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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
____________________
FORM 10-K
(MARK ONE)
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM _______________ TO _______________
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 0-24439
____________________
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
____________________
DELAWARE 33-0803204
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
12621 JEFFREY ROAD, IRVINE, CALIFORNIA 92620
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) (ZIP CODE)
(949) 559-4444
HTTP://WWW.HINESHORTICULTURE.COM
____________________
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT: NONE
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT: COMMON STOCK,
PAR VALUE $.01 PER SHARE
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all
reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to
Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained,
to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer
(as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes [ ] No [X]
As of June 30, 2004, the aggregate market value of the registrant's
voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately
$46.4 million.
As of March 21, 2005, there were 22,072,549 shares of Common Stock
outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Certain portions of the registrant's Proxy Statement prepared in connection with
the 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated in Part III hereof by
reference.
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
NO.
----
PART I
------
ITEM 1. BUSINESS......................................................................1
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES....................................................................5
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.............................................................6
ITEM 4 SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS...........................6
PART II
-------
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES..........................7
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.......................................................8
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS......................................................10
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK...................26
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA..................................27
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING
AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE...................................................28
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES......................................................28
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION............................................................28
PART III
--------
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT...........................29
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.......................................................29
ITEM 12 SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND
RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS................................................29
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS...............................29
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.......................................29
PART IV
-------
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES......................................29
SIGNATURES..............................................................................32
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT FOR PURPOSES OF THE SAFE HARBOR PROVISIONS OF THE
PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
This report contains forward-looking statements. Hines Horticulture, Inc.
desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this statement for the
express purpose of availing itself of the protections of the safe harbor with
respect to all forward-looking statements. Several important factors, in
addition to the specific factors discussed in connection with such
forward-looking statements individually, could affect the future results of
Hines Horticulture, Inc. and could cause those results to differ materially from
those expressed in the forward-looking statements contained herein.
Hines Horticulture, Inc.'s estimated or anticipated future results,
products and service performance or other non-historical facts are
forward-looking and reflect our management's current perspective of existing
trends and information. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that
cannot be predicted or quantified and, consequently, actual results may differ
materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, the continued ability of
Hines Horticulture, Inc. to access water, the impact of growing conditions,
risks associated with customer concentration, adverse weather conditions,
seasonality, government regulations, loss of key employees, general economic
conditions, general agricultural risks including risks associated with plant
disease and pests and sudden oak death, increases in operating costs, the impact
of competition, the ability to obtain future financing or to satisfy payment
obligations under existing financing, limitations of Hines Horticulture, Inc.'s
substantial leverage and debt restrictions and other risks and uncertainties
described from time to time in Hines Horticulture, Inc.'s Securities and
Exchange Commission filings.
Therefore, Hines Horticulture, Inc. wishes to caution each reader of this
report to consider carefully these factors as well as the specific factors
discussed with each forward-looking statement in this report and disclosed in
its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission as such factors, in some
cases, have affected, and in the future (together with other factors) could
affect, the ability of Hines Horticulture, Inc. to implement its business
strategy and may cause actual results to differ materially from those
contemplated by the statements expressed herein.
We assume no obligation to update any of the forward looking statements
after the date of the Form 10-K.
We maintain an Internet website at http://www.hineshorticulture.com (this
uniform resource locator, or URL, is an inactive textual reference only and is
not intended to incorporate our website into this Form 10-K). We file our
reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and make
available, free of charge, on or through this website, our annual reports on
Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy
and information statements and amendments to these reports filed or furnished
pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such
material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. Our reports filed with, or furnished
to, the SEC are also available directly at the SEC's website at
http://www.sec.gov.
Any of the materials we file with the SEC may also be read and copied at
the SEC's Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549.
Information on the operation of the SEC's Public Reference Room may be obtained
by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet website that
contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information
regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.
PART I
------
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
INTRODUCTION
Hines Horticulture, Inc. ("Hines," the "Company," "we," "our" or "us"), a
Delaware corporation, currently produces and distributes horticultural products
through its wholly owned subsidiaries, Hines Nurseries, Inc. ("Hines Nurseries")
and Enviro-Safe Laboratories, Inc. Unless otherwise specified, references to
"Hines" or the "Company" refer to Hines Horticulture, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
1
Hines is a leading national supplier of ornamental shrubs, color plants and
container-grown plants with 13 commercial nursery facilities located in Arizona,
California, Florida, Georgia, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and
Texas. Hines markets its products to retail and commercial customers throughout
the United States and Canada. Hines produces approximately 4,900 varieties of
ornamental shrubs and color plants. Hines sells to more than 2,000 retail and
commercial customers, representing more than 8,700 outlets throughout the United
States and Canada.
On March 27, 2002, the Company completed the sale of its growing media
business, Sun Gro Horticulture, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary, Sun Gro
Horticulture Canada Ltd. (collectively known as "Sun Gro") to Sun Gro
Horticulture Income Fund, a newly-established Canadian income fund. The assets
sold included 14 facilities located across Canada and the United States and
control of approximately 50,000 acres of peat bogs in Canada. We will no longer
harvest, produce or sell peat moss or other growing media soil mixes. We
received net proceeds of approximately $125 million from the sale, the majority
of which were used to pay down outstanding bank debt.
The Company's Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K reflect the financial position, results of operations and
cash flows of the Sun Gro business as "discontinued operations." In accordance
with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 144 ("SFAS No.
144"), "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets," the
Company's Consolidated Financial Statements have been restated to reflect the
financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Sun Gro business
as "discontinued operations."
HISTORY
OWNERSHIP
James W. Hines Sr. in San Gabriel, California founded Hines in 1920. Hines
was a family owned business until its acquisition by the Weyerhauser Company in
1976. Hines was sold in 1990 to a private investment group and certain members
of our management. In August 1995, Hines was acquired by Madison Dearborn
Capital Partners, L.P. ("MDCP"), a private equity investment firm and certain
members of our management. On June 22, 1998, Hines completed an initial public
offering of 5.1 million shares of its Common Stock.
ACQUISITIONS
Hines has completed a number of acquisitions since 1994 to expand and
diversify its operations, which complement the Company's existing operations and
enhance its current product offerings.
The following table sets forth information with respect to these
acquisitions exclusive of the acquisitions related to Sun Gro:
ACQUIRED
DATE COMPANY PURCHASE PRICE LOCATION PRINCIPAL PRODUCTS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
March 2000 Lovell Farms $100.9 million Florida and Georgia Color bedding plants
January 2000 Willow Creek $20.5 million Arizona Color bedding plants
September 1999 Atlantic $30.1 million New York and Pennsylvania Flowering potted plants and
color bedding plants
December 1997 Bryfogle's $19.0 million Pennsylvania Color bedding plants
October 1997 Pacific Color $1.7 million California Color bedding plants
November 1996 Flynn $11.7 million California Ornamental plants and
flowering color plants
August 1996 Iverson $10.3 million South Carolina Perennial flowers and plants
January 1995 OGP $17.6 million Oregon Ornamental, cold-tolerant
plants and flowering color plants
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have not completed any acquisitions since March 2000.
2
BUSINESS OVERVIEW
Hines is one of the largest commercial nursery operations in North America,
producing one of the broadest assortments of container-grown plants in the
industry. Hines sells its green goods primarily to the retail segment which
includes the premium independent garden centers, as well as the leading home
centers and mass merchandisers, such as The Home Depot, Lowe's, Wal-Mart and
Target.
Hines produces and markets approximately 4,900 varieties of ornamental,
container-grown plants grown primarily for outdoor use, most of which are sold
under its Hines Nurseries(TM) and Iverson(TM) trade names. The Company grows
most of its product categories at several of its nurseries. However, the Company
emphasizes certain product categories at particular nurseries depending on the
growing climate conducive to a particular product and on regional customer
needs. Most of Hines' revenues fall into the following variety categories for
the years ended December 31:
PRODUCT CATEGORY REPRESENTATIVE PRODUCTS 2004 2003 2002
- -------------------------- --------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Evergreens
Broadleafs Azalea, boxwood, camellia, euonymous, holly 24% 21% 21%
Conifers Pines, spruce, junipers 7% 7% 7%
Deciduous Plants Barberry, dogwood, forsythia, spirea 8% 7% 7%
Flowering Color Plants Perennials, Annual bedding plants,
Tropical flowering plants, bulbs 54% 60% 59%
Other Ferns, trees 7% 5% 6%
----------- ----------- ----------
100% 100% 100%
=========== =========== ==========
Since 1993, Hines has added numerous plant varieties to its product line.
During the past years, Hines has aggressively expanded its offering of flowering
color plants. Hines has also successfully developed patio-ready type products,
which it markets under the names of Patio Tropics(TM) and Festival Pots(TM).
These products generally command premium prices and improved profit margins
compared with other plants offered by the Company.
Plants (other than annual bedding plants) are produced by propagating young
plants called "liners" using cuttings from mature plants. Using propagation
techniques for each specific crop with respect to growing media, hormonal
stimulation and growing conditions, these cuttings are cultivated into viable
liners and are then transplanted into one gallon containers. These plants are
placed in the nursery for six to 24 months until they reach certain specified
sizes and levels of maturity, according to market demand, and are sold at
different price points depending on their size and levels of maturity. During
the field growing stages, plants are typically pruned by mechanized pruning
machines that are designed for specific plant categories and watered and
fertilized by integrated irrigation and fertilization systems, which are closely
monitored and regulated to ensure consistency and quality.
The Company's water and fertilizer recycling systems are designed to
minimize the costs of these elements and maximize water conservation. Each of
the Company's facilities has infrastructure and procedures in place to protect
its growing stock from most frost, snow and freezing conditions typically
prevailing at these facilities.
To produce annual bedding plants, a nursery either buys and germinates
seeds to produce small plants, called "plugs," or purchases plugs from
specialized plug producers. The plugs are then transplanted to bedding packs,
gallon hanging baskets and containers of various sizes. The growth cycle of
color plants is typically less than one year, with many color plants having a
growing seasons as short as eight to 16 weeks, allowing certain of the Company's
nurseries to produce approximately three to four inventory turns per year. As
with ornamental plants, the Company applies controlled watering and fertilizing
in order to ensure high quality.
3
CUSTOMERS. Our retail customers include home centers, mass merchandisers,
independent garden centers and garden center chains. The following table sets
forth the estimated percentage of Hines' net sales by customer type for the
period indicated:
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------
CUSTOMER TYPE 2004 2003 2002
------------- ---- ---- ----
Home centers.................................. 63% 63% 64%
Mass merchandisers............................ 16 17 17
Independent garden centers.................... 11 10 10
Garden center chains.......................... 4 5 5
Re-wholesalers................................ 4 4 3
Landscapers and others........................ 2 1 1
------ ------ ------
Total.............................. 100% 100% 100%
====== ====== ======
Our management believes the Company enjoys competitive advantages in
selling into these channels due to its ability to provide a broad assortment of
consistently high quality products in large volumes, its nationwide distribution
and its value-added services such as custom labeling, bar-coding, full
electronic data interchange and technical support. Our management expects to
participate in the overall growth of these channels to a greater extent than its
competitors that do not offer such services. Hines' top ten customers accounted
for approximately 77%, 78% and 78% of its net sales in 2004, 2003 and 2002,
respectively. Hines' largest customer, The Home Depot, accounted for
approximately 45%, 47% and 47% of its net sales in 2004, 2003 and 2002,
respectively. Hines' next largest customer, Lowe's Companies, Inc., accounted
for approximately 16%, 14% and 12% of its net sales in 2004, 2003 and 2002,
respectively. No other customer accounts for more than 10% of net sales.
DISTRIBUTION. Hines distributes its products directly from its nursery
sites to its retail customers primarily through common carriers and through the
Company's fleet of approximately 180 trucks, 50 of which are owned and the
balance of which are leased. The Company believes that common carriers are
available to accommodate seasonal delivery peaks. The Company uses a variety of
product shipping techniques, such as specialized shelving, protective racks and
special loading techniques. Nursery products are distributed nationwide, except
color plants, which are typically distributed within a 300-mile radius of each
nursery.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT; PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS. Hines' product sourcing
and development yield unique plant varieties, which are marketed under a trade
name and patented whenever possible. The Company applies for patents on plant
varieties that are significantly different from existing varieties. Differences
among plant varieties may include coloration, size at maturity or hardiness in
drought or cold conditions. These varieties command higher prices, provide
higher unit margins and enhance the Company's reputation as a product innovator.
The Company's expenses associated with research and development are not material
and are recorded in selling and distribution expenses.
The Company has registered numerous trademarks, service marks and logos
used in its businesses in the United States and Canada. In addition, the Company
has developed and continues to develop specialty plants for which it holds
patents registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The Company
currently holds 57 patents, with 15 patent applications pending. The Company's
management does not believe that the loss of any particular patent would have a
material adverse effect on the Company.
PRODUCTION. Raw materials consist of starter materials, containers and soil
mixtures. The Company's management believes that there are alternate sources of
supply readily available.
SALES AND MARKETING. Most of Hines' facilities have separate sales forces,
which include a sales manager, in-house customer service representatives, direct
sales consultants and various support personnel. As of December 31, 2004, Hines
employed approximately 346 direct sales consultants, key account managers,
market area managers and merchandisers. National accounts are serviced through
"National Account Task Teams" comprised of a senior management member and direct
sales personnel from each nursery supplying the account. Hines also markets its
products through trade shows, print advertising in trade journals, direct mail
promotion and catalogues.
COMPETITION. Competition in the nursery products segment of the lawn and
garden industry is based principally on the breadth of product offering,
consistent product quality and availability, customer service and price. The
nursery products segment is highly fragmented. According to the 2002 Census of
Agriculture released in June 2004 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's
National Agricultural Statistics Service, the nursery business is comprised of
4
approximately 60,000 primarily small and regionally based growers. Management
believes Hines is one of only two growers able to serve every major regional
market in North America, the Company's only national competitor being Monrovia
Nursery Company. In each of its markets, Hines competes with regional growers
such as Color Spot in the West, Clinton Nurseries in the Northeast, Zelenka
Nurseries in the Midwest, Wight Nurseries in the South and many other smaller
regional and local growers. Hines' key competitive advantages are its ability to
provide consistent, high quality products in large volumes, its nationwide
distribution and its value-added services.
SEASONALITY
Our business is highly seasonal in nature, with most of sales typically
occurring in the first half of the year. In particular, our sales are strongest
in the second quarter, which corresponds to the Spring gardening season. In
2004, approximately 72% of net sales and approximately 109% of operating profits
occurred in the first half of the year. Approximately 54% of net sales and
approximately 97% of operating profits occurring in the second quarter of 2004.
The table below sets forth the Company's quarterly net sales, as a percentage of
total year net sales, for the periods indicated:
PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL NET SALES
-----------------------------
2004 2003 2002
---- ---- ----
First Quarter 18% 17% 21%
Second Quarter 54 56 54
Third Quarter 15 15 13
Fourth Quarter 13 12 12
---- ---- ----
100% 100% 100%
==== ==== ====
GOVERNMENT REGULATION
The Company is subject to certain United States federal, state and local
provincial health, safety and environmental laws and regulations regarding the
production, storage and transportation of certain products and the disposal of
its wastes. The Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") and similar state and
local agencies regulate the Company's operations and activities, including, but
not limited to, water runoff and the use of certain pesticides in its nursery
operations. In the ordinary course of business, the Company uses substances that
are regulated or may be hazardous under environmental laws. The Company does not
anticipate that future expenditures for compliance with such environmental laws
and regulations will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial
position or results of operations. The Company cannot give any assurance,
however, that compliance with such laws and regulations, or compliance with
other environmental laws and regulations that may be enacted in the future, will
not have an adverse effect on the Company's financial position or results of
operations.
Hines obtains certain irrigation water supplied to local water districts
from facilities owned and operated by the United States acting through the
Department of Interior Bureau of Reclamation ("reclamation water"). Federal
reclamation laws and regulations govern the use and price of reclamation water,
including availability of subsidized water rates. Hines utilizes reclamation
water as one of the water supplies for its Northern California and Oregon
facilities. The Company's management believes that the nursery operations are in
compliance with applicable regulations and it maintains a continuous compliance
program; however, changes in law may reduce availability of, or increase the
price of, reclamation water to the Company.
EMPLOYEES
As of December 31, 2004, the Company employed approximately 3,260 persons.
At its peak, an additional 1,680 seasonal employees are employed. All of the
Company's employees are non-union, and the Company's management believes that
its labor relations are good.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
At December 31, 2004, the Company owned approximately 4,360 acres related
to its nursery facilities. In addition, the Company leases approximately 1,150
acres related to its nursery facilities (including leases from Blooming Farm,
Inc., an affiliated entity). Approximately 4,000 acres were usable for
production, with approximately 2,500 acres currently in production. We believe
that our owned and leased facilities are sufficient to meet our operating
requirements for the foreseeable future.
5
The Company's current facilities are identified in the table below:
LOCATION DESCRIPTION STATUS
- -------- ----------- ------
Blairsville, Georgia................ 43 acre nursery Owned (a)
Chino Valley, Arizona............... 59 acre nursery Owned
Danville, Pennsylvania.............. 154 acre nursery Leased (b)
Fallbrook, California............... 261 acre nursery Owned/leased (c)
Forest Grove, Oregon................ 1,066 acre nursery Owned/leased (d)
Fulshear, Texas..................... 450 acre nursery Owned
Irvine, California.................. 542 acre nursery and headquarters Leased (e)
Miami, Florida...................... 334 acre nursery Owned
Newark, New York.................... 37 acre nursery Owned
Northern California................. 1,389 acre nursery Owned (f)
Pipersville, Pennsylvania........... 60 acre nursery Owned/leased (g)
San Joaquin Valley, California ..... 57 acre nursery Owned/leased (h)
Trenton, South Carolina............. 1,001 acre nursery Owned/leased (i)
Utica, New York..................... 65 acre nursery Owned
(a) Blairsville, Georgia is managed by the Miami, Florida location and they are
both considered to be a single nursery operation.
(b) 60 acres are year-to-year, 13 acres expire in 2009, 42 acres expire in 2021
and 39 acres expire in 2022.
(c) We own 248 acres and lease 13 acres at this nursery.
(d) We own 721 acres and lease 345 acres at this nursery.
(e) 114 acres expire June 2006 and 140 acres expire December 2006. The lease
for the remaining acreage does not expire until December 2010.
(f) The Northern California nursery consists of sites in Allendale, Vacaville
and Winters, California.
(g) We own 31 acres and lease 29 acres at this nursery.
(h) The San Joaquin nursery consists of sites in Chowchilla and Madera,
California. We own 48 acres and lease 9 acres at this nursery.
(i) We own 941 acres and lease 60 acres at this nursery.
In May 2003, we amended the lease for our 479-acre Irvine, California
nursery headquarters. Under the amendment, we agreed to vacate 254 acres covered
by the lease in 2006 in exchange for an extension of the term of the lease on
170 acres that was set to expire in September 2003 to December 2010 and the
lease of an additional 63 acres contiguous to our existing facility from July
2003 to December 2010. Our landlord also agreed to assist with the costs of
developing the new acreage and transition costs of up to $4 million, which
include payments of $2 million and percentage rent credits of up to $2 million.
The landlord also agreed to assist us with our objective of trying to secure
beyond 2010 an acceptable nursery property relatively near our current location
in Irvine, California, although we cannot be sure that we will accomplish this
objective.
In April 2003, we entered into an option agreement to sell our 168-acre
nursery property in Vacaville, California. We entered into the option agreement
because the nursery property is located in an area which the city of Vacaville
is planning to develop as a residential project. This was subsequently amended
in March 2005 to extend the option term to March 1, 2006 contingent upon
payments of $1.8 million during the option term. Including $900,000 paid in
conjunction with execution of the first amendment, we have received $1.7 million
of option payments. The option exercise price is $15.1 million. If the buyer
exercises the option, we will be allowed to transition off of the property in
three phases from 2005 to 2007. We plan on developing replacement acreage and
infrastructure at our 842-acre Winters South facility in Northern California.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
From time to time, the Company is involved in various disputes and
litigation matters, which arise in the ordinary course of business. While the
litigation process is inherently uncertain and it is possible that the
resolution of these disputes and lawsuits may adversely affect the Company's
financial position. Our management believes that we are not currently involved
in any material legal proceedings and we know of no such proceedings
contemplated by governmental authorities.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth
quarter of 2004.
