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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
[X]ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999
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: 0-23278
BRAZIL FAST FOOD CORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 13-3688737
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
Av. Brasil N/A
6431--Bonsucesso (Zip Code)
CEP 21040-360
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
(Address of principal executive offices)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 55-21-560-5090
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Name of each exchange
Title of each class on which registered
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-- --
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, Class A Redeemable Common Stock Purchase Warrants, Class B
Redeemable Common Stock Purchase Warrants
(Title of Class)
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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.
APPLICABLE ONLY TO REGISTRANTS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDING DURING THE
PRECEDING FIVE YEARS:
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has filed all documents and
reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan
confirmed by a court. Yes No
The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant's common stock is
3,235,290 (as of March 15, 2000).
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the
Registrant is $8,290,431 (as of March 15, 2000).
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Registrant's Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be
convened on May 22, 2000.
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Unless otherwise specified, all references in this Report to (i) "reais,"
the "real" or "R$" are to the Brazilian real (singular), or to the Brazilian
reais (plural), the legal currency of Brazil, and (ii) "U.S. dollars" or "$"
are to United States dollars. All amounts in Brazilian currencies which
existed prior to the adoption of the real as the Brazilian national currency
on July 1, 1994 have been restated in reais in this Report. Unless otherwise
specified, all financial statements and other financial information presented
herein are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the
United States ("U.S. GAAP").
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
(a) General Development of Business
Brazil Fast Food Corp., through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Venbo Comercio
de Alimentos Ltda., a Brazilian limited liability company which conducts
business under the trade name "Bob's," owns and, directly and through
franchisees, operates the second largest chain of hamburger fast food
restaurants in Brazil.
Recent Developments
The world financial market disruptions that were initiated by the Asian
financial crisis in late 1997 and exacerbated by the near-collapse of the
Russian economy in mid-1998 ultimately spread to Brazil in late 1998. Bank
interest rates surged upward beyond 35% per annum, while interest rates on
consumer credit transactions rose to in excess of 8% per month. Unemployment
rose substantially, particularly in cities such as Rio de Janeiro and Sao
Paulo, as businesses attempted to cope with curtailed credit facilities and
reduced economic growth. In January 1999, the Brazilian government devalued
the Real in an effort to combat the onset of an economic recession. All of
these events led to a slowdown in Brazilian retail traffic, generally, and to
a significant reduction in our sales for the first quarter of 1999.
By the end of the second quarter of 1999, the Brazilian economy began to
show signs of a recovery. The January 1999 currency devaluation had increased
the attractiveness of Brazilian products in world markets. Further, the
Brazilian Central Bank initiated a series of interest rate reductions which
lowered interest rates from approximately 42% per annum at the end of March
1999 to approximately 19% per annum by the end of December 1999. As
agricultural and industrial production slightly increased with the expansion
of available credit facilities, employment and retail sales levels began to
rise by the end of the second quarter of 1999 after several months of
stagnation or decline.
As the Brazilian economy improved during the second, third and fourth
quarters of 1999, our sales also increased. However, we remain burdened with a
significantly higher level of indebtedness and interest expense than we had
experienced prior to the commencement of the economic recession in late 1998.
See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operation."
(b) Financial Information About Industry Segments
Not applicable
(c) Narrative Description of Business
Restaurant Operations
Each of our restaurants serves a generally uniform menu featuring
hamburgers, french fries, soft drinks and juices, cold sandwiches, desserts
and milkshakes. Selected restaurants also serve coffee and/or beer. We are
particularly known for our milkshakes and the special spicing of our
hamburgers.
Historically, our restaurants were distinguishable from other "fast food"
operations by their unique service design whereby customers would place and
pay for their order on one line and pick up their order on another line. Cooks
would prepare orders as read to them by the counter service representative who
took the order. We have changed this two line system into a single line
system, which has improved both the quality and speed of service, while
retaining our cooked-to-order philosophy. This change has been made possible
by deployment of proprietary software, which facilitates communication between
counter personnel and the kitchen staff. Under this new system, as each order
is input by a service representative into a countertop terminal, it also
appears on a computer screen in the kitchen, thereby assuring that each
customer will receive his food rapidly while permitting us to retain cooked-
to-order offerings.
Our restaurants generally open at 10:00 A.M. for lunch and remain open for
dinner. Closing hours vary according to location. In some locations with
proximity to late night entertainment, the outlets remain open for the "after
hours" crowd. Our restaurants are not generally open for breakfast, although
we are continuing to test market a limited breakfast menu at selected
restaurants.
Our prices are consistently positioned at the same levels as those for
comparable products offered by our major competitors. We attempt to maintain
the overall cost of our meals at levels competitive with lunch prices offered
by popular street snack bars known as "lanchonetes".
Originally, our restaurants were built as counter service facilities to
accommodate our initial primary clientele of teenagers. In keeping with our
current efforts to attract family oriented customers, all of our restaurants
built since 1980 have included seating facilities. In addition, approximately
14 of our 19 pre-1980 restaurants have been renovated to update the decor,
expand the seating facilities and provide air conditioning. Our restaurants
have an identifiable style highlighted by their distinctive red and white
color theme, which is used on all signage as well as upon our paper goods.
This style is carried through in the uniforms worn by our personnel, which are
occasionally modified to feature hats and shirts used in promotions.
For the past several years, we have been the exclusive provider of
hamburgers and related items at three of Brazil's largest special events--
Carnivale, the one week festive period which precedes the advent of Lent, the
Formula One Automobile Racing Championships and the Motorcycle Grand Prix. In
addition, our food products are sold at other special events throughout
Brazil, including boat fairs, automobile fairs and State rodeos. Using custom
constructed trailers and moveable kiosks, we are able to offer most of our
products at temporary locations for the duration of each special event. In
addition to providing an additional revenue source, our visibility is enhanced
by signage that can be picked up via television coverage of the special event
and by reaching a consumer market where we may not have a permanent outlet.
The following table presents information concerning openings and closings of
both our owned and operated and our franchised restaurants for the years ended
December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997(a):
Year Ended
December 31,
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1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
Owned and operated restaurants:
Opened during period................................ -- 1 7
Closed during period................................ 1 3 1
Sold to franchisees................................. 4 15 9
Open at end of period............................... 55 60 77
Franchised restaurants:
Opened during period................................ 29(b) 26(c) 23(d)
Closed during period................................ 1 2 1
Open at end of period............................... 108 80 56
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(a) Does not include trailers and kiosks used for temporary locations.
2
(b) Includes 4 of our owned and operated restaurants that were sold to
franchisees during the year ended December 31, 1999.
(c) Includes 15 of our owned and operate restaurants that were sold to
franchisees during the year ended December 31, 1998.
(d) Includes 9 of our owned and operated restaurants sold to franchisees
during the year ended December 31, 1997.
The following table presents information concerning the average guest check
per customer and the sales distribution by meal period for our owned
restaurants for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997:
Percent of Total Daily Sales Average Guest Check Per Person
------------------------------- --------------------------------
1999 1998 1997 1999 1998 1997
--------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Lunch (10:00am--
5:00pm)................ 51.4% 51.0% 50.1% R$ 4.70 R$ 4.60 R$ 4.01
Dinner (5:00pm--
10:00pm)............... 48.6% 49.0% 49.9% R$ 4.90 R$ 4.70 R$ 4.30
--------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total................. 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% R$ 4.80 R$ 4.65 R$ 4.16
========= ========= ========= ========== ========== ==========
We strive to maintain quality and uniformity throughout both our owned and
operated and our franchised restaurants by publishing detailed specifications
for food products, food preparation, and service, by continuous in-service
training of employees, and by field visits from our supervisors. Quality
control at each restaurant is undertaken by the store manager, who visually
inspects the products as they are being prepared for cooking. The manager also
keeps a record of the expiration date of the products in inventory. In the
case of franchisees, field visits are made by our personnel who review
operations and make recommendations to assist in compliance with our
specifications.
Our quality control inspectors are also sent to each restaurant periodically
to conduct a review of the food stock. These inspectors also take samples of
the water used at each restaurant in the preparation of food and drinks as
well as random samples of one food item which are taken to a contract
laboratory for a microbiological analysis.
Growth Strategy
Brazil's population of 160 million is the sixth largest in the world. Sao
Paulo, Brazil's largest city, has 10 million residents and a metropolitan area
population of 17 million persons. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's second largest
city, has 5.5 million residents and a metropolitan area population of 11
million persons. Eight other metropolitan areas have populations in excess of
one million. According to Media Data '98, a non-affiliated consulting concern,
the average annual income for the population of nine major markets in Brazil,
including Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, was as follows: R$70,728 for 1% of
such population, R$44,916 for 4% of such population, R$29,328 for 7% of such
population, R$19,368 for 12% of such population, R$10,128 for 31% of such
population, R$5,220 for 33% of such population and R$2,748 for 12% of such
population. The study, which took into account income and spending habits of
the targeted population, concluded that the fast food market is one of
Brazil's fastest growing business segments and that Brazil's fast food market
could exceed 60,000,000 customers. Based upon the foregoing, we believe there
is significant room for expansion in the Brazilian fast food market.
We are currently focusing our growth efforts upon the development of new
franchises, especially in northern Brazil, where competition is not as intense
as in other urban areas. We also intend to enter into territory agreements
with franchisees which will require the franchisee to commit to the
development of several Bob's restaurants in a particular region. We also
anticipate taking advantage of the continuing construction and development of
shopping malls in Brazil, where fast food can be a significant profit center.
3
In addition, we expect to continue to capitalize on our 48 year history in
Brazil. As our operations are based wholly in Brazil, we believe we have the
capacity to understand and respond to consumer taste preferences in developing
additional local markets and test marketing new products and concepts.
We also intend to utilize our customized trailers and moveable kiosks to
maximize our ability to cater to special events and temporary markets, and
also to test certain markets on a temporary basis.
In 1999, we entered into substantially similar agreements with each of
Petrobras and Ipiranga, the two largest Brazilian gasoline retailers with
approximately 7,200 and 5,600 outlets, respectively, which provide that we
and, respectively, Petrobras and Ipiranga will jointly select sites for
development, each to include both a Bob's restaurant and a retail gas station.
We contemplate that substantially all of these new sites will be built, owned
and operated by present and future franchisees. We will share royalties
received from each franchisee with these gasoline retailers.
We have implemented a new computer system which facilitates automated
transmission of daily sales receipts, inventory levels, and personnel
utilization data from each of our retail outlets to our headquarters. As of
December 31, 1999, we had installed this computer system in all of our owned
and operated restaurants.
We are continuing to explore alternate distribution channels for our
products to maximize consumer exposure in an economically efficient manner. We
expect to utilize a "store-within-a-store" concept where we will either rent
space from a larger non-competitive retail consumer operation or will rent
space in our own outlet to other non-competitive fast food providers, thereby
maximizing consumer traffic while minimizing costs of operation. We currently
rent space in two of our Sao Paulo stores to Dunkin' Donuts, which does not
compete directly with us, but offers complementary products.
In 1999, we initiated a computer based delivery system for telephonic food
and beverage orders at approximately 53% of our restaurants.
Franchise Program
Our franchise agreements generally require the franchisee of a traditional
Bob's restaurant to pay us an initial fee of $30,000 and to pay us additional
fees equal to 4% of the franchisee's gross sales in its first two years of
operation and 5% of monthly gross sales thereafter. In addition, franchisees
pay 4% of monthly gross sales for cooperative advertising. Our typical
franchise agreement also provides that the franchisee must use our approved
supplies and suppliers and must build each franchised outlet in accordance
with our specifications at our approved locations. The term of the majority of
our franchise agreements is 10 years, with a few agreements having 5 year
terms.
At present, approximately 9 months elapse between our initial contact with a
prospective franchisee and the opening of a franchised outlet. After the
initial meeting, and if the potential franchisee meets certain basic
conditions, such as significant business experience, financial resources and
knowledge of the market in the area where the franchise will be located, a
preliminary franchise agreement is signed, which, among other matters,
requires the prospective franchisee to pay us a non-refundable sum equal to
50% of the initial franchising fee to partially compensate us for the cost of
a three-month training program to familiarize the prospective franchisee with
our operations. Following mutual agreement as to the site of a new restaurant,
a definitive franchise agreement is signed, outlining the obligations and
responsibilities of each party, including the franchising fees and promotion
commissions to be paid to us. The franchisee then begins a three-month
training program. Construction of the restaurant typically begins at the
beginning of the training program and is generally completed within three to
six months. The franchising fee is sufficient to cover all training expenses
incurred by us.
In some instances, the franchise agreements that we have negotiated with
existing franchisees accommodate specific requirements and characteristics of
the franchisee. We have entered into territory agreements with
4
franchisees located in areas where we have determined that it is in our best
interest to establish two or more stores within a geographic region. The
territory agreements incorporate the same terms and conditions of our
franchise agreements, but also provide for the franchisee to commit to opening
an agreed-upon number and type of store within a specified time-frame. In a
limited number of instances, we may grant franchisees exclusive territorial
rights if we believe such grants would further the development of new market
opportunities.
