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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 10-K
(MARK ONE)
XX ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
- ---- ACT OF 1934 [FEE REQUIRED]
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED: June 27, 1998
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
- ---- EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED]
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM ___________________ TO ______________________
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 0-12800
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CUISINE SOLUTIONS, INC.
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
Delaware 52-0948383
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(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) IDENTIFICATION NO.)
85 South Bragg Street, Suite 600, Alexandria, VA 22312
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(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)(ZIP CODE)
REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (703) 750-9600
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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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None None
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT:
Common Stock, par value $.01 per Share
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(TITLE CLASS)
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
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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. [_]
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of
the registrant, based upon the closing sale price of the Common Stock on
September 19, 1998 as reported on the NASDAQ National Market System, was
approximately $3,850,836. Shares of Common Stock held by each officer and
director and by each person who owns 5% or more of the outstanding Common Stock
have been excluded in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates. This
determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination
for other purposes.
As of September 19, 1998, there were 13,822,543 shares outstanding of the
Registrant's Common Stock.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Parts of the following document are incorporated by reference in Parts III
and IV of this Form 10-K Report: Proxy Statement for Registrant's 1998Annual
Meeting of Stockholders to be filed - Items 10, 11, 12 and 13.
Exhibit Index is located on page .
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
FINANCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT INDUSTRY SEGMENTS
The Company is engaged in only one industry segment as of June 27,
1998. Accordingly, No segment data is included in the Consolidated Financial
Statements for the fiscal year ending June 27, 1998.
Subsequent to fiscal year 1998 the Company engaged in a second industry
segment relating to international management services. Cuisine Solutions
International Management Services, a new division dedicated to serving the
Company's global partners is designed to provide the systems and personnel the
Company needs to support its global expansion strategy. The Company will provide
ongoing management advisory services under separate service contracts to
encompass global management and food manufacturing expertise, minimizing any
potential risk to the Company's stockholders. The new venture will enhance its
worldwide manufacturing capability and provide a template for aggressive global
expansion. This an example of how the Company will plan to bring its
manufacturing technology closer to the source of key raw material supplies and
where there is high demand for quality and safety in prepared foods.
GENERAL
The Company develops, produces and markets chef-created, fully cooked,
fully prepared entrees and sauces for the banquet, transportation, restaurant
and home meal replacement industries. The Company's entrees and sauces are
slow-cooked and pasteurized in its final packaging for guaranteed safety and
award-winning flavor. The Company can plate thousands of signature combinations,
everything from grilled Norwegian salmon to stuffed chicken mediterranean.
On November 4, 1997, the Corporation amended its Restated Certificate
of Incorporation to change the name of the Corporation to Cuisine Solutions,
Inc. The amendment was approved by the stockholders of the Corporation at the
Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on October 30, 1997. The name change is
intended to help establish the Corporation's new identity as the banquet meal
provider of choice in the food service market. The Corporation's Common Stock
now is listed on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol CUIS.
The establishment of strategically placed warehouses throughout the
United States and the implementation of new systems for tracking and managing
outside warehouse distribution, led to the Company introducing in fiscal year
1998, twenty four hour delivery of products anywhere in the United States.
During the third quarter of fiscal year 1997, the Company announced its
new marketing focus on the banquet business, which consists of the lodging and
transportation markets. The lodging market comprises of hotels, convention
centers, casinos and similar facilities. The transportation market comprises of
airlines, railroads, cruise ships and other similar facilities. Other focuses of
the Company are international sales and retail customers, including sales to
restaurants, military installations and home meal replacement.
The Company maintains manufacturing facilities in the United States and
Norway, and sells its product in Asia, North America and Europe. Its customers
include among others, hotels, catering companies, restaurants, casinos,
airlines, military facilities, healthcare facilities and retail stores. The
Company opened a USDA-approved food processing plant in Alexandria, Virginia in
May 1990 and began operating another plant in Hjemeland, Norway in August 1994.
The Company uses an advanced method of food preparation, developed in France,
which cooks meats, seafood, poultry, sauces and vegetables over time using low
heat. Before the cooking process begins, the product is vacuum-sealed in special
plastic pouches that better maintain the food's flavor and moisture as compared
to other methods of cooking. Following the completion of the cooking process,
the product can be either frozen or refrigerated for distribution. Currently,
all of the Company's products are frozen.
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Cuisine Solutions, Inc. was incorporated in the State of Delaware in
1974. Its principal executive offices are located at 85 South Bragg Street,
Suite 600, Alexandria, VA 22312 and its telephone number at that location is
(703) 750-9600.
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The Company desires to take advantage of the "safe harbor" provisions of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Therefore, this report
contains forward looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties,
including, but not limited to, the reliance on key customers, fluctuations in
operating results and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These risks could cause the
Company's actual results for 1998 and beyond to differ materially from those
expressed in any forward looking statements made by, or on behalf of, the
Company.
BACKGROUND
The Company commenced operations in 1972 as a wholesale producer of
French bread for daily delivery to the Washington, DC area. The Company expanded
its markets throughout the 1970s. In fiscal year 1979, the Company began
offering its product through Company-owned retail bakeries where the products
could be freshly baked throughout the day. During the 1980s, the Company
expanded its frozen dough product line and developed processes to facilitate the
baking of these products at the point-of-sale. As of May 1994, the Company owned
and operated 31 retail units. The Company sold the Bakery Division and the
Restaurant Division to Vie de France Bakery Yamazaki, Inc. in 1991 and 1994,
respectively.
The Company began development of the Culinary division business in
1987, in conjunction with research performed previously by Nouvelle Carte
France, a related French Company. As a result of the growth in the application
of high quality frozen products in Europe, the Board authorized the
establishment of the Vie de France Culinary Corporation for the express purpose
of the research into and development of high quality frozen products for the
U.S. market. This Company was formed in 1987, and was later merged into Vie de
France Corporation. In 1989, construction began on a 30,000 square foot plant in
Alexandria, Virginia designed to manufacture its sous vide product line under
the trade name Vie de France Culinary. The Culinary plant began operations in
May 1990, and expanded into a 50,000 square feet building.
During fiscal years 1991 through 1996, the Culinary Division
successfully built its sales volume from zero to over $2 million in fiscal year
1991, and by fiscal year 1996 to $16 million. The Company restructured its sales
organization and refocused its strategy on sales to the banquet industry
(hotels, convention centers, casinos, airlines and other banquet providers)
during fiscal year 1997. Because of sales and marketing disruptions related to
this transition, sales declined during fiscal year 1997 to about $14 million.
During fiscal year 1998 the Company continued its reorganization while sales
remained steady at $14 million.
The Company initially depended upon a national direct sales operation,
which was formally organized in 1992. In fiscal year 1997 the emphasis shifted
to a more balanced sales system that includes an internal sales group, segmented
by customer type, and additional sales support from a network of brokers and
distribution organizations located in key markets nationwide. A sales program
that includes trade advertising, promotions and far more frequent contact with a
broader range of existing and potential high-volume customers was put into
effect late in fiscal year 1997 and continued through fiscal year 1998.
In order to reduce costs, increase quality and increase production
capacity, the Company is pursuing the development and construction of single
product production plants for its high quality entrees located adjacent to, or
in the proximity of suppliers of raw materials. One such plant, located in
Norway, began production in August 1994. The Company currently has capacity in
its plants to support near term sales growth.
During the second quarter of fiscal year 1998, the Company purchased a
parcel of land through bank financing for approximately $700,000 plus applicable
fees. The purchase, initiated as part of an expansion plan, included financing
through an approved $8.2 million dollar industrial revenue bond. During the
fourth quarter of fiscal year 1998, the Company re-negotiated the lease on the
current facility, received significant cost reductions, and decided to expand
capacity on the existing plant through capital investment and additional shifts.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 1998, the Company decided to sell the
land and expects a favorable result from the sale. The land is listed in
non-current assets as Land held for sale.
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The Company is also considering locating one or more plants for sous
vide products closer to the source of supply to maintain product quality, lower
shipping costs and as a method of entering new markets. The cost of such
facilities ranges from approximately $1,000,000 to $5,000,000, depending upon
the nature of the product and the production volume desired. Local governments
may provide subsidies and other assistance in connection with such facilities.
It is possible that the Company may use some of its cash resources to fund these
efforts and/or acquisitions. The Company is also pursuing a lease for a
production facility in Europe to support its strategic intent to be the leading
banquet solution Company in the world. The European plant which is built under
European quality standards, will give the Company immediate access to that
market.
Subsequent to June 27, 1998 the Company announced that it has signed an
agreement to establish a sales and manufacturing Company in Brasilia (Brazil),
as part of a joint venture with Sanoli Industria E Comerio De Alimentacao, Ltd
(Sanoli). The terms of the agreement include a 39% equity position in the new
Brazilian entity, Cuisine Solutions Brazil. In exchange for the equity position,
Cuisine Solutions will provide global management and food manufacturing
expertise, while Sanoli will provide the initial capital investment to support
the Company's food manufacturing plant and operations. Cuisine Solutions will
provide ongoing management advisory services under separate service contracts,
minimizing any potential risk to the Company's stockholders. The Company
believes the new venture will enhance its worldwide manufacturing capability and
provide a template for aggressive global expansion. This agreement is an example
of how the Company will plan to bring its manufacturing technology closer to the
source of key raw material supplies and where there is high demand for quality
and safety in prepared foods. Sanoli has a solid strategy for market penetration
in South American countries, while leveraging the region's lower manufacturing
costs in order to export products to Europe. The Company believes the
combination of superior quality and pricing advantages of the Brazilian
manufacturing operation will give the Company a competitive advantage in Europe.
During fiscal year 1998 the Company recently completed its
reorganization designed to provide the systems and personnel the Company needs
to support its global expansion strategy.
During fiscal year 1998 through its Norwegian manufacturing facility,
the Company teamed with European caterer Lenotre to provide high quality meals
to the World Cup in France. The Company's products were used in nearly half of
the 450,000 meals served during the thirty day, ten city World Cup event.
PRODUCTS
The Company develops, produces and markets chef-created fully cooked,
fully prepared entrees and sauces for the banquet, transportation, restaurant
and home meal replacement industries. The Company's entrees and sauces are
slow-cooked and pasteurized in its final packaging for guaranteed safety and
award-winning flavor. The Company offers a wide range of high quality frozen
entrees, side dishes, and sauces. The entree items consist of a variety of
seafood, pork, beef and poultry items. Side dishes and sauces range from
vegetables and rice to cream or tomato-based sauces, which allow the Company to
plate thousands of signature combinations.
The Company packages its products in two ways. Many products are
vacuum-sealed and frozen in either single or multi-serving packaging and then
case-packed. Single-pack items provide maximum customer flexibility, while
multi-serving packs provide additional efficiency and economy for banquets. Both
individual and multiple-serving vacuum packages are iagreement for hot-water
rethermalization, and both provide a long shelf life. A second packaging method,
iagreement for products designed for oven heating or to be served cold, is
Individually Quick Frozen packaging. In this method, individual servings of
products are cooked, frozen, removed from vacuum package and placed inside a
plastic bag with the appropriate case quantities for easy customer access.
During fiscal year 1995, the Company began research on the preparation
of its products for retail consumption. The Company has experimented with
distribution through wholesale clubs and private-labeled products for other
retailers. The Company intends to continue to pursue alternatives in this
market.
DISTRIBUTION
The Company distributes its products in a frozen state mostly to U.S.
customers. The primary markets of the Company's wholly-owned Norwegian division
are in Europe and Asia.
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During fiscal year 1998 and 1997, the Company continued to establish
important new relationships with U.S. food service distributors and brokers in
markets with significant banquet activity. A significant issue for our customers
has been ready availability of our foods. The Company established relationships
in nine of twenty markets that, together, constitute 80% of all U.S. banquet
sales. This allows the Company to have a presence in each market and the
efficient means to supply its customers on a continuing basis.