6
PART II
-------
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS AND ISSUER OF PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECTURITIES
The Common Stock of Hines currently trades on The Nasdaq National Market
under the symbol "HORT." As of March 2, 2005, there were 78 registered holders
of record of the Company's Common Stock. The following table sets forth the
quarterly high and low sale prices of our Common Stock as reported on The Nasdaq
National Market for the periods indicated:
Fiscal year ending December 31,
2004 High Low
- ---- ---------- ----------
1st quarter $5.27 $3.68
2nd quarter $5.00 $3.88
3rd quarter $4.35 $2.61
4th quarter $4.15 $2.70
Fiscal year ending December 31,
2003 High Low
- ---- ---------- ----------
1st quarter $2.97 $2.00
2nd quarter $2.87 $1.51
3rd quarter $4.34 $1.42
4th quarter $4.75 $3.55
Hines has not paid dividends on its Common Stock in the past and does not
presently plan to pay dividends on the Common Stock. The payment of dividends is
restricted under the terms of the Company's senior credit agreement and senior
subordinated note indenture. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital
Resources."
The Company currently maintains its 1998 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan
(the "1998 Stock Plan") under which Common Stock is authorized for issuance to
employees and directors upon the exercise of options. The Company's stockholders
have approved this plan. As of December 31, 2004, the Company did not have
outstanding any options, warrants or rights under any other equity compensation
plan. The following table provides aggregate information regarding the shares of
Common Stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options, warrants and
rights under all of the Company's equity compensation plans as of December 31,
2004.
Number of securities to be Weighted-average Number of securities remaining
issued upon exercise of exercise price of available for future issuance
outstanding options, outstanding under equity compensation
warrants and rights options, warrants plans (excluding securities
and rights reflected in column (a))
Plan Category (a) (b) (c)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS
APPROVED BY SECURITY HOLDERS:
1998 Long-Term Equity
Incentive Plan 1,067,923 $ 6.15 2,521,287
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS NOT
APPROVED BY SECURITY HOLDERS: -- $ -- --
----------------------- -----------------------
Total 1,067,923 2,521,287
======================= =======================
Excluded from the above table are the warrants issued on November 28, 2000
to Madison Dearborn Capital Partners, L.P.
7
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected financial data presented below as of the end of and for each
of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2004 have been derived
from the consolidated financial statements of Hines Horticulture and its
subsidiaries. The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2004 and
2003, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31,
2004, and the independent registered public accounting firm report thereon
(which contains explanatory paragraphs related to the issues discussed in Note 1
to the consolidated financial statements regarding our sale of the assets of our
wholly owned subsidiary Sun Gro Horticulture, Inc. on March 27, 2002 and our
adoption of the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
144, "Accounting for the Impairment of Disposal of Long Lived Assets"), are
included elsewhere in this filing. Certain reclassifications have been made in
prior periods' financial statements to confirm to fiscal 2004 classifications.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, (a)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2004 2003 2002 2001 2000
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Sales, net $ 335,168 $ 341,189 $ 339,359 $ 329,048 $ 305,988
Cost of goods sold 170,694 170,750 169,807 158,565 145,048
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Gross profit 164,474 170,439 169,552 170,483 160,940
Operating expenses 125,928 125,784 122,338 121,975 113,198
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Operating income 38,546 44,655 47,214 48,508 47,742
Other expense, primarily interest expense 24,510 35,223 33,900 38,188 29,071
Provision for income taxes 5,800 3,867 5,456 4,627 8,034
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Income from continuing operations (a) 8,236 5,565 7,858 5,693 10,637
Income (loss) from discontinued operations,
net of tax (b) -- 4,148 (5,413) (2,268) 1,801
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle,
net of tax (c) -- -- (55,148) -- --
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Net income (loss) $ 8,236 $ 9,713 $ (52,703) $ 3,425 $ 12,438
============= ============= ============= ============= =============
EARNINGS PER SHARE:
Income from continuing operations
Basic $ 0.37 $ 0.25 $ 0.36 $ 0.26 $ 0.48
Diluted $ 0.37 $ 0.25 $ 0.36 $ 0.26 $ 0.48
Net income (loss)
Basic $ 0.37 $ 0.44 $ (2.39) $ 0.16 $ 0.56
Diluted $ 0.37 $ 0.44 $ (2.39) $ 0.16 $ 0.56
Weighted average shares outstanding
- Basic 22,072,549 22,072,549 22,072,549 22,072,549 22,072,549
Weighted average shares outstanding
- Diluted 22,121,182 22,072,549 22,078,012 22,091,208 22,072,549
SUMMARY CASH FLOW DATA:
Net cash provided by operating activities $ 19,115 $ 22,693 $ 29,712 $ 26,551 $ 2,838
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (6,541) 2,464 109,738 (28,886) (149,761)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (12,574) (25,157) (139,450) 2,335 146,923
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Depreciation and amortization $ 10,681 $ 9,394 $ 8,565 $ 12,436 $ 10,582
Capital expenditures 5,869 5,589 7,209 18,178 29,686
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (d) 1.5x 1.3x 1.4x 1.3x 1.6x
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT END OF PERIOD):
Cash and cash equivalents $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ --
Working capital 74,634 61,976 12,051 (41,086) 14,898
Short-term debt 29,328 36,107 90,335 143,159 97,696
Total assets 397,729 402,208 405,812 610,144 599,385
Long-term debt 203,571 209,287 164,829 209,639 251,823
Shareholders' equity 60,966 52,730 41,802 88,745 87,407
8
NOTES TO SELECTED CONSOLIDATED YEARLY FINANCIAL DATA
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
(a) In 2000, the Company acquired the following two companies: Willow Creek
(January 14, 2000) and Lovell (March 3, 2000). The financial results
include the operations of each acquisition since its respective acquisition
date.
(b) On March 27, 2002, we sold Sun Gro, our peat moss and soil mix business,
for net proceeds of approximately $125,000, the majority of which we used
to repay indebtedness. Our consolidated financial statements in this filing
reflect the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the
Sun Gro business as "discontinued operations." In accordance with Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment
or Disposal of Long-lived Assets," we have restated our consolidated
financial statements to reflect the financial position, results of
operations and cash flows of the Sun Gro business as "discontinued
operations." For the year ended December 31, 2003, we recognized a $4,148
gain, net of tax of $2,784, from the sale. For the year ended December 31,
2002, we recognized a $5,562 loss, net of tax of $10,729, from the sale and
a $149 gain, net of tax of $287, from the operations through the date of
the sale. For the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000, the (loss) income
from discontinued operations of $(2,268) and $1,801, respectively,
represents the income (loss) from the operations of those periods.
(c) The cumulative effect of change in accounting principle for the year ended
December 31, 2002 of $55,148, net of tax of $23,609, represents the
goodwill impairment charge resulting from the Company's adoption of SFAS
No. 142.
(d) The ratio of earnings to fixed charges is unaudited for all periods
presented. For the purpose of calculating the ratios of earnings to fixed
charges, earnings consist of net income (loss) plus income taxes and fixed
charges, and exclude the cumulative effect of a change in accounting
principle. Fixed charges consist of interest expensed and capitalized,
amortization of debt issuance costs and the estimated portion of rental
expenses deemed a reasonable approximation of the interest factor.
9
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and
results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated
financial statements and related notes included in Item 8 of this Annual Report
on Form 10-K. In addition to historical information, this discussion contains
certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our
actual results could differ materially from those anticipated by these forward
looking statements due to factors, including but not limited to, those set forth
under "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this Form 10-K. We assume no obligation to
update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this Form 10-K.
OVERVIEW
We are a leading national supplier of ornamental shrubs, color plants and
container-grown plants with 13 commercial nursery facilities located in Arizona,
California, Florida, Georgia, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and
Texas. We produce approximately 4,900 varieties of ornamental shrubs and color
plants and we sell to more than 2,000 retail and commercial customers,
representing more than 8,700 outlets throughout the United States and Canada.
Hines Horticulture, Inc. produces and distributes horticultural products through
its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Hines Nurseries and Enviro-Safe Laboratories,
Inc.
REFINANCING
On September 30, 2003, we refinanced substantially all of our outstanding
debt (the "Refinancing"), which included the issuance of $175.0 million of
10.25% Senior Notes ("Notes") due in 2011 and an amended and restated Senior
Credit Facility ("Senior Credit Facility") that expires in 2008. Our Senior
Credit Facility consists of a revolving facility with availability of up to
$145.0 million (subject to certain borrowing base limits) and a term loan
facility of up to $40.0 million. Our Refinancing enabled us to extend the
maturity of our previous debt, which we believe will provide us with greater
financial and operating flexibility in the future. For additional information
concerning our Notes and Senior Credit Facility, see "Liquidity and Capital
Resources."
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
In March 2002, we completed the sale of Sun Gro Horticulture, which we
refer to as Sun Gro, to a newly established Canadian income fund. We received
net proceeds of approximately $125.0 million from the sale, which includes the
tax refunds from the Canadian Customs & Revenue Authority ("CCRA") recorded in
the fourth quarter of 2002 and third quarter of 2003, the majority of which were
used to pay down outstanding indebtedness. As a result of the sale of Sun Gro,
we no longer harvest or produce peat moss or other growing soil mixes. Our
consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K for 2003 and 2002
reflect the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of Sun Gro
as discontinued operations.
UNITED STATES TAX MATTERS
As a result of our business activities, we qualify for a special exception
under the U.S. federal tax code that allows us to use the cash method of
accounting for federal income tax purposes. Under the cash method, sales are
included in taxable income when payments are received and expenses are deducted
as they are paid. We derive significant tax benefits by being able to deduct the
cost of inventory as the cost is incurred. As a result of our ability to utilize
the cash method of accounting, we have historically generated net operating
losses for federal income tax purposes and have not been required to pay cash
income taxes. At December 31, 2004, we had $29.7 million in net operating loss
carryforwards for federal income tax purposes. In addition, we had approximately
$27.8 million in net operating loss carryforwards for state income tax reporting
purposes. Our state net operating losses in certain states begin to expire in
2005.
Based on our current projections, we anticipate that we will incur tax
liability and begin paying cash income taxes for federal purposes in 2007. We
are currently paying cash income taxes for state income tax purposes in certain
states due to the differing rules regarding the utilization of net operating
losses.
Although the use of the cash method of accounting for federal income taxes
defers the payment of federal income taxes, the deferral of such taxes produces
a current liability for accounting purposes. At December 31, 2004, we had a
current deferred liability for deferred income taxes of $66.4 million related to
the use of the cash method of accounting. The liability is deemed current for
accounting purposes because the majority of the items to which this liability
relates are comprised of current assets and current liabilities in our balance
10
sheet (such as inventory, accounts receivable and accounts payable). The
classification of this liability as a current item, however, does not mean that
it is required to be paid within the next twelve months.
CANADIAN TAX MATTERS
In connection with the sale of Sun Gro, the CCRA required that
approximately $13.1 million Canadian of the gross proceeds from the transaction
be withheld in an escrow account pending the determination of whether certain
aspects of the sale were taxable for Canadian purposes. The proceeds withheld
were not included in the initial measurement of the loss on the sale of Sun Gro.
On November 7, 2002, we filed a tax return, submitted a tax payment of $8.2
million Canadian from the escrow funds and submitted a claim for refund on the
basis that the transaction is exempt from tax for Canadian purposes. The balance
of the escrow funds of $4.9 million Canadian (US $3.1 million) was then remitted
to us and was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2002 as an adjustment to the
loss on the sale of Sun Gro. On September 30, 2003, the CCRA completed its
assessment of our tax return in which it determined that the transaction was
exempt from tax for Canadian purposes and issued a refund to us of all tax paid,
plus accrued interest. We received the refund check of $8.7 million Canadian (US
$6.3 million) on October 2, 2003 and recorded it in the third quarter of 2003 as
an adjustment to the loss on the sale of Sun Gro.
SEASONALITY
Our business is highly seasonal. The seasonal nature of our operations
results in a significant increase in our working capital between the growing and
selling cycles. As a result, operating activities in the first and fourth
quarters use significant amounts of cash, and in contrast, operating activities
in the second and third quarters generate substantial cash as we ship inventory
and collect accounts receivable. We have experienced, and expect to continue to
experience, significant variability in net sales, operating income and net
income on a quarterly basis.
LOVELL FARMS ARBITRATION SETTLEMENT
In connection with the acquisition of Lovell Farms, we agreed, subject to
various provisions in the purchase agreement, to make earn-out payments to the
sellers ("Claimants") of up to approximately $5.0 million for fiscal 2001 if
certain performance thresholds were met. We determined that the thresholds were
not met and that no earn-out payment be made. In response to this decision, the
Claimants initiated arbitration proceedings, which concluded in May 2004. Going
into the hearings, the Claimants demanded that the arbitrator award $5.0 million
and payment of their attorney's fees and costs. A final determination was made
on July 26, 2004 awarding the Claimants $0.9 million and denying their request
for attorney fees and costs. Payment of the $0.9 million increased our goodwill
during the third quarter of 2004. Legal defense fees and other costs incurred in
connection with the arbitration of $0.5 million have been expensed during the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2004.
PHYTOPHTHERA RAMORUM OR SUDDEN OAK DEATH
On September 20, 2004, we announced that our Forest Grove, Oregon facility
had suspended the shipment of all plant material known capable of carrying
Phytophthora RAMORUM, also know as Sudden Oak Death ("SOD"), as a result of
receiving an Emergency Action Notification from the U.S. Department of
Agriculture ("USDA") stating that a routine inspection had resulted in a
positive detection of the pathogen. After several months of testing, it was
determined that only two areas within the nursery had been exposed to the
pathogen, which resulted in the destruction of approximately $0.5 million, or
1%, of our Oregon inventory. As a result of a trace forward test, we identified
that several customers had received product from the two exposed areas, and
accordingly, we agreed to assist them with the destruction of the identified
inventory. This resulted in customer credits of approximately $0.3 million and
lost sales of approximately $1.0 million. We have also incurred approximately
$0.4 million in SOD clean-up costs. On December 20, 2004, the USDA determined
that our Forest Grove, Oregon facility was free of SOD and lifted the Emergency
Action Notification. As of December 31, 2004, our Forest Grove, Oregon facility
and three of our California facilities are SOD-free and are operating under USDA
SOD Compliance Agreements. For additional information concerning SOD, see "Risks
Related to Our Business."
PAY BY SCAN
In January 2005, we entered into an agreement with our largest customer to
sell a portion of our product under a pay by scan program. Under this program,
our customer does not take ownership of the inventory at its stores until the
product is scanned at the check out register. Revenue is recorded at the point
the store sells our product to its customer. Sales under this program began in
February 2005 on a limited basis. It is currently planned to roll out to all
stores of this customer by the end of 2005. Annuals and perennials are the only
products impacted by this agreement.
11
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004 COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2003
NET SALES. Net sales of $335.2 million for the fiscal year ended December
31, 2004 decreased $6.0 million, or 1.8%, from net sales of $341.2 million in
2003. The decline in net sales was primarily due to reduced sales volume,
partially offset by 2.3% increase in average net unit selling price. Units sold
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 decreased 4.3 million, or 3.9%, from
units sold in 2003 mainly due to our strategic decision to consolidate and
realign our current customer base. Looking at sales from a quarterly
perspective:
First quarter net sales in 2004 increased approximately $1.1 million, or
1.9%, from net sales for the comparable period in 2003. The increase in first
quarter net sales was due to strong sales of bedding plants and shrubs
throughout the Sunbelt markets primarily as a result of favorable weather and
our new market strategy. However, net sales slowed at the end of the first
quarter as the gardening retailers continued their recent trend of better
managing inventory levels by reducing pre-spring stocking orders.
Second quarter net sales in 2004 decreased approximately $8.3 million, or
4.4%, from net sales for the comparable period in 2003. The decline in second
quarter net sales was primarily isolated to the Midwest and Southeast markets
where consumer demand for color products wavered as a result of excessive rain
in May and June. Compounding the effect of the decline in demand was the
inability of two of our east coast facilities to transition perennial and annual
color plant sales to new customers as part of a strategic decision to
consolidate and realign our customer base.
Third quarter net sales in 2004 decreased approximately $0.1 million, or
0.1%, from net sales for the comparable period in 2003. Third quarter net sales
in the Sunbelt markets increased $2.9 million as strong spring-like demand
continued into July as a result of favorable weather and as we continued to
focus on the merchandising of our products. Third quarter shrub sales in these
regions also benefited from a successful joint marketing effort with a major
customer. Third quarter net sales in the Southeast declined $2.0 million
compared to the same period a year ago mainly as a result of hurricanes Charley,
Frances, Ivan and Jeanne.
Fourth quarter net sales in 2004 increased approximately $1.2 million, or
2.8%, compared to the fourth quarter in 2003 as we began to see some early signs
of recovery in the markets affected by the four hurricanes that hit the
Southeast region during the third quarter. In addition, our holiday crop sales
were up as a result of incremental store listings in the Southeast.
GROSS PROFIT. Gross profit of $164.5 million for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2004 decreased $6.0 million, or 3.5%, from gross profit of $170.4
million in 2003. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit for the year
decreased to 49.1% compared to 50.0% in 2003. The decline in gross profit was
mainly due to the decline in net sales volume, which mainly resulted from lower
customer demand in the second quarter and the impact of the four major
hurricanes during the third quarter. The decline in gross profit margin was due
to higher labor costs, fuel costs and scrap rates on bedding plants, partially
offset by a 2.3% increase in average net unit selling price.
SELLING AND DISTRIBUTION EXPENSES. Selling and distribution expenses of
$103.0 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 increased $1.5
million, or 1.4%, from $101.6 million in 2003. Selling expenses increased $2.6
million, or 8.5%, mainly as a result of increased merchandising costs and total
SOD remediation costs at our Oregon facility of approximately $0.6 million.
Distribution expenses of $69.7 million for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2004 decreased from $70.9 million for the comparable period in 2003.
Distribution expense as a percentage of net sales remained consistent at 20.8%
for both periods. Improved logistics, increased payloads and better carrier
relations have been effective in mitigating rising fuel costs and increased
common carrier charges resulting from new trucking regulations.
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. General and administrative expenses of
$22.3 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 decreased $0.3
million, or 1.2%, from $22.6 million in 2003. General and administrative
expenses declined as management continues to focus on controlling costs and
creating more efficiency.
OTHER OPERATING LOSS. Other operating expenses of $0.6 million for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 decreased $1.0 million, or 63.5%, from $1.6
million in 2003. The decline was due to severance costs associated with the
resignation of our former Chief Executive Officer in February of 2003, offset by
2004 legal fees of $0.5 million incurred as a result of the Lovell Farms
Arbitration Settlement.
12
OPERATING INCOME. Operating income of $38.5 million for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2004 decreased $6.1 million, or 13.7%, from $44.7 million in
2003. The decline in operating income in 2004 was mainly due to the decrease in
gross profit and increase in selling expense, as discussed above.
OTHER EXPENSES. Other expenses of $24.5 million for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2004 decreased $10.7 million, or 30.4%, from $35.2 million in 2003.
The decline in other expenses was mainly due to the $9.2 million loss on debt
extinguishment recognized during the third quarter of 2003 as a result of our
Refinancing. The improvement was also due to the impact of the mark to market
adjustment on our interest rate swap and a $2.0 million decline in the
amortization of deferred financing expenses, partially offset by higher interest
expense. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, the mark to market
adjustment amounted to income of $4.4 million compared with income of $2.7
million for the same period a year ago. Interest expense increased to $27.2
million from $24.9 million a year ago due to our Refinancing, which shifted more
of our revolving debt to higher interest rate fixed-term instruments in order to
increase availability under our new revolving credit facility.
