank’s prime rate or the federal funds rate plus one half of one percent) or LIBOR plus, in each case, an applicable margin, ranging from 0.0% to 3.0%, determined by the Company’s leverage ratio. All borrowings under the revolving credit facility mature on April 9, 2009. Financing costs associated with the amendment were capitalized and are being amortized over the life of the Credit Agreement.

The line of credit is not to exceed $175,000,000 of total borrowings, including up to $15,000,000 in letters of credit. Letter-of-credit fees are based on the applicable margin and are paid quarterly only on outstanding letter-of-credit amounts.

The amount available under the revolving credit facility is determined by a borrowing base formula derived from the sum of eligible accounts receivable, a fixed asset component, and a formula value for inventory based on current book value. The agreement also contains covenants, among others, regarding earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) and a maximum leverage ratio. Both the

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EBITDA and maximum leverage ratio covenants are based on a four quarter minimum rolling EBITDA average during the most recent eight quarters, except for the first through third quarters of fiscal year 2005, which are based on the most recent five through seven quarters. EBITDA, as defined in the bank credit agreement, cannot be less than $50,000,000 as of the end of each quarter in fiscal year 2005, increasing to $55,000,000 as of the end of each quarter in fiscal year 2006, and $60,000,000 as of the end of each fiscal quarter thereafter. The maximum leverage ratio (based on the EBITDA calculation) as of the end of each fiscal quarter cannot be greater than 6.0-to-1.0 as of the end of each quarter through fiscal year 2006, 5.0-to-1.0 as of the end of each quarter in fiscal year 2007, and 4.0-to-1.0 as of the end of each fiscal quarter thereafter.

Note 8 – Litigation

Environmental matters

The Company in prior years 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 Companies, Inc. (“ContiGroup”). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the “E.P.A.”) had intervened in this action and filed a separate notice of violation against the Company under the Clean Air Act. This settlement, in the form of a consent decree (“EPA Consent Decree”), resolved all outstanding issues of ContiGroup and the Company with the citizens group and the E.P.A. 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% ownership interest in the Company (the “1998 ContiGroup transaction”). To the extent that ContiGroup incurred any liability in this litigation, the Company assumed that liability pursuant to the terms of the 1998 ContiGroup transaction. The EPA Consent Decree, built upon the 1999 consent decree with the State of Missouri referenced below, requires the Company and ContiGroup to meet certain performance standards, such as a 50 percent reduction in nitrogen concentration of the effluent applied to area fields over a prescribed time period. The counsel for the citizen plaintiffs has submitted a petition for recovery of attorneys’ fees in connection with the lawsuits against both the Company and ContiGroup. On September 10, 2003, the Court issued an order denying the majority of fees sought by counsel for the citizen plaintiffs which order was appealed by plaintiff’s counsel in March, 2004. The Company settled with the plaintiffs and paid their counsel on the balance of the fees prior to March 27, 2004.

In 1999, the Company settled a suit filed by the Attorney General of the State of Missouri against the Company and ContiGroup. As referenced above, the Company assumed ContiGroup’s liability in this action in connection with the 1998 ContiGroup transaction. The settlement required the Company and ContiGroup to enter into a consent judgment (“Missouri Consent Decree”) pursuant to which the Company was obligated to invest $25 million on or before May 19, 2004, for researching, installing and operating improved technology to control wastewater, air and odor emissions from its Missouri farms. All such investments were subject to the approval of a panel of independent university experts (“Expert Panel”). In June 2002, the State of Missouri filed a lawsuit against the Company seeking penalties and injunctive relief for additional alleged violations of air and water regulations. The Company settled in February, 2004 with the State, and paid an additional fine of $333,000 prior to March 27, 2004. The settlement also extended the implementation schedule under the Missouri Consent Decree from 2004 until 2010. In addition, and in lieu of the $25 million investment commitment and deadline referenced above, the Company committed to install improved wastewater, air and odor technology at all of its finisher farms in northern Missouri, subject to the approval of the Expert Panel. The Company estimates it may spend approximately $31 million on this technology by the 2010 deadline, of which, $4.1 million has been spent to date. Included in this commitment is a fertilizer plant in northern Missouri that will convert solid waste into commercial grade fertilizer. The fertilizer plant construction has begun and the Company has spent $4.0 million to date of an estimated $9.6 million to complete the plant. The plant is scheduled to be operational by the end of the current fiscal year.