The Company expanded distribution into the European markets in fiscal
year 1995 in conjunction with the opening of the Norwegian production facility
in 1994. Its products are stored in a number of regional frozen warehouses as
well as at the Alexandria, Virginia plant. In fiscal year 1996 the Company
improved its distribution of Norwegian Salmon to US customers by offering
"direct ship" capabilities from the Norwegian plant directly to the customer.
The Company intends to adopt alternative distribution means as their customers
need them. Export products are transported in frozen containers via ship.
RAW MATERIAL STATUS
The Company buys its raw materials from a number of suppliers at market
prices. While these prices may fluctuate during the year, the Company does not
believe that availability poses a material risk to its business. The majority of
product sales are subject to price revision to reflect shifts in the price of
raw materials.
PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS AND OTHER ITEMS IMPORTANT TO OPERATING SEGMENTS
The Company believes that its Cuisine Solutions, Inc. and Vie de France
Corporation, trademarks are important to its business success. Accordingly, it
takes the necessary steps to protect them. During fiscal year 1998 the Company
assured its protection by changing the name on all trademarks it owns to Cuisine
Solutions, Inc in addition to maintaining the Vie de France Corporation
trademark. The Company and Vie de France Bakery Yamazaki, Inc. entered into a
Trademark and Service Mark License Agreement in 1991 and, in conjunction with
the sale of the Restaurant Division, amended and restated this agreement. In
fiscal year 1996 the Company was in the process of securing a new packaging
trademark called MicroRoast(TM) and MicroRoti(TM) to be used in the U.S. and
European market, respectively. However, it was during fiscal year 1997 the
Company secured the use of these two trademarks. This new packaging is designed
for use in microwave ovens and imparts a roasted quality to our value-added
entrees.
CUSTOMER DEPENDENCY
During fiscal year 1998, sales to hotels and other lodging customers,
transportation, and other customers, represented 39.1%, 42.8% and 18.1%,
respectively, of which 10.9% relate to international sales, compared to 37.2%,
41% and 21.8%, respectively, for fiscal year 1997, of which 9.4% relates to
international sales and 47.5%, 29.2% and 23.3%, respectively, in fiscal year
1996 of which 3.8% relates to international sales.
In fiscal years 1998,1997 and 1996, sales to food service distributors
representing the Marriott Hotel chain amounted to 5.8%, 7.2% and 18.9% of total
net sales. In fiscal years 1998, 1997 and 1996, sales to food service
distributors representing the Hyatt Hotel chain amounted to 15.7%, 14.4% and
22.5% of total net sales. Sales to distributors serving the airline industry
represented 37.0%, 34.4% and 29.2% of total net sales in fiscal year 1998,1997
and 1996 respectively. The loss of any of the above customers could have a
significant effect on the Company's results of operations.
SEASONALITY
Culinary sales are seasonally impacted by the hotel banquet industry,
which typically peak in September through December, and March through June.
COMPETITION
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The Company considers itself to be a leader in the sous vide segment of
the food service industry. At present, limited competition exists within the
frozen wholesale component of this segment. Other firms exist within the retail
and refrigerated components of the sous vide segment or cooked food. As such,
the Company primarily competes for sales against food service providers in the
frozen and raw segment, rather than against other sous vide suppliers. The
Company offers value-added products, but must offer these products in a price
range that makes it economically advantageous for its users to convert from
other methods of food preparation. The Company believes its products can compete
against these other methods in price, product performance and convenience. The
Company also offers implementation and menu development services, as well as
equipment, to its customers as another means of building sales. The Company
depends upon its pricing structure, menu items, and customer service programs as
a means of maintaining its leadership position within the sous vide industry.
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
For continuing operations, the Company invested $269,000 $169,000 and
$139,000 in research and development activities in fiscal years 1998, 1997 and
1996, respectively. The Company invests in development on an ongoing basis in
order to maintain the vitality of its product lines and to build sales.
REGULATION
The Company is subject to various Federal, state and local laws
affecting its business, including health, sanitation and safety regulations. The
U.S. plant operates under USDA supervision over the handling and labeling of its
products. The Company believes its operations comply in all material respects
with applicable laws and regulations.
The Company's Norwegian plant meets European Community standards and
regulations. The Norwegian product, along with certain raw materials, are
subject to import regulations.
EMPLOYEES
The Company employs approximately 119 people including full-time and
part-time workers and corporate staff.
GEOGRAPHIC SALES
The Company's sales are primarily focused in the United States, with
sales representing 89.1%, 90.6% and 96.1% of total sales for fiscal years 1998,
1997 and 1996, respectively.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Company leases its offices and its two manufacturing facilities.
The U.S. plant, located in Alexandria, Virginia, is approximately 50,000 square
feet. The Norway plant, located in Hjelmeland, Norway, is approximately 20,000
square feet.
The Company's Norway plant is structured as a twenty-year capital lease
whereby the Company will own the facility at the end of the lease term.
The Company owns substantially all of the equipment used in its
facilities.
Lease commitments and future minimum lease payments are shown in Notes
5 and 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, which is included in this Form
10-K.
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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is engaged in ordinary and routine litigation incidental to
its business, but management does not believe that any amounts it may be
required to pay by reason thereof will have a material effect on the Company's
financial position or results of operations.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
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PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS
COMMON STOCK
The Company's capital stock is divided into two classes: Common Stock
and Class B Stock. The Class B Stock, which is reserved for issuance to
employees under stock options plans, is identical in all respects to the Common
Stock except that the holders thereof have no voting rights unless otherwise
required by law. The Company's Common Stock is traded in the over-the-counter
market on the NASD National Market System under the symbol CUIS. The following
table sets forth for the quarters indicated the high and low sales prices per
share as reported on the National Market System:
Year ended June 27, 1998 High Low
First Quarter........................................ $ 1.438 $ .938
Second Quarter....................................... 1.688 1.000
Third Quarter........................................ 1.063 1.000
Fourth Quarter....................................... 1.125 .875
Year ended June 28, 1997 High Low
First Quarter........................................ $ 2.688 $ 1.938
Second Quarter....................................... 2.563 1.375
Third Quarter........................................ 2.000 1.063
Fourth Quarter....................................... 1.500 1.063
Year ended June 29, 1996 High Low
First Quarter........................................ $ 4.500 $ 2.625
Second Quarter....................................... 3.750 2.625
Third Quarter........................................ 3.063 1.875
Fourth Quarter....................................... 3.125 1.875
As of September 19, 1998 there were approximately 686 holders of record of the
Company's Common Stock.
No dividends were paid during fiscal year 1998, 1997 and 1996.
The Company has been notified by NASDAQ that it no longer meets the
requirement to be included in the NASDAQ National Market. The Company is seeking
a temporary or permanent waiver of these requirements to maintain its inclusion.
There can be no assurance that the Company will be granted such waiver by
NASDAQ. In the event that the Common Stock is not included in the NASDAQ Market,
there could be a material adverse change in the price and liquidity of the
Common Stock.
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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
FIVE YEAR SUMMARY
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
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Net Sales $ 14,007 $ 13,987 $ 16,078 $ 15,707 $ 12,786
Loss from continuing operations (4) (3,121) (934) (2,224) (706) (476)
Net income (loss) (1); (2); (3); (4) (3,121) (466) (1.714) 24 7,934
Loss from continuing operations per share (0.23) (0.07) (0.16) (0.05) (0.03)
Net income (loss) per share (0.23) (0.04) (0.13) - 0.58
Total assets 24,959 22,712 27,035 29,911 30,964
Long term debt, including current portion 3,024 2,575 2,300 2.981 -
Stockholders' equity 19,503 18,125 22,782 24,481 24,431
Dividends per share - - - - -
(1) Includes benefit from cumulative effect of change in accounting
principle of $197 in 1996.
(2) Includes loss from discontinued operations of $813 in 1994.
(3) Includes gains from sale on discontinued operations of $468, $313,
$730, and $9,233 in 1997, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
(4) Includes loss on equity method investment of $1,500 in 1996.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The current year results reflect a consolidated sales increase of .1%
from fiscal year 1997. The increase in sales was the result of 1.4% increase in
US sales which consist of a 13.9% decrease in lodging sales, 8.9% increase in
transportation sales, 19.9% increase in other sales and an increase of 16.1% of
sales from Norway. Operations for fiscal year 1998 resulted in a loss for the
Company.
During fiscal year 1997, the Company announced its new marketing focus
on the banquet business, which consists of the lodging and transportation
markets. The lodging market consists of hotels, convention centers, casinos and
similar facilities. The transportation market consists of airlines, railroads,
cruise ships and other similar facilities.
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Although the Company's primary focus is to increase US domestic sales,
its intention under its new marketing focus is to serve customers
internationally. It may do so through its existing facilities, through
additional foreign operations or by purchasing products of the same quality from
suppliers worldwide.
Fiscal year 1996 was a year of strategy formulation and focus on cost
containment and productivity issues. The Company formulated a Sales and
Operations Planning team which was successful in reducing inventory levels by
$537,000 with no interruptions to customer shipment schedules.
During 1996, the Company determined that its investment of $1,500,000
in Stockwell's Home Meal Market(TM), (Stockwell's) was impaired. The fiscal year
1996 consolidated financial statements reflect the Company's share of losses of
$405,000 and the additional write-off of the investment $1,095,000 which are
included in loss on equity method investment. During portions of the year the
president and chief financial officer served on the Board of Directors of
Stockwell's.
SALE AND GROSS MARGINS
Historically, the Company's sales of high-quality frozen foods have
been to lodging, airlines and other food service providers who order through
their distributor networks. In fiscal year 1998 total lodging sales represented
39.1%, transportation 42.8% and other customers 18.1%, of which 10.9% relate to
international sales, of total net sales.
A comparison of net sales, gross margin percentages and losses from operations
as follows:
Year Ended
June,27 June 28, June 29,
1998 1997 1996
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Net Sales $ 14,007,000 $ 13,987,000 $ 16,078,000
Gross margin percentage 17% 14% 12%
Loss from operations $ (4,269,000) $ (2,366,000) $ (3,353,000)
The continued reorganization of our sales force and transition to a new
marketing focus led to some disruption of sales during fiscal year 1998. Fiscal
year 1998 sales of $14,007,000 remained flat in comparison to fiscal year 1997
sales of $13,987,000 and were down 13% from fiscal year 1996 sales of
$16,078,000. Lodging sales fell $778,000, or 14%, because of lower volume for
banquets and other special events. Transportation sales increased by $431,000,
or 9%. The new business development sales increased by $158,000, or 7%. In
fiscal year 1996 retail sales to Sam's Clubs were discontinued. Sales to this
customer in 1996 totaled $1,057,000, or 7% of the of the new business
development sales in 1996. International sales generated from the U.S.
operations increased by $11,000, or 13%. European and Asian sales of fish packed
by the Company's Norwegian plant totaled $1,429,000 during 1998, compared with
$1,231,000 a year-ago.
Gross margins as a percent of sales increased to 17.5% for fiscal 1998
compared to 14% in fiscal 1997 and 12% in fiscal 1996. The increase is
attributed to continuing cost reduction programs, manufacturing efficiencies,
strategic purchasing of raw materials at low prices and a reduction of product
costing of salmon sold to US Customers.
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SELLING AND ADMINISTRATION EXPENSES:
A comparison of selling and general administrative costs follows:
Year Ended
June 28, June 28, June 29,
1997 1997 1996
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Selling costs $4,377,000 $2,441,000 $2,077,000
General administrative costs 2,220,000 1,816,000 1,671,000
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$6,597,000 $4,257,000 $3,748,000
In fiscal year 1998, selling and administration costs increased as a
percentage of sales to 47% from 30%. This increase reflects the investment in
marketing programs and the expenses associated with expanding the sales staff
with experienced food service sales and marketing professionals.