Under Brazilian law, we cannot dictate the price at which our franchisees
sell their products, although in general, franchisee prices mirror the prices
at our owned and operated stores.
We receive 35 to 40 inquiries monthly from potential franchisees. A steering
committee formed by our top management receives formal franchising proposals
and reviews them to determine which should be accepted.
In addition to the 70 franchisees who, collectively, operated 124 outlets,
including 12 kiosks and 4 trailers, at December 31, 1999, we have signed final
franchising contracts with 28 new franchisees to open and operate a like
number of additional outlets, to be located in the States of Rio de Janeiro,
Sao Paulo, Mato Grosso de Sul, Brasilia, Rio Grande do Norte and Maranhao. The
majority of these additional outlets are scheduled to begin operations prior
to the end of 2000.
We have received numerous awards from the Brazilian Franchise Association,
an independent trade organization, including
. quality seal for the years 1999, 1998, 1997 and 1996.
. best Brazilian franchise operation in 1997 out of approximately 1,000
candidates.
We generally retain a right of first refusal in connection with any proposed
sale of a franchisee's interest.
Advertising and Promotions
We utilize television, radio, and a variety of promotional campaigns to
advertise our products. Our primary promotional campaign in 1999 was to inform
our customers that they could select either hamburger or chicken burger as a
primary component of all of our sandwich offerings.
We introduced colorful cardboard boxes imprinted with the "Bob's" symbol for
our premium sandwich offerings in 1997, replacing paper bags, thereby
enhancing our quality image.
In September 1997, we launched a new line of chicken products in an effort
to capitalize upon customers' requests for "health-oriented" food offerings.
One of these products, a chicken steak sandwich, has become one of our best
selling offerings.
In 1998, we launched the "Bob's Dog," an extra-large hot dog with two
different sauces.
In 1999, we introduced a chocolate mousse pie dessert. Bacon was also added
as an option to all of our sandwich offerings.
We and our advertising agency annually develop a multi-media marketing
program to advertise our restaurant network in its primary markets. We
periodically develop 15 and 30 second television commercials which, typically,
are aired one to six times a day for a 15-day period. Temporary product
discounts are offered in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo through radio and
television advertising several times a year. Other successful promotional
programs have included offering products tied into popular movies with certain
value meals, and selling specially produced hats at a discount with certain
value meals. We also offer a "kids meal," which includes three food items and
a small packaged toy. Certain of our outlets offer special services for
children's birthday parties and also feature appearances by "Bobi," our
mascot. All these programs are reinforced by visual tools, such as banners,
posters and place mats.
5
We keep franchisees informed of current advertising techniques and effective
promotions and make our advertising materials available to our franchisees.
Our franchisees are required, generally, to spend 4% of their monthly gross
receipts for advertising and promotions. Individual stores also develop
promotional programs to attract additional clientele or to assist in the
implementation of expanded business hours. These promotions are paid for by
each outlet. We commit approximately 4% of our system-wide gross sales to
marketing activities.
We are a participant in a joint retail marketing effort initiated in 1998 in
Rio de Janeiro, together with Shell, Lojas Americanas (one of the biggest
department store chains in Brazil) and Sendas (one of the biggest supermarket
chains in Brazil), of memberships in "Smart Club," which offers special
premiums to repeat customers. This ongoing program was expanded during 1999 to
encompass other areas of Brazil.
Sources of Supply
We and our franchisees have not experienced any material shortages of food,
equipment, fixtures, or other products which are necessary for restaurant
operations. We anticipate no such shortages of products and, in any event,
believe that alternate suppliers are available.
We purchase food products and packaging from numerous independent suppliers.
To take advantage of volume discounts, we have entered into centralized
purchasing agreements. Food products are ordered by, and delivered directly to
each restaurant. Billing and payment for our owned restaurants are handled
through the centralized office, while franchisees handle their own invoices
directly. Packaging and durable goods are delivered to a centralized warehouse
operated by a non-affiliated person, which delivers supplies to each of our
own restaurants. This centralized purchasing helps assure availability of
products and provides quantity discounts, quality control and efficient
distribution.
We participate in joint promotion and marketing programs with Coca-Cola for
its soft drink products and with Novartis Nutricion for its Ovomaltine
chocolate, as well as with Mate Leas for a popular Brazilian brand of iced
tea.
Trademarks
We believe that our trademarks and service marks, all of which are owned by
us, are important to our business.
Our trademarks and service marks have been registered in the Brazilian
trademark office. These trademarks and service marks expire at various times
from 2000 to 2007. Renewals of these trademarks and service marks generally
have been obtained prior to their expiration.
Competition
In terms of the number of retail outlets, we are the second largest food
service organization in Brazil. Each of our restaurants is in competition with
other food service operations within the same geographical area. We compete
with other organizations primarily through the quality, variety, and value
perception of food products offered. The number and location of units, quality
and speed of service, attractiveness of facilities, and effectiveness of
marketing are also important factors. The price charged for each menu item may
vary from market to market depending on competitive pricing and the local cost
structure.
Based on several articles which have appeared in independent Brazilian
newspapers and periodicals, we believe that we and McDonald's are the market
leaders in the hamburger fast food business in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo.
Statistical data drawn from these articles indicate that our share of the fast
food hamburger chain market approximated 12%, 11.0% and 11.2% during the years
ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. McDonald's, which ended
1999 with approximately 870 outlets including 237 kiosks, accounted
6
for substantially all of the balance of this market. At the end of 1998,
McDonald's Brazilian outlets and kiosks approximated 590.
Pizza Hut ended 1999 with 70 fast food pizza outlets in Brazil, as
contrasted with 133 at the end of 1998 and 110 at the end of 1997. Domino's
Pizza opened 8 stores in 1999. Arby's closed all outlets during 1999. Habib's,
a Middle Eastern fast food chain, ended 1999 with approximately 124 outlets.
Our competitive position is enhanced by our use of fresh ground beef and
special flavorings, made-to-order operations, comparatively diverse menu, use
of promotional products, wide choice of condiments, atmosphere and decor of
our restaurants and our relatively long history in Brazil. We believe that the
use of moveable trailers and kiosks, which are not utilized by our
competitors, affords us a competitive advantage over our competitors. We also
believe that, as a Brazilian-based company, we have the advantage over our
American competitors of being able to readily understand and respond to local
consumer preferences.
Personnel
As of December 31, 1999, we, including our franchisees, employed 3,608
persons, of whom 1,424 were employed in our owned and operated restaurants.
The total number of full-time employees at that date was 1,254, of which 170
were temporary personnel. We have reduced the number of hours in each worker's
shift, from 8 hours to 6 hours, in order to increase productivity.
Our employee relations historically have been satisfactory. We are not a
party to any collective bargaining agreements. However, we have agreed to be
bound by the terms, as they may be applicable to our employees, of agreements
negotiated on a city-by-city basis by trade associations of hotel, restaurant
and fast food owners and operators, of which we are a member.
Government Regulation
We and our franchisees are subject to regulatory provisions relating to the
wholesomeness of food, sanitation, health, safety, fire, land use and
environmental standards and where applicable, liquor licensing as it relates
to serving beer in selected restaurants. Suspension of certain licenses or
approvals due to failure to comply with applicable regulations or otherwise
could interrupt the operations of the affected restaurant. We and our
franchisees are also subject to Brazilian federal labor codes establishing
minimum wages and regulating overtime and working conditions.
Franchising regulations at the federal level were enacted in Brazil at the
end of 1994 and we believe we are in material compliance with such
regulations. Should any further laws applicable to franchise relationships and
operations be enacted, we are unable to predict their effect, if any, on our
operations. We believe that we are in material compliance with all other
regulatory provisions relating to our operations.
We are not currently subject to any governmental price regulation.
(d) Financial Information About Foreign and Domestic Operations and Export
Sales
Not applicable.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Forward-looking statements in this report, including without limitation,
statements relating to our plans, strategies, objectives, expectations,
intentions and adequacy of resources, are made pursuant to the safe harbor
provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors
are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and
uncertainties including without limitation the following:
7
Risks Relating to Operations
Operating Losses; Accumulated Deficit; Need for Additional Financing;
Qualified Report of Independent Auditors
For the year ended December 31, 1999, we incurred a net loss of
R$10,901,000. Our accumulated deficit at December 31, 1999 was R$36,803,000
and our working capital deficit at such date was R$11,560,000. Our plans to
expand our retail operations may be significantly curtailed unless we obtain
additional financing. There can be no assurance as to the availability or, if
available, the terms of any such additional financing.
Independent Auditors' Report
The independent auditors' report upon our consolidated financial statements
comprising a portion of this annual report includes an emphasis paragraph
stating that such financial statements have been prepared assuming our
continuity as a going concern and also stating that we have suffered recurring
losses from operations and have a negative working capital that raises
substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
Competition
The restaurant industry, and particularly the fast food segment, is highly
competitive with respect to price, service, food quality (including taste,
freshness, healthfulness and nutritional value) and location. Both we and our
franchisees face competition from a broad range of other restaurants and food
service establishments. These competitors include international, national and
local fast food chains. Our most significant competitor is McDonald's, whose
restaurants offer food products similar to those offered by Bob's restaurants,
at comparable prices. Several other international competitors are present in
the Brazilian fast food market, including Domino's Pizza, Dunkin' Donuts and
Pizza Hut. McDonald's, in particular, has vastly greater over-all financial
and other resources than we do.
The fast food industry is characterized by the frequent introduction of new
products, accompanied by substantial promotional campaigns. In recent years,
numerous companies in the fast food industry have introduced products
positioned to capitalize on growing consumer preference for food products that
are, or are perceived to be, healthful, nutritious, low in calories and low in
fat content. We are subject to increasing competition from companies whose
products or marketing strategies address these consumer preferences. There can
be no assurance that consumers will continue to regard our products as
sufficiently distinguishable from competitive products, that substantially
equivalent products will not be introduced by our other competitors or that we
will be able to compete successfully.
Certain Factors Affecting the Fast Food Restaurant Industry
In order to remain competitive, we are required to respond to changing
consumer preferences, tastes and eating habits, increases in food and labor
costs and national, regional and local economic conditions. Many companies
internationally have adopted "value pricing" strategies. Such strategies could
have the effect of drawing customers away from companies that do not engage in
discount pricing and could also negatively impact the operating margins of
competitors that do attempt to match competitors' price reductions. We could
be adversely affected by continuing or sustained price discounting in the fast
food industry.
Risks Attendant to Franchise Expansion
Our growth strategy is substantially dependent upon our ability to attract,
retain and contract with qualified franchisees and the ability of these
franchisees to open and operate their restaurants successfully. In addition,
our continued growth will depend in part on the ability of our existing and
future franchisees to obtain sufficient financing or investment capital to
meet their market development obligations. If we experience difficulty in
contracting with qualified franchisees, if franchisees are unable to meet
their development obligations or if franchisees are unable to operate their
restaurants profitably, our future operating results could be adversely
affected.
8
Government Regulation
Both we and our franchisees are subject to regulatory provisions relating to
the wholesomeness of food, sanitation, health, safety, fire, land use and
environmental standards. Suspension of certain licenses or approvals due to
failure to comply with applicable regulations or otherwise, could interrupt
the operations of the affected restaurant. Both we and our franchisees are
also subject to Brazilian federal labor codes establishing minimum wages and
regulating overtime and working conditions. Changes in such codes could result
in increased labor costs that could adversely impact future operating results.
A Brazilian federal franchising law, enacted in December 1994, requires a
franchisor to furnish a written offering statement to each perspective
franchisee prior to consummation of the sale of a franchise, containing the
franchisor's background, the duties and responsibilities of each of the
franchisor and franchisee, all fees payable by the franchisee to the
franchisor and information with respect to the operations and profitability of
prior franchisees of the franchisor. This offering statement is not required
to be reviewed by, or filed with any governmental agency. The franchise law
also delineates the respective legal rights and rights of action of the
franchisor and franchisee. Should any further laws applicable to franchise
relationships and operations be enacted, we are unable to predict their
effect, if any, on our operations.
Dependence on Key Personnel
We believe that our future success will depend in significant part upon the
continued service of certain key personnel, principally Peter van Voorst
Vader, our chief executive officer, and upon our ability to attract and retain
highly qualified managerial personnel. Competition for such personnel is
intense, and there can be no assurance that we can retain our existing key
managerial personnel or that we can attract and retain such employees in the
future. Our loss of key personnel or our inability to hire or retain qualified
personnel could have a material adverse effect upon our results of operations.
Risks Relating to Brazil
Change of Economic Environment
In March 1994 the Brazilian government initiated an economic stabilization
plan, known as the "Real Plan". Pursuant to the Real Plan, the government
. implemented a tax and public spending reform program designed to reduce
public expenditures and to improve the collection of tax revenues,
. announced the continuation of a privatization program and,
. introduced a new currency, known as the real, in July 1994 to replace
the cruzeiro real.