INCOME TAX PROVISION. Our effective income tax rate was 41.3% and 41.0% for
the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Provision for income
taxes was $5.8 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, compared to
$3.9 million in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003.
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS. Income from continuing operations of
$8.2 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 increased $2.7 million,
or 48.0%, from $5.6 million in 2003. The increase in income from continuing
operations was mainly due to the decline in other expenses, partially offset by
operating income, as discussed above.
INCOME (LOSS) FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS. Income from discontinued
operations of $4.1 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003,
represents the after tax portion of the $6.3 million received as a result of
collecting the receivable for withheld Canadian income taxes from the Canadian
government, as discussed above in the section entitled "Canadian Tax Matters."
The $6.3 million received included the collection of the $5.1 million receivable
for previously withheld Canadian income taxes and $1.2 million due to the
favorable exchange rate at the time the receivable was collected.
NET INCOME. Net income of $8.2 million for the fiscal year ended December
31, 2004 decreased by $1.5 million, or 15.2%, from $9.7 million for the
comparable period in 2003 as a result of the decline in operating income and
change in income (loss) from discontinued operations, partially offset by the
improvements in other expenses, as discussed above.
FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003 COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2002
NET SALES. Net sales of $341.2 million for the fiscal year ended December
31, 2003 increased $1.8 million, or 0.5%, from net sales of $339.4 million in
2002. The increase was driven primarily by strong sales of patio-ready type
products due to improved market penetration in the Midwest and Northeast
markets, increased sales of bedding plants in the South, and expanded sales of
shrubs and perennials in the Rocky Mountain and Midwest markets. These increases
were partially offset by the soft retail environment we experienced during the
first quarter of 2003 and sluggish sales during the first six months of the year
in the Midwest and Northeast resulting from cold, wet weather that persisted
late into Spring. Sales were also down for bedding plants in Colorado and the
Southwest during the period, primarily due to overcapacity in the market.
GROSS PROFIT. Gross profit of $170.4 million for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2003 increased $0.9 million, or 0.5%, from gross profit of $169.6
million in 2002 due mainly to higher sales as discussed above. As a percent of
net sales, gross profit in 2003 remained unchanged at 50.0% from 2002. Better
inventory management through our store service programs and certain changes in
product mix improved our gross margins throughout the year. However, during the
second half of the year, increased scrap rates for bedding plants and the need
for selective price discounting countered any increase in year over year gross
margins.
SELLING AND DISTRIBUTION EXPENSES. Selling and distribution expenses of
$101.6 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 increased $2.4
million, or 2.4%, from $99.2 million in 2002. The increase was due mainly to
higher sales and higher distribution costs. Distribution costs increased by $1.8
million, or 2.6%, from 2002 as a result of higher fuel prices and escalating
common carrier costs.
13
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. General and administrative expenses of
$22.6 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 decreased $3.4
million, or 13.1%, from $26.0 million in 2002. The decrease was primarily due to
our efforts to control costs, improve efficiencies, and a reduction in salary
expense that resulted from the management changes that took place in late 2002
and early 2003, as discussed below.
OTHER OPERATING LOSS (INCOME). Other operating expenses of $1.6 million for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 primarily represents severances costs
associated with the resignation of our former Chief Executive Officer in
February of 2003 of $1.2 million and the elimination of certain other positions
during the year of $0.4 million. Other operating income of $2.8 million for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 primarily represents the net gain from the
sale of our property in Hillsboro, Oregon during the first quarter of 2002.
OPERATING INCOME. Operating income of $44.7 million for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2003 decreased $2.6 million, or 5.4% from $47.2 million in
2002. This decline was primarily due to the change in other operating loss,
severance costs and the increase in selling and distribution costs offset by the
decline in general and administrative expenses. As a percentage of net sales,
operating income decreased to 13.1% from 13.9%.
OTHER EXPENSES. Other expenses of $35.2 million for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2003 increased $1.3 million, or 3.9%, from $33.9 million in 2002.
The increase was mainly due to the $9.2 million loss on debt extinguishment
during the third quarter. This loss was partially offset by the impact of the
mark to market adjustment on our interest rate swap and lower interest expense
during 2003. Financing costs for 2003 included income of $2.7 million relating
to the fair value adjustment of the interest rate swap agreement compared with a
loss of $2.6 million in 2002. Interest expense for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2003 decreased by $0.3 million from 2002.
INCOME TAX PROVISION. Our effective income tax rate for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2003 was 41.0%, unchanged from 2002.
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS. Income from continuing operations of
$5.6 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 decreased $2.3 million,
or 29.1%, from $7.9 million in 2002. The decrease was due primarily to the
changes affecting operating income and other expenses, as discussed above.
INCOME (LOSS) FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS. Income from discontinued
operations of $4.1 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003,
represents the after tax portion of the $6.3 million received as a result of
collecting the receivable for withheld Canadian income taxes from the Canadian
government, as discussed above in the section entitled "Canadian Tax Matters."
The $6.3 million received included the collection of the $5.1 million receivable
for previously withheld Canadian income taxes and $1.2 million due to the
favorable exchange rate at the time the receivable was collected. The loss from
discontinued operations of $5.4 million in 2002 is from the sale of Sun Gro, as
discussed above in the section entitled "Discontinued Operations."
CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE. The cumulative effect
of change in accounting principle of $55.1 million for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2002 represents the goodwill impairment charge, net of tax,
resulting from our adoption of SFAS No. 142. We valued both the tangible and
intangible assets and liabilities as of January 1, 2002. The difference between
the implied fair value of goodwill and the book value goodwill led to a pre-tax
charge of $78.8 million. A $23.6 million tax benefit was recorded in connection
with the charge. Our measurement of the fair value of the goodwill was based on
the market capitalization of our common stock over a reasonable period of time,
including a control premium. Accordingly, the primary factor contributing to the
impairment charge was the overall deterioration in our stock price and our
substantial leverage. There was no comparable charge in 2003.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our primary sources of liquidity are funds generated by operations and
borrowings under our Senior Credit Facility. The seasonal nature of our
operations results in significant fluctuation in certain components of working
capital (primarily accounts receivable and inventory) during the growing and
selling cycles. As a result, operating activities during the first and fourth
quarters use significant amounts of cash, and in contrast, operating activities
for the second and third quarters generate substantial cash as we ship inventory
and collect accounts receivable.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $19.1 million for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 2004 compared to $22.7 million for 2003. The decrease in
cash provided by operating activities was mainly due to a decline in gross
profit and an increase in working capital in 2004. The decline in gross profit
was due to lower sales volume, increased costs and higher scrap rates on bedding
plants. The increase in working capital was primarily related to an increase in
14
inventory, which resulted from a lower inventory turn rate and higher current
year production costs. Improved customers collections partially offset the
decline in net cash provided by operating activities.
Net cash used in investing activities was $6.5 million for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2004 compared to net cash provided by investing activities of
$2.5 million for 2003. The change in cash (used in) provided by investing
activities was mainly due to the tax refund check of $6.3 million received from
the CCRA during the fourth quarter of 2003 for the sale of Sun Gro, see
"Canadian Tax Matters" for more details. We also received approximately $2.0
million in one-time leasehold incentives in 2003 in accordance with our
renegotiated Irvine lease agreement.
Our capital expenditures were $5.9 million for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2004 compared to capital expenditures of $5.6 million in 2003. The
capital expenditures for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 primarily
included the purchase of nursery related machinery and equipment.
Net cash used in financing activities was $12.6 million for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2004 compared to $25.2 million for 2003. The improvement in
net cash used in financing activities was primarily related to the impact of the
Refinancing during the third quarter of 2003. As part of the Refinancing during
the third quarter of 2003, proceeds from the issuance of new debt helped to
offset the repayments of existing debt, the payment of deferred financing fees
and the early redemption premium on the 12.75% senior subordinated notes.
We typically draw down our revolving credit facilities in the first and
fourth quarters to fund our seasonal inventory buildup and seasonal operating
expenses. Approximately 72% of our sales occur in the first half of the year,
generally allowing us to reduce borrowing under our revolving credit facilities
in the second and third quarters. On December 31, 2004, we had $23.6 million of
borrowings under our new working capital revolver, resulting in unused borrowing
capacity of $53.2 million after applying the borrowing base limitations to our
available borrowings.
At December 31, 2004, we had total indebtedness outstanding of $232.9
million.
OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
We do not have any off balance sheet financing or any financial
arrangements with related parties, other than operating leases. The following
table discloses aggregate information about our contractual obligations and
commercial commitments as of December 31, 2004.
Payments Due by Period
------------------------------------------------------------
Contractual Cash Obligations Total Less than 1 year 1-3 years 4-5 years After 5 years
- --------------------------------- --------------- ------------------ ------------ ------------- --------------
(in millions)
Term loan facility $ 34.3 $ 5.7 $ 28.6 $ -- $ --
Revolving facility 23.6 23.6 -- -- --
Senior notes 175.0 -- -- -- 175.0
Interest 134.0 21.4 61.7 35.9 15.0
Operating leases 17.3 4.5 5.6 1.1 6.1
--------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
Total $ 384.2 $ 55.2 $ 95.9 $ 37.0 $ 196.1
========= ======== ======== ======== =========
We believe that cash generated by operations and from borrowings expected
to be available under our Senior Credit Facility will be sufficient to meet our
anticipated working capital, capital expenditures and debt service requirements
for at least the next twelve months.
The following is a summary of certain material terms of our Senior Credit
Facility and Hines Nurseries' 10.25% Senior Notes due 2011.
OUR SENIOR CREDIT FACILITY
We entered into our Senior Credit Facility on September 30, 2003. Hines
Nurseries and its domestic operating subsidiaries are borrowers under the Senior
Credit Facility. The credit facility consists of (i) a revolving facility with
availability of up to $145 million (subject to borrowing base limits) and (ii) a
term loan facility of up to $40 million. The revolving facility also permits us
to obtain letters of credit up to a sub-limit. The term loan facility was drawn
down in full in connection with our Refinancing. The Senior Credit Facility
matures on September 30, 2008.
15
GUARANTEES; COLLATERAL. Obligations under the Senior Credit Facility are
guaranteed by us and any of our domestic subsidiaries that are not borrowers
under the new credit facility. Borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility are
collateralized by substantially all of our assets.
RESTRICTIONS; COVENANTS. The Senior Credit Facility places various
restrictions on Hines Nurseries and its subsidiaries, including, but not limited
to, limitations on our ability to incur additional debt, pay dividends or make
distributions, sell assets or make investments. The Senior Credit Facility
specifically restricts Hines Nurseries and its subsidiaries from making
distributions to Hines Horticulture. Distributions to Hines Horticulture are
limited to (i) payments covering customary general and administrative expenses,
not to exceed $0.5 million in any fiscal year, (ii) payments to discharge any
consolidated tax liabilities, (iii) and payments, not to exceed as much as $8.3
million in any fiscal year or $9.3 million over the term of the Senior Credit
Facility, to enable Hines Horticulture to repurchase its own outstanding common
stock from holders other than our majority shareholder. Dividends to Hines
Horticulture are disallowed under the Senior Credit Facility.
The Senior Credit Facility requires Hines Nurseries and its subsidiaries to
meet specific covenants and financial ratios, including a minimum fixed charge
coverage test, a maximum leverage test and a maximum capital expenditure test.
The Senior Credit Facility contains customary representations and warranties and
customary events of default and other covenants. As of December 31, 2004, we
were in compliance with all covenants.
INTEREST RATE; FEES. The interest rate on the loans under the Senior Credit
Facility may be, at our option, prime rate loans or London Inter Bank Offering
Rate ("LIBOR") rate loans. Prime rate loans under the revolving loan facility
bear interest at the prime lending rate plus an additional amount that ranges
from 0.75% to 1.75%, depending on our consolidated leverage ratio. Prime rate
loans under the term loan bear interest at the prime lending rate plus an
additional amount that ranges from 1.25% to 2.25%, depending on our consolidated
leverage ratio. Currently, the applicable margin for prime rate loans is (i)
1.75% for the new revolving loan facility and (ii) 2.25% for the new term loan.
LIBOR rate loans under the revolving loan facility bear interest at the
LIBOR rate plus an additional amount that ranges from 1.75% to 2.75%, depending
on our consolidated leverage ratio. LIBOR rate loans under the new term loan
bear interest at the LIBOR rate plus an additional amount that ranges from 2.25%
to 3.25%, depending on our consolidated leverage ratio. Currently, the
applicable margin for LIBOR rate loans is (i) 2.75% for the new revolving loan
facility and (ii) 3.25% for the new term loan. In addition to paying interest on
outstanding principal, we are required to pay a commitment fee on the daily
average unused portion of the revolving facility which will accrue from the
closing date based on the utilization of the revolving facility.
BORROWING BASE. Availability of borrowing under the revolving facility are
subject to a borrowing base consisting of the sum of (i) 85% of eligible
accounts receivable plus (ii) the lesser of (x) up to 55% of eligible inventory
or (y) 85% of the appraised net orderly liquidation value of eligible inventory.
We must deliver borrowing base certificates and reports at least monthly.
The borrowing base also may be subject to certain other adjustments and reserves
to be determined by the agent. Eligible accounts receivable of both The Home
Depot, our largest customer, and Lowe's Companies, Inc., our second largest
customer, may not exceed 30% of total eligible accounts receivable at any time.
REPAYMENT. Under the terms of the Senior Credit Facility, no principal
payments were due for the term loan in 2003. Amortization payments of $1.9
million on the term loan will be required at the end of our second, third and
fourth fiscal quarters which began on June 30, 2004, with the full remaining
balance payable on the last installment date. Subject to certain exceptions,
100% of the net cash proceeds we receive from certain asset dispositions and
issuances of debt, 50% of the net cash proceeds we receive from issuances of
equity and 25% of excess cash flow (beginning in 2004) are required to be
applied to repay the term loan facility and are to be applied on a pro rata
basis to all scheduled installments of the term loan facility. The Senior Credit
Facility may also be voluntarily prepaid at any time without premium or penalty.
OUR SENIOR NOTES
On September 30, 2003, Hines Nurseries issued $175.0 million of Senior
Notes that mature on October 1, 2011. The Senior Notes bear interest at the rate
of 10.25% per annum and will be payable semi-annually in arrears on each April 1
and October 1, which commenced on April 1, 2004.
16
GUARANTEES. Hines Horticulture and each of its domestic subsidiaries,
subject to certain exceptions, has, jointly and severally, fully and
unconditionally guaranteed, on a senior unsecured basis, the obligations of
Hines Nurseries under the Notes.
REDEMPTION. Prior to October 1, 2006, up to 35% of the aggregate principal
amount of the Senior Notes may be redeemed with the net cash proceeds from one
or more public equity offerings, at our option, at a redemption price of
110.250% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued interest, if any, to the
date of redemption. On or after October 1, 2007, we are entitled, at our option,
to redeem all or a portion of the Senior Notes at redemption prices ranging from
100.000% to 105.125%, depending on the redemption date, plus accrued and unpaid
interest.
RESTRICTIONS. The indenture pursuant to which the Senior Notes were issued
imposes a number of restrictions on Hines Nurseries and our other subsidiaries.
Subject to certain exceptions, we may not incur additional indebtedness, make
certain restricted payments, make certain asset dispositions, incur additional
liens or enter into significant transactions. A breach of material term of the
indenture or other material indebtedness that results in acceleration of the
indebtedness under the Notes also constitutes an event of default under our
Senior Credit Facility.
REPURCHASE ON A CHANGE IN CONTROL. The Senior Notes contain a put option
whereby the holders have the right to put the Notes back to us at 101.000% of
the principal amount thereof on the date of purchase, plus accrued and unpaid
interest if a change of control occurs.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires us 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. We believe that the following
areas represent our most critical accounting policies related to actual results
that may vary from those estimates.
REVENUE RECOGNITION. We record revenue, net of sales discounts and
allowances, when all of the following have occurred: an agreement of sale
exists, product delivery and acceptance has occurred and collection is
reasonably assured.
SALES RETURNS AND ALLOWANCES. Amounts accrued for sales returns and
allowance are maintained at a level believed adequate by management to absorb
probable losses in the trade receivable due to sales discounts and allowances.
The provision rate is established by management using the following criteria:
past sales returns experience, current economic conditions and other relevant
factors. The rate is re-evaluated on a quarterly basis. Provisions for sales
discounts and allowances charged against income increase the allowance. We
record revenue, net of sales discounts and allowances, when the risk of
ownership is transferred to the customer. Allowances are provided at the time
revenue is recognized in accordance with SFAS No. 48, "Revenue Recognition When
Right of Return Exists."
ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS. The allowance for doubtful accounts is
maintained at a level believed by management to adequately reflect the probable
losses in the trade receivable due to customer defaults, insolvencies or
bankruptcies. The provision is established by management using the following
criteria: customer credit history, customer current credit rating and other
relevant factors. The provision is re-evaluated on a quarterly basis. Provisions
to bad debt expense charged against income increase the allowance. All
recoveries on trade receivables previously charged off are credited to the
accounts receivable recovery account charged against income, while direct
charge-offs of trade receivables are deducted from the allowance.
ACCOUNTING FOR GOODWILL IMPAIRMENT. On January 1, 2002, we adopted SFAS No.
142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." In accordance with this standard,
goodwill has been classified as indefinite-lived assets no longer subject to
amortization. Indefinite-lived assets are subject to impairment testing upon
adoption of SFAS No. 142 and at least annually thereafter. In accordance with
SFAS No. 142, this involves a two step process. First, we must determine if the
carrying amount of equity exceeds the fair value based upon the quoted market
price of our common stock. If we determine that goodwill may be impaired, we
compare the "implied fair value" of the goodwill, as defined by SFAS No. 142, to
its carrying amount to determine the impairment loss, if any. The initial
impairment analysis was completed in the fourth quarter of 2002. We recorded a
non-cash charge of $55.1 million, net of tax, to reduce the carrying value of
our goodwill. We have recognized this impairment charge as a cumulative effect
of change in accounting principle. Upon completing the annual impairment
analysis in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004, it was determined that a change
for impairment was not required.
17
ACCRUED LIABILITIES. Accrued liabilities include amounts accrued for
expected claims costs relating to our insurance programs for workers'
compensation and auto liabilities. We have large deductibles for these lines of
insurance, which means we must pay the portion of each claim that falls below
the deductible amount. Our expected claims costs are based on an actuarial
analysis that considers our current payroll and automobile profile, recent
claims history, insurance industry loss development factors and the deductible
amounts. We accrue our expected claims costs for each year on a ratable monthly
basis with a corresponding charge against income. Management reviews the
adequacy of the accruals at the end of each quarter. The accruals for the
expected costs relating to our insurance programs for workers' compensation and
auto liabilities are maintained at levels believed by our management to
adequately reflect our probable claims obligations.
ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS ADOPTED
In December 2004, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position 109-1, "Application
of FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, to the Tax Deduction on
Qualified Production Activities Provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of
2004" ("FSP 109-1"). FSP 109-1 provides a special deduction on qualified
production activities in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109 and that the
special deduction should be considered by an enterprise in (a) measuring
deferred taxes when graduated tax rates are a significant factor and (b)
assessing whether a valuation allowance is necessary as required by FASB
Statement No. 109. FSP 109-1 is effective upon its issuance. The adoption of
FSP109-1 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial
statements.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, "Inventory Costs--an
amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4" ("SFAS No. 151"). This Statement amends the
guidance in ARB No. 43, Chapter 4, "Inventory Pricing," to clarify the
accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling
costs, and wasted material (spoilage). This Statement is effective for inventory
costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. We are in the
process of evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 151 on our financial statements and
will adopt the provisions of this statement in the first quarter of fiscal 2006.
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), "Share-Based
Payment" (SFAS No. 123R), which replaces SFAS No. 123 and supercedes Accounting
Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees".