In fiscal year 1997, selling and administrative costs increased as a
percentage of sales to 30% from 23%. This increase is primarily due to the
expansion of the sales and marketing organizations to carry out the new
strategic focus to be the banquet solution Company to our core customers.
In fiscal year 1996, selling and administrative costs decreased as a
percentage of net sales to 23% from 33%. This decrease is related to the
accounting change in 1996 under which distribution and the portion of general
administration costs related directly to the plant began to be treated as
product costs.
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION
The Company's change in accounting principle in fiscal year 1996
resulted in the recording of production equipment depreciation as product costs
instead of period costs. Actual fiscal year 1998 depreciation and amortization
costs recorded as product cost decreased by $290,000 over fiscal year 1997 to
$959,000 as a result of equipment and leasehold improvements nearing the end of
its useful life, netted against investments in capital assets for its
operations. Actual fiscal year 1997 depreciation and amortization costs recorded
as product cost increased by $55,000 over fiscal year 1996 to $1,249,000 as a
result of investments in capital assets for its operations. Actual depreciation
and amortization costs recorded as product cost increased by $141,000 over
fiscal year 1995 to $1,194,000 for fiscal year 1996, versus $1,053,000 for
fiscal year 1995 which is recorded as period costs. This increase is
attributable to the depreciation associated with the United States plant.
NONOPERATING INCOME AND EXPENSE
Investment income primarily consists of returns earned on funds
received from the sale of the Restaurant Division
Interest expense relates to the borrowings relating to the Company's
U.S. and Norwegian subsidiary, including the Norwegian capital lease. At June
27, 1998, the Company, had borrowings of approximately $3,024,000, bearing
interest at rates ranging from 5.9% to 8.5%. The majority of these borrowings of
$2,354,00 were through its Norwegian facility. It is anticipated that these
borrowings will remain outstanding during the upcoming fiscal year. The
Company's U.S. operations represent $670,000 of these borrowings of which
$645,000 is associated with term loan for the Land held for sale.
CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING
Effective June 25, 1995, the Company changed its overhead absorption
policy with regard to finished goods inventories. Prior to this change, the
Company had valued its inventories using partial absorption of certain plant
level indirect manufacturing overhead costs. Additional costs, such as material
handling, purchasing and receiving, plant administration and factory and
equipment depreciation, were expensed as period costs. These costs are now
12
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treated as product costs under the method adopted by the Company in order to
better match costs with related revenues and to better conform to prevailing
manufacturing industry practice. The cumulative benefit from the change amounted
to $197,000, which is shown net of tax expense of $110,000 on the consolidated
statements of operations for fiscal year 1996.
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
The gain from sale of discontinued operations for fiscal year 1997
relates to reversal of certain accruals related to the former Bakery and
Restaurant Divisions of $154,000 due to the settlement of certain leases
relating to the former restaurants and bakeries, of which $60,000 was recorded
in the fourth quarter of 1997, and income tax benefits applied of $314,000, of
which $110,000 was recorded in the fourth quarter of 1997. As of June 27, 1998,
accruals of approximately $72,000 relating to a remaining lease are accrued in
the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
The gain from sale of discontinued operations for fiscal year 1996
relates to the net effect of reversals of certain accruals related to the former
Restaurant Division of $22,000, and income tax benefits of $335,000.
IMPACT OF INFLATION AND THE ECONOMY
Inflation in labor and ingredient costs can significantly affect the
Company's operations. Many of the Company's employees are paid hourly rates
related to, but generally higher than the federal minimum rates.
The Company's sales pricing structure allows for the fluctuation of raw
material prices. As a result, market price variations do not significantly
affect the gross margin realized on product sales. Customer sensitivity to price
changes can influence the overall sales of individual products.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
In fiscal year 1998, the Company experienced an increase in its
liquidity due to the payment in full all notes receivables from FRC its majority
shareholder. The combined total of the cash and short-term investment balances
was $1,610,000 (of which $645,000 is restricted) and $1,451,000 at June 27, 1998
and June 28, 1997, respectively. Additionally, the Company held investments of
$10,600,000 and $10,217,000 at June 27, 1998 and June 28, 1997, respectively,
with maturities greater than one year.
In fiscal year 1997, the Company experienced a decline in its
liquidity. The combined total cash and short-term investment balances was
$1,451,000 and $9,520,000 at June 28, 1997 and June 29, 1996, respectively.
Additionally, the Company held investments of $10,217,000 and $5,598,000 at June
28, 1997 and June 29, 1996, respectively, with maturities greater than one year.
In fiscal year 1996, the Company also experienced a decline in its
liquidity over fiscal year 1995. The combined total of the cash and short-term
investment balances was $9,520,000 and $14,209,000 at June 29, 1996 and June 24,
1995, respectively. Additionally, the Company held investments of $5,598,000 and
$2,025,000 at June 29, 1996 and June 24, 1995, respectively, with maturities
greater than one year. In addition to the $500,000 common stock investment in
Stockwell's held at June 24, 1995, an additional investment of $1,000,000 was
made during fiscal year 1996. This total investment of $1,500,000 is considered
an equity method investment and was written off in fiscal year 1996 due to the
closure of Stockwell's two retail locations. The decrease in liquidity is also
related to the increased working capital requirements primarily for the Norway
plant.
Cash used by operations in fiscal year 1998 amounted to $3,040,000, as
compared to cash used in fiscal year 1997 of $1,308,000 and cash provided in
fiscal year 1996 of $1,095,000. The cash used in fiscal year 1998 relates to the
funds needed to finance the Company's operations, along with increases in trade
and income tax receivables and inventory. The cash used in fiscal year 1997
relates to the funds needed to finance the Company's operations, along with
increases in trade, income tax and notes receivables. The cash provided in
fiscal year 1996 relates to the strong emphasis on reduction of inventory and
improved cash collections in these areas.
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Cash in the amount of $3,564,000 was provided by investing activities
in fiscal year 1998. During fiscal year 1998 the Company received payment in
full of $4,399,000 of notes receivable and accrued interest from it majority
shareholder, FRC. Cash in the amount of $5,791,000 was used by investing
activities in fiscal year 1997. During 1997, the Company funded a loan to its
majority shareholder, FRC in the amount of $2,441,000. In addition to these
loans, three loans from FRC totaling $1,966,000 were outstanding as of June 29,
1997 and June 29, 1996, with maturity dates ranging from July 1, 1997 through
October 1, 1997. The three loans that were outstanding as of June 29, 1996 are
secured by assets of FRC. All of the notes due from FRC were paid in full during
fiscal year 1998.
During fiscal year 1998 the Company made investments in capital
expenditures of $716,000. The Company purchased a new fully integrated hardware
and software program for $345,000 that is year 2000 compliant for its U.S.
operations. The new computer system is designed to track and manage warehouse
distribution as well as provide on-line real time tracking of financial data,
sales analysis, production performance and accounting. The new system is
expected to be expanded to its Norwegian operations in fiscal year 1999. The
Company also purchased $371,000 of new production equipment for both its United
States and Norwegian operations. The Company had net purchases of investments
totaling $119,000 in fiscal year 1998. During fiscal year 1997, the Company made
investments in capital expenditures of $413,000. The Company had net purchases
of investments totaling $2,938,000 in fiscal year 1997. Cash in the amount of
$1,050,000 was provided by investing activities in fiscal year 1996,
representing the return of the deposit of $4,900,000 from the European bank.
This deposit was offset by cash used by investing activities for financing of
capital expenditures of $509,000, net purchases of other debt and equity
securities of $2,566,000, and an investment in Stockwell's of $1,000,000.
In fiscal year 1998, cash in the amount of $196,000 was used by
financing activities, which is attributable to the debt acquired by the
Norwegian facility in the amount of $115,000, offset by payments of $311,000. In
fiscal year 1997, cash in the amount of $590,000 was provided by financing
activities, which is attributable to the debt acquired by the Norwegian and U.S.
facilities in the amount of $713,000 and $31,000, respectively, offset by
payments of $154,000. In fiscal year 1996, cash in the amount of $597,000 was
used by financing activities, which included $585,000 to pay off the line of
credit established for Norway and $96,000 relating to other debt service, offset
by $84,000 generated through the exercise of stock options.
During the second quarter of fiscal year 1998, the Company purchased a
parcel of land using bank financing for approximately $700,000 plus applicable
fees. The purchase, initiated as part of an expansion plan, included financing
through an approved $8.2 million industrial revenue bond. During the fourth
quarter of fiscal year 1998, the Company re-negotiated the lease on the current
facility, received significant cost reductions, and decided to expand capacity
at the existing plant through capital investment and additional shifts. During
the fourth quarter of fiscal year 1998, the Company decided to sell the land and
expects a favorable result from the sale. The land is included in non-current
assets as Land held for sale in the accompanying balance consolidated balance
sheet.
The Company is also considering locating one or more plants for sous
vide products closer to the source of supply to maintain product quality, lower
shipping costs and as a method of entering new markets. The cost of such
facilities ranges from approximately $1,000,000 to $5,000,000, depending upon
the nature of the product and the production volume desired. Local governments
may provide subsidies and other assistance in connection with such facilities.
It is possible that the Company may use some of its cash resources to fund these
efforts and/or acquisitions. The Company is also pursuing a lease for a
production facility in Europe to support its strategic intent to be the leading
banquet solution Company in the world. The European plant which is built under
European quality standards, will give the Company immediate access to that
market.
Subsequent to June 27, 1998 the Company announced that it has signed an
agreement to establish a sales and manufacturing Company in Brasilia (Brazil),
as part of a joint venture with Sanoli Industria E Comerio De Alimentacao, Ltd
(Sanoli). The terms of the agreement include a 39% equity position in the new
Brazilian entity, Cuisine Solutions Brazil. In exchange for the equity position,
Cuisine Solutions will provide global management and food manufacturing
expertise, while Sanoli will provide the initial capital investment to support
the Company's food manufacturing plant and operations. Cuisine Solutions will
provide ongoing management advisory services under separate service contracts,
minimizing any potential risk to the Company's stockholders. The Company
believes the new venture will enhance its worldwide manufacturing capability and
provide a template for aggressive global expansion. This agreement is an example
of how the Company will plan to bring its manufacturing technology
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closer to the source of key raw material supplies and where there is high demand
for quality and safety in prepared foods. Sanoli has a solid strategy for market
penetration in South American countries, while leveraging the region's lower
manufacturing costs in order to export products to Europe. The Company believes
the combination of superior quality and pricing advantages of the Brazilian
manufacturing operation will give the Company a competitive advantage in Europe.
During fiscal year 1998 the Company completed its reorganization
designed to provide the systems and personnel the Company needs to support its
global expansion strategy. Cuisine Solutions International Management Services,
a new division dedicated to serving the Company's global partners, expects
revenues to exceed $1 million during the next twelve months. The revenue will be
generated by Cuisine Solutions providing floor plans of the manufacturing unit,
including the specifications for the equipment and the building, two years of
technical and operational services and training of personnel to manage the
manufacturing facility.
The Company's Norwegian subsidiary has secured a working capital
commitment for its liquidity needs in Norway in the form of an overdraft
facility. As of June 27, 1998 $652,000 was outstanding under this overdraft
facility. During fiscal year 1996, CSI Norway increased its overdraft facility
balance, and can borrow up to $800,000 under this commitment. The overdraft
facility is protected by a letter of credit posted by the U.S. operations
banking institution which is renewed annually.
The Company was returned its deposit of $4,900,000 and all accrued
interest with a European bank during fiscal year 1996. This deposit was
denominated in U.S. dollars and earned a rate of return in excess of the
prevailing short-term rates in the United States. This loan was pledged as
collateral to the bank so that the bank may loan funds to a French subsidiary of
Setucaf S.A., a French Company which is 21% owned by Food Research Corporation,
the majority stockholder of the Company. The return of this deposit was
transferred to the United States Investment account at the end of fiscal year
1996 and earns interest at the market prevailing rate of the securities for
which it is held.