The Real Plan has resulted in substantial reduction in Brazil's rate of
inflation, which has declined from 2,489.11% per annum in 1993 to 20.1% per
annum in 1999.
Despite the success to date of the Real Plan in reducing inflation in
Brazil, the fiscal adjustment program necessary to reduce government
expenditures is not complete after the sixth year of the Real Plan. There can
be no assurance that this economic program will be any more successful than
previous programs in reducing inflation over the long term, especially in
light of
. the Brazilian congress' delay in approving certain reductions in
government expenditures and reform of Brazil's social security system,
and
. the negative effects of the Asian, Russian and Latin American crises on
Brazil, which has caused a flight of foreign investment, the devaluation
of the real and new inflationary pressures on the Brazilian economy.
Accordingly, periods of substantial inflation may once again have
significant adverse effects on the Brazilian economy, on the value of the real
and on our financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
9
Currency Fluctuations
Fluctuations in the exchange rates between the Brazilian currency and the
U.S. Dollar will affect our operations. Brazil has historically experienced
generally unpredictable currency devaluation for many years. Although the
exchange rate between the real and the U.S. dollar had been relatively stable
from mid-July 1994 through late 1998, the spread of the Asian and Russian
economic difficulties to South America culminated in the devaluation of the
real in mid-January 1999. By the end of January 1999, the real dropped against
the dollar by approximately 64% compared to the end of December 1998. As of
December 31, 1999, the exchange rate was R$1.789 to $1.00. Although some
recent economic measures has been taken by the Brazilian Federal Government in
an effort to stabilize the real, the potential for future devaluation or
volatility continues to persist.
Political and Constitutional Uncertainty
The Brazilian political scene has been marked by high levels of uncertainty
since the country returned to civilian rule in 1985 after 20 years of military
government. The death of a President-elect and the impeachment of another
President, as well as frequent turnovers at and immediately below the cabinet
level, particularly in the economic area, have contributed to the absence of a
coherent and consistent policy to confront Brazil's economic problems. While
the free market and liberalization measures of recent years have enjoyed broad
political and public support, some important political factions remain opposed
to significant elements of the reform program, including, in particular, the
Workers' Party, headed by Mr. Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the runner-up in each
of the 1998, 1994 and 1989 Presidential elections. Mr. Fernando Henrique
Cardoso, who was re-elected to a second four-year term as President in October
1998, is expected to continue to pursue the adoption of free market and
economic liberalization measures similar to those undertaken in recent years.
There can be no assurance that such measures will be adopted or, if adopted,
that they will be successful. Failure to adopt economic reform measures could
adversely impact Brazil=s economy which in turn could adversely affect our
revenues and results of operations.
Controls on Foreign Investments
Brazil generally requires governmental approval for the repatriation of
capital and income by foreign investors. Although such approvals are usually
given, there can be no assurance that such approvals will be forthcoming in
the future. In addition, the government may impose temporary restrictions on
foreign capital remittances abroad, if there is a deterioration in the balance
of payments or for other reasons. We could be adversely affected by delays in,
or a refusal to grant, any required governmental approval for repatriation of
capital from Venbo. There can be no assurance that additional or different
restrictions or adverse policies applicable to Venbo will not be imposed in
the future, or as to the duration or impact of any such restrictions or
policies.
Differing Accounting Standards
Companies in Brazil are subject to accounting, auditing and financial
standards and requirements that differ, in some cases significantly, from
those applicable to companies in the United States. In particular, inflation
accounting rules may require for both tax and accounting purposes that certain
assets and liabilities be restated using an index established by the
government in order to express such items in terms of currency of constant
purchasing power. However, the official index for price level restatement
varies from year to year and may more accurately reflect actual inflation
rates in one year than in another year. Consequently, our consolidated
financial statements included in this annual report, expressed in reais
although prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, may not accurately reflect all
inflationary distortions in such financial statements.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
All of our restaurants currently in operation, excluding kiosks and movable
trailers, have been built to our specifications as to exterior style and
interior decor, are either in a strip of stores on a neighborhood street or in
10
mall food court outlets, with some free-standing, one-story buildings, and are
substantially uniform in design and appearance. They are constructed on sites
ranging from approximately 1,100 to 7,500 square feet, free-standing
restaurants. Most are located in downtown areas or shopping malls, are of a
store-front type and vary according to available locations but generally
retain standard signage and interior decor.
We own the land and building for 9 restaurants, 5 of which are presently
leased to franchisees, have leases covering land and building for 4
restaurants, and have leases for 55 restaurants. Our land and building leases
are generally written for terms of five years with one or more five-year
renewal options. In certain instances, we have the option to purchase the
underlying real estate. Certain leases require the payment of additional rent
equal to the greater of a percentage (ranging from 1% to 10%) of monthly sales
or specified amounts.
Our corporate headquarters are located in premises at Avenida Brasil, 6431-
Bonsucesso, CEP 21040-360, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which Venbo acquired in
1995.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We refer you to Note 13 of our consolidated financial statements for
information relating to certain litigation we have instituted against the
Brazilian Federal and certain state governments seeking the right to pay
certain currently unpaid taxes in several installments and seeking a
declaration that neither fines nor interest rates higher than 12% per year
should be included in such installments.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
There were no matters submitted to a vote of our security holders during the
fourth quarter of the year ended December
31, 1999.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
(a) Our Common Stock and Class A Redeemable Common Stock Purchase Warrants
are each quoted on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market under the respective symbols
"BOBS" and "BOBSW." Our Class B Redeemable Common Stock Purchase Warrants are
quoted on Nasdaq's Electronic Bulletin Board under the symbol "BOBSZ." Prior
to February 4, 2000, these warrants were also quoted on the Nasdaq SmallCap
Market. The following table sets forth the range of the high and low bid
quotations on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market for the periods indicated:
Common Stock Class A Warrants Class B Warrants
---------------- ----------------- ----------------
Three Months Ended High Low High Low High Low
- ------------------ ------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------
March 31, 1999.............. $ 3 1/2 $ 2 1/4 $ 1/32 $ 1/32 $ 1/16 $ 1/32
June 30, 1999............... $ 4 3/4 $ 2 1/4 $ 1/32 $ 1/32 $ 1/8 $ 1/32
September 30, 1999.......... $ 3 1/2 $ 1 7/8 $ 1/8 $ 1/32 $ 3/16 $ 1/32
December 31, 1999........... $ 2 3/8 $ 1 7/16 $ 1/8 $ 1/32 $ 17/32 $ 1/32
March 31, 1998.............. $ 3 1/2 $ 2 3/32 $ 1/4 $ 1/8 $ 3/32 $ 1/32
June 30, 1998............... $ 3 $1 27/32 $ 5/32 $ 1/32 $ 3/8 $ 1/32
September 30, 1998.......... $ 2 1/8 $ 3/4 $ 5/32 $ 1/32 $ 5/32 $ 1/32
December 31, 1998........... $1 1/16 $ 9/16 $ 5/32 $ 1/32 $ 5/32 $ 1/32
The above quotations represent prices between dealers and do not include
retail markup, markdown or commission. They do not necessarily represent
actual transactions.
(b) As of March 15, 2000, there were 85, 16 and 18 recordholders of our
Common Stock, Class A Warrants and Class B Warrants, respectively.
(c) We have not declared any cash dividends on our Common Stock and we have
no intention to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
11
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following selected financial data has been derived from our audited
consolidated financial statements subsequent to our acquisition of Venbo. All
amounts are stated in constant R$ in accordance with U.S. GAAP, unless
otherwise noted.
The following data should be read in conjunction with our consolidated
financial statements and related notes, "Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and the other financial
information included elsewhere in this annual report.
Statement of Operations Data:
(in thousands)
BFFC Venbo
----------------- ---------------
BFFC
-------------------------------
Year Ended December 31, March 19, 1996 January 1, 1996
------------------------------- to to
1999 1998 1997 December 31, 1996 March 18, 1996
--------- --------- --------- ----------------- ---------------
(Predecessor)
NET OPERATING REVENUES:
Restaurant Sales........ R$ 56,370 R$ 63,666 R$ 73,008 R$ 56,381 R$15,001
Franchise Income........ 3,261 1,939 1,475 651 161
Other Income............ 2,749 2,187 1,705 1,253 113
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------
TOTAL NET OPERATING
REVENUES............... 62,380 67,792 76,188 58,285 15,275
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------
COST AND EXPENSES:
Cost of Restaurant
Sales.................. 21,715 23,453 25,861 20,479 6,430
Restaurant Payroll and
other employees'
benefits............... 12,660 15,389 17,490 13,412 3,231
Restaurant Occupancy and
Other Expenses......... 6,755 7,316 7,532 4,645 1,085
Depreciation and
Amortization........... 3,489 3,738 4,139 2,650 675
Other Operating
Expenses............... 8,534 9,978 10,751 8,632 3,111
Selling Expenses........ 6,119 3,700 4,719 3,599 880
General and Admin.
Expenses............... 5,526 10,161 10,745 10,128 3,609
Impairment of Goodwill.. -- 5,076 -- -- --
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------
Total Cost and
Expenses............... 64,798 78,811 81,237 63,545 19,021
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------
(Loss) From Operations.. (2,418) (11,019) (5,049) (5,260) (3,746)
Interest Income......... 16 109 45 111 2,196
Interest Expenses....... (5,046) (3,151) (1,488) (139) (989)
Foreign Exchange (loss)
gain................... (3,453) (288) (23) 4 273
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------
(Loss) before benefit
from income taxes ..... (10,901) (14,349) (6,515) (5,284) (2,266)
Benefit from income
taxes.................. -- -- -- 46 --
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------
Net (Loss) ............. R$(10,901) R$(14,349) R$ (6,515) R$ (5,238) R$(2,266)
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------
Basic Net (Loss) per
common share........... R$ (3.37) R$ ( 4.53) R$ (2.32) R$ (2.72)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Weighted Average Common
Share Outstanding
(basic)................ 3,235,290 3,169,748 2,831,607 1,924,026
========= ========= ========= =========
Balance Sheet Data:
At December 31,
-------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
--------- --------- ---------
Working capital
(deficit).............. R$(11,560) R$(10,189) R$ (6,741)
Total Assets............ R$ 39,410 R$ 41,632 R$ 49,354
Retained earnings
(deficit).............. R$(36,803) R$(25,902) R$(11,553)
Total Shareholders'
equity................. R$ 8,963 R$ 19,997 R$ 32,901
12
Exchange Rates
On August 1, 1993, the cruzeiro real replaced the cruzeiro as the unit of
Brazilian currency, with each cruzeiro real being equal to 1,000 cruzeiros.
Beginning in December 1993, the Brazilian Federal Government began
implementation of the Real Plan, which was intended to reduce inflation. As
part of the Real Plan, in March 1994 the Government introduced a new unit of
account, the URV, linked to the movements in the exchange rate of the cruzeiro
real to the U.S. dollar and intended to be transformed into the new unit of
currency, the real. Certain contracts and public utility rates were required
to be indexed to the URV. On July 1, 1994, the real replaced the cruzeiro real
as the unit of Brazilian currency, with each real being equal to 2,750
cruzeiros reais and initially having an exchange rate of R$1.00 to $1.00. The
URV ceased to exist upon the introduction of the real.
The issuance of reais was initially subject to quantitative limits backed by
a corresponding amount of U.S. dollars in reserves, but the Government
subsequently expanded those quantitative limits and allowed the real to float,
with parity between the real and the U.S. dollar (R$1.00 to $1.00) as a
ceiling. In March 1995, the Central Bank do Brasil announced that it would
intervene in the market and buy or sell U.S. dollars and established a band
within which the real/U.S. dollar exchange rate could fluctuate. The Central
Bank initially set the band with a floor of R$0.86 per $1.00 and a ceiling of
R$0.90 per $1.00 and provided that after May 2, 1995, the band would be
between R$0.88 and R$0.98 per $1.00. The band was in effect until February
1997, when the Central Bank reset the band between R$1.05 and R$1.14 per
$1.00. In January 1999, the Central Bank removed the band, thus allowing the
real to float freely, preventing a further drain on its monetary reserves.
This new monetary policy, caused in part by the South American financial
crisis and the flight of foreign capital from Brazil, caused a devaluation of
the real of approximately 64% in one month's time.
The following table sets forth information on commercial market rates, for
the periods indicated, expressed in reais per U.S. dollar. Amounts expressed
in reais have been translated from the predecessor currencies in effect during
the relevant period at the rates of exchange at the time the successor
currency took effect. Accordingly, cruzeiros reais have been translated into
reais at the rate of CR$2,750 to R$1.00 and cruzeiros have been translated
into reais at the rate of C$2,750,000 to R$1.00.