SFAS No. 123R addresses the accounting for transactions in which an enterprise
receives employee services in exchange for (a) equity instruments of the
enterprise or (b) liabilities that are based on the fair value of the
enterprise's equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of such
equity instruments. SFAS No. 123R requires all share-based payments to
employees, including grants of employee stock options and restrictive stock
grants and units, to be recognized as a compensation cost based on their fair
values. The pro forma disclosures previously permitted under SFAS No. 123 no
longer will be an alternative to financial statement recognition. We are
required to adopt SFAS No. 123R no later than July 3, 2005. Under SFAS No. 123R,
we must determine the appropriate fair value model to be used for valuing
share-based payments, the amortization method for compensation cost and the
transition method to be used at the date of adoption. The transition methods
include prospective and retroactive adoption options. Under the retroactive
option, prior periods may be restated either as of the beginning of the year of
adoption or for all periods presented. The prospective method requires that
compensation expense be recorded for all unvested stock options and restricted
stock at the beginning of the first quarter of adoption of SFAS No. 123R, while
the retroactive methods would record compensation expense for all unvested stock
options and restricted stock beginning with the first period restated. We are
evaluating the requirements of SFAS No. 123R and expect that the adoption of
SFAS No. 123R to have a material impact on our consolidated results of
operations.
EFFECTS OF INFLATION
Management believes the Company's results of operations have not been
materially impacted by inflation over the past three years.
RISK FACTORS
You should carefully consider and evaluate all of the information in this
Form 10-K, including the risk factors listed below. The risks described below
are the ones we currently deem material, but they may not be the only risks
facing our company. Additional risks not now known to us or that we currently
deem immaterial may also impair our business operations.
18
If any of these risks actually occur, our business could be materially
harmed. If our business is harmed, the trading price of our common stock could
decline.
This Form 10-K also contains forward-looking statements that involve risks
and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those
anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors,
including the risks faced by us described below and elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
We undertake no duty to update any of the forward-looking statements after the
date of this Form 10-K.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR CAPITAL STRUCTURE
WE HAVE A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF DEBT OUTSTANDING, WHICH COULD HURT OUR FUTURE
PROSPECTS AND PREVENT US FROM FULFILLING OUR DEBT OBLIGATIONS.
We have a significant amount of debt outstanding. As of December 31, 2004,
we had total consolidated debt outstanding of $232.9 million. This debt may have
several important consequences as it could:
o make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations,
including making scheduled interest payments under the Senior
Notes and other debt obligations;
o limit our ability to obtain additional financing;
o increase our vulnerability to adverse general economic
conditions, including changes in interest rates and things in
commercial nursery industry conditions, including changes in
interest rates;
o require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow
from operations to payments on our debt, thereby reducing the
availability of our cash flow for other purposes;
o limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in
our business and the commercial nursery industry; and
o place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our
competitors that have less debt.
THE TERMS OF OUR DEBT MAY LIMIT OUR ABILITY TO PLAN FOR OR RESPOND TO CHANGES IN
OUR BUSINESS.
Our Senior Credit Facility and the indenture governing the Senior Notes
issued by Hines Nurseries contain covenants that restrict our ability to, among
other things:
o incur additional debt or issue certain preferred stock;
o pay dividends or distributions on, or redeem or repurchase,
capital stock;
o create liens or negative pledges with respect to our assets;
o make investments, loans or advances;
o make capital expenditures;
o issue, sell or allow distributions on capital stock of specified
subsidiaries;
o enter into sale and leaseback transactions;
o prepay or defease specified debt;
o enter into transactions with affiliates;
o enter into specified hedging arrangements;
19
o merge, consolidate or sell our assets; or
o engage in any business other than the commercial nursery
business.
These covenants may affect our ability to operate our business, may limit
our ability to take advantage of business opportunities as they arise and may
adversely affect the conduct of our current business. A breach of a covenant in
our debt instruments could cause acceleration of a significant portion of our
outstanding indebtedness.
REPAYMENT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE SENIOR NOTES AND OUR OTHER DEBT MAY REQUIRE
ADDITIONAL FINANCING. WE ARE NOT CERTAIN OF THE SOURCE OR AVAILABILITY OF ANY
SUCH FINANCING AT THIS TIME.
Our anticipated operating cash flows will not be sufficient to repay the
principal of the Senior Notes issued by Hines Nurseries and our other debt.
Accordingly, in order to pay the principal of the Senior Notes and our other
debt, we will be required to refinance our debt, sell our equity securities,
sell our assets or take other actions. The foregoing actions may not enable us
to pay the principal of the Senior Notes or such other debt or may not be
permitted by the terms of our debt instruments then in effect.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS
OUR PRODUCTION OF PLANTS MAY BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY A NUMBER OF AGRICULTURAL
FACTORS BEYOND OUR CONTROL.
Our production of plants may be adversely affected by a number of
agricultural risks, including disease, pests, freezing conditions, snow, drought
or other inclement weather, and improper use of pesticides or herbicides. These
factors could cause production difficulties which could damage or reduce our
inventory, resulting in sales, profit and operating cash flow declines, which
could be material.
INCREASES IN WATER PRICES OR INSUFFICIENT AVAILABILITY OF WATER COULD ADVERSELY
AFFECT OUR PLANT PRODUCTION, RESULTING IN REDUCED SALES AND PROFITABILITY.
Plant production depends upon the availability of water. Our nurseries
receive their water from a variety of sources, including on-site wells, creeks,
reservoirs and holding ponds, municipal water districts and irrigation water
supplied to local districts by facilities owned and operated by the United
States acting through the Department of Interior Bureau of Reclamation. The loss
or reduction of access to water at any of our nurseries could have a material
adverse effect on our business, results from operations and operating cash
flows. In addition, increases in our costs for water could adversely impact our
profitability and operating cash flows.
Our nursery in Arizona receives its water from on-site wells. Under
Arizona's Groundwater Management Act, these wells have been issued
"grandfathered non-irrigation water" permits, which limit the amount of
groundwater we can use. The availability of water depends on the groundwater
aquifer, which at this time, we believe is adequate to supply our needs for this
nursery as it is currently operated.
Our Northern California and Oregon nurseries rely primarily on surface
water supplies and, therefore, may experience fluctuations in available water
supplies and serious reductions in their supplies of surface water in the event
of prolonged droughts. If such reductions occur, those nurseries would have to
rely on backup water supplies which are more costly than surface water supplies.
The use and price of water supplied by facilities owned and operated by the
Bureau of Reclamation, including availability of subsidized water rates, is
governed by federal reclamation laws and regulations. Such water is used at our
Northern California nursery and is the source of a substantial majority of the
water for our Oregon nursery. While we believe we are in material compliance
with applicable regulations and maintain a compliance program, there can be no
assurance that changes in law will not reduce availability or increase the price
of reclamation water to us. Any such change could have a material adverse effect
on our business, financial position, results of operations and operating cash
flows.
The reclamation regulations govern who may hold an interest in irrigation
lands. Under the reclamation regulations, persons having a direct or indirect
beneficial economic interest in us will be treated as "indirect holders" of
irrigation land owned by us in proportion to their beneficial interest in us. If
any holder of our common stock (whether directly or indirectly through a
broker-dealer or otherwise) is ineligible under applicable reclamation
20
regulations to hold an indirect interest in our irrigation land, we may not be
eligible to receive reclamation water on this land. Generally, the eligibility
requirement of the reclamation regulations would be satisfied by a person:
o who is a citizen of the United States or an entity established
under federal or state law or a person who is a citizen of or an
entity established under the laws of certain foreign countries
(including Canada and Mexico and members of the Organization for
Economic Cooperation and Development); and
o whose ownership, direct and indirect, of other land which is
qualified to receive water from a reclamation project, when added
to such person's attributed indirect ownership of irrigation land
owned by us, does not exceed certain maximum acreage limitations
(generally, 960 acres for individuals and 640 acres for
entities).
While our restated certificate of incorporation contains provisions
intended to prohibit ineligible holders of irrigation land from owning our
common stock, such provisions may not be effective in protecting our right to
continue to use reclamation water.
WE FACE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH SUDDEN OAK DEATH. QUARANTINES OF OUR PRODUCTS OR
OTHER ACTIONS BY FEDERAL AND STATE REGULATORY AUTHORITIES IN RESPONSE TO SUDDEN
OAK DEATH COULD HAVE A MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR BUSINESS AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS.
SOD is caused by a fungus-like pathogen recently identified by scientists
in California and named Phytophthora ramorum ("P. ramorum"). Since its
appearance in 1995, P. ramorum has killed thousands of coast live oak, black
oak, tanoak and Shreve oak in Northern California. P. ramorum can also infect
the leaves and branches of other plants referred to as SOD host plants.
Currently, 68 plant species grown by commercial nurseries have been identified
as SOD hosts.
In February 2004, as part of the SOD National Nursery Survey, the USDA
encouraged all states to conduct a survey of nurseries that ship SOD host plants
interstate. Accordingly, the California Department of Food & Agriculture
("CDFA") and the USDA conducted joint tests at nurseries located throughout
California. On March 9, 2004, two nurseries in California, which we do not own
or operate, tested positive for P. ramorum. As a result of these findings
certain states declared a quarantine on all plant material coming from
California and several others imposed a quarantine on SOD host and associated
host plants only.
On March 19, 2004, we took the precautionary measure of voluntarily
suspending the shipment of all SOD host plants grown in our California
facilities pending the results of the joint CDFA and USDA testing of our
facilities. On March 26, 2004, we were notified by the CDFA that all of our
California growing facilities had tested negative for P. ramorum. As a result of
these findings, the CDFA and the USDA issued SOD Compliance Agreements with our
Fallbrook and Irvine facilities, allowing us to ship host and associated host
plants interstate, if we meet, and continue to meet, certain inspection
requirements. Our Vacaville facility is located in a California regulated county
and has continued to operate under the terms of a previous Compliance Agreement
with the CDFA and USDA. Its Compliance Agreement requires that potential SOD
host plants be inspected and tested monthly during the growing season for the
presence of the pathogen.
Currently, our Forest Grove, Oregon facility and all of our California
facilities that ship product interstate are SOD-free and are operating under
USDA SOD Compliance Agreements. However, if in the future we do test positive
for SOD, our products could be subject to quarantine by federal and state
regulatory authorities. If this were to occur, we could experience a significant
loss of sales and may be required to destroy inventory, which could have a
material adverse effect on our business, results from operations, and operating
cash flows. Regulatory authorities could also enact restrictive regulations on
soil media containing redwood sawdust, a known carrier of SOD, requiring us to
modify our current growing procedures as well as develop alternatives to using
it. If these restrictions are enacted, we may be unable to successfully develop
a cost effective alternative to using redwood sawdust, which could also
adversely affect our business, results of operations and operating cash flows.
BECAUSE OUR BUSINESS IS HIGHLY SEASONAL, OUR REVENUES, CASH FLOWS FROM
OPERATIONS AND OPERATING RESULTS MAY FLUCTUATE ON A SEASONAL AND QUARTERLY
BASIS.
Our business is highly seasonal. The seasonal nature of our operations
results in a significant increase in our working capital during the growing and
selling cycles. As a result, operating activities during the first and fourth
quarters use significant amounts of cash, and in contrast, operating activities
for the second and third quarters generate substantial cash as we ship inventory
21
and collect accounts receivable. We have experienced, and expect to continue to
experience, significant variability in net sales, operating cash flows and net
income on a quarterly basis. One significant factor contributing to this
variability is weather, particularly on weekends during the peak gardening
season in the second quarter. Unfavorable weather conditions during the peak
gardening season could have a material adverse effect on our net sales, cash
flows from operations and operating income.
Other factors that may contribute to this variability include:
o shifts in demand for live plant products;
o changes in product mix, service levels and pricing by us and our
competitors;
o period-to-period changes in holidays;
o the economic stability of our retail customers; and
o our relationship with each of our retail customers.
BECAUSE WE DEPEND ON A CORE GROUP OF SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS, OUR SALES, CASH
FLOWS FROM OPERATIONS AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS MAY BE NEGATIVELY AFFECTED IF
OUR KEY CUSTOMERS REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF PRODUCTS THEY PURCHASE FROM US.
Our top ten customers together accounted for approximately 77% of our net
sales in 2004. Our largest customer, The Home Depot, accounted for approximately
45% and our second largest customer, Lowes Companies, Inc. accounted for
approximately 16% of our 2004 net sales. We expect that a small number of
customers will continue to account for a substantial portion of our net sales
for the foreseeable future. We do not have long-term contracts with any of our
retail customers, and they may not continue to purchase our products.
The loss of, or a significant adverse change in, our relationship with The
Home Depot, Lowes Companies, Inc. or any other major customer could have a
material adverse effect on us. The loss of, or a reduction in orders from, any
significant retail customers, losses arising from retail customers' disputes
regarding shipments, fees, merchandise condition or related matters, or our
inability to collect accounts receivable from any major retail customer could
have a material adverse effect on us. In addition, revenue from customers that
have accounted for significant revenue in past periods, individually or as a
group, may not continue, or if continued, may not reach or exceed historical
levels in any period.
WE FACE INTENSE COMPETITION, AND OUR INABILITY TO COMPETE EFFECTIVELY FOR ANY
REASON COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS.
Our competition varies by region, each of which is highly competitive.
Although many of our largest customers are national retailers, buying decisions
are generally made locally by our customers. We compete primarily on the basis
of breadth of product mix, consistency of product quality, product availability,
customer service and price. We generally face competition from several local
companies and usually from one or two regional companies in each of our current
markets. Competition in our existing markets may also increase considerably in
the future. Some of our competitors may have greater market share in a
particular region or market, less debt, greater pricing flexibility or superior
marketing or financial resources. Increased competition could result in lower
profit margins, substantial pricing pressure, reduced market share and lower
operating cash flows. Price competition, together with other forms of
competition, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
position, results of operations and operating cash flows.
OUR NURSERY FACILITY IN IRVINE, CALIFORNIA IS ENTIRELY ON LEASED LAND AND WE DO
NOT EXPECT THE LEASES TO BE EXTENDED BEYOND THEIR CURRENT TERMS.
Our 542-acre nursery facility and headquarters in Irvine, California are
entirely on leased land. In 2003 we entered into an amended lease agreement for
this facility in which 63 new acres were added and the lease expiration schedule
was changed. Under the amended lease agreement, the lease on 114 acres expires
on June 30, 2006, the lease on 140 acres expires on December 31, 2006, and the
lease on the remaining 288 acres expires on December 31, 2010. We do not expect
these leases to be extended beyond their current terms. For the 254 acres that
will expire in 2006, we are developing plans to transition a majority of the
production to our Allendale, California facility and the remaining production to
the parcel recently added to our facility in Irvine. For the 288 acres that will
expire at the end of 2010, we will be required to establish new production
22
facilities or transition production to existing facilities. We may incur
substantial costs in connection with the establishment of these new production
facilities or the transition of production to existing facilities.
We may not be successful in executing our transition plan or establishing
suitable replacement production facilities. If we are unsuccessful in these
efforts, our net sales, cash flows and operating income could be materially
adversely affected. In addition, when we vacate 254 acres in 2006, we currently
estimate that we will incur approximately $223,000 of removal and remediation
costs. We may incur significant expenses beyond what we have forecasted if
additional remedial action is required. Significant costs in excess of our
estimates could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
position, results of operations and operating cash flow.
WE ARE SUBJECT TO VARIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS THAT GOVERN, AND
IMPOSE LIABILITY, FOR OUR ACTIVITIES AND OPERATIONS. IF WE DO NOT COMPLY WITH
THESE LAWS AND REGULATIONS, OUR BUSINESS COULD BE MATERIALLY AND ADVERSELY
AFFECTED.
We are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations that
govern, and impose liability for, our activities and operations which may have
adverse environmental effects, such as discharges to air and water, as well as
handling and disposal practices for hazardous substances and other wastes. Some
of our nursery operations are conducted near residential developments, which
could increase our exposure to liability for the environmental effects of our
operations. Our operations have resulted, or may result, in noncompliance with
or liability for cleanup under these laws. In addition, the presence of
hazardous substances on our properties, or the failure to properly remediate any
resulting contamination may adversely affect our ability to sell, lease or
operate our properties or to borrow using them as collateral. In some cases, our
liability may not be limited to the value of the property or its improvements.
We cannot assure you that these matters, or any similar matters that may arise
in the future, will not have a material adverse effect on us.
Certain of our operations and activities, such as water runoff from our
production facilities and the use of certain pesticides, are subject to
regulation by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and similar
state and local agencies. These agencies may regulate or prohibit the use of
such products, procedures or operations, thereby affecting our operations and
profitability. In addition, we must comply with a broad range of environmental
laws and regulations. Additional or more stringent environmental laws and
regulations may be enacted in the future and such changes could have a material
adverse effect on our business.
WE ARE SUBJECT TO FEDERAL AND STATE "FAIR TRADE" LAWS AND WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
REGULATIONS THAT GOVERN AND IMPOSE LIABILITY FOR IMPROPERLY MARKETING, LABELING
OR ADVERTISING PLANT CONTAINER SIZE. IF WE DO NOT COMPLY WITH THESE LAWS AND
REGULATIONS, OUR BUSINESS COULD BE MATERIALLY AND ADVERSELY AFFECTED.
We are subject to federal and state weights and measures regulations that
govern and impose liability for improperly labeling or advertising our plant
container sizes. It is common in our industry, at the wholesale and retail
levels, to market, label, and advertise container grown nursery stock with
varying types of measurements, such as imperial volume or diameter of container.
These measurements, although consistent with industry practice, may not
represent the exact size of the actual product. If the Federal Trade Commission
or any state regulator determines that our current marketing, labeling, or
advertising is in violation of "fair trade" laws or weights and measures
regulations in their jurisdiction, we may incur significant costs to become
compliant, be forced to terminate further shipments of inventory into certain
jurisdictions, be fined, or otherwise suffer a material adverse affect on our
business.
CHANGES IN LOCAL ZONING LAWS MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS.
We are subject to local zoning laws regulating the use of our owned and
leased property. Some of our facilities are located in areas experiencing rapid
development and growth, which typically are characterized by changes in existing
zoning. Changes in local zoning laws could require us to establish new
production facilities or transition production to other facilities, which could
have a material adverse effect on our cash flows, financial position and results
of operations.
COMPLIANCE WITH, AND CHANGES TO LABOR LAWS, PARTICULARLY THOSE CONCERNING
SEASONAL WORKERS, COULD SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE OUR COSTS.
The production of our plants is labor intensive. We are subject to the Fair
Labor Standards Act as well as various federal, state and local regulations that
govern matters such as minimum wage requirements, overtime and working
conditions, including, but not limited, to federal and state health and worker
safety rules and regulations. A large number of our seasonal employees are paid
at or slightly above the applicable minimum wage level and, accordingly, changes
23
in minimum wage laws could materially increase our costs. Non-U.S. nationals
comprise a large portion of our seasonal employee workforce and changes to U.S.
immigration policies that restrict the ability of immigrant workers to obtain
employment in the United States and which may contribute to shortages of
available seasonal labor could increase our costs. Non-compliance with
applicable regulations or modifications to existing regulations may increase
costs of compliance, require a termination of certain activities, result in
fines or loss of a portion of our labor force or otherwise have a material
adverse impact on our business and results of operations.