Two nuisance suits were filed against ContiGroup and the Company during the second quarter of fiscal year 2003 in the Circuit Court of Jackson County, Kansas City, Missouri (Steven Adwell, et al. vs. PSF, et al.,, and, Michael Adwell, et al. vs. PSF, et al). Two other nuisance lawsuits were filed in March of 2004

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by the same attorney (Fred Torrey, et al. vs. PSF, et al., and, Doyle Bounds, et al. vs. PSF, et al). Two additional nuisance suits were filed in May 2004 in Daviess County Circuit Court, Gallatin, Missouri entitled Vernon Hanes et al. v. Premium Standard Farms, Inc. et al and Steve Hanes et al v. Premium Standard Farms, Inc., et al. There are multiple plaintiffs in each suit, who claim to live near swine farms owned or under contract with the Company. Plaintiffs allege that odors from these farms interfered with the plaintiffs’ right to use and have quiet enjoyment of their respective properties. The Company believes it has good defenses to these actions and intends to vigorously defend these suits.

On May 18, 2004 the same lawyer who filed the Adwell, Bounds and Torrey lawsuits filed a class action lawsuit (Daniel Herrold, et al. and Others Similarly Situated v. ContiGroup Companies, Inc, Premium Standard Farms, Inc., and PSF Group Holdings, Inc.) in the Circuit Court of Jackson County, Kansas City, Missouri. The action seeks to create a class of plaintiffs living within 10 miles of the Company’s farms in Northern Missouri, including contract grower farms, who are alleged to have suffered interference with their right to use and have quiet enjoyment of their respective properties. The Company has removed this case to the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Missouri. The Company believes it has good defenses to these actions and intends to vigorously defend this suit.

Other legal matters

In addition, the Company is involved from time to time in routine litigation incidental to its business. Although no assurance can be given as to the outcome or expense associated with any of these routine proceedings, the Company believes that none of such proceedings currently pending should, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on its financial statements.

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

In this report on Form 10-Q, 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. The terms “expect,” “anticipate,” “may,” “believe,” “will,” and similar expressions made with respect to our earnings and outlook for the future contain some forward-looking information. Naturally, all forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty and actual results or events could be materially different. Although we believe that our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that our goals will be achieved. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ include: economic conditions generally and in our principal markets; competitive practices and consolidation in the pork production and processing industries; 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 tariffs; domestic and international transportation disruptions; food safety; the availability of additional capital to fund future commitments and expansion and the cost and terms of financing; outbreaks of disease in our herds; feed ingredient costs; fluctuations in live hog and wholesale pork prices; customer demands and preferences; and the occurrence of natural disasters and other occurrences beyond our control. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed might not occur. Please review our Annual Report on Form 10-K 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.

General Overview

     We are a leading vertically integrated provider of pork products operating in two industry segments: hog production and pork processing. The hog production segment controls approximately 270,000 sows, of which 223,000 are owned, with operations in Missouri, North Carolina, and Texas. The majority of the hogs produced in our Missouri and North Carolina operations are transferred at market value and processed at the Company’s two processing plants. Any excess hog production, as well as the production at our Texas operations, is sold to outside processors. The pork processing segment consists of two plants, located in Missouri and North Carolina, which produce fresh and further processed pork products for sale to the wholesale, retail, food service, and institutional markets in the United States and to export markets.

     In our second quarter ending September 25, 2004, the USDA reported that the U.S. pork industry produced 5.0 billion pounds compared to 4.8 billion pounds in the same quarter the previous year. In spite of this increased supply, average lean hog prices were 31% higher in the recent quarter compared to the prior year. Also, the USDA pork cutout (the composite wholesale meat price of a market hog after processing) was 22% higher in the recent quarter compared to the same period last year. The continuing trend of strong demand for pork products was the primary driver in these increased prices.