Average for
Period Period-end period (1) High Low
------ ---------- ----------- --------- ---------
1990............................ 0.000062 0.000025 0.000062 0.000004
1991............................ 0.000389 0.000149 0.000389 0.000062
1992............................ 0.004505 0.001655 0.004505 0.000389
1993............................ 0.118589 0.032809 0.118584 0.004505
1994............................ 0.846000 0.645000 1.000000 0.118584
1995............................ 0.973000 0.923000 0.973000 0.842000
1996............................ 1.038600 1.007400 1.038600 0.973000
1997............................ 1.116400 1.077500 1.116400 1.038600
1998............................ 1.208700 1.164325 1.208700 1.123700
1999............................ 1.789000 1.814250 2.164700 1.207800
- --------
(1) Weighted average of exchange rates on business days.
Through June 30, 1997 our consolidated financial statements have been
indexed and expressed in currency of constant purchasing power by using a
monthly index derived from the Indice Geral de Precos-Mercado (IGP-M). Since
the implementation of the Real Plan in June 1994, the Brazilian economy has
experienced a declining rate of inflation, with a cumulative inflation rate
for the three-year period from July 1994 to June 1997, as measured by the IGP-
M of 54%. Based on the foregoing, we determined that Brazil ceased to be
considered a hyperinflationary economy, as defined in FASB 52, and from July
1, 1997 no longer indexed its financial statements for constant currency
purchasing power.
13
Through 1995, we used the Unidade Fiscal de Referencia (UFIR) as the basis
to reflect constant Brazilian Reais. Starting in 1996, we commenced using the
IGP-M as the basis for indexation.
Value of 1.0
Restatement Inflation
Units of One for the
Year Real Period (%)
---- ------------ ----------
1992............................................. 0.0026691 1,129.4
1993............................................. 0.0673164 2,422.1
1994............................................. 0.0676700 905.3
1995............................................. 0.8287000 9.2
June 30, 1997.................................... 0.9510000 5.19
We believe that the above indicies are appropriate general price level
inflation indicators to be used under US GAAP.
Items in the consolidated statements of operation for the years ended
December 31, 1997 and 1996 are adjusted to the balance sheet date by:
. Allocating inflationary holding gains or losses on interest bearing
monetary assets and liabilities to their corresponding interest income
and expense captions;
. Allocating inflationary holding gains and losses from other monetary
items to their corresponding income and expense captions.
The allocation of the inflationary gains and losses to their respective
consolidated statement of operations income statement captions is shown in
note 3 to the consolidated financial statements.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion is based on and should be read together with our
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in
this report. All amounts referred to herein that refer directly to our
financial statement balances or are otherwise drawn directly from our
consolidated financial statements or notes thereto are stated in constant R$
in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Background
Brazilian Political Environment
The Brazilian political environment has been marked by high levels of
uncertainty since the country returned to civilian rule in 1985 after 20 years
of military government. The death of a president in 1985 and the resignation
of another president in the midst of impeachment proceedings in 1992, as well
as rapid turnover at and immediately below the cabinet level, have adversely
affected the implementation of consistent economic and monetary policies,
including consistent policies in the areas of government-owned enterprises and
telecommunications.
Measures by the government intended to influence the course of Brazil's
economy (e.g. actions to control inflation, interest rates or consumption)
have been frequent and occasionally drastic. Changes in policy, social
instability or other political or economic developments, and the government's
responses to such developments, may have a material adverse effect on our
financial condition and results of operations.
Mr. Fernando Henrique Cardoso was elected President of Brazil in October
1994 and took office in January 1995 for a single four-year term. He has
generally sought to continue the economic stabilization and liberalization
policies he developed as Finance Minister from May 1993 through April 1994
under President Itamar Franco. President Cardoso is the leader of a coalition
of political parties that represents a majority of the
14
Federal Congress. Brazil's constitution was amended in 1998 to permit
President Cardoso to stand for re-election to a second four-year term.
Although President Cardoso's policies appear to have broad political support
and he was re-elected in October 1998 for another four year term, his policies
have suffered major setbacks, including the failure of Brazil's congress to
pass social security reform and various austerity measures on government
spending. There can be no assurance that President Cardoso's policies will not
be revised in whole or in part at some future date. Furthermore, some
important groups remain opposed to significant elements of his program, and
the implementation of any policies of economic stabilization or liberalization
is subject to significant compromises and accommodations.
Economic Environment
Our financial condition and results of operations are dependent on general
economic conditions in Brazil, and in particular on
. economic growth and its impact on demand for fast food services, and
. exchange rates between Brazilian and foreign currencies.
Historically, the Brazilian economy has been extremely volatile, and the
Government has implemented a succession of programs intended to stabilize the
economy and provide a basis for sustainable, non-inflationary growth. We have
been affected by such programs in a variety of ways, particularly when such
programs have resulted in contractions in demand or very high real interest
rates.
Beginning in December 1993, the Government introduced the Real Plan, an
economic stabilization program intended to reduce the rate of inflation by
reducing certain public expenditures, collecting liabilities owed to the
Government, increasing tax revenues, continuing to privatize government-owned
entities and introducing a new currency. The real was introduced as Brazil's
currency in July 1994, based on a monetary correction index, the URV,
introduced earlier in the year. Since taking office in January 1995, President
Cardoso has continued to implement the Real Plan. Under the Real Plan, the
rate of inflation has decreased significantly, and the rate of growth of real
gross domestic product has increased substantially. Since mid 1997, Brazil has
faced continuing deficits in its payment balance and, simultaneously, the
market began to doubt the government=s capability to reduce public spending.
Based on these and other reasons, including massive outflows of foreign
capital in the first two weeks of January 1999, Brazil devalued its currency.
Brazil and the IMF have recently reached an agreement whereby Brazil would
receive, under certain conditions (such as minimum level of country reserves
and reversal of public spending deficit), a $40 billion bail-out package. The
long-term effects upon Brazil in general and upon us in particular of the Real
Plan and the devaluation and success of the bail-out package, are uncertain.
Effects of Inflation and Devaluation
Brazil has experienced extremely high and generally unpredictable rates of
inflation and of devaluation of Brazilian currency for many years.
Since the introduction of the Real Plan in July 1994, the rate of inflation
has decreased considerably. As measured through 1995 by the Unidade Fiscal de
Referencia (the "UFIR") and by the Indice Geral de Precos-Mercado (the "IGP-
M") thereafter, the annualized rate of inflation was 6,624% for the first six
months of 1994, 50% for the last six months of 1994 and 22.4% for the year
1995, with significantly all of 1995's inflation occurring during the first
six months of that year. The annual rate of inflation during 1999 was 20.1%
(mainly due to the effects of the Brazilian currency devaluation) as compared
to 1.8% and 7.7% in 1998 and 1997, respectively. Inflation in 2000 is expected
to be high with experts predicting an annual rate of inflation of between 6%
and 8% due to the lingering effects of Brazil's 1998-1999 economic recession,
the size of the public deficit and the difficulty to sustain external
reserves.
15
The following table sets forth Brazilian inflation, as measured by the
UFIR/IGP-M, and the devaluation of the Brazilian currency against the U.S.
dollar for the periods shown.
Year Ended December 31,
(1)
--------------------------
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
----- ---- ---- ---- -----
Inflation (UFIR/IGP-M)......................... 20.1% 1.8% 7.7% 9.2% 22.5%
Devaluation (Brazilian Currency)............... 48.0% 8.3% 6.7% 6.9% 14.9%
- --------
(1) Annualized rates
Our results of operations in 1997 have been affected by inflation, and such
financial information should be evaluated in light of the methodology for
recognition of the effects of inflation. Significant effects include the
following:
. Effects of Purchasing Power Gains and Losses on Revenues. Inflation
produces purchasing power losses on accounts receivable between the date
of service and the date of payment by the customer. These losses are
partly offset by purchasing-power gains on accounts payable and accrued
expenses, value-added taxes and other taxes on operating revenues
between the date of accrual and the date of payment.
. Effects of Inflation on Financial Instruments Denominated in Brazilian
Currency. We have both assets and liabilities that are financial
instruments denominated in Brazilian currency. Until July 1, 1994, the
indexation of principal was provided for according to the index
specified in the relevant instrument (subsequent to that time, only
interest was impacted by indexation). As of July 1, 1997, we determined
that Brazil no longer had a hyperinflationary economy as defined in SFAS
52 and ceased indexing our consolidated financial statements for
constant currency purchasing power. In our consolidated financial
statements, interest income or expense is reported net of the associated
inflationary losses or gains, respectively, and accordingly depends on
the relationship between the rate of interest (and, where applicable,
indexation of principal) and the rate of inflation as measured by the
UFIR, which is used to determine inflationary gains and losses. For
example, indebtedness denominated in reais gives rise to interest
expense to the extent that the rates of interest plus indexation exceed
the rate of inflation, and it may give rise to negative interest expense
if the rates of interest plus indexation are less than the rate of
inflation.
. Effects of Inflation and Devaluation on Indebtedness Denominated in
Foreign Currency. At December 31, 1999, we had R$9,434,000 of
indebtedness denominated principally in U.S. dollars. See note 9 to our
consolidated financial statements. We do not hedge its obligations under
its foreign currency-denominated indebtedness. In our consolidated
financial statements, the interest expense attributable to foreign-
currency denominated indebtedness is reported net of the associated
inflationary gain and foreign exchange loss. When the rate of inflation
and the rate of devaluation differ substantially, the effect on reported
interest expense can be substantial.
Our financial statements are presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP and
accordingly recognize certain effects of inflation and restate data from prior
periods in constant reais of June 30, 1997 purchasing power. Such restatement
has been effected using the integral restatement method (correcao integral)
required by the CVM (the Brazilian Securities Commission) to be used for
financial statements of public corporations. In periods of inflation, monetary
assets generate inflationary loss, and monetary liabilities generate
inflationary gain, due to the decline in purchasing power of the currency.
Inflationary gains or losses on monetary assets and liabilities have been
allocated to their corresponding income or expense in the consolidated
statements of operations. Inflationary gains or losses without a corresponding
income or expense caption have been allocated to other net operating
income/(expense).
Results of Operations
Since the implementation of Real Plan in June 1994, the Brazilian economy
has experienced declining levels of inflation rates, with a cumulative
inflation rate for the three-year period from July 1994 to June 1997, as
16
measured by the IGP-M of 54%. The inflation rate since June 30, 1997 and
through December 1999, as measured by the IGP-M, was approximately 9.5% per
annum. Considering the above, and notwithstanding new inflationary pressures
now facing Brazil, we have made the determination that Brazil should no longer
be considered a highly inflationary economy from July 1, 1997 onward, pursuant
to FASB 52.
Accordingly, operating results for the period ended December 31, 1997
presented in the accompanying financial statements have been indexed and
expressed in currency of constant purchasing power of June 30, 1997 by using a
monthly index derived from IGP-M index. The Company believes that the IGP-M
index is an appropriate general price inflation indicator to be used under US
GAAP. From July 1, 1997, we no longer indexed our financial statements for
constant currency purchasing power.
Twelve Twelve Twelve
Months % % Months % % Months % %
Ended Restau- Net Ended Restau- Net Ended Restau- Net
December rant Operating December rant Operating December rant Operating
31, 1999 Sales Revenues 31, 1998 Sales Revenues 31, 1997 Sales Revenues
--------- ------- --------- --------- ------- --------- -------- ------- ---------
(in thousands)
Net Operating Revenue:
- --Restaurant Sales...... R$ 56,370 100.0 R$ 63,666 100.0 R$73,008 100.0
- --Franchise Income...... 3,261 5.8 1,939 3.0 1,475 2.0
- --Other Income.......... 2,749 4.9 2,187 3.4 1,705 2.3
--------- --------- --------
Total Net Operating
Revenues............... 62,380 110.7 100.0 67,792 106.5 100.0 76,188 104.4 100.0
--------- --------- --------
Costs and Expenses:
- --Cost of Restaurant
Sales.................. 21,715 38.5 34.8 23,453 36.8 34.6 25,861 35.4 33.9
- --Restaurant Payroll and
Other Employees
Benefits............... 12,660 22.5 20.3 15,389 24.2 22.7 17,490 24.0 23.0
- --Restaurant Occupancy
and Other Expenses..... 6,755 12.0 10.8 7,316 11.5 10.8 7,532 10.3 9.9
- --Depreciation and
Amortization........... 3,489 6.2 5.6 3,738 5.9 5.5 4,139 5.7 5.4
- --Other Operating
Expenses............... 8,534 15.1 13.7 9,978 15.7 14.7 10,751 14.7 14.1
- --Selling Expenses...... 6,119 10.9 9.8 3,700 5.8 5.5 4,719 6.5 6.2
- --General and
Administrative
Expenses............... 5,526 9.8 8.9 10,161 16.0 15.0 10,745 14.7 14.1
- --Impairment of
Goodwill............... 5,076 8.0 7.5 -- --
--------- ----- --------- ----- -------- -----
Total Cost and
Expenses............... 64,798 115.0 103.9 78,811 123.8 116.3 81,237 111.3 106.6
--------- --------- ----- -------- -----
(Loss) From Operations.. (2,418) (4.3) (3.9) (11,019) (17.3) (16.3) (5,049) (6.9) (6.6)
- --Interest Income
(Expenses), Net........ (8,483) (15.0) (13.6) (3,330) (5.2) (4.9) (1,466) (2.0) (1.9)
--------- --------- ----- -------- -----
(Loss) Before Benefit
from Income Taxes...... (10,901) (19.3) (17.5) (14,349) (22.5) (21.2) (6,515) (8.9) (8.6)
Benefit from Income
Taxes.................. -- -- -- --
--------- ----- --------- ----- -------- -----
Net (Loss).............. R$(10,901) (19.3) (17.5) R$(14,349) (22.5) (21.2) R$(6,515) (8.9) (8.6)
========= ===== ========= ===== ======== =====
Restaurant Sales
Net restaurant sales for our owned stores were R$56,370,000, R$63,666,000
and R$73,008,000 for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997,
respectively. Same store sales on an annualized basis for 1999 decreased 0.5%
when compared to 1998. On a comparative quarter to quarter basis, same store
sales decreased 10.2% in the first quarter of 1999 and increased 5.2%, 2.6%
and 7.3% in the second, third and fourth quarters, respectively, of 1999.