FUTURE PROSPECTS
In fiscal year 1999, the Company intends to remain focused on the
objective of becoming the preferred global supplier to the Lodging and
Transportation Segments. The investment in sales, marketing and awareness
building during fiscal 1998 is expected to impact sales levels in the first
quarter of fiscal 1999. The Company will aggressively pursue sales growth in the
European markets that the Norwegian facility and products have been receiving
acclaimed attention through the exposure of supplying the World Cup.
The Brazilian Joint Venture, which requires no initial capital
investment by the Company, will provide additional growth during fiscal year
1999 through construction of the manufacturing facility and development of the
work force under the management guidance of the Company.
The investment and efforts made during fiscal 1998 are expected to
produce results long anticipated by the Company.
The Company has undertaken a comprehensive Year 2000 compliance
program. This program addresses the Company's products they sell as well as the
Customer Service and Technical support functions. The Company is aware of the
issues associated with the programming code in existing computer systems as the
millenium (year 2000) approaches. During fiscal year 1998 the Company made
investments in capital expenditures of $716,000. These expenditures represent
$360,000 of manufacturing equipment, and $345,000 of hardware and software
programs. The equipment, hardware and software purchased has been tested for
year 2000 compliance. The new hardware and software will be expanded to its
Norwegian operations in fiscal year 1999. The Company is currently utilizing
both internal and external resources to identify, correct or reprogram, and test
any other systems it has for the year 2000 compliance. It is anticipated that
all reprogramming efforts will be completed by June 1999, allowing adequate time
for testing. The Company is working to establish procedures to inventory all of
its automated computer based systems, develop a team to implement a plan for
year 2000 conversion, confirm with the manufacturers of equipment, computer and
software that its systems will function properly in the year 2000 and contact
vendors and customers to request an update of their Year 2000 preparations. As
the Company currently does not have a contingency plan, the team will help the
Company implement such plan to counteract any
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problems which may arise due the year 2000 conversion. The Company will keep its
customers, shareholders, vendors and employees fully informed of year 2000
initiatives throughout fiscal year 1999. The Company has already received
assurance from its banking institution of its initiatives in place for year 2000
compliance. Management does not expect the efforts underway in fiscal year 1999
to have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations.
The Company does not expect these efforts to exceed $100,000.
.
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income
("Statement 130"). Statement 130 establishes standards for the reporting and
display of comprehensive income and its components in the financial statements.
The Company is required to adopt the provisions of the statements, during fiscal
year 1999. The Company believes that the disclosure of comprehensive income in
accordance with the provisions of Statement 130 will impact the manner of
presentation of its financial statements as currently and previously reported
earnings include amounts from cumulative translation adjustments and unrealized
gains and losses on debt and equity instruments.
In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, Disclosure about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information ("Statement 131"). Statement 131 applies to
all public business enterprises and establishes standards for the reporting and
display of financial data of operating segments in the financial statements.
Statement 131 replaces the "industry segment" concept of Statement 14 with a
"management approach" concept as the basis for identifying reportable segments.
The Company is required to adopt the provisions of the statement during fiscal
year 1999. Adoption of this statement will require additional disclosure.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The principal market risks (i.e., the risk of loss arising from
adverse changes in market rates and prices) to which we are exposed are:
Interest rates,and
Foreign exchange rates.
Interest Rates:
The Company's exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates
relates primarily to the Company's investment and debt portfolio. The Company
has not used derivative financial instruments in its investment portfolio. The
Company places its investments with high quality issuers. A portion of the debt
portfolio has fluctuating interest rates which change with changes in the
market. Information about the Company's investment portfolio is set forth in
Footnote 1 of Item 14(a) of the Form 10-k.
Foreign Currency Risk
International operations constitute 10% of fiscal year 1998 Company
sales. The majority of the Company's sales are denominated in U.S. dollars,
thereby limiting the Company's risk to changes in foreign currency rates. The
Norwegian subsidiary's sales are denominated in Norwegian kroner. As currency
exchange rates change, translation of the income statements of the Norway
operations into U.S. dollars affects year-over-year comparability of operating
results. Sales which are subject to these foreign currency fluctuations are
approximately 10% of the Company's sales. The net assets of the subsidiary are
approximately 14% of the Company's net assets. The Company does not enter into
hedges to minimize volatility of reported earnings because it does not believe
it is justified by the exposure or the cost. Information about the Company's
foreign currency translation policy is set forth in Footnote 1 of Item 14(a)(1)
of this Form 10-K.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The information required by this Item 8 is included at Item 14(a)(1)
and (2).
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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The information required under this Item 10 is shown in the Proxy
Statement to be filed under Regulation 14A, under the caption "Election of
Directors", and such information is incorporated herein by reference.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following list and narrative sets forth the name and age of each
present executive officer of the Company, all positions held by the person with
the Company, the year in which the person first became an officer, and the
principal occupations of each person named since 1988.
NAME AGE OFFICE HELD WITH COMPANY SINCE
- ---- --- ------------------------ -----
Arthur J. Stouffs 54 Vice President, Culinary Sales. 1990
Stanislas Vilgrain 39 President and Chief Executive Officer 1994
Carl M. Youngman 56 Treasurer 1996
Leara L. Dory 37 Secretary and Vice President of Finance 1996
Michael McCloud 35 Vice President of Sales and Marketing 1997
Robert Murphy 35 Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 1998
Mr. Stouffs has served in the capacity of Vice President of Culinary
Sales since 1990, and was appointed an officer of the Company in 1994.
Previously Mr. Stouffs held various positions in the Company's former Bakery
Division including Director of Operations and Director of Sales - National
Accounts from 1980 through 1990. Effective April 1998 Mr. Stouffs position as
Vice President, Culinary Sales was terminated. Mr. Stouffs was employed with the
Company for over twenty years and received a three year guaranteed severance
package in the amount of $322,000. The amounts are included in accounts payable
and accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of the
end of fiscal year 1998.
Mr. Vilgrain was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer in
October 1993, having served as President and Chief Operating Officer since June
1991 and as a director since 1991. He served as President of the Vie de France
Culinary Division from July 1987 to June 1991. Previously, he was employed by
Vie de France Corporation as Director of Staff Operations from August 1986
through June 1987. He was Manager of the Vie de France Corporation's San
Francisco bakery from January 1986 through August 1986, after having served as
Assistant Manager of the Denver bakery from July 1984 through December 1985.
Prior to joining Vie de France Corporation, he was Assistant to the Director of
Research & Development for the Bakery Division of Grands Moulins de Paris from
June 1983 to July 1984, and was Regional Manager of Operations and Sales from
July 1982 through May 1983 for O.F.U.P., a publication distributor in Paris,
France.
Mr. Youngman was appointed Acting Chief Financial Officer in February
1996 and Treasurer in October 1996. Mr. Youngman has over twenty five years of
experience in executive-level positions. During this period he has been an
executive in over twenty companies and an advisor to over fifty other companies.
From 1993 to the present, Mr. Youngman has been senior partner of Youngman and
Charm, a professional firm which specializes in corporate renewal and corporate
finance. Mr. Youngman hold a BS degree in Electrical Engineering from Worcester
Polytechnic Institute and a Master's Degree from Harvard Business School. He is
a member of the
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Audit, Stock Option and Compensation Committees. Mr. Youngman was replaced by
Mr. Murphy as Chief Financial Officer in November 1997.
Mrs. Dory was appointed to the position of Controller and Secretary in
February 1996. Subsequent to the end of fiscal year 1997, Mrs. Dory was promoted
to the position of Vice President of Finance. Mrs. Dory also remains the
Secretary for the Company. She came to the Company in November 1995 as the
Controller. Prior to joining the Company, Mrs. Dory was a Controller/Director of
Finance for Thomas Enterprises and Assistant Controller for Telecommunications
Technique Corporation from 1989 through 1995. Mrs. Dory has over 13 years of
experience in the manufacturing industry. Mrs. Dory is a Certified Public
Accountant and holds a BS degree in Accounting.
Mr. McCloud was appointed to the position of Vice President of Sales
and Marketing in March 1997. He came to the Company in October 1996. Prior to
joining the Company, Mr. McCloud was Vice President of Sales for Edwards Baking
Company since July 1994. He previously served as Edwards' Vice President of
Marketing, and as that Company's Director of Marketing. Before joining Edwards,
Mr. McCloud was Director of Marketing for Borden, Inc.'s snacks and
international consumer products division. He has also held sales and marketing
positions with units of Coca-Cola, USA and Proctor & Gamble. Mr. McCloud holds a
BS degree in Management.
Mr. Murphy joined the Company in November 1997 and was appointed Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr Murphy has 19 years of food
experience, 14 of which are in the manufacturing sector. Prior to joining the
Company, Mr. Murphy was the Senior Director of Acquisitions and Integration for
Edwards Baking Company. He also held the positions of Operations Controller and
Manager of Financial Systems and Development. Prior to Edwards, Mr. Murphy was a
Controller with Bunge Foods working in the Bakery and Dairy Industrial
Ingredient Divisions. Mr. Murphy started his finance career with a multi-unit
Burger King Franchisee and also spent five years in food retail operation with
the Grand Union Company. Mr Murphy has a BS degree in Accounting.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required under this Item 11 is shown in the Proxy
Statement to be filed under Regulation 14A, under the caption "Executive
Compensation", and such information, except for the information required by Item
402(k) and Item 402(l) of Regulation S-K, is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The information required under this Item 12 is shown in the Proxy
Statement to be filed under Regulation 14A, under the caption "Voting Securities
and Principal Holders Thereof", and such information is incorporated herein by
reference.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The information required under this Item 13 is shown in the Proxy
Statement to be filed under Regulation 14A, under the caption "Certain
Transactions", and such information is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 10-K
(a) Index to Financial Statements
Page
----
(1) Financial Statements:
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Report of Independent Accountants.........................................................................
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP................................................................................ F-1
Consolidated Balance Sheets - June 27, 1998 and June 28, 1997............................................. F-2
Consolidated Statements of Operations - Fiscal Years Ended
June 27, 1998, June 28, 1997, and June 29, 1996...................................................... F-3
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity - Fiscal
Years Ended June 27, 1998, June 28, 1997, and June 29, 1996.......................................... F-4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Fiscal Years Ended
June 27, 1998, June 28, 1997 and June 29, 1996....................................................... F-5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - June 27, 1998................................................ F-6
(2) Financial Statement Schedule:.............................................................................
Schedule II--Valuation and Qualifying Accounts............................................................ F-7
All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the
required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.
(3) Exhibits:
The following exhibits are incorporated in this report by
reference from identically numbered exhibits to the Company's
Amendment to its Annual Report for the year ended June 27,
1992 on Form 8 dated February 26, 1993:
Exhibit
No. Description of Exhibit
--- ----------------------
3-A The Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended to date.
3-B The By-Laws of the Company, as amended to date.
The following exhibits are incorporated in this report by
reference from an identically numbered exhibit to the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June
29, 1991:
10.46 The Company's Proxy Statement for a Special Meeting of Stockholders, dated June 7,
1991, together with a conformed copy of the Asset Purchase Agreement between
Cuisine Solutions, Inc.and Vie de France Bakery Yamazaki, Inc. dated May 7, 1991.
The following exhibits are incorporated in this report by
reference from the Company's two Registration Statements on
Form S-8, dated April 5, 1993:
10.52 The Company's 1986 Stock Option Plan, as amended.
10.53 The Company's 1992 Stock Option Plan.
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10.54 The Company's Proxy Statement for a Special Meeting of Stockholders, dated April
28, 1994, together with a conformed copy of the Asset Purchase Agreement
between Cuisine Solutions, Inc. and Vie de France Bakery Yamazaki, Inc. dated
March 4, 1994.