     Generally, our overall revenues follow market prices for wholesale pork and lean hog prices, while our costs are impacted by commodity grain prices, primarily corn and soybean meal. On September 24, 2004, the USDA issued a Hog and Pig report that indicated a 1% increase in the breeding herd and the current hog inventories, both compared to the previous year. Continued strong demand has kept cash prices higher than historical prices for this recent quarter. Ongoing strength in hog prices is contingent on continued or increased demand for pork products or a reduced supply of hogs in the future. In the August, 2004 cold storage report, the USDA reported that freezer stocks of pork on August 31, 2004 were down 10% from the previous year, providing further evidence of strong demand for pork products in recent periods. On October 12, 2004, the USDA issued a Crop Production Report, estimating a record corn crop of 11.6 billion bushels, up 1.5 billion bushels from the prior year. In the same report, the USDA forecasts a record 3.1 billion bushel soybean crop, which is 650 million bushels greater than the previous year. Both of these estimates have reduced the near-term prices of corn and soybean meal, the primary ingredients in our feed rations.

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     We have been experiencing health issues in our Texas operations due to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), which is common in swine herds in the United States. PRRS has had a negative effect on reproduction in our Texas operations, which has decreased production volume and increased costs. We are currently operating a herd health program and production flow intended to stabilize a PRRS positive herd and reduce the impact of PRRS in the system.

Results of Operations

13 Weeks Ended September 25, 2004 Compared to the 13 Weeks Ended September 27, 2003

     The following table presents selected financial information for our production and processing segments for the 13 weeks ended September 25, 2004 and September 27, 2003. Net sales, gross profit and operating (loss) income by segment are also presented as a percentage of their respective totals. The two columns under quarter-to-quarter change show the dollar and percentage change from the quarter ended September 25, 2004 to the quarter ended September 27, 2003. Intersegment sales are based on market prices.

                                                 
    For the 13 Weeks Ended
  Qtr to Qtr Change
    September 25,           September 27,           2004 to    
    2004
  %
  2003
  %
  2003
  %
    (In millions except percentages)
Net Sales
                                               
Production
  $ 148.6       67.9 %   $ 111.9       62.7 %   $ 36.7       32.8 %
Processing
    205.0       93.7 %     160.8       90.2 %     44.2       27.5 %
Intersegment
    (134.8 )     (61.6 )%     (94.4 )     (52.9 )%     (40.4 )     (42.8 )%
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total Net Sales
  $ 218.8       100.0 %   $ 178.3       100.0 %   $ 40.5       22.7 %
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Gross Profit
                                               
Production
  $ 22.6       75.3 %   $ 4.5       35.7 %   $ 18.1       402.2 %
Processing
    7.4       24.7 %     8.1       64.3 %     (0.7 )     (8.6 )%
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total Gross Profit
  $ 30.0       100.0 %   $ 12.6       100.0 %   $ 17.4       138.1 %
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Operating Income (Loss)
                                               
Production
  $ 22.5       90.7 %   $ 4.5       51.7 %   $ 18.0       400.0 %
Processing
    6.3       25.4 %     7.3       83.9 %     (1.0 )     (13.7 )%
Corporate
    (4.0 )     (16.1 )%     (3.1 )     (35.6 )%     (0.9 )     (29.0 )%
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total Operating Income
  $ 24.8       100.0 %   $ 8.7       100.0 %   $ 16.1       185.1 %
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

Consolidated

Net Sales. Net sales increased by $40.5 million, or 22.7%, to $218.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2005 from $178.3 million in the comparable period last year. The increase was attributed to an increase in prices of $38.1 million, combined with an increase in volume of $9.1 million, offset by a $6.7 million increase in losses recorded for lean hog futures contracts recorded in net sales. Overall, live hog and wholesale pork prices increased compared to the prior period despite larger than expected supplies of pork industry wide. Several factors including a decrease in production of beef, the continuing effect of the first case of BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) in a cow in the United States, the Avian Influenza virus affecting the poultry industry, and diet trends among Americans have kept demand for pork products strong. See Segment Analysis below for comments on changes in sales by business segment.