In addition to the macroeconomic factors described elsewhere in this annual
report, the approximately 8.0% decrease in 1999 revenues is attributable to
the decrease in the number of owned and operated retail outlets from 68 at
December 31, 1998 to 62 at December 31, 1999, reflecting implementation of our
strategy to limit our
17
direct operations to highly profitable outlets, and to focus our future growth
on developing and expanding our franchise network.
The decrease in 1999 sales was partially offset by an overall 7.9% increase
in selling prices, introduction of new lines of bacon and chicken products, an
improved incentive program for store personnel and the improvement,
particularly in the fourth quarter of 1999, of the Brazilian economy.
Franchise Income
Franchise income was R$3,261,000, R$1,939,000 and R$1,475,000 for the years
ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The increases of 68.2%,
31.5% and 81.6% in 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively, are primarily due to the
expansion of franchised locations, which increased from an average of 46 units
in 1997 to 76 units in 1998 to 108 units in 1999. At December 31, 1999, 1998
and 1997, we had 124, 92 and 56 franchised points of sale, respectively. The
increase in the number of franchisees resulted in increases in initial fees
charged to new franchisees and royalty fees.
Through the period from January 1, 1997 to December 31 1999, we sold 28 of
our restaurants to franchisees (4 in 1999, 15 in 1998 and 9 in 1997). These
stores had either low profitability or, in some cases, operating losses. Our
historical experience has shown that franchisee administration can enhance the
profitability of such stores, primarily as a result of
. lower taxation (tax incentives from Federal and state governments to
small companies),
.better knowledge of specific markets and their local customs, and
.lower operating expenses.
In some situations, we have provided incentives in the form of reduced
royalties to franchisees for a period of time.
Other Income
Other income was R$2,749,000, R$2,187,000 and R$1,705,000 for the years
ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively, and is comprised of
income derived from suppliers pursuant to license as well as exclusivity
agreements, from marketing fees and initial fees paid by new franchisees. The
increase throughout these years is primarily attributable to the increase in
the number of franchised outlets, discussed above, which was partially offset
by termination of a joint publicity agreement in April 1999.
Cost of Restaurant Sales
Cost of restaurant sales expressed as a percentage of net operating revenues
were 34.8%, 34.6% and 33.9% the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997,
respectively. Cost of restaurant sales expressed as a percentage of restaurant
sales were 38.5%, 36.8% and 35.4% for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998
and 1997, respectively. The 1999 increase is primarily attributable to an
approximately 58% increase in the cost of imported food products and paper
goods following the January 1999 Brazilian currency devaluation and from a 1%
sales tax increase.
18
Restaurant Payroll and Other Employee Benefits
Restaurant payroll and other employee benefits expressed as a percentage of
net operating revenues were 20.3%, 22.7% and 23.0% for the years ended
December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively, and 22.5%, 24.2% and 24.0% as
a percentage of restaurant sales in the same periods. Despite annual salary
increases mandated by union-driven agreements (3% in 1999, 4% in 1998, 8% in
1997 for Rio de Janeiro employees and 3% in 1999, 3% in 1998 and 6% in 1997,
for Sao Paulo employees), implementation of lower night shift wages, change of
medical care scheme and transportation benefits for new employees and reduced
daily hours of employment for store personnel have resulted in a net reduction
of such expenses.
Restaurant Occupancy Costs and Other Expenses
Restaurant occupancy costs and other expenses expressed as a percentage of
net operating revenues were approximately 10.8%, 10.8% and 9.9% for the years
ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Restaurant occupancy
costs and other expenses expressed as percentage of restaurant sales were
approximately 12.0%, 11.5% and 10.3% for the years ended December 31, 1999,
1998 and 1997. The increase is mainly due to the portion of minimum rent which
is linked to the Brazilian inflation rate (20.1%, 1.78% and 7.7% per annum in
1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively).
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and Amortization expense expressed as a percentage of net
operating revenues was approximately 5.6%, 5.5%, and 5.4% for the years ended
December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively, and 6.2%, 5.9% and 5.7% as a
percentage of restaurant sales in the same periods. Depreciation and
amortization remained in a constant level from year to year.
Other Operating Expenses
Other operating expenses expressed as a percentage of net operating revenues
were approximately 13.7%, 14.7% and 14.1% for the years ended December 31,
1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Other operating expenses expressed as a
percentage of restaurant sales were approximately 15.1%, 15.7% and 14.7 for
the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997. The slight increase from
1997 to 1998 was mainly attributable to the effect of annual inflationary
adjustments of service contracts, partially professional service contracts
covering such tasks as repair, maintenance and money collections and the
assumption by franchisees of certain special event expenses offset by
negotiated reductions and non-renewals of certain of contracts.
Selling Expenses
Selling expenses expressed as a percentage of net operating revenues were
approximately 9.8%, 5.5% and 6.2%se for the years ended December 31, 1999,
1998 and 1997, and 10.9%, 5.8% and 6.5% for the same period as a percentage of
restaurant sales. The increase in 1999 when compared to 1998 is due to the
growth in the number of franchised stores.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses expressed as a percentage of net
operating revenues were approximately 8.9%, 15.0% and 14.1% for the years
ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively, and 9.8%, 16.0% and
14.7% for the same period as a percentage of restaurant sales. The 1999
decrease is mainly attributable to
. a total headcount reduction of 14 administrative employees (including 2
senior managers and 3 managers) in 1998
. non-recurring expenses incurred in the first nine months of 1998 of
approximately R$200,000 related to labor compensation on dismissal of
administrative personnel
19
. restructuring of our middle management, including (i) the outsourcing of
some departments in order to reduce administrative charges since
November 1998 and (ii) the optimization of some functions and positions
. relocation of our executive and principal administrative offices to a
owned facility in July 1998
. the termination of an accounting service agreement in September 1998
with a total net saving of approximately R$100,000 per month
Impairment of Goodwill
In the fourth quarter of 1998, we determined, based upon our evaluation of
the undiscounted cash flows that an impairment of our goodwill existed and
took a charge of R$5,076,000.
Interest Income and Expenses
Interest income and expenses expressed as a percentage of net operating
revenues were approximately (13.6)%, (4.9)% and (1.9)% for the years ended
December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Interest income and expenses
expressed as a percentage of restaurant sales were approximately (15.0%),
(5.2%) and (2.0%) for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997,
respectively. The 1999 increase is primarily due to the approximately 48%
Brazilian currency devaluation and to an increase in our indebtedness level.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Since March 19, 1996, we have funded our operating losses of R$36,803,000
and made acquisitions of businesses and capital improvements (including store
remodeling) by using cash remaining at the closing of our acquisition of
Venbo, by borrowing funds from various sources and private placements of
securities. As of December 31, 1999, we had cash on hand of R$1,154,000 and a
working capital deficiency of R$11,560,000.
Our capital requirements are primarily for expansion of our retail
operations. Currently, 4 of our stores are in owned facilities and all the
others are in leased facilities. For the year ended December 31, 1999, our
EBITDA was R$1,071,000. During the same period, our average cost to open a
store approximated R$300,000 to R$500,000, including leasehold improvements,
equipment and beginning inventory, as well as expenses for store design, site
selection, lease negotiation, construction supervision and obtaining permits.
We currently estimate that our capital expenditures for fiscal 2000, which
will be used to maintain our restaurant network, will approximate R$1,200,000.
We anticipate that our primary use of our cash resources during 2000 will be
to service our debt obligations. During 2000, we intend to focus our efforts
on expanding both the number of our franchisees and our franchised outlets,
neither of which are expected to involve significant capital expenditures by
us.
In the year ended December 31, 1999, we had net cash provided by operating
activities of R$1,614,000 and had net cash provided by investing activities of
R$1,507,000. The primary use of cash for investing activities was for capital
expenditures related to our retail store expansion.
We plan to address our immediate and future cash flow needs to include
focusing on a number of areas including:
. the sale of certain of our owned and operated stores,
. reduction of expenses, including headcount reductions,
. the expansion of our franchisee base, which may be expected to generate
additional cash flows from royalties and franchise fees without
significant capital expenditure, and
. the introduction of new programs and menu expansions to meet consumer
wishes.
In order to act on these plans and sustain current operations, we are
dependent upon the continued forbearance of our creditors, as well as upon
additional financing.
20
There can be no assurance that our plans will be realized, or that
additional financing will be available to us when needed, or at terms that are
desirable. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that we will locate suitable
new franchisees, or desirable locations for new franchisees to open stores.
Our ability to further reduce expenses and head count is directly impacted by
our need to maintain an infrastructure to support our current and future
changing of locations. Our ability to re-market our owned stores to
franchisees, and to generate cash flows from such activities, is impacted by
the ability to locate suitable buyers with the interest and capital to
complete such transactions, and the time to complete such sales. Additionally,
our ability to achieve our plans is further impacted by the instability of the
economic environment in Brazil, which has a direct impact on the desire and
ability of consumers to visit fast food outlets. We are also dependent upon
the continued employment of key personnel. These factors, among others, raise
substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
Year 2000 Status
We believe that we have adequately addressed the Year 2000 issue, having
experienced no failures or disruptions in our internal operating systems or
affecting any of our third party vendors or suppliers either on or after
January 1, 2000. It is possible, however, that future failures or disruptions
stemming from Year 2000 issues may yet result in our inability to process
transactions, accept customer orders or timely provide customers with our
products.
Quantitative and Qualitative Information about Market Risk
We do not engage in trading market risk sensitive instruments and do not
purchase hedging instruments or "other than trading" instruments that are
likely to expose us to market risk, whether interest rate, foreign currency
exchange, commodity price or equity price risk. We have issued no debt
instruments, entered into no forward or future contracts, purchased no options
and entered into no swaps. Our primary market risk exposure is that of
interest rate risk. A change in Brazilian interest rates would affect the rate
at which we could borrow funds under our several credit facilities with
Brazilian banks and financial institutions.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Reference is made to pp. F-1 through F-19 comprising a portion of this
report.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Not Applicable.
21
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
Item 10 is hereby incorporated by reference from the Company's definitive
Proxy Statement to be filed within 120 days of December 31, 1999.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Item 11 is hereby incorporated by reference from the Company's definitive
Proxy Statement to be filed within 120 days of December 31, 1999.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
Item 12 is hereby incorporated by reference from the Company's definitive
Proxy Statement to be filed within 120 days of December 31, 1999.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Item 13 is hereby incorporated by reference from the Company's definitive
Proxy Statement to be filed within 120 days of December 31, 1999.
22
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules:
(i) Financial Statements
Reports of Independent Public Accountants
Consolidated Balance Sheets--December 31, 1999 and December 31, 1998
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December
31, 1999, 1998 and 1997.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the years ended
December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997.
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for the
years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the year ended December
31, 1999, 1998 and 1997.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(ii) Financial Statement Schedules
All financial statement schedules are omitted because the conditions
requiring their filing do not exist or the information required thereby is
included in the financial statements filed, including the notes thereto.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
None.
(c) Exhibits
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, as amended(1)
3.2 By-laws of the Registrant(2)
*10.1 Amended and Restated 1992 Stock Option Plan(2)
21.1 Subsidiaries of Registrant(3)
27.1 Financial Data Schedule
- --------
* Denotes a compensatory plan.
(1) Denotes document filed as an exhibit to Registrant's Registration
Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-3754) and incorporated herein by
reference.
(2) Denotes document filed as an exhibit to Registrant's Registration
Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-71368) and incorporated herein by
reference.