OUR TRANSPORTATION COSTS ARE SIGNIFICANT AND WE DEPEND ON INDEPENDENT
CONTRACTORS FOR TRUCKING SERVICES TO SHIP LARGE QUANTITIES OF OUR PRODUCTS AND
INCREASES IN TRANSPORTATION COSTS, CHANGES IN AVAILABLE TRUCKING CAPACITY AND
OTHER CHANGES AFFECTING SUCH CARRIERS, AS WELL AS INTERRUPTIONS IN SERVICE OR
WORK STOPPAGES, COULD ADVERSELY IMPACT OUR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
We rely extensively on the services of agents and independent contractors
to provide trucking services to us. Transportation costs accounted for
approximately 22% of our net sales in 2004. Our ability to ship our products,
particularly during our peak shipping seasons, could be adversely impacted by
shortages in available trucking capacity, changes by carriers and transportation
companies in policies and practices, such as scheduling, pricing, payment terms
and frequency of service, or increases in the cost of fuel, taxes and labor, and
other factors not within our control. We compete with other companies who ship
perishable goods for available trucking capacity and, accordingly, reductions in
capacity or shortages of the agents and independent contractors who provide
trucking services to us could potentially adversely impact our sales.
Significant increases in transportation costs could have a material adverse
effect on our business, particularly if we are not able to pass on such price
increases to our customers in the form of higher prices for our products.
Material interruptions in service or stoppages in transportation, whether caused
by strike or otherwise, could adversely impact our business, results of
operations, financial position and operating cash flows.
WE ARE CURRENTLY IMPLEMENTING A NEW ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING SOFTWARE
PROGRAM, AND UNEXPECTED DELAYS, EXPENSES OR DISRUPTIONS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF
SUCH SOFTWARE PROGRAM COULD DISRUPT OUR BUSINESS OR IMPAIR OUR ABILITY TO
MONITOR OUR OPERATIONS, RESULTING IN A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON OUR OPERATIONS,
FINANCIAL POSITION AND OPERATING CASH FLOWS.
In seven of our nurseries we have implemented a new enterprise resource
planning software program which we utilize for production planning and inventory
purposes. Over time, we intend to continue the implementation of this software
program to our other nursery facilities. Our distribution and sales order
system, however, remains on our prior computer information systems. We may
experience delays, disruptions and unanticipated expenses in implementing,
integrating and operating our management information and reporting systems,
which could disrupt our operations or otherwise impair our ability to monitor
our operations and have a negative impact on our business, results of
operations, financial position and operating cash flows.
OUR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS MAY NOT BE SUCCESSFUL.
Our success is based, in part, upon our ability to discover and develop new
products that customers will want. As a result, we continue to invest in
research and development in order to enable us to identify and develop new
products to meet consumer demands. Despite investments in this area, our
research and development may not result in the discovery or successful
development of new products which will be accepted by our customers.
OUR CURRENT PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS HAVE SIGNIFICANT INFLUENCE OVER OUR BUSINESS
AND COULD DELAY, DETER OR PREVENT A CHANGE OF CONTROL OR OTHER BUSINESS
COMBINATION.
Investment partnerships controlled by Madison Dearborn Partners, Inc.
beneficially own approximately 54% of the outstanding common stock of Hines
Horticulture and have sufficient voting power to control, or at the least
significantly influence, the election of directors and the approval of other
actions requiring the approval of our shareholders. In addition, Madison
Dearborn Partners has two of its designees on Hines Horticulture's seven member
board of directors.
OUR BUSINESS WILL SUFFER IF CERTAIN SENIOR EXECUTIVES DISCONTINUE EMPLOYMENT
WITH US OR IF WE ARE UNABLE TO RECRUIT AND RETAIN HIGHLY SKILLED STAFF.
Our success is largely dependent on the skills, experience and efforts of
our senior management, including Robert A. Ferguson (President and Chief
Executive Officer) and Claudia M. Pieropan (Chief Financial Officer, Secretary
and Treasurer). The loss of services of one or more members of our senior
management could have a material adverse effect on us. We do not maintain
key-man life insurance policies on any members of management. No members of
24
senior management are bound by non-compete agreements, and if any such members
were to depart and subsequently compete with us, such competition could have a
material adverse effect on us. Our business also depends on our ability to
continue to recruit, train and retain skilled employees, particularly skilled
growers and sales personnel. The loss of the services of any key personnel, or
our inability to hire new personnel with the requisite skills, could impair our
ability to develop new products or enhance existing products, sell products to
our customers or manage our business effectively.
PRICE INCREASES OF CERTAIN RAW MATERIALS COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS.
We are vulnerable to price increases for raw materials. For 2004, raw
material costs accounted for approximately 19% of net sales. We do not have
long-term contracts with the majority of our raw material suppliers. Increases
in the cost of raw materials essential to our operations, including seed,
plastic, chemicals and fertilizer, would increase our costs of production.
Significant increases in the price of petrochemicals or a scarcity of raw
materials essential to plant propagation could have a material adverse effect on
our business. We may not be able to pass such price increases on to our
customers in the form of higher prices for our products, which could materially
adversely affect our results of operations and operating cash flows.
IF WE ARE UNABLE TO PROTECT OUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS, OUR BUSINESS AND
PROSPECTS MAY BE HARMED.
Our success depends in part on proprietary techniques and plant designs.
Although we attempt to protect our proprietary property and processes through a
combination of patents, trade secrets and non-disclosure agreements, these may
be insufficient. Litigation may be necessary to protect our intellectual
property and determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of
competitors. Intellectual property litigation could result in substantial costs
and diversion of our management and other resources. If we are unable to
successfully protect our intellectual property rights, our competitors could be
able to market products that compete with our proprietary products without
obtaining a license from us.
CHANGES IN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND SECURITIES DISCLOSURE AND COMPLIANCE
PRACTICES HAVE INCREASED AND MAY CONTINUE TO INCREASE OUR LEGAL COMPLIANCE AND
FINANCIAL REPORTING COSTS AND MAY MAKE IT MORE DIFFICULT AND EXPENSIVE TO OBTAIN
DIRECTOR AND OFFICER LIABILITY INSURANCE.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 required us to change or supplement some of
our corporate governance and securities disclosure and compliance practices. The
Securities and Exchange Commission have increased, and may continue to increase,
our legal compliance and financial reporting costs. These developments may also
make it more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer
liability insurance, and we may be required to accept reduced coverage or incur
substantially higher costs to obtain coverage. This, in turn, could make it more
difficult for us to attract and retain qualified member of our board of
directors, or qualified executive officers.
25
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
As part of our ongoing business, we are exposed to certain market risks,
including fluctuations in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, commodity
prices and Hines Horticulture's common stock price. We do not enter into
transactions designed to mitigate market risks for trading or speculative
purposes.
We have various debt instruments outstanding at December 31, 2004 that are
impacted by changes in interest rates. As a means of managing our interest rate
risk on variable-rate debt, we entered into the interest rate swap agreement
described below to effectively convert certain variable rate debt obligations to
fixed rate obligations.
In May 2000, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement to hedge $75.0
million of debt. The interest rate swap agreement effectively changes our
exposure on the variable-rate interest payments to fixed-rate interest payments
(7.13%) based on the 3-month LIBOR rate in effect at the beginning of each
quarterly period. The estimated fair value of our obligation under the interest
rate swap agreement was $0.9 million at December 31, 2004. The interest rate
swap agreement remained outstanding as of the year ended December 31, 2004 and
matured in February 2005.
We also manage our interest rate risk by balancing the amount of our fixed
and variable debt. For fixed-rate debt, interest rate changes affect the fair
market value of such debt but do not impact earnings or cash flows. Conversely,
for variable-rate debt, interest rate changes generally do not affect the fair
market value of such debt but do impact future earnings and cash flows, assuming
other factors are held constant. At December 31, 2004 the carrying amount and
estimated fair value of our debt was $232.9 million and $249.1 million,
respectively. Given the current balance of our fixed rate and variable rate
debt, we estimate a change in interest costs of less than $0.2 million for every
one-percentage point change in applicable interest rates. Without considering
the fixed interest rate provided by our swap agreement, which expires at the end
of February of 2005, we estimate a change in interest costs of approximately
$0.6 million for every one-percentage point change in applicable interest rates.
26
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The consolidated financial statements commence at page F-1 of this report
and an index thereto is included in Part IV, Item 15 of this report.
SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
The following selected unaudited quarterly financial data should be read in
conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the related notes and
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The following
table has been restated to reflect all the activity of the growing media
business as "Discontinued operations."
FOURTH THIRD SECOND FIRST
2004 QUARTER QUARTER QUARTER QUARTER
- ----------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
Sales, net $ 41,949 $ 51,748 $ 181,081 $ 60,390
Gross profit 17,991 23,528 93,689 29,266
Net (loss) income (5,969) (3,726) 18,678 (1,073)
Net (loss) income per common share:
Basic $ (0.27) $ (0.17) $ 0.85 $ (0.05)
============= ============= ============= =============
Net (loss) income per common share:
Diluted $ (0.27) $ (0.17) $ 0.84 $ (0.05)
============= ============= ============= =============
FOURTH THIRD SECOND FIRST
2003 QUARTER QUARTER QUARTER QUARTER
- ----------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
Sales, net $ 40,793 $ 51,792 $ 189,351 $ 59,253
Gross profit 17,204 23,853 98,729 30,653
(Loss) income from continuing operations (4,216) (9,493) 20,596 (1,322)
Income from discontinued operations (a) (b) 135 4,013 -- --
Net (loss) income (4,081) (5,480) 20,596 (1,322)
(Loss) income from continuing operations per common share:
Basic & Diluted $ (0.19) $ (0.43) $ 0.93 $ (0.06)
Income from discontinued operations per common share:
Basic & Diluted $ 0.01 $ 0.18 $ -- $ --
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Net (loss) income per common share:
Basic & Diluted $ (0.18) $ (0.25) $ 0.93 $ (0.06)
============= ============= ============= =============
27
NOTES TO SELECTED CONSOLIDATED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
(a) On March 27, 2002, the Company completed the sale of its growing media
business to Sun Gro Horticulture Income Fund, a newly-established Canadian
income fund. The Company's Consolidated Financial Statements included in
this Annual Report on Form 10-K reflect the financial position, results of
operations and cash flows of the Sun Gro business as "discontinued
operations." In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets,"
the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements have been restated to
reflect the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the
Sun Gro business as "discontinued operations." Subsequent to March 27,
2002, charges for discontinued operations relate primarily to adjustments
to the proceeds from the sale of Sun Gro relating to working capital
adjustments, net of insurance proceeds received, in the second quarter and
amounts received relating to the partial refund of amounts held in tax
escrow in the fourth quarter of 2002.
(b) The Company recognized a gain of $1,565, net of tax, in the fourth quarter
of 2002, a $4,013 gain, net of tax, in the third quarter of 2003 and a $135
gain, net of tax, for the fourth quarter of 2003. The gain in the fourth
quarter of 2002 related to the Company's receipt of $4,917 Canadian from an
escrow account that the Canadian Customs & Revenue Authority ("CCRA")
required to be set up at the time of the Sun Gro sale to withhold $13,136
Canadian pending the determination of whether certain aspects of the sale
were taxable for Canadian purposes. The gain in the third and fourth
quarter of 2003 related to the tax refund of the remaining $8,219 Canadian
plus accrued interest that the Company received from the CCRA.
The other information in response to this item is submitted as a separate
section of this Report beginning on page F-1.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
The Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the
participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the
effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls
and procedures, as defined in Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(c)
and 15d-15(e), as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon
that evaluation, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were
effective in enabling the Company to record, process, summarize and report
information required to be included in the Company's periodic SEC filings within
the required time period. In connection with such evaluation, no change in our
internal control over financial reporting occurred during the last fiscal
quarter covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably
likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Not applicable.
28
PART III
--------
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
Except for the information required to be disclosed regarding our code of
conduct and ethics under Item 406 of Regulation S-K, Item 10 is incorporated by
reference from the Company's 2005 Proxy Statement to be filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Company has adopted a code of conduct and ethics that applies to all
directors, officers and employees. The code of conduct and ethics is posted on
the Company's website, the address of which is www.hineshorticulture.com. The
Company intends to include on its website any amendments to, or waivers from, a
provision of its code of conduct and ethics that applies to the Company's
directors, officers and employees that relates to any element of the code of
conduct and ethics definition enumerated in Item 406(b) of Regulation S-K.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Incorporated by reference from the Company's 2005 Proxy Statement to be
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND
RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Incorporated by reference from the Company's 2005 Proxy Statement to be
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Incorporated by reference from the Company's 2005 Proxy Statement to be
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Incorporated by reference from the Company's 2005 Proxy Statement to be
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
PART IV
-------
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) List of documents filed as part of this report:
(1) Financial Statements:
---------------------
PAGE
----
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm............................................. F-1
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2004 and 2003........................................... F-2
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002.......... F-3
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002................................................................. F-4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002.......... F-5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.......................................................... F-6
(2) Financial Statement Schedules:
------------------------------
All schedules are omitted since the required information is not
present or is not present in amounts sufficient to require submission
of the schedule, or because the information required is included in the
Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto.
(3) List of Exhibits:
-----------------
29
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
- ------ -----------
2.1 Acquisition Agreement, dated as of March 18, 2002, by and among
Hines Horticulture, Inc., Hines Nurseries, Inc., Sun Gro
Horticulture, Inc., Sun Gro Horticulture Canada Ltd. And Sun Gro
Horticulture Income Fund. (1)
2.2 Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 26, 2002, by and
between Sun Gro Horticulture, Inc. and Sun Gro Horticulture Canada
Ltd. (1)
2.3 Underwriting Agreement, dated as of March 18, 2002, by and among
Hines Horticulture, Inc., Sun Gro Horticulture, Inc. and Sun Gro
Horticulture Income Fund. (1)
3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Hines Horticulture, Inc.
(3)
3.2 Amended and Restated By-laws of Hines Horticulture, Inc. (3)
4.1 Indenture, dated as of September 30, 2003, between Hines
Nurseries, Inc., Hines Horticulture, Inc., the Subsidiary
Guarantors named therein and the Bank of New York, as Trustee,
relating to Hines Nurseries, Inc.'s $175,000,000 10.25% Senior
Notes due 2011. (4)
4.2 Holdings Guaranty dated September 30, 2003, by Hines Horticulture,
Inc., in favor of and for the benefit of, Deutsche Bank Trust
Company Americas, as Guaranteed Party. (4)
4.3 Form of 144A Senior Note due 2011. (4)
4.4 Form of Senior Note due 2011. (4)
4.5 Form of Regulation S Senior Note due 2011. (4)
4.6 Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2003,
between Hines Nurseries, Inc., Hines Horticulture, Inc., Hines
SGUS Inc., Enviro-Safe Laboratories, Inc. and the Initial
Purchasers named therein. (4)
10.1 Employment Agreement dated as of August 3, 1995 between Hines
Horticulture and Robert A. Ferguson. +*
10.2 Employment Agreement dated as of August 4, 1995 between Hines
Horticulture and Claudia M. Pieropan.(2)*
10.3 1998 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan. +(3)*
10.4 Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement. (3)*
10.5 Stock Purchase Agreement dated September 9, 1999 between Hines
Nurseries, Inc. and those individuals whose names are set forth on
the Signature Page to Stock Purchase Agreement. +
10.6 Purchase Agreement by and among Hines Nurseries, Inc., Lovell
Farms, Inc., Botanical Farms, Inc., Warren W. Lovell III, Jeffrey
S. Lovell, Jenifer E. Moreno, as Trustee of the Trace Lovell
Family Investment Trust and Enrique A. Yanes, Dated as of March 3,
2000. (5)
10.7 Warrant and Guarantee Agreement, dated November 28, 2000 by and
between Hines Horticulture, Inc., Hines Nurseries, Inc. and
Madison Dearborn Capital Partners, L.P. (6)
10.8 Warrant, dated November 28, 2000, issued by Hines Horticulture,
Inc. to Madison Dearborn Capital Partners, L.P. (6)
10.9 Amended and Restated Promissory Note by Blooming Farm, Inc. in
favor of Hines Nurseries, Inc. dated September 22, 2003. (4)
10.10 Amended and Restated Secured Promissory Note by Blooming Farm,
Inc. in favor of Hines Nurseries, Inc. dated September 22, 2003.
(4)
10.11 Amended and Restated Ground Lease dated September 1, 1996 by and
between The Irvine Company and Hines Horticulture, Inc. (4) **
10.12 Addendum No. 1 to Amended and Restated Ground Lease dated October
29, 1996 by and between The Irvine Company and Hines Horticulture,
Inc. (4)
10.13 Addendum No. 2 to Amended and Restated Ground Lease dated December
18, 1997 by and between The Irvine Company and Hines Horticulture,
Inc. (4)
10.14 Addendum No. 3 to Amended and Restated Ground Lease dated May 19,
2003 by and between The Irvine Company and Hines Nurseries, Inc.
(4) **
10.15 Letter Agreement dated September 18, 2003 by and between The
Irvine Company and Hines Nurseries, Inc. (4)**
10.16 Credit Agreement dated September 30, 2003 among Hines Nurseries,
Inc., Enviro-Safe Laboratories, Inc., and Hines SGUS Inc., as
Borrowers, the lenders listed therein, Deutsche Bank Trust Company
Americas, as Agent, Fleet Capital Corporation and Lasalle Business
Credit, LLC, as Co-Syndication Agents, and Harris Trust and
Savings Bank and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Co-Documentation
Agents. (4)
30
10.17 Security Agreement, dated September 30, 2003, among Hines
Nurseries, Inc., Enviro-Safe Laboratories, Inc. Hines SGUS Inc.,
and Hines Horticulture, Inc., as Grantors, and Deutsche Bank Trust
Company Americas, as agent for and representative of the
beneficiaries named therein. (4)
10.18 Registration Agreement dated as of June 11, 1998 by and between
Hines Holdings, Inc. and MDCP. (3)
21.1 Subsidiaries of the Company. (7)
23.1 Consent of independent registered public accounting firm (+)
31.1 Certification of CEO pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as
adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002.(+)
31.2 Certification of CFO pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as
adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002.(+)
32.1 Certification of Chief Operating Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (+)(++)
32.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (+)(++)
- ----------------
+ Filed herewith.
* Management contract or compensatory arrangement.
** Confidential treatment requested as to certain portions of the exhibit
which have been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
Commission
++ This certification shall not be deemed "filed" for purposes of Section
18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to the
liability of that section, nor shall it be deemed to be incorporated by
reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
(1) Incorporated by reference to Hines Horticulture, Inc.'s Form 8-K filed
on April 10, 2002.
(2) Incorporated by reference to Hines Holdings, Inc.'s Registration
Statement on Form S-4, File No. 33-99452, filed on November 15, 1995
and amended on December 22, 1995 and January 6, 1996.
(3) Incorporated by reference to Hines Horticulture, Inc.'s Registration
Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-51943, filed on May 6, 1998 and
amended on May 26 1998 and June 16, 1998.
(4) Incorporated by reference to Hines Horticulture, Inc.'s Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003
(5) Incorporated by reference to Hines Horticulture, Inc.'s Form 8-K filed
on March 17, 2000.
(6) Incorporated by reference to Hines Horticulture, Inc.'s Form 8-K filed
on November 29, 2000.
(7) Incorporated by reference to Hines Horticulture, Inc.'s Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.
31
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on March 23, 2005.
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
By: /s/ Claudia M. Pieropan
----------------------------
Claudia M. Pieropan
Chief Financial 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 in the capacities indicated on March 23, 2005.
SIGNATURE CAPACITY
- --------- --------
/s/ Robert A. Ferguson President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
- --------------------------- (Principal Executive Officer)
Robert A. Ferguson
/s/ Claudia M. Pieropan Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer
- --------------------------- (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
Claudia M. Pieropan
/s/ Thomas R. Reusche Director and Chairman of the Board
- ---------------------------
Thomas R. Reusche
/s/ Douglas D. Allen Director
- ---------------------------
Douglas D. Allen
/s/ Stan R. Fallis Director
- ---------------------------
Stan R. Fallis
/s/ James R. Tennant Director
- ---------------------------
James R. Tennant
/s/ G. Ronald Morris Director
- ---------------------------
G. Ronald Morris
/s/ Paul R. Wood Director
- ---------------------------
Paul R. Wood
32
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and
Shareholders of Hines Horticulture, Inc.