Gross Profit. Gross profit increased by $17.4 million to $30.0 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2005 from $12.6 million in the comparable period last year. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit

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increased to 13.7% from 7.1%. The current year gross profit increase is primarily the result of higher live hog and wholesale pork prices as mentioned above, partially offset by an 8.5% increase in costs to produce our products during the second quarter of fiscal year 2005 compared to the same period last year.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased as a percentage of net sales to 2.4% in the second quarter of fiscal year 2005 from 2.2% in the comparable period last year. In dollar terms, selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $1.3 million, or 33.5%, to $5.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2005 from $4.0 million in the comparable period last year. The increase is attributable to increases in accruals relating to bonuses and incentive plans made during the second quarter of fiscal year 2005.

Operating Income. Operating income increased by $16.1 million to $24.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2005 from $8.7 million in the comparable period last year. The increase is attributable to the factors mentioned above.

Interest Expense, net. Interest expense, net, decreased by $1.0 million, or 15.9%, to $5.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2005 from $6.3 million in the comparable period last year. The decrease is attributed to less average total debt outstanding during the second quarter of fiscal year 2005 compared to the same period in the prior year. See Liquidity and Capital Resources below for more information.

Income Tax Benefit / Expense. Our effective tax rate was 38.9% in the second quarter of fiscal year 2005 and in the comparable period last year.

Segment Analysis

Hog Production. Net sales increased by $36.7 million, or 32.8%, to $148.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2005 from $111.9 million in the comparable period last year. The increase primarily resulted from a 32.3% increase in market hog sales prices, coupled with a 5.5% increase in volume attributable to an increase in production in Missouri and North Carolina and offset by a decrease in production in Texas due to health issues. As mentioned above, losses recorded for lean hog futures contracts had a $6.7 million negative impact on the change in net sales. Intersegment sales to our pork processing segment transferred at market prices are eliminated in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

     Gross profit increased by $18.1 million to $22.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2005 from $4.5 million in the comparable period last year. The increase was the result of higher market hog sales prices as mentioned above, partially offset by an 11.4% increase in hog production costs on a per hundred weight basis. The majority of the increase in hog production cost was due to higher feed input costs compared to the same period last year and, to a lesser extent, production deficiencies in Texas due to the impact of health issues.

     Operating income increased by $18.0 million to $22.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2005 from $4.5 million in the comparable period last year. The increase is attributed to the factors mentioned above.

Pork Processing. Net sales increased $44.2 million, or 27.5%, to $205.0 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2005 from $160.8 million in the comparable period last year. The increase resulted from a 21.0% increase in pork product sales prices, combined with a 5.3% increase in volume processed compared to the same period last year. The increase in volume was primarily attributable to an increase in Saturdays worked at both processing facilities.

     Gross profit decreased by $0.7 million to $7.4 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2005 from $8.1 million in the comparable period last year. While overall sales prices increased 21.0%, our cost to purchase market hogs increased by 33.7%. However, in absolute dollars, the cost increase of the hogs outpaced the sales increase of the pork products by $1.2 million compared to the same period last year. Other processing costs and freight decreased $0.5 million, or 6.1% on a per head basis, compared to the same period in the prior year.

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     Operating income decreased by $1.0 million to $6.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2005 from $7.3 million in the comparable period last year. The decrease was attributed to the factors mentioned above.

26 Weeks Ended September 25, 2004 Compared to the 26 Weeks Ended September 27, 2003

     The following table presents selected financial information for our production and processing segments for the 26 weeks ended September 25, 2004 and September 27, 2003. Net sales, gross profit and operating (loss) income by segment are also presented as a percentage of their respective totals. The two columns under year-to-year change show the dollar and percentage change from the first two quarters ended September 25, 2004 to the first two quarters ended September 27, 2003. Intersegment sales are based on market prices.