(3) Denotes document filed as an exhibit to Registrant=s Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997.
23
BRAZIL FAST FOOD CORP. AND SUBSIDIARY
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page
----
Report of Independent Public Accountants................................... F-1
Consolidated Balance Sheets................................................ F-2
Consolidated Statements of Operations...................................... F-3
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss.............................. F-4
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity................. F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows...................................... F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements................................. F-7
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To the Shareholders of Brazil Fast Food Corp. and Subsidiaries:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Brazil Fast
Food Corp. and subsidiaries (formerly Trinity Americas, Inc.) (a Delaware
corporation) as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, and the related consolidated
statements of operations, comprehensive loss, changes in shareholders' equity
and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements 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 Brazil Fast Food Corp. and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998
and 1997, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States.
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the
Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2 to the
financial statements, the Company has suffered recurring losses from
operations and has a negative working capital that raises substantial doubt
about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans in regard
to these matters are also described in Note 2. The financial statements do not
include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this
uncertainty.
Arthur Andersen LLP
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
March 15, 2000
F-1
BRAZIL FAST FOOD CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands of Brazilian Reais, except share amounts)
December 31,
--------------------
1999 1998
--------- ---------
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents.............................. R$ 1,154 R$ 817
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful
accounts of R$440 and R$187, respectively............. 2,515 2,146
Inventories............................................ 728 660
Prepaid expenses and other current assets ............. 639 545
--------- ---------
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS................................. 5,036 4,168
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET.............................. 20,879 22,587
DEFERRED CHARGES, NET.................................... 11,083 12,162
OTHER RECEIVABLES........................................ 2,412 2,715
--------- ---------
TOTAL ASSETS......................................... R$ 39,410 R$ 41,632
========= =========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Notes payable.......................................... R$ 7,376 R$ 4,565
Accounts payable....................................... 2,298 1,854
Accrued expenses....................................... 1,836 1,941
Payroll and related accruals........................... 1,760 2,397
Taxes, other than income taxes......................... 1,829 2,355
Deferred income........................................ 821 866
Other.................................................. 676 237
--------- ---------
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES............................ 16,596 14,215
NOTES PAYABLE............................................ 2,746 5,194
DEFERRED INCOME.......................................... 1,721 2,084
TAXES IN LITIGATION (Note 12)............................ 9,169 --
OTHER LIABILITIES........................................ 215 142
--------- ---------
TOTAL LIABILITIES.................................... 30,447 21,635
--------- ---------
COMMITMENTS (Note 12)
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 5,000 shares
authorized; no shares issued.......................... -- --
Common stock, $.0001 par value, 40,000,000 shares
authorized; 3,235,290 shares issued and outstanding .. 1 1
Additional paid-in capital............................. 46,226 46,226
Deficit................................................ (36,803) (25,902)
Accumulated comprehensive loss......................... (461) (328)
--------- ---------
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY........................... 8,963 19,997
--------- ---------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY........... R$ 39,410 R$ 41,632
========= =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
F-2
BRAZIL FAST FOOD CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands of Brazilian Reais, except share amounts and loss per share)
Year Ended December 31,
-------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
--------- --------- ---------
NET OPERATING REVENUES:
Restaurant sales............................ R$ 56,370 R$ 63,666 R$ 73,008
Franchise income............................ 3,261 1,939 1,475
Other income................................ 2,749 2,187 1,705
--------- --------- ---------
TOTAL NET OPERATING REVENUES.............. 62,380 67,792 76,188
--------- --------- ---------
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Cost of restaurant sales.................... 21,715 23,453 25,861
Restaurant payroll and other employee
benefits................................... 12,660 15,389 17,490
Restaurant occupancy and other expenses..... 6,755 7,316 7,532
Depreciation and amortization............... 3,489 3,738 4,139
Other operating expenses.................... 8,534 9,978 10,751
Selling expenses............................ 6,119 3,700 4,719
General and administrative expenses......... 5,526 10,161 10,745
Impairment of goodwill...................... -- 5,076 --
--------- --------- ---------
TOTAL COSTS AND EXPENSES.................. 64,798 78,811 81,237
--------- --------- ---------
(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS........................ (2,418) (11,019) (5,049)
INTEREST INCOME............................... 16 109 45
INTEREST EXPENSE.............................. (5,046) (3,151) (1,488)
FOREIGN EXCHANGE (LOSS)....................... (3,453) (288) (23)
--------- --------- ---------
NET (LOSS).................................... R$(10,901) R$(14,349) R$ (6,515)
========= ========= =========
NET (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE
BASIC AND DILUTED.......................... R$ (3.37) R$ (4.53) R$ (2.30)
========= ========= =========
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:
BASIC AND DILUTED........................... 3,235,290 3,169,748 2,831,607
========= ========= =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
F-3
BRAZIL FAST FOOD CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(in thousands of Brazilian Reais)
Year Ended December 31,
------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
--------- --------- --------
Net Loss........................................ R$(10,901) R$(14,349) R$(6,515)
Other comprehensive (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment....... (133) (83) (252)
--------- --------- --------
Comprehensive Loss.............................. R$(11,034) R$(14,432) R$(6,767)
========= ========= ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
F-4
BRAZIL FAST FOOD CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999, 1998 AND 1997
(in thousands of Brazilian Reais, except share amounts)
Common Stock Additional Accumulated
------------------- Paid-In Comprehensive
Shares Par Value Capital (Deficit) Loss Total
--------- --------- ---------- --------- ------------- ---------
Balance, January 1,
1997................... 2,601,121 R$ 1 R$38,530 R$ (5,038) R$ 7 R$ 33,500
Issuance of shares for
private placement...... 475,000 -- 6,169 -- -- 6,169
Net loss................ -- -- -- (6,515) -- (6,515)
Cumulative translation
adjustment............. -- -- -- -- (252) (252)
--------- ----- -------- --------- ------ ---------
Balance, December 31,
1997................... 3,076,121 1 44,699 (11,553) (245) 32,902
Issuance of shares for
private placement...... 157,631 -- 1,506 -- -- 1,506
Exercise of options..... 1,538 -- 21 -- -- 21
Net loss................ -- -- -- (14,349) -- (14,349)
Cumulative translation
adjustment............. -- -- -- -- (83) (83)
--------- ----- -------- --------- ------ ---------
Balance, December 31,
1998................... 3,235,290 1 46,226 (25,902) (328) 19,997
Net loss................ -- -- -- (10,901) -- (10,901)
Cumulative translation
adjustment............. -- -- -- -- (133) (133)
--------- ----- -------- --------- ------ ---------
Balance, December 31,
1999................... 3,235,290 R$ 1 R$46,226 R$(36,803) R$(461) R$ 8,963
========= ===== ======== ========= ====== =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
F-5
BRAZIL FAST FOOD CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands of Brazilian Reais)
Year Ended December 31,
------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
--------- --------- --------
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net (loss).................................... R$(10,901) R$(14,349) R$(6,515)
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) to cash
provided by (used in) operating activities:
Loss from impairment of goodwill............. -- 5,076 --
Depreciation and amortization................ 3,489 3,738 4,139
Loss on disposals............................ 805 653 --
Increase in other liabilities................ 946 -- --
Changes in assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable... (369) 1,051 (1,630)
(Increase) decrease in inventories........... (68) 115 95
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and
other current assets........................ (94) 49 673
Decrease in other assets..................... -- 194 --
(Increase) decrease in other receivables..... 303 (2,715) --
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable and
accrued expenses............................ 339 (634) (325)
(Decrease) increase in payroll and related
accruals.................................... (637) 529 (592)
(Decrease) increase in taxes other than
income taxes................................ (526) 1,683 (245)
Decrease in taxes............................ -- (320) --
Increase in other liabilities................ 654 -- 575
(Decrease) increase in deferred income....... (408) (846) 186
Increase in taxes in litigation.............. 8,081 -- --
--------- --------- --------
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING
ACTIVITIES................................ 1,614 (5,776) (3,639)
--------- --------- --------
CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Additions to property and equipment........... (1,540) (3,905) (1,788)
Additions to deferred changes................. -- (161) (788)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment.. 33 790 --
Proceeds from sale of other assets............ -- 2,131 --
--------- --------- --------
CASH FLOWS (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES.. (1,507) (1,145) (2,576)
--------- --------- --------
CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of shares of common
stock........................................ -- 1,528 6,168
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable....... -- 9,694 1,056
Net (repayments) advance of notes payable..... 363 (4,923) (148)
Net repayments of bank facility............... -- -- (764)
--------- --------- --------
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY FINANCING
ACTIVITIES................................ 363 6,299 6,312
--------- --------- --------
EFFECT OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATE................ (133) (83) (131)
--------- --------- --------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS................................... 337 (705) (34)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF
YEAR.......................................... 817 1,522 1,556
--------- --------- --------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR....... R$ 1,154 R$ 817 R$ 1,522
========= ========= ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
F-6
BRAZIL FAST FOODS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share amounts)
NOTE 1--BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS
Brazil Fast Food Corp. (the "Company") was incorporated in the State of
Delaware on September 16, 1992, to serve as a vehicle to effect a merger,
exchange of capital stock, asset acquisition or other similar business
combination with an operating business.
On March 19, 1996 (the "Closing"), the Company acquired all of the
outstanding quotas (shares of capital stock) of Venbo from Bob's Industria e
Comercio Ltda. ("BIEC") and Arnaldo Bisoni ("Bisoni" and with BIEC,
collectively, the "Sellers") for $19,200 (the "Purchase Price") plus related
acquisition costs, of which $16,700 was paid in cash at the Closing, with the
balance of $2,500 payable with interest at the rate of 1 1/2% per annum over
LIBOR due 720 days from the Closing. In addition, the Company acquired all of
the trademarks relating to Venbo's business from Vendex International N.V., an
affiliate of the Sellers, for $1,800 payable to BIEC with interest at the rate
of 6 7/8% per annum in monthly installments equal to 4% of Venbo's net sales
for each immediately preceding month. The Company's acquisition of the quotas
and trademarks is hereinafter referred to as the "Acquisition".
The Acquisition was treated for accounting purposes as a purchase and the
consideration paid in excess of the net assets acquired was allocated to those
net assets based on their fair market value. The unallocated amount was
classified as goodwill (R$3,762) and amortized over a 20 year period (See Note
4).
In order to raise sufficient cash to complete the Acquisition and to fund
the Company's subsequent expansion strategy, the Company sold 3,115,701 shares
of its common stock to new investors in a private transaction (the "Private
Placement") at $3.20 per share, resulting in net proceeds to the Company of
approximately $10,000.
Funding of the cash portion of the Purchase Price was derived from the
following sources; (i) approximately $9,900 from the Company's own funds; (ii)
$4,000 from a Brazilian subsidiary of Coca-Cola, which was paid to the Company
concurrently with the consummation of the Acquisition, in consideration for
Coca-Cola products being designated the exclusive soft drink products for all
of the Company's restaurants for a ten-year term and for the Company's
agreement to participate at its own expense in joint promotions and marketing
programs with Coca-Cola during such term; and (iii) the balance of $2,800 from
the proceeds of the Private Placement.
At the Closing, the Company issued 1,046,422 shares of its common stock to
Shampi Investments A.E.C. ("Shampi") in exchange for the assignment by Shampi
to the Company of Shampi's right to acquire the outstanding quotas of Venbo.
As a result of the Acquisition and the Private Placement: (i) Venbo became a
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, (ii) Shampi and the investors in the
Private Placement, collectively, acquired approximately 58.4% of the
outstanding common stock of the Company, (iii) designees of Shampi, being
respectively, Peter VanVoorst Vader, Omar Carneiro da Cunha and Arnaldo
Bisoni, became three members of the Company's Board of Directors, and (iv) the
Company's name was changed to "Brazil Fast Food Corp.".
NOTE 2--MANAGEMENT PLANS REGARDING GOING CONCERN
Since the acquisition of Venbo in 1996, the Company has sustained net losses
totaling approximately R$36,803. To date, the Company has been dependent upon
its initial capital, additional equity and debt financing to fund its
operating losses and capital needed for expansion. Recently, the Company
commenced court actions to defer payments of its past due taxes (see Note 12)
against different branches of Brazilian Government. These actions are intended
to extend payments on past due taxes and reduce financing interest charges.
F-7
BRAZIL FAST FOODS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(in thousands, except share amounts)
Management plans to address its immediate and future cash flow needs by
focusing on a number of areas including: the continued sale of non-profitable
company-owned stores; reduction of expenses including headcount optimization;
the continued expansion of its franchisee base, which will generate additional
cash flows from royalties and franchise fees without significant capital
expenditure; the introduction of new programs, such as a delivery call center,
an internet delivery service and menu expansion to meet customer demand. In
order to act on these plans and sustain current operations, the Company is
dependent upon the continued forbearance of its creditors, as well as
additional financing.