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related
consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity (deficit) and cash
flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Hines
Horticulture, Inc. at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 2004 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in
the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility
of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on
these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these
statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company
adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 142,
"Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," and the provisions of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standard No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment of
Disposal of Long-Lived Assets."
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, on March 27,
2002, the Company sold the assets of its wholly owned subsidiary, Sun Gro
Horticulture, Inc.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Orange County, California
March 14, 2005
F-1
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------------
2004 2003
-------------- --------------
ASSETS
------
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash $ -- $ --
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for
doubtful accounts of $456 and $601 19,969 23,724
Inventories 181,133 173,090
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 3,072 3,157
-------------- --------------
Total current assets 204,174 199,971
-------------- --------------
FIXED ASSETS, net 131,536 136,435
DEFERRED FINANCING EXPENSES, net of
accumulated amortization of $2,227 and $443 8,883 10,589
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES 9,210 13,690
GOODWILL 43,926 42,979
-------------- --------------
$ 397,729 $ 403,664
============== ==============
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
------------------------------------
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable $ 11,958 $ 10,104
Accrued liabilities 9,820 9,234
Accrued payroll and benefits 5,900 6,971
Accrued interest 5,194 5,073
Interest rate swap agreement, current portion 895 5,320
Long-term debt, current portion 5,719 5,789
Borrowings on revolving credit facility 23,609 30,318
Deferred income taxes 66,445 65,186
-------------- --------------
Total current liabilities 129,540 137,995
-------------- --------------
LONG-TERM DEBT 203,571 209,287
OTHER LIABILITIES 3,652 3,652
COMMITMENT AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 7)
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock
Authorized - 60,000,000 shares, $.01 par value;
Issued and outstanding - 22,072,549
shares at December 31, 2004 and 2003 221 221
Additional paid-in capital 128,781 128,781
Accumulated deficit (68,036) (76,272)
-------------- --------------
Total shareholders' equity 60,966 52,730
-------------- --------------
$ 397,729 $ 403,664
============== ==============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-2
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------------------
2004 2003 2002
-------------- -------------- --------------
Sales, net $ 335,168 $ 341,189 $ 339,359
Cost of goods sold 170,694 170,750 169,807
-------------- -------------- --------------
Gross profit 164,474 170,439 169,552
-------------- -------------- --------------
Selling and distribution expenses 103,011 101,557 99,154
General and administrative expenses 22,321 22,592 25,976
Other operating loss (income) 596 1,635 (2,792)
-------------- -------------- --------------
Total operating expenses 125,928 125,784 122,338
-------------- -------------- --------------
Operating income 38,546 44,655 47,214
Other expenses
Interest expense 27,151 24,927 25,205
Interest rate swap agreement (income) expense (4,425) (2,710) 2,573
Amortization of deferred financing expense 1,784 3,771 4,383
Loss on debt extinguishment -- 9,235 1,739
-------------- -------------- --------------
24,510 35,223 33,900
-------------- -------------- --------------
Income before provision for income taxes, discontinued operations
and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle 14,036 9,432 13,314
Income tax provision 5,800 3,867 5,456
-------------- -------------- --------------
Income from continuing operations before discontinued operations
and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle 8,236 5,565 7,858
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (benefit)
expense of $0, $(2,784) and $10,442 -- 4,148 (5,413)
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax
benefit of $23,609 -- -- (55,148)
-------------- -------------- --------------
Net income (loss) $ 8,236 $ 9,713 $ (52,703)
============== ============== ==============
Basic and diluted earnings per share:
Income per common share from continuing operations $ 0.37 $ 0.25 $ 0.36
Income (loss) per common share from discontinued operations $ -- $ 0.19 $ (0.25)
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle $ -- $ -- $ (2.50)
-------------- -------------- --------------
Net income (loss) per common share $ 0.37 $ 0.44 $ (2.39)
============== ============== ==============
Weighted average shares outstanding-Basic 22,072,549 22,072,549 22,072,549
============== ============== ==============
Weighted average shares outstanding-Diluted 22,121,182 22,072,549 22,078,012
============== ============== ==============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-3
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
COMMON STOCK ACCUMULATED
------------------------ ADDITIONAL OTHER
NUMBER OF PAID-IN ACCUMULATED COMPREHENSIVE SHAREHOLDERS' COMPREHENSIVE
SHARES AMOUNT CAPITAL DEFICIT INCOME (LOSS) EQUITY INCOME (LOSS)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ------------ -------------
BALANCE, December 31, 2001 22,072,549 $ 221 $ 128,781 $ (33,282) $ (6,975) $ 88,745 $ 1,308
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ===========
Net loss -- -- -- (52,703) -- (52,703) (52,703)
Cumulative foreign currency
translation adjustments, net
of tax expense of $3,614 -- -- -- -- 5,200 5,200 5,200
Accumulated other comprehensive
loss, net of tax expense of $388 -- -- -- -- 560 560 560
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
BALANCE, December 31, 2002 22,072,549 221 128,781 (85,985) (1,215) 41,802 (46,943)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ===========
Net income -- -- -- 9,713 -- 9,713 9,713
Accumulated other comprehensive
loss, net of tax expense of $843 -- -- -- -- 1,215 1,215 1,215
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
BALANCE, December 31, 2003 22,072,549 221 128,781 (76,272) -- 52,730 10,928
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ===========
Net income -- -- -- 8,236 -- 8,236 8,236
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
BALANCE, December 31, 2004 22,072,549 $ 221 $ 128,781 $ (68,036) $ -- $ 60,966 $ 8,236
=========== =========== =========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-4
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------
2004 2003 2002
---------- ---------- ----------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss) $ 8,236 $ 9,713 $ (52,703)
(Income) loss from discontinued operations -- (4,148) 5,413
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to
net cash provided by operating activities:
Cumulative effect of accounting change -- -- 55,148
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 10,681 9,394 8,565
Amortization of deferred financing costs 1,785 3,771 4,383
Interest rate swap agreement (income) expense (4,425) (2,710) 2,573
Loss on extinguishment of debt -- 9,235 1,739
Deferred income taxes 5,739 3,867 5,456
Loss (gain) on disposition of fixed assets 87 73 (2,793)
---------- ---------- ----------
22,103 29,195 27,781
Change in working capital accounts:
Accounts receivable 3,755 1,790 2,344
Inventories (8,318) (3,188) (5,306)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 85 (1,305) 42
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 1,490 (3,799) 4,851
---------- ---------- ----------
Net cash provided by operating activities 19,115 22,693 29,712
---------- ---------- ----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of fixed assets (5,869) (5,589) (7,209)
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets -- -- 3,584
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations -- 5,778 118,948
Proceeds from land sale option 275 275 --
Leasehold incentive proceeds -- 2,000 --
Contingent consideration for acquisitions (947) -- (1,265)
Net cash used by discontinued operations -- -- (4,320)
---------- ---------- ----------
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (6,541) 2,464 109,738
---------- ---------- ----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net repayment on revolving line of credit (6,709) (42,432) (27,250)
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt -- 215,000 --
Repayments of long-term debt (5,786) (180,555) (108,000)
Deferred financing costs (79) (11,637) (4,200)
Redemption premium on early payment of subordinated notes -- (5,533) --
---------- ---------- ----------
Net cash used in financing activities (12,574) (25,157) (139,450)
---------- ---------- ----------
NET CHANGE IN CASH -- -- --
CASH, beginning of period -- -- --
---------- ---------- ----------
CASH, end of period $ -- $ -- $ --
========== ========== ==========
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest - Continuing Operations $ 26,481 $ 25,833 $ 22,797
Cash paid for interest - Discontinued Operations $ -- $ -- $ 528
Cash paid for income taxes - Continuing Operations $ 33 $ 457 $ 81
Cash paid for income taxes - Discontinued Operations $ -- $ -- $ 1,162
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-5
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
----------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
-------------------------------------------------
Hines Horticulture, Inc. ("Hines" or the "Company"), a Delaware
corporation, produces and distributes horticultural products through its wholly
owned subsidiaries, Hines Nurseries, Inc. ("Hines Nurseries") and Enviro-Safe
Laboratories, Inc. Unless otherwise specified, references to "Hines" or the
"Company" refer to Hines Horticulture, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
Hines is a leading national supplier of ornamental shrubs, color plants and
container-grown plants with commercial nursery facilities located in Arizona,
California, Florida, Georgia, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and
Texas. Hines markets its products to retail and commercial customers throughout
the United States.
As of December 31, 2001, the Company also had a growing media business. The
growing media business was conducted through Sun Gro Horticulture, Inc. ("Sun
Gro-U.S."), a wholly owned subsidiary of Hines Nurseries, Sun Gro-U.S.'s wholly
owned subsidiary, Sun Gro Horticulture Canada Ltd. ("Sun Gro-Canada"), and Sun
Gro-Canada's direct and indirect Canadian subsidiaries.
On March 27, 2002, the Company sold the assets of Sun Gro-U.S. and the
stock of Sun Gro-Canada, its growing media business, to the Sun Gro Horticulture
Income Fund, a newly established Canadian income fund. The assets sold included
14 facilities located across Canada and the United States and control of
approximately 50,000 acres of peat bogs in Canada. Hines no longer harvests,
produces or sells peat moss or other growing media soil mixes. Hines received
net proceeds of approximately $125,000 from the sale, which were used to pay
down outstanding bank debt. Included in the loss on disposal of Sun Gro-U.S. for
the year end December 31, 2002 was $19,127 of goodwill.
For the years ended December 31,
--------------------------------
2003 2002
-------------- --------------
Income from operations of discontinued
Sun Gro-U.S., net of tax $ -- $ 153
Gain (loss) on disposal of Sun Gro-U.S., net
of tax (benefit) expense of $(2,784) and $10,442 4,148 (5,566)
-------------- --------------
Income (loss) on discontinued operations,
Net of tax $ 4,148 $ (5,413)
============== ==============
In connection with the sale of Sun Gro, the Canadian Customs & Revenue
Authority ("CCRA") required that approximately $13,136 Canadian of the gross
proceeds from the sale be withheld in an escrow account pending the
determination of whether certain aspects of the sale were taxable for Canadian
purposes. The proceeds withheld were not included in the initial measurement of
the loss on the sale of Sun Gro. In 2002, the Company filed a tax return,
submitted a tax payment of $8,219 Canadian from the escrow funds and submitted a
claim for refund on the basis that the transaction is exempt from tax for
Canadian purposes. The balance of the escrow funds of $4,917 Canadian (US$3,146)
was then remitted to us and was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2002 as an
adjustment to the loss on the sale of Sun Gro. On September 30, 2003, the CCRA
completed its assessment of our tax return in which it determined that the
transaction was exempt from tax for Canadian purposes and issued a refund to us
of all tax paid, plus accrued interest. We received the refund check of $8,663
Canadian (US $6,278) on October 2, 2003 and recorded it in the third quarter of
2003 as an adjustment to the loss on the sale of Sun Gro.
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Hines and its
wholly owned subsidiaries after elimination of intercompany accounts and
transactions. The Company early adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 144 "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of
Long-Lived Assets" ("SFAS No. 144"), and accordingly, the Company's Consolidated
Financial Statements have been restated to reflect the financial position,
F-6
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
results of operations and cash flows of the Sun Gro business as "discontinued
operations." Revenues of Sun Gro-U.S. were $31,150 and $131,127 for the partial
period ended March 27, 2002 and for the year ended December 31, 2001,
respectively. Income before provision for income taxes were $26,925 and $14,736
for the partial period ended March 27, 2002 and for the year ended December 31,
2001, respectively.
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
- -------------------------------
REVENUE RECOGNITION
-------------------
Hines records revenue, net of sales discounts and allowances, when all of
the following have occurred: an agreement of sale exists, product delivery and
acceptance has occurred and collection is reasonably assured.
SALES RETURNS AND ALLOWANCES: Amounts accrued for sales returns and
allowance are maintained at a level believed adequate by management to absorb
probable losses in the trade receivable due to sales discounts and allowances.
The provision rate is established by management using the following criteria:
past sales returns experience, current economic conditions, and other relevant
factors, and are re-evaluated on a quarterly basis. The allowance is increased
by provisions for sales discounts and allowances charged against income. The
Company records revenue, net of sales discounts and allowances, when the risk of
ownership is transferred to the customer. Allowances are provided at the time of
revenue is recognized in accordance with SFAS No. 48, "Revenue Recognition When
Right of Return Exists."
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS: Trade accounts
receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and does not bear interest. The
allowance for doubtful accounts is our best estimate of the amount of probable
credit losses in our existing accounts receivable. The allowance for doubtful
accounts is maintained at a level believed adequate by management to reflect the
probable losses in the trade receivable due to customer default, insolvency or
bankruptcy. The provision is established by management using the following
criteria: customer credit history, customer current credit rating and other
relevant factors, and is re-evaluated on a quarterly basis. Past due balances
over 90 days and over a specified amount are reviewed individually for
collectibility. All other balances are reviewed on a pooled basis by type of
receivable. The allowance is increased by provisions to bad debt expense charged
against income. All recoveries on trade receivables previously charged off are
credited to the accounts receivable recovery account charged against income,
while direct charge-offs of trade receivables are deducted from the allowance.
Activity with respect to the Company's allowance for doubtful accounts
receivable is summarized as follows:
For the Years Ended December 31,
--------------------------------
2004 2003 2002
-------------- ------------- -------------
Beginning balance $ 601 $ 1,997 $ 1,303
Adjustment to expense (88) 163 1,049
Amounts written off (57) (1,559) (355)
--------------- -------------- --------------
Ending balance $ 456 $ 601 $ 1,997
=============== ============== ==============
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
----------------------------
The Company is subject to credit risk primarily through its accounts
receivable balances. The Company does not require collateral for its accounts
receivable. The Company's largest customer, The Home Depot, accounted for
approximately 45%, 47% and 47% of the Company's consolidated net sales,
excluding discontinued operations, in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The
Company's second largest customer, Lowe's Companies, Inc., accounted for
approximately 16%, 14% and 12% of its net sales in 2004, 2003 and 2002,
respectively. No other customer accounts for more than 10% of net sales. These
two customers represented 56% and 54% of accounts receivable before the
allowance for doubtful accounts at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. No
other customers represented more than 10% of our accounts receivable.
F-7
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
AMORTIZATION OF DEFERRED FINANCING EXPENSES
-------------------------------------------
Deferred financing expenses are being amortized using a method, which
approximates the effective interest method over the term of the associated
financing agreements of approximately three to seven years. As a result of the
Company's refinancing of both the amended and restated Senior Credit Facility
and Senior Notes, $11,110 was capitalized as deferred financing fees.
DEPRECIATION
------------
Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Interest is
capitalized for qualifying assets during the assets' acquisition period. The
Company capitalized $36 for the year ended December 31, 2004 and no interest was
capitalized for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002. Capitalized interest
is recorded as part of the asset to which it relates and is depreciated over the
respective asset's estimated useful life. Depreciation has been provided for on
the straight-line method over the following estimated economic useful lives:
Buildings 10 to 40 years
Machinery and equipment 2 to 10 years
Vehicles and trailers 2 to 10 years
Software 5 to 10 years
Furniture and fixtures 3 to 5 years
IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS
-------------------------------
In accordance with SFAS No. 144, long-lived assets and intangible assets
with determinate lives are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be
recoverable. The Company evaluates potential impairment by comparing the
carrying amount of the asset with the estimated undiscounted future cash flows
associated with the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. Should the
review indicate that the asset is not recoverable, the Company's carrying value
of the asset would be reduced to its estimated fair value, which is generally
measured by future discounted cash flows.
GOODWILL
--------
On January 1, 2002, the Company adopted SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other
Intangible Assets," whereby goodwill is no longer amortized, but instead is
subject to a periodic impairment review. As the Company's operations are
comprised of one reporting unit, the Company reviews the recoverability of its
goodwill by comparing the Company's fair value to the net book value of its
assets. If the book value of the Company's assets exceeds the Company's fair
value, the goodwill is written down to its implied fair value. The Company
evaluates the carrying value of goodwill in the fourth quarter of each year and
when events and circumstances indicate that the assets may be impaired. At
December 31, 2004, the Company determined an impairment of goodwill had not
occurred.
Upon adoption of SFAS No. 142, the Company completed its initial impairment
analysis in the fourth quarter of 2002. The Company recorded a one-time,
non-cash charge of $55,148 to reduce the carrying value of its goodwill. The
measurement of the fair value of the goodwill was based on the market
capitalization of the Company's common stock over a reasonable period of time,
including a control premium. Accordingly, the primary factor contributing to the
impairment charge was the overall deterioration in the Company's stock price and
the Company's substantial leverage. The Company recognized this impairment
charge as a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle for the year
ended December 31, 2002.
ENVIRONMENTAL COSTS
-------------------
The Company recognizes environmental liabilities when conditions requiring
remediation are identified. The Company determines its liability on a site by
site basis and records a liability at the time when it is probable and can be
reasonably estimated. Expenditures that extend the life of the related property
or mitigate or prevent future environmental contamination are capitalized.
Environmental liabilities are not discounted or reduced for possible recoveries
from insurance carriers.
F-8
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
INTERNAL USE SOFTWARE
---------------------
The Company capitalizes costs of materials, consultants, interest and
payroll and payroll-related costs for employees incurred in developing
internal-use computer software in accordance with Statement of Position 98-1
"Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for
Internal Use." Computer software costs are being amortized using the
straight-line method over an estimated useful life of 5 to 10 years.
INVENTORIES
-----------
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or
market. Hines' ornamental nursery stock has an average growing period of
approximately eighteen months. All nursery stock is classified as a current
asset based on Hines' normal operating cycle.
INCOME TAXES
------------
Hines' operations are agricultural in nature and the Company derives
significant benefits by qualifying to use the cash method of accounting for
federal tax purposes. The Company accounts for income taxes using an asset and
liability approach, which requires the recognition of deferred tax liabilities
and assets for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences
between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities at the
applicable enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more
likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be
realized.
ADVERTISING
-----------
The Company expenses advertising costs at the time the advertising first
takes place. Advertising expense was $860, $884 and $1,025 for the years ended
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, excluding the discontinued
operations.
ACCRUED LIABILITIES
-------------------
Accrued liabilities include amounts accrued for expected claims costs
relating to our insurance programs for workers' compensation and auto
liabilities. The Company has large deductibles for these lines of insurance,
which means the Company must pay the portion of each claim that falls below the
deductible amount. Expected claims costs are based on an actuarial analysis that
considers our current payroll and automobile profile, recent claims history,
insurance industry loss development factors and the deductible amounts. Expected
claims costs for each year are accrued on a ratable monthly basis with a
corresponding charge against income. The adequacy of the accruals is reviewed at
the end of each quarter. The accruals for the expected costs relating to the
insurance programs for workers' compensation and auto liabilities are maintained
at levels believed by the Company's management to adequately reflect its claims
obligations.
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
--------------------
Comprehensive income encompasses all changes in equity other than those
arising from transactions with stockholders, and consist of net income, currency
translation adjustments and unrealized net gains and losses on cash flow hedges.
As a result of the sale of Sun Gro and the debt refinancing, there are no items
in accumulated other comprehensive income at December 31, 2004 and 2003.
USE OF ESTIMATES
----------------
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America 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.
F-9
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
EARNINGS PER SHARE ("EPS")
--------------------------
Earnings per share are calculated in accordance with SFAS No. 128 "Earnings
per Share" ("SFAS No. 128"), which requires the Company to report both basic
earnings per share, based on the weighted-average number of common shares
outstanding, and diluted earnings per share, based on the weighted-average
number of common shares outstanding adjusted to include the potentially dilutive
effect of outstanding stock options and warrants. For the years ended December
31, 2004 and 2002, the incremental shares related to 440,000 warrants
outstanding increased fully diluted shares by 48,633 and 5,463, respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 2003, the incremental shares of 578,350 were
excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because they would
have been anti-dilutive. Additionally, for the years ended December 31, 2004,
2003 and 2002, shares related to employee stock options in the amount of 1.1
million, 1.0 million and 0.3 million, respectively, were excluded from the
computation of diluted earnings per share because they would have been
anti-dilutive.