                                                 
    For the 26 Weeks Ended
  Year to Year Change
    September 25,           September 27,           2004 to    
    2004
  %
  2003
  %
  2003
  %
    (In millions except percentages)
Net Sales
                                               
Production
  $ 291.1       67.5 %   $ 222.4       63.6 %   $ 68.7       30.9 %
Processing
    400.9       93.0 %     317.5       90.9 %     83.4       26.3 %
Intersegment
    (261.0 )     (60.6 )%     (190.5 )     (54.5 )%     (70.5 )     (37.0 )%
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total Net Sales
  $ 431.0       100.0 %   $ 349.4       100.0 %   $ 81.6       23.4 %
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Gross Profit
                                               
Production
  $ 38.2       70.3 %   $ 6.4       31.7 %   $ 31.8       496.9 %
Processing
    16.1       29.7 %     13.8       68.3 %     2.3       16.7 %
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total Gross Profit
  $ 54.3       100.0 %   $ 20.2       100.0 %   $ 34.1       168.8 %
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Operating Income (Loss)
                                               
Production
  $ 38.4       83.8 %   $ 6.3       51.6 %   $ 32.1       509.5 %
Processing
    14.1       30.8 %     12.2       100.0 %     1.9       15.6 %
Corporate
    (6.7 )     (14.6 )%     (6.3 )     (51.6 )%     (0.4 )     (6.3 )%
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total Operating Income
  $ 45.8       100.0 %   $ 12.2       100.0 %   $ 33.6       275.4 %
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

Consolidated

Net Sales. Net sales increased by $81.6 million, or 23.4%, to $431.0 million in the first two quarters of fiscal year 2005 from $349.4 million in the comparable period last year. The increase was attributed to an increase in prices of $80.4 million, combined with an increase in volume of $6.5 million, offset by a $5.3 million increase in losses recorded for lean hog futures contracts recorded in net sales. Overall, live hog and wholesale pork prices increased compared to the prior period despite larger than expected supplies of pork industry wide. Several factors including a decrease in production of beef, the continuing effect of the first case of BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) in a cow in the United States, the Avian Influenza virus affecting the poultry industry, and diet trends among Americans have kept demand for pork products strong. See Segment Analysis below for comments on changes in sales by business segment.

Gross Profit. Gross profit increased by $34.1 million to $54.3 million in the first two quarters of fiscal year 2005 from $20.2 million in the comparable period last year. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit increased to 12.6% from 5.8%. The current year gross profit increase is primarily the result of higher live hog and wholesale pork prices as mentioned above, partially offset by a 12.3% increase in costs to produce our products during the first two quarters of fiscal year 2005 compared to the same period last year.

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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of net sales to 2.1% in the first two quarters of fiscal year 2005 from 2.4% in the comparable period last year. In dollar terms, selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $0.9 million, or 10.8%, to $9.1 million in the first two quarters of fiscal year 2005 from $8.2 million in the comparable period last year. The increase is attributable to increases in accruals relating to bonuses and incentive plans made during the second quarter of fiscal year 2005.

Operating Income. Operating income increased by $33.6 million to $45.8 million in the first two quarters of fiscal year 2005 from $12.2 million in the comparable period last year. The increase is attributable to the factors mentioned above.

Interest Expense, net. Interest expense, net, decreased by $1.8 million, or 14.1%, to $11.0 million in the first two quarters of fiscal year 2005 from $12.8 million in the comparable period last year. The decrease is attributed to less average total debt outstanding during the first two quarters of fiscal year 2005 compared to the same period in the prior year. See Liquidity and Capital Resources below for more information.

Income Tax Benefit / Expense. Our effective tax rate was 38.9% in the first two quarters of fiscal year 2005 and in the comparable period last year.

Segment Analysis

Hog Production. Net sales increased by $68.7 million, or 30.9%, to $291.1 million in the first two quarters of fiscal year 2005 from $222.4 million in the comparable period last year. The increase primarily resulted from a 30.2% increase in market hog sales prices, coupled with a 2.3% increase in volume attributable to increases in production in Missouri and North Carolina and offset by a decrease in production in Texas due to health issues. As mentioned above, losses recorded for lean hog futures contracts had a $5.3 million negative impact on the change in net sales. Intersegment sales to our pork processing segment transferred at market prices are eliminated in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

     Gross profit increased by $31.8 million to $38.2 million in the first two quarters of fiscal year 2005 from $6.4 million in the comparable period last year. The increase was the result of hogs produced at higher market hog sales prices as mentioned above, partially offset by an 14.6% increase in hog production costs on a per hundred weight basis. The majority of the increase in hog production cost was due to higher feed input costs compared to the same period last year and, to a lesser extent, production deficiencies in Texas due to the impact of health issues.