There can be no assurance that management's plans will be realized, or that
additional financing will be available to the Company when needed, or at terms
that are desirable. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that the Company
will continue to receive the forebearance of its creditors, or that it will
locate suitable new franchisees, or desirable locations for new franchisees to
open stores. The Company's ability to further reduce expenses and head count
is directly impacted by its need to maintain an infrastructure to support its
current and future chain of locations. The Company's ability to remarket
Company-owned stores to franchisees, and to generate cash flows from such
activities, is impacted by the ability to locate suitable buyers with the
interest and capital to complete such transactions, and the time to complete
such sales. Additionally, the Company's ability to achieve its plans is
further impacted by the instability of the economic environment in Brazil,
which has a direct impact on the desire and ability of consumers to visit fast
food outlets. The Company is also dependent upon the continued employment of
key personnel. These factors, among others, raise substantial doubt about the
Company's ability to continue as a going concern.
NOTE 3--SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP"). Such
accounting principles differ in certain respects from accounting principles
generally accepted in Brazil ("Brazilian GAAP"), which is applied by the
Company for its annual financial statement preparation. Unless otherwise
specified, all references in this financial statement to (i) "reais," the
"real" or "R$" are to the Brazilian real (singular), or to the Brazilian reais
(plural), the legal currency of Brazil, and (ii) "U.S. dollars" or "$" are to
United States dollars.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Geographic Area of Operations
The Company operates in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, Brazil, making it
susceptible to changes in the economic, political, and social conditions in
Brazil. Brazil has experienced political, economic and social uncertainty in
recent years, including an economic crisis characterized by exchange rate
instability and real devaluation, increased inflation, high domestic interest
rates, negative economic growth, reduced consumer purchasing power and high
unemployment. Under its current leadership, the Brazilian government has been
pursuing economic stabilization policies, including the encouragement of
foreign trade and investment and an exchange rate policy of free market
flotation. Despite the current improvement of Brazilian economic environment,
no assurance can be given that the Brazilian government will continue to
pursue these policies,
F-8
BRAZIL FAST FOODS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(in thousands, except share amounts)
that these policies will be successful if pursued or that these policies will
not be significantly altered. A decline in the Brazilian economy, political or
social problems or a reversal of Brazil's foreign investment policy is likely
to have an adverse effect on the Company's results of operations and financial
condition. Additionally, inflation in Brazil may lead to higher wages and
salaries for employees and increase the cost of raw materials, which would
adversely affect the Company's profitability.
Risks inherent in foreign operations include nationalization, war, terrorism
and other political risks and risks of increases in foreign taxes or U.S. tax
treatment of foreign taxes paid and the imposition of foreign government
royalties and fees.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
and its wholly owned subsidiary. All material intercompany accounts and
transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Constant Currency Restatement
Through June 30, 1997 the consolidated financial statements have been
indexed and expressed in currency of constant purchasing power by using a
monthly index derived from the Indice Geral de Precos de Mercado (IGP-M), a
Brazilian inflation index. Since the implementation of the Real Plan in June
1994, the Brazilian economy has experienced a declining rate of inflation,
with a cumulative inflation rate for the three-year period from July 1994 to
June 1997, as measured by the IGP-M of 54%. Based on the foregoing, management
determined that Brazil ceased to be considered a hyperinflationary economy, as
defined in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 52, and
from July 1, 1997 no longer indexed its financial statements for constant
currency purchasing power.
Through 1995, the Company used the Unidade Fiscal de Referencia ("UFIR") as
the basis to reflect constant Brazilian reais. Starting in 1996, the Company
commenced using the IGP-M as the basis for indexation.
Value of 1.0 Inflation for
Restatement Units the period
Year of One Real %
---- ----------------- -------------
1992....................................... 0.0026691 1,129.4
1993....................................... 0.0673164 2,422.1
1994....................................... 0.6767000 905.3
1995....................................... 0.8287000 22.5
1996....................................... 0.9049000 9.2
June 30, 1997.............................. 0.9510000 5.09
The Company believes that the above indicies were an appropriate general
price level inflation indicators to be used under US GAAP.
Items in the consolidated statement of operations were adjusted to the
consolidated balance sheet by:
. Allocating inflationary holding gains or losses on interest bearing
monetary assets and liabilities to their corresponding interest income
and expense captions;
. Allocating inflationary holding gains and losses from other monetary
items to their corresponding income and expense captions.
F-9
BRAZIL FAST FOODS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(in thousands, except share amounts)
The allocation of the inflationary gains and losses to their respective
statement of operations' captions is shown in Note 10.
Foreign Currency
Transactions in foreign currency are recorded at the prevailing exchange
rate at the time of the related transactions. Assets and liabilities
denominated in foreign currencies are translated into Brazilian reais at
exchange rates reported by the Central Bank of Brazil at the balance sheet
date. The related transaction gains and losses are recognized in the statement
of operations as they occur.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an
original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Accounts receivable
Long term receivables denominated in Brazilian Reais not indexed higher than
the general price level inflation indicator are discounted to their present
value.
Inventories
Inventories, primarily consisting of food, beverages and supplies, are
stated at the lower of cost or replacement value. Cost of inventories is
determined principally on the average cost method.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at price-level adjusted cost, less price-
level adjusted accumulated depreciation until June 30, 1997 and historical
cost less accumulated depreciation thereafter. Depreciation on property and
equipment is provided using the straight-line method over the following
estimated useful lives of the related assets:
Years
-----
Buildings and building improvements............................... 50
Leasehold improvements............................................ 4-5
Machinery and equipment........................................... 10-15
Furniture and fixtures............................................ 10-15
Vehicles.......................................................... 5-13
Deferred Charges
Deferred charges, which relate to leasehold premiums paid in advance for
rented outlet premises are stated at price-level adjusted cost, less price-
level adjusted accumulated amortization until June 30, 1997 and historical
cost less accumulated amortization thereafter. Leasehold premiums related to
unprofitable stores were written off.
The amortization periods, which range from 5 to 20 years, are the terms of
management's estimate of the related rental contracts including renewal
options, which are solely at the discretion of the Company.
Preopening Costs
Labor costs and the costs of hiring and training personnel and certain other
costs relating to the opening of new restaurants are expensed as incurred.
F-10
BRAZIL FAST FOODS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(in thousands, except share amounts)
Revenue Recognition
Initial franchise fee revenue is recognized when all material services and
conditions relating to the franchise have been substantially performed or
satisfied which normally occurs when the restaurant is opened. Annual
franchise fees based on a percentage of the revenues of the franchisee are
recognized when earned.
Amounts received from the Coca-Cola agreement entered into as part of the
Acquisition and amounts received from other suppliers linked to exclusivity
agreements are recorded as deferred income and are being recognized on a
straight line basis over the term of such agreements. The Company accounts for
other supplier exclusivity fees on a straight-line basis over the life of the
related supply agreement.
Advertising Expense
The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expense was
R$3,055, R$2,923 and R$3,215 for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and
1997, respectively.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109,
"Accounting for Income Taxes". Under the asset and liability method of SFAS
No. 109, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax
consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement
carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax
basis and operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets
and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to
taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected
to be recovered or settled. Under SFAS No. 109, the effect of a change in tax
rates or deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the
period that includes the enactment date.
Long-Lived Assets
The Company adopted SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-
Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of," effective January
1, 1996. SFAS No. 121 requires impairment losses to be recorded on long-lived
assets used in operations when indicators of impairment are present and the
undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less
than the assets' carrying amount. SFAS No. 121 also addresses the accounting
for long-lived assets that are expected to be disposed of. The Company
periodically reviews the recovery of long-lived assets in accordance with SFAS
No. 121 based primarily upon expected future operating cash flows. See Note 5
for the discussion of an impairment of goodwill identified by the Company in
the fourth quarter of 1998.
Net (Loss) Per Common Share
In 1997 the FASB issued SFAS No. 128, "Earnings Per Share" effective for
financial statements issued for periods ending after December 15, 1997. This
statement establishes standards for computing and presenting earnings per
share ("EPS"), replacing the presentation of currently required primary EPS
with a presentation of Basic EPS and Diluted EPS on the face of the statement
of operations. Under this new standard, Basic EPS is computed based on
weighted average shares outstanding and excludes any potential dilution;
Diluted EPS reflects potential dilution from the exercise or conversion of
securities into common stock or from other contracts to issue common stock.
There were no common share equivalents outstanding as of December 31, 1999,
1998 and 1997 that would have had a dilutive effect on earnings for those
respective years.
F-11
BRAZIL FAST FOODS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(in thousands, except share amounts)
Recently Issued Accounting Standard
In June 1998, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 133, Accounting for Derivatives and Hedging Activities ("SFAS No. 133").
SFAS No. 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards of derivative
instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other
contracts, and for hedging activities. The Company does not expect the
adoption of this standard to have a material effect on the Company's results
of operations, financial position or cash flows.
NOTE 4--IMPAIRMENT OF ASSETS
In connection with the acquisition of Venbo described in Note 1, and
subsequent acquisitions, the Company had recorded approximately $5,900 of
goodwill.
In accordance with SFAS No. 121, the Company periodically evaluated the
realizability of such amounts based primarily on undiscounted cash flows. In
the fourth quarter of 1998, the Company determined, based on its evaluation of
the undiscounted cash flows resulting from the business acquired in the
acquisitions referred to above, negative cash flows from operations and
operating losses incurred, among other factors, that an impairment in
realizability of the goodwill existed. Accordingly, an impairment of goodwill
of R$5,076 was recorded in the accompanying consolidated statements of
operations for the year ended December 31, 1998.
NOTE 5--PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment consists of the following:
December 31,
------------------
1999 1998
-------- --------
Land................................................... R$ 2,828 R$ 2,828
Buildings and building improvements.................... 4,504 4,480
Leasehold improvements................................. 6,024 6,007
Machinery and equipment................................ 9,410 8,833
Furniture and fixtures................................. 2,986 3,083
Assets under capitalized leases........................ 3,795 2,869
Vehicles............................................... 100 120
Other.................................................. -- 858
-------- --------
29,647 29,078
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization........ (8,768) (6,491)
-------- --------
R$20,879 R$22,587
======== ========
NOTE 6--DEFERRED CHARGES
Deferred charges consists of the following:
December 31,
------------------
1999 1998
-------- --------
Leasehold premiums..................................... R$13,541 R$14,011
Less: Accumulated amortization......................... (2,458) (1,849)
-------- --------
R$11,083 R$12,162
======== ========
F-12
BRAZIL FAST FOODS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(in thousands, except share amounts)
NOTE 7--NOTES PAYABLE
Notes payable consists of the following:
December 31,
------------------
1999 1998
-------- --------
Revolving lines of credit(a)........................... R$ 644 R$ 3,331
Mortgages payable(b)................................... 4,868 3,291
Equipment leasing facility(c).......................... 4,566 3,064
Other.................................................. 44 73
-------- --------
10,122 9,759
Less: current portion.................................. (7,376) (4,565)
-------- --------
R$ 2,746 R$ 5,194
======== ========
At December 31, 1999, future maturities of notes payable are as follows:
December 31,
------------
2000............................................................. R$ 7,376
2001............................................................. R$ 1,754
2002............................................................. R$ 992
--------
R$10,122
========
- --------
(a) Provides for maximum borrowings of R$1,764; due on demand from various
financial institutions; interest rates ranging from 28% to 53% per annum;
collateralized by accounts receivables and various fixed assets;
guaranteed by certain officers.
(b) Due in full April 2000; interest payments due semi-annually; interest
charged at 13% per annum; secured by certain real estate; principal and
interest indexed to the U.S. dollar, thus susceptible to exchange rate
variations due to the devaluation of the Real.
(c) Provides for maximum borrowings of R$2,450 for the funding of information
technology funding and R$2,417 for funding of restaurant equipment;
payable in monthly installments together with interest with a final
payment due November 2002; interest charged at rates ranging between 15%
and 18% per annum; secured by equipment under lease; principal and
interest indexed to the U.S. dollar, thus susceptible to exchange rates
variations due to the devaluation of the Real.
The carrying amount of notes payable approximates fair value at December 31,
1999 and 1998 because they are indexed to U.S. dollar.
F-13
BRAZIL FAST FOODS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(in thousands, except share amounts)
NOTE 8--ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accrued expenses consists of the following:
December 31,
---------------
1999 1998
------- -------
Rent payable.............................................. R$ 608 R$ 525
Accrued utilities......................................... 457 132
Accrued freight........................................... 37 17
Accrued maintenance....................................... 30 55
Accrued advertising....................................... 77 125
Contingencies............................................. 245 415
Outsourcing fees.......................................... 231 502
Audit services............................................ 151 54
Other accrued liabilities................................. -- 116
------- -------
R$1,836 R$1,941
======= =======
NOTE 9--INFLATIONARY EFFECTS ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Through June 30, 1997, the consolidated financial statements have been
indexed and expressed in currency of constant purchasing power by using a
monthly index derived from the IGP-M. Effective July 1, 1997, management
determined that Brazil ceased to be considered a hyperinflationary economy and
no longer indexed its financial statements for constant currency purchasing
power (See Note 3).