SHIPPING AND HANDLING FEES AND COSTS
------------------------------------
In September 2000, the Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") reached a final
consensus on Issue No. 00-10 "Accounting for Shipping and Handling Fees and
Costs" ("EITF No. 00-10"). The EITF concluded that amounts billed to a customer
in a sale transaction related to shipping and handling should be classified as
revenue. Shipping and handling fees included as revenue totaled $28,888, $30,276
and $27,229 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively,
excluding those attributable to discontinued operations.
The Company classifies shipping and handling costs as part of selling and
distribution expenses. Shipping and handling costs were $69,702, $70,866 and
$69,044 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively,
excluding those attributable to discontinued operations.
DERIVATIVES
-----------
Derivative instruments are accounted in accordance with SFAS No. 133
"Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("SFAS No. 133").
The Company's only derivative instrument is an interest rate swap agreement that
does not qualify for hedge accounting treatment under SFAS No. 133 and therefore
is marked to market (see Note 4).
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
------------------------
In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for
Stock-Based-Compensation-Transition and Disclosure-an Amendment of FASB
Statement No. 123" ("SFAS No. 148"). SFAS No. 148 amends SFAS No. 123,
"Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS No. 123") to provide
alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based
method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, SFAS
No. 148 amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 to require prominent
disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of
accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method
used on reported results. As permitted under both SFAS No. 123 and SFAS No. 148,
the Company continues to follow the intrinsic value method of accounting under
Accounting Principles Board No. 25 "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees."
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------
2004 2003 2002
--------- --------- ---------
Net income (loss), as reported $ 8,236 $ 9,713 $(52,703)
Stock option expense, net of tax benefit
of $175, $338 and $755 (252) (486) (1,086)
--------- --------- ---------
Pro forma net income (loss) $ 7,984 $ 9,227 $(53,789)
========= ========= =========
Earnings per share:
Basic and diluted - as reported $ 0.37 $ 0.44 $ (2.39)
========= ========= =========
Basic and diluted - pro forma $ 0.36 $ 0.42 $ (2.44)
========= ========= =========
F-10
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
The Company estimates the weighted average fair value of each stock option
on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the
following weighted-average assumptions:
2004 2003 2002
---- ---- ----
Dividend Yield 0% 0% 0%
Expected volatility 83.86% 74.95% 74.16%
Risk-free interest rate 3.48% 3.77% 3.36%
Expected life Four years Six years Six years
ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS ADOPTED
---------------------------------
In December 2004, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position 109-1, "Application
of FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, to the Tax Deduction on
Qualified Production Activities Provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of
2004" ("FSP 109-1"). FSP 109-1 provides a special deduction on qualified
production activities in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109 and that the
special deduction should be considered by an enterprise in (a) measuring
deferred taxes when graduated tax rates are a significant factor and (b)
assessing whether a valuation allowance is necessary as required by FASB
Statement No. 109. FSP 109-1 is effective upon its issuance. The adoption of
FSP109-1 did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial
statements.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
-----------------------------
In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, "Inventory Costs--an
amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4" ("SFAS No. 151"). This Statement amends the
guidance in ARB No. 43, Chapter 4, "Inventory Pricing," to clarify the
accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling
costs, and wasted material (spoilage). This Statement is effective for inventory
costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. The Company is
in the process of evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 151 on its financial
statements and will adopt the provisions of this statement in the first quarter
of fiscal 2006.
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), "Share-Based
Payment" ("SFAS No. 123R"), which replaces SFAS No. 123 and supercedes APB
Opinion No. 25. SFAS No. 123R addresses the accounting for transactions in which
an enterprise receives employee services in exchange for (a) equity instruments
of the enterprise or (b) liabilities that are based on the fair value of the
enterprise's equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of such
equity instruments. SFAS No. 123R requires all share-based payments to
employees, including grants of employee stock options and restrictive stock
grants and units, to be recognized as a compensation cost based on their fair
values. The pro forma disclosures previously permitted under SFAS No. 123 no
longer will be an alternative to financial statement recognition. The Company is
required to adopt SFAS No. 123R no later than July 3, 2005. Under SFAS No. 123R,
the Company must determine the appropriate fair value model to be used for
valuing share-based payments, the amortization method for compensation cost and
the transition method to be used at the date of adoption. The transition methods
include prospective and retroactive adoption options. Under the retroactive
option, prior periods may be restated either as of the beginning of the year of
adoption or for all periods presented. The prospective method requires that
compensation expense be recorded for all unvested stock options and restricted
stock at the beginning of the first quarter of adoption of SFAS No. 123R, while
the retroactive methods would record compensation expense for all unvested stock
options and restricted stock beginning with the first period restated. The
Company is evaluating the requirements of SFAS No. 123R and expect that the
adoption of SFAS No. 123R to have a material impact on our consolidated results
of operations.
RECLASSIFICATIONS
-----------------
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current
year presentations.
F-11
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
2. INVENTORIES
-----------
Inventories consisted of the following:
December 31,
--------------------------------
2004 2003
-------------- --------------
Nursery stock $ 169,908 $ 162,861
Materials and supplies 11,225 10,229
-------------- --------------
$ 181,133 $ 173,090
============== ==============
3. FIXED ASSETS
------------
Fixed assets consisted of the following:
December 31,
--------------------------------
2004 2003
-------------- --------------
Land $ 30,141 $ 31,570
Buildings and improvements 97,652 93,972
Machinery and equipment 35,824 34,408
Software 19,837 18,247
Construction in progress 6,244 5,804
-------------- --------------
189,698 184,001
Less accumulated depreciation (58,162) (47,566)
-------------- --------------
Fixed assets, net $ 131,536 $ 136,435
============== ==============
4. INTEREST RATE SWAP AGREEMENT
----------------------------
In May 2000, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement to
economically hedge $75,000 of debt. This interest rate swap agreement does not
qualify for hedge accounting treatment under SFAS No. 133 and therefore is
marked to market. The interest rate swap agreement effectively changes the
Company's exposure on its variable-rate interest payments to fixed-rate interest
payments (7.13%) based on the 3-month LIBOR rate in effect at the beginning of
each quarterly period. Despite the refinancing of long-term debt (see Note 6),
the interest rate swap agreement remains outstanding and matured in February
2005. The estimated fair value of the Company's obligation under the interest
rate swap agreement was $895 at December 31, 2004.
Effective January 1, 2001, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No.
133, as amended. Adopting the provisions of SFAS No. 133 on January 1, 2001
resulted in a cumulative after-tax charge to accumulated other comprehensive
income as of January 1, 2001 of $2,334, representing the fair value of the
interest rate swap agreement, net of tax. This amount was being amortized as
interest rate swap agreement expense over the term of the debt. At December 31,
2002, accumulated other comprehensive loss had a balance, net of tax, of
$(1,215). For the year ended December 31, 2003, $420 was amortized and the
balance of $795 was written off as a loss on debt extinguishment due to the
Refinancing. For the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company recognized
pre-tax income $4,425 reported as interest rate swap agreement income in the
condensed consolidated statements of operations. For the year ended December 31,
2003, the Company recognized pre-tax income $2,710 reported as interest rate
swap agreement income in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
This was comprised of a $3,421 gain related to the change in the fair value of
the interest rate swap agreement, offset by $711 of pre-tax amortization of
other comprehensive income. In addition, as a result of the refinancing of
long-term debt, the Company recognized the remaining pre-tax unamortized value
of the interest rate swap agreement of $1,347 as loss on debt extinguishment in
the 2003 statement of operations. For the year ended December 31, 2002, the
Company recognized $2,573 as interest rate swap agreement expense in the
condensed consolidated statements of operations.
F-12
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
5. REVOLVING LINES OF CREDIT
-------------------------
On September 30, 2003, the Company amended and restated its Senior Credit
Facility. Hines Nurseries and its domestic operating subsidiaries are borrowers
under the Senior Credit Facility. The Senior Credit Facility consists of (i) a
revolving facility with availability of up to $145,000 (subject to borrowing
base limits) and (ii) a term loan facility of up to $40,000. The revolving
facility also permits the ability to obtain letters of credit up to a sub-limit.
SENIOR CREDIT FACILITY. The Company entered into the amended and restated
Senior Credit Facility on September 30, 2003. The Senior Credit Facility matures
on September 30, 2008.
GUARANTEES; COLLATERAL. Obligations under the Senior Credit Facility
are guaranteed by Hines and any of its domestic subsidiaries that are not
borrowers under the Senior Credit Facility. Borrowings under the Senior Credit
Facility are collateralized by substantially all of the Company's assets.
RESTRICTIONS; COVENANTS. The Senior Credit Facility places various
restrictions on Hines Nurseries and its subsidiaries, including, but not limited
to, limitations on the Company's ability to incur additional debt, pay dividends
or make distributions, sell assets or make investments. The Senior Credit
Facility specifically restricts Hines Nurseries and its subsidiaries from making
distributions to Hines Horticulture. Distributions to Hines Horticulture are
limited to (i) payments covering customary general and administrative expenses,
not to exceed $500 in any fiscal year, (ii) payments to discharge any
consolidated tax liabilities, (iii) and payments, not to exceed as much as
$8,300 in any fiscal year or $9,300 over the term of the Senior Credit Facility,
to enable Hines Horticulture to repurchase its own outstanding common stock from
holders other than its majority shareholder. Dividends to Hines Horticulture are
disallowed under the Senior Credit Facility.
The Senior Credit Facility requires Hines Nurseries and its
subsidiaries to meet specific covenants and financial ratios, including a
minimum fixed charge coverage test, a maximum leverage test and a maximum
capital expenditure test. The new Senior Credit Facility contains customary
representations and warranties and customary events of default and other
covenants. As of December 31, 2004, the Company was in compliance with all
covenants.
INTEREST RATE; FEES. The interest rate on the loans under the Senior
Credit Facility may be, at the Company's option, Prime rate loans or LIBOR rate
loans. Prime rate loans under the revolving loan facility bear interest at the
Prime lending rate plus an additional amount that ranges from 0.75% to 1.75%,
depending on its consolidated leverage ratio. Prime rate loans under the term
loan bear interest at the Prime lending rate plus an additional amount that
ranges from 1.25% to 2.25%, depending on its consolidated leverage ratio.
Currently, the applicable margin for Prime rate loans is (i) 1.75% for the new
revolving loan facility and (ii) 2.25% for the new term loan. LIBOR rate loans
under the revolving loan facility bear interest at the LIBOR rate plus an
additional amount that ranges from 1.75% to 2.75%, depending on its consolidated
leverage ratio. LIBOR rate loans under the new term loan bear interest at the
LIBOR rate plus an additional amount that ranges from 2.25% to 3.25%, depending
on its consolidated leverage ratio. Currently, the applicable margin for LIBOR
rate loans is (i) 2.75% for the new revolving loan facility and (ii) 3.25% for
the new term loan. In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal, the
Company is required to pay a commitment fee on the daily average unused portion
of the revolving facility that will accrue from the closing date based on the
utilization of the revolving facility.
BORROWING BASE. Availability of borrowings under the revolving
facility are subject to a borrowing base consisting of the sum of (i) 85% of
eligible accounts receivable plus (ii) the lesser of (x) up to 55% of eligible
inventory or (y) 85% of the appraised net orderly liquidation value of eligible
inventory. The Company must deliver borrowing base certificates and reports at
least monthly. The borrowing base also may be subject to certain other
adjustments and reserves to be determined by the agent. Eligible accounts
receivable of both The Home Depot, the Company's largest customer, and Lowe's
Companies, Inc., its second largest customer, may not exceed 30% of total
eligible accounts receivable at any time. At December 31, 2004, the Company had
$53,159 of available credit.
REPAYMENT. Under the terms of the Senior Credit Facility, amortization
payments of $1,905 on the term loan will be required at the end of each of its
second, third and fourth fiscal quarters beginning with June 30, 2004, with the
full remaining balance payable on the last installment date. Subject to certain
exceptions, 100% of the net cash proceeds it receives from certain asset
F-13
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
dispositions and issuances of debt, 50% of the net cash proceeds the Company
receives from issuances of equity and 25% of excess cash flow are required to be
applied to repay the term loan facility and are to be applied on a pro rata
basis to all remaining scheduled installments of the term loan facility. The
Senior Credit Facility may also be voluntarily prepaid at any time without
premium or penalty.
6. LONG-TERM DEBT
--------------
December 31, December 31,
2004 2003
------------ ------------
Senior Credit Facility - term loan at the bank's reference rate
plus 2.25% or the LIBOR rate plus 3.25%. Interest rates were
5.46% and 4.44% at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively $ 34,285 $ 40,000
Senior Notes, interest at 10.25% payable semi-annually on each
April 1 and October 1, maturing on October 1, 2011 175,000 175,000
Other obligations due at various dates through 2005 5 76
------------ ------------
209,290 215,076
Less current portion 5,719 5,789
------------ ------------
Total long-term debt $ 203,571 $ 209,287
============ ============
The following are the Company's estimated principal maturities of long-term
debt outstanding for each of the next five years ending December 31 and
thereafter:
2005 $ 5,719
2006 5,714
2007 5,714
2008 17,143
2009 --
Thereafter 175,000
--------------
Total $ 209,290
==============
On September 30, 2003, the Company called for redemption its $78,000 in
aggregate principal amount of the 12.75% Senior Subordinated Notes at a
redemption price of 106% of the aggregate principal amount thereof ($82,680 at
September 30, 2003), plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon through the date
of redemption. In addition, the Company refinanced all debt outstanding under
the previous credit facility. Payment of the redemption premium on the 12.75%
Senior Subordinated Notes, the write-off of the unamortized deferred financing
expenses and the write-off of the remaining other comprehensive income related
to the FAS 133 adoption resulted in a loss on debt extinguishment of $9,235 in
the year ended December 31, 2003.
SENIOR CREDIT FACILITY - TERM LOAN. The term loan facility was drawn down
in full in connection with the refinancing (see Note 5).
SENIOR NOTES. On September 30, 2003, Hines Nurseries issued $175,000 of
Senior Notes that mature on October 1, 2011. The Senior Notes bear interest at
the rate of 10.25% per annum and will be payable semi-annually in arrears on
each April 1 and October 1, which commenced on April 1, 2004.
GUARANTEES. Hines Horticulture and each of its domestic subsidiaries,
subject to certain exceptions, has, jointly and severally, fully and
unconditionally guaranteed, on a senior unsecured basis, the obligations of
Hines Nurseries under the Senior Notes.
F-14
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
REDEMPTION. Prior to October 1, 2006, up to 35% of the aggregate
principal amount of the Senior Notes may be redeemed with the net cash proceeds
from one or more public equity offerings, at the Company's option, at a
redemption price of 110.250% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued
interest, if any, to the date of redemption. On or after October 1, 2007, the
Company is entitled, at its option, to redeem all or a portion of the Senior
Notes at redemption prices ranging from 100.000% to 105.125%, depending on the
redemption date plus accrued and unpaid interest.
RESTRICTIONS. The indenture pursuant to which the Senior Notes were
issued imposes a number of restrictions on Hines Nurseries and its other
subsidiaries. Subject to certain exceptions, the Company may not incur
additional indebtedness, make certain restricted payments, make certain asset
dispositions, incur additional liens or enter into significant transactions. A
breach of a material term of the indenture or other material indebtedness that
results in acceleration of the indebtedness under the Senior Notes also
constitutes an event of default under its Senior Credit Facility.
REPURCHASE ON A CHANGE OF CONTROL. The Senior Notes contain a put
option whereby the holders have the right to put the Senior Notes back to Hines
at 101.000% of the principal amount thereof on the date of purchase plus accrued
and unpaid interest if a change of control occurs.
7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
-----------------------------
OPERATING LEASES
The Company leases certain land, office, trucks and warehouse facilities
under various renewable long-term operating leases, which expire through 2010.
Certain of these leases include escalation clauses based upon changes in the
consumer price index and/or the fair rental value of leased land. One of the
operating land leases requires the Company to pay rent equal to the greater of
2.25 percent, increasing to 3 percent by the year 2010, of the sales derived
from the related land, or a minimum per acre amount, as defined in the
agreement. Total rent expense for continuing operations for these operating
lease agreements for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 was
$7,033, $7,972 and $9,174, respectively.
The following are the Company's future minimum annual payments under its
non-cancelable operating leases for each of the next five years ending December
31 and thereafter:
Continuing
Operations
----------
2005 $ 4,536
2006 3,359
2007 1,419
2008 802
2009 596
Thereafter 6,537
------------
$ 17,249
============
In May 2003, the Company amended the lease for its 479-acre Irvine,
California nursery headquarters. Under the amendment, the Company agreed to
vacate 254 acres covered by the lease in 2006 in exchange for an extension of
the term of the lease on 170 acres that was set to expire beginning in September
2003 to December 2010 and the lease of an additional 63 acres contiguous to its
existing facility from July 2003 to December 2010. The landlord also agreed to
assist with the costs of developing the new acreage and transition costs of up
to $4,000, which include payments of $2,000 and percentage rent credits of up to
$2,000. The payment of $2,000 is being amortized over the life of the lease.
Additionally, the landlord also agreed to assist with the Company's objective of
trying to secure beyond 2010 an acceptable nursery property relatively near its
current location in Irvine, California, although the Company cannot be sure that
it will be able to accomplish this objective.
F-15
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
LEGAL MATTERS
In connection with the Company's acquisition of Lovell Farms, the Company
agreed, subject to various provisions in the purchase agreement, to make
earn-out payments to the sellers of up to approximately $5,000 for fiscal 2001
if the purchased operations achieved certain performance thresholds. Although
the Company determined that the thresholds were not met and no earn-out payment
was required, as previously disclosed the sellers of Lovell Farms disputed the
Company's determination and initiated arbitration proceedings against the
Company. Going into the hearings, the sellers demanded that the arbitrator award
$5,000 and payment of their attorney's fees and costs. An arbitration hearing
regarding this matter was held in May 2004 and final determination was made by
the arbitrator on July 26, 2004 awarding the sellers $947 and denying their
request for reimbursement of attorney's fees and costs. The amount of this award
has been accounted for by the Company as part of the purchase price associated
with the acquisition and has resulted in an increase the Company's goodwill in
the third quarter of 2004. Legal fees and other costs in connection with the
arbitration have been expensed as incurred.
Additionally, from time to time, the Company is involved in various
disputes and litigation matters, which arise in the ordinary course of business.
The litigation process is inherently uncertain and it is possible that the
resolution of these disputes and lawsuits may adversely affect the Company.
Management believes, however, that the ultimate resolution of such matters will
not have a material adverse impact on the Company's consolidated financial
position, results of operations or cash flows.
8. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
--------------------
On June 22, 1998, the Board adopted the 1998 Long-Term Equity Incentive
Plan (the "1998 Stock Plan")(which was approved by the Company's stock holders
on June 1, 2000). The 1998 Stock Plan provides for grants of stock options,
stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance awards and any
combination of the foregoing to certain directors, officers and employees of the
Company and its subsidiaries. The purpose of the 1998 Stock Plan is to provide
such individuals with incentives to maximize shareholder value and otherwise
contribute to the success of the Company and to enable the Company to attract,
retain and reward the best available persons for positions of substantial
responsibility. The options are granted at the fair market value of the shares
underlying the options at the date of grant, and generally become exercisable
over a four-year period and expire in ten years.
On June 1, 2000, the Board adopted and approved to increase the number of
shares of common stock available for issuance under the 1998 Stock Plan by 1.0
million shares. At December 31, 2004, the Company had reserved 3.6 million
shares of its common stock for issuance upon exercise of options granted or to
be granted under this plan.