     Operating income increased by $32.1 million to $38.4 million in the first two quarters of fiscal year 2005 from $6.3 million in the comparable period last year. The increase is attributed to the factors mentioned above.

Pork Processing. Net sales increased $83.4 million, or 26.3%, to $400.9 million in the first two quarters of fiscal year 2005 from $317.5 million in the comparable period last year. The increase resulted from a 24.0% increase in pork product sales prices, combined with a 3.4% increase in volume processed compared to the same period last year. The increase in volume was primarily attributable to an increase in Saturdays worked at both processing facilities.

     Gross profit increased by $2.3 million to $16.1 million in the first two quarters of fiscal year 2005 from $13.8 million in the comparable period last year. While overall sales prices increased 24.0%, our cost to purchase market hogs increased by 31.0%. However, in absolute dollars, the sales increase of the pork products outpaced the cost increase of the hogs by $9.1 million compared to the same period last year. Other processing costs and freight increased $6.8 million, or 5.4% on a per head basis, compared to the same period in the prior year.

     Operating income increased by $1.9 million to $14.1 million in the first two quarters of fiscal year 2005 from $12.2 million in the comparable period last year. The increase was attributed to the factors mentioned above.

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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 $44.2 million and $17.5 million for the first two quarters ended in fiscal years 2005 and 2004, respectively. The improvement in the first two quarters of fiscal year 2005 compared to the same period last year was primarily due to an increase in net income and the use of net operating loss carryforwards to reduce cash tax payments.

     Net cash flow used in investing activities was $11.8 million and $14.6 million for the first two quarters ended in fiscal years 2005 and 2004, respectively. Net cash used in investing activities consisted of $21.7 million and $23.9 million for capital expenditures relating to property, plant and equipment and breeding stock during the first two quarters ended in fiscal years 2005 and 2004, respectively. We received proceeds from disposal of property, plant, equipment and breeding stock of $9.9 million and $9.3 million during the first two quarters ended in fiscal years 2005 and 2004, respectively, primarily representing culled breeding stock. The increase in proceeds is directly related to the increase in market hog sales prices which help determine the cull sow market prices.

     Net cash flow used in financing activities was $32.4 million and $3.0 million for the first two quarters ended in fiscal years 2005 and 2004, respectively. During the first two quarters of fiscal year 2005 and 2004, excess cash generated was used to pay down outstanding debt.

     On April 9, 2004, we entered into an amended and restated loan and security agreement (Credit Agreement) with our bank group. The Credit Agreement is a $175 million revolving line of credit. The balance of the previous line of credit, as well as the outstanding term debt at the date of closing, became the opening balance outstanding under the Credit Agreement. Obligations under the Credit Agreement are secured by liens on substantially all of our assets. In addition to customary financial covenants, the Credit Agreement contains restrictions on, among other things, encumbrance or disposal of assets, acquisitions, additional indebtedness, capital investment, payment of subordinated debt and payment of dividends. In addition to fees payable under credit facilities of this type, amounts borrowed under the Credit Agreement bear interest at fluctuating rates selected by us. These rates are based on the agent bank’s prime rate (the Federal Funds Rate plus one half of one percent) or LIBOR plus, in each case, an applicable margin, currently ranging from 0.5% and 2.0%, respectively, determined by our leverage ratio. All borrowings under the revolving credit facility mature on April 9, 2009. The entire amount of debt under the Credit Agreement is classified as long-term on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

     Total indebtedness at September 25, 2004 was $252.5 million, as compared to $301.7 million at September 27, 2003, excluding a discount on notes of $1.1 million and $1.2 million, respectively. At September 25, 2004, we had $74.5 million outstanding under our revolving credit facility, $11.2 million in letters of credit and $89.3 million available for borrowing under our revolving credit facility.