Inflationary effects on the financial statements that are included in the
consolidated statements of operations comprise principally net purchasing
power gains. For the purposes of presenting the financial statements in their
fully indexed form, realized inflationary gains and losses on non-interest
bearing assets and liabilities have been allocated to the following captions
of the statements of operations:
December 31, 1997
-----------------
Net operating revenues................................... R$137
Cost of restaurant sales................................. 174
Restaurant occupancy and other expenses.................. 99
Other operating expenses................................. 56
General and administrative expenses...................... 23
-----
R$489
=====
The above stated gains and losses were generated from the following
consolidated balance sheet accounts:
December 31, 1997
-----------------
Cash and cash equivalents................................ R$ 54
Accounts receivable...................................... 72
Other assets............................................. 528
Accounts payable and accrued expenses.................... (113)
Payroll and related accruals............................. (121)
Taxes, other than income taxes........................... (37)
Other liabilities........................................ (680)
------
R$(297)
======
F-14
BRAZIL FAST FOODS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(in thousands, except share amounts)
Inflationary gains and losses on interest bearing assets and liabilities
were allocated to the following captions in the consolidated statements of
operations:
December 31, 1997
-----------------
Gross interest income.................................... R$ 195
Inflationary loss........................................ (466)
--------
Net interest loss........................................ R$ (271)
========
Gross interest expense................................... R$(1,272)
Inflationary gain........................................ 274
--------
Net interest expense..................................... R$ (998)
========
Gross exchange (loss).................................... R$ (23)
Inflationary gain........................................ --
--------
Net exchange (loss) gain................................. R$ (23)
========
The inflationary gains and losses were generated from bank balances and bank
overdrafts.
NOTE 10--CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash-Flow Information:
Year Ended December 31,
-------------------------
1999 1998 1997
-------- -------- -------
Interest paid.................................... R$ 2,150 R$ 1,877 R$ 747
Income taxes paid................................ R$ -- R$ -- R$ --
NOTE 11--TAXATION
Tax losses through December 31, 1999 relating to income tax was R$37,060 and
to social contribution tax was R$39,425. Social contribution tax is a
Brazilian tax levied on taxable income and is by its nature comparable to
corporate income tax. At the date of Acquisition, Venbo had R$5,512 of tax
loss carryforwards. The utilization of these pre-acquisition losses recognized
subsequent to the Acquisition, first reduces to zero any goodwill related to
the Acquisition, second reduces other non-current intangible assets to zero,
and third reduces income tax expense.
The accumulated tax loss position can be offset against future taxable
income. Brazilian tax legislation restricts the offset of accumulated tax
losses to 30% of taxable profits on an annual basis. These losses can be used
indefinitely and are not impacted by a change in ownership of the Company.
F-15
BRAZIL FAST FOODS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(in thousands, except share amounts)
The following is a reconciliation of the amount of reported income tax
benefit and the amount computed by applying the combined statutory tax rate of
34% (33% in 1998 and 1997) to the loss before income taxes:
December 31,
----------------------------
1999 1998 1997
-------- -------- --------
Tax benefit at the combined statutory rate....... R$(3,706) R$(4,735) R$(2,150)
Combined statutory rate applied to differences
between taxable results Brazil and reported
results......................................... 1,571 1,885 894
-------- -------- --------
Tax benefit for the year......................... (2,135) (2,850) (1,256)
Valuation allowances recorded against net
deferred tax assets............................. 2,135 2,850 1,256
-------- -------- --------
Income tax benefit as reported in the
accompanying consolidated statement of
operations...................................... R$ -- R$ -- R$ --
======== ======== ========
Differences between taxable results in Brazil and reported results are
comprised, mainly, by the differences between Brazilian GAAP and U.S. GAAP.
The following summarizes the composition of deferred tax assets and
liabilities and the related valuation allowance at December 31, 1999 and 1998,
based on temporary differences and tax loss carryforwards determined by
applying rates of 9% in 1999 and 8% in 1998 for social contribution tax and
25% for income tax.
December 31,
------------------
1999 1998
-------- --------
Deferred tax assets:
Tax loss carry forward.................................... R$12,813 R$10,345
Provision for contingencies............................... 274 145
Legal deposits............................................ 129 --
Deferred income........................................... 70 246
Present value adjustment.................................. 316 --
-------- --------
Total deferred tax assets............................... 13,602 10,736
-------- --------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Present value adjustment.................................. -- 8
Fixed assets.............................................. 1,497 1,765
Deferred charges.......................................... 3,066 2,959
-------- --------
Total deferred tax liabilities.......................... 4,563 4,732
-------- --------
Net deferred tax asset...................................... 9,039 6,004
Valuation allowance......................................... (9,039) (6,004)
-------- --------
R$ -- R$ --
======== ========
The valuation allowance reflects the Company's assessment of the likelihood
of realizing the net deferred tax assets in view of current operations and the
Company's recurring losses.
F-16
BRAZIL FAST FOODS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(in thousands, except share amounts)
NOTE 12--COMMITMENTS AND LITIGATIONS
Operating Leases
The future minimum lease payments under operating leases with an initial or
remaining non-cancellable lease term in excess of one year at December 31,
1999 are as follows:
December 31,
------------
2000........................................................... R$4,088
2001........................................................... R$3,832
2002........................................................... R$2,997
2003........................................................... R$2,449
2004........................................................... R$1,620
Thereafter..................................................... R$6,063
Rent expense was R$4,493, R$4,925, and R$5,361 for the years ended December
31, 1999, 1998, and 1997, respectively.
Other Commitments
The Company has long term contracts (5 to 10 years) with all of its
franchisees. Under these contracts the franchisee has the right to use the
Bob's name and formulas in a specific location or area. The Company has no
specific financial obligations in respect of these contracts.
Litigations
During the year ended December 31, 1999, certain Brazilian taxes levied on
the Company have not been paid. Using current proceedings from enacted
Brazilian laws, the Company's legal advisors have filed lawsuits claiming for
those taxes to be paid in several installments (60-240). The Company is also
claiming that neither fines nor interest higher than 12% per annum should be
included in the above mentioned installments. However, the interest rates
required by Brazilian Laws, which are higher than those claimed by the
Company, have been recorded in the financial statements.
Litigations consists on the following:
Total Current Long term
Tax liability liability liability
--- --------- --------- ---------
Social security tax..................... 3,875 706(a) 3,169
Value-added tax......................... 3,023 974(b) 2,049
Social tax charged on revenues.......... 3,458 595(b) 2,863
Other litigations....................... 1,088(c) -- 1,088
-------- ------- -------
TOTAL................................. R$11,444 R$2,275 R$9,169
======== ======= =======
- --------
(a) Classified as "Payroll and related accruals".
(b) Classified as "Taxes, other than income taxes".
(c) Labor, civil and tax litigations.
NOTE 13--STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred Stock
The Board of Directors of the Company is empowered, without stockholder
approval, to issue up to 5,000 shares of "blank check" preferred stock (the
"Preferred Stock") with dividend, liquidation, conversion, voting
F-17
BRAZIL FAST FOODS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(in thousands, except share amounts)
or other rights which could adversely affect the voting power or other rights
of the holders of the Company's common stock. As of December 31, 1999, no
Preferred Stock had been issued.
Common Stock
In 1997, the Company issued 475,000 shares of its common stock and warrants
to purchase 65,500 shares of the Company's common stock at an initial exercise
price of $4.00 per share, which exercise price and number of shares is subject
to adjustment, in private placements, receiving net proceeds of R$6,169.
In 1998, the Company issued 1,538 shares of common stock upon the exercise
of stock options, receiving net proceeds of R$21.
In 1998, the Company issued 157,631 shares of common stock in a private
placement, receiving net proceeds of R$1,506.
In May 1999, the Company effected a one for four reverse stock split of its
outstanding shares of common stock. Accordingly, all data shown in the
accompanying financial statements and notes has been retroactively adjusted to
reflect this stock split.
Stock Option Plan
On September 18, 1992, the Company's Board of Directors and a majority
interest of the shareholders of the Company approved the 1992 Stock Option
Plan (the "Plan").
The Plan, as amended and restated, authorizes the granting of awards, the
exercise of which would allow up to an aggregate of 1,000,000 shares of the
Company's common stock to be acquired by the holders of said awards. The
awards can take the form of Incentive Stock Options ("ISOs") or Non-qualified
Stock Options ("NQSOs"). Options may be granted to employees, directors and
consultants. ISOs and NQSOs are granted in terms not to exceed ten years and
become exercisable as set forth when the award is granted. Options may be
exercised in whole or in part. The exercise price of the ISOs must be at least
equal to the fair market price of the Company's common stock on the date of
grant or in the case of a plan participant who is granted an option price with
at least 110% of the fair market value on the date of grant and the option
must be exercised within five years from the date of grant. The exercise price
of all NQSOs granted under the Plan shall be determined by the Board of
Directors of the Company at the time of grant. No options may be granted under
the Plan after September 17, 2002.
The Company accounts for awards granted to employees and directors under
Accounting Principles Board ("APB") opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock
Issued to Employees", under which no compensation cost has been recognized for
stock options granted. Had compensation costs of these stock options been
determined consistent with SFAS No. 123 "Accounting for Stock Based
Compensation", the Company's net loss and loss per share would have been the
following pro forma amounts:
1999 1998 1997
--------- --------- --------
Net (loss) as reported......................... R$(10,901) R$(14,349) R$(6,515)
Net (loss) pro forma........................... R$(11,836) R$(15,253) R$(7,289)
Net (loss) per share, as reported.............. R$ (3.37) R$ (4.53) R$ (2.30)
Net (loss) per share, pro forma................ R$ (3.66) R$ (4.80) R$ (2.56)
The effects of applying SFAS No. 123 in this pro forma disclosure are not
indicative of future amounts.
F-18
BRAZIL FAST FOODS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(in thousands, except share amounts)
All transactions with individuals other than those considered employees, as
set forth within the scope of APB No. 25, must be accounted for under the
provisions of SFAS No. 123. During 1999, 1998 and 1997, no options were
granted to outside consultants.
Vesting terms of the options range from immediately vesting of all options
to a ratable vesting period of 5 years. Option activity for the years ended
December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 is summarized as follows:
1999 1998 1997
----------------- ----------------- ----------------
Weighted Weighted Weighted
Average Average Average
Exercise Exercise Exercise
Shares Price Shares Price Shares Price
------- -------- ------- -------- ------- --------
Options outstanding at
beginning of year....... 140,862 $12.56 127,400 $13.00 103,650 $13.00
Granted.................. 98,625 2.86 27,500 10.48 23,750 13.00
Exercised................ -- -- (1,538) 14.52 -- --
Canceled................. (15,100) -- (12,500) 13.00 -- --
------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------
Options outstanding at
end of year............. 224,387 11.04 140,862 12.56 127,400 13.00
Options exercisable at
end of year............. 176,587 10.67 133,462 12.48 85,000 13.00
During 1998, the Board of Directors approved an increase in options
available for grant under the Plan from 500,000 to 1,000,000.
The weighted average fair values of options granted during 1999, 1998, and
1997 were $2.45, $5.20, and $8.64, respectively.
The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using
the Black Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average
assumptions used for grants in 1999, 1998, and 1997: (1) risk-free interest
rate of 4.65%, 5.07% and 6.35% (2) no expected dividend yield, (3) expected
lives of 5 years; and (4) expected stock price volatility of 138%, 50%, and
76%, respectively.
The options outstanding at December 31, 1999, range in price from $2.75 per
share to $13.00 per share and have a weighted average remaining contractual
life of 2 1/3 years.
F-19
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, in the City of
Rio de Janeiro, Country of Brazil, on the 14th day of April, 2000.
BRAZIL FAST FOOD CORP.
By: /s/ Peter van Voorst Vader
----------------------------------
Peter van Voorst Vader
President and Chief Executive
Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- ----
/s/ Peter van Voorst Vader President and Chief April 14, 2000
___________________________________________ Executive Officer
Peter van Voorst Vader (Principal Executive
Officer) and Director
/s/ Carlos Henrique da Silva Rego Vice President--Finance April 14, 2000
___________________________________________ (Principal Financial
Carlos Henrique da Silva Rego Officer and Accounting
Officer)
/s/ Omar Carneiro da Cunha Chairman of the Board April 14, 2000
___________________________________________
Omar Carneiro da Cunha
/s/ Ian S. Barnett Director April 14, 2000
___________________________________________
Ian S. Barnett
/s/ Lawrence Burstein Director April 14, 2000
___________________________________________
Lawrence Burstein
Director
___________________________________________
Jose Ricardo Bosquet Bomeny
Director
___________________________________________
John Michael Streithorst