On July 9, 2002, the Company offered to exchange all outstanding stock
options held by certain employees under the 1998 Stock Plan for new stock
options to be granted under the 1998 Stock Plan upon the terms and subject to
the conditions described in the offer to exchange. If an employee elected to
participate in the exchange, they were required to tender for exchange all of
the stock options they held in exchange for a certain number of new stock
options. The offer to exchange expired on August 14, 2002 and all stock options
properly tendered before the expiration of the offer to exchange were accepted
and cancelled on August 15, 2002. A total of 1.8 million stock options were
tendered by employees and cancelled pursuant to the terms of the offer to
exchange.
On February 18, 2003, the Company granted new stock options to those
employees who participated in the exchange program. The exercise price of the
new stock options is $5.50 per share. A total of 0.8 million new options were
granted pursuant to this exchange program. There was no additional compensation
expense associated with the exchange program.
The Company adopted the disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 123, "Accounting
for Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS No. 123") in 1998. As permitted by SFAS No.
123, the Company measures compensation cost in accordance with Accounting
Principles Board Opinion No. 25 "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" and
related interpretations, but provides pro forma disclosures of net income and
earnings per share as if the fair value method (as defined in SFAS No. 123) had
been applied. Had compensation cost been determined using the fair value method
prescribed by SFAS No. 123, the Company's net income and earnings per share for
the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 would have been as shown in
Note 1.
F-16
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
A summary of the status of the Company's stock option plan as of December
31 is presented below:
2004 2003 2002
------------------------------ --------------------------------- -------------------------------
Weighted Average Weighted Average Weighted Average
Shares Exercise Price Shares Exercise Price Shares Exercise Price
------------- ------------- ---------------- ---------------- -------------- ----------------
Outstanding -beginning of year 989,723 $ 6.22 271,078 $ 8.33 2,824,814 $ 9.81
Granted 100,000 5.50 1,303,633 5.50 -- --
Exercised -- -- -- -- -- --
Cancelled (21,800) 6.00 (584,988) 5.60 (2,553,736) 9.97
------------- ---------------- --------------
Outstanding -end of year 1,067,923 $ 6.15 989,723 $ 6.22 271,078 $ 8.33
============= ================ ==============
Exercisable 1,006,237 $ 6.20 933,834 $ 6.29 208,303 $ 9.37
============= ================ ==============
Weighted average fair value
of options granted during period $ 5.18 $ 3.62 $ --
The weighted average remaining contractual life was seven years at December
31, 2004. As of December 31, 2004, expiration dates ranged from June 22, 2008 to
February 18, 2013.
OUTSTANDING EXERCISABLE
---------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------
Average Weighted Weighted
Number of Remaining Average of Number of Average of
Range of exercise price Options Contract Life Exercise Price Options Exercise Price
- -------------------------- --------------- --------------- ------------------ ----------- --------------
$3.32 to $5.00 81,000 6.56 $ 4.53 69,314 $ 4.53
$5.50 814,023 7.56 5.50 764,023 5.50
$6.00 to $8.00 43,800 4.82 6.87 43,800 6.87
$11.00 129,100 3.58 11.00 129,100 11.00
--------------- -----------
Total 1,067,923 6.91 $ 6.15 1,006,237 $ 6.20
=============== ===========
WARRANTS
--------
In November of 2000, in connection with the Third Amendment to the
Company's then existing senior credit facility, the Company issued a warrant to
its majority stockholder in exchange for guarantee for the extension of the
$30,000 seasonal revolving loan commitment. The warrant is convertible into
440,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $3.50 per share valued at
$843. The warrant is exercisable at any time prior to December 31, 2005.
F-17
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
9. INCOME TAXES
------------
The components of income (loss) before provision for income taxes and the
provision for income taxes consisted of the following:
For the Years Ended December 31,
------------------------------------------------
2004 2003 2002
------------- ------------- -------------
Income (loss) before income taxes:
U.S. $ 14,036 $ 10,796 $ (64,377)
Foreign -- -- 3,963
------------- ------------- -------------
$ 14,036 $ 10,796 $ (60,414)
============= ============= =============
Income from continuing operations $ 14,036 $ 9,432 $ 13,314
Income from discontinued operations -- 1,364 5,029
Loss from SFAS No. 142 adjustment -- -- (78,757)
------------- ------------- -------------
$ 14,036 $ 10,796 $ (60,414)
============= ============= =============
Current income tax provision:
Federal $ -- $ -- $ --
State 61 -- 1,400
Foreign -- -- 819
------------- ------------- -------------
$ 61 $ -- $ 2,219
------------- ------------- -------------
Deferred provision (benefit):
Federal $ 5,085 $ 959 (8,360)
State 654 124 (2,410)
Foreign -- -- 840
------------- ------------- -------------
5,739 1,083 (9,930)
------------- ------------- -------------
$ 5,800 $ 1,083 $ (7,711)
============= ============= =============
F-18
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
The reported provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed by
applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 35 percent to income before
provision for income taxes as follows:
For the Years Ended December 31,
------------------------------------------------
2004 2003 2002
------------- ------------- -------------
Provision computed at statutory rate $ 4,913 $ 3,779 $ (21,145)
Increase (decrease) resulting from:
State tax, net of federal benefit 632 506 (1,010)
Foreign taxes -- -- 272
Goodwill -- -- 8,881
Canada withholding tax -- (3,344) 3,344
Meals and entertainment 89 80 118
Investment in Foreign Subsidiary -- -- 1,840
Other 166 62 (11)
------------- ------------- -------------
$ 5,800 $ 1,083 $ (7,711)
============= ============= =============
Provision for continuing operations $ 5,800 $ 3,867 $ 5,456
(Benefit from) provision for discontinued operations -- (2,784) 10,442
Benefit for SFAS No. 142 adjustment -- -- (23,609)
------------- ------------- -------------
$ 5,800 $ 1,083 $ (7,711)
============= ============= =============
F-19
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
DEFERRED TAX ASSETS (LIABILITIES) ARE COMPRISED OF THE FOLLOWING:
December 31,
--------------------------------
2004 2003
------------- -------------
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards $ 11,728 $ 10,780
Book/tax difference in debt 354 2,101
Intangible asset basis differences 13,287 15,723
Other 129 161
------------- -------------
Gross deferred tax assets 25,498 28,765
------------- -------------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Accrual to cash adjustment (66,445) (65,186)
Fixed asset basis differences (16,288) (15,075)
------------- -------------
Gross deferred tax liabilities (82,733) (80,261)
------------- -------------
Net deferred tax liability $ (57,235) $ (51,496)
============= =============
Deferred income tax liability, current $ (66,445) $ (65,186)
Deferred income tax asset, non-current 9,210 13,690
------------- -------------
$ (57,235) $ (51,496)
============= =============
The Company derives significant benefits by qualifying to use the cash
method of accounting for federal income tax purposes. Under the cash method,
sales are included in taxable income when payments are received and expenses are
deducted as they are paid. The primary benefit the Company receives is the
ability to deduct the cost of inventory as it is incurred. The net benefit
realized by the Company thus far is represented by the "Accrual to Cash
Adjustment" item above. Because the items to which this "Accrual to Cash
Adjustment" relate to are comprised of current assets and current liabilities in
the consolidated balance sheets (such as inventory, accounts receivable,
accounts payable, etc.), this deferred tax item is also characterized as
current.
At December 31, 2004, the Company had approximately $29,736 in net
operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax reporting purposes. The
Company's federal net operating losses begin to expire in 2020. In addition, the
Company had approximately $27,803 in net operating loss carryforwards for state
income tax reporting purposes. The Company's state net operating losses in
certain states begin to expire in 2005.
10. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
----------------------
As of January 1, 2001, Hines Nurseries established a 401(k) Retirement
Savings Plan for salaried and permanent hourly employees. As of January 2002,
participants voluntary contribution limits were increased in accordance with
Internal Revenue Service rules. As of January 1, 2003, pursuant to IRS rules,
participants may now make voluntary contributions to the plan up to a maximum of
twelve thousand dollars not to exceed 20 percent of their annual compensation
(as defined). In addition to this, employees over age 50 may now contribute an
additional two thousand dollars. Hines' matching contribution to the Plan is
equal to 100 percent of the first 3 percent of a participant's voluntary
deferral of salary, and 50 percent of the next 2 percent of a participant's
voluntary deferral of salary per calendar year. As of May 16, 2003, Hines
discontinued its matching contributions. As of January 1, 2004, pursuant to IRS
rules, participants may make voluntary contributions to the plan up to a maximum
of fourteen thousand dollars not to exceed 50 percent of their annual
compensation (as defined). In addition to this, employees over age 50 may now
contribute an additional four thousand dollars.
The total expense related to the Hines plan was $0, $632 and $1,593 for the
years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
F-20
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
11. FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
------------------------------------
The Company used the following methods and assumptions in estimating its
fair value disclosures for financial instruments:
CASH
The carrying amount reported in the balance sheet for cash approximates its
fair value.
SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT
The fair value of the Senior Notes is based on the closing price of the
debt securities at December 31, 2004 and 2003. The carrying amount of the
Company's other long-term debt approximates its fair value based upon borrowing
rates currently available to the Company. The carrying amount of the short-term
debt approximates the fair value based on the short-term maturity of the
instrument.
The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company's financial
instruments at December 31, 2004 and 2003 are as follows:
December 31,
------------------------------------------------------------
2004 2003
---------------------------- ----------------------------
Carrying Estimated Carrying Estimated
Amount Fair Value Amount Fair Value
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Cash $ -- $ -- $ -- $ --
Revolving line of credit 23,609 23,609 30,318 30,318
Long-term debt (including
current portion) 209,290 225,478 215,076 230,826
F-21
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
12. GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR DISCLOSURES
-----------------------------------
The 10.25% Senior Subordinated Notes issued by Hines Nurseries (the
"issuer") have been guaranteed by Hines Horticulture (the "parent guarantor")
and by both Hines SGUS, Inc. ("Hines SGUS") and Enviro-Safe Laboratories, Inc.
("Enviro-Safe") (collectively Hines SGUS and Enviro-Safe are the "subsidiary
guarantors"). The issuer and the subsidiary guarantors are 100% owned
subsidiaries of the parent guarantor and the parent and subsidiary guaranties
are full, unconditional and joint and several. Separate financial statements of
Hines Nurseries, Hines SGUS and Enviro-Safe are not presented in accordance with
the exceptions provided by Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X.
The following condensed consolidating information shows (a) Hines
Horticulture on a parent company basis only as the parent guarantor (carrying
its investment in its subsidiaries under the equity method), (b) Hines Nurseries
as the issuer, (c) Hines SGUS and Enviro-Safe as subsidiary guarantors, (d)
eliminations necessary to arrive at the information for the parent guarantor and
its direct and indirect subsidiaries on a consolidated basis and (e) the parent
guarantor on a consolidated basis as follows:
o Condensed consolidating balance sheets as of December 31, 2004 and
2003;
o Condensed consolidating statements of operations for the years ended
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002; and
o Condensed consolidating statement of cash flows for the year ended
December 31, 2002. A condensed consolidating statement of cash flows
for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 has not been presented
as there were no cash flows from operating, financing and investing
activities of Hines Horticulture on a parent company basis, Hines SGUS
and Enviro-Safe as subsidiary guarantors or eliminations.
F-22
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
GUARANTOR / NON-GUARANTOR DISCLOSURES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2004
Hines
Horticulture Hines
(Parent Nurseries Subsidiary Consolidated
Guarantor) (Issuer) Guarantors Eliminations Total
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
ASSETS
------
Current assets:
Cash $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ --
Accounts receivable, net -- 19,682 287 -- 19,969
Inventories -- 180,806 327 -- 181,133
Prepaid expenses and other current assets -- 2,458 614 -- 3,072
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Total current assets -- 202,946 1,228 -- 204,174
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Fixed assets, net -- 131,508 28 -- 131,536
Deferred financing expenses, net -- 8,883 -- -- 8,883
Deferred income taxes 2,922 6,288 -- -- 9,210
Goodwill -- 43,926 -- -- 43,926
Investments in subsidiaries 65,876 -- -- (65,876) --
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
$ 68,798 $ 393,551 $ 1,256 $ (65,876) $ 397,729
============= ============= ============= ============= =============
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
------------------------------------
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ -- $ 32,871 $ 1 $ -- $ 32,872
Interest rate swap agreement -- 895 -- -- 895
Long-term debt, current portion -- 5,719 -- -- 5,719
Borrowings on revolving credit facility -- 23,609 -- -- 23,609
Deferred income taxes -- 66,445 -- -- 66,445
Intercompany accounts 7,832 (7,832) -- -- --
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Total current liabilities 7,832 121,707 1 -- 129,540
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Long-term debt -- 203,571 -- -- 203,571
Accrued long-term liability, net -- 3,652 -- -- 3,652
Shareholders' equity 60,966 64,621 1,255 (65,876) 60,966
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
$ 68,798 $ 393,551 $ 1,256 $ (65,876) $ 397,729
============= ============= ============= ============= =============
F-23
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
GUARANTOR / NON-GUARANTOR DISCLOSURES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2003
Hines
Horticulture Hines
(Parent Nurseries Subsidiary Consolidated
Guarantor) (Issuer) Guarantors Eliminations Total
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
ASSETS
------
Current assets:
Cash $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ --
Accounts receivable, net -- 23,361 363 -- 23,724
Inventories -- 172,626 464 -- 173,090
Prepaid expenses and other current assets -- 2,640 517 -- 3,157
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Total current assets -- 198,627 1,344 -- 199,971
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Fixed assets, net -- 136,399 36 -- 136,435
Deferred financing expenses, net -- 10,589 -- -- 10,589
Deferred income taxes 2,922 29,917 -- (19,149) 13,690
Goodwill -- 42,979 -- -- 42,979
Investments in subsidiaries 57,641 -- -- (57,641) --
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
$ 60,563 $ 418,511 $ 1,380 $ (76,790) $ 403,664
============= ============= ============= ============= =============
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
------------------------------------
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ -- $ 31,204 $ 178 $ -- $ 31,382
Interest rate swap agreement -- 5,320 -- -- 5,320
Long-term debt, current portion -- 5,789 -- -- 5,789
Borrowings on revolving credit facility -- 30,318 -- -- 30,318
Deferred income taxes -- 68,972 -- (3,786) 65,186
Intercompany accounts 7,832 (7,832) -- -- --
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Total current liabilities 7,832 133,771 178 (3,786) 137,995
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Long-term debt -- 209,287 -- -- 209,287
Deferred income taxes -- 15,363 -- (15,363) --
Other liabilities -- 3,652 -- -- 3,652
Shareholders' equity 52,731 56,438 1,202 (57,641) 52,730
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
$ 60,563 $ 418,511 $ 1,380 $ (76,790) $ 403,664
============= ============= ============= ============= =============
F-24
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
GUARANTOR / NON-GUARANTOR DISCLOSURES - CONTINUED
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004
Hines
Horticulture Hines
(Parent Nurseries Subsidiary Consolidated
Guarantor) (Issuer) Guarantors Eliminations Total
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Sales, net $ -- $ 333,585 $ 1,583 $ -- $ 335,168
Cost of goods sold -- 169,630 1,064 -- 170,694
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Gross profit -- 163,955 519 -- 164,474
Operating expenses -- 125,456 472 -- 125,928
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Operating income -- 38,499 47 -- 38,546
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Other expenses:
Interest expense -- 27,151 -- -- 27,151
Interest rate swap agreement expense -- (4,425) -- -- (4,425)
Amortization of deferred financing expenses (8,236) 1,784 -- 8,236 1,784
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
(8,236) 24,510 -- 8,236 24,510
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes 8,236 13,989 47 (8,236) 14,036
Income tax provision (benefit) -- 5,806 (6) -- 5,800
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net income (loss) 8,236 8,183 53 (8,236) 8,236
============== ============== ============== ============== ==============
F-25
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
GUARANTOR / NON-GUARANTOR DISCLOSURES - CONTINUED
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003
Hines
Horticulture Hines
(Parent Nurseries Subsidiary Consolidated
Guarantor) (Issuer) Guarantors Eliminations Total
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Sales, net $ -- $ 339,564 $ 1,625 $ -- $ 341,189
Cost of goods sold -- 169,688 1,062 -- 170,750
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Gross profit -- 169,876 563 -- 170,439
Operating expenses -- 125,252 532 -- 125,784
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Operating income -- 44,624 31 -- 44,655
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Other expenses:
Interest expense -- 24,927 -- -- 24,927
Interest rate swap agreement expense -- (2,710) -- -- (2,710)
Amortization of deferred financing expenses (9,713) 3,771 -- 9,713 3,771
Loss on debt extinguishment -- 9,235 -- -- 9,235
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
(9,713) 35,223 -- 9,713 35,223
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes 9,713 9,401 31 (9,713) 9,432
Income tax provision -- 3,846 21 -- 3,867
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Income (loss) before discontinued operations 9,713 5,555 10 (9,713) 5,565
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax -- 4,148 -- -- 4,148
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net income (loss) $ 9,713 $ 9,703 $ 10 $ (9,713) $ 9,713
============== ============== ============== ============== ==============
F-26
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
GUARANTOR / NON-GUARANTOR DISCLOSURES - CONTINUED
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002
Hines
Horticulture Hines
(Parent Nurseries Subsidiary Consolidated
Guarantor) (Issuer) Guarantors Eliminations Total
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Sales, net $ -- $ 337,482 $ 33,027 $ (31,150) $ 339,359
Cost of goods sold -- 168,493 18,243 (16,929) 169,807
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Gross profit -- 168,989 14,784 (14,221) 169,552
Operating expenses -- 121,848 (8,228) 8,718 122,338
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Operating income (loss) -- 47,141 23,012 (22,939) 47,214
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Other expenses:
Interest expense (income) -- 25,927 528 (1,250) 25,205
Interest rate swap agreement expense -- 2,573 -- -- 2,573
Interest - intercompany -- (722) 722 -- --
Amortization of deferred financing expenses 49,112 1,915 -- (46,644) 4,383
Loss on debt extinguishment -- 1,739 -- -- 1,739
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
49,112 31,432 1,250 (47,894) 33,900
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
(Loss) income before provision for income taxes (49,112) 15,709 21,762 24,955 13,314
Income tax (benefit) provision (2,668) 8,095 19,502 (19,473) 5,456
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
(Loss) income before discontinued operations
and cumulative effect of change in
accounting principle (46,444) 7,614 2,260 44,428 7,858
(Loss) income from discontinued operations,
net of tax (6,259) (1,371) -- 2,217 (5,413)
Cumulative effect of change in accounting
principle, net of tax -- (55,148) -- -- (55,148)
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net (loss) income $ (52,703) $ (48,905) $ 2,260 $ 46,645 $ (52,703)
============== ============== ============== ============== ==============
F-27
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
GUARANTOR / NON-GUARANTOR DISCLOSURES - CONTINUED
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002
Hines
Horticulture Hines
(Parent Nurseries Subsidiary Consolidated
Guarantor) (Issuer) Guarantors Eliminations Total
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ -- $ 29,712 $ (2,233) $ 2,233 $ 29,712
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of fixed assets, net -- (7,209) (2,503) 2,503 (7,209)
Proceeds from sale of fixed assents -- 3,971 -- (387) 3,584
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations -- (8,390) 127,338 -- 118,948
Acquisitions, net of cash -- (1,265) -- -- (1,265)
Net cash used by discontinued operations -- -- -- (4,320) (4,320)
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net cash (used in) provided by investing
activities -- (12,893) 124,835 (2,204) 109,738
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from revolving line of credit -- (27,250) -- -- (27,250)
Intercompany advances (repayments) -- 92,840 (92,840) -- --
Repayments of long-term debt -- (96,000) (12,000) -- (108,000)
Deferred financing costs -- (4,200) -- -- (4,200)
Dividends received (paid) -- 17,791 (17,791) -- --
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net cash used in financing activities -- (16,819) (122,631) -- (139,450)
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and
cash equivalents -- -- 29 (29) --
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net change in cash -- -- -- -- --
Cash, beginning of year -- -- -- -- --
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Cash, end of year $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ --
============== ============== ============== ============== ==============
F-28