10.55 Lease dated March 30, 1989 and as amended, between the Company and Duke-Shirley
Industrial Development, LP, with respect to the lease of property at 4106 Wheeler
Avenue, Alexandria VA.
10.56 Management contract between the Company and Food Investors Corporation dated
July 31, 1995, with respect to payment in reimbursement of expenses and other costs
incurred by Food Investors Corporation on the behalf of the Company.
The following exhibits are filed as exhibits to this report in the
indicated sections.
10.57 Officer Loan document, between Company and officer dated February 6, 1998 in
the amount of $420,000, along with the deed to secure debt.
23.1 Consent of Independent Accountants.
27 Financial Data Schedule
(b) Reports on Form 8-K:
None
(c) Exhibits:
Exhibits required to be filed in response to this paragraph of
Item 14 are listed above in subparagraph (a)(3).
(d) Financial Statement Schedule:
Schedules and reports thereon by independent accountants
required to be filed in response to this paragraph of Item 14
are listed in Item 14(a)(2).
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
CUISINE SOLUTIONS, INC.
(Registrant)
By: /s/ Stanislas Vilgrain
----------------------
Stanislas Vilgrain
President
and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature Title Date
- ----------------------------------- ------------------------------------ -------------------------
/s/ Jean-Louis Vilgrain Chairman of the Board September 25, 1998
- ----------------------------------- -------------------------
Jean-Louis Vilgrain
/s/ Stanislas Vilgrain President, September 25, 1998
- ----------------------------------- Chief Executive Officer -------------------------
Stanislas Vilgrain
/s/ Carl Youngman Director September 25, 1998
- ----------------------------------- Treasurer -------------------------
Carl M. Youngman
/s/ Bruno Goussault Director September 25, 1998
- ----------------------------------- -------------------------
Bruno Goussault
/s/ Alexandre Vilgrain Director September 25, 1998
- ----------------------------------- -------------------------
Alexandre Vilgrain
/s/ Charles McGettigan Director September 25, 1998
- ----------------------------------- -------------------------
George Nadaff
/s/ James Hackney Director September 25, 1998
- ----------------------------------- -------------------------
James Hackney
/s/ Michael McCloud Executive Vice President September 25, 1998
- ----------------------------------- -------------------------
Michael McCloud
/s/ Robert Murphy Vice President & September 25, 1998
- ----------------------------------- Chief Financial Officer -------------------------
Robert Murphy (Principal Financial and Accounting Official)
/s/ Leara Dory Vice President of Finance & Secretary September 25, 1998
- ----------------------------------- -------------------------
Leara Dory
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Independent Auditors' Report
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
CUISINE SOLUTIONS, INC.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Cuisine
Solutions, Inc. and subsidiaries as of June 27, 1998 and June 28, 1997, and the
related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders' equity
and cash flows for each of the three years then ended. In connection with our
audits of the consolidated financial statements we also have audited the
financial statement schedule for the three years ended June 27, 1998, as listed
in the accompanying index. These consolidated financial statements and financial
statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial
statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. 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 consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Cuisine
Solutions, Inc., and subsidiaries as of June 27, 1998 and June 28, 1997, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years
then ended, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Also,
in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule for the three years
ended June 27, 1998, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated
financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material
respects, the information set forth therein.
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements,
effective June 25, 1995, the Company changed its accounting method for certain
inventory costs.
KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP
Washington, D.C.
September 4, 1998
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CUISINE SOLUTIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
-----------------------------------------------------
June 27, June 28,
1998 1997
----------------------- ------------------------
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents (including restricted cash
of $0 and $143,000, respectively) $ 681,000 $ 353,000
Investments, current (including restricted investments of $645,000
and $0, respectively) 929,000 1,098,000
Accounts receivable, trade 2,986,000 2,357,000
Inventory 2,385,000 1,999,000
Prepaid expenses 560,000 330,000
Current portion of notes receivable, related party 41,000 603,000
Income tax receivable 1,062,000 753,000
Other current assets 365,000 374,000
----------------------- ------------------------
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 9,009,000 7,867,000
Investments, noncurrent 10,600,000 10,217,000
Land held for sale 730,000 -
Fixed assets, net 3,534,000 4,269,000
Note receivable, officer and related party, including accrued interest,
less current portion 462,000 56,000
Other assets 624,000 303,000
======================= ========================
TOTAL ASSETS $ 24,959,000 $ 22,712,000
======================= ========================
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt $ 1,399,000 $ 807,000
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 1,549,000 1,195,000
Accrued payroll and related liabilities 788,000 631,000
Accrued store closings 72,000 72,000
Other accrued taxes 23,000 114,000
----------------------- ------------------------
Total current liabilities 3,831,000 2,819,000
Long-term debt, less current portion 1,625,000 1,768,000
----------------------- ------------------------
Total liabilities 5,456,000 4,587,000
----------------------- ------------------------
Stockholders' equity
Common stock - $.01 par value, 20,000,000 shares
authorized, 14,078,620 shares issued and
13,822,543 shares outstanding 141,000 141,000
Class B Stock - $.01 par value, 175,000 shares authorized,
none issued - -
Additional paid-in capital 21,352,000 21,352,000
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) (674,000) 2,323,000
Unrealized gains on debt and equity investments 106,000 11,000
Cumulative translation adjustment 18,000 13,000
Note receivable from majority shareholder, including
accrued interest - (4,275,000)
Treasury stock, at cost (256,077 shares) (1,440,000) (1,440,000)
----------------------- ------------------------
Total stockholders' equity 19,503,000 18,125,000
----------------------- ------------------------
Commitments and contingencies
======================= ========================
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 24,959,000 $ 22,712,000
======================= ========================
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
24
Cuisine Solutions, Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Year Ended
------------------------------------------------------
June 27, June 28, June 29,
1998 1997 1996
----------- ----------- -----------
NET SALES $14,007,000 $13,987,000 $16,078,000
COST OF GOODS SOLD 11,558,000 12,015,000 14,084,000
----------- ----------- -----------
GROSS MARGIN 2,449,000 1,972,000 1,994,000
SELLING AND ADMINISTRATION 6,597,000 4,257,000 3,748,000
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION 136,000 110,000 107,000
OTHER OPERATING INCOME (15,000) (29,000) (8,000)
LOSS ON EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENT - - 1,500,000
----------- ----------- -----------
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS (4,269,000) (2,366,000) (3,353,000)
----------- ----------- -----------
NONOPERATING INCOME (EXPENSE)
INVESTMENT INCOME 955,000 1,093,000 1,234,000
INTEREST EXPENSE (110,000) (105,000) (229,000)
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) (7,000) 5,000 14,000
----------- ----------- -----------
TOTAL NONOPERATING INCOME 838,000 993,000 1,019,000
----------- ----------- -----------
LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME
TAXES, DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, AND CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF
CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE (3,431,000) (1,373,000) (2,334,000)
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAX BENEFIT 310,000 439,000 110,000
----------- ----------- -----------
LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
AND CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE,
NET OF TAXES (3,121,000) (934,000) (2,224,000)
GAIN FROM SALE OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF TAXES - 468,000 313,000
CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE, NET OF TAXES - - 197,000
----------- ----------- -----------
NET LOSS $(3,121,000) $ (466,000) $(1,714,000)
=========== =========== ===========
BASIC AND DILUTED NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE:
CONTINUING OPERATIONS,BEFORE DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
AND CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING
PRINCIPLE, NET OF TAXES $ (0.23) $ (0.07) $ (0.16)
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS - 0.03 0.02
CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE - - 0.01
----------- ----------- -----------
NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE $ (0.23) $ (0.04) $ (0.13)
=========== =========== ===========
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING 13,822,543 13,822,543 13,797,492
=========== =========== ===========
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-4
25
CUISINE SOLUTIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Retained Unrealized Gains
Additional Earnings Cumulative (Losses) on Debt
Common Paid-In (Accumulated Translation and Equity
Stock Capital Deficit) Adjustment Investments
------------ ----------- ------------ ------------ ------------
BALANCE, JUNE 24, 1995 140,000 21,269,000 4,503,000 9,000 -
STOCK OPTIONS EXERCISED 1,000 83,000 - - -
1996 NET LOSS - - (1,714,000) - -
UNREALIZED LOSSES ON DEBT AND
EQUITY INVESTMENTS - - - - (110,000)
TRANSLATION ADJUSTMENT - - - 41,000 -
------------ ----------- ------------ ------------ ------------
BALANCE, JUNE 29,1996 141,000 21,352,000 2,789,000 50,000 (110,000)
1997 NET LOSS - - (466,000) - -
UNREALIZED GAINS ON DEBT AND
EQUITY INVESTMENTS - - - - 121,000
TRANSLATION ADJUSTMENT - - - (37,000) -
LOAN TO MAJORITY SHAREHOLDER,
INCLUDING ACCRUED INTERESTS - - - - -
------------ ----------- ------------ ------------ ------------
BALANCE, JUNE 28,1997 $ 141,000 $ 21,352,000 $ 2,323,000 $ 13,000 $ 11,000
1998 NET LOSS - - (3,121,000) - -
UNREALIZED GAINS ON DEBT AND
EQUITY INVESTMENTS - - - - 95,000
TRANSLATION ADJUSTMENT - - - 5,000 -
REPAYMENT OF LOAN TO MAJORITY
SHAREHOLDER INCLUDING
ACCRUED INTERESTS, NET - - 124,000 - -
------------ ----------- ------------ ------------ ------------
BALANCE, JUNE 27,1998 $ 141,000 $ 21,352,000 $ (674,000) $ 18,000 $ 106,000
============ ============ ============ ============ ============
Note Receivable
From Majority
Shareholder, Total
Treasury Including Stockholders'
Stock Accrued Interest Equity
------------ ---------------- ------------
BALANCE, JUNE 24, 1995 (1,440,000) - 24,481,000
STOCK OPTIONS EXERCISED - - 84,000
1996 NET LOSS - - (1,714,000)
UNREALIZED LOSSES ON DEBT AND
EQUITY INVESTMENTS - - (110,000)
TRANSLATION ADJUSTMENT - - 41,000
------------ ---------------- ------------
BALANCE, JUNE 29,1996 (1,440,000) - 22,782,000
1997 NET LOSS - - (466,000)
UNREALIZED GAINS ON DEBT AND
EQUITY INVESTMENTS - - 121,000
TRANSLATION ADJUSTMENT - - (37,000)
LOAN TO MAJORITY SHAREHOLDER,
INCLUDING ACCRUED INTERESTS - (4,275,000) (4,275,000)
------------ ---------------- ------------
BALANCE, JUNE 28,1997 $ (1,440,000) $ (4,275,000) $ 18,125,000
1998 NET LOSS - - (3,121,000)
UNREALIZED GAINS ON DEBT AND
EQUITY INVESTMENTS - - 95,000
TRANSLATION ADJUSTMENT - - 5,000
REPAYMENT OF LOAN TO MAJORITY
SHAREHOLDER INCLUDING
ACCRUED INTERESTS, NET - 4,275,000 4,399,000
------------ ---------------- ------------
BALANCE, JUNE 27,1998 $ (1,440,000) $ - $ 19,503,000
============ ================ ============
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-5
26
CUISINE SOLUTIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended
----------------------------------------------
June 27, June 28, June 29,
1998 1997 1996
----------- ------------ ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss $(3,121,000) $ (466,000) $ (1,714,000)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to
net cash (used) provided by operating activities
Gain from sale of discontinued operations - (161,000) (176,000)
Loss on equity method investment - - 1,500,000
Depreciation and amortization 1,058,000 1,249,000 1,194,000
Gain on disposal of fixed assets - 10,000 -
Change in cumulative translation adjustment 5,000 (37,000) 41,000
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net - - (197,000)
Income tax benefit (310,000) - (110,000)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of
effects of discontinued operations and non-cash transactions:
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable trade, net (629,000) (981,000) 160,000
(Increase) decrease in inventory (386,000) 91,000 537,000
Increase in prepaid expenses (230,000) (193,000) (18,000)
Decrease (increase) in notes receivable, related party 156,000 (305,000) (120,000)
Decrease (increase) in income tax receivable 1,000 (753,000) -
(Increase) decrease in other assets (4,000) (41,000) 317,000
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable
and accrued expenses 354,000 273,000 (366,000)
Increase in accrued payroll and related liabilities 157,000 87,000 59,000
Decrease in accrued store closing costs - (64,000) (12,000)
Decrease in other accrued taxes (91,000) (17,000) -
----------- ------------ ------------
Net cash (used) provided by operating activities (3,040,000) (1,308,000) 1,095,000
----------- ------------ ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Sale of investments 9,305,000 10,660,000 13,600,000
Purchase of investments (9,424,000) (13,598,000) (11,044,000)
Investments in common stock - - (1,000,000)
Notes receivable (issued) paid by majority shareholder 4,399,000 (2,441,000) -
Proceeds on disposal of fixed assets - 1,000 3,000
Capital expenditures (716,000) (413,000) (509,000)
----------- ------------ ------------
Net cash (used) provided by investing activities 3,564,000 (5,791,000) 1,050,000
----------- ------------ ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Additions to debt 115,000 744,000 -
Reductions of debt (311,000) (154,000) (681,000)
Proceeds from issuance of stock - - 84,000
----------- ------------ ------------
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities (196,000) 590,000 (597,000)
----------- ------------ ------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 328,000 (6,509,000) 1,548,000
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 353,000 6,862,000 5,314,000
----------- ------------ ------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD $ 681,000 $ 353,000 $ 6,862,000
=========== ============ ============
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest $ 123,000 $ 131,000 $ 241,000
Income taxes, net $ - $ - $ -
=========== ============ ============
Non-cash activities:
Land purchased under short term note $ 645,000 $ - $ -
Unrealized income (losses) on debt and equity investments $ 95,000 $ 121,000 $ (110,000)
=========== ============ ============
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
F-6
27
CUISINE SOLUTIONS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
NATURE OF OPERATIONS
The Company develops, produces and markets chef-created fully cooked,
fully prepared entrees and sauces for the banquet, transportation, restaurant
and home meal replacement industries.