     In fiscal 2005, we expect to spend approximately $36 million on net capital expenditures as follows:

  Approximately $11 million in upgrades and improvements in our processing operations;
 
  Approximately $16 million in upgrades and improvements in our production operations, and investments to develop and implement new technologies for improved waste handling; and
 
  Approximately $9 million in net breedstock purchases.

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     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.

     For a discussion of our contractual obligations, see a discussion of future commitments under Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 27, 2004. Other than the contract to build the fertilizer plant discussed in Note 8, there have been no significant developments with respect to our contractual obligations since March 27, 2004.

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, estimated liabilities, accounting for derivative instruments, estimated useful lives of property, plant, equipment and breeding stock, and impairment of long-lived assets.

     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.

     Estimated liabilities, such as self-insured workers’ compensation and health insurance, bonuses, and legal obligations are based on information received from third parties and management estimates. These obligations are provided for when a liability has been incurred or a loss is probable and the amount is reasonably estimable. Actual costs may vary from estimates we make. Management believes the estimates are reasonable based on current information.

     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.

     Property, plant, equipment and breeding stock are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The useful lives of the assets are based upon management’s expectations. We periodically review the assets for changes in circumstances which may impact their useful lives.

     Impairment of long-lived assets is periodically reviewed using historical cash flows as well as current estimates of future cash flows and/or appraisals. This assessment process requires the use of estimates and assumptions which are subject to a significant degree of judgment. In addition, we periodically assess the recoverability of goodwill and other intangible assets, which requires us to make assumptions regarding the future cash flows and other factors to determine the fair value of the assets. If these assumptions change in the future, we may be required to record impairment charges for these assets.

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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 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 first two quarters ended September 25, 2004, and September 27, 2003 we recognized losses under SFAS 133 of $6.3 million and $1.0 million, respectively, in net sales for losses related to lean hog futures and losses of $3.5 million and gains of $1.2 million, respectively, in costs of goods sold relating to the hedging of feed components and outside hog purchases at processing facilities. 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 September 25, 2004, the potential change in fair value of exchange-traded contracts, assuming a 10% change in the underlying commodity price, was $6.0 million.

     We are exposed to changes in interest rates. Our revolving credit facility has 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, a 1% change in interest rates would have an approximately $0.7 million impact on interest expense. 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 the agent bank’s applicable margin (currently 2.0% at September 25, 2004). The swap is accounted for as a cash flow hedge under SFAS 133. During the first two quarters ended September 25, 2004, we recognized a $0.1 million gain, net of tax, into Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the market value of the swap.

     The 9¼% Notes had a fair value of approximately $187.3 million as of September 25, 2004 based on inter-dealer prices, as compared to the book value of $175.0 million as of September 25, 2004.

Item 3. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     Please see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Market Risk” above.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this report, we have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures under the supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”). Based on this evaluation, our management, including the CEO and CFO, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective. There have been no significant changes in our internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation.

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

     In prior years we 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”). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the “E.P.A.”) had intervened in this action and filed a separate notice of violation against us under the Clean Air Act. This settlement, in the form of a consent decree (“EPA Consent Decree”), resolved all outstanding issues of ContiGroup and us with the citizens group and the E.P.A. 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 us (the “1998 ContiGroup transaction”). To the extent that ContiGroup incurred any liability in this litigation, we assumed that liability pursuant to the terms of the 1998 ContiGroup transaction. The EPA Consent Decree, built upon the 1999 consent decree with the State of Missouri referenced below, requires us and ContiGroup to meet certain performance standards, such as a 50% reduction in nitrogen concentration of the effluent applied to area fields over a prescribed time period. The counsel for the citizen plaintiffs has submitted a petition for recovery of attorneys’ fees in connection with the lawsuits against both us and ContiGroup. On September 10, 2003, the Court issued an order denying the majority of fees sought by counsel for the citizen plaintiffs which order was appealed by plaintiff’s counsel in March, 2004. We settled with the plaintiffs and paid their counsel on the balance of the fees prior to March 27, 2004.