During the third quarter of fiscal year 1997, the Company announced its
new marketing focus on the banquet business, which consists of the lodging and
transportation markets. The lodging market comprises of hotels, convention
centers, casinos and similar facilities. The transportation market comprises of
airlines, railroads, cruise ships and other similar facilities. Other focuses of
the Company are international sales and retail customers, including sales to
restaurants, military installations and home meal replacement.
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
The financial statements include the consolidated accounts of Cuisine
Solutions, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively "the Company"). All
significant interCompany transactions have been eliminated in the financial
statements.
FISCAL YEAR
The Company utilizes a 52/53 week fiscal year which ends on the last
Saturday in June. Fiscal years 1998 and 1997 contain 52 weeks and 1996 contained
53 weeks.
ACCOUNTING CHANGE
Effective June 25, 1995 (fiscal year 1996), the Company changed its
overhead absorption policy with regard to finished goods inventories. Prior to
this change, the Company had valued its inventories using partial absorption of
certain plant-level indirect manufacturing overhead costs. Additional costs,
such as material handling, purchasing and receiving, plant administration and
factory and equipment depreciation, were expensed as period costs. These costs
are now treated as product costs under the method adopted by the Company in
order to better match costs with related revenues and to better conform to
prevailing manufacturing industry practice. Under this method approximately
$1,087,000 of depreciation and amortization costs and $1,848,000 of general
administrative expenses were reclassified as product costs during 1996.
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.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
The Company recognizes revenue at the time products are shipped to its
customers, with the exception of some of its United States airline distributors.
For U.S. airline distributors that purchase salmon products directly from the
Company's Norway facility, the Company recognizes revenue when the customer
receives the products.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
23
28
Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with original
maturities of three months or less.
INVESTMENTS
Investment securities consist of U.S. Treasury, mortgage-backed
instruments, corporate debt and equity securities. The Company has classified
its investments as "available-for-sale." Securities classified as available for
sale include securities which could be sold in response to changes in interest
rates or for general liquidity needs. Such securities are carried at estimated
fair value with unrealized gains or losses recorded as a separate component of
equity.
Investments in affiliates in which the Company has an ownership
position providing it with significant influence over the investee, are
accounted for by the equity method. Equity method investments are recorded at
original cost and are adjusted to recognize the Company's proportionate share of
the investees' income or losses after date of investment, and additional
contributions made.
INVENTORY
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost, determined by the
first-in, first-out method, or market. Included in inventory costs are raw
materials, labor and manufacturing overhead.
Inventory consisted of:
JUNE 27, JUNE 28,
1998 1997
-------------------------- ---------------------------
Raw material $ 637,000 $ 413,000
Frozen product & other finished goods 1,742,000 1,438,000
Packaging 267,000 246,000
-------------------------- ---------------------------
2,646,000 2,097,000
Less obsolescence reserve (261,000) (98,000)
-------------------------- ---------------------------
$ 2,385,000 $ 1,999,000
========================== ===========================
FIXED ASSETS
Machinery, equipment, furniture and fixtures are depreciated using the
straight-line method over estimated useful lives which range from two to eight
years. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over
the shorter of terms of the leases which range from four to twenty years, or the
estimated useful life of the improvement.
Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense, and
significant improvements are capitalized. For continuing operations, maintenance
and repairs charged to expense approximated $217,000 in 1998, $352,000 in 1997
and $381,000 in 1996.
The components of fixed assets were as follows:
JUNE 27, JUNE 28,
1998 1997
-------------------------- ---------------------
Machinery & equipment $ 6,319,000 $5,938,000
Furniture & fixtures 170,000 166,000
Leasehold improvements 2,215,000 2,213,000
24
29
Building under capital lease 1,518,000 1,583,000
Construction in progress 30,000 63,000
------------- -------------
10,252,000 9,963,000
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (6,718,000) (5,694,000)
------------- -------------
$ 3,534,000 $ 4,269,000
============= =============
INCOME AND OTHER TAXES
The Company computes income taxes using the asset and liability method
whereby 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. 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. The effect on deferred tax
assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the
period that includes the enactment date.
IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS AND LONG-LIVED ASSETS TO BE DISPOSED OF
The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 121, Accounting for the
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of
("Statement 121"), on June 30, 1996 (fiscal year 1997). Statement 121 requires
that long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles be reviewed for
impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to
be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset
to future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets
are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by
the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceed the fair value of
the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying
amount or fair value less costs to sell. Adoption of this Statement did not have
a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations, or
liquidity.
ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
Prior to June 30, 1996, the Company accounted for is stock option plan
in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25
("APB Opinion 25"), Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related
interpretations. As such, compensation expense would be recorded on the date of
grant only if the current market price of the underlying stock exceeded the
exercise price. On June 30, 1996 the Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation
("Statement 123"), which permits entities to recognize as expense over the
vesting period the fair value of all stock-based awards on the date of grant.
Alternatively, Statement 123 also allows entities to continue to apply the
provisions of APB Opinion 25 and provide pro forma net income and pro forma
earnings per share disclosures for employee stock option grants made in 1996 and
future years as if the fair-value based method defined in Statement 123 had been
applied. The Company has elected to continue to apply the provisions of APB
Opinion 25 and provide the pro forma disclosure of the provisions of Statement
123 (see note 7). In addition, in accordance with Statement 123, the Company
applies fair value as the measurement basis for transactions in which equity
instruments are issued to non-employees.
EARNINGS PER SHARE
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, Earnings Per Share
("Statement 128") became effective for the year ended June 27, 1998, and
required restatement of previously reported earnings per share data. Statement
128 provides for the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share.
Basic earnings (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net
earnings (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding
during the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per common share also includes common
equivalent shares outstanding during the period. The Company's common equivalent
shares consist of stock options.
25
30
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION
The statements of operations of the Company's Norwegian subsidiary (the
"Subsidiary") have been translated to U.S. dollars using the average currency
exchange rates in effect during the year. The Subsidiary's balance sheet has
been translated using the currency exchange rate as of the end of the fiscal
year. The impact of currency exchange rate changes on the translation of the
Subsidiary's balance sheet is charged directly to stockholders' equity.
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income
("Statement 130"). Statement 130 establishes standards for the reporting and
display of comprehensive income and its components in the financial statements.
The Company is required to adopt the provisions of the statements during fiscal
year 1999. The Company believes that the disclosure of comprehensive income in
accordance with the provisions of Statement 130 will impact the manner of
presentation of its financial statements, as currently and previously reported
earnings include amounts from cumulative translation adjustments and unrealized
gains and losses on debt and equity instruments.
In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, Disclosure about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information ("Statement 131"). Statement 131 applies to
all public business enterprises and establishes standards for the reporting and
display of financial data of operating segments in the financial statements.
Statement 131 replaces the "industry segment" concept of Statement 14 with a
"management approach" concept as the basis for identifying reportable segments.
The Company is required to adopt the provisions of the statement during fiscal
year 1999. The Company has not yet determined the effect of adoption of this
statement.
NOTE 2 - INVESTMENTS
The Company's investments are classified as available-for-sale. These
securities are carried at estimated fair value and unrealized gains and losses
are reported as a separate component of stockholders' equity.
The following is a summary of the Company's investments at June 27,
1998:
ESTIMATED
UNREALIZED FAIR
COST GAINS LOSSES VALUE
---- ----- ------ -----
U.S. Government and agencies
Current $ 500,000 $ - $ - $ 500,000
Non-current 7,020,000 86,000 - 7,106,000
Corporate debt
Current 448,000 - (19,000) 429,000
Non-current 3,455,000 39,000 - 3,494,000
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total investments $ 11,423,000 $ 125,000 $ (19,000) $ 11,529,000
===========================================================================
26
31
The following is a summary of the Company's investments at June 28,
1997:
ESTIMATED
UNREALIZED FAIR
COST GAINS LOSSES VALUE
---- ----- ------ -----
U.S. Government and agencies
Current $ 978,000 $ 14,000 $ - $ 992,000
Non-current 6,993,000 20,000 - 7,013,000
Corporate debt
Current 109,000 - (3,000) 106,000
Non-current 3,224,000 - (20,000) 3,204,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total investments $ 11,304,000 $ 34,000 $ (23,000) $ 11,315,000
============================================================================
During fiscal year 1998, 1997 and 1996 the Company realized gross gains
on sale of investments of $286,000, $4,000 and $1,000, respectively. In
addition, the Company realized gross losses on sale of investments of $260,000,
$74,000 and $35,000 during fiscal year 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
Through June 29, 1996, the Company had made investments totaling
$1,500,000 in Stockwell's Home Meal Market(TM) (Stockwell's), a start-up entity
devoted to the development of a chain of frozen food retail outlets. During
1996, Stockwell's incurred substantial losses and decided to close its two
stores in July and August, 1996, respectively. The Company determined that is
was not likely that the investment would be recovered, therefore the remaining
investment balance was written off during the fourth quarter of 1996. The fiscal
year 1996 financial statements reflect the Company's share of losses of $405,000
and the additional write-off of the investment of $1,095,000, which are included
in loss on equity method investment in the accompanying consolidated statements
of operations. During portions of 1996, the chief financial officer and
president of the Company also served on the board of directors' of Stockwell's.
NOTE 3 - INCOME TAXES
The composition of the provision for income tax benefit attributable to
continuing operations was:
June 27, June 28, June 29,
Current: 1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
Federal $ (310,000) $ (439,000) $
State - - -
--------------------------------------------------------
(310,000) (439,000) -
--------------------------------------------------------
Deferred:
Federal - - (110,000)
State - - -
--------------------------------------------------------
- - (110,000)
--------------------------------------------------------
Total current provision for income tax benefit,
continuing operations $ (310,000) $ (439,000) $ (110,000)
========================================================
27
32
The benefit for income taxes for fiscal years 1998, 1997 and 1996 has
been presented in the consolidated statements of income as continuing
operations, discontinued operations and cumulative effect of change in
accounting principle as follows:
June 27, June 28, June 29,
Tax provision allocated to: 1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
Continuing operations $ (310,000) $ (439,000) $ (110,000)
Discontinued operations - (314,000) (335,000)
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle - - 110,000
--------------------------------------------------------
Total provision for income tax (benefit) expense $ (310,000) $ (753,000) $ (335,000)
========================================================
The differences between amounts computed by applying the statutory
federal income tax rates to income from continuing operations and the total
income tax benefit applicable to continuing operations were as follows:
YEAR ENDED
-----------------------------------------------------------------
JUNE 27, JUNE 28, JUNE 29,
1998 1997 1996
---------------- --------------------- ----------------------
Federal tax benefit at statutory rates $(1,167,000) $(467,000) $(793,000)
Loss from foreign operations 55,000 84,000 231,000
Period effect of change in valuation allowance 985,000 (8,000) 497,000
State income taxes, net (196,000) (54,000) (12,000)
Other, net 13,000 6,000 (33,000)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total $(310,000) $(439,000) $(110,000)
================ ===================== ======================
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary
differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial
reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The deferred
tax assets at June 27, 1998 and June 28, 1997 are fully offset by a valuation
allowance of approximately $2,404,000 and $1,370,000, respectively, since
management has determined that the Company is not "more likely than not" able to
realize the net asset.
The significant components of deferred tax assets are as follows:
JUNE 27, JUNE 28,
Deferred tax assets: 1998 1997
---- ----
Net foreign operating loss carryforwards $ 614,000 $ 609,000
Net operating loss carryforwards 872,000 -
Alternative miminum tax credit carryforwards - 357,000
Accrued lossed on discontinued operations 29,000 29,000
Inventory adjustment 151,000 186,000
Other 735,000 242,000
------------------------------------
Total deferred tax assets 2,401,000 1,423,000
Less valuation allowance (2,355,000) (1,370,000)
Net deferred tax assets 46,000 53,000
------------------------------------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment 38,000 53,000
Inventory 8,000
------------------------------------
Net deferred tax liabilities 46,000 53,000
------------------------------------
Net deferred income tax $ - $ -
------------------------------------
28
33
The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets as of June 29, 1996 was
$1,378,000. The net changes in total valuation allowance for the years ended
June 27, 1998 and June 28, 1997 were an increase of $985,000 and a decrease of
$8,000, respectively.
The net foreign operating loss carryforward can only be used to offset
taxable income in the country where the carryforward was generated. These
operating loss carryforwards expire in varying amounts through 2008.
At June 27, 1998 the Company has net operating loss carryforwards for
federal and state income tax purposes of $2,180,000 which are available to
offset future federal and state taxable income, if any, through 2013.
Subsequent to June 27, 1998 the Company received federal income tax
refunds relating to carryback of losses from fiscal years 1997, 1996 and 1995 to
fiscal year 1994 in the amount of $1,050,000. Such amount is reflected as income
tax receivable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at June 27, 1998.
NOTE 4 - DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
The gain from sale of discontinued operations for fiscal year 1997
relates to reversal of certain accruals related to the former Bakery and
Restaurant Divisions of $154,000 due to the settlement of certain leases
relating to the former restaurants and bakeries, of which $60,000 was recorded
in the fourth quarter of 1997, and income tax benefits applied of $314,000, of
which $110,000 was recorded in the fourth quarter of 1997. This amount was
received by the Company subsequent to June 27,1998. As of June 27, 1998,
accruals of approximately $72,000 are included in the accompanying consolidated
balance sheet.
The gain from sale of discontinued operations for fiscal year 1996
relates to the net effect of reversals of certain accruals related to the former
Restaurant Division of $22,000, and income tax benefits of $335,000.
29
34
NOTE 5 - DEBT
Debt, at June 27, 1998 and June 28, 1997 was as follows:
1998 1997
PRINCIPAL PRINCIPAL
LENDER DESCRIPTION MATURITY OUTSTANDING OUTSTANDING
- ------ ----------- -------- ----------- -----------
Den norske bank Overdraft Facility Six months, renewable $ 652,000 $ 634,000
Den norske bank Term Loan August 30, 2000 146,000 190,000
SND Term Loan February 1, 2006 225,000 271,000
Nationsbank Term Loan June 2, 2002 25,000 31,000
Nationsbank Term Loan March 31, 1999 645,000 -
Hjelmeland Kommune Capital Lease June 1, 2014 1,331,000 1,449,000
------------------- --------------------
Total $ 3,024,000 $ 2,575,000
Less current portion 1,399,000 807,000
------------------- --------------------
Non-current portion $ 1,625,000 $ 1,768,000
=================== ====================
The Company believes that the carrying values of the amounts
outstanding under the above debt instruments approximate fair value.
Borrowings under the Den norske Bank ("DnB") Overdraft Facility are
limited to a percentage of Cuisine Solutions Norway AS ("CSI Norway"),
inventories and receivables, up to a maximum of $1,000,000 with a floating
interest rate equal to the prevailing Norwegian overnight funds rate plus two
percentage points. The Den norske Bank Overdraft Facility interest rate at June
27, 1998 and June 28, 1997 was 6.9 % and 5.90%, respectively. Borrowings of
$148,000 was available at June 27, 1998.
During fiscal year 1995, CSI Norway was not in compliance with certain
of the covenants set forth by DnB. In 1996, DnB agreed to temporarily waive such
covenants in exchange for certain guarantees on the part of the Company. These
included a guaranty in the form of a renewable six-month stand-by letter of
credit issued by the Company in the amount of $600,000, along with the
subordination of a $300,000 loan from the Company to CSI Norway. During fiscal
year 1997, the stand-by letter of credit was increased to $800,000. Accordingly,
DnB has agreed to maintain the overdraft facility and waive its covenant
requirements for as long as the stand-by letter of credit is in effect, but it
has limited borrowings up to the amount of the guaranty of $800,000.
The term loan from DnB has a stated interest rate of 5.90% and is
required to be repaid through ten semi-annual payments of principal and interest
beginning August 30, 1995 and ending August 30, 1999.
Statens Narings-OgDistriktutvikiingsfond ("SND"), a governmental
development agency in Norway, issued to CSI Norway, an eight-year term loan that
requires the Company to continue to operate its plant facility. The loan has a
variable interest rate which at June 27, 1998 and June 28, 1997 was 7.90% and
6.90%, respectively, and is required to be repaid through sixteen semi-annual
payments of principal and interest beginning August 1, 1996 and ending February
1, 2006.
CSI Norway entered into a twenty-year capital lease obligation with an
initial principal amount of $1,691,000 and with quarterly payments of $49,000,
including principal and interest. At the end of the lease term, ownership of the
facility will transfer to CSI Norway. The Company has issued no guarantees with
respect to this lease.
During fiscal year 1997 the Company entered into a five year term loan
with Nations Bank to finance the purchase of a new refrigerated truck for its US
operations. The Nations Bank term loan has a stated interest rate of 8.85% and
is required to be repaid through monthly payments of principal and interest
beginning June 2, 1997 to June 2, 2002.
During fiscal year 1998 the Company entered into a short term renewable
loan with Nations Bank to finance the purchase of the land of $645,000 in
Loudoun County, Virginia. The loan expired on June 30, 1998 and was renewed to
March 31, 1999. The terms of the note require payment of monthly interest at
Eurodollar rate plus
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1.3% per annum only until expiration of the note. The principal amount is
collateralized by one of the Company's U.S. Treasury notes in short term
investments of $645,000. The treasury note bears interest at 6.25% and is held
by First Union Bank. During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 1998, the Company
decided to sell the land and expects a favorable result from the sale. The land
is listed in non-current assets as Land held for sale.
Debt maturities during the next five fiscal years on an aggregate basis
at June 27, 1998 were as follows: 1999 - $1,399,000; 2000 - $176,000; 2001 -
$141,000; 2002 - $109,000; 2003 - $107,000 and $1,092,000 thereafter. The
maturities for 1999 of $1,399,000 includes the balance of the $652,000 borrowed
under the overdraft facility, $37,000 of short term portion of the DNB, $59,000
of the capital lease obligations, and $651,000 of term loans with Nationsbank at
June 27, 1998.
NOTE 6 - STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
The Company's capital stock is comprised of two classes: Common Stock
and Class B Stock. The Class B Stock, which is reserved for issuance to
employees under stock option plans, is identical in all respects to the Common
Stock except that the holders thereof have no voting rights unless otherwise
required by law. There are no shares of Class B Stock outstanding.
NOTE 7 - EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
The Company sponsors a qualified employee savings plan under which
employees who meet certain minimum age and service requirements are eligible to
participate. The Company matches one-third of the first 6% of eligible
employees' voluntary contributions to the plan. The Company expensed, as a
component of continuing operations, $ 20,000, $12,000 and $13,000 in fiscal
years 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively, for contributions to the savings and
profit sharing plan.
In fiscal year 1994, the Company implemented a non-qualified employee
savings plan under which senior management employees are eligible to
participate. The Company matches one-third of the first 6% of eligible
employees' voluntary contributions to the plan. The Company's matching
contribution is limited to 6% of the combined contributions into both the
qualified and the non-qualified plan. The Company expensed, as a component of
continuing operations, $34,000, $12,000 and $13,000 for fiscal year 1998, 1997
and 1996, respectively.
The Company expensed $42,000 and $35,000 for a separate health and
retirement plan for the president of the Company in fiscal year 1998 and 1997,
respectively.
During fiscal year 1993, the Company established, upon stockholder
approval, the 1992 Stock Option Plan which provides for up to 300,000 shares of
the Company's Common Stock to be made available to employees at various prices
as established by the Board of Directors at the date of grant. Upon the adoption
of the 1992 Stock Option Plan, two previous plans, the 1986 Stock Option Plan
and the 1982 Stock Option Plan, were terminated except with respect to 373,000
options issued and outstanding under these plans. During fiscal year 1996, the
Company granted 82,250 options under the 1992 Stock Option Plan. The outstanding
options expire through fiscal year 2006. During fiscal year 1997 the Company
amended its 1992 Stock Option Plan to increase the number of shares in its plan
from 300,000 to 1,300,000. During fiscal year 1997, the Company granted to
employees 951,460 options under the 1992 Stock Option Plan. During fiscal year
1998 the Company amended its 1992 Stock Option Plan to increase the number of
shares in its plan from 1,300,000 to 1,753,000 upon majority shareholder
approval. During fiscal year 1998 the Company granted to employees 110,000
options under the 1992 Stock Option Plan. The exercise price of options granted
were equal to the market price at the date of grant. The outstanding options
expire through fiscal year 2008.