     In 1999, we settled a suit filed by the Attorney General of the State of Missouri against us and ContiGroup. As referenced above, 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 (“Missouri Consent Decree”) pursuant to which we were obligated to invest $25 million on or before May 19, 2004, for researching, installing and operating improved technology to control wastewater, air and odor emissions from our Missouri farms. All such investments were subject to the approval of a panel of independent university experts (“Expert Panel”). In June 2002, the State of Missouri filed a lawsuit against us seeking penalties and injunctive relief for additional alleged violations of air and water regulations. We settled in February, 2004 with the State, and paid an additional fine of $333,000 prior to March 27, 2004. The settlement also extended the implementation schedule under the Missouri Consent Decree from 2004 until 2010. In addition, and in lieu of the $25 million investment commitment and deadline referenced above, we committed to install improved wastewater, air and odor technology at all of our finisher farms in northern Missouri, subject to the approval of the Expert Panel. We estimate we may spend approximately $31 million on this technology by the 2010 deadline, of which, $4.1 million has been spent to date. Included in this commitment is a fertilizer plant in northern Missouri that will convert solid waste into useable commercial grade fertilizer. The fertilizer plant construction has begun and we have spent $4.0 million to date of an estimated $9.6 million to complete the plant. The plant is scheduled to be operational by the end of the current fiscal year.

     Two nuisance suits were filed against ContiGroup and us during the second quarter of fiscal year 2003 in the Circuit Court of Jackson County, Kansas City, Missouri (Steven Adwell, et al. vs. PSF, et al., and Michael Adwell, et al. vs. PSF, et al). Two other nuisance lawsuits were filed in March of 2004 by the same attorney (Fred Torrey, et al. vs. PSF, et al., and, Doyle Bounds, et al. vs. PSF, et al). Two additional nuisance suits were filed in May 2004 in Daviess County Circuit Court, Gallatin, Missouri entitled Vernon Hanes et al. v. Premium Standard Farms, Inc. et al and Steve Hanes et al v. Premium Standard Farms, Inc., et al. There are multiple plaintiffs in each suit, who claim to live near swine farms owned or under contract with us. Plaintiffs allege that odors from these farms interfered with the plaintiffs’ right to use and have quiet enjoyment of their respective properties. We believe we have good defenses to these actions and intend to vigorously defend these suits.

     On May 18, 2004 the same lawyer who filed the Adwell, Bounds and Torrey lawsuits filed a class action lawsuit (Daniel Herrold, et al. and Others Similarly Situated v. ContiGroup Companies, Inc, Premium Standard Farms, Inc., and PSF Group Holdings, Inc.) in the Circuit Court of Jackson County, Kansas City, Missouri. The action seeks to create a class of plaintiffs living within 10 miles of our farms in

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Northern Missouri, including contract grower farms, who are alleged to have suffered interference with their right to use and have quiet enjoyment of their respective properties. We have removed this case to the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Missouri. We believe we have good defenses to these actions and intend to vigorously defend this suit.

     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 that none of such proceedings currently pending should, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our financial statements.

Item 2. Changes in Securities

Not applicable

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

Not applicable

Item 5. Other Information

Not applicable

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

             
  (a)   Exhibits    
 
           
      Exhibit 31.1   Certification of John M. Meyer, Chief Executive Office, pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e)/15d-15(e).
 
           
      Exhibit 31.2   Certification of Stephen A. Lightstone, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e)/15d-15(e).
 
           
      Exhibit 32.1   Certification of John M. Meyer, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
           
      Exhibit 32.2   Certification of Stephen A. Lightstone, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
           
                         
    (b)   Reports on Form 8-K.
 
                       
        1.     A Current Report on Form 8-K was filed with the SEC on August 10, 2004, to report, under Item 7, our first quarter earnings. The earnings release, including our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the 13 weeks ended June 26, 2004, and June 27, 2003, was filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K.

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SIGNATURES

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

     
  PSF GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.
 
   
November 9, 2004
  /s/ Stephen A. Lightstone

 
 
 
Date
  Stephen A. Lightstone
  Executive Vice President, Chief Financial
  Officer and Treasurer
  (Principal Financial and
  Accounting Officer)

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