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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 1998, 1997 and 1996 as follows:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
June 27, June 28, June 29,
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
Expected dividend yield - - -
Risk-free interest rate 5.1% 6.4% 6.3%
Expected life (in years) 6 6 6
Expected volatility 33% 71% 60%
The Company applies APB Opinion 25 and related Interpretations in
accounting for its plans. Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized
for its fixed stock option plan in the financial statements. Had compensation
cost for the Company's stock-based compensation plan been determined based on
the fair value at the grant date for awards under those plans consistent with
the method of FASB Statement 123, the Company's net income and earnings per
share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below:
June 27, June 28, June 29,
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
Net loss:
As reported $( 3,121,000) $ (466,000) $ (1,714,000)
Pro forma $( 3,276,000) $ ( 653,000) $ ( 1,747,000)
Basic and diluted net loss per share:
As reported $ (0.23) $ (0.04) $ (0.13)
Pro forma $ (0.24) $ (0.05) $ (0.14)
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Changes in outstanding options were as follows:
Number of Weighted-Average
Price Range Options Exercise Price
Outstanding at June 24, 1995 $1.63-$4.00 390,000 $2.74
Options granted 2.38-3.13 82,250 2.87
Options exercised 1.63-2.38 (44,000) 1.89
Options canceled 1.63-4.00 (57,500) 3.44
------------------------------------
Outstanding at June 29, 1996 1.63-4.00 370,750 2.76
Options granted 1.38 951,460 1.38
Options exercised - - -
Options canceled 1.63-4.00 (39,500) 2.80
------------------------------------
Outstanding at June 28, 1997 1.63-4.00 1.282.710 1.73
Options granted 1.03-1.13 110,000 1.06
Options exercised - - -
Options canceled 1.38-4.00 (57,500) 2.98
------------------------------------
Outstanding at June 27, 1998 $1.03-$4.00 1,335,210 $1.63
====================================
The Board of Directors unanimously approved to revalue all stock
options issued during fiscal year 1997 to the lower of the market price of $1.38
on June 26, 1997, or the value of the original issue on the date of grant. The
original stock grant prices during fiscal year 1997 ranged from $1.38 to $2.13.
The date of grant and vesting period was not affected by this revaluation.
At June 27,1998, June 28, 1997 and June 29, 1996, the number of options
exercisable was 662,970, 471,802 and 319,750, respectively, and the
weighted-average exercise price of those options was $1.90, $2.21 and $2.59,
respectively. The weighted-average remaining contractual life is 8 years.
THE FOLLOWING TABLE SUMMARIZES INFORMATION ABOUT FIXED STOCK OPTIONS OUTSTANDING AT JUNE 27, 1998:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stock Options Outstanding Stock Options Exercisable
------------------------- -------------------------
Number Weighted-Average Number
Outstanding Remaining Weighted-Avg Exercisable Weighted-Avg
RANGE OF EXERCISE PRICES at 6/27/98 Contractual Yrs. Exercise Price at 6/27/98 Exercise Price
- ------------------------ ---------- ---------------- -------------- ---------- --------------
$1.03 TO $1.37 110,000 9.35 $ 1.06 27,500 $ 1.06
$1.38 TO $1.50 950,960 8.91 $ 1.38 375,282 $ 1.38
$1.51 TO $2.00 92,000 2.82 $ 1.75 92,000 $ 1.75
$2.01 TO $2.50 50,250 5.08 $ 2.38 43,063 $ 2.38
$3.01 TO $3.50 78,000 6.88 $ 3.37 71,125 $ 3.39
$3.51 TO $4.00 54,000 5.54 $ 3.95 54,000 $ 3.95
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THE FOLLOWING TABLE SUMMARIZES INFORMATION ABOUT FIXED STOCK OPTIONS OUTSTANDING AT JUNE 28, 1997:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stock Options Outstanding Stock Options Exercisable
------------------------- -------------------------
Number Weighted-Average Number
Outstanding Remaining Weighted-Avg Exercisable Weighted-Avg
RANGE OF EXERCISE PRICES at 6/28/97 Contractual Yrs, Exercise Price at 6/28/97 Exercise Price
- ------------------------ ---------- ---------------- -------------- ---------- --------------
$1.38 TO $1.50 951,460 9.90 $ 1.38 87,865 $ 1.38
$1.51 TO $2.00 116,000 3.26 $ 1.77 114,500 $ 1.77
$2.01 TO $2.50 52,750 6.01 $ 2.38 44,937 $ 2.38
$3.01 TO $3.50 99,000 7.91 $ 3.34 62,750 $ 3.34
$3.51 TO $4.00 63,500 6.55 $ 3.95 61,750 $ 3.95
NOTE 8 - COMMITMENTS
The Company leases office and plant space under operating leases, which
expire on various dates through 1999. Certain leases provide for escalations in
rent based upon increases in the lessor's annual operating costs or the consumer
price index. Future minimum lease payments under these agreements at June 28,
1997 were as follows:
Fiscal Year
1999 $ 362,000
2000 309,000
2001 310,000
2002 297,000
2003 249,000
---------------------
$1,527,000
=====================
Rent expense for continuing operations approximated $424,000, $414,000
and $405,000 for fiscal years 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
NOTE 9 - TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES
As of June 28, 1997 the Company had outstanding $4,791,000 of notes
receivable and accrued interest from its majority shareholder, FRC Corporation.
As of June 27, 1998 all notes receivable from its majority shareholder, FRC were
paid in full.
In addition to these loans, the Company had one other related party
loan in the amount of $41,000. Subsequent to fiscal year 1998 the loan was paid
in full.
During fiscal year 1998 the Company issued an officer loan in the
amount of $375,000. The loan of $375,000 was combined with the loan this officer
had outstanding in the amount of $45,000 at the end of fiscal year 1997. The
revised loan amount of $420,000 bears interest of at 6.5% per annum and is
payable on October 1, 2002 and is collateralized by the officer's home.
Payments on the loan will be derived from the equity proceeds from the sale of
the officer's first residence, a portion of future annual bonuses to be paid to
the officer by the Company as negotiated. All outstanding balances of the note,
including principal and interest accrued thereon, shall become payable in full
on October 1, 2002. At the end of fiscal year 1998 the officer sold his first
residence and applied the net proceeds of $26,000 from the sale of the residence
as payment towards the loan.
At June 27, 1998 and June 28, 1997, the Company also has an employee
loan outstanding in the amount of $68,000 and $56,000, respectively. This loan
was made in two payments, $12,000 in fiscal year 1998 and $56,000 was made
during fiscal year 1996 and bears no interest through April, 1997. Effective
April, 1997 this loan was
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renewed, and interest shall accrue on the outstanding principal of the note and
shall be payable at a rate of 8.5% per annum, commencing April, 2000. The note
is due in full in April, 2002. The employee will pay against the principal with
50% of all future cash bonuses earned with the Company and any additional
payments made by the employee, until the loan is relinquished. This loan was
established as a part of the employee's employment contract.
Subsequent to fiscal year 1998 the Company issued one officer and one
employee loan in the amount of $55,000 and $85,000, respectively. The loan of
$55,000 is collateralized by the officer's first residence and bears interest
of 6.5% per annum. The payment of the note is payable from the net equity
proceeds on the sale of the collateralized property and shall be deemed payable
in full within two years from the date of the note if the property is not
sooner sold. The loan of $85,000 is collateralized by the employee's home and
bears interest at 6.6% per annum. The payment of the note is due and payable in
full five years from the date of the loan or six months after the employee's
termination whichever comes first.
The Board of Directors agreed to pay one of its Directors a $15,000
annual fee less the amount of consulting fees paid to the member during the
fiscal year for services provided on behalf of the Company's Technology
Committee. The board member provides engineering consulting services to the
Company through the member's own company at his normal billing rates.
The Company receives consulting services under an agreement with Food
Investors Corporation ("FIC"), which is majority owned by the Secria Europe,
S.A. FRC is also owned by Secria Europe. Pursuant to the consulting agreement,
FIC provides services related to management, planning, strategy development and
pursing world-wide interests of the Company. This agreement is renewable by the
Company annually. The amount paid by the Company to FIC in fiscal years 1998,
1997 and 1996 was $144,000 per year.
During fiscal years 1998, 1997 and 1996, the Company had sales to
related parties in the amount of $605,000, $281,000 and $144,000, respectively.
During fiscal year 1998 Nouvelle Carte France a majority owned subsidiary of
FRC, began purchasing all its salmon product needs from the Norwegian facility.
These purchases amounted to $511,000. The remaining $94,000 comprise of sales to
Delifrance Asia, a formerly owned subsidiary of FRC were derived from the
Company's international sales.
Effective April 1998 Mr. Stouffs position as Vice President, Culinary
Sales was terminated. Mr. Stouffs was employed with the Company for over twenty
years and received a three year guaranteed severance package in the amount of
$322,000. The amounts are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in
the balance sheet as of the end of fiscal year 1998.
NOTE 10 - SALES TO MAJOR CUSTOMERS
During fiscal year 1998, sales to hotels and other lodging customers,
transportation, and other customers, represented 39.1%, 42.8% and 18.1%,
respectively, of which 10.9% relate to international sales, compared to 37.2%,
41% and 21.8%, respectively, for fiscal year 1997, of which 9.4% relates to
international sales and 47.5%, 29.2% and 23.3%, respectively, in fiscal year
1996 of which 3.8% relates to international sales.
In fiscal years 1998,1997 and 1996, sales to food service distributors
representing the Marriott Hotel chain amounted to 5.8%, 7.2% and 18.9% of total
net sales. In fiscal years 1998, 1997 and 1996, sales to food service
distributors representing the Hyatt Hotel chain amounted to 15.7%, 14.4% and
22.5% of total net sales. Sales to distributors serving the airline industry
represented 37.0%, 34.4% and 29.2% of total net sales in fiscal year 1998,1997
and 1996 respectively. The loss of any of the above customers could have a
significant effect on the Company's results of operations.
NOTE 11 - LITIGATION
The Company is engaged in ordinary and routine litigation incidental to
its business. Management does not anticipate that any amounts, which it may be
required to pay by reason thereof, will have a material effect on the Company's
financial position or results of operations.
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NOTE 12 - SUBSEQUENT EVENT
Subsequent to June 27, 1998 the Company announced that it has signed an
agreement to establish a sales and manufacturing Company in Brasilia (Brazil),
as part of a joint venture with Sanoli Industria E Comerio De Alimentacao, Ltd
(Sanoli). The terms of the agreement include a 39% equity position in the new
Brazilian entity, Cuisine Solutions Brazil. In exchange for the equity position,
Cuisine Solutions will provide global management and food manufacturing
expertise, while Sanoli will provide the initial capital investment to support
the Company's food manufacturing plant and operations. Cuisine Solutions will
provide ongoing management advisory services under separate service contracts,
minimizing any potential risk to the Company's stockholders. The new venture
will enhance its worldwide manufacturing capability and provide a template for
aggressive global expansion.
The Company has been notified by NASDAQ that it no longer meets the
requirement to be included in the NASDAQ National Market. The Company is seeking
a temporary or permanent waiver of these requirements to maintain its inclusion.
There can be no assurance that the Company will be granted such waiver by
NASDAQ. In the event that the Common Stock is not included in the NASDAQ Market,
there could be a material adverse change in the price and liquidity of the
Common Stock.
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SCHEDULE II
CUISINE SOLUTIONS, INC.
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES
Additions
------------------------
Balance at Charged to Charged to Balance
Beginning Costs and Other at End
of Period Expenses Accounts Deductions of Period
--------- ---------- -------- ---------- ---------
Year ended June 29, 1996
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 5,000 $ - $ (5,000)(1) $ -
============== ============ ============ ========
Provision for losses on unit closings 367,000 92,000 (172,000)(2,3) 287,000
============== ============ ======= =========
Allowance for obsolete inventory 45,000 6,000 - 51,000
============== ============ ============ =========
Year ended June 28, 1997
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ - $ - $ - $ -
============== ============ ============ ==========
Provision for losses on unit closings 287,000 - (215,000)(2,3) 72,000
============== ============ ======== =======
Allowance for obsolete inventory 51,000 47,000 - 98,000
============== ============ ============ =======
Year ended June 27, 1998
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ - $ - $ - $ -
============== ============ ============ ==========
Provision for losses on unit closings 72,000 - - 72,000
============== ============ ============ ==========
Allowance for obsolete inventory 98,000 163,000 - 261,000
============== ============ ============ ==========
(1) Write-off of uncollectible customer accounts, net of recoveries.
(2) Lease termination costs associated with the former Restaurant Division.
(3) Recovery of reserves associated with the former Bakery Division